Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Phil is not one to be intimidated often. Nor is he one that often asks for help. So he feels quite out of his element as he follows his crows towards a dingy bar that looks like it attracts the worst kinds of people. He pauses just before the treeline breaks to try and better observe the place. 

The roof was rotted through and the wood was dark from what looked to be centuries of mistreatment and weather that’s slowly eaten through the supports. His crows circled around him a few times before settling in the trees and squawking at him that this was the place and that his quarry was inside. They too seemed to not want to get close to the area. 

Parked outside of the questionable establishment was a small chestnut horse intent on bothering the massive white stead beside it. Even the white stallion had an almost uncanny presence to it. It was standing so still it could have easily been overlooked or mistaken for a statue. Phil wasn’t even sure the horse was breathing . There were no puffs of white as the horse exhaled, unlike the small chestnut beside it who was blowing white smoke angrily and stamping its hooves as it sniffed and studied the horse beside it. 

The entire place gave off a sense of danger and made his arms prickle.

However, he isn’t left with much of a choice. 

He approaches the structure cautiously, not at all blaming his crows for no longer accompanying him. He takes a step onto the aged and rotten wood, surprised that it merely sagged under his weight but didn’t give. He takes the few steps up and finally pushes the heavy door open, the loud, groaning noise drawing the attention of the two people in the building. 

“Hi there! I’m Niki! Can I get you anything?” A young lady said sweetly. He returned her smile briefly before shaking his head and approaching the building’s other occupant. 

This one was the primary reason for the bad omen surrounding the place. Philza could tell because the closer he got to the cloaked man, the more the instinctual part of his mind told him to flee. He ignored his sense. He had a mission to do, after all.

“Are you Dream?” He said, trying to ensure his voice sounded firm with no weaknesses hidden within it. He didn’t know much about this man, but what he did know was that any sort of fault or injury you let the man know about would be exploited to the fullest.

“Who’s asking?” He replied, not once turning his masked head to acknowledge Phil’s presence. 

“Someone looking to hire,” he replied, pulling out the chair beside him and sitting. He studied what he could see of the man, but it didn’t gain him much information to work with. He had a thick green cloak that served to hide potential weapons and gloves that hid his hands. Phil could see the bottom of the man’s face and the mask that held the infamous smile of the sorcerer and the patron for which he serves.

The man reached for his glass before downing the rest of the liquor inside. He moved the mask back down to cover the rest of his face. “Not interested.”

Dream stood and walked towards the lady.

 “ Niki, ” one of the crows brave enough to peer in through the hole in the roof supplied. Phil nodded towards it in thanks before leaning back in his chair. 

“Well, that’s unfortunate. I’m willing to pay handsomely for this task,” Phil stated, eyes tracking the man as he reached into his cloak. He tried to keep from tensing, but the man was only reaching for a bag of coins. When the man-made no move to stop from leaving, Phil continued: “If you hear me out, I’ll buy you another drink.” 

It was a tad desperate, but it at least got the man to pause in his actions before giving a sigh, as if Phil was nothing more than an inconvenience, or a misbehaving child. 

“Let me guess. You want someone dead? Or want me to resurrect the dead? Because my answer to both will be no .” Dream stated, finally turning back to face him. 

Phil smiled. “If I wanted someone dead, I’d do it myself.” He motioned for Niki to get the man another drink, which she did, placing the drink in his hand and walking him back towards the table before handing Phil his own drink. “No, the job I have is a bit more… weird .” 

This seemed to finally get the man’s attention. “How weird are we talking?”

“My friend was attacked by another witch and was turned into a piglin brute. I need you to turn him back,” Phil said, trying to figure out how best to make eye-contact with the clay mask in front of him while taking a sip of his drink.  

Dream raised his mask slightly and downed the entire whiskey. He set the glass down heavily, before bursting into small laughter.

Philza tried not to be irritated. It was a serious matter, although once it’s fixed , if it could be fixed, he would understand it being funny. As of right now, his best friend, his lifelong friend was a brute and left unable to speak or think like a person. He fought to keep his face neutral. 

“So do you think you can handle it?” He finally asked, hoping that his words wouldn’t be taken as too much of a challenge. Fighting the man would be a waste of time and effort. If he couldn’t help, than Phil would need to move on and try to find someone that could. The only problem was that he had visited almost every esteemed witch in three different countries. This man was a dangerous last resort. 

“No,” the cloaked man said before standing to leave, once again. 

“Wait!” Phil shot to his feet, startling his crow hiding near the gap in the roof. The man turned, giving him his full attention. “E-everyone says you are the most powerful sorcerer in the entirety of the server! If you can’t do it, then is it impossible?! Will he be stuck like that forever?” 

Dream’s mask tilted sideways at an almost unnatural angle as he observed Phil. Despite not being able to see the man’s eyes, he knew he was being examined. 

“It’s not that I can’t do it. It’s that I won’t .” He turned back towards Niki, paying her for the first drink. “No normal witch can perform transmutations successfully. It’s unheard of. Your friend didn’t get cursed by a witch,” the man said, turning to leave. “To me, it sounds like your friend pissed off a god .” 

Phil clenched his fists. “So what if he did? If you can fix him, then fix him. I’ll pay.”

Dream laughed again. “No amount of money in the world would make me turn against my own patron. I know chaos magic when I see it. Whatever your friend did to not only gain the God of Chaos’s attention, but his wrath? Yeah, I want nothing to do with that,” he said before pushing open the heavy door and letting it slam shut behind him. 

Phil left a small stack of coins on the counter for the drinks before turning to follow. “You said no amount of money, right? Is there anything other than money that would suffice?”

Dream stopped from where he had been untying his horse, the white stead that, now that Phil was looking at it, was decidedly not alive. Dream seemed to ponder for a moment before stepping closer. He motioned with his hand, and the crow that had been watching from the roof squawked as if in pain before being pulled into the man’s hand, as if being led by an invisible string. 

The crow flapped and fought, terrified as the man plucked a single black feather from it before letting it go. The crow fled to the sky, where its brethren were waiting, swirling like an angry storm cloud above them as they watched. “You are Philza Minecraft, yes?”

Phil nodded, eyeing the bloody feather in the man’s hand. 

“Your patron, Lady Death, took something from my own patron. Something that had been promised to me. If you can get it for me, then you’ll have yourself a deal,” the masked man stated, holding out the bloody feather in mock of a handshake.

Phil’s own wings rustled behind him, a nervous tic he had yet to get rid of. “And what item might that be?”
“Well, I was sent to retrieve a book said to be able to bring mortals and gods alike back from the dead. But when I got there, all I found were a few crows,” the man said, mask tilting to the sky as if he were observing the murder above them. “And a large, black feather,” he finished, mask now staring at him, or rather his wings intently.

Phil knew what the man was referring to. His Lady had sent him to intercept the gift between the revered God of Chaos and his pupil. 

This man wanted the revival book. 

“And if I can get it to you, then can you revert my friend back to human?” Phil asked.

Dream turned and mounted the white horse. As soon as he was in the saddle, the horse took a gasping breath, as if resurrected, before shuddering violently. “Of course I can. I am the only sorcerer blessed by the God of Chaos, Himself,” Dream said before wheeling his horse around and plodding off through the thick snow. 

Phil took a deep breath, tracking the man as he left. Finally, he turned and stretched out his wings, preparing for the flight home. 

Chapter Text

It has been far too long since something has successfully piqued Dream’s interest. But when he saw the winged man, Philza Minecraft , again, he was excited. It was very rare that he went against his Patron’s wishes. However, it wasn’t necessarily unusual . XD was a harsh and cruel God, but He was still the God of Chaos . He would have never chosen Dream if he had been anything other than unpredictable and unruly. XD wasn’t after loyalty or devotion or other such trivial things that were fleeting and worthless. No, He was after entertainment amusement, much like Dream himself. 

XD would be vengeful at first at what the God would undoubtedly consider disrespect, but the God wouldn’t mind being challenged, especially if Dream had the revival book to show for it. Or at least he hoped so. His God was definitely known to be somewhat fickle .

By now, the God should know that Dream only took calculated risks and would always have some way to make it up to Him. Dream hadn’t been made the God’s pupil or titled His most favored worshiper for no reason. Hell, the only reason knew the actual name of the God, in both mortal and immortal tongue was due to being the God’s ‘prized possession’ and ‘most promising mortal’. Dream never failed the God when it counted. It was why XD gave him his mask in the first place. 

“ To strike terror amongst the mortals and make them fear Me” , the God had said when He had first shown him the clay mask with an eerie smile etched into it. “ Spread Chaos in My absence. Rain terror upon your enemies and ensure this is what they see before they fall,” the God had preached so many moons ago when first accepting Dream as His student. The God had been the one to place the mask over his face the first time he ever wore it. It was a rather fond memory.

 Besides, if XD was actually displeased with him, He would simply punish him. Perhaps being asked to go back and curse the man he fixed or being asked to kill Phil and then having to deal with the fallout from Lady Death would be his retribution to the God. 

Either way, whether XD was pleased or not, it was sure to be entertaining.

So when Philza pulled up a chair beside him at Niki’s bar, he smiled underneath his mask. 

“I’ve got the book.” 

Dream’s smile only grew wider. “Was your patron displeased having to return the book to the God of Chaos?” 

The avian’s wings ruffled angrily beside him. “ No , but she wishes to hand it to you herself after you cure my friend,” the man said. His voice betrayed his true fears. Fear of displeasing his god or asking too much of them. Fear of losing his friend. Fear of him . It was addicting. He tilted his head and gazed at the man, pleased to see the man tense and prepared to either fight or flee.  

Dream wonders which one the man would prefer. Would Philza Minecraft fight Dream? Or would he rather flee? Would his patron intervene if Dream was about to kill him? All questions he had an urge to test.

“You’re introducing me to your wife? I’m honored,” he said, dragging his fingertip around the edge of his glass and knowing the man could hear the smile in his voice.

“Yeah, sure. Now, are you ready to leave? It’s almost a three day journey,” the man said, standing and walking towards the door, not turning back to see if Dream would follow. 

Dream finished his drink in silence, wondering distantly whether His God would defend him in a fight if Lady Death did intervene to aid Philza. 

Most likely not. The thought almost made him want to order another drink. 

Instead, he paid Niki before following the older man outside. 

Spirit’s body was not holding up as well as he hoped in the snow. He was having to not only will the horse’s corpse to move with the reanimation incantation, but he was also having to cast another, separate, spell to keep the horse’s body warm enough for the bones not to shatter in the cold or the animal’s blood not to freeze and break through the skin. 

His magic often took the form of a string. Or rather, several dozens of strings, connecting to whatever he was trying to affect. Currently, his green magic was looped around his fingers and wrist and led to where they were bound around Spirit’s head, body, and legs. One flex of his finger and the body responded, being pulled perfectly into place. 

The only reason his fingers hadn’t frozen solid thus far was due to the warming spell he cast moments before they departed to ensure Spirit’s body would make the trip. Still, even despite the warming spell, having to manipulate the horse every step of the way was almost as tiring as making the trip on foot.

As it was, Spirit’s corpse wouldn’t last much longer before he would have to stash it and reanimate the flesh and bones yet again back to their original status. It was a burdensome task, one that he wasn’t sure was quite worth it at this point. Keeping the horse around was beginning to become quite a draining chore.

Dream sighed. Yet another reason he wanted the book. It was so much of a hassle to try and manipulate corpses for extended periods. It would be much easier to manipulate the minds of a living body. One whose heart still beat and ensured a warm and fully functioning body. 

He was glad to finally dismount and leave his stead at the hitching post outside of the unassuming cabin. He pressed his mask gently to the horse’s large head, whispering a breath of a promise of life again after this mission. The horse did not respond,  nor could it have. But Dream paid this no mind. Spirit would be restored soon.

He winced as the thought of his current betrayal flitted through his mind. He would still most likely be punished for his betrayal. Perhaps his Patron would take his horse as compensation, or forbid him from reviving him. What an awful thought.

Dream shook himself as if to scatter the negative thoughts so he could focus on his mission. Reversing a curse from the God of Chaos Himself could prove to be very difficult. 

He wordlessly followed Philza inside, looking at the warm interior of the cabin as the man shrugged off his coat and shook the snow from his wings. Philza looked at him oddly, as if just now realizing that Dream himself didn’t have a speck of snow on him due to the warming spell. Philza shook his head and turned away.

“Alright, mate. Right this way,” the man finally said, leading Dream further into the cabin. “Uh, Te-... Um, mate? I brought someone to help, okay?” The man said, peering behind a few doorways all while leading Dream deeper. “Hello? Oh where the hell–” 

Philza was interrupted as something distinctly pink lunged at Dream from where he had been hiding. Dream allowed it, letting the piglin press him against the wall. They were a territorial mob. This was to be entirely expected, although Philza seemed quite panicked by the brute’s actions.

Dream, however, simply lifted a hand to pull down the brooch on his cloak to reveal the gold necklace he wore while appraising the creature before him. It was large, scars crossing its snout, but it seemed oddly relaxed to be protecting its territory from an intruder. Perhaps the gold appeased it.

Then, there was a snout pressed against his neck, sniffing, first at the necklace, and then further up as it tried to press underneath Dream’s mask. He shoved the beast’s head away and fixed his mask back to rest properly over his face. The brute snorted as if offended before trying once more. Again, Dream pushed the thing’s head away, not able to fight the smile under his mask. 

What an odd creature, he thought, wondering if he could convince Philza to let him observe him for a while. Studying one of his Patron’s curses was a rarity. He could most likely convince the man that it would take several days to complete the ritual. It’s not like the man would have any frame of reference to magic, right? 

The creature cocked its head to the side, staring intently at the mask as if trying to gather its thoughts. Then, it reached slowly with its massive hooves to try and push Dream’s mask away. Dream gently guided the hooves away from his face, smile still present on his face. The creature seemed to be upset for a moment before it finally leaned slightly closer and sniffed as best as it could from the slight distance. 

Still, the creature did not attack him. 

“Uh, so? Can you fix him?” Philza said, disturbing the beast from his task of sniffing Dream, and it turned to look at the older man. Dream stepped to the side, closer to Philza. 

“Of course. Although, it may take longer than I initially believed,” he said, the lie spilling from his lips with ease. He leaned towards the brute as if studying it. The beast seemed to straighten itself and puff its chest a little. Funnily, it seemed more as if it were trying to show off than intimidate. 

A curious creature indeed , Dream thought before turning back towards Philza. The man was giving him an odd look before looking once more at the beast before them. 

“How long?” The man questioned, skepticism plain in his voice. That wouldn’t do. 

“Not too long. It’s just that I might not be able to do it all in one sitting. I may need to rest. I’m not exactly as powerful as the God your friend upset, y’know?” Dream tried to make his voice sound lighter, less threatening and tried to sound more friendly. He would need time alone with the beast if he were to satiate his curiosities. 

Was it immune to fire? How was its reaction to gold? How would potions affect it? Was it as sturdy as an ordinary brute? Or would its body fail much sooner? 

Philza hummed, reaching to unlatch his cloak and drape it on the chair behind him. “Very well,” he said before turning to face him. “But don’t think I’ll leave you alone with him. I may be hiring you, but I don’t trust you.”

Dream’s smile dropped from his face. What a nuisance . If the Book of Life wasn’t at stake, he would consider offing the man just for the hell of it. Instead, he sighed, as if offended by the man’s reasoning. He was right, of course. Only a fool would trust Dream. However, it was sometimes annoying to work with those that weren’t fools. Much more challenging and rewarding when he did manage to trick them, but it meant he wouldn’t always succeed in getting his way. 

“Of course. All I need for the spell is a bit of the thing’s blood, and we can begin,” he said, noticing the anger flashing across Philza’s face when he referred to his friend as a ‘thing’. He drew his netherite dagger, eyes still studying the man’s face. 

Dream had barely pulled the dagger from its sheath before he was charged. Dream stepped to the side, appraising the beast as it charged past before turning to face him once more.  The piglin was snarling, spittle flying from its mouth as it lunged at him again. This time, however, the piglin drew the sword hanging on its belt. 

So we are territorial, I see . Dream mused as he blocked another attack before ducking underneath and slipping closer to the front door. The piglin followed, swinging mindlessly at him as they went. Or, no . The attacks weren’t mindless at all, Dream noted. They were somewhat slow, but they were still precise and deadly.

“Tech- Hey! Stop! Calm down, mate. He’s here to help!” Philza cried, ignored by both witch and brute as they continued their dance.

Another hit swung down towards Dream before he blocked it, the power of the hit reverberating through Dream’s bones. His teeth clenched underneath the mask. This mutt is strong , he thought as he kicked the door behind him open and slipped outside and into the snow. The piglin followed, swinging madly the entire time. Dream ducked and weaved, hating that the snow was making it slightly more cumbersome to out pace the beast. 

With his free hand, he pulled out a glass bottle and uncorked it. He reversed his hold on the dagger before diving in, swiping the piglin’s arm and catching just a single smear of blood in the glass bottle. 

He’d need more for the spell. 

So he dove back in, narrowly avoiding a blow that could have killed had he not been wearing armor, while making another small cut and getting just a few more measly drops of crimson liquid. 

Philza had finally caught up to them, trying in vain to get close enough to the brute to restrain him. The brute, however, seemed to be more cautious about his attacks with the avian so near. Interestingly, the brute seemed more focused on placing itself in between himself and Philza, as if serving to protect the man. 

Dream used this to his advantage as he darted close to the mutt, dagger stabbing into its side and bottle held underneath, quickie filling with its blood. The beast snarled and cried out angrily, dropping its sword in favor of grabbing Dream, not wanting to swing the weapon with Philza so close by. 

The beast, however, grasped at empty air as Dream had already darted away and up the nearest tree. 

The piglin followed, grabbing at the bark and pulling as if trying to figure out how to get to him. 

Dream smiled down at it. What a splendid creature. Only wanting death and pain. No wonder his God favored the piglin race. They may be a mindless mob, but they were brutal and cruel, leaving nothing but death and despair in their wake. Oh! But their loyalty to their race and their packs was what was truly alluring.

With the blood-filled bottle in his hand, Dream began to whisper a tongue not usually known by mortals as he felt the familiar tug of ancient beings much older and much more powerful than him begin to work. He pulled out a satchel filled with herbs and poured the contents into the bottle, his whispers growing in volume.

He saw the acidic green swirl begin to build and flow smoothly around him, the strings of his power focusing and forming a mist that surrounded him before focusing on the bottle. 

Down below, the piglin cried out in pain before collapsing, body convulsing in the snow. Philza was holding him and trying to put pressure on his wound all while speaking of nonsensical reassurances.

The green magic was glowing brightly, but he could tell that his Patron’s curse was strong indeed. With a small sigh, Dream pulled his dagger again, this time slicing his own palm and adding his blood to the mix. The magic swirled faster, electricity flashing in the smoke. The winds around him grew in strength and Dream fought wildly against the power of his Patron. It was not a particularly strong curse. Well, not in terms of the power his Patron had, but it was still difficult for a moral attempting to reverse it without their Patron’s power. 

It was odd, though, he felt the presence of a secondary spell that was neither him or the curse he was targeting. He didn’t have much time to consider it before the glass bottle shattered, sending glass and blood falling onto the piglin, avian, and snow below, the green magic finally making its way towards the brute. From there, it was just a matter of seconds before the piglin shot upright, gasping for breath as his human form finally revealed itself. 

Dream peered down at him from where he was perched in the tree. The man’s hair was an odd shade of pink. It matched Niki’s hair. The color must be a mark leftover from the curse. He watched as Philza smiled at him and as the man reached up to touch his torn and bloody clothes. The man’s eyes eventually drifted upwards to where Dream sat and that was when he saw the man’s eyes . 

Dream dropped down immediately, dagger at the man’s throat. The man grabbed his wrist and twisted, his feet pushing Dream upwards until he was in the snow, the larger man on top of him, his own dagger pressed to his throat. 

“Hello, there, Dream. Nice to see you again.”

Chapter Text

Techno was slightly embarrassed. But mostly confused. He remembers killing a few people stupidly attempting to take him down, and then a flash of green and the feeling of terror. He’s probably repressing most of that memory. His body is sore and his mind is fuddled similar to a nasty hangover. And God, and the voices. They were unmanageable at the moment screaming:

              You're back!

Hi! HELLLOOO THE BLADE

                   Good, we weren't sure if piggy could understand us.

   OMG DREAM

             Technopig.

 TECHNOPIG POG

       Techo! 

   DREAM DREAM DREAM

              GREEN MAN IS HERE <3

  DREAM IS HERE OMG!

Technoblade never dies!

         Mans was a pig and yall still simping? 

Dadza’s here too guys. 

The headache was almost instant. Although that might be from his apparent amnesia rather than chat for once. But Phil was here and– 

Wait, Dream ? Sure enough, Techno whipped his head around and looked up to see the smaller man hiding in a tree. Nothing unusual there. Then, there was a homeless teletubby in his lap and a knife to his throat. 

In his defense, he acted on instinct. But now here he was, Dream underneath him ( god did that bring back memories ), and him holding the blade against the other man’s throat. 

“Hello, there, Dream. Nice to see you again,” he said, trying to go for nonchalant and unbothered, although the shake in his arms and the sweat dripping down his neck despite the freezing temperatures were probably a dead giveaway. He seriously had no clue what the hell was going on.

Dream’s mask was staring back at him, although Techno figured that Dream was not smiling even a little bit underneath the mask. He looked at where he had the knife pressed to the smaller man’s throat before noticing the necklaces. There was the usual, the one with shadow quartz that was supposed to be for protection or something ( although wouldn’t a shield work better every time? Not with magic, Dream would explain to him once again as if talking to a child ) along with the silver necklaces he wore and the strings attached to gods knows what type of herbs or hex bags. 

Those weren’t what caught his attention, however. No, what caught his attention was the lone gold chain, that had a ring embedded with rubies on it, that was resting gently on his neck, distrubed from its usual place during their scuffle. 

And wow the implications of that was not something Techno could afford to think about right now. Fortunately, he didn’t have to, since there was a foot trying to make a home in his kidney. He gasped in pain, grabbing Dream’s hood and shoving it into the snow just as Dream grabbed a fistful of his hair, pulling backwards, other hand keeping the blade trapped between them. 

Techno let go of Dream’s hood, instead grabbing his throat and lifting, before slamming the other’s head into the ground. It probably didn’t hurt too bad, considering the snow, but Dream seemed to have been shaken just enough to let go of his hair. Instead, his hand was pushing against the knife and trying to pry the hand from around his neck. 

Techno pulled the knife away and crawled off, releasing Dream’s neck at the last moment possible just in case the teletubby was looking to fight him. Fortunately, Dream laid in the snow as Techno got up. 

He flipped the knife in his hand so he was holding the blade before reaching back his other hand to help Dream to his feet. The homeless man did not take his hand. 

Ouch. 

     Yep. He’s still mad. 

L

   Homeless man!

             L

  My fav green boi oh no

   L

DREAM

             Guys! He’s still wearing our necklace! 

STFU no one cares

       Uh. Wrong. Techno seems to care very much. 

L Dream doesn’t tho. 

        L

  L

Techo winced, watching as the man got back to his feet, green cloak now covered in snow. There was even some snow collected by his neck right next to the golden chain that succeeded in capturing almost all of Techno’s attention. 

“So, uh… this is awkward,” he finally said with a painfully awkward laugh as he handed the dagger back to its owner. He was all too aware of Phil watching the entire exchange. He hoped his face wasn’t red. Surely it was because of how cold it was, right? Yeah, that made sense. 

Dream took the dagger after a long moment, mask doing nothing to hide the rage hidden behind it. Mans needed a drink. Hell, he needed one too. Especially when he had to explain all of this to Phil. Phil would never let him live this down. 

           L

 L

        Heheh loser

 TECHO L

Techno finally turned away from Dream after figuring he wouldn’t attack again. Or if he did, Techno wouldn’t really mind. If he were dead, he would never have to experience this awkwardness again. 

His hands burned with the memories of the last time he had held Dream’s neck. He shook them, as if it would get rid of the memories forcing their way through his head. He wondered if chat had anything to do with that. Surely that was all their fault. No way he was still hung up on that one night, right? He couldn’t help but to turn back to look at the man.

He laughed again, although it felt way too forced as he watched Dream twirl the knife in his hand. He was frantically racking his head, trying to think of something to say. Was he supposed to invite the man inside? Thank him? Did Dream help him? No way that would ever happen. Not after how their last meeting ended. 

Dream was the one to break the silence. 

“So, Techno. How the hell did you manage to piss off my Patron?” Dream finally said, voice clipped. It had slipped back into the tone he often used when trying to act tough and be intimidating. He would have teased the man for it, but thought that would have been unwise seeing the dagger now grasped firmly in his palm, blood languidly running down the side of it. 

Techno vaguely wondered if that was his blood, or worse Phil’s , before answering. “Uh… I have no idea, bro. I was defending myself and then suddenly I was here and defending myself from you,” he said, watching as Dream laughed.

“Oh, so you just happened to be cursed? But you did nothing wrong and have no idea what happend? Oh, yeah, no that definitely sounds right,” Dream mocked before turning away from him to face Phil.

Techno glanced at Phil who looked lost and very confused. He couldn’t blame him. He felt the same way. 

“Alright, Philza Minecraft . Your ‘friend’ is back now. So give me the book,” Dream said, spitting the word ‘friend’ as if it were a curse. 

Techno looked to Phil and Phil looked back. 

“Uh, what curse? And does it have anything to do with why my poor cape is all messed up? It’s gonna take me like at least a full hour to fix this thing, ya know?” He said and Phil just stared back dumbfounded for a moment before laughing. 

“I’ll fill ya in in a minute, mate. First, I gotta take Dream to see the wifey,” he said. Dream’s mask was still trained on Phil as if refusing to look at Techno as the avian turned and motioned for Dream to follow. “Why don’t you go change into some good clothes and get something to eat, yeah?” Phil suggested, giving a glance back at Techno and an encouraging smile. “I’ll explain everything when I get back.”

Techno nodded in agreement before rushing off to the cabin to get in some warmer clothes. Anything to get both out of the cold and away from Dream. 

Once in the cabin, he noticed the state of his home. The furniture was overnutred and there were claw marks in his nice wood floor and on the walls. The couch was even torn. Who the hell tears a man’s couch? 

L 

      Technopig

TECHNOPIG

            Man’s don’t even know. LOL

TECHNOPIG POG

            L

     L 

Nobody tell him or I swear.

       LOL yeah it’ll be funny when he finds out though

Techno surveyed the rest of his home quickly. Did Dream do this? It didn’t look like anything was stolen. Well, other than his gold being all piled in the corner rather than in the chest where it was supposed to be.

He finally gave up on checking for damages when it was apparent it was a lot and instead got dressed into clothes that weren’t torn to bits. It was then that he noticed his reflection in the mirror. His hair was a soft shade of pink instead of the usual brown. He ran his fingers through the tangled mess, before deciding that this was definitely the most awkward and confusing thing ever . Even worse than chat. After he finally pulled himself away from his reflection in the mirror, he forced some food down as Phil suggested before waiting for the man to get home. 

He had almost dozed off by the time Phil had returned. The man looked tired, but smiled when he saw Techno, nonetheless. 

“Heya, mate. Feelin’ okay?” He asked, approaching Techno as if he were a wild animal.

“Uh, other than having no clue as to what just happened or what happened to my house, yeah, I feel great,” he said, giving a very pointed look towards his ruined couch while trying to ignore the successions of ‘ L ’s the voices were yelling at him. 

“About that. You don’t remember anything? Anything at all?” Phil asked, pulling up a chair to sit beside him, only to frown when one of the legs was broken on it. He stood instead. 

“Um. No. I was passing through the town with a lot of mushrooms–”

“Kinoko Kingdom?” Phil supplied with a light smile.

Techno waved his hand. “Sure, sure. Anyways, I was passing through when suddenly there was this man that yelled out ‘ Hey! Isn’t that the guy wanted for treason to the state? ’ or something to that effect. And then I was attacked. It was crazy actually. I only commit treason in states without mushrooms. It’s like my one rule, I swear,” he said, with a chuckle, smiling as he heard Phil laugh beside him.  

“Anyways, then there was this man with a bandana thing and one with a mushroom hat and I killed the guy with a mushroom hat and then there was a flash of green and boom. Woke up with a teletubby holding a knife to my throat,” he finished, looking at Phil to fill in the rest. 

“Hmm, I don’t know why that would have gained you the wrath of the God of Chaos. But anyway, you were turned into a piglin brute and so I sought out a witch that could turn you back,” Phil said, plainly, as if he hadn’t just said the most ridiculous thing ever. 

Techno sat in stunned silence, trying to focus and figure out what the literal hell that meant while also trying to ignore chat’s very unhelpful screaming and chanting in his head.

“I was a pig ?!” Techno finally yelled, now understanding a little of what the voices were saying earlier. 

Phil laughed and nodded at him and said something, but Techno couldn’t hear it over the roar of laughter in his head from chat. He hit the side of his head as if to warn them to shut up.

“So you hired Dream !? The literal one guy I told you to stay away from?!” Techno yelled, suddenly feeling far too energetic to sit still. He got up and began pacing the living room, trying to find all the stuffing ripped from his couch so he could shove it back in. 

Had he done all this damage?

“Well, to be fair, mate, I tried like every other witch in the server. He was the only one who could do it,” Phil said, coming to help him pick up the stuffing. 

Techno frantically tried to pull the fabric back into place, despite knowing it wouldn’t magically fix itself. Well, it could , but the man that could do that had already disappeared, probably to do more ominous things. 

“I just — I don’t–” Techno paused before turning to fall back onto the messed up couch. “What did you pay him with?” He finally asked, although that was not the question he really intended to ask. “I know he wouldn’t do it for free. Not for me,” Techno said, turning his eyes to Phil. The man looked exhausted, honestly. He wondered just how long he had been taking care of him while he was a piglin brute.

“ Well ,” Phil started, wringing his hands together as if nervous. “The missus let me give him the Book of Life in exchange,” Phil said, not meeting Techno’s eye. Techno sat in silence, staring as Phil refused to look at him and instead focused on pushing stuffing back into the cushion of the side chair that had not been spared from Techno’s piglin form. 

“The Revival Book!? Phil that’s dangerously stupid!” He finally said, suddenly feeling the urge to go track down Dream and put him down for good. Even though he knew that was much easier said than done. Besides, he would need some smoky quartz or something for magic protection for sure. That was at least something magic-related that he had picked up from his time with Dream.

  Oh yeah bc that’ll help.

           Techno dumb

     L

              Oooh jilted lovers

      Stfu dumby

            Oop youre gonna get banned

   Shh!! I’m trying to listen, guys.

Techno sighed, dropping his head into his hands to try and ease the headache building consistently behind his eyes. “I need to find him and get that back,” he finally groaned, rubbing at his temples. This would ensure they would fight. One of them would probably die if they were to fight again. There was too much history for them to not finally be out for true blood. 

“Well, mate, about that,” Phil started, sitting down and pulling one of his wings in front of him to run his hands through. It was a nervous tic. One he did whenever he had to say something he didn’t want to. 

“What? What is it, Phil?” Techno said, already dreading the man’s next words. 

“Well, Dream actually wanted to meet with you once you were back on your feet. Said he had to finish erasing the curse for good. You only have a few days of… uh, humanity before the curse ‘consumes’ you again,” Phil said, putting air quotes around consume. It was the type of terminology Dream used. Stuff that made it sound more morbid or dangerous than it actually was. Techno thought he did it to try and sound more cool. 

“What is it, Phil?”

Phil sighed before finally meeting his eyes. “Dream said he wanted some sort of payment in return for finishing the spell. This time, from you.”

Chapter Text

Turns out, the Revival Book was a joke. Well, not really , but it couldn’t bring Spirit back. Which was why Dream was currently in front of a rather large bonfire, tears hidden behind his mask. The fire was the only light other than the stars themselves in the dreadful darkness of night. Well, that along with the green glow of his magic as he pulled Spirit closer to the flames. 

He paused just before his cloak was touching the flames. He held the green string in one hand, the other resting on the mare's snout. “I’m sorry, girl,” he whispered, resting his mask against her cold, mottling skin for the last time. Her eyes were unblinking, dead , as he finally tore his gaze away and stepped into the fire. 

The sound of her hooves striking the logs and embers as she followed sent a shiver down his spine. The hooves sent sparks flying, the smell of burning flesh soon following. He pulled her further into her final death by the same strings that kept her body together, forcing her bones to keep the corpse upright for oh so terribly long. 

She didn’t cry out as she burned. Of course she didn’t. She wasn’t alive. No, she had long since passed. He had been alone for the past several months, the illusion of her presence offering an empty comfort that he had needed desperately on nights like this. He would have to relearn how to be truly alone. He was severing one of the last attachments he had, although he had truly lost her months ago. 

Techno’s face flashed in his mind and he closed his eyes tightly, trying to push the image away. Attachments weren’t an option. They always caused nothing but pain. That was one attachment he was going to be rid of in just a few measly days and then he would finally be free, just like XD had advised. 

He passed through the fire and out of the flames unscathed, the spell only allowing him to feel a small warmth. Still, just the mere sight of the flames sent a chill down his spine despite the warmth. As he left the fire fully, he turned to face the mare before releasing the string, watching how Spirit’s body collapsed instantly without their support, sending embers flying into his cloak and hair. He choked back a small sob. 

He was sick. He had forced her to accompany him for so long only to not be able to bring her back as he had promised. He could barely stand to watch but felt like he owed it to her to see as her body was finally allowed to rest and succumb to the flames. He felt tears streak his face but didn’t bother to wipe them away. This would be a long, long night. One that he would have to, once again, spend alone. 

Several hours later, the fire had died down, now only being able to lick at her bones. The smell of burnt flesh was suffocating in the air, and all Dream wanted to do was flee the awful scent. The memory of him being the one trapped in flames felt too recent, too real as if it was happening now, even though the fire was obviously several yards away and the moment he had been encased in flames happened ages ago. It didn’t change the fact that the hair on the back of his neck was standing on end or the feel of his feet as they remembered what it felt for his shoes to melt into his skin. His lungs constricted as if filling with smoke and making it difficult to breathe. 

He curled into himself, running his hands along the tops of his feet as if to remind himself that they were still there. He took a steadying breath and collected himself until he could once more look upon the dying fire. He remembered what it felt like to burn. Although his body bore no scars thanks to XD, the God among Gods who favored him all those many moons ago. The God who had chosen to save him and allow him to learn the ways of true Chaos. Dream owed his Patron everything. 

Which was why he felt a sense of sickness at having betrayed him for fucking Technoblade . An attachment as worthless as they come. All he had ever done for Dream was lead him towards his downfall. One that would have occurred if not for his Patron. 

He huffed a small laugh and finally pulled his eyes away from the fire. In a few days, he would have no one left. No one left to lie to him, use him, or make him feel small. It would finally just be him and his Patron, as XD has wanted for many moons, now. Dream would sever his last few attachments, and then he would truly only have the God left.  

He needed to be planning how exactly he was going to defeat Techno. He should be preparing plans and combing through them to find faults or weaknesses. He should be preparing what he was going to say, what actions would seem the most natural, and how his voice should sound so as to fully deceive the warrior. Deception was Dream’s best play, especially with someone able to hold their ground in a fight. Even with his magic, all it took was one second where his guard wasn’t up, and he could be taken down. 

This was simply because Technoblade wasn’t entirely defenseless against magic. His sword, if he still had the same one, was enchanted. Dream had seen the sword before, and the enchantment was strong. A gift from the warrior’s own Patron, the Blood God, and it would most likely be able to deflect or perhaps even break Dream’s own threads. He’s not sure how the sword would manage against his threads if he was also using his Patron’s power, but nonetheless, deception would always be the safest option. 

The base of a plan was already formed in his mind, but surely ‘The Blade’, as people called him, would take a few days before he tracked Dream down. He had told Philza that the ‘temporary cure’ would still hold for several days, so hopefully, Dream would have time to finalize his plan. But tonight would not be the night. 

  He was utterly exhausted. Even the small task of lifting his head felt monumental. So instead, he laid against Spirit’s worn saddle, using it as a pillow as he tried and failed to sleep.

Tonight would be miserably lonely and cold ( seeing as he never allowed himself to sleep close to any sort of fire ). Spirit had been a consistent presence in his life for many, many years. She had been there when he had almost burned. She had aided him in too many battles to count. She has taken him across the country on several different occasions. The night she had been killed, he had mourned her. Now, he had to mourn her again, because he hadn’t been ready to lose her the first time. Although, now, he understands that he had only been fooling himself. 

He deserved the loneliness this night would bring. It was a reminder of all that he had lost and why he was alone in the first place. Techno’s betrayal always seemed to be lurking in his mind, causing resentment, hatred , to build anytime he even thought of the man. 

He sighed, turning over, away from the flames, and tried to distract his mind. Thinking of Techno was one sure way he would never find sleep. His body was tired, drained from reversing his Patron’s curse and he needed, desperately, to rest. He had a feeling, though, that sleep would not find him tonight, as it rarely ever did. Still, he would lie still for a few hours, until he had enough energy to make the long trek back to Niki’s bar. 

Just as his eyes, miraculously, began to slide shut, exhaustion overtaking him into a much needed rest, a very upset God appeared. 

With a flash of lightning and the clap of thunder that startled Dream awake, XD revealed Himself, floating beside the fire, mask turned to gaze into it at the bones. 

Dream sat up fully, turning to address the God’s presence. Ignoring Him never ended well. 

They didn’t speak for a long moment before the God vanished, only to appear next to him. Dream suppressed a shiver. The God’s floating hands drifted around him before settling. There was one on his head, pushing the hood of his cloak down while another one undid the buckle. Yet another hand pulled the mask away from his head, leaving his tear-stained face on full display. He hadn’t bothered to wipe them away, too frantic with his planning and his anger. He hadn’t thought to hide this sadness, this weakness . It was surely a pathetic sight. 

The hand that had undone the buckle caressed his face for a moment before it drifted down to rest around his neck like a noose. It spoke volumes. He was in trouble. 

They gazed at one another for a long moment, Dream taking in the sight of the floating cloak that matched his own yet looked nothing like it, with the golden enchantments written along the hem as if they had been sown in by the Fates themselves. The fire reflected beautifully off of the gold, entrancing Dream’s eyes. 

The smoky body of the God resembled the despair and hopelessness of the void and the mask hid a horrid sight that Dream knew if he ever actually saw, he would be struck down immediately. The mask was created with the same material as Dream’s had been, except it held an ‘X’ that had been carved by XD Himself with the same knife the God had used to carve His power into Dream. The golden halos crossing one another and entrapping the God’s head were swirling angrily, the runes etched onto them glowing with the display of the God’s wrath. 

The God had once told him that the halos were a gift to Him from his lover and that they were the reason He could contain His form to exist as one being on the mortal plane. Dream faintly wondered if he could steal them and whether or not that would serve to ‘banish’ the God from the mortal plane.

It probably wouldn’t work, but if he was about to lose his life over helping fucking Technoblade , then he would at least want to test his theory. Not like it would save his life; the God had many methods to kill, and He did not have to be on this plane of existence to accomplish it. 

The God’s gravely voice finally shattered the tense silence. 

“ You have forsaken me .” The God uttered, voice dripping with disdain. The hand around his throat tightened minutely, while the other still remained an almost comforting presence atop his head. 

Dream blinked slowly, before gazing upon the God’s mask once more. “I know.”

The God waited, but when Dream didn’t continue, He questioned: “ Why? ” The one single word held enough threat for Dream’s body to tremble where he sat. It was unnatural just how powerless his mortal body, his emotions were when faced with the immortal being. He could be convinced he was a mouse with a single thought from the God. He could be turned into a mouse with a single thought. The God could take his free will in an instant; Dream wonders why that knowledge is so addicting to him. 

‘ Power isn’t always in strength’ the God always preached and Dream understood. It was in being able to demand the will of others. It was in deception , and he would use this principle to bring about Technoblade’s downfall.

Dream pressed against the God’s hands as if apologizing. “It was worth it.” I promise, was left unsaid. The God knew already. Dream was always good. He never failed. 

“ How? ” The God rumbled, one of the many floating hands stroking his hair.

“I retrieved the Book of Life for you,” he whispered, feeling his eyes well up again at the thought. The smell of burnt flesh was heavy in his nose and the fire was still burning only a few yards from the God before him. 

The God released his neck and held the hand out. Dream reached into his satchel and grabbed the golden encased book before handing it over, not meeting the God’s eyes. The God accepted it, the hand on his head patting him softly as several others traced over the book and began flipping through it. The halos around His head slowed, swirling more gently. Dream watched, mesmerized in their fluidity. He often forgot how… Godlike XD was. 

Dream was broken from his trance as the God laughed. 

“ The book has been used. ” He stated simply, glee filling His voice that was only a false imitation of a human’s voice. The words raked through his mind and Dream wondered whether the God was speaking aloud or in his head, like the voices Technoblade had. The mask raised to look upon him and Dream felt like a speck of dirt underneath the scrutiny. Dream simply nodded. “ On an animal? ” Dream nodded again as the God laughed. “ You wanted your puppet horse alive, once more? ” He questioned despite already knowing the answer, His cloak swirling madly as the God’s ‘body’ tilted side to side as if too amused to remain still. 

Dream simply nodded, yet again.

“ Did you not read the instructions?! Or did you think you were powerful enough to overcome the book Lady Death and I created? ” XD asked, the hand on his head patting him again. This time, however, it felt less like comfort and more like he was a pet. A rather stupid, yet amusing pet. It didn’t quite matter, Dream supposed. He was considered by XD to be one of His pets. His favorite , Dream thought almost bitterly. 

XD laughed heartily, several hands running over his cloak and his face while another twirled his mask around one of their long, gray fingers. 

“ Dream, ” the voice said, amusement fading slightly in his voice. “ You could have asked Me to bring your animal back. I treat My favorite pets well, do I not? ” The God asked, leaning close, His mask almost brushing against Dream’s nose. Dream closed his eyes, it always hurt his eyes to try and focus on the mask when the God got this close to him.

“I know. I thought I could do it. It’s okay. She had been gone for quite a while.” He whispered, finding a sick sort of comfort in the God of Chaos’s presence. Secretly enjoying being touched in a way that wasn’t meant to cause immediate harm. It was times like this that made him almost regret forsaking all of his attachments in order to join XD’s coven. Although, weren’t his attachment’s the cause of his pain? XD would agree, Techno always said that was a stupid notion. Despite the fact that the man had proven it right himself when he had abandoned Dream to the flames. 

His next breath was painful, throat tightening. He was so… uncollected at the moment, painful memories swirling through his mind. XD would be displeased with his weakness. Although, He wouldn’t tell Dream, this. No, He would just use it to His advantage currently and correct him for it later. 

The God hummed before leaning his head forward, until His head was resting against Dream’s, in comfort. Manipulation , a voice that sounded eerily similar to Techno’s supplied in his mind. 

 The God brushed a hand against the side of his face, and Dream leaned into it. This was his weakness. His God knew of it very well. It was manipulation, but that was to be expected, no? Weaknesses were meant to be exploited. If Dream didn’t want to be used, then he needed to correct his mistakes and shortcomings. It was the way of their cruel little world. 

 “ Still, ” the God said. “You betrayed Me, did you not? Broke a curse of Mine. A recent one as well. Do you know why the Blood God’s blessed warrior gained My wrath? ” The God asked, one hand returning to Dream’s neck, another brushing gently against the side of his face. 

“I never asked,” he said, all too curious to know just how Technoblade met his Patron. 

“ Would you like for Me to tell you? ” The God asked, voice filling with excitement, mask rubbing into Dream’s skin as the God’s head tilted inquisitively.

Dream nodded against the God’s mask, eyes still shut. 

“ I’ll tell you… if you do Me a favor, ” He offered, one of His hands reaching up to remove the mask hiding the God’s true form.  Dream’s breath hitched as he felt what was distinctly lips but something decidedly not a mouth brushing against his ear. “ Do we have a deal? ” The God whispered, sending a shiver down Dream’s spine. 

He ignored his instincts telling him to flee and the small part of him that still housed what humanity he had left wishing for him to die simply to escape the evil presence before him, surrounding him, consuming him. Instead, he nodded, whispering a soft ‘ yes ’ before the God laughed. 

“ Don’t open your eyes, little one, ” the God warned before reaching a hand ( not a hand, it was like pure energy. A glimpse of the void) into Dream’s chest. The sensation was the worst he had ever felt. 

It always was. 

Dream bit back a scream. It wasn’t pain. It was never pain. ( I would never hurt you ). It was cold. So, so cold. Cold like the tundra where Techno lived. No worse. No, Techno’s home was warm. Techno was warm. 

No. No attachments. Cold. This was cold. This was so horribly cold! Dream’s cheeks were wet once again from tears. His lungs ached. He wasn’t breathing. He never could when his Patron did this. 

He was almost done, though. So close and then Dream felt it. The God of Chaos was touching his soul. Not pain. Never pain. Just coldness and a sense of wrong that made his body want to collapse and crawl away to die. But then the coldness disappeared and left Dream grasping at his chest and gasping for air, body shuddering from the after-effects. 

It was over. It never lasted long. Yet it always felt like he had lost a lifetime.

He didn’t understand what the God gained from it, nor has he ever asked. It doesn’t matter anymore, though. It was over with, and now he was back in his God’s good graces. 

“ You may open your eyes. ”

Dream did, looking up to see his Patron’s mask back in its place. There were hands on his cheeks, wiping away his tears, and others on his head, patting softly once more. 

“ The Blood God’s warrior killed one of My beloved pets, ” the God muttered softly, almost reverently , but that couldn't be right. “However, you will revive him for Me. Write his name in the book for Me, little one. ” The God said, placing the Book of Life gently in his lap. 

Dream’s hands were shaking as he picked up the quill offered to him. He tried to calm his breathing, focusing on the hand rubbing his back slowly, with the pace of how he needed to breathe. XD could be so kind when He wasn’t intentionally cruel. It was almost a mockery of all that He stood for. Only for His most favored pets , Dream thought bitterly. 

“O-okay,” he said, swallowing thickly, cursing himself for stuttering. “Who was it that he killed?”

“ GeorgeNotFound .”

Dream almost dropped the quill. 

Techno killed George? 

Why the hell would he do that? Was he trying to get back at Dream? Was this revenge? 

Damn it! He should have never told Techno about them! God, Techno knew so much! The realization that Technoblade could still be using him felt like a knife digging into his spine. 

Why did Dream always feel so weak? So defenseless? No matter how powerful and cautious he became, he was never untouchable. There were always people, attachments able to hurt him. 

Dream would have to kill him. He knew so much. He had so much leverage! XD had told Dream, time and time again, that attachments only led to further loss and pain, and yet Dream still had the gall to doubt his Patron just earlier this very night. Why?! Because Technoblade said so?

 Pain and loss and betrayal were things we, as elements of chaos, were meant to cause not experience! Dream’s breathing must have picked back up because the hand on his shoulder moved to his chin and lifted it. 

“ Calm yourself. You will revive him. And then you may do whatever you see fit to the warrior that felled him. You did not know. I am not mad.”

Dream nodded, almost dizzily as he looked back down towards the book in his lap. The golden pages were calling to him as he finally put the quill to paper. He felt an uncomfortable tug in his chest, the same place XD was touching mere moments before. The same source of energy that powered all of his Chaos magic: his soul. 

The feeling grew to a pull and Dream almost felt as if he was being lured into the pages of the book. 

“ Ground yourself. Or you will succumb to the Book of Life. Focus, pet, or you will inevitably fail Me. ”

Dream took a shuddering breath, and then another one. He scrawled George’s name into the pages. 

Since when was George one of XD’s favored pets? 

Dream pushed the thoughts from his mind and instead thought of blood. Of chaos. He would get vengeance. He would take down Techno, once and for all. Not for George, however, but for himself. It was now abundantly clear that Techno was an attachment Dream had yet to fully sever. It was a weakness. 

He must be hunted and put down like the pig he once was. 

He finished writing George’s name and the book glowed a brilliant gold, matching the halos entrapping the God of Chaos’s being. Then, the glowing died and the pulling on his soul disappeared. 

“ Good. ” Another soft pat on his head as another hand collected the book from him. “ I trust that you will see to it that the Blood God’s warrior suffers? ” XD asked, malice once more filling his presence. Dream nodded, mind now set on the course of action he would take. Technoblade had sown doubt into his mind about the dangers of attachment, and so Dream would teach him, once and for all, just how damning they could be.  

“ Very well, My pet. Then I will be leaving you once more ,” the God spoke while two of his hands tucked the Book of Life back into Dream’s satchel. He gave the God a confused look, but the God only raised a hand to mock placing a finger over one’s lips as if to seal a secret. 

 His many other hands fretted over Dream one last time, replacing his mask and buckling it behind his head before pulling away, and just like that, the God was gone. 

Dream took a steadying breath before gathering himself and standing. He would not sleep tonight. No, for he had plans to finalize. Technoblade was not an easy man to kill. Luckily for him, the man had many attachments that could easily be used against him. However, those felt almost too impersonal. No, Dream wanted not only to take the man’s life but break his spirit in the process. And he knew just how to do it.

Chapter Text

Techno was currently regretting his entire life.

He tried to pull his cape on and fix his crown on his head of very pink hair all while ignoring Phil’s pestering. 

“Oh, come on , man. You have to tell me how you got involved with Dream of all people! When you warned me about him, you said it was because of rumors. Not that you had slep-”

“I understand!” Techno near-yelled, desperate to get Phil to drop the subject. This was beginning to become a horrible, awful day. Chat, however, was having the time of their lives. “I get it, okay Phil? I messed up and shouldn’t have kept it a secret,” he checked his weapons and headed over to the kitchen to pack some food for his journey. “It just wasn’t something I was exactly proud of.” He muttered the last part nearly under his breath. 

Was talking about past relationships always this embarrassing? If so, he would decidedly forever be alone. No more interesting little witches waltzing into town that would steal his heart. Absolutely never again. He was a grown man. He for sure could get over a crush and resist ever developing them, ever again. For sure. 

Techno is whipped guys

                 Dadza! 

    Still? Green man has been gone for a looooooong time and he’s still a simp?

          DREAM!

YEAH! We want Dream! 

             Pig man got NO game guys

 L 

       L

  L

 TECHNO you messed up our love life. Now we will all be alone forever :(

            No more green man? :(

L

       L for all of us :(

Great. Now chat was sad. Or angry? Or having fun calling him names. He never really could tell. Chat was always going in about 70 different directions at all times. The consensus, though, seemed to be that Techno had messed up with Dream. Something he agreed with. But not something that Phil needed to know. Or at least, not right now. 

Techno wasn’t sure how he would handle it if Phil didn’t take his side in the matter. Not that there were sides or anything, but… he beat himself up about what had happened more than enough. He was going to put Dream down before he could get his revenge, and then he would move on with his retirement. His peaceful , no vendettas or wars, retirement. He could deal with the guilt later . After Dream was no longer a threat. 

“Why aren’t you proud of it?” Phil asked, voice dipping into the fatherly vibes that Techno pretended to hate. It was sometimes difficult being around someone that was such an excellent listener with great advice. It left him no reason to not hoard his problems and try to fix them messily on his own. Real annoying. 

Techno ran a hand through his hair, displacing his crown and messing up his braid. He set the crown down.  “You met the guy, Phil. Tell me, how was your first impression of him?” Techno snarked, redoing the braid with a tad more care than he normally would. Techno’s first impression of Dream had been, in a word, mesmerizing .

 He had seen nothing but a green blur before the little witch had socked him in the gut and stolen his drink from right out of his hand. He had then darted outside, laughing all the while. Techno had chased him, intent on not letting a small witch ruin his reputation. At the time, he remembers the embarrassment, the voices shouting for blood, for death. He had followed Dream with the intention to kill him but had been stopped as soon as the man had turned to face him, a smile evident on his beautiful, unmasked , face.  

God, Dream had been so different before he had met the God of Chaos. Something else Techno felt guilty for.

The witch had clearly been looking to gain Techno’s attention with the theft of his drink and oh, he had. They had fought, a playful fight, but one that had still managed to keep Techno on his toes. Dream, trying to defend all while not spilling the drink. The voices had quickly grown to like him, too. For once in their entire existence chastising Techno not to hurt his opponent as they mock-fought. 

It had ended with Dream pinned beneath him, drink discarded on the ground, and green, innocent eyes staring up at him. Techno remembers the feeling of not being able to breathe just at the sight of him. 

Dream had been different and Techno had been curious and it was all downhill from there. It was hard to not let the good memories infiltrate his thoughts anytime he saw the man. 

Phil hummed for a long moment before muttering, “intense, to say the least.”

Techno blinked back at the man, nodding on instinct. Phil was giving him an odd look. Probably because there was a dumb smile on his face. Right . They had been having a conversation. “Um. Exactly . He’s dangerous. And unstable. Which is why I’m going to go put him down after he finishes fixing the curse and gives me the Revival Book back,” Techno said, finishing his braid and placing the crown gently back on top. The words didn’t match what he felt at all.

“ Uh huh ,” Phil said, doubt evident in his words. “Is that why you keep checking your reflection? Or why you fixed and cleaned your cape before going?” Phil teased and Techno couldn’t look at him. On second thought, Phil was an awful listener and gave terrible advice. 

This was embarrassing . What was he supposed to say? ‘ I am not! ’ wouldn’t work without making him sound like a middle-schooler denying a very obvious crush. God is that what he looked like to Phil right now? He turned away from the man just in case his face was red. There was no biting cold inside their cabin to blame the flush on. 

Chat was spamming ‘L’ and ‘ Technosimp’ at a ridiculous rate and Techno wanted to bash his head into a wall.

“Goodbye, Phil. I’ll see you later,” he said before fleeing from both his home and the conversation. Phil followed. Of course he did.

“Hey! I was just kidding, mate. I know you’ll do whatever you have to. Just be safe, yeah?” Phil asked, wings wrapped around himself to protect him from the cold. Techno nodded and offered him a small smile before walking around to prepare his horse for the journey. 

“I will be!” He yelled behind him, as he pulled the saddle out of storage and threw it across Carl’s back. It would be a long ride, one where he could hopefully clear his thoughts before meeting the witch again. He had to be prepared for the games Dream would throw at him. The deceptions and harsh jabs. Or worse yet, the smiles and velvety sweet words promising trouble. 

Techno shook himself before climbing into the saddle and steering Carl out into the snow. 

Dream wanted him to find him, and, luckily, Techno knew just where to look. 

Dream was a patient man when he needed to be. But remaining on full alert for whenever Techno inevitably found him was tiring. It was also boring . He could only comb through his plan for flaws so many times. It was ridiculous, honestly. Technoblade had next to no defense against magic, other than that troublesome sword of his . He would be no match for Dream in a real, full-out battle, ( he hoped) . 

That night Techno had pinned him in the snow was only because Dream was caught off guard. Yeah, of course. Besides, his plan was dependent upon deception, something Dream excelled at.

He took another sip of his drink and thumbed the ring hanging around his neck. It felt like it weighed half a ton. Still, he didn’t take it off ( he never took it off ). He claimed it was because it was the only piece of gold he wore and it served to keep the Nether mobs friendly whenever he traveled to that realm for ingredients. Surely that was the only reason. It was simply too much of a hassle to make his own piece of jewelry or track down a seller. 

Honestly, the necklace wasn’t important. What was important right now was that his plan was almost in motion. All he needed to do was wait for Technoblade to appear. He downed the rest of his drink and Niki served him another and he nodded appreciatively. 

There were other customers at her bar tonight, as there had been for the past several nights, but none of them seemed to pose much of a threat. They were loud and obnoxious, but they left him alone, for the most part. There was a weak sense of magic in the area, but nothing to be concerned about.  

However, he was starting to get uncomfortable with the number of people. At first, it had just been two men that had stayed quiet and left after only two drinks. The next night, they brought a friend. The night after, the number grew. Niki had told him that she wasn’t sure who they were, but that they didn’t seem to be carrying any weapons. 

He agreed. There were no weapons that he could see . Whoever they were, they did their best to pretend like they weren’t observing him, and so he did his best to try and not kill them just for a moment of silence. Niki, however, would be very displeased with him for killing off her customers, no matter how sketchy they were. She rarely got any, seeing as the bar was simply a front. No advertising and serving shitty drinks to everyone but Dream seemed to ward off most people. That and the spell he had cast to intentionally make people feel uncomfortable if they drew too near to the bar kept most non-magical people and animals away. It made the sudden influx of customers quite concerning. 

However, he liked Niki and knew that she secretly enjoyed it when other people came to the bar beside him. He wasn’t the best at conversation, although he always tipped well. So she liked having other people to serve. And he liked her, so he would let them stay. 

She was a good person and Dream wished to stay in her good graces. She never asked questions, never tried to be friends, and never watered down his beer. Well, he lied. She does ask questions but never seems frustrated when he doesn't respond. In her own words, ‘ you’ll tell me if you want to, and that’s fine’ . And also, she does water down his beer, but only when she was mad at him. Another reason to leave the other customers alone.

She was a good person, making an honest living. Well, other than selling the potions he made for her out of the back end of her shop. It was a steady source of income for him, though, so he never minded making them and it was her idea, after all. 

He was pulled from his musings as one of the men tripped and bumped into his table, brushing against him. It was an obvious attempt to pick his pockets. He let the man, righting him and tilting his mask in a way that always tended to unnerve people in response to the man’s offered apologies. It was then that Dream noticed the added weight in his pocket.

He couldn’t help but roll his eyes underneath his mask. Damn. Niki was going to be mad at him.

Niki had noticed the exchange and was making her way over to the table to intervene. He held up a hand and she paused in her steps. When his hand raised, the entire bar fell silent. All eyes were on him and the man foolish enough to challenge him. The other ‘customers’ had their hands hidden underneath their jackets and cloaks, most likely reaching for concealed weapons.

The room was deadly silent as Dream stood. The man’s face grew pale and several others stood as well, drawing their weapons. Dream took a step towards them, pleased when they backed away. 

They should be scared.

He let his cloak pull fully around him, hiding his hands as he made his way out of the bar and into the clearing full of snow. This was going to get messy, and although Niki would most likely already be a tad upset at killing off her customers, she would be even more pissed if he made a mess while doing so. He hated watery beer.

He walked several paces outside before turning. He saw the men all file out of the building and form a semi-circle around him in the snow. He sighed. 

“Which coven are you lot with?” He questioned, voice bored as if they had been discussing the topic for hours. He wasn’t sure they were even with a coven. This seemed more like one witch that had become far too overconfident and managed to convince a couple of random men from his village to try and take him down. 

The man that bumped into him replied: “We don’t answer to you, witch of chaos! Chaos magic has been outlawed for a reason, you scum! You will pay for your transgressions with your life.” Several other men nodded in agreement, weapons raised as they yelled their intentions. 

Dream stood still for several long moments before bursting into laughter. His question had been answered. They weren’t with a coven. The hefty price on his head would be enough to convince any fool to try their hand at taking him on. Although no one smart enough to understand what true chaos was would ever dare step in his path. 

He saw Niki leaning against the doorway, arms crossed and face stern. Best to get this over with, then.

“Alright, then. Try your best. I’ll even let the hex bag you placed in my pocket remain,” Dream said before grasping his hands behind his back and leaning forwards in invitation. 

The first man took it, chanting a few words and cutting his palm to activate the hex. 

Dream was severely disappointed. The hex was strong per a normal coven’s standards, but it was nothing impressive. It definitely did not stand toe-to-toe with XD’s chaos magic. Still, it had a bite to it. Dream felt as if nails were piercing his hands and he looked down at them to see blood seeping through his gloves. 

He smiled. It had been a long time since he had another witch dumb enough to challenge him. 

“Hmm, not too bad. But now, it’s my turn,” Dream stated before reaching within himself to access his Patron’s chaos magic. XD had carved the runes that allowed him access to this power into his very bones. It was a familiar and almost comforting feeling as he felt the magic activate within him. The green threads of his own magic swirled into view, before being sharpened by a black void that encased them, a signature of his Patron’s blessing.

He fanned his fingers outwards, the threads of magic attaching to their prey in an instant. 

Niki turned around and walked back inside. The fight was already over. 

All of the men were trapped within his threads and his to control. The blood from his hand dripped onto the threads and made their slow descent down it. The men were stunned, mouths open in a scream that would never come. 

How pathetic . 

Dream paused, considering his options. For one, he could kill them all right now. On the other hand, he could always let one live to warn others of him. Whether that would serve to dissuade them from pursuing him or whether it would rally the citizens to convince their covens to come after him, he wasn’t quite sure. However, it would be entertaining one way or the other. 

Decided, Dream pulled his left hand harshly to the side, watching as all the men except one were flung through the snow before being attached to a tree. He wanted both hands for the next part. 

He slowly approached the man that had hexed him, dipping his right hand lower and flexing his thumb, bringing the man to collapse to his knees in the snow, neck arched backward to expose his throat. With Dream’s free hand, he pulled the hex bag out of his pocket, raising it to his mouth and pressing his lips gently to the rough burlap. He whispered a quick spell into the bag, feeling its power grow and burn in his palm. 

“A lesson, for young witches like yourself,” Dream started, leaning down towards the man’s ear. “Don’t ever challenge a sorcerer that outclasses you. Magic is unlike any other form of combat. There is no level of trickery that can combat experience and power ,” he whispered, before tucking the hex bag into the man’s front pocket. 

Dream released the thread connected to his pinky, allowing the man’s vocal cords to function once more. The scream was immediate. It was deafening and obnoxious, but Dream gave the man a pass. Feeling nails stab through your intestines couldn’t have felt nice. The man paused in his screaming, pleas for mercy falling from his lips.

Dream listened, but the idiot didn’t offer anything. He wasn’t saying ‘ please! I’ll do anything!’ or ‘I’ll rat out my teacher!’ or even a ‘please teach me’ . No, just nonsensical begging as if Dream would release him from the kindness of his heart. Dream raised his pinky, and the thread reattached immediately, silencing any more protests. 

This ‘battle’ proved to be much more boring than he had hoped for. He sighed heavily before gripping his hand in a fist and pulling. The void encasing his threads returned to him immediately, slicing through whatever flesh they had been surrounding. Dream didn’t see the splash of blood or the body hitting the snow. Instead, his attention was trained on the several other men, still frozen in place, unblinking. 

It always amazed Dream that despite being paralyzed by his threads, people always managed to still display terror perfectly in their frozen expressions. He walked towards them, reaching his left hand out once more and the threads immediately returned to his grasp. He walked around them in a long, slow circle. 

“I’m going to let one of you idiots live, okay ?” He spoke slowly as if talking to children. “Now… the hard part is picking which one.” Dream continued his trek around them, pretending as if he was appraising them to see which one was worthy. “ Eenie … Meenie … Mi ney ,” Dream paused in front of the smallest of the group. He had bright red hair and a face full of freckles. “Mo,” he whispered, releasing the thread encasing the man’s freckled throat. The man’s eyes blinked back to life, and his face flooded with relief. 

The ginger smiled, eyes flooding with tears. “Oh! Thank you! I promise I’ll–” 

With the flick of a single finger, the thread whipped around, slicing his throat and forever leaving his sentence unfinished. Dream laughed, throwing his head back. 

“Oh wow ! He was so relieved to leave you all for dead! What a shitty person, right, guys?” He said, laughing as he released all of the threads attached to their throats, wishing to see their expressions. Fear was a prominent one and oh how boring. No resistance or anger at all? 

“Oh well, on to the next one!” Dream said brightly, beginning the circle yet again. “Eenie, Meenie, Miney –” 

“Dream,” a gruff voice called behind him. Dream stiffened and almost clenched his fist, dooming all of the men before him out of pure frustration. Of fucking course Technoblade would wait to show up as soon as he found a way to entertain himself. Couldn’t he wait?

Dream rolled his eyes and turned to face the taller man. “What?” he spat, waving his hand containing the threads as if to show off. 

Technoblade sighed. “We have some, uh, business to attend to? Could you wrap this up and stop monologuing?” 

Dream’s mouth, still hidden behind his mask, dropped open. “I was not monologuing you–” 

One of the men behind him laughed. “You’re screwed now you bitch! That’s The Blade !”

Dream wheeled around to face the man. Of fucking course they would start showing some attitude now when he wasn’t going to be able to play with them.  “Oh you think he’s able to save you, huh?” Dream said, free hand gesturing towards the armored man.

“Dream,” Technoblade said, approaching slowly, hands raised. Dream whirled back to face him, threads already poised to attack the warrior. Techno’s voice was soft when he spoke. “Is your hand okay?”

The words stunned Dream and the man behind him into silence. Techno stopped just a foot away before reaching to hold Dream’s right hand. Techno’s hands were warm as he gently turned Dream’s hand over before carefully removing the glove to see the nail holes hidden underneath. The man sighed before pulling out his handkerchief and pressing it into the wounds. 

Dream stood in shock for a few seconds before clenching his left fist to swing. He missed, of course. Techno was expecting it. Dream could never seem to actually catch the man off guard . But his attack resulted in the threads shredding through the several men behind him, leaving no survivors. 

Dream turned to look at the mess he had created after Techno had backed off, hands raised in surrender, one still holding the now bloody handkerchief, the other, his glove. Great . There goes his other chance for entertainment in the near future. He huffed a breath before pulling the threads towards his hands where they swiftly stitched his skin back together as he stomped back inside. 

Niki was there waiting with two drinks already prepared and sitting on Dream’s table. He nodded to her and she disappeared into the back. Techno followed behind him, enough paces away to remain out of striking distance. 

“Sit,” Dream said as he plopped into the chair, kicking the other one towards Techno. The man caught it and swirled it around, straddling it. He crossed his arms over the back and rested his chin against them. For some reason, the action infuriated Dream. 

Why did Techno NEVER let things go according to plan? He was supposed to show up when Dream was cool and collected and expecting him!

Dream suppressed the urge to attack the man again, just for the hell of it. His hands were now fixed, stitched back together with expert precision, so with a whisper of words, the threads retreated back underneath his cloak. Techno tossed his bloodied glove onto the table. 

“So, uh? What’s this ‘final cure’ you were mentionin’ to Phil?” Techno asked and Dream elected to ignore him in favor of taking a long drink to steady his nerves. 

The plan was finally beginning to be put into motion. He couldn’t afford any mistakes.

Chapter Text

Dream took a slow sip of his drink while trying to ignore the fact that it was indeed watered down. Niki was peeved at him for murdering her customers, which was fine so long as Techno’s drink had been watered down as well. His mask was lifted just enough for his lips to show and for him to drink comfortably, but he didn’t let it slip from his notice how Techno’s eyes seemed to be avoiding the exposed skin like the plague.  

He set his drink down gently, tilting his head to draw Techno’s eyes back to his mask with its movement. “Before we discuss the cure, how about we talk about how you’re going to pay me?” He spoke slowly as if physically reminding himself to stay calm and collected and try to let his frustration from earlier leak away. He leaned back, chair teetering on two legs as he kicked his feet up to rest on the table, a relaxed pose that was meant to signify that he was comfortable, in control, and had leverage . 

Techno sighed, letting his head tilt to the side slightly so it was resting on his arms that were draped across the back of the chair. The warrior looked as if he were tired and wanted to take a nap. It pissed Dream off. 

“What do you want , Dream? Not like I’m in much of a position to negotiate,” the man said boredly, eyes seeming to find Dream’s despite his being hidden behind a mask. Dream hated how he seemed to always be able to perceive him no matter how many layers of clay and cloth he hid behind. It was infuriating . 

It doesn’t matter, though. Dream’s plan was about to begin. He pulled a glass bottle out of his satchel, holding it up to study it. It was the ‘cure’ Techno was expecting. It was also a key factor in his plan.

“I want your help with a task. I’ll give you the cure upfront, since you took so damn long in getting here. Having a mindless brute being all touchy-feely with me simply won’t do,” he said, tilting his head back to expose his throat as he looked at Techno. He felt a sick satisfaction when he saw the man’s eyes linger on his throat before drifting back towards his mask. 

“What’s the task? Boiling children alive? Perhaps burning down a city?” Techno said, his usual smile drifting onto his face. 

Dream laughed, trying not to grit his teeth at just how much anger he felt at seeing that smile once again. “Since when did burning cities bother you ?” He said as playfully as he could manage. 

Techno chuckled, a sound that sent a shudder down Dream’s spine. He sat up straighter, boots hitting the floor as he turned to face the man. “I guess you’re right. But I’m supposed to be retired, y’know?” The warrior said with a shrug, as if that wasn’t a big deal.

Dream laughed again. That was a lie. It had to be. “The Blood God let you retire?” His voice held all of his disbelief and made Techno shake his head.

“You know just as I do that my Patron is nothing like yours. I won’t be killed for not being his perfect little soldier,” Techno started, sitting up straighter like he always did when he was about to lecture Dream and wanted him to listen. As if Techno making himself bigger or more intimidating would make his words hold any more value or meaning. It was expected. Techno treated everything like it was a battle.

Dream raised his hand to silence him. He wouldn’t stoop so low as to submit himself to more of Techno’s preaching. “Save it. I’m not here to listen to you try and save me from my own choice.” The only choice he had.

“Your Patron is taking advant-” the warrior started, only to be interrupted. 

“I don’t want to hear your bullshit , Techno!” Dream yelled, standing abruptly and sending his chair clattering to the floor. This was the same topic that always surfaced with them. “I’m not some damsel in distress that you can save anymore! I’m fine! I’m more powerful than ever after He saved me-” 

“You had no choice.” Techno stated in his monotone voice, as if expanding the energy to raise his voice wasn’t worth it for this conversation. Or perhaps he was trying to make Dream feel stupid for yelling. Dream wanted to throw the potion in his hand at the man’s face.

“You act like the God of Blood came to you in your best of times, you hypocrite . You were dying in a field-” Dream started, gesturing to Techno. His blood-red eyes were sign enough of the Blood God’s curse, not to mention the voices the man had told Dream about. 

“And you were about to be burned! You forget yourself-” Techo started, hand clenching into fists. And perfect . At least now Techno couldn’t keep up the facade that he was unbothered by all of this. 

“You forget yourself !” Dream cried. “You were going to stand by and watch as I burned! I had no choice but to accept his offering! Just because you feel guilt does not mean that you get to shit on the person that did save me!” Dream knew the warrior felt guilty about what had happened. But guilt was nothing compared to what Dream has felt since that day and- well, Techno himself said it best:

  “The only thing that works in this world, is that you treat others the way they treat you. Those that have treated me with kindness, I will repay that kindness tenfold, and those that treat me with injustice? I will repay that injustice a thousand times over.”

Dream would ensure that Techno would feel what it was like to burn. 

The room fell into silence, and they both stared at each other. Techno sighed again as if tired before gesturing for Dream to sit back down. Dream’s fists were starting to ache with how hard he was clenching them. The tendrils of his Patron’s void magic were swirling angrily around him, as if unconsciously trying to comfort him and ward off the perceived threat. 

“I’m sorry,” Techno said finally, guilt written plainly on his face. “That I didn’t try to save you.”

Dream laughed, a broken sound, as he tried to ignore the tears welling in his eyes. “I never needed you, y’know? Not to save me , or to protect me , or to tell me sweet little lies that would keep me by your side. I never needed you. It’s only now that I manage to rival you that you seem to realize that,” Dream said, praying that Techno didn’t notice the tear that fell from underneath his mask to land on his cloak. “Does it make you bitter? That I’m no longer vying for your attention? That I will never be at your side again?” He said, voice venomous and intending to inflict as much pain as possible onto the person sitting before him.

Techno’s eyes fell closed and his face appeared to be… sad. 

He should be upset. He deserves it. Guilty. Lair! Dream’s voice shouted in his mind. It sounded similar to XD’s own voice, although that didn’t quite make sense. 

 Techno’s voice was quiet when he finally uttered, “I regret the path you ended up following. I regret you being cursed by the God of Chaos. I regret you having to live alone, with no one by your side, ever again.” Those red eyes bore into his mask and Dream felt as if something inside of him finally broke.

Dream laughed, wondering why it came out more like a sob. “You’re fucking pathetic,” he said, not sure whether he meant himself, or Techno. He finally sat down, strings of magic pulling the fallen chair back underneath him before retreating once more. Talking with the warrior always seemed to leave him feeling exhausted. Why was Techno always so confusing ? 

Techno pushed his own drink toward Dream, who drained it. Of fucking course Niki hadn’t watered down Techno’s drink. Traitor . 

“How did your Patron react to you curing me? Since he’s the one that cursed me n’all,” Techno finally said, breaking the tense silence. 

Dream shook his head, idly longing for a much, much stronger drink. “He was fine with it. The Revival Book was well worth it.”

Techno nodded, hands drumming on the back of the chair. “Do you know why he cursed me?”

Dream huffed a small laugh. “You killed George. One of my oldest friends. Or ex-friends, I guess. Apparently, my Patron favors him as well,” Dream answered. Only telling Techno to rub in his face that he had killed someone close to Dream, hurting him once more despite all of his talk about wanting to protect him from the big, bad God that had saved his life and given him a true purpose. 

Techno’s eyes stayed on the floor, and Dream took a moment to study his face. He hadn’t aged a day since they had first met. It was a part of the Blood God’s curse, Techno had said. He was immortal, only to fall eventually in battle. He wouldn’t age or get sick, but he could be killed. Dream had not been extended the same courtesy. He would grow old, and eventually, die. If he managed to live long enough to grow old. With the chaos magic slowly consuming his life force, he would be amazed if he survived another decade. 

“I’m sorry, for that. I don’t think I recognized him. It’s all a blur, really,” there was a long pause. “Did you bring him back?” Techno asked, eyes still trained on the floor. 

Dream hummed, nodding, as Techno’s eyes lifted to stare at his mask once more. 

“Ah, good, I guess. So, uh, anyways, Dream, what was the task you needed help with, again?” Techno asked awkwardly, not at all subtle when trying to steer the conversation back towards their goal. 

“I’ll tell you later,” Dream said, voice tired. He held out his hand, and after a few moments, Techno placed his hand in it. He grabbed his dagger, slicing the man’s palm, and then uncorked the bottle to catch a few drops in it. The mixture glowed pink and Dream started the incantation, feeling the rose quartz in his pocket burn with energy as he finished the spell. 

He re-corked the bottle and tossed it to Techno, who caught it in his free hand. Dream flexed his fingers and his magic instantly wrapped around Techno’s hand, swiftly stitching the injury closed. As soon as it was done, Dream dropped the man’s hand and motioned towards the bottle, feigning boredom. 

“Drink that. It’ll get rid of whatever remains of the curse,” he said, closing his eyes and leaning back in the chair. 

“What is it?” Techno said after a long moment. Dream opened his eyes to see the man studying the liquid. 

“The cure , dumbass. Now drink. We should start moving so we don’t get stuck out in the snow after sunset,” Dream said, standing and throwing a few coins on the table for Niki before turning to stare at the armor-clad warrior. He was screaming in his head for the idiot to just drink the damn thing. It was imperative that he ingest the potion for his plan to come to fruition. 

Techno finally downed the potion before standing to follow Dream. “Okay, but if you just poisoned me, that’s not cool at all,” he said before following Dream out of the door, murmuring about drinking his own blood and how it was not cool and how ‘they’ (presumably the voices) need to stop teasing him about it.

“Oh no, it’s not poison , but it might make your piggy ears and tail return,” Dream said with a small laugh. It wasn’t technically a lie. It wasn’t poison, but it wasn’t the cure, either. No, he had permanently lifted the curse when he had used the blood tie all those days ago. This was a love potion. A very potent one. One that was going to help Technoblade learn just how dangerous attachments could be. 

“Oh god , not you too. I’m hurt. You know my pride is the one thing I have left, Dream. Please, it’s very fragile,” Techno said, clutching his chest in mock pain, his other hand patting at his temple as if to quiet the voices.

Dream couldn’t help but laugh again, not at the man’s attempt at humor, but at how hilarious it would be when he finally killed the seemingly unkillable warrior all due to a love potion and the man’s forced attachment to Dream. How perfect, for the man that betrayed Dream and was his first true lesson on just how painful attachments could become yet also the one that always degraded Dream for following XD’s path in cutting all attachments… How amazing would it be for Dream to prove him wrong by letting the man fall madly in love with him before shoving a knife in his throat? Or tying him to a pyre to burn? He laughed again, Techno, oblivious, joined him.

His laughter died when he saw the horse across the clearing. This horse, unlike Spirit, had a tail that swished and it was mouthing at the hitching post it was tied to, weight shifting and saddle creaking as it moved. This horse was alive . Dream winced underneath his mask at the guilt growing within him. Not only that, but as soon as Dream drew near the horse, it began angrily stomping the ground, head rearing, obviously uncomfortable with Dream, as most animals tended to be after he inherited his Patron’s power. It was instinctual to fear chaos. 

Shit . The realization that he no longer had a horse hit him. Not that he didn’t have Spirit , but that he didn’t have a horse . He would have to travel on foot. And Techno probably wouldn’t be too keen on walking and leaving his horse here unattended. 

Well, so much for planning this to perfection .

Techno seemed to come to the same conclusion. “It’s fine. We can both ride Carl,” the man said dismissively as if it wouldn’t be awkward at all. And great . The poor horse would probably be terrified and Techno would watch as the horse refused to let Dream near it. 

One of the things Dream lost when he accepted his Patron was life. Animals feared him, hated him. They would run from him. Plants usually thrived when he cared for them, but if he used his magic in their presence, they would die. Chaos magic absorbed the life around it in order to function. Dream’s chaos magic was devouring his soul, but it would also feed on anything and everything, everyone , around it as well. It was why he was the most effective on a large battlefield when he was surrounded by death. 

Animals were smart. They may not have known that his magic stole years from their life if activated around them, but they knew enough to avoid it. 

Techno shushed the horse and talked softly to it and it calmed as he untied it from the hitching post, its eyes and ears trained on Dream. He lifted a hand to pet it, offering his scent and watching for signs of aggression. 

The horse didn’t offer much of a warning before it snapped at Dream’s hand and reared. Dream stepped back while Techno tried to calm his horse. It was humiliating. The only horse that had ever let him near it was Spirit back when he was still alive. 

How funny that the initial reason he had learned witchcraft was to help and treat sick animals, but it had ultimately led to the death of his most treasured pet. 

Techno finally managed to calm the animal before motioning for Dream to come closer. He tried again, offering his hand and the horse looked at it, still obviously uncomfortable, so Dream lowered it again. 

“I can walk; it’s fine,” he started, turning away from the horse but Techno shook his head. 

“Nah, it’ll be fine, come on. Carl won’t buck,” he said, before swinging into the saddle. He smiled at Dream before offering his hand, as if he was some date being given a ride. Dream scoffed, swatting the hand away, only to notice Techno’s foot occupying the stirrup. He wouldn’t have a way to pull himself up without looking like an idiot. The ass was forcing his hand. Besides, the horse was still staring at him, and Dream knew that if he didn’t get on soon, he’d probably end up with a hoof to the stomach. 

Techno seemed to know it, too, a teasing smile dancing on his lips as he offered his hand to Dream once again. The masked man took it, eventually, cursing as Techno pulled him to sit behind him on his steed. 

Fucker , Dream thought as the man steered the horse away from the hitching post. It wouldn’t matter, though. The man would soon be crawling at Dream’s feet for just a smidge of attention, and Dream would give it, in the form of a knife. Besides, he would have to play along to some degree until he was sure the potion had taken full effect. That could take anywhere from 6 to 8 hours. Which was why this ‘mission’ would be a perfect excuse to stall. He couldn’t have Techno getting suspicious.

“Which way?” Dream heard the monotone voice drawl and he had the urge to ignore him. That, however, would probably be a waste of time and most likely wouldn’t even bother the man much. Nothing ever really seemed to. 

“North,” he finally spat, hands resting behind him to help keep his balance as the horse started moving. No way in hell he would hold onto fucking Technoblade. 

“Well, alright. Teammates, yet again, am I right, bud?” Techno said, trying and failing to hide his amusement. 

Dream shoved the man’s head forward and Techno laughed, urging his horse suddenly into a canter in retaliation and startling Dream, who grabbed the man’s shoulder to steady himself, before cursing. 

Asshole!

Techno’s horse was fast. He had given the name of a town that was 6 hours away, leaving just enough time for Dream to have his fun with the spell before luring the man to a scenic place for him to die. However, Carl had gotten them there in just under 5 hours. How annoying. 

Not to mention Techno murmuring to the voices almost the entire ride. It was nostalgic, in a way.

“Where to now?” Techno asked once his horse’s hooves were striking cobblestone paths and not the dirt of the forest ground. They were in the town and Dream looked around, needing another place to stall for just a bit longer. 

“There,” Dream said, pointing to a food stall. 

Techno turned to give him a look and Dream simply tilted his head in response. The ass had the gall to roll his eyes in full view before turning back around and guiding his horse through the crowded town square to the hitching post beside the food stall. He dismounted before reaching a hand to Dream. 

Dream considered, before accepting the hand as he slid off of the horse’s back. Techno righted him, still holding his hand for a few moments longer than necessary before turning to hitch his steed. 

The potion must be taking effect sooner than Dream had thought. 

He smiled underneath his mask before walking toward the man behind the counter. A few moments later, Techno joined him. They both ordered their food, before taking a seat at the wooden table in front of the shop. There were eyes trained on them both. Dream most likely for the mask and Techno most likely because of the crown, bright red cape, and now very pink hair. Neither of them were very subtle in their appearance. Still, Dream never really minded the eyes. 

“Y’know, Dream, if you wanted to take me out to dinner, you could have just asked,” Techno said, shit-eating grin on full display. 

Dream threw the salt canister at him. 

Techno laughed, leaning back as if this was the most enjoyable time he’s had in a long time. Afterward, they sat in silence, Dream thumbing over the ring hanging around his neck, enjoying watching Techno’s eyes track the movement. This spell would be quite enjoyable and he would make sure to take full advantage. 

Techno seemed to have fallen into a daze, or was either deep in thought, as he stared at the golden necklace draped delicately across Dream’s fingers as he toyed with it. The man’s attention was finally pulled away as the man running the food stand called for them, announcing that their food was ready. 

“I got it,” Techno said, turning to leave, only to return with both of their meals. 

Dream lifted his mask to expose his mouth, ensuring to smile thankfully at the food, tracking Techno’s eyes as they traced his lips. It was a mental battle to keep his smile from turning cruel. His plan seemed to be working perfectly. 

The sun was finally beginning to set, marking the beginning of the time frame where the potion would be the most effective. Dream had led Techno to a part of the woods, telling him lies of how they were going to meet with a powerful sorcerer that would be protected by members of their coven. Dream was supposed to be making a trade with them, reviving one of their members in order to gain an artifact that their coven protected. 

Techno had nodded, obviously uninterested, but eyes watching Dream’s every move. They left Carl several minutes ago, Dream wanting to approach the ‘coven’ on foot. Techno had followed wordlessly.

Once they had reached a small clearing, Dream felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned, only to see serious red eyes staring at him. There was a hand slowly reaching for his hood, then gently pulling it down. Then, the hand was on the buckle to his mask, slowly undoing it, as if giving Dream every opportunity to deny him. The mask clattered to the ground, leaving red eyes staring back into green ones. 

The air was thick between them as Techno ran his thumb across Dream’s bottom lip. 

The spell was working beautifully. 

“Not a single scar from that day, huh?” Techno muttered, eyebrows drawing together as if in concern. 

Could he still feel guilt even while under the spell? Ha! Serves him right. Dream hoped he felt immense guilt even while he bled out on the forest floor. 

His hand palmed the handle of his dagger. He let his mouth fall open, and Techno’s hand moved to hold the side of his face, thumb still running over his bottom lip. 

“Can I kiss you?” The man whispered, and Dream smiled, before leaning forwards. He let his eyes fall shut, a part of him wanting this last kiss between them. The very last time he’d ever be in Technoblade’s presence. 

Just before their lips met, however, there was a harsh grip on his wrist, stopping him from drawing his dagger. Then, there was a hand covering his mouth, preventing their lips from meeting. Dream, confused, blinked his eyes open to see Techno looking down at him, giving him an almost disappointed look. 

“Even without your mask, you could still lie to my face?” 

The man sighed, hand relaxing from where it had gripped Dream’s wrist. He ran his thumb over Dream’s pulse point, eyes drifting down to see the dagger’s handle still in Dream’s grip. “So this was your plan? You didn’t think I would recognize a simple love potion, Dream ?” Dream was stunned to silence and Techno laughed, a sad sound that was too quiet before he straightened. “I have dated one of the most notorious witches on the server, y’know?” The man drawled, laughter sounding more genuine this time. 

The potion … didn’t work? How? Dream thought, hand still gripping the dagger. Had enough time not passed? Perhaps it had already worn off? Dream dropped his eyes to the ground. He wasn’t sure how to act and he didn’t trust his face not to show his expression. He would never let Techno see him afraid. Never again .

“Luckily for me,” the man said, thumb still rubbing Dream’s wrist almost apologetically. “That same little witch gave me a gift that would defend against spells such as this one,” he said, voice proud as the hand covering Dream’s mouth left to pull out a shadow quartz crystal dangling on a leather cord hanging around the man’s neck. The crystal had been hidden underneath the man’s clothes but as soon as Dream saw it, he recognized it. He had enchanted it himself, after all.

It had been the first gift Dream had ever given him.  It held powerful protective energies as well as a spell to hide its presence so as not to attract the attention of other witches. Must have been why he hadn’t detected it himself.

No, Dream had forgotten about it entirely . Techno had always refused to wear it, stating that Dream could defend him against magic and that he preferred shields anyhow. The quartz was powerful . After performing the ritual to enchant it, it had taken a full three days to recover. The spell had left him exhausted from the amount of power he had infused into the stone. Techno had cared for him during those three days, chastising him the entire time about how he didn’t understand the reasoning for doing that to himself over a ‘rock’. With an enchantment like that crystal held, the love potion would have been entirely ineffective. 

Dream gritted his teeth. He had failed. One simple oversight and his plans fell apart. As they always did with Technoblade. And now, Techno was going to kill him. 

“Besides, a love potion was a waste of your energy. It wouldn’t have been able to do much anyway,” the man said, hand holding his wrist drifting downwards to intertwine their fingers, making Dream release the dagger’s handle at last. 

Dream’s mouth fell open once more. Did this bastard just admit to loving him?!

Then, there was a hand on his waist gently tugging him forwards. Dream’s eyes fell shut and his head dipped even lower, so the taller man couldn’t see his face. He was fucking confused. His mind bounced around from thoughts of how dare Techno mess up his plan once again and admit his love as if it was a weapon to the small happiness that blossomed from still being cared about by someone. Lies . This was simple deceit and manipulation, just like what XD does. 

Dream was incapable of being loved. Techno would eventually betray him once more, abandoning him to the flames. Dream shuddered. 

Techno pulled him closer and Dream resists the urge to let himself fall into the man. He knew that if he did, Techno would accept it, wrapping his arms around him leaving Dream feeling secure, small, and safe. He knew that the man would hold him and wrap him in his cape as if to hide him from the rest of the world. 

He knew that if he let himself fall towards the man, that it would feel like home. And oh, how traitorous and dangerous a thought like that was. 

Techno sighed heavily and Dream swayed on his feet. Once again, his plans had failed and Techno was the one in control. His head was spinning. Wasn’t this how they always ended up?

But wasn’t that what had initially attracted him to Techno? Having someone that he couldn’t control or manipulate had been exciting . Someone on equal footing to himself. A dangerous game. One that he had clearly lost, yet again. 

So he surrendered fully, falling into the man’s chest, immediately being caught by strong arms that wrapped around him, just like he knew they would. There was a warm hand on the back of his head, tucking his face into the crook of the taller man’s neck, fingers carding their way through Dream’s golden curls. 

Dream breathed a sigh of relief. He had missed this feeling. He knew the safety that Techno offered would be ripped out from underneath his feet eventually, but for right now, he elected to enjoy what little time they had together. 

Something was going to break. No way in hell Dream would be allowed some ridiculous ‘happy ever after’. No, his Patron would ensure that chaos reigned. 

Dream wasn’t allowed happy endings. He sure as hell wouldn’t be allowed to talk his way out of getting rid of this attachment. No, Techno would still die or would kill Dream to save himself. There would be no other way, Dream was sure of it. No, this , whatever ‘this’ was, would only make their ending more painful.

Chapter Text

Technoblade knew that this would be a trap. He knew Dream far too well to not be suspicious. The first red flag was that Dream hadn’t managed to cure him the first time. Dream didn’t do sloppy spells. He sure as hell had never needed to perform a ritual twice in order to complete it. This whole ‘cure’ thing that Phil had told him about was surely just a way for Dream to get Techno to come to him. 

This was about revenge, that much he was sure of. 

When he first spotted Dream in the clearing, he was surrounded by terrified people and blood. And boy did that get the voices excited. 

      Ohh! DREAM

BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD

              GUYTS ITS DREAM

TEchno help him dumbass

               Ion think the green man needs help :(

   BLOOD

             BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD

I knew i liked this teletubby!

            DREEEAAM

    DREAM! 

            We found him! 

He shushed them while hitching his horse and making his way over to the man he was here to kill. The masked man was laughing, standing over a young boy who was sliced to bits and bleeding all over the forest floor. 

Niki was sure not going to be happy about the mess right in front of her establishment.  

“Oh well, on to the next one!” Dream said almost cheerfully as he began to circle the men once more. It struck Techno just how hateful Dream was now. It was such a stark contrast from the man Techno remembered. The version of Dream that lives in his memories had taught himself magic for the sole reason of trying to treat the injured animals being poached in his forest. Animals were being trapped for their horns or even hooves and then either left for dead or killed and used for food. Dream had been a hunter, but his forest had been under his protection. The animal populations were suffering, so Dream taught himself magic to try and heal the injured animals he came across. Of course, Dream had adapted the magic he had learned to combat for the reason of destroying the source of his forest’s problems (the poachers), but initially, his magic was meant to be used for medicinal purposes. 

It was why he wielded threads . He could stitch injuries closed or pull broken bones back into place with extreme precision. It was impressive magic. He used his magic to help. Maybe not to help people, seeing as the man had never really taken kindly to anything but animals, but this cruelty was unnerving. The Dream Techno remembered wouldn’t have been capable of this.

One of his fondest memories was of a specific night many moons ago when Techno and Dream were making their way back towards town after Dream had brought him to introduce him to Niki. Snow had thickly coated the ground, making it difficult to trek their way through the forest resulting in them still being out way past dark. The monsters began making their way out of the caves, and the absence of the sun resulted in freezing temperatures. Techno had been somewhat worried about his travel companion, fretting that the smaller man might die of hypothermia quicker than himself. 

Dream, however, had been much more focused on the small whimpering coming from somewhere in the dark and had somehow managed to convince Techno to waste their time looking for the source of the pitiful sound. Techno still isn’t sure why he followed the man through the dark forest, helping fight off monsters and bearing the cold just to try to find what sounded like an injured animal. But Techno never could resist following blindly after the other. Wasn’t that what he was doing right now? Following Dream to Niki’s bar despite knowing he was walking into a trap?

Dream had finally found the animal after almost a full hour of the shorter dragging Techno through the forest in what felt like circles following nothing but a sound and Dream’s gut feeling. They were aided by some magic floaty things that led the witch to the large wolf caught in a bear trap. They were wisps, he thought, trying to recall what Dream had told him about them. He hadn’t been paying too much attention, much more concerned with ensuring stray arrows were blocked by his shield and that no creeper was able to sneak up on the very distracted witch. 

As soon as Dream’s eyes landed on the wolf, he dropped to his knees and scooted towards it, hands reaching out to pet it. Techno remembers grabbing Dream by the shoulder and pulling him back, scolding him because this was a wild animal they were dealing with. A wild injured animal separated from its pack and most likely terrified out of its mind. Dream had laughed and brushed him off before reaching forward and booping the wolf’s nose. 

Techno had been dumbfounded and elected to stay silent and do as he was told as Dream instructed him to help remove the trap and then stand guard as Dream used his magic (his magic, no chaos magic or void threads in sight) to stitch the wolf’s leg closed before using the last of his healing potion to ensure it wouldn’t become infected. The wolf’s tail was wagging, tongue swiping at Dream’s hand whenever it was in range to thank the witch as he worked. 

Techno distinctly remembers the soft-spoken and sweet words Dream had whispered to the animal and to the wisps that were surely in the way. Despite the wisps floating right in the witch’s face and nudging the wolf on the ground causing it to whine softly in pain, Dream never yelled at them, just gently brushed them aside and asked softly for them to wait just a moment. Techno had stood guard over the witch and his new friends as he scanned the forest for enemies, but really, his ears were strained to try and listen to the soft words and the gentle songs Dream would sing as he worked.  

He had been the one to argue that all of this effort was pointless and that the wolf would die no matter what since it no longer had a pack. A hunter would find it soon enough and finish it off. That had earned him a glare from the maskless face in front of him and a snarl from the wolf on the ground, now basically lying in Dream’s lap as the witch tried to thank each individual wisp for helping. 

That was the day that Techno learned to keep his mouth shut. Because of course what else was there to do but make Techno carry the very heavy wolf while they searched for the animal’s pack until sunrise? A whopping six hours later had Techno bent over, hands on his knees as he tried to catch his breath from the exhausting trek as Dream led the limping wolf towards the group of other wolves near the edge of the forest that they had finally managed to stumble across. 

He watched, wiping the sweat from his brow before it could get in his eyes as the young witch seemed to glow an iridescent white as he approached the wolves as if they were old friends. The wild animals seemed to take to him immediately, either ignoring the witch or asking for pets all while sniffing at their returned pack member. 

Techno had learned a lot about Dream that day. For one, he learned how to pick his battles. Arguing with Dream about helping an animal would lead to nothing but him, on his ass, being dragged by magic threads through the forest. The second thing he learned was that Dream was not a violent man by nature.

But this Dream? There was a sadistic lilt to his voice and he seemed confident and proud to be inflicting pain on the men helpless at his feet. He was acting like the poachers he had once denounced for cruelly playing with their prey. Inflicting unnecessary pain just because they could. 

“Eenie, meenie, miney –”  And, okay. This had gone on long enough. It made Techno sick to see the drastic difference between this Dream and the one he had known. The one he had left to die. 

He may very well be the cause for this change. 

“Dream,” he called, hating how his stomach dropped when the man finally turned to face him, despite not being able to see the man’s face. Still, the anger was almost palpable as Dream glared at him. 

“What?!” He near-shouted, raising the hand encased in a multitude of threads as if to show off. 

Techno sighed again, just to see the man’s fingers twitch. It was always so easy to make Dream mad, but this anger was something much deeper. It was true hatred, not something that suited him. He prayed the hatred wasn’t solely directed towards himself, but he wasn’t going to get his hopes up. He just needed to stay focused, forget the damn memories that seemed to be fighting their way into his mind, and finish the job here. He had business to handle that would most likely end in bloodshed, if not the death of one of them. He couldn’t bear to let it drag on for longer than necessary. If that happened, he would most likely get comfortable or start reminiscing which would just make things more difficult. No, this needed to go ahead and finish, before Techno and the voices started getting ideas. 

“We have some, uh, business to attend to? Could you wrap this up and stop monologuing?” And okay, sue him. Sure Dream was already mad and sure he had people’s lives in his grasp, but the chat was spamming that he sounded like a monologuing villain and it was true and funny so Techno had to say it, okay? 

Sure enough, the words had their intended effect and Dream paused, as if stunned before trying (and failing) to defend himself. 

“I was not monologuing you–” 

One of the men behind Dream laughed, a very ugly sound. “You’re screwed now you bitch! That’s The Blade !” And oh no. That all but signed the man’s fate, surely not Techno’s fault at all. Chat was mad, too. Well, some of them because the man ‘interrupted their moment’ and others thought he was funny and liked how Dream stiffened, very offended at being called a bitch. It was very similar to what had happened the first time Dream had met Tommy. Most of the voices were still chanting for blood, all too happy that Dream looked very intent on killing the men all right then. 

Techno , however, was very tired from the long trip and just wanted to sit down and have a few moments of peace before the inevitable battle between him and the man before him. And god it would be a battle. Whether with words, trickery, or blades, one of them would most likely end up very, very dead.  

“Oh, you think he’s able to save you, huh?” Dream yelled, hand wildly gesturing towards Techno, who glimpsed blood spots appear at his feet. He looked at Dream and noticed how his glove was soaked in blood. Both of them, in fact. The chat appeared to notice, too, and now there were a myriad of voices shouting at Techno to kill whoever dared do this to Dream. 

Honestly, it was as if they had forgotten they were meant to kill the man themselves. “Guys, if I had to take a guess, the culprit is the dead guy over there,” he whispered before taking a step towards the green cloaked sorcerer before him. 

“Dream?” He called, successfully getting the man to face him again as he strode closer until he was within arm’s reach. “Is your hand okay?” He asked before reaching for a hand and carefully removing the glove to look at the damage. Thankfully, it wasn’t the wrist or the arteries within them that had been damaged. He pulled out his handkerchief and pressed it into the man’s palm, staring down at the much smaller and much colder hand held within his own. 

Honestly, the punch had somewhat surprised him. The voices were the ones that noticed and told him to dodge. He backed away, trying to keep his focus on the furious man before him and not the bloodbath only meters behind. 

The voices were acting as if the minuscule display of Dream’s power and ruthlessness had made them fall in love with the man all over again. Seriously, no matter how much they teased him about it, Techno swore they were just as much, if not more, whipped than he was. 

When Dream had handed him the potion, he had recognized it immediately. He had seen the man make some of them to sell out of Niki’s shop before. Sure, he knew nothing about magic, but the very pink color of the liquid inside and the fact that it had to have the victim’s blood in the ritual as well? No doubt this was a love potion. 

He wasn’t sure what Dream intended to do with it, but chat had gotten their hopes up. 

LOVE POTION?!? POG

       Dream wants us back ! 

 DREAM

             don’t fuck this up for us a second time pig boi

Dude this gotta be a trap

                  TRAP! 

    Def a trap

Nah dream wouldn’t do that

            Oh so your dumb

    Teletubby would def do that

          Guys we are literally here to kill him

   You believed techno when he said that? 

                technosimp 

        L

   Simpnoblade  L

“What is it?” He asked, despite knowing full well what it was. Would Dream lie to him straight to his face? He knew he would, but for some reason just needed to double-check. 

“The cure , dumbass. Now drink. We should start moving so we don’t get stuck out in the snow after sunset,” Dream declared before standing to leave. The mask gazed down at him for a few long moments before Techno surrendered and downed the potion. 

“Okay, but if you just poisoned me, that’s not cool at all,” he said while following the other outside.

Ew. not what we meant when we say blood for the blood god techno

                  Wtf why did we drink that

Cause Techno’s a simp

            Whats the word for drinking blood again?

 L

     Vampire?

             No dumbass its hematophagy

Simpnoblade

     Great now we’re gonna die

              L

          Wth who cares its still gross

 Witches are weird man

“Oh no, it’s not poison , but it might make your piggy ears and tail return,” Dream said teasingly in a painstakingly familiar way. 

And oh god did that rile chat up all over again. They were always so active and vibrant around Dream. They must have missed him a bit too. Dream was one of the only people that spoke directly to chat, other than Phil and himself of course. 

Techno rambled the first things that popped into his mind in an effort to keep the relaxed conversation flowing, but also in an effort to hide his hurt. He had consumed a potion that Dream probably intended to ultimately kill Techno. Dream was acting right now. He was preparing to kill Techno. Every small move from Dream was most likely calculated with the intention of luring Techno in. Dream was a hunter, after all. Or at least, he used to be. 

After they had both mounted Carl and headed off to the village Dream wanted to take him to, they finally fell into silence. Techno spoke softly with the voices and to Carl (who was acting very odd around Dream),  for most of the way, but mainly to try and occupy himself. Memories were trying to surface and they were such sweet, yet bitter thoughts. 

How could Dream have possibly ended up this way? The same Dream that used to hunt animals, always preferring to use humane traps to outsmart his quarry, now uses those same tactics to lure people, to lure Techno into their own downfall. How could a hunter that initially picked up witchcraft to help the animals of his forest with the poachers and the threat of extinction that plagued the many creatures in his forest turn into the very thing he used to hate?

Dream taught himself witchcraft with the intention to save the different animals that lived in the forest he frequented, despite being a hunter . The forest he called his home. The forest he took care of. How did a witch that used to have deer and wolves wander into their campsite with the need to seek Dream out for help… How on earth did he turn into the witch of chaos that scared away every living thing for miles when he activated his magic? Even Carl, who didn’t startle at fireworks or wolves or Tommy … even Carl was frightened of Dream. 

It was heartbreaking, especially since Techno was solely responsible. He had already killed Dream, or at least the Dream he used to know. And now Techno would probably be forced to kill Dream again just to save himself but God would that hurt. The voices would probably haunt him about it forever, angry with him. Hell, as if he wouldn’t be beating himself up for it for the rest of his immortal life. 

But still, it wasn’t like he would let Dream kill him and then continue on this path he ‘chose’. He’d rather the man be dead than continue to serve the God of Chaos.  

When Dream had led him into the forest with the excuse that they were meeting with some coven or something, Techno had followed him without question, like he always did. This was going to be painful. They had walked for almost a full mile before Techno pulled Dream to a stop. He couldn’t bear to let this go on. Each step felt like he was strolling into a graveyard meant just for them. He wanted to find out right now whether Dream would actually be willing to kill him. And if he was , well, then Techno would put him down, and return to Phil, safe, as he had promised. He couldn’t afford to die here.

Dream turned to face him, and Techno slowly reached for his hood. Dream allowed him to lower it, exposing his soft, golden hair. He took a slow breath before allowing his hand to reach upwards and card their way through the locks before resting against the leather buckle keeping the mask secure. The mask was nothing but a sign of ownership, telling the world that Dream belonged to the God of Chaos and served him in whatever twisted little coven the God had procured. 

When Dream didn’t move away, Techno undid the buckle, breath catching in his throat as the mask fell, leaving Dream’s face on full display. The man seemed almost excited about what was happening, and Techno felt a pain in his chest at the notion that Dream might be happy at the thought of killing him . The mask finally hit the ground with a thud, resting in the dirt where it belonged. 

Techno wanted to smash that stupid mask into a thousand pieces and bury each one, so that Dream would never be able to wear it again. That mockery of the profession he had initially practiced to help people. To help animals and the forest that he loved. Techno wondered if Dream had even gone back to that place where he used to live, where his old God resided. To the place where he had brought Techno to show off each animal that he knew by name. The animals would approach them fearlessly since they all trusted Dream with their lives. 

He wanted to stomp on the mask and crush it right now, but that would distract them both from their goals. Instead, he reached a hand towards pale skin and brushed soft hair out of the other's face, tracing his fingers delicately against freckled skin before resting his calloused hand on the side of Dream’s face, running his thumb over the man’s bottom lip. The skin was soft and smooth, and Techno’s eyes traced them gently, wondering if this would be the last time he would be able to see this man’s face. Pictures flashed in his mind of this same face contorted in agony as flames consumed flesh and bone or of these same lips being coated in blood as Techno held a sword running through the other's gut. Another image of those lips turned pale, eyes lifeless made Techno sigh, eyes closing momentarily to try and ward off the dark thoughts. He had to be prepared to face this. He was here to kill Dream. He had to, if he wanted to ensure the safety of his family.

Dream leaned into his battle-scarred hand, a smile dancing across his lips. This wasn’t his old smile. No, it didn't bring butterflies to Techno’s stomach and make him long to just wrap Dream up in his cloak and drag him to his home with the intention to beg him to stay for the rest of his life. No, this smile was insincere. It promised deceit and destruction. Dream had changed so much, and yet he looked exactly the same.

“Not a single scar from that day, huh?” He said, wanting to see the anger flash across Dream’s features and confirm his suspicion. Not that he needed any more confirmation that this was a trap, but still. Sure enough, there was a tightness to his jaw, eyes showing pure malice at the mention of that day. Techno paid close attention to the other's tells, thankful that he knew the man well enough to detect the slight micro-expressions. For Dream to be such a good liar to strangers, once you knew his tells, it was almost easy to pick apart the deceit. 

He saw movement below him but didn’t dare look down. It would mess up their little game. Dream’s hand was resting on his dagger, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

And, well, Techno wasn’t going to deny him that perfect moment. “Can I kiss you?” he whispered, pain bleeding through his voice. There was that brief, beautiful smile full of lies before that mouth fell open in invitation. Dream’s eyes drifted closed and Techno glanced down to the man’s hand, seeing it tighten minutely around the handle of his knife. Dream leaned closer, and Techno watched his face for just a moment before grabbing the man’s wrist, just as he was about to draw his blade. He then placed his hand gently over Dream’s mouth, preventing their lips from sharing the kiss that Techno guiltily longed for. 

Green, mesmerizing, and confused eyes blinked up at him, and even the voices were silent, waiting for his next move. 

“Even without your mask, you could still lie to my face?” Techno’s eyes were a little wet, but thankfully, Dream dropped his head as if in shame, not noticing. The man would have only used it as more ammunition against him. 

He relaxed his grip on the other’s wrist, thumb brushing against the smooth skin. Dream was trembling slightly, and Techno wondered if it was from anger or fear. He sighed again. This was turning out to be quite a draining day. 

“So this was your plan? You didn’t think I would recognize a simple love potion, Dream ? I have dated one of the most notorious witches on the server, y’know?” He said with a small laugh, desperate to make light of this dreary situation. He was still going to have to kill the man in his arms. Dream couldn’t be trusted and there was no way to avoid this conflict without endangering either himself or Phil. No, Techno would handle this to ensure his own family's safety. That had to come first.

When Dream didn’t respond, Techno continued: “Luckily for me, that same little witch gave me a gift that would defend against spells such as this one.” He took his hand off of Dream’s mouth and reached beneath his shirt to pull out the rock secured to a leather cord. Dream had gifted this protective amulet to him. Honestly, Techno was a little stunned that it had worked and prevented the potion from having an effect. He knew logically that it would; Dream never made faulty rock things or potions. But to be saved by a rock was a little weird . 

Dream seemed stunned when he saw the rock. It was the look of betrayal. Techno had used something gifted to him by Dream to ultimately go against him. Dream would see this as a betrayal and it would only stoke the fires of the man’s hatred.

Still, Dream didn’t speak, eyes staring at the rock around his neck, surprisingly not furious, but sad. Scared almost. Techno let his thumb still over Dream's pulse point on his wrist, feeling how the man's heart was racing. Techno's own heart wasn't in much better shape, feeling almost painful as it pounded in his chest. 

“Besides, a love potion was a waste of your energy. It wouldn’t have been able to do much anyway,” Techno drawled, face heating up slightly at the admission. ‘ If you wanted me to become attached to you, you didn’t have to do anything.’  Techno thought, heart still painfully beating in his chest as if trying to break through his ribcage. He let his fingers trail down Dream’s wrist before interconnecting their fingers, finally forcing Dream to let go of the knife. The other's hand was slightly shaking, so Techno squeezed in what he hoped was comforting. He stood there for a moment in silence, swaying them slightly on their feet as he studied the top of Dream’s head, the other having dropped their eyes from the amulet back to the ground, mouth still open in shock. 

He finally dropped the necklace to let it rest against his chest once more and moved his other hand to Dream’s waist before tugging him forward. The other relented after a moment, falling into him and catching himself with both hands pressing against Techno’s chest. Techno immediately tucked the witch under his chin and wrapped his other arm around him. His hand was buried in golden locks, pressing the man into his neck as he dipped his head and pressed his lips into the soft hair. His other arm was keeping them flush with each other, both of Dream’s hands resting on Techno’s chest, squished between their bodies. 

This was their game, but it wasn’t finished. There hadn’t been a victor yet. 

               This is so sad. 

Dream hates us? 

       TRAITOR

It's called a crystal Techno, not a rock. 

            But my rival duo…

Dream! Just hate Techno we didn’t do anything

        No more dnb crumbs? :( 

    L

L

   TRAITOR!

      L

BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD!

       Goddammit techno

L

       DReam??

  blood for the blood god?

          BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD

Snap his neck!

    Noooo just apologize! And kill XD

YEAH! KILL THE GODS! 

        Kill XD! 

‘ Who the hell is XD ,’ Techno thought distantly, always feeling as if the voices were somewhat omniscient and leaving out critical details. But, it was tempting to listen to them either way. He had control over Dream’s head and both of the other’s hands were squished between them. He could just reach his other hand up and snap the witch’s neck and it would be done with it. He lowered his head, resting his face against soft hair and breathing in the scent he had grown quite familiar with. Dream always smelled like a storm brewing on the horizon. Electrifying and dangerous, yet promising life with its rain. 

He was going to miss this . It would be painful, impossibly so, to return home alone, after having to bury one of the most important people in his life in a forest where no one other than Techno himself would ever know to visit. Dream deserved so much more than an unmarked grave.

He hesitantly slid his other hand up Dream’s back, mentally preparing himself for the worst. His eyes were watering fully, hands shaking, as the voices were screaming and warring in his mind of what they should do. The majority were thinking to lock Dream up and kill this ‘XD’ guy as if that would fix all of their problems. Some were screaming for Dream’s blood while others were sad and oddly quiet, whispering for Techno to ‘ stop, please stop, you’ll regret it.’ 

The voices continued, pleading with him to do eighty different things and nothing all at the same time. They would be no help here. This was Techno’s decision, no, his responsibility . If he failed and Dream ended up killing Phil or tracking down Tommy or Wilbur, he would never be able to forgive himself. 

Both hands were in Dream’s hair now, moving to their places, and Dream tensed, before relaxing fully as if giving in to his fate. The man knew. He had to. But he was still resting against Techno as if submitting himself to his death. It made Techno hesitate.

That was when he felt the tug around his neck. 

The necklace. Without that, at this close of a range, Dream could slice Techno to bits with Techno not even having enough time or space to draw his sword. He wouldn’t even have time to snap the man’s neck.

Even this far into their game, Dream was offering nothing but tricks. His ‘surrender’ had made Techno hesitate and now they were at a standstill.

They both froze, Techno ready to snap Dream’s neck, and Dream from ripping Techno’s leverage right off of his neck, when they heard a voice. 

“That’s them! The traitor to the state and the witch of the devil! I told you I saw them!” a person yelled and Dream shoved himself harshly off of Techno, pulling the necklace with him, and once again Techno couldn’t hold on tight enough to keep Dream from leaving. 

Techno drew his sword, ignoring the probably very angry and murderous crowd behind them to face the only real threat. 

Dream was faced away, the amulet clasped tightly in one hand, the other reaching towards his mask. The green threads obediently retrieved it from where it laid at Techno’s feet before buckling it behind the man’s head. The black threads, however, were angry, swirling, and almost seeming out of control as they lashed out at their surroundings. Full tree limbs were being sliced as if made of sand before crashing to the ground. The birds that had been in the trees were fleeing in the dozens as Dream made his magic known. The threads were moving so fast that the wind was picking up, dirt swirling from where it had been to cloud the air. 

“There they are! Kill them!” Another voice cried, and that’s when Techno smelled smoke. 

He turned, seeing several cloaked figures appear from the treeline. 

Great more witches. 

         KILL THEM! 

God witches suck 

      BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD

L 

      Not dream tho guys

Dream literally tried to kill us

          Guys i promise he just did it for the plot 

   Yall a bunch of simps

      Oooh i love when dream kills people with the string things

 BLOOD!

          I wish i had popcorn

The clearing was being encased in flames, a ring forming around them and preventing any easy escape. Dream turned to face them, threads immediately attacking the witches. Some managed to dodge, others block, but out of the seven, two had already fallen victim to Dream. The threads wrapped around them, and they began to draw their weapons, mouths falling open and incantations being ripped from their throats as they suddenly attacked the witches from their own coven. 

Dream laughed, a broken maniacal sounding thing, as he himself attacked Techno. 

Techno was immediately on defense, trying his damnedest just to keep the threads from ripping into any vital organs. There were so many and without his necklace, he was surely going to die eventually. Already, he could feel the threads he couldn’t deflect quickly enough tear through his arms and legs, but he was moving nonstop to prevent them from grabbing hold. Still, just from the injuries he had already sustained after only moments of fighting, he would bleed out unless he got medical attention or a healing potion. He couldn’t keep pace with this. The injuries were slowing him down, allowing the threads to tear further and further into his flesh. He was slicing through threads and destroying so many of them, but they seemed infinite in number, not to mention they were so thin that they were hard to see, much less keep track of through the smoke and dust swirling in the air.

He was giving ground, trying to put space between them so he’d have more time to react to the threads and their attacks. The only problem? Dream was forcing him closer to the flames. Every step he surrendered to gain space was a step closer to the circle of fire. He would be cornered in a few minutes. This might be it . He thought of Phil, and how he had promised he’d return, and he did something he swore he would never do again. He prayed to the voices, he prayed to his God, and he immediately felt the sickeningly sweet power and rage flow through him. 

His blade began to move faster, and the cuts no longer hurt. He began to be able to hold his ground and was no longer losing space. 

Dream picked up the pace too, green shining out from underneath his mask, as if his eyes were glowing with power. The man pushed forward, threads swirling and assaulting Techno from all sides, but Techno acted on instinct, letting his Patron’s blessing flow through him as he deflected and began cutting through the individual threads, eyes now able to track them perfectly. 

His mind was fuzzy and his body was surging with so much power he felt as if he was barely maintaining consciousness. He needed to finish this fight soon. His Patron got bored easily and would not bless him for too much longer, always a believer that his followers must ultimately claim victory on their own. 

The only reason he was probably granted aid was because he hadn’t asked for it for almost two full lifetimes. But Dream had always kept Techno on his toes and rivaled him perfectly. They were each other’s foils as if crafted by the gods themselves to challenge each other to perfection in every aspect. With the God of Chaos backing Dream, Techno would need his own God in order to stand a chance. 

Just as Techno began to regain himself enough to start pressing forward against the threads, they all vanished at once, leaving Techno gasping for air as his body caught up to his actions. He could see a visage of his Patron standing before him and with a swirl of his hand, the multitude of cuts and nearly severed fingers were healed. The sudden absence of pain stunned Techno and he almost fell to his knees. 

He could see his Patron smile right before the God vanished and the power that had been surging through him vanished as well. Techno finally collapsed to his knees, trying to get his vision to clear and to chase the black dots from his vision. 

He raised his head, only to see Dream fending off the other five witches. He was still using the other two as both human shields and as weapons, but the coven did not seem to be willing to pull their punches in order to spare their own. Dream was on the defensive, although Techno couldn’t see why. 

That was until he studied Dream’s body language. He was stiff and on the run, although he clearly had the advantage in strength. Techno watched as Dream backed away further, mask trained on the lead witch. The one with fire . 

Was Dream afraid of fire, now? After what had happened?

The witch’s fire sword struck out at Dream, who dodged, but then the sword turned into a snake-like thing, turning to follow Dream and push him further towards the border of fire. Dream’s own threads shifted into the form of an axe made of pure void, threads wrapping their way up his arm as well to reinforce his grip. The axe swung at the snake, threads tearing away from the main body of the axe to wrap around the snake and tear it to shreds as the main blade cut clean through. 

The fire user simply made another with her other hand, flinging this one at Dream as well, who stumbled away as the flames drew near his face. He tripped over some oddly green and glowing vines and would have fallen onto his back if the void threads hadn’t caught him and pulled him several feet away from the fire as if they had a mind of their own. The fire snake crashed into the ground where Dream had been, flames spewing off in all directions. The other witches were circling, their own magic only barely being able to break through the void threads that appeared to fight on their own, without Dream’s guidance or control. 

Techno rolled forward instantly as the voices began to shout ‘ watch out!’ and ‘ arrow! ’ He heard the thud of arrows hit the ground where he had been, and he turned and charged the crowd immediately, not liking the distance between them if the other was armed with long-ranged weaponry such as bows. 

He charged, the shouts of the voices calling for blood filling his ears as he took down the first two civilians, taking the shield off of one of them and using it to block the next volley of arrows. He continued working his way through the civilians, listening for the voices in case they warned him that Dream needed help. 

BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD

          The amulet!

BLOOD

       Techno! Dream doesn’t have the necklace! 

L for the side characters

         Get the necklace!

   Help Dream

Go finish Dream while he’s distracted!

           The amulet! Dream’s not immune to their magic without it!

    BLOOD!

He’s gonna burn again!

      L

 L

      Yeah you better not freeze this time

BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD

       BLOOD

Techno stabbed a civilian through their stomach and used them as a shield to block the arrows as he turned to survey the rest of the battlefield. Blood was quickly filling the forest floor and smoke was filling the air as the trees around them burned. The voices were shouting at him to recover the amulet and to either help Dream or finish him off. Dream himself was still struggling to avoid the flames of the fire user, his movements seemingly stiff from fear. The void threads were trying to attack the witch in front of him, but the other witches were protecting their coven leader. The green threads, however, seemed to be more intent on protecting Dream and moving away from the fire. There were several arrows lying at his feet as if the threads had caught them mid-flight. Honestly, such precise movements from Dream wouldn’t surprise Techno. 

That was when the voices seemed to have spotted the necklace and were shouting that it was around the coven leader’s neck. Sure enough, the amulet was dangling around the other’s neck, the void threads that did make it through the other witch’s defense, being dissipated with a burst of light that the quartz provided. Techno dropped the civilian off of his sword and picked up the man’s fallen bow. He notched an arrow and pulled it back, ignoring the arrow that sunk into his shoulder as he aimed. He released the arrow, watching it as it arched across the battlefield towards the lead witch. 

The other witches noticed the arrow but were too late as it had embedded itself into the leather cord dangling around their leader’s neck, severing the cord and leaving the amulet to drop to the floor. Almost instantly, a green thread swiped at the necklace, sending it closer to Techno. It was all the sign he needed.

He dropped the bow and darted in, narrowly avoiding a blur of black something from one of the witches and the flames from the now very upset coven leader as he rolled and swiped the necklace out from the middle of the battle. 

Once he was out, he turned and saw that Dream’s green threads had seemed to return to the fight to try and protect him as he recovered the amulet. He tied the necklace back around his own neck and drew his sword. Flames built around his feet and swirled around him, but there was no pain and no scent of burning flesh. There wasn’t even the feeling of warmth other than the glowing crystal resting against his armored chest. He charged, swiftly overtaking one of the witches and pulling them from the fight and away from Dream. An arrow passed by his head from one of the only villagers remaining, but a void thread snapped out and decapitated the man before Techno even had time to react. Now, it was just Dream, the coven, and Techno surrounded by fire. 

He heard Dream’s laughter and turned just to see him pull another witch that he had managed to ensnare in his threads to his side. It was the witch with the black smoke-like power that was now fighting against their own coven under Dream’s command. 

The fire was steadily drawing nearer, their small battlefield pressing them closer and closer together. 

“You will burn today, witch of chaos,” the leader shouted, arms raised and fire arching overhead to attack Dream. Techno focused on his own fight, trying to determine the best course of action. The coven would not win, that much he was sure of. But even if they both survived this battle, what then? Would Dream still want him dead? Wouldn’t Techno still be obligated to kill Dream? 

Shouldn’t Techno side with the coven? 

Dream was not having fun. The damned nature witch had managed to overcome his control quite early in the fight as he was trying to split his focus between Techno and the coven and had managed to snatch the amulet from him and get her vines to take it to their leader. 

Suddenly, he could all at once feel the heat of the fire and remembered how it felt to burn. It had deeply stunned him, and he had to give up completely on fighting Techno in order to avoid the flames. The coven leader was strong, not equal to him by any means, but they weren’t giving him enough time to cast a fire protection spell. He hadn’t come prepared to face witches when he lured Techno out here. He didn’t have any more protective stones that were charged or geared towards combat. He had stupidly assumed that Techno wouldn’t be using magic . What a drastic oversight. 

He either needed to take down the leader or retrieve the amulet. After the plant witch had managed to overcome his power, he simply raised her and the other under his control, and let their bodies smash to the ground, shredding them both instantly before using his threads to reattach their bodies and have their corpses under his full control.  Their battlefield was full of fire and blood, with the nature witch’s vines traversing the ground from when she had stolen the amulet. 

Truth be told, he was barely holding his own without it. The fire was pushing him closer and closer to the wall of flames behind him. He was trapped in heat, eyes watering under his mask and arms trembling as he tried to fight off the memory of the pain he usually associated with fire.

When he saw Techno fire an arrow and separate the coven leader from his amulet, it reminded him just how much he had loved fighting alongside such a competent warrior. Techno knew exactly what he needed without needing Dream to indicate it at all. Even if Techno wasn’t intending to help Dream, the warrior could still read a battlefield as easily as a book and react accordingly, something Dream had always deeply respected. 

His threads immediately shot out to push the amulet towards the man before being cut by the witch fighting with a whip that seemed to be made of light. It, and the sword of light she wielded, rivaled his void threads, keeping them from reaching the leader. It was quite troublesome .

Techno darted in immediately and swiped the necklace, pulling it away from the coven and Dream tried his best to ward off the black smoke and the streak of light that were poised to kill him. Now that Techno had the amulet, he could join the fight and level the playing field. And he did, drawing the light-user away from the battle and keeping her solely on the defensive as they fought. 

Good . Once again, Techno, whether knowingly or not, helped him in the most effective way. Without the light-user and the amulet, the coven leader was all but defenseless. 

Dream rolled underneath a volley of flames sent his way, before jumping back to his feet and launching his own attack. His void threads went after the leader, who tried to fight them off with the other two closest to her, and while they were busy, Dream snagged the smoke-user and dragged her closer. A spare thread sliced her throat and she bled out as Dream used her to also attack the coven. The other two puppet witches were behind him, forming a fire protection spell, since he himself did not have the amulet. 

Dream’s hands were quite full, controlling three witches and his multitude of threads. His mind was racing in all different directions, trying to keep track of the coven before him, the puppet he had fighting them, Techno and his fight, as well as the puppets behind him casting a spell, as well as sending a void thread to finish the lone villager that remained. It was a lot to keep up with while also attacking full force. 

Not to mention the fire was steadily drawing nearer, and Dream’s hands were shaking, making the threads and his puppets a tad more sloppy than usual. 

“You will burn today, witch of chaos,” the coven leader warned, arms raising and leaving herself open to attack as fire arched overhead. The shadow witch he had control of ran her through with the blackness, the leader standing tall even as her life began to fade. He went to roll, only to look down and see black smoke wrapped around both of his ankles and rooting him in place. There were vines there as well, grounding him and leaving him exposed. The dead witches were still fighting against him! 

They must have made a pact with their gods or their coven leader that granted that they would attack their quarry if being controlled or even after death. A truly troublesome spell to break. He wouldn’t have the time to undo it. He withdrew his threads, slashing at the smoke and vines, but they simply burned hotter and hotter the more he tried, not a single scratch left on them. 

No way . This was chaos magic. A spell that binds through death. They stooped to using the forbidden chaos magic just to kill him. They came here fully prepared to die because after using chaos magic, no matter what the reason, they would be required to take their own lives. It was a dastardly gamble . But an extraordinarily effective one. This spell was unbreakable and unyielding. He wouldn’t be able to get free. He wouldn’t be able to move. He was going to burn. Hewasgoingtoburn!

He raised his hands to block the fire, threads lifting to try and protect him. A scream ripped its way through his throat just as the flames descended.

Chapter Text

Techno was starting to view the voices as more of a blessing than a curse for the first time in his entire life. He was fully immersed in the battle with a witch using light? Light? As a weapon? Absurd. But nope, shit hurts. And suddenly, Techno wanted a sun sword. It sounded cool, too. 

The voices agreed. They were chanting about how pretty it was and how useful it was that it cauterized the wounds it caused. They thought that the sword would make Techno’s fights a lot more interesting because, with the cauterized wounds, it would take his opponents longer to die and therefore draw out the fight. They seemed to be forgetting that Techno always went for the kill. Cauterizing wouldn’t serve much of a purpose if his opponent’s head was on the floor next to their feet.

This didn’t seem to bother the voices, who were rambling about how if they made up with Dream, he might make one for them. They were already planning it, arguing amongst themselves that all they had to do was convince Techno to capture Dream and hide him away, get Techno to kill XD, teach Techno how to be romantic, and bring Dream flowers, and then ask the witch to make them a sun sword. Techno blocked a blow from the aforementioned sunsword, wincing as the arrow still buried in his shoulder was jostled from deflecting his opponent’s blade. He pressed forward into the fight and shoved the witch a few more feet away from Dream and the coven leader as their swords connected once more, sparks flying as metal met… light? The voices were still bickering about what type of flowers would convince Dream to make them a sun sword when they all suddenly started yelling at Techno to turn the fuck around Dream was about to die .

He did, just in time to hear a scream. 

             Don’t freeze Techno!

HELP HIM

     OUR SUN SWORD!

Save him or we riot

         Yeah we all agreed that we need a new sword 

Looking back, what he did was stupid. He acted purely on instinct, rushing towards the witch while pulling the amulet from around his neck. He wanted to tackle Dream out of the way, but the shorter man’s feet were rooted to the ground with what appeared to be vines and smoke. Instead, Techno skidded to a stop beside him before placing the amulet around the other’s neck and hiding as much of him as he could within his arms right as the flames fell upon them. There was the sound of glass shattering and of flames roaring in his ears and he felt Dream tremble in his arms, just as the man sucked in a breath. 

He held his own breath, too, expecting to be overwhelmed with pain from the fire. Instead, he didn’t feel a single thing other than the pulse of pain from the arrow still in his shoulder. But there was no new pain or injury. He opened his eyes to see Dream, within his arms, standing there, head pulled away from Techno so he could see the mask staring back at him in stunned silence, the amulet sitting securely around his neck, glowing faintly. 

They hadn’t burned. 

Techno heard several thuds and turned to see the three puppet witches along with the coven leader drop to the floor as Dream surrendered control of them and as the coven leader finally lost too much blood to remain on her feet. Now, all that was left was the light-user and two other witches, who seemed much less willing to fight now that their leader was dead, or at least, dying . 

Techno turned back to Dream, who was still staring at him, not moving at all. 

“Dream? Are you okay?” He asked, looking the man up and down, hands patting at the other’s shoulders and arms as if trying to feel a wound hidden underneath the cloak.  The cloak that hadn’t even been singed . How the hell had Techno not burned? Dream had the amulet, but Techno? How was this possible? 

Techno looked at Dream’s mask, gaining no response. This time, it seemed that Dream was the one that had frozen in the middle of battle. 

He pulled his arms away, standing to face the remaining witches. He had dropped his sword in his dash to protect Dream, so now he was unarmed. And if Dream wasn’t willing or able to fight, then they might still die here. 

He drew Dream’s dagger off the man’s belt, and stalked toward the witches. Even without the amulet or his sword that could cut through a witch’s magic, he wasn’t going down without a fight. He grabbed the arrow in his shoulder and finally ripped it out, the injury bleeding a lot more than it had now that there was nothing to stem the flow. He was losing blood at a rapid rate, so he needed to finish the fight quickly. However, it would be worth it because with the arrow, he would be sacrificing speed and maneuverability. Since he didn’t have the amulet, he’d need to dodge each and every magic attack or else he would fall in battle. He had no defense against magic other than to avoid it. This fight needed to be quick and Techno needed to win. Otherwise, Dream might still die here. 

The light-user held her sword at the ready, the other two backing off slightly. Techno charged, managing to dodge the light-user’s blade and get behind her to stab her in the neck. She turned and swung, knocking the crown off of Techno’s head as he ducked, ripping his blade free and darting away from the whip that appeared and swiped at his chest. He hadn’t gotten a good hit. She was fast, so he barely managed to slice at her neck. She’d bleed out eventually, but so would Techno. He didn’t have this amount of time. 

As soon as the whip went past him, he edged his way back in, deflecting the light sword with the dagger before slipping closer and sinking his blade into her exposed stomach. She gasped in surprise and he twisted the blade, grimacing as he heard the witch cry out in pain, her magic dissipating, leaving the blackened and burnt clearing eerily dark. Warm blood was steadily coating his hand as she bled. He finally ripped the blade free before shoving her away. She stumbled and fell to the ground with a cry, calling for help only to realize that she had been abandoned, the other witches already making their escape into the forest.

Dream being reunited with the amulet was probably enough to scare any smart witch away. He’d be unstoppable, if he decided to continue to fight, that is. 

Techno squinted into the darkness of the forest where the other two had disappeared, but he saw no sign of them. In fact, he couldn’t see much of anything. The sun had set and the fire wall that had surrounded the clearing died with the coven leader. How long had this battle been going on for the sun to have set? 

Techno shook his head and left the light-witch in the dirt as he turned to approach Dream, who was now on his hands and knees, as if in pain. Techno stumbled his way over and kneeled beside him, one hand resting on the smaller man’s shoulder, the other reaching to lift his face. He traced his eyes over the man before him, but he couldn't make out much in the growing darkness. 

“Hey, it’s me. Are you okay?” He asked, worriedly, hating how much Dream was trembling. His vision was beginning to blur a little, making details even more difficult to make out in the dark, and he reached one hand up to press against his shoulder wound. It wouldn’t do him any good to bleed out here. He needed to get them both back to Carl and get back to Phil. He could help. Techno was just about to pull Dream to his feet and drag the man the mile back to where they had left Carl when he spoke. 

“W-why did you save me?” Dream whispered, voice sounding as if it was painful for him to ask. The man’s arms were shaking as if either exhausted or terrified, and Techno tried to sit Dream back so he wouldn’t faceplant if his arms did give out. A small sob escaped the man, as he repeated his question.

Techno remained silent, mulling the question over.  Why had Techno saved Dream? It just meant that he would have to kill the man himself, now. But no, that thought didn’t quite sit right with Techno. He wanted to take Dream back to Phil. To take Dream home . 

The voices agreed. They were still pretty determined to get Dream to make them a sun sword. They had even settled on a flower. During the spring, when Techno visited Wilbur’s home, there was a golden flower that grew there that always attracted an assortment of butterflies. Wilbur had once told them that the flower meant rebirth, resurrection, and a new beginning. Techno remembered the flower that the voices were talking about. Buddleja. A flower known for its golden glow. These flowers were the ones that chat was sure would convince Dream to forgive them and convince the man to craft them a magic sunsword. 

       The flowers will match his hair!

SUN SWORD!! 

    Maybe you could grow a bunch of them in the green house? 

 Did we ever finish that? 

        Keep giving him flowers until we get a sunsword

  SUN SWORD       SUN SWORD       

              SUN SWORD

Ask wilbur for some of the gold flowers! Don’t bother to grow them! That'll take too long

           Sooo, no blood for the blood god?

SUN SWORD and Wilbur? POG

      No, we’re taking DReam home, duh

Unfortunately, those flowers were not here, it was not spring so the flowers had not bloomed, and Techno still couldn’t answer Dream as to what made him risk his own life to save the other despite them trying to kill each other mere moments before the battle had started. 

Techno sighed, not sure how to respond to the man still in his arms, but suddenly, he no longer had to worry about what to say. He no longer could. He felt the cold sensation of something thin slither across his skin, leaving behind a numb and detached feeling. His lungs constricted, no longer under his control, and his eyes were staring forward, unblinking. His body was limp, yet stiff as a board as it stood without his permission and backed away. It felt almost as if he was watching from outside of his body as it moved according to Dream’s wishes. His chest felt tight, the need for air already sending him into a panic. His eyes focused on Dream, but they were watering slightly from his inability to blink.

The green-clad man stood much slower, body swaying on his feet as his hand raised, green threads wrapped around his fingers and leading to Techno. The amulet was still resting delicately against Dream’s chest, completely worthless in protecting Techno from Dream. 

Techno was entirely under Dream’s control and at his mercy. Dream was surely going to kill him. But that thought was not what Techno was focused on. No, the warrior was much more focused on the strange sensation of being out of control of his body. This sense of being shoved into the back corner of one’s mind while someone else took physical control was frightening. Not because it left him vulnerable, but because it was a sensation he recognized .

 This paralyzing fear was so excruciatingly familiar. It was what had haunted Techno's nightmares since the day he experienced this firsthand. This has happened to him before . 

This loss of physical control that left him frozen, paralyzed… it was the same sensation he had felt as he was rooted in place, unable to even breathe as he had watched the priest drag a chained and bloodied Dream across the rough firewood and to the pyre. He has been haunted by the memory of the townspeople calling for Dream’s blood, cursing him, and praying for their God to strike punishment upon the witch for partaking in the “devil’s craft”. 

 The younger man had been gagged, unable to cry out for help or defend himself from the accusations. Even though the townspeople were right , they had no proof. Techno still wasn’t sure how they ever found out. Dream used to be so careful to conceal his magic…

 Despite having been gagged, his terrified expression and tear-filled eyes conveyed his pleas well enough. Techno cannot recall how frequently he has woken up screaming at the memory of those scared, wide, and teary eyes finally landing on his. That one memory was ingrained so perfectly into his memory that he felt as if he were reliving his past each time his past decided to haunt him in his sleep. His nightmare ( no, this wasn’t just a dream ) consisted of their eyes meeting, crimson glued to a panicked green before the smaller man’s face lit up in hope, only to fade into confusion as Techno remained eerily still, as if unbothered.

 Once the wood was lit, the gag was ripped from Dream’s mouth, the priest adamant that the witch’s screams would deter the townsfolk from following the ‘evil’ path. Dream had screamed at him, voice full of terror as he had pleaded, screaming his name over and over, begging Techno to help, to save him. That frantic, terrified voice has sounded almost inhumane as it had called for Techno to please just do something!

The fire had grown and Techno’s eyes had been so blurry with unshed tears he hadn’t even been able to make out the image of Dream as the man screamed, orange flames dancing dangerously close to his torso, already destroying the flesh of his feet and legs. Techno couldn’t see that to determine for sure, because he hadn’t been able to even blink the tears away to clear his vision. He couldn’t breathe, suffocating slowly as his lungs were frozen but at least one small blessing from not breathing was that he hadn’t had to smell Dream’s skin burn. Dream had initially pleaded for help, for Techno to swoop in and free him and cart him away to safety, but as the fire continued, the man’s screams turned to sobs and pain-filled babbles of asking someone to please just end it . 

“Please Techno.. Please shoot me!” Dream had asked, voice sounding more like an animal in pain than a human voice. The smoke had surely burned the inside of his esophagus and lungs by now. It was the last time his voice was coherent enough to resemble words. With his last words, he had chosen to ask Techno to put him out of his misery. And Techno hadn’t even been able to offer him that. 

That feeling of not being able to move, to breath, to blink was so similar to this. This paralyzing fear was the same one he had felt that day. Down to his lungs freezing in place, in agony, but not even able to spasm like lungs normally do when in need of air and his fingers felt numb and cold, as if they were disconnected from his body. This magic rooting him in place and stealing his free will was familiar , despite Dream having never used this magic on him before.

Everything suddenly made perfect sense, yet he may never be able to tell Dream. He couldn’t speak due to the threads constricting his throat, freezing his lungs, and slowly suffocating him. He couldn’t tell Dream the truth as to what had happened that day. He couldn’t warn Dream about what his Patron had done. How the God of Chaos had betrayed him… had allowed him to be led to the slaughter.

He may die without ever being able to tell Dream that he hadn’t frozen or refused to help. He had been stopped by the God of Chaos himself from helping. Chaos had wanted Dream to burn. Wanted him to get close enough to death, to be so delirious with pain, that he would accept any deal, any offer. 

How else would the God get someone as kind and gentle as Dream to become a harbor of death and chaos?

The God of Chaos had taken Dream from Techno, had forced Techno into witnessing the man’s torture yet be unable to help. This betrayal Dream had perceived was nothing more than a trick the god had played, turning Dream away from Techno and isolating him, leaving him angry and vengeful and willing to kill. The God had intentionally made Dream alone and vulnerable… all the easier for the God to manipulate. 

The God of Chaos had forced Dream into becoming his vessel, into turning against his old Patron and joining His own coven, to serve him until death. 

Techno wondered if the ‘contract’ between Dream and his Patron ever specified whose death would bring about the dissolution of their bond? Techno has never killed a God before, but in this moment, he felt the rage within him may just be enough for him to succeed.

Dream was very, very confused. Why the hell would Techno give him the amulet and save him? Risk his own life to save him? The fire resistance potion the other two witches had finished making had crashed at their feet right as Techno surrounded him, arms wrapping around him as if to shield him from the flames. 

Neither of them burned due to the potion, but Dream still didn’t understand why Techno would burn with him rather than just watch? He had watched last time for fuck’s sake! Hell! Dream figured Techno was the reason he had been hunted, to begin with! He used to be so careful with his magic that the townspeople had no reason to suspect him. He had always figured that Techno had told them.

So why protect him now? It didn’t make sense. 

Perhaps the pink-haired man had seen the two puppets making a fire resistance potion and had acted knowing that it would confuse Dream. Yes, this very well could be a trick… manipulation , but it was rather unlike Techno. No, he would expect this type of trickery more from his Master rather than the man currently holding him, eyes darting around as if nervous or confused. It seemed to Dream that Techno seemed rather shocked that he hadn’t been burned.

How interesting. And confusing. Everything with Techno was always so confusing.

Techno’s eyes finally landed on his mask and Dream tensed, before forcing himself to relax and to take a breath. He released the puppets he had been controlling, Techno visibly startling at the action and turning to look at the corpses before turning back to Dream. 

“Dream? Are you okay?” The man said, hands feeling over him as if searching for something. Dream remained perfectly still, not quite sure what he was even supposed to think at this point. The other man seemed to also be at a loss for words, eyebrows drawn together in concern and confusion. 

The warrior then pulled Dream’s dagger from its sheath before turning to stand against the remaining witches. The arrow that had been in his shoulder was unceremoniously ripped out and Dream watched the blood splatter to the ground just as the warrior charged back into battle. Techno had saved him? And was now protecting him? The man had been protecting him the entire fight, though, hadn’t he? Perhaps he wasn’t lying when he said a love potion would be worthless. Perhaps the man really does already love him. But why was he trying to snap Dream’s neck mere moments before this battle began? 

None of it made any sense. Dream’s legs were shaky, and as the vines and black smoke had now vanished, there was nothing holding him up and he slowly sank to his hands and knees, trying to retain his consciousness for a few more moments, so he could rest and catch his breath. He had used up a lot of his soul in this battle. He was utterly exhausted.

But no matter how exhausted he was, he wanted answers and he would get them, no matter if he had to drag Techno all the way back to the tundra to use Philza Minecraft as leverage to get the warrior to talk. 

He would not be used by the warrior again. No matter what it cost him. He would be willing to sacrifice what little humanity he had left to protect himself. No matter what, he refused to be hurt ever again.

Techno defeated the light-user, leaving her lying on the forest floor, gasping for air and choking on her own blood as he returned dutifully to Dream’s side. 

“Hey, it’s me. Are you okay?” The warrior said while trying to compress his heavily bleeding injury. 

Dream’s arms were weak with fatigue and Techno seemed to try and guide him back into a kneeling position as Dream spoke. “W-why did you save me?” He had meant to sound calm and intimidating, but it sounded much more like a plea, as if he was begging Techno to not be lying to him. 

He was so tired of being manipulated . 

An ugly, broken-sounding sob escaped him, and when Techno simply stared at him rather than answering, Dream grew tired, raising his hand and latching on to his target. The warrior, for all his might, was reduced to a mere meat puppet in an instant, frozen in place and unable to speak or breathe as Dream tried to think. He needed to get his head cleared for just a moment. He closed his eyes and rubbed gently at his temples for a few long moments before taking several slow blinks until the black was only at the edges of his vision. He’d need to brew a regeneration potion and take it before he slept tonight. Perhaps a strength potion as well to keep him on his feet and just in case he was attacked again during the night. 

Techno may offer to protect him through the night as he healed and recharged, but Dream wasn’t sure whether keeping the warrior alive for that was a wise decision. Speaking of the warrior, Dream glanced over at the man whose face was stuck in a picture of pain and panic and righteous fury. 

Dream sighed, turning away and lifting a hand to send his threads over to the light-witch, silencing her scream of protest as his threads separated her head from her body. With no witnesses other than Techno, he ripped his mask off and threw it to the ground. 

He turned back to Techno, whose face was beginning to turn blue with the lack of oxygen. He rubbed the bridge of his nose as if annoyed before releasing the thread around Techno’s neck. He watched cautiously as the warrior gasped for breath, eyes watering and spilling over, face seemingly distraught. Dream needed to be on guard in case the warrior was tricking him. He was so tired of being lied to . He just wanted his question answered. Nothing more than that. 

“Dream! You have to listen to me-” Dream reattached the thread. The pink-haired man’s eyes were frozen staring into Dream’s own, one tear still making its slow trek down the side of his face. 

“Shut up, Techno,” he warned, voice barely more than a whisper, leaving the thread attached until the man’s face began to turn blue once more. He released it, Techno’s head immediately dropping and gasping for breath, despite the rest of his body still being forced into a stiff, upright position.

“Dream, I have to tell you-” the man began, speaking through his gasps for air.

“Shut the fuck up!” Dream yelled, almost clenching his fist and killing the warrior right then and there. “Just answer my questions. I-I want to know why you saved me. What the hell were you thinking?!” He finally said, stepping forward and dipping his left thumb lower, Techno immediately falling to his knees due to the threads tugging him down. He raised his ring finger and index finger and the warrior’s arms were pulled tightly behind his back. He then relaxed his hand, all of the threads remaining taunt and forcing Techno’s body to stay perfectly in place.  

He approached the man slowly, resting one hand tenderly on the side of the kneeling man’s face after brushing away a stray strand of pink hair. He stroked the man’s cheek, but when Techno didn’t respond, he grabbed a fistful of the other’s long, braided hair and harshly pulled his head back so their eyes could meet. “Answer me you bastard!” Dream snarled, feeling his own eyes watering and wishing he hadn’t taken the mask off. Yet another display of weakness Techno was allowed to witness. Why was Dream always allowing himself to be vulnerable around the other? It didn’t make sense. “W-why the fuck d-did you save me when- when you knew I was going to kill you?” He finally asked, voice starting out as a yell, but diminishing into a quiet, apologetic whisper towards the end. He stared into the other’s crimson eyes, watching as those pained eyes bore into his own. 

“I- Of course I was going to save you, Dream! It’s what I need to tell you. Or ask, rather,” the warrior said, uncannily serious. “Does your Patron's power work like yours? Like when you grab someone with your thread things and the person freezes, is that how His power works as well?” Techno asked, eyes seemingly pleading with Dream to listen, to focus. Whatever he was saying was really important to the warrior. 

Dream looked at him, a little shocked at the question, but finding himself answering it regardless. “Yes, of course it works the same. It’s why he wanted me as his pupil… I was born with magic similar to His own. His is much stronger, obviously, but… why the hell do you care about that? I’m about to kill you for crying out loud! A-and you’re supposed to be answering my questions, not asking your own!” Dream yelled, pulling the warrior's head even further back, Techno wincing at the action, but his eyes never straying from Dream’s.

“B-because Dream! This is- this is the same thing I felt that day at the pyre. I couldn’t breathe, couldn’t blink, couldn’t move! I was paralyzed with fear… this feels exactly like that!” 

Dream stared at the man, mouth open in shock before it split into a wide grin. He couldn’t control the loud, almost maniacal laughter as it ripped itself from his throat. “You are a fool if you think I will fall for any of your tricks. Besides, how the hell does that nonsense have anything to do with me killing you? Now for fucks sake! Answer my question, why did you save me?” Dream said, distractedly waving his hand, threads obediently stitching Techno’s shoulder closed. Dream stared at the now mended shoulder, not sure why he bothered to waste his energy on a soon-to-be dead man. 

“What do you mean !?” Techno yelled, pulling Dream’s attention back towards him. Techno very rarely raised his voice, and when he did, it was usually due to a very specific reason. Whatever Techno was trying to convey to him must be important. Most likely, it was a last-ditch effort of the warrior to avoid dying by Dream’s hand. “Think Dream! Your Patron has the power to paralyze people and control them just as you do! You think it was a coincidence that the same day the literal God of Chaos was wandering not only the human realm, but the very same village we were at was the same day that the village had gotten an anonymous tip that you were a witch?!” Techno finished and Dream stared back at the man, eyes wide. 

“Y-you’re not saying…” Dream started, interrupted as Techno nodded and continued. 

“It makes sense! You said it yourself! He sought you out because your magic was similar to his own. He wanted you as a member of His coven and He manipulated the situation so He would get what He wanted. He’s the reason you were burned , Dream. He’s the reason I couldn’t save you!” The warrior said, eyes wide and desperate for Dream to listen, to understand. Perhaps that’s why Techno had saved him… he wanted to be absolved from his guilt. Perhaps he wanted Dream to forgive him, even if it took lying to achieve it. But then again, Techno wasn’t one to lie very often. He’d rather brute force his way into getting what he wanted. Or just bother those around him until they caved. 

He released the grip he had on the other’s hair and cupped both sides of the warrior’s face, holding him while he tried to work through his thoughts. 

When it was apparent that Dream wasn’t going to respond, Techno continued. “D-Dream, I had fought at your side for months and had never hesitated to risk my life for you. Don’t you think it’s strange that I was suddenly frozen with fear? I’ve never even hesitated before, Dream. I would never leave you to die. I was paralyzed by Him and you burned. He was either going to let you die or force you to make a deal with Him and sell your soul. He knew that you would have never joined him otherwise! He stopped me from helping so that you’d be forced to make a deal with Him!” The warrior cried, and Dream knew that if he hadn’t been frozen in place, he’d be crushed into the man’s chest right now, forced to stay and listen as the other spoke.
“Y-you don’t seriously think that I’ll buy that do you?” Dream said, eyebrows drawn together and voice hesitant and filled with doubt. He lifted the hand holding the threads, the unspoken threat hopefully apparent to the other.  

“Dream, please! Just think! You know that I’ve fought by your side against worse odds before! It never made sense as to why I would freeze because of some fucking townspeople and a creepy ass priest! Please Dream, I’ve hated myself for so long thinking that I left you to die because it never made sense! I had no reason to freeze, to leave you! It makes so much sense that your Patron-” Dream lifted his hand, silencing the man’s next words, but not with a thread.
“Stop! Shut up Techno! Please..” How come even when frozen in place and utterly at Dream’s mercy... How did Dream still feel as if Techno had control over the situation?

“Dream, listen to me. I saved you… because I love you. Please, Dream. You can kill me if you need to, if you think it’ll make you feel better, but please, you have to get out of your Patron’s contract.” Techno said, voice much softer. Dream pulled his hands away from the other. Techno loves him? Or is this a trick? 

“No, you don’t a-and no! He wouldn’t have-” XD couldn’t have. He wouldn’t have! Dream was his favorite ! No way he’s been being lied to this entire time. 

“Yes he would ! And you know it.” Techno admonished softly and Dream turned away, lifting both hands to hide his face and to try and get rid of the tears streaking their way downward. 

This couldn’t be true. He wasn’t sure he could handle it if it was. 

Dream stared at the treeline before him, trying to calm himself and steady his breathing. His lungs hurt. It was reminiscent of the day they had been filled with smoke and burned, except this time, there was no fire. He couldn’t breathe because he was panicking. He forced a deep breath, hating how he trembled as he took it. 

No way this was true. He couldn’t bear it if it was. “I-I don’t believe you,” he finally whispered, turning around to see his warrior’s tear-streaked face. He reached forward and brushed the other’s tears away. “I’m sorry, Tech, but I just can’t believe you,” he whispered with a sad smile, hand raising, ready to finish the other. Every time he saw Techno he experienced this heartbreak. This unbearable pain that led to panic attacks and chest pain and tears. He couldn’t do this anymore. He needed to be rid of the other. Besides, even if what the warrior said was true, there was nothing Dream could do about it. It was far too late. His soul already belonged to the God and Dream would be tied to Him until death. It would be easier to just blame Techno and try to forget any of this had ever happened.

“Dream. I can prove it,” Techno said, serious red eyes boring into Dream’s own. Dream laughed, a sad and pathetic sound as he help the other’s face in his hands. 

“You can never let anything with us be easy, can you?”

Chapter Text

“Okay. The Blade ,” Dream whispered. “How can you prove it to me?” He said, caressing the other’s face just in case this was goodbye. His warrior just smiled, cocky reassurance written plainly on his face. The look suited him. It always had. 

“Well, little witch , why don’t you whip up a truth potion and give it here? Then you can ask me anything ,” the other said and Dream’s smile dropped, his hand stilling on the other’s face. A truth spell? That was worrisome, not because it was difficult to procure but because that implied that Techno had nothing to hide. This meant that he was most likely telling the truth. 

No way in hell. 

Dream had hoped he was lying. It would make this so much easier. He scrunched his nose up as if displeased. Complicated . Everything with Techno was always complicated.

 “Now why would I do that? You’d most likely just ramble on and on about how pretty I am like you did the last time you drank a truth potion at Nikki’s shop when you mistook it for liquor,” Dream said, tapping the other on the nose and watching, amused, as his face reddened. He wasn’t quite sure whether he wanted to risk giving Techno the potion. What if he was telling the truth? What would Dream be able to even do about it? Not shit. One can’t just break a soul contract made with the God of fucking Chaos . So he would need to stall for a few moments until he made up his mind. 

Teasing Techno was the perfect scapegoat. It would seem like normal banter to distract the other while he decided on what to do.

“Well,” Techno said, voice tight and quieter than usual due to embarrassment. “You can’ blame me. It was true. Emphasis on ‘was’. You won’t have to worry about me calling you pretty, Dream. You didn’t age gracefully at all ,” the other said and Dream laughed, wheeze apparent for the first time in a long time. He hadn’t had a full belly laugh in quite a while. Probably all the way since before the ‘incident’. Gods, he was going to miss this. This easy back and forth between the two of them. 

“Oh, is that right?” He asked, finishing wiping the other’s tears away before finally removing his hands from the other. He noted how Techno frowned when he pulled away, but he wished he hadn’t. No matter what, whether Techno was telling the truth or not, he’d need to kill him. Right? It was the easiest and least painful way. He couldn’t usurp his own God ! That was a death sentence. No, it was worse. It was like begging for an eternity of torture and torment. Or basically broadcasting that he could no longer be trusted with his free will and needed to be controlled like a marionette doll, dangling from his Patron’s strings. 

Or maybe Techno was right and he already was a puppet of his Master. He couldn’t suppress his shudder at the imagery his mind supplied at the notion.

Whatever. He would give Techno the truth potion, and then decide on which route would be the best decision. Kill him or defy his God. Techno or XD. He’d have to make the choice eventually.

He sighed and turned away from the other and reached into his satchel to see what he had on him. Not much, unfortunately. He did , however, have a few of the base ingredients and a mortar and pestle. And he’d bet that the other witches would carry the rest on their person. Besides, they may have intended to interrogate him if captured alive. He lifted his hand and his threads crept away from him, extending towards the corpses littering the forest floor and returning with an assortment of items. 

Perfect.

He plopped down in the dirt beside Techno while he got to work sorting through the various ingredients and already mixed potions until he found the desired items. 

“Well, I wouldn’t lie to you now would I? Besides, I see some gray hairs,” Techno said, attempting and failing to lean closer to him as if to peer at his hairline. Dream laughed again, shaking his head and tsking before releasing him, watching with amusement as Techno tumbled forward and before quickly trying to catch himself and sit back up. His face was once again red from embarrassment. So much so that he almost resembled the piglin that he had once been. The piglin that got them into this whole mess in the first place . Still, he couldn’t have been too embarrassed, seeing as the warrior was staring at him with a big, dumb smile plastered on his face.

“Make yourself useful, you old pig, and get me a flint and steel, would ya?” Dream asked, placing the mortar in his lap and adding the first few ingredients. He got to work mixing and crushing the different leaves and powders, his threads adding supplies as he went. With a small raise of his pinkie, his tendrils of magic were searching for his discarding dagger that Techno had left lying in the dirt and dragging it back towards him.

The warrior didn’t seem to mind, too busy rummaging through his satchel to find the requested item while mumbling complaints under his breath, assumedly to chat, about being called a pig. Once found, he handed the flint and steel to Dream, who struck it, sending sparks into the powder that immediately caught, sending acidic green flames dancing in the bowl and scorching the bottom. It left behind a black, stinking powder. Usually, Dream would mix the powder into a citric flavored liquid to disguise the taste and then boil it to create the potion which would make it a tad less painful for whoever drank it, but they didn’t have time for that right now. Besides, he didn’t have any lemons or a pot to boil. So instead, Techno would have to have this stinking, burnt powder.

Techno was watching him closely as he scrapped the powder mixture onto the blade of his knife before aiming it at Techno. 

“So how am I supposed to-” The warrior started, only for Dream to blow at the powder and send it shooting off of the blade and into the other’s face. The once stoic warrior immediately scrunched his face as if tasting something sour before he began coughing. Dream laughed so hard his stomach hurt as the other coughed and sputtered, hitting at his chest as if choking. It was eerily similar to the first time Dream had bullied Techno into smoking ‘the Devil’s lettuce' for the first time. Of course, such an offense would be a death sentence to the church, but witches were always resourceful with herbs and the foilage that grew around their homes. Dream had been shown by an older witch how to grow the pain-relieving plant, although the woman claimed to use it to ‘access the spirit realm’. 

Dream used it alongside alcohol but to each their own. If only Nikki would let him sell that, then she’d never be out of business.  

He guesses it doesn’t matter since that was left at his old residence in the forest he wouldn’t dare venture into any longer. His old Patron lived in that forest, caring for the plants and animals. After all that Dream had done, he wouldn’t dare show his face to his old God. He was a disgrace. He’d betrayed the trust of his old Patron and rebelled against every single teaching. 

For fuck’s sake, what he had done to Spirit’s corpse was enough for his old Patron to probably despise him. Forcing the old God to even be in his presence was disgraceful. The God wouldn’t harm him or punish him for his wrongdoings. No, He was never a violent Being. But having to see the disappointment on his old God’s face would be too much for his heart to bear. 

He was brought out of his musings by Techno laughing loudly beside him as he finally overcame his coughing fit. Dream looked to the other and met crimson eyes that were already watching him.

“Serves you right,” Dream said, smiling, as Techno leaned forward, the dumb smile still worn proudly on his face. Dream took a small moment to take in the other’s strong facial features that were accented by a few small scars along with the long pink hair that caged his face in nicely. Dream reached up to brush one strand out of the other’s face so that he could better see his eyes. He’d need to study the other during their discussion just in case the spell didn’t take effect. He was using other witch’s ingredients that he didn’t necessarily trust. Not to mention, Techno might have another crystal or something that Dream didn’t know about. Doubtful, but still. He could never be too careful. “The potion should take effect any-”

“I seriously think I’m in love with you,” the warrior said right before his smile fell off of his face and his expression appeared as if he had stunned even himself. He seemed mortified, face reddening for a reason other than his coughing fit. Dream probably wore a matching expression. 

Lying. He has to be lying . Dream thought, eyebrows drawing together in doubt. But he wasn’t so sure. No way the potion took effect that fast right? It was supposed to take about a minute when inhaled… how long had he been in thought while Techno coughed?

“I-uh… sorry. I didn’t mean to say that,” Techno said, face still cherry red and eyes trained carefully on the ground. 

Guess the dumbass didn’t quite think the truth spell all of the way through . Dream thought, amused.

He couldn’t help but to laugh. “Well, at least you aren’t rambling on about how pretty I am,” Dream said before his smile turned cruel. “But you do think I’m pretty, don’t you ?” He said, crawling towards where the other sat before plopping himself in the warrior’s lap, straddling him, hands coming to rest around the other’s neck. He ran his hands over the broad shoulders and along the thick, velvety cloak before dancing his fingers up along the other’s neck to finally rest behind his head as if about to pull the other into a kiss.

Techno looked utterly stunned, almost as if in pain, and his mouth opened and closed before the potion won out and he spoke as if the words were being dragged out of his mouth: “You are so pretty it’s hard to look at you sometimes.” Dream grinned viciously in response before leaning his head back and laughing softly, the setting sun’s rays resting gently on his face. He closed his eyes and let his fingers sink deeper into the other’s hair, allowing them to rest there. 

“Oh this is going to be so much fun,” he said, bringing his head down to look at the other’s face. Techno smiled at him before his head dipped forward to rest under Dream’s chin, hands resting on his waist in mock defeat. 

“Gods, you can be so cruel, you know that? Downright mean ,” the warrior said, hands tracing shapes across Dream’s hip bones as if wanting revenge for Dream’s fingers tightening their hold in his hair. Dream tried to repress the shiver from the others' touch and focus, instead, on his words. “But I like that about you. It makes me feel like I’m normal when most people are scared of me. But you were never scared, were you? Because you were just as vicious as me,” the warrior said and Dream hummed, pressing his nose into the other’s now pink hair. The pink suited him, honestly. 

Dream allowed himself to bask in the moment for awhile. The silence was comfortable and the small tracings of Techno’s fingers were objectively nice . And it’s been so so long since he’s been touched at all outside of a battle or a manipulation tactic. This- this was comforting. It was nice. 

Dream was going to miss this. Still, he had a mission. A goal. He needed to survive. To protect himself. He’d do that no matter what he had to lose. Right? Even though Techno may have very well not betrayed him. If Techno wasn’t lying… if his Patron was lying… who would he choose? The smart decision would be to follow his God. The all-powerful Being that could blink him out of existence with a thought. That would be wise. To kill Techno and return to his God after successfully completing his mission. 

Was that what he wanted, though? He’d have power and protection. His Master would allow him to serve Him for a few more years… and then he would die. Because the chaos magic was slowly consuming his soul. A few years of servitude to a Being he was, quite honestly, terrified of. Is that what he wanted? 

Or would he want to betray his God and spare Techno? That option would most likely end with his Patron killing them both. Or would XD only want revenge for Dream betraying him? Perhaps Techno would be able to live the rest of his ‘eternal’ life freely. Wouldn’t that be much better than Dream’s measly few years remaining? 

If-if Techno didn’t betray him, then wouldn’t Dream at least owe him that? Not killing the warrior and offering a chance of survival, no matter how slim it was? He wasn’t sure. 

Complicated . Everything. With. Techno. Was. So. Complicated. He accented each word with a soft bump of his own head against Techno’s as if mimicking banging his head into a wall. 

It earned a small laugh from Techno, who ran his hands up Dream’s back to stop him and hold his head down against the warrior’s own. Dream smiled, expression hidden from where they were pressed together. 

“You’re thinking so loudly, Dream. What about?” The other questioned, but Dream simply shook his head. 

What had they even been talking about before he had gotten lost in thought? Techno saying that Dream was never afraid of him and that he was just as vicious and cruel. What a lie. Dream had been terrified of Techno the first time they had met. But that was what had made it fun. Made the chase, the game, worth it. 

Techno, otherwise known as The Blade , a vicious, deadly warrior that had been in countless battles throughout history was seen as an immortal God amongst men. He had entered Nikki’s shop wearing a stoic and battle-hardened expression just begging someone to bother him. A face that bored, that expressionless came across as a challenge. Most people with that appearance are easy to piss off and have the shortest fuse with little to nothing to show for when they finally lost it. Dream had wanted to wipe that empty expression off of the other’s face as soon as he had seen it. Seeing that face cracking with a smile or teeming with anger would have made Dream’s day.

He loved getting under people’s skin . Pushing them to the breaking point just to get a reaction. And the chase . Gods, he lived for the chase. He may seem unassuming and a bit smaller than most warriors, which was why it was so fun to outmaneuver them or, better yet, leave them lying on their ass in the dirt, reputation ruined.

It was why he chose to steal the largest, scariest man’s drink before leading him on a short chase and then a small fight. He hadn’t meant for it to be a fight, but Techno was much faster than he had first seemed. The fight, however, was very welcome. It, of course, ended with Dream on the ground and Techno looming over him, but still, it had been exhilarating. Dream always loved the chase. But the chase was nothing if the opponent wasn’t a worthy one. Techno had been the first ever to pin him.

But what really caught Dream’s attention was the almost refreshing smile on the other’s face. As if he were amazed that someone had the gall to even challenge him in this small scuffle. It ended with Dream buying Techno another drink before making out in the backroom, much to Nikki’s disapproval. But she didn’t seem to mind once Techno kept coming around before finally asking Dream on a real date. She had said that his ‘goofy smile’ was enough for her to forgive him for ‘fraternizing with the customers’.

Techno had been amazed that Dream had approached him first, perhaps because he thought he was too intimidating or frightening. Maybe the warrior has had to live with the fact that most people are scared of him. It must feel lonely. Probably similar to how Dream had been treated by every living thing since he’d been ‘blessed’ by the God of Chaos. Everything feared him. Ran from him. Leaving him all alone. 

But Techno didn’t run from him. Not when Dream shot a man that had been trailing them off of his horse with a single arrow to the eye socket nor when he tracked down and killed the thief that had robbed them while they slept their first week together. Hell, even after he had been cursed, he never shied away or acted as if Dream was some agent of chaos that would only bring death and destruction. No, he’d immediately fallen back into teasing Dream. Their all too familiar back and forth. 

“Yeah? Is that why you think you love me? Because I’m not afraid of you?” Dream prodded. Maybe it wasn’t so far-fetched to love the person that never ran from you or feared you. They were both carrying the death of so many on their shoulders. Their hands were both soaked through with blood. Techno may be right. Maybe all it took was finding someone just as vicious as yourself. 

He needed to know. Did Techno love him? Was it okay if Dream maybe felt the same? Just a little bit? 

The potion had to be in effect by now. This time, he could be sure Techno wasn’t lying. 

“Maybe,” the warrior whispered with a shrug. “Or maybe it’s because of that dumb laugh of yours that sounds like Phil’s tea kettle,” the other said through a smile, and Dream couldn’t help but laugh again, Techno joining him when it did, in fact, sound like a tea kettle. 

“You avoided answering fully, mister,” Dream said, pulling the other’s head back by the hair so they could look at each other. He didn’t want Techno to be able to hide from him. Not now. 

He dipped his head, letting their lips brush. “Do you love me, Technoblade?”

“Yes. God yes. I want to take you to my home. To meet Phil again. You’d love it at my home… I have so many animals. They’d love you too,” Techno said, leaning forward to connect their lips, but Dream pulled back, hand pressed onto the other’s face to keep him at bay. His stomach churned at the knowledge. He wasn’t quite sure whether it was a good feeling or not. Was it the butterflies that he used to get when he and Techno would sit together on long winter nights? Or was it anxiety because he still had a decision to make. Techno loving him made that decision so much more difficult to make. 

“Then why did you not save me that day?” He whispered, eyes boring into the other’s. This was it. This was the moment when he would learn which side he should choose. If Techno was innocent, then Dream would need to try and shield him from the wrath of his Patron. Surely, that was the right decision.

Techno looked at him for a long moment, and Dream slowly removed his hand from covering the other’s mouth. “I didn’t save you because I couldn’t . I think, no I’m pretty fucking positive that the God of Chaos didn’t let me save you that day. I want to kill Him,” Techno said, voice stern and carrying the weight of the words he had spoken. Dream gasped, sitting up and immediately grabbing the other’s mouth as if he could shove the treacherous words back in.  

“ Techno! You can’t just say shit like that! It’s blasphemous! He’ll kill you!” Dream whispered, panic clear in his voice.

Techno grinned under Dream’s palm and Dream pulled it away, trying to make his face stern. Hearing those words was horrifying . They were a death sentence once spoken. Although, XD hasn’t shown up yet… hopefully, He wasn’t watching, wasn’t aware. Doubtful, but seeing as He wasn’t already here, maybe they were fortunate enough to get away with such small acts of treachery. 

“You’re so beautiful when you pout.” The warrior said, all teeth and confidence, even though he had just uttered such a dangerous sentiment.

“What?! I wasn’t pouting you dick!” Dream said, smacking the other’s arm, intentionally hitting quite close to the injured shoulder. The other winced before laughing, arms wrapping around Dream in a hug.

“It’s true. I do want-” Techno started and Dream shoved his shoulder forward and knocked them both back to prevent Techno from repeating his foolish words.

“Choose your next words carefully, Piggy . Or I won’t let you speak anymore,” Dream said, slightly frustrated and raising his hand to show off the magical threads that could very easily silence the other. 

Techno smiled, reaching a hand forward to brush a few strands of hair out of Dream’s face before tucking them carefully behind his ear. “I want to kiss you. Can I kiss you?” Techno whispered, hand tracing its way behind Dream’s head as it began to gently guide him downwards. 

Dream simply scoffed and sat up. Turning away quickly to hide the flush on his face.

“ No . Now stop thinking with your dick,” he stated, rolling his eyes and crossing his arms as if annoyed. “I’m trying to have a conversation with you. Gods . If this is what you’re like with a truth potion I’m glad the love potion didn’t work,” he laughed, finally facing the other once more. Techno was not laughing. He had sat up, but there was a serious expression still lingering on his face, but he didn’t try to instigate anything else. He simply reached for Dream’s hand and pulled it towards himself. The warrior held his hand gently in between both of his own, staring down at it as if it were a gift. 

Dream scoffed again. Face surely flushed, but Techno wasn’t looking at him anyway, so it didn’t matter. 

So what if Dream let the other hold his hand? His God wasn’t here. So who could fault him? 

Ugh . Techno always made Dream feel such complicated things and now he could barely even remember the conversation he needed to have. But still, he needed to ask again to be sure . Techno had said he had ‘thought’ that the God had prevented him from saving him that day. It was a simple trick of words, but a talented liar would be able to utilize such wording to get around a truth potion. Dream didn’t think that Techno was capable of such quick manipulation, but he wasn’t positive. 

“Techno,” Dream said, pulling the other’s attention back to himself. “Are you saying that you whole-heartedly believe my God, the God of Chaos, betrayed me and prevented you from saving me from being led to the pyre? In an attempt to force me to sign a contract with him?” Dream asked, and Techno squeezed his hand before nodding.

“Yes. I believe that when you used your magic on me, it felt exactly like that day. I would bet my life that your Patron tricked you into signing your soul over to Him,” Techno said, and Dream closed his eyes, taking a small moment to just feel the gentle breeze while he attempted to collect his thoughts. 

He had feared that this may be the case. Still, he had no true idea or plan as to what to do about it.

“W-well, even if all of that is true… what do you expect me to do about it?” Dream said, voice shaky and unsure as he raised his eyes to face the warrior, pulling his hands away and bringing them to his chest. He couldn’t get out of his contract with XD. It was impossible. Besides, even if he could, he’d only have a few measly years of life left after how much time he’s used up with his magic. 

It wasn’t worth it. He just needed to try and spare Techno. That was all that was really within his power to do. And even that may prove to be an impossible task.

Techno’s body relaxed and he took a steadying breath as he pulled himself to his feet before hesitantly reaching for Dream. The shorter allowed himself to be pulled closer, until they were eye to eye, crimson meeting emerald as the warrior smiled. It was a devious smile, one that Dream was quite familiar with. It was a smile that promised death and destruction. It was one that Techno wore on the battlefield, right before unleashing his wrath unto those that stood in his path. That smile told of murderous intent and the viciousness that Dream had grown so fond of.

The other’s voice was barely a whisper, the eerie calm before the storm that was Techno. 

“Well, Dream. That’s the easy part. Ever killed a God before?”

Techno felt more than heard the God’s arrival. No sooner had the words left his mouth before he felt an electric, metallic taste on his tongue and a full-body shudder overtook him. He looked to Dream, who seemed frozen in place, terrified. His face was pale and his eyes were staring past Techno as if seeing everything but nothing all at the same time. Techno knew that stare. It was the one that soldiers got after they had fought in one battle too many. It was the look one had after they had stared death in the face so many times that they began to look forward to finally meeting Her. 

Once Techno had finally pulled his eyes away from Dream, he raised them to take in something that looked eerily similar to his love, but, all the same, being entirely, dreadfully different. 

The God of Chaos had no body. He was smoke and darkness, made of void. Made of nothing. Made of Chaos. The green of his cloak encompassed life and death itself, reminiscent of the green of nature and the green of decaying flesh all at the same time. The gold that was etched into the hem of His cloak seemed to be cast from the ichor of the Gods. The clay mask reminded Techno of the mask both physical and metaphorical that Dream had been forced to wear, but this mask did not make him disgusted or angry. This mask filled him with horror and made his legs shake to the point that he feared he would drop to his knees. Perhaps his heart would simply give out rather than face the monstrosity before him. 

The golden, swirling halos seemed to be crafted from light, too bright to look at directly, but pulling his attention, pulling on his mind all the same. 

He has never felt such stark terror before in his entire life. Centuries of existence… Meeting the God of War and Blood and Lady Death Herself… Nothing compared to the feeling he had now standing before a vengeful and wrathful God. 

And Techno had His sole attention. The voices had gone eerily silent. Not a single word or expression to be heard from them. It was almost as if they had been chased out of his mind by the presence of this God. Perhaps the God was in his mind in their place, or perhaps they were simply too afraid to speak.

The God seemed to be staring through Techno and he simply looked back, praying he could bare to stay on his feet for a few more moments. Dream still stood between them, gaze lost in the forest and face frozen in fear. 

The God reached one of his many hands to Dream’s discarded mask, picking it up and bringing it to His face. As soon as the God’s attention was off of him, Techno dropped his gaze, taking in a deep breath and steadying himself. 

He doesn’t know how Dream ever bared to be in this Things presence. This was so far past inhuman. The God of Chaos was an abomination . To think that this was what Dream had to face right after he nearly burned…

Techno reached for Dream, pulling the other’s attention to him. They were both shaking, but Techno tried to take another breath and calm his nerves. He was unarmed before a God that he had just threatened to kill. What a fool. How many stories has he read of heroes falling to their own hubris? And he was so pig-headed as to make the same mistake. 

He would be killed, and Dream would be left to serve this Thing for the rest of his short life. 

“ Dream ,” the God finally spoke, sending a shudder through them both. Dream had tears already streaking down his face, and he looked at Techno as if he were simply a dead man standing. Dream knew that his Patron would kill him. Techno felt his own eyes water and he clutched onto Dream’s cloak tighter. He couldn’t bear to leave Dream alone with this Thing. 

“ My Pet. Why have you removed the symbol of your subservience to me? ” The voice seemed to echo throughout the entire forest and shake the very ground they were standing on while simultaneously feeling as if it was spoken into Techno’s very mind. The voice alone felt violating.

Dream turned to face his Patron, Techno still holding on to him as if he were a small child, hating himself for dragging them into this and not having any form of a plan to save them. “I-I’m sorry, my Lord. I-I meant no disrespect-” Dream said, voice shaky and fearful.

“ Disrespect?!” The God cried, voice rising in volume and cloak billowing out, displaying more of the black void that promised a freezing and miserable death. “You took an oath to never remove this in front of another being the day I blessed you with My power. This was disobedience . A betrayal ,” the God said, his voice booming and damning. A death sentence. He had no idea how Dream was speaking . Techno barely seemed able to breathe . They were so dead. So incredibly fucked. 

“I-I know. I’m sorry, but-” Dream paused, head dipping down for a long moment before he straightened, standing tall as he spoke. “I suspect that you betrayed me . Did you stop Techno from saving me so that I’d be forced to accept your deal and join your coven?” Dream questioned, voice venomous, almost matching the God himself. Techno isn’t sure how Dream mustered the courage it took to speak to the God like that, but if it were possible, he would have fallen in love with the man all over again. No wonder Dream was never afraid of him… If he had the gall to stand before the most fearsome God Techno has ever met, then he had no reason to fear Techno.

There was a long pause before the God’s body tilted backward, an awful, menacing laugh ripping through Techno’s ears as if being shoved into his skull with a knife. He felt Dream tense beneath him.

Gods, why did he have to drag Dream into his own hubris? His own downfall? No matter how brave Dream was for standing up to the God, it still didn’t bode well for them. Angering the God would do nothing but nail the coffin shut.

“Foolish mortal... I cannot betray someone that I was never loyal to. I owed you nothing, Pet. You owe Me everything. You are nothing in the sphere of existence,” the God spoke, leaning towards them, His many hands reaching for Dream and running through his hair, tugging at his cloak and pulling at his ears as if he were an animal. A pet, to be used for one’s amusement. One of the hands pinched at Techno’s hand, where he was holding onto Dream, and he winced, ripping his hand away, but the damage had been done. A small pinch from the God had left Techno with several broken bones. It pulsed with pain and Techno forced himself to stand his ground beside Dream, despite his instincts shouting and pleading with him to run. 

He would not abandon Dream of his own free will. The God could break all his bones for all he cared. The least he could do was stand his ground beside Dream. 

“You didn’t answer my question, my Lord. Did you let me be led to the pyre? Did you manipulate me into joining your coven?” Dream asked, voice shaking as if in pain, his former courage waning as the God leaned closer. 

“ Of course I did, idiot . I am the God of Chaos. You were blessed to carry a magic similar to My own since your birth. It was Fate themselves that orchestrated your life. You were meant to follow Me. You are Mine. Why would I allow you to choose anything other than Me?” The God spoke almost softly, reverently, as he stroked Dream’s face and tucked a strand of hair behind his ear. Techno saw Dream shudder as the hands continued to invade his space. The silence after the God’s words grew thick with tension, making Techno feel as if he were a bowstring pulled taut, ready to snap at any moment into action. Into running . It was odd and unnatural just how much the God before him could affect him mentally. 

The tense silence was shattered as Dream began to sob. His hands went to hide his face but were pulled away by the God who began wiping away the tears. Then the hands were tugging Dream’s face up, forcing him to meet his Patron’s eye. 

“ Why are you upset, my Pet? It is a great honor that I allow you to carry My power. Surely you would not be so foolish as to wish to surrender such amazing power for a mortal man?” The God spoke, leaning so close that His mask was resting against Dream’s bare face as the other cried. 

Techno has never felt so utterly out of place and useless in all of his existence. What was he to do? When he couldn’t even force words out of his mouth? When he could barely breathe and his heart was racing so hard he felt as if it would burst? What comfort or protection could he possibly offer Dream in the face of this almighty God? What weaknesses could this God even have? What body could Techno even attack? He was made of void and chaos. What weapon would be useful in defeating this inhuman Thing ? 

“I-I don’t want to follow you anymore.” Dream whispered against the God’s mask and time itself seemed to stand still. There wasn’t a single sound in the entirety of the forest as the God pulled himself away from Dream to meet his eye. “I don’t want to follow you anymore,” Dream repeated, and the God’s grip on his face tightened, causing Dream to cry out, reaching to pull away from the hands that went from caressing him to restraining him with a bruising force. 

 “ You would dare to reject Me?! The God of Chaos itself?!” The God cried and Techno moved to step forward, scared that this would escalate into violence when he noticed that, once more, he had not been frozen in just fear. No. He was being held in place by the feet. Free to move his face and his hands to an extent, but still under the God’s control. 

He had foolishly not even considered this possibility and had, once more, jumped straight into blaming himself. Useless. The piglin brute he once was would have been more helpful in this situation than he was. 

It was revolting just how incapable he was at protecting Dream from this Thing . 

“ After all that I have gifted unto you?! You would choose a mortal over Me ? What is it, Pet? Are you upset that I haven’t revived that puppet creature that you were so pathetically attached to?” As the God spoke the word ‘pet’ the dust began to swirl, leaving behind a white horse standing in the clearing beside Dream, the God’s hands wrenching the smaller man’s face to look at it. “ Is this what you want? Your favored pet back?” The God said, voice bitter and sounding as if made of thunder as he shook Dream’s face with such force that the man lost his footing and was being held upright by the God’s many hands. “Did I not give you enough attention ?! So much that you were lonely enough to seek out this pathetic creature for company?” The God said, finally releasing Dream and letting him fall to the ground. 

Dream was crying fully now, pushing himself to his hands and knees and staring up at the God, refusing to look at the animal to his left. “Stop this! Please, just take your power back and leave me! Please!” Dream cried hands fisting into the scorched dirt underneath him. 

The God turned away from them, peering at Dream’s mask for a long moment before He spoke. 

“ Fine, you wretched thing. It is becoming apparent that you must learn some things on your own,” The God said, turning back towards Dream and raising his hands, lightening immediately striking somewhere in the distance, the sounds of its thunder blending seamlessly with the God’s own voice. 

“ Since you have chosen to forsake Me and follow the vile and murderous thing beside you, I will allow it.” The God said, gold beginning to glow on the engravings throughout the green cloak, the void of the God’s body seeming to grow increasingly darker, as if threatening to pull everything in the surrounding area into its destruction. “I will curse you with immortality similar to the warrior you have chosen to serve. You will never age, nor fall sick, My Pet. You will live, immortal , until you inevitably fall in battle, similar to how the Blood God has cursed his own follower,” the God said, gesturing to Techno without his gaze ever breaking from Dream. “I will gift you all of this under one condition. Inevitably, you will fall in battle, and it will be on his sword. The only way to save yourself from this fate, will be to kill the warrior destined to end you. If you do that, I will allow you to return to My side, cleansed of all failures and renewed in My eyes.”

Dream looked upon his Patron, eyes wide but no longer fearful. Techno watched, in disgust, as Dream smiled at the horrifying Thing before them as if he had just been granted a gift. 

“Y-you’re letting me free?” Dream whispered, pushing himself to his feet and leaving Techno’s side to approach the God. 

“ Yes, My favored Pet. Did you think I would kill you? Even for such insolence and betrayal, it is to be expected. You are mortal. I trust that you will return to Me whenever you are ready ,” the God said softly, once more reaching to hold Dream’s face, who leaned into it as if in appreciation.  “And if you don’t, the warrior will inevitably kill you and your soul will be Mine, either way.” It was a threat and a promise all the same, but Dream laughed and reached to hold onto one of the God’s hands. 

It was sick. 

“ Thank you , my Lord. Thank you,” Dream said, bowing his head and the God placed His hand upon it, turning His doubtful gaze unto Techno. 

“ I hope you have chosen well, Pet. For when you are not in My coven, you will have no access to My power. If this warrior chooses to leave you, you will be vulnerable. Likewise, it will be a struggle to kill the Blood God’s warrior and reclaim your power.” The God turned His masked face back to Dream, floating lower to the ground to be eye-level. “ When you are ready to give up this foolish life, you may pray to Me and show Me the corpse of this warrior, and I will grant you My power once more. When you kill the warrior, you will be immortal. No longer able to be felled by either blade or magic. You’d be unstoppable , My Pet.” The God said before tucking the discarded mask into His cloak as if saving it for whenever Dream returned to Him. 

Dream nodded, smile still on his face as the hand he had been holding was pressing closer to his chest. This made Dream’s smile drop, but he released the hand, taking a deep breath and nodding as if reassuring himself.

“Look away, Techno,” Dream warned, but Techno didn’t have a choice. The God twisted his body around to face away, and he was shoved several feet away before being released. He hit the ground hard, the wind knocked out of him just as he heard Dream scream. 

He tried to jerk his head around, but was pushed back into the dirt by one of the God’s many hands. He felt the back of his neck start to burn, the hand grabbing his hair and shoving his head down as something started to carve into his neck. He fought against it, but Dream’s scream and the burning stopped after only a few seconds and then Techno was let up. He pushed himself quickly to his feet, turning and racing back to Dream, who was alone in the clearing, no sign that the God was ever even there. 

“Dream? Oh my Gods, are you okay?” Techno questioned, hands running over Dream’s face and head and then his chest. He had no idea what just happened or why Dream screamed. Dream was just sitting there, tears streaming down his face and Techno wiped them away before pulling Dream to his chest, wrapping his arms tightly around the other. 

He pulled his cloak around the other’s shoulders, hoping that it offered the same comfort that Phil’s wings always provided. Being wrapped in those dark wings always made Techno feel safe and loved, as if were being hidden and shielded from everything else in the world. He prayed that this was at least somewhat comforting to Dream. Since he didn’t know what else he could even do for the other. 

Dream’s arms slowly reached up and wrapped around his neck, pulling him closer as he tucked his face into Techno’s neck. 

“What happened? Are you okay?” Techno repeated, pressing a kiss into the other’s hair as he continued trying to cover the other with his cloak. 

Dream laughed, a wicked and sad sound before he pulled back to smile at Techno. 

“I’m free, Tech. Isn’t this what you wanted?” The voice was sad and shaky. It sounded like those young kids that always rushed into battle with too much confidence only to leave with dead friends and a lifetime of nightmares. It sounded like shock. 

Techno pressed the back of his hand against Dream’s forehead. It was freezing cold and Dream was shaking. Fuck . Techno had no idea how to treat shock. Keep them warm? Talk to them? He wished Phil were here. 

“Yeah, Dream, you are free,” he said, pulling the other back to his chest and positioning them more comfortably. He wanted to rush Dream back home but wasn’t sure if Dream would want the same. Techno was apparently cursed to kill Dream now. Dream may never want to see him again. He reached up to feel along the back of his neck where the burning sensation had happened and felt raised scars. It was probably the origin of the curse the God had placed upon him. 

He peeked around to see the back of Dream’s neck but didn’t see a mark of any sort. 

“Techno?” The smaller called, voice teeming with fear and doubt. 

“Yeah, Dream? I’m right here. You’re okay. We’re okay,” Techno reassured, rubbing the other’s back awkwardly. Were they okay?  Techno was cursed to kill Dream. What the fuck was he supposed to do about that? 

“Wha-... um. I-I don’t have my magic anymore,” Dream whispered into his neck and Techno held the back of his head gently as he hummed in agreement.  He watched as Dream lifted a hand as if to summon threads that were no longer there before the hand dropped back into Techno’s lap uselessly.

“And I have a lot of enemies,” Dream continued and Techno tightened his grip. 

“ Dream . Don’t-don’t you worry about any of that, okay? I’m right here, and I’m not going anywhere. Fuck whoever you managed to piss off, okay? If they come near us, they’re dead,” Techno said, pulling Dream back so that they could meet each other’s eye. “I’m serious. I’ll protect you, no matter if it costs me my own life.” Especially because this is all my fault , Techno thought as he wiped yet another one of Dream’s tears away. He hated seeing the other so sad and broken-looking. He was determined to fix it. Immortality was a long time. He and Phil know that first-hand. Hopefully, it would be long enough for Techno to finally be able to make Dream happy again. 

“I swear it, Dream. I’ll protect you. Besides, the, uh, truth potion is probably still in effect, right? So you can believe me?” Techno asked, smiling down at the other who returned it with a small laugh. 

“I don’t need you to protect me, Techno. Hell, you’re the only person capable of killing me,” Dream said, a small frown marring his beautiful face.

“I don’t think that makes you impervious to pain, though. Or maiming. Or anything. What if it just makes it to where you can’t die?! No, I need to be around. At least until you freshen up your sparring skills with that axe of yours. Hell, do you even carry that thing anymore?” Techno rambled, mind already picturing the worst-case scenario of Dream being tortured and carved with nothing to take away the pain. No chance of dying to escape the torture. Just being stuck in place, hurt for the rest of his eternity. Techno shook his head. “No. You still need protection Dream.”

“Fine. Then, uh, d-do you still want me to go home with you? Like you said earlier?” Dream questioned, blinking up at him through his wet lashes. His grin grew as he heard Dream’s words. They filled him with relief and he pulled the other impossibly close, pressing another kiss to the top of his head. 

“Of course I do.” He said but was startled as Dream gasped and shoved him roughly away. Techno sat stunned in the dirt, wondering what he did, only to see Dream ogling the white horse still standing in the clearing, munching happily on a patch of grass that hadn’t been burned. 

“ Oh my Gods! ” Dream near yelled, rushing to his feet before approaching the animal. “Spirit?” He whispered, but it was enough to gain the animal's attention who lifted its massive white head, chewing almost lazily before it seemed to recognize the man. It knickered happily, tail swishing as it bobbed its head up and down. Dream laughed and raced over, immediately wrapping his arms around the animal's neck. “Holy… He let me keep you?” Dream said as Techno finally stood and dusted himself off before approaching the two. 

Dream turned to him with a bright and cheerful smile and Techno could do nothing but return it. However, he didn’t feel all that happy for Dream. Not because he had his horse back, but because, to Techno, this felt like yet another form of manipulation. One last parting gift the God gave to try and sway Dream to eventually return to him. 

Still, that was something to worry about at a later date. For now, he reached a hand upwards to scratch behind the horse’s ear and allowed himself to watch as Dream nearly bounced on his feet he was so full of excitement. The other’s eyes shown with love and cheerfulness and his smile was happy .

God , Techno is so glad that the damned mask is gone for good. He really missed seeing the other’s face with no barriers keeping them apart. 

This was what was important right now. That Dream was happy and surrounded by those that cared for him and would keep him safe. He remembered Spirit from when he first met Dream, but had thought that the horse was killed that day when they were hunted by the townsfolk. The day Dream burned was the same day that Spirit had died. Techno hadn’t recognized the revived horse, but knew that this animal meant the world to Dream. And he also knew that this horse cared for him. Never bucked him, never let anyone else ride him, and always came when called, even if called into the middle of a battle. 

Spirit was worth his weight in gold and Techno would do his damndest to protect them both. 

“Oh! I haven’t said hi to chat yet, have I? How rude of me,” Dream said and of course , as soon as Dream called to them, they instantly reawakened with renewed vigor and volume . 

DREAM!!!

              HI DREAM
  Dreamie <3! 
Hello :)

     WE LOVE YOU

GUYTS! Dreams coming home with us!?

      POG

YAY!!! DNB for LIFE!!!! <3

              XD is fucking scary   

   I know wth

             0-0

SHH! demonetization! Watch the language guys

       Dudeee what just happened… 

 No more magic? 

        Aww i liked dream’s magic :(

What happened to the orginal plot of the movie .-.

   Sooo… uh… No sunsword? 

        …

L’s for us

           L :( 

    L   

        L

Techno laughed, responding with a simple, “They say hi,” before pulling Dream towards him, placing his hand on the side of the other’s face. 

“I’m not too sure at all what just happened, but what I do know is that we’re both immortal, the best damn horse in the land is right beside us,” Techno said, smiling down at the person across from him, pulling him steadily closer and angling their faces together, only to wince as chat exploded . “Aside from Carl, I know. Guys… Chat. Okay, I’m sorry ! Listen, guys, I’m trying to have a moment here,” Techno rambled, staring at the forest floor while trying to calm chat down before Dream’s hands found his face and pulled him back upwards. 

“Chat,” Dream said and they all went silent, awaiting the man’s next words. Techno hated how they always listened to Dream but never to him. You would think that they’d have a little loyalty, but no . “Chat, let him finish, okay? For me?” Dream said, leaning forwards until their lips brushed. Chat, the bastards, immediately went silent, the only sound was them shushing one another quietly.

“Uh… I was saying , that- um,” Techno pulled back slightly, and Dream sighed as if annoyed. “Hmm, what was I saying?” 

“Um, we’re immortal, Spirit is here, and-?” Dream said, pulling Techno back close.

“Oh, right. Hmm. I don’t think I remember,” Techno said and Dream sighed again.

“Does it matter? I’m trying to kiss you,” the shorter said and Techno shook his head animatedly.

“Ah, no. No, it doesn’t matter in the slightest,” he said right before Dream shut him up with his lips pressed against his own. They pulled away after a few moments and Techno grinned at him. 

“Now, what’s the lesson we learned today, chat?” Techno said, utterly ignoring chat’s responses as he gazed into the green eyes before him. “That’s right, chat. Pissing off Gods is how you score a second date.”

Dream laughed, a loud and wheezing sound as he doubled over, grabbing onto Techno for support, and Techno couldn’t help but laugh as well.

Chapter Text

Phil tried to act surprised whenever he saw Carl top the hill with not one, but two passengers. He knew when Techno left that his friend didn’t have it in him to kill Dream. Techno’s expression alone whenever he spoke of Dream was enough to convince Phil of that. What Techno said didn’t match the soft look in his eyes and how they would fill with worry. It was similar to how Techno looked at the rest of their family. They may be annoying, but they were considered family in Techno’s eyes and family had to be protected. Phil had been a little stunned when Dream seemed to fall into those that Techno wanted to protect, but he trusted his friend’s decision. So seeing the witch once again didn’t catch him off guard. No, he’d been expecting it.

What did surprise him was the white, clearly alive, horse trailing behind them with a rope attached to its neck. Sure, his crows had told him that the horse was coming, but they left out the part where it was no longer a corpse! Perhaps the Revival Book could work on animals if the user was powerful enough… which begged the question of just how powerful was Dream? If that’s what happened, that is. 

The horse and its newly revived state wasn’t his main focus, however. Nor was it Dream and his violent and manipulative tendencies that he’d been warned of. 

No, Phil’s main concern was that this was the first person Techno had ever brought home! Phil was itching to learn more about Dream and the dynamic between the two and he swore to his crows that he’d be welcoming and not mess this up for his friend. Techno was not an emotional person by any means, so how the other had acted towards Dream was interesting and Phil was a tad invested. Techno may not consider him to be his father, nor did Phil really consider him a son simply because they had spent decades as friends, as equals, but Gods who could blame him for being proud of Techno for finally bringing someone home? 

Sure, it was a witch of Chaos that had tried to murder his friend in the past, and sure, Lady Death seemed to despise the man for having to trade the Revival Book, but still!

He already promised his crows that he would try his best to not embarrass Techno, so he’d have to wait before bombarding them with questions. Gods, he felt like a kid again, nearly bouncing on his feet as they made their way down the hill. His crows were very adamant that Phil play nice, but when the two men got closer and he saw Dream without his mask, arms wrapped around Techno’s waist, he couldn’t help but give a teasing smile. He could also tell that Techno’s cheeks were already a little red and he was avoiding looking anywhere in Phil’s direction, so he’d need to be extra considerate so as not to embarrass either of them. If he did, he’d never hear the end of it from his murder of crows. 

Currently, his crows were circling them, cawing warnings to one another about Dream and gossiping as they always did to the crows that did not follow the two on their adventure. One bird, however, ignored the warning and dipped until he was hovering in front of Dream as they approached the stables. It was the same crow that Dream had ripped feathers from on their first encounter. The two seemed to eye one another cautiously before the blonde simply lifted a hand and let the crow land there before offering it a pat on the head. The crow pecked at the man’s hand, but Dream simply laughed and booped it on the beak, saying something to it that Phil couldn’t hear. 

Perhaps Dream recognized the crow as well and knew that it was the one he had previously injured. Although the injury wasn’t severe by any means, it was odd for a member of his murder to not hold a grudge. It was even odder that Dream seemed to be much more accepting of them. Was it possible that Dream was trying to make a good impression? Or maybe he was intending to turn a new leaf? Or most likely, this was simple manipulation.

He’d have to learn more about whatever the fuck happened on their little rendevous to ensure that Dream’s sudden attitude shift wasn’t intentional to try and manipulate Techno. That was a concern of his, but honestly, Techno could handle himself. Of course, Phil would be cautious, but seeing as Techno brought Dream back home, something serious must have happened between the two. Gods, he wished that his crows had been able to gather more information. The fire kept them out and blocked most of their vision. What wasn’t blocked was hindered by the smoke, not to mention that they all fled once Dream’s God had made an appearance. He didn’t have as much information as he would have liked. 

Perhaps the crow brave enough to remain close to Dream would have to be tasked with learning more about the man. If, that is, the other allowed the bird to stay with him enough to be observed.

The two men dismounted Carl and stabled both animals, Dream taking a long moment to take in the sight of the white horse before finally turning away and following Techno towards his home, the aforementioned crow resting on his shoulder. As soon as he left the cover of the stables, several crows swarmed Dream for attention after seeing him not kill the first one brave enough to get close. The man had to shield his face, Techno even swatting at a few that got too close. The crow on Dream squawked angrily, flaring its wings in an effort to get the others to leave the man alone, and Phil let out a low whistle, his murder immediately taking to the sky and leaving them alone. 

At least they decided to listen this time, Phil thought, smiling at the two men. Dream had gotten a small nick on his cheek from one of the crows, but he didn’t seem upset over it. 

Phil stood as the others approached, Techno staring at the ground and stopping several feet away, looking just as socially awkward as he usually did whenever someone outside of their family was around. Dream was half-hidden behind Techno’s looming form, but Phil couldn’t quite tell if it was intentional or not. Perhaps Dream was nervous or afraid of Phil’s reaction. Techno sure as hell seemed uncomfortable. 

What were they so scared of?

He stood in the tense silence for a few moments, taking in the sight of a maskless Dream before finally clapping his hands and putting a broad smile on his face.

“Well! I hope you’re hungry! I just finished making dinner, so come on in,” he said opening the door and welcoming the two inside. 

Dream has never felt this awkward in his entire life. He tried to take a few deep breaths as he followed Techno up to where Philza was standing to greet them, a small part of him wishing for the snow beneath his feet to just swallow him whole. He knew that Philza meant a lot to Techno, so first impressions were important. The only problem was that he already had his first encounter with Philza and it hadn’t gone very well. Sure, the man didn’t seem to be holding a grudge, but Dream could see right past that big, bright smile and the crow’s feet around the other’s eyes. Philza was not some sweet older man. He was the Angel of Death, married to Lady Death Herself and he was viciously smart. Those kind eyes had an edge to them. Phil might seem unassuming, but Dream bet that the man was terrifying when he needed to be. Which would be fine if Dream had any way to defend himself, but he didn’t. No magic, no weapons other than his dagger, leaving him defenseless. 

Defenseless, in the face of a man that had every right to hold a grudge against him. 

Techno’s head was dipped down, leaving Dream and Phil to stare at one another.

Dream knew he was being sized up and observed. Those eyes were calculating and felt as if they were tearing through Dream to try and find out his intentions. Dream felt the sweat rolling down the back of his neck, his instincts on fire and telling him to prepare for a fight. 

Philza was unnerving and dangerous. An immortal similar to Techno that was obviously not some nice little pacifist because, if he were, he would have never been able to remain at a man like Techno’s side for this many decades. No, this man had fought beside Techno in more battles than Dream can even rationalize. Immortality is a long time. 

Still, he had a role to play as well. So he returned the other’s smile and let his eyes drift downwards as if he were shy or embarrassed. Fitting for the current situation, and hopefully, he would act just normal enough to be able to get a bit of time alone so he could think. He had so much that he needed to process. So much he needed to start preparing for. 

His mental state felt as if he were balancing on a wire, trying to inch his way forwards to get back on stable ground. The wire felt infinite, and as if one wrong move would lead to a crack in the facade he was wearing. One wrong move and the wire would snap, leaving him plummeting towards his own demise.

So he tried not to think of his inevitable death or the fact that the one destined to cause it was standing right in front of him. Nope. He wouldn’t think about how he could either test his luck and try to live the remainder of his life with Techno, the length of which would be determined by just how lenient the God of Chaos would be, or that he could simply kill Techno and have immortality. The God never specified that Dream had to return to His coven if he were to kill the warrior before him. But still, without his magic, Dream didn’t stand a chance against the other. He was defenseless and weak. Powerless. 

Even if he decided to kill Techno, would it even be possible? If Techno snapped and tried to kill him, would he even stand a chance? 

“Are you okay, Dream?” A quiet voice called and Dream snapped his head up, seeing worried crimson eyes tracking over his face. Phil was standing by the front door, frowning as those perceptive eyes raked over him. 

It made Dream want to vomit. 

Instead, he forced a small laugh and a big smile. “Oh! Yeah, sorry, I’m just tired,” he lied, consciously taking slow breaths to try and force his heart rate back down. Had he missed something? Not heard something?

Techno gave him a dull look, before reaching forward and wiping Dream’s face. 

Fuck. He’d been crying. 

He ripped himself out of Techno’s hold and turned, rubbing at his face and forcing more deep breaths. 

Perfect. His second impression on Philza would be that he’s unstable and weak and pathetic. Of course it would be. It was the truth. 

“Okay, I’ll give you two a minute and, uh, go heat up dinner,” Philza excused himself kindly before Dream heard a door shut, cementing the fact that he was alone with the man that would eventually murder him. 

“Dream?” Techno called, voice sounding as if it were underwater and miles away, and he felt a hand rest gently on his shoulder that should have been comforting, but it felt more like a weight, anchoring him to the spot and preventing any escape. His chest felt as if it XD were reaching into it to touch his soul. Cold and unable to expand enough to breathe. Dream covered his face with both of his hands, missing his mask for the first time since it was taken from him. 

Right, he’d disgraced his God and was now utterly alone, with only his future murderer to rely on. His next breath came out rugged, sounding much more like a sob, and suddenly he was wrapped in large arms and pulled to an immovable chest. He tried to shove against the hold, but he was weak and pathetic and Techno was so strong and, God, Dream would never be able to defend himself against the other. Not without his magic. He was so dead. Techno could simply reach up and snap his neck right now like he was going to in the clearing and-

“Dream? It’s okay. I get it,” Techno said and this time, when Dream shoved, Techno allowed it, until Dream was just leaning against Techno’s chest, no arms to keep him from leaving. “It’s okay. I understand. If you don’t want to stay, you don’t have to. If you don’t want to talk to Phil I can tell him to fuck off, he’ll understand,” Techno said, voice soft, forcing Dream to slow his breathing just to hear it. “You don’t have to worry about anything right now. Let’s get some food, clean clothes, and some sleep and we can figure this out later, okay? When we have clearer heads,” Techno said, one hand reaching forward to grab Dream’s, but Dream grabbed his wrist, squeezing it to ground himself, without allowing Techno to hold him. 

Dream nodded, still facing away, and wiped at his eyes. Pathetic. He’s never cried this much in his life. He swears it’s got to be Techno’s fault that he’s this damn emotional around the other. Doesn’t make any logical sense. 

He leaned his head back against the other’s chest, and Techno just stood there, letting Dream squeeze bruises into his wrist as he tried to calm himself. They stood in silence for several long moments before Dream finally was able to take full, deep breaths, signaling the end of the panic attack that had blindsided him.

Just how long had they been standing here? Seconds? Hours? It sure seemed like it with how cold his body had gotten. So much so that he couldn’t tell if he was shaking from the aftereffects of the panic attack or from the cold. 

 Dream laughed bitterly before turning to face the other. He had gotten so good at suppressing those, too. Just another failure to add to the list of his fuck up’s as of late. 

And of fucking course, he was being watched by dozens of crows who would all go and report this weakness to Philza who would think even less of him. It was one thing for Techno to see it, but Philza? The crow that had been on his shoulder had left sometime during his little fit, and Dream couldn’t even tell which crow it was from this distance. Did that even matter? 

His face was hot with embarrassment and his heart was hammering once more. He was so exhausted and drained, and God, he felt awful. He had no idea what he was supposed to do. For the first time in his life, he had no direction. Nothing to accomplish, nothing he wanted. Nothing to serve or follow. Just an inevitable expiration date.

He looked at Techno, and those worry-filled red eyes and hoped that whenever he died, if that’s what he decided he wanted, that he’d at least get to face the other and see those eyes once more. He let his own eyes drift shut before leaning forward and resting his forehead on Techno’s chest. Hesitant arms wrapped around him, hovering, as if barely there. Dream smiled at the thoughtfulness before wiping the smile away and leaning back. 

“Want to go take a shower and get into some clean clothes before we eat?” Techno asked and Dream nodded before allowing himself to be led into the house. Philza pointedly did not look at them as he stirred a massive pot and Dream’s mouth watered at the smell. Gods, when was the last time he had eaten? At the village with Techno at noon yesterday? His stomach was still in knots and he prayed that he’d feel better after his shower. He was famished. 

He didn’t have much time to think about the amazing smell before he was pulled upstairs and into a room that smelled of Techno before being led into the adjacent bathroom. 

“Okay, I know this is awkward, and I’m sorry. I’m really bad at this,” Techno said, running his hand through his filthy hair and knocking the crown off. It clattered to the ground and Techno simply winced before shoving it away with his foot. “Okay. So, here’s the bathroom, uh, obviously. Hush, chat. I’m trying. A-and you can use anything you need. Uh, do you need me to get you some clothes?”

Dream stared at the other for a few long moments, noticing the very disshelved appearance and flustered red cheeks. Finally, he couldn’t help but to laugh, trying and failing to smother it with his hand, and only laughing harder when he saw the look on Techno’s face. How odd to see a pout on a face full of scars with crimson eyes that told of countless battles won. Techno rolled his eyes as Dream laughed, poking him in the side as if to get him to knock it off. Loads of tension leaked out of him as he realized he wasn’t the only one confused and a little scared for whatever followed. 

“Seriously, Dream. Don’t laugh at me. I’m trying,” the other said and Dream tried to stifle the laughter, failing when he saw Techno smack the side of his head, signaling that chat was most likely being a nuisance. “Oh, great. Chat, no. He’s a bad influence. Don’t laugh at me. I can’t help it!” Techno said, annoyed, but the smile on his face betrayed him. 

Dream finally collected himself and he leaned up on his tip-toes before pressing his lips gently against the others. Techno’s face was now even more red, but Dream decided to be merciful and not tease him about it. 

“Thanks for making me feel better. And yes, clothes would be nice,” Dream finally said and Techno gave him a smile in return. 

“See, chat? I’m great at this,” Techno said as he left to assumedly get a change of clothes, and Dream chuckled again before removing his singed and bloody cloak, the sounds of Techno speaking to the voices a soothing noise in the background. He began undoing the leather straps of his armor as Techno returned with fresh clothes and a basket. 

“Here’s the clean clothes. They may be a tad too big, but, uh, you can put your dirty clothes in the basket so we can do laundry tomorrow,” Techno said, sentence ending with a yawn, and Dream nodded, saying his thanks before shutting the door and finally peeling off the filthy clothes that reeked of smoke and blood. It was such a relief to not be surrounded by the scent of smoke. 

The water felt amazing, and Dream hurried to scrub off the grime of battle that he’d been wearing for so many hours as they made their trek back to Techno’s place. The water running off of him was a deep, dirty red, but it was unbelievably satisfying to finally see pale skin free of remnants of battle. Well, other than the scars and small wounds that would mar his skin for the rest of his days. That was okay, though. Techno had lots of scars, too. On him, they seemed to be the mark of a warrior, so Dream wasn't sure why he viewed his own as nothing more than mistakes and slips in battle. 

The soaps smelled like Techno but, better yet, they didn’t smell like smoke, so Dream washed his hair twice, dowsing it in soaps each time to wash away the awful smell that reminded him of flames and unbearable heat. 

He guiltily thought of Techno’s hands in his hair instead of his own, as he scrubbed, but that brief thought only served to remind him that the other had callouses from wielding his weapon. Dream no longer had callouses and would have to build them up again since he’d have to relearn how to defend himself without magic. He shook his head and sighed. There was a lot he would have to do in the next few weeks. Big decisions to be made that would affect the outcome of the curse his God had given him. 

But for right now, Techno was right. Food and sleep sounded heavenly, so Dream cut off the water and exited, drying his hair as best he could with the oversized towel that probably looked normal on Techno before dressing in the far too large pajamas Techno had loaned him. 

Looking in the foggy mirror, he saw the outline of his own face, something he hadn’t actually bothered to look at in months. He took a steadying breath to ground himself for whatever he might see before reaching up and wiping at the condensation on the mirror. 

Surprisingly, he didn’t see the monster he was expecting. In fact, he looked nearly the same as he had when he had first met Techno, back when he was serving his old Patron, with only a few new scars to show that he’d aged at all.

He hummed to himself in thought before shaking his head and exiting, heading towards the enticing scent of food from downstairs. 

When he turns the corner, Techno is nowhere in sight. 

Great.

Philza smiles at him and motions him over, so Dream goes and sits across from the man at the dark oak table, trying for a smile. 

Philza stands and goes to the large pot that smells amazing and fixes them two bowls. 

“I hope you’re hungry. And I would wait on Techno, but he usually takes forever in the shower,” Philza says through a fond smile while setting the bowl in front of him. “Oh! Techno went to shower at my place, by the way, and I doubt he’d be mad at us for not waiting,” Philza says as he sets his own bowl down before heading back to the kitchen. “Do you want a drink? I brought home this red wine that I think would go well with the stew if you’d like to try it with me,” Philza said, turning to show Dream the bottle and he couldn’t help but smile as he nodded. A drink sounded heavenly. 

“Yes, please,” he says, picking up his spoon and taking a bite of the stew. Gods it has been a long time since Dream has had a homecooked meal. This meat tasted fresh, too. The vegetables even tasted fresh and, that’s right, he did see some weird greenhouse thing in the yard when he was here last, didn’t he? 

“Here ya go, mate.” Philza set a very full glass of red wine in front of him before taking his own seat, taking a small sip while staring intently at Dream. 

Right. Time for questions. Philza would want to know his intentions and would probably tell him to leave. 

He sat back in his chair, taking a long drink to prepare himself for the man’s next words. 

“So, what made you change your mind about wanting to kill my best friend?” The man asked, all false politeness gone as his eyes trapped Dream to the spot, seemingly reading every thought in his head and challenging him to lie. 

Dream couldn’t hold the other’s eyes and dropped his gaze to the stew, pushing it around with the spoon while trying to gather his thoughts. “I, uh, learned that he didn’t betray me,” he finally said, words not at all conveying the depth of what he meant. 

Philza simply hummed, resting his head on his interlaced fingers as those damningly observant eyes traced Dream's every move. 

Dream couldn’t bear the tense silence, so he continued. “I was burned at the stake. I thought Techno turned me over because he didn’t, um, save me. So I thought, uh- my, um, my old Patron actually did it. I, uh,” Dream said, vision blurring and a headache beginning to form right behind his eyes as he tried desperately to convey what he hadn’t yet fully accepted. 

“So, your old Patron made you think it was Techno? And now that you know it wasn’t you don’t hold a grudge against him?” Philza asked and Dream nodded, taking another long sip of his wine and thankful that Philza was perceptive enough to understand without Dream having to spell it out. “Ah, that’s understandable. It makes sense. Thank you for telling me, Dream,” Philza said as Dream drained his glass. The other stood and brought the bottle back to the table before filling his glass once more. “Seriously, though, mate. That seems awful. You learned this in the past few days?” 

Dream nodded. “Yeah, I found out yesterday, actually.”
“Gods, mate. That’s rough,” Philza said, interrupted as Techno slammed open the front door and rushed in. His hair had little icicles in it from where he hadn’t dried it before walking back over. “Hey, mate. Hope you don’t mind that we started without you!” Philza said, finally taking his real first bite before standing and ushering Techno towards the fire. “You defrost. I’ll fix you a bowl.”

Techno sat by the fire, running his hands through his wet hair before pulling it up and into a bun. He turned to look at Dream, sending a suspicious glance at Philza, before meeting his eye once more, asking without words what had been discussed in his absence. Dream rolled his eyes and pointedly ignored the questioning look. If he wanted to know, he should have fucking been here instead of leaving Dream all alone. 

Philza set the bowl down and Techno sat, pouring himself a glass of wine with a sigh. The warrior looked tired, but when those crimson eyes lifted to meet his, Dream dropped his gaze and shoveled stew in his mouth. Bastard.

They ate in awkward silence for a few minutes before Philza cleared his throat, shattering the silence. 

“So… how did you guys meet?” Philza asked, looking to Dream, whose face felt warm but he was still much better off than Techno who choked on his food while sending a death glare to Philza. The older man laughed, hands raised in surrender. 

“Okay! Okay, geez, I’ll back off, mate.” Philza said, taking another bite of the stew and Dream watched him for a moment, as if waiting for him to strike, before reluctantly returning his attention back to his own stew. 

Once more, they only get a few moments of peace before Philza speaks again. “So… Dream, what made you follow the God of Chaos?” The man said, eyes boring into his own, almost as if in challenge.

Now was Dream’s turn to choke on his food and Techno stood, abruptly, sending his chair loudly skidding backward across the hardwood floors.

“Okay! Phil, great talking to you, as always, but it’s been a long journey home, so..” Techno said with a forced laugh, reaching to make Philza stand.

“Alright! Geeze! You don’t tell me anything and then get mad when I ask questions. I’m sorry, mate, I’ll be going now,” Philza stood. “Sorry for disrupting dinner,” Philza said, actually looking rather apologetic and even seeming to wince when he looked to the multitude of crows sitting at the window and watching, wings fluttering almost angrily. 

Gods, this dinner was a disaster. But Dream could handle awkward. If he were planning on staying here for the foreseeable future until he came to a decision, then he’d need to form a truce with Philza. It would be tedious, but necessary. 

Dream put on a smile he prayed came off as sincere. “No! No, it’s not disrupting. It’s just, not a great topic for dinner. I, uh, was kinda tricked into it, I think? That was another thing I learned about last night,” he said with a small laugh, rubbing the back of his neck to try and appear uncomfortable. “So kinda fresh,” he stated, an obvious ' drop it' hopefully coming through his words. “But, um, yeah, before that I followed the God of Nature and before that, I was a hunter. I was following the God of Nature when Techno and I first met. And I, uh, stole his drink. That’s how we met. Then he chased me and fought me over it.” Dream said, downing his second glass of wine of the night.

Philza sat back down a heavy pause filling the air. “Tricked into it? So, he must have saved you from the fire that he led you into?” Philza asked and when Dream nodded he sighed, hands resting on the table, a shockingly sincere expression on his face. It almost appeared as if Philza seemed sad on behalf of Dream. “That must have been really rough, mate,” the man said, motioning for Techno to refill his glass. Thankfully, Techno did refill Dream’s glass and Dream had to stop himself from downing it in one go. “If you don’t want to talk about it, that’s completely fine. But if you ever want to, I'm told that I’m a good listener,” Philza said, a small smile on his face before he focused back on his food, the tension draining from the room. 

Techno looked at them, confused, as if trying to decipher what they talked about while he wasn’t here. Serves him right. Somehow, Dream was sure that Techno was to blame for this awful and awkward dinner.

Dream smiled, a tad more comfortable and now wanting to set a challenge of his own. He let his smile turn teasing. “Thank you, Philza. I bet that’s true. In fact, I've heard that you have eyes and ears all over the place,” Dream said, taking a small sip of wine. “Don’t think I didn’t see those crows snooping around me and Techno. I’d bet that you know a good bit more than you’re letting on.”

Philza smiled brightly, laughing. “I’m impressed. Usually, I'm quite underestimated. My crows even more so. And I do know more than I’m letting on. But all my ears ran away when your old Patron showed up. And before that, they couldn’t get close because of the fire. So I am pretty clueless as to what happened.” The man said, taking a sip of his own wine and meeting Dream’s gaze. 

Techno stared at the both of them in turn, mouth open in utter shock. “You were spying on us?” The warrior finally said, turning his eyes to Philza and smacking his temple lightly as if to quiet the voices enough to hear. 

“It’s fine, Techno,” Dream said with a small laugh. “It was the strategic move. Besides, he was most likely just worried about you. I mean, I was trying to murder you, at first.” Dream admitted, a wicked smile on his face.

“Shh! Chat, you did not tell me that we were being followed. Stop lying,” he said, causing Dream and Philza to chuckle as Techno continued to argue with the voices. “Seriously. You’re not gonna impress Dream by saying you saw them. No, chat, I’m not buying it. I’m not buying it!” Techno finally said, before tucking back into his stew, pausing with his spoon held as if pointing accusingly to the blank seat across from him. “If you guys don’t hush I’ll spoil the surprise you planned,” he said, snickering when chat, presumably, fell silent.

Surprise? Dream wondered, eyeing Techno suspiciously. He loved surprises. Or, more accurately, he loved figuring out what they were before they could be a surprise. But he wasn’t sure how he’d ask chat or get them to slip up. 

Philza nodded, clearing his throat and bringing the attention back upon himself. “I was worried, but mainly Lady Death wanted me to keep tabs on the Revival Book,” Philza said, pointedly looking at Dream.

Dream opened his mouth in shock. “Oh! I still have that!” He said excitedly, immediately turning to look for the satchel that he had left in Techno’s room. Did his Patron seriously let him keep it? Maybe He had simply forgotten about it, as doubtful as that was. 

Philza simply nodded, as if he knew without a shadow of a doubt that Dream had it. Right. His crows had most likely been keeping a close eye on it. 

Dream hummed to himself before taking a slow sip of wine. “Does your Patron want it back? I won’t be needing it, any longer. I, uh, can no longer use it seeing as I don’t possess any magic anymore,” Dream admittedly numbly, hiding slightly behind the glass of liquid red that was doing wonders for his stress. 

He raised his eyes to see a stunned Philza with wide eyes. The old man hadn’t seen that coming, now had he? It was a little satisfying to catch the other off guard. 

“Y-you… Geeze, mate! Let me get you a stronger drink. These past few days must have been a lot.” the man said a little too loudly as he stood and grabbed a bourbon from Techno’s cabinet. Techno gladly accepted the bottle and poured all three of them a drink before the warrior downed his entire glass and filled it again. 

Figures, Dream never saw the other as a wine person. He himself wasn’t at all picky. He’d drink anything if it made his mind go quiet. 

“Yeah, not to mention the whole curse thing we have to deal with,” the warrior said, swirling the brown liquid in his glass as he looked at Dream. 

Dream smiled. “Yeah, there is that,” he agreed, feeling Philza’s eyes on them as Dream reached his glass outwards, the warrior clinking their glasses together. “To my inevitable death,” he said, smiling at the warrior’s horrified face as he downed the glass. 

Philza watched them both, his expression matching Techno’s as they both looked at Dream as if he had gone mad. 

“What?” He finally asked, annoyed. “No need to sugar coat it. It’s true. If I stay with you, you’ll kill me one day, Techno. That was the curse, was it not? Don’t look so damn shocked at me verbalizing it.” He said with a bitter laugh, taking the liquor bottle from Techno when the other made no move to refill Dream’s glass. 

“Wh-what curse are you talking about, Dream?” Philza asked, all of their stews long forgotten in favor of the bitter drinks that seemed to make this conversation at least somewhat bearable. 

“Well, we were both cursed. I’m immortal, like you, up until the day the God of Chaos decides He’s had enough and forces Techno to kill me. Or until I’ve had enough and kill Techno to ensure my immortality,” Dream said, a peal of sad, forced laughter resounding through the room before Dream downed the glass, absently wondering how many drinks this even was at this point. His stomach burned with warmth, but still, he didn’t refuse as Philza stood, pouring him another glass, expression still horrified and in shock. 

“Fucking hell, mate. That’s… a lot. Are you okay?” The older man asked, hesitantly placing a hand on Dream’s shoulder before pulling up a chair beside him. 

Dream nodded, then shook his head, before finally shrugging, his face hidden in his hands. “I don’t know. I haven’t quite had the time to think about it,” he admitted, feeling Techno’s hand on his other shoulder. 

“Well, the way I’m thinking of it is that your Patron gave you immortality, right?” Techno asked, waiting for Dream to lift his head to look at him before continuing. “So, I’m thinking that he wouldn’t have bothered with that if he intended to kill you before you were going to naturally die, right? So, I think you have time,” Techno said, intertwining their fingers and pulling Dream’s hands towards himself. “I think that we have time to figure this all out,” the warrior said, brushing his thumb over Dream’s knuckles and Dream smiled in return, before taking a sip of his drink, appreciating the taste for the first time all night. 

“Right. I’ll help in any way that I can, of course,” Philza said, looking to Techno, who met his eye, both wearing a serious expression. 

Dream may be a little tipsy at the moment, but he could still tell that the friends were having a nonverbal conversation between themselves, and he was a tad peeved. So he tugged at Techno’s hand, pulling the other’s attention back to himself, where it should be. 

Philza laughed and Dream shot him a venomous look, that held no heat at all, before downing the rest of his glass once more. 

Dream wakes up, surprised he’s still alive since it feels as if someone took a sledgehammer to the inside of his skull. He groans as he pushes himself up, stomach churning and headache getting much worse as he straightens, looking around to see where the hell he ended up. 

Not far, he realizes as he looks down to see a soft brown leather couch and a red cloak that was used as a blanket. Techno is in the armchair next to him, snoring loudly with an empty bottle of bourbon on the side table next to him. Phil is on the other couch, wrapped in his wings, hat covering his face, and an empty wine glass sitting on his chest, still held by his hand. 

Great. A drunken night full of information he probably shouldn’t have shared is just what he needed. 

He stood, planning to take yet another shower when he heard Philza stir from where he was plopped sideways on the couch beside him. 

“Oh gods,” the older man groaned, rubbing at his head and dropping the wine glass that thankfully landed on the couch and not shattered on the floor. Dream rubbed at his eyes, noting that they felt puffy, probably due to a night of oversharing and crying. Of course. What else would he expect from himself at this point? 

Philza finally seemed to notice him and tried to offer a smile that ended in a wince. “Fuck. Remind me never to never play drinking games with you again,” the immortal said before standing and stretching, his wings unfurling to show their true size.

Drinking games? Dream did not remember that. Honestly, he doesn’t remember much of anything from the previous night. He nudges an empty wine bottle that's sitting at his feet, noting that it was white wine. So that’s a bottle of bourbon and two bottles of wine that they managed to polish off last night. Hopefully, that’s it and there are no bottles in the trash or hiding around the room. 

Philza looks at him, one hand massaging his temples as he motions for Dream to follow him. “C’mon, mate, let's start making breakfast. Or are you feeling queasy?” The man said, a teasing lilt in his voice that made Dream smile as he stood and walked behind the other as he was led to the kitchen. 

“Well, I don’t feel great, but I’m not gonna be sick if that’s what you’re asking,” Dream said, wincing when he saw that they left the stew out and it was most likely spoiled by now. Philza must have seen where Dream was looking because he waved his hand dismissively.
“Oh, don’t worry about that. Techno will just feed it to the hounds. It won’t go to waste,” the other assured, and Dream nodded, holding his hands in front of him awkwardly as he watched Philza start cleaning the kitchen. 

“Uh, do you need help with anything, Philza?” Dream asked, earning a laugh in return.

“Geeze, mate. How many times do I have to tell you to just call me Phil?” The man said with a laugh before his smile turned wicked as he lifted the pot of stew and went to set it on the table. “Unless, of course, it’s because you don’t remember last night?” 

Dream laughed, trying to play it off, but it came out sounding way too loud and uncomfortable. Philza, or Phil, rather, laughed too. 

“Oh, don’t worry. It wasn’t bad. And Techno fell asleep after about an hour. We just talked, that’s all we did,” Phil reassured. “Aside from the drinking games. Would you mind getting the dishes from the table for me?”

“Yeah, of course,” Dream said, taking their barely touched stew and scraping it back in the pot to go to the hounds before taking them over to the sink. “So, uh, what did we talk about?” He finally asked, hoping that he hadn’t said anything ridiculous or embarrassing. 

“Oh, well, we mainly talked about the curse and your past Patrons. Nothing scandalous, I swear,” the other said, pulling out a bowl and cracking several eggs into it. Dream began to wash last night's dishes, humming as a sign for the other to continue. 

“You said that you missed your magic already and that you miss your old Patron. I encouraged you to try to reconcile with the Nature God and then we were interrupted by Techno who started snoring,” Phil said through a fond smile as he stirred in cheese and spices. “Then we spoke of my wife, Lady Death,” Phil said, going a bit quiet.

Whatever they talked about must be painful for the older man. Dream remembers snippets of the night, more memories being brought back as he was reminded of it via Phil. He remembers feeling like he was being interrogated, so he issued a challenge. Truth or Drink. 

You can either answer the other’s question or drink to avoid it. He also remembers that the game devolved into them basically forgetting about the option to drink to avoid answering, so they both must have ended up sharing more than they had originally intended. 

“That’s, uh… I’m sorry if I blabbed some sob story to you all night, Phil,” Dream said, but the other man set down his bowl and made his way over to Dream, who turned to face him fully.

“There’s nothing to be embarrassed about, mate,” Phil says, and Dream nodded halfheartedly, which made the other sigh while massaging the bridge of his nose. There was a long moment of silence before the other spoke. 

“Y’know, I’m the Angel of Death married to Lady Death, who I rarely am allowed to see. I’m immortal and have lived for so long that I barely remember my first hundred or so years of existence. Hell, I can barely picture my own mother’s face. Shit can be hard to carry. But you live with it,” he said, placing his hand on Dream’s shoulder and offering a smile. “In all my years, if I’ve learned one thing, it's that life is much easier when you can let your troubles off your chest every now and then and rely on the people around you. I’ve cried drunk to Techno about much less serious things. He’s never judged me for it. It’s what friends are for,” Phil said, that all too sincere smile still on his face. 

Friends? He’s ruined all of his friendships. 

But Phil was right. He remembers when he used to rant to Sapnap or George for hours about what was bothering him and how at the end of the night they’d all be laughing about it. Or at least he’d feel better knowing that they also cared about his problems. 

He nodded, offering a small smile in return to Phil. Was the older man insinuating that they were friends? That it was okay if Dream shared all of his problems because they were friends now? It’s been a while since he’s had a real friend. He hopes that he wasn’t being tricked or lied to right now. Phil may be intimidating at times and hard to read, but he was a good listener. Even if Dream had been a tad too drunk to fully recall all of their conversations from the previous night. 

“Besides, you should have seen Techno when he was first cursed by the Blood God so many centuries ago,” Phil said picking up the bowl and continuing to whisk the eggs. “He could barely control it. Like an animal, almost. Actually, rather similar to the piglin he was a few weeks ago. The voices used to be cruel and lusted for blood and violence every waking second,” Phil said, finally dumping the contents of the bowl into the hot pan, sizzling sounds filling the silence until he continued. “Some days Techno would return home on his hands and knees, crawling, because he had exhausted himself from killing. He’d return, drenched in blood and looking so, lost. He’d do it because the voices would pester him, scream and demand for blood and violence. It drove Techno mad,” Phil said, stirring the contents of the pan. Dream had long since abandoned the dishes, far too invested in what Phil was telling him.

“Spilling blood used to be the only thing that would tame them,” Phil said, motioning Dream to a cabinet, and he obediently pulled out three plates and set them next to the stove as Phil continued.

“What you’re sharing is deep, but it's not pathetic,” the other said as Dream returned to the sink to finish the dishes. “I'd never consider something you share to be anything other than something that you want me to help bear the burden of. Even if that’s just a listening ear. I’m always here to listen to you, Dream. And one day, maybe I’ll need you to be there for me,” the older man said, voice serious and sincere. 

Dream hummed again, finishing placing the last dish on the drying rack before turning to look at the avian. He was so bad at conversations like this, but he figured just saying exactly what he was thinking wouldn’t be taken the wrong way. “I’m not really sure what to say. Thank you, I guess,” Dream said, feeling awkward and as if his response was insufficient. “I’m not really good at stuff like this,” he admitted with a chuckle, but Phil smiled from where he was filling the plates with eggs, so he assumed it was a good enough response so as to not be offensive.

“That’s okay, mate. You get better at it over time. Well, I hope you do. Techno is still bad at communication after this many decades, so,” Phil said and Dream smiled, wondering if Phil said that just to try and make Dream feel a bit better. “Why don’t you go see if there are more dishes around and wake Techno while I finish breakfast?” The older asked and Dream nodded before heading into the living room. 

He collected the wine glass from the couch and the two empty bottles before poking Techno in the nose to wake him up. The other didn’t budge, and so Dream set the glasses down carefully before poking his nose a bit harder, the other hand poking at his cheek. Techno mumbled something angrily in his sleep, a hand coming up to swat at Dream. Dream caught the hand and pulled, the other waking right as he was pulled onto his feet and led into the kitchen. 

“Whoa, uh, good morning,” Techno mumbled through a yawn, stumbling as Dream led him into the kitchen. 

“We’re making breakfast and cleaning up from last night. You gotta help,” Dream informed him before guiding him towards the large pot on the table. “I don’t know. Go, like, feed your dogs or something,” Dream said before returning to collect the dishes and trash scattered around. 

“M’kay,” Techno said before motioning to Dream to toss him his cloak. Dream did and then Techno was out the door and heading down into the snow. 

Once Techno returned, breakfast was peaceful. And much needed considering none of them really ate last night. It was somewhat nice, being in a warm, safe house with people that knew about him and his situation. People that seemed to actually care. He had food, a place to sleep, and people that he was starting to feel that he could rely on. He knew he could depend on Techno in battle, but being able to be honest with someone and feel better afterward? That seemed... special. 

He wondered if Sapnap and George would be willing to speak with him after he abandoned them. George would be pissed. Hell, they both would. But it was worth it, wasn't it? To see? Surprisingly, he felt like Phil would be a good person to talk to about it and would most likely have good advice. 

He took a bite of his eggs before determining that he would talk to Phil about it. He had a lot of things he wanted to reconcile for, his past friendships being one of them. 

“So, Dream. Would you be willing to return the Revival Book to my Patron later today?” Phil asked, breaking the silence, but not in an uncomfortable way. 

Dream laughed and nodded easily as he shoveled more eggs into his mouth. Philza had a knack for interrupting meals with his questions, it seemed. But Dream didn't mind it. In fact, returning the Revival Book with Phil would be a great time to talk to him about his friends. 

Not to mention returning the Revival Book would make Lady Death resent him a little less and remove an unneeded target from his back. Besides, he wouldn't need the book anyway and it was an opportunity for him to start undoing his mistakes. It was finally time for him to cut ties with both XD and the God's teachings. 

Chapter Text

“Whoa, whoa, whoa,” Techno said, setting his glass down on the table a little too roughly and spreading his hands as if trying to placate Phil.  “I don’t think that’s a good idea, Phil,” the warrior said, staring at his friend with a disbelieving look. Dream looked at the other, but their eyes didn’t meet. 

“What do you mean, mate? Lady Death wants the book back, and like Dream said last night, he can’t even use it,” Phil said wings arching over his back and making him appear as if he were as tall as the warrior glaring at him. The avian was interrupted as a fork was poked in his direction by Technoblade, who never turned his attention from Phil. 

And ow . That hurt. It was true, he supposes, but being reminded yet again that he had no magic was a little cruel. Techno still hadn’t bothered to even spare him a glance, either. 

“Dream doesn’t even have his weapons back, yet! He doesn’t have any magic, any weapons, and- and- What if we get attacked!” Techno said, worry clear in his voice, but the warrior’s words irritated Dream. He knew that he was a tad defenseless right now against magic and powerful fighters, but did Techno also think that? That he was weak? 

He felt as if spiders were crawling up his spine as he looked the other over head to toe. Techno had the size advantage in both height and weight, although the latter might be Dream’s fault. He never really felt like eating when he was possessing Chaos magic, nor was it easy to keep down what he did eat. It was as if his own body was rebelling against the dark magic, the aftermath leaving him weakened. So sure, he was skinnier than normal and no longer had magic, but that didn’t make him utterly vulnerable to any stranger that comes upon them as they travel. He raked his body down the warrior again, knowing he wouldn’t be caught because Techno was too busy arguing with Phil to even look at the subject of their discussion. 

Techno looked like a warrior. Strong, tall, with scars criss-crossing along his arms and jawline. Dream looked at the other’s calloused hands, so used to holding a weapon that it almost made holding cutlery seem just as dangerous. He dropped his eyes to his own hands which were pale and smaller, with no callouses. The hardest labor he’s done as of late is mixing potions and dodging physical attacks that he was too slow to respond to with magic. Hell, even then most people and animals alike steered clear of him. 

He looked to the other’s face, seeing crimson eyes that still were refusing to acknowledge him. Techno, although not appearing old, obviously had experienced much more in his immortality than Dream could ever hope to. The other had survived countless battles and trained in a vast multitude of different weaponry. He was alive when witches and blacksmiths alike had first learned how they could enchant their weapons, not to mention he’s probably tested almost every enchantment there was. 

He also had allies and his Patron on his side. It would be near impossible for Dream to be able to hold his own against the other. He knew that, but it still stung hearing it from the warrior himself. Techno thought he was weak. 

And weakness, as XD had taught, was meant only to be snuffed out. 

It's as if the warrior has already forgotten that Dream spared his life just a few dozen hours ago out in that field. Not to mention the only reason Techno had been able to avoid his spell and hold his own in battle in the first place was because of the amulet Dream had made. The amulet that Dream still wore, despite it being all but depleted.

Dream gripped his fork and stabbed angrily at the eggs on his plate, even more enraged when neither of the men bothered to even glance in his direction, despite talking about him as if he weren’t sitting right across from them.

He had brought Techno to his knees, but only because of his magic. How effective was he without it? Was he defenseless? All those moons ago when Techno and he had first met and he only harbored nature magic… did the warrior see him as defenseless then, too?

“Mate, if that happened then we’d protect him,” Phil said, voice calm but still managing to get his point across. They were strong. Dream? Not so much. 

They thought that he was weak enough to need protection on a trip that didn’t even take half a day and the most dangerous thing they’d be likely to cross paths with would be a pack of wolves. Phil also saw him as weak. How much did he bitch and moan last night for them to suddenly think of him as a damsel in distress?

His head hurt and his chest ached. He felt so small in their presence despite feeling the exact opposite only a few days ago. His entire perspective turned upside down in a single day. 

Fuck. Had he been a fool to turn away from his Patron? Was he as good as dead on his own? Is that why his Patron specified that Techno would be the only one able to kill him? His own Patron thought that Dream wouldn’t be able to save himself if he crossed paths with another intent on killing him. 

“Don’t I get a say in this?” Dream finally snapped, dropping his fork that clattered loudly on his plate. Finally, their eyes met his. The other two fell silent for one pleasant moment before Techno started his worried rambles again. 

“Dream! It doesn’t make any sense to have to do that today!” The man said, voice and eyes displaying his fear. He was scared that something would happen and Dream would be hurt. Despite Dream being immortal , the other still thought that he was so weak he would still end up seriously injured. “I know it’s not a dangerous trip, per se, but I think we should prioritize getting you some weapons and training. Just to be safe,” the warrior said, food long forgotten as he reached across the table to try and hold Dream’s hand as if in an act of comfort. 

Or manipulation , a voice that sounded suspiciously similar to XD’s sounded in his head. No, Techno wasn’t one for manipulation but he did want something right now. Even if that something was Dream’s safety, it was still something that the other wanted, so manipulation couldn’t be entirely ruled out. It was a natural human flaw to manipulate those around you, even if unintentionally.

Dream ended up just staring at the hand until it retreated back into its owner's lap. 

“Just to be safe?” Phil asked with a small laugh. “It would take only a few hours. Hell, we’d be back in time for lunch! There’s no real danger,” the avian started and Dream stood, silencing them both as he turned away from the table. 

On one hand, he recognized that he was weakened. He has lost his magic. His most powerful asset. But he had been on battlefields long before he had met XD. Chaos magic may have enhanced him exponentially, but was he really so worthless without it? Enough for both Techno and Phil to treat him as something weak that needed to be protected? For his own Patron to put a clause in their curse to protect him from others?

He knew that he wouldn’t be able to take Techno down in a full-fledged fight at the moment, but do they seriously think that he’s this fragile ? For any danger to be considered life-threatening? It was irritating and disrespectful. He was being underestimated. And he wasn’t sure what he could do about it. 

Not to mention, it made his hands itch for his second most powerful asset. The one he still had . The Revival Book. Sure, he couldn’t use it, but it represented power unlike anything mankind should be capable of. If he was so pathetically weak, then why would he ever give up his last source of power? 

He placed a hand against his temple, applying gentle pressure. His head was pounding and his thoughts were cloudy and sluggish as if made of molasses. He wasn’t sure whether it was from all that had happened in the last few days, that he had yet to process, or from the absurd amount of alcohol he had partaken in the previous night. Either way, he still needed space to think about what he wanted to do. 

The Revival Book was powerful, but did he need it? Would it be better to return it or keep it for himself? Leverage against a God was a powerful advantage but was often accompanied by a fatal target placed upon yourself.

No, it wouldn’t make sense to keep it. Besides, he was done with Chaos magic, right? Even if he could use the Revival Book again, should he? As he had just thought, it was a power that mankind should not be capable of possessing. Perhaps it would be best to cleanse his hands of it, even if it meant cementing the fact that he would be weak. 

He turned back to face Techno and Phil, both of their eyes trained on him as if fearful that he would snap. He couldn’t think with those eyes watching him. He needed to regroup and regain some familiarity. He needed time to focus and figure out what the hell he wanted. 

He had foolishly been thinking about reviving friendships and clearing his slate, but the way the two immortals had spoken of him had shaken him. He was dumped back into the cesspool that was reality and one thing was made obviously clear. Only the strong prevail. And he was weak. 

And that just wouldn’t do. 

“I’m taking a trip for a few days. I’ll be back, and we can discuss this then,” he said finally, excusing himself from the table before being caught, Techno’s hand softly grabbing his arm. He turned his eyes towards the other with a sharp look, as if daring him to not let go, and was met with soft red eyes and a sheepish smile. 

For all of Techno’s brawn, he wasn’t stupid. He recognized that something was wrong, had probably already figured out Dream’s train of thought, and would most likely want to stall his departure. 

“I-uh, can we do laundry first? So you’re not leaving in my pajamas?” Techno asked, a soft smile on his face accompanied by a laugh that made Dream’s lips turn up in a smile as well, despite his frustration. 

Well, Dream hadn’t really thought about that. The other was planning to stall, and it was working. He’d need his cloak to bear the cold and would have to stay to wash his clothes and then wait for several hours until they dried. 

Smart . And something that Dream couldn’t really say no to. It was as obvious as it was annoying.

“Yeah, I think we can do that,” he said finally, backing away so the other could stand before following him up the stairs and into the bathroom to get his blood and soot-stained clothes. 

Techno had realized his mistake too late into the conversation to correct it. He was a warrior himself and knew how demeaning it was to be looked down upon or treated as if weak. He was mad at himself for ever making Dream feel that. Still, though, he was worried. 

He knew that Dream must have a fair share of enemies in his time in the God of Chaos’s coven. Magical enemies. Enemies that Techno may not be able to fight. Dream wasn’t weak by any means. Hell, he hadn’t relied on his magic during battle until he had joined the God of Chaos’s coven. Before that he had used an axe and was quite competent. 

            Wow. What high praise, Techno

Are you kidding? Since when does techno call anyone competnet?

                               competent* 

          Technosimp

   Tell dream we are gonna get him flowers

                            Stfu you know what i meant

      I’m still mad we don’t get a sunsword

  L

             L

   I think that’s the least of our concerns dude

Dream was the one person Techno didn’t mind tagging along with simply because he had never felt as if he had to protect him. When he and Dream were in battle, of course, he would protect him, but he wasn’t constantly having to watch over the other. If Dream needed help, the voices would tell him. Or, more likely, Dream would use his magic to put distance between him and the attacker until he recovered. 

The only problem? Dream doesn’t even have a weapon . Why would they go off on some trip to meet a God when Dream was defenseless? Sure Techno would protect him, but he wouldn’t be able to against magic. Not to mention, Techno isn’t so sure he wants to be swinging a sword around Dream when he’s the only thing in the world that can kill the other. 

They haven’t tested the curse, nor do they know anything substantial about it. Would Techno drawing a single drop of blood be enough to kill Dream? The God never specified how Techno would kill Dream nor how much it would take. What if Techno just hugged Dream and it shattered all his ribs?!

What if the God was lying and Dream was able to be killed by everyone else as well? They didn’t have any reason to trust the God of Chaos, so they needed to play this safe. Even if that meant stepping on Dream’s toes a bit. Gods knows the man has an ego. 

Still, stalling was next to all he could do at the moment. If Dream wanted space or to leave, Techno would let him. As much as it would hurt, he’d let the other leave. It was Dream’s choice entirely. 

Even so, Techno has never been so happy to do laundry in his life . 

Dream had followed him in silence as he retrieved all of their clothes and gear and took him to the water basin. They sat in silence as they scrubbed on the first of many blood stains to try and wash them clean. The silence stretched on and began to become a tad awkward, but Techno had no idea what to do or say to the other. 

              Don’t tell him about the flowers yet! 

    Tell him he looks pretty

Tell dream he can’t leave without us

         Yeah we need to go with him

                     Yeah for the plot!

    Guys what are we gonna do when dream leaves?

         Follow him duh

Techno’s not sneaky enough to do that

          Send a crow with him

                 Wth! No way

yea              if the crows get to go so do we!

    Tell him he missed a spot

“Shh, chat. I’m trying to think,” Techno said grumpily, not even realizing he had spoken it until Dream’s obnoxious laughter filled the small room. 

“What are you trying to think about?” Dream asked, leaning over the wash basin to dunk his cloak underneath the soapy water. Techno’s gold ring dangled from the other’s neck and his eyes traced it, somewhat pleased to know that Dream was still wearing it. Chat must have noticed too, seeing as they went blissfully quiet for the first time all morning.

“Um, about where you’re going and about what an ass I was at breakfast,” he said, forcing his eyes back onto the white shirt he was scrubbing. Well, at least it used to be white. 

Dream tensed beside him, and Techno felt the other’s eyes on him as he spoke. “You were just worried. I know that. And, uh, I’m going to Niki’s, I think. To grab some of my stuff,” the hunter said as he turned his attention back to his clothes. 

OMG GUYS ITS HAPPENING

           :) 

      He’s getting his stuff… he’s moving in OFFICIALLY

                  YAYYYYY!!!

   Roomies!

         Oh my god they were roomates irl

Does this mean he’s coming back fr?

           DREAM PLZ

:(     we’ll be sad if you don’t come back dream <3

Chat may be annoying, but they were observant… sometimes. Was Dream getting his stuff and then coming back? Or was he getting his stuff and never returning? Techno wanted to know but also felt that it may be too much pressure to ask. It would be either forcing an awkward conversation or forcing Dream to lie if the answer wasn’t what Techno wanted. 

No, he’d wait and see what the other did. He hummed in response, before finally thinking of something to say. 

“I think that’s a good idea. Besides, you’ll get to ride Spirit again. You can borrow my saddle,” Techno said, looking at the other who was smiling warmly into the now pink-tinged water. Hopefully, Dream would be nice enough to return the saddle, meaning he’d have to come back. If not, then Techno surely has another saddle lying around somewhere, nor would he really mind it if Dream kept the saddle. 

“Yeah, thanks. I’ll need to buy another one of those,” Dream said, pulling his cloak out of the water and inspecting it before wringing it out and setting it aside. 

Oh yeah, laundry. Techno had been scrubbing the same spot so long that he’s surprised he hasn’t worn a hole into the cloth. 

“I might actually have a spare, but I have no idea where. I’ll try and find it while you’re gone,” he said, trying to aim for nonchalant when really, he was praying that this would give Dream an incentive to come back. Was that backhanded?

He cleared his throat and continued scrubbing, mentally asking chat for advice on what to say.

        I already told you to tell him he’s pretty

  simp

           Tell him he has to come back to get the flowers!

Tell him to make us a sunsword

           dude

Shhh! Dream’s not supposed to know about the flowers remember?

               :(

   Bro just go with him. Not like he can stop you

            You never actually apologized for breakfast

   Oh yeah

           Yeah tell him you don’t think he’s weak

    Nah dream scary fr

                  Yeah be a simp so he won’t be mad at us

Not a terrible idea, Techno supposes. He clears his throat again, gaining Dream’s attention. “I, uh, about what I said, earlier… I-I don’t want you to think that I think that you’re weak,” Techno said, not able to look at the other as he spoke. “It’s just that it’s kinda terrifying thinking that I’m gonna lose you even though I just found you again,” he said, hating how pathetic that sounded. He did sound like a simp. 

Dream didn’t respond, so Techno continued. “I have kinda done a shit job at protecting you lately, nor am I really able to against magic, so that’s why I’m worried. I think you can protect yourself better than I can, so I want you to… have your weapons and stuff, again,” Techno said, finally looking to Dream, whose stunned expression soon melted into a warm smile. Techno felt his stomach flutter as he realized the smile was directed solely at him. 

The hunter didn’t say anything, just simply leaned in and pressed their lips together softly before retreating, his attention back on the laundry. Chat was cheering wildly in his head as Techno stared dumbly at Dream, his own laundry long forgotten. 

“I’m actually going to Niki’s because that’s where all of my weapons are. I stopped carrying them a few weeks after, uh, well, you know,” Dream said, smile still on his face as he finished yet another piece of laundry. Techno’s poor white shirt had been sitting in the blood-stained water for so long it was probably dyed pink at this point. “You can come with me if that would make you feel better, but I kinda would prefer to go alone and have some time to think,” Dream all but whispered, his words barely audible over the sound of sloshing water and scrubbing. 

Techno nodded, finally turning his head away from the other to try and salvage his poor shirt. 

Once they are done with the laundry, they hang their clothes near the fireplace before heading outside. Techno decides to show him around the property and leads him over to a short barn. He introduces him to the dozens upon dozens of wolf-dogs lazing around inside while mumbling that they were supposed to be guarding the house. Next was the greenhouse, where Techno showcased how he constructed it to be able to grow despite the cold. It yielded a surprising and impressive amount of vegetables. 

He finally leads him to the stables where Spirit is impatiently stamping the floor, probably hungry. Dream can’t contain the laughter that bubbles out of him at the sight of her and he rushes over to pet her nose. She refuses, instead nipping at his hair and tossing her head. 

Techno laughs too before tossing a bale of hay into her stall. Dream watches as he does the same for Carl. 

“So, you have a brush around here?” Dream finally asks and Techno nods, motioning for him to follow before leading him into a room tucked away near the stalls. He’s handed a brush, but then there are hands resting on his waist and tugging him closer. Dream allows himself to be pulled closer, looking up to meet crimson eyes that hold a softness that almost seems foreign on the warrior’s face. 

They stare in silence for a few moments before the hands shift to wrap around him and then Dream is being crushed in a hug. He chuckles, wrapping his own arms around the other and resting his head in the crook of the other’s neck. He sighs, contented as he contemplates all that he has now. 

He’s warm in the embrace of someone that means a lot more to him than he had originally assumed. Not to mention Phil says that they are friends now. He has a friend . And he can hear Spirit happily munching on her breakfast behind them, alive and well. Dream laughs, pressing a chaste kiss against the other’s warm skin. For the first time in a long time, he’s starting to think that he has a home , too. 

So why is he so cornered about his lack of power? Does he even need that right now? 

Perhaps he should stop only focusing on what needs to be done and what he has lost. The past few days may have been terrifying, but he ended up with what he wanted, did he not?

Techno places a kiss on the top of his head before pulling back, a kind smile on his face. “Go clean your horse. She’s barely white, anymore,” the other said, turning away and hefting a large saddle into his arms. It was a lie. Spirit was all but sparkling in the snow and with no mud to roll in, but Dream turned anyways to head back to her stall. Even if she wasn’t dirty, he would never again pass up a chance to spoil her.

Techno set the saddle down next to the stall before he entered as well. “The saddle is right here for when you need it. I hope our clothes will be dry by after lunch, so you’ll have enough time to beat the dark.”

Dream nodded, petting Spirit before running the brush along her back. She swished her tail but was otherwise distracted by her meal as he continued. 

“You decided that you’re not coming?” He prodded, noticing how the other said ‘you’ will have enough time rather than ‘we’. 

Techno sighed, loud and dramatic, and Dream couldn’t fight the smile. “Despite the voices’ opinion, no, I’m not. I’ll just sit here, twiddling my thumbs and listening to Phil’s stories,” the other said and Dream laughed. 

“Oh no, not stories ,” he mocked and the other shoved him lightly, laughing. 

“Oh, Phil’s stories are something else. Long and repetitive, but only because I think I’ve either heard them all or have actually been there, yet he still feels the need to tell me. It’s like re-reading a book for the third time except you can’t skip pages,” the warrior said as he cautiously picked up one of Spirit’s legs to inspect her hooves. 

Spirit, the amazing horse that she is, didn’t mind in the slightest, simply shifted her weight and turned her head to try and watch him. She snorted at him curiously, and Techno snorted back playfully. Spirit pinned her ears, seemingly not sure whether to take offense or not before eventually turning back to her meal.

Dream laughed as he continued to brush, interrupted when a crow flew into the barn, followed by several more. They squawked and flapped their wings and Techno ignored them, simply swatting at the ones that got too close and continued his work. 

“Chat says that the crows say that Phil says that lunch is ready,” the warrior said without looking up as he made his rounds to check Spirit’s hooves. 

“Wow. Hope the message didn’t get lost in translation,” Dream said, thinking about what an advantage it was for these two to be able to communicate in such a way. Dream was itching to look up the spell he had written in one of his journals that gave the user the ability to communicate with animals. He wondered if that’s what Phil had cast or if it just came with the role of being Angel of Death. 

Despite knowing he wouldn’t be able to actually cast the spell on himself, he still wished he had the book that told him how he could. The charm that gave the user the ability was probably stashed somewhere at Niki’s. Since joining the God of Chaos’s coven, animals had fled from him and Spirit had been a corpse, so he had no need for it. He wondered if the charm would still work for a while even if he didn’t have any magic. 

Gods, he wanted to get his stuff from Niki’s. He felt so bare without it now that his magic was gone as well. 

He finished brushing and stretched, motioning to Techno as he left to go get lunch. The other followed as they went inside and sat down at the table, Phil feeding a crow a piece of his bread and looking at Dream with an odd gleam in his eye. That wasn’t good. 

“What’s up?” Dream asked, trying to sound nonchalant and not worried. If Phil pressed the issue or asked for Dream to leave the book here, he wasn’t sure what he would do. He wanted, of course, to keep the Revival Book on his person, despite that being somewhat risky since he would no longer be able to protect it as well. 

“I have something I’d like to ask of you,” Phil said, stroking down the crow’s spine. The crow turned its head to look at Dream and fanned its wings. It was the crow that he had injured all those days ago. Yet another reminder as to how far he has fallen. To intentionally hurt an animal… his old Patron would be mortified.

Dream hummed in acknowledgment of the other’s words as he took a bite of his meal. 

“I want you to take my crow with you on your trip, that way you’d have a way to communicate with us if you need to and also so that my Patron won’t be displeased with me. She wants me, at the very least, to keep an eye on her book,” the other said, eyes challenging Dream to disagree. He looked at the crow who left Phil to hop its way over to Dream before cautiously leaning down and pecking at his food. Dream couldn’t help but smile at the notion that this creature wasn’t scared of him in the slightest, despite their past. It was encouraging, in a way, to know that the creature seemed to have already forgiven him. 

“I don’t mind,” Dream said without really thinking about it. The notion of willingly bringing a spy with him would have made him laugh a few days ago but he found that he no longer cared. Besides, Phil said they were friends. And Dream rather liked the bird even if it stole his food. 

Techno looked a little stunned and then winced and held his head, groaning. “Oh my god, chat. Dream isn’t cheating on you with the damn birds. No, we’re not going. I don’t care that it’s not fair,” Techno said, voice coming out strained and painful. “Hush, please. Gods, you’re giving me a migraine,” the warrior groaned. The crow was flapping its wings and squawking as if mocking the voices. 

Dream laughed poking the bird in its beak to get it to knock it off before reaching to place his hands over Techno’s and angle the man’s face towards him. “Aw, chat. You know I’m going to come back. It’s not you that I don’t want to come,” he said before dropping his voice into a stage whisper. “It’s Techno that I don’t want to tag along and ruin my good reputation, y’know?” He whispered, ending with a wink and Techno laughed. 

“See, chat? Now you’ve just embarrassed yourself and revealed how clingy you guys are,” Techno said and Dream smiled. He glanced to Phil, who was staring at them with a fond expression on his face as he silently watched the exchange. Awkwardly, Dream released Techno and pulled back into his own space. He had almost forgotten that the other was even here . 

They ate in silence, Techno occasionally mumbling something to chat and Phil occasionally telling his crow to let Dream eat his food. The crow, after being scolded enough, eventually backed off, so Dream instead had to peel off pieces of his stew and sneak to the bird while Phil pretended not to notice. 

After their meal, Dream grabbed his clothes from the fireplace before heading upstairs to change. The crow seemed offended that Dream shut the door and wouldn’t let him enter, but no way was Dream going to undress in front of the little tattle-tale. 

Dressing in his own clothes was a bit of a relief. The leather armor fitted him perfectly and felt like he was putting on his second skin to protect him from the world. His cloak was just as comforting as it wrapped around him snugly, trapping his body heat and warming him. It was especially nice that the clothes were still warm from hanging above the fireplace. 

He looked in the mirror and saw his own smile reflected back at him. He reached a hand upwards and touched his face, not sure how to feel about his missing mask. On one hand, he felt a tad exposed. On the other, it was freeing, in a way, to not be constantly hidden. He ran his hands through his hair, noting how it was getting long and he’d need to get it cut soon unless he wanted to start looking like Techno. He smiled at the thought before forcing himself away from the mirror and back downstairs. He was met with a smiling Phil and a pacing Techno who was doing horribly at hiding his worry. 

“Here ya go, mate. I packed some food for the trip. Wasn’t sure how long you’d be, but this is enough for two meals. Techno mentioned that you knew how to hunt, so I figured you wouldn’t really need it… but I packed it for ‘ya regardless,” Phil said, handing Dream a warm parcel that he accepted with a smile. 

“Thanks, Phil. You didn’t have to. I appreciate it,” he said, turning to face Techno who had a constipated expression on his face. 

“Do you have the amulet?” The warrior asked and Dream nodded. “Okay. Your dagger?” Dream nodded again, an exasperated smile on his face. “Okay,” he said, a long pause following. “D-do you want to take my sword?” He said, hands wringing in front of him as if he felt nervous by offering. 

Dream laughed and handed the parcel of food to him to give his hands something to do. The warrior immediately started fiddling with the string holding it closed. “No thanks. I’ll be fine. But you can walk me to the stables?” Dream asked, tilting his head and smiling and the other nodded, seemingly relieved at being given something to do. 

“Yeah, yeah, of course,” he said, leading Dream outside and to the stables. It wasn’t actively snowing, so the trip wouldn’t be too cold. They got to the stables and Techno set the parcel down and grabbed the saddle as Dream led Spirit out of her stall. He placed the saddle on her back and tightened it as Dream coaxed her into letting him put a bridle on her. He was still so fucking thrilled at her being alive and warm and happy. She immediately started chewing on the bit, spit and drool collecting in the corners of her mouth as she did. But Dream was ecstatic at seeing it. A corpse couldn’t produce saliva, nor have such a content expression on its face as she looked at him. So he didn’t pull away when she bumped her nose into his shirt, getting drool all over his newly cleaned cloak. He just laughed, reaching a gloved hand up to pet her snout. 

He eventually went to her side, where Techno had just finished attaching the parcel of food. He seemed a little sad, so Dream intertwined their fingers and tugged the warrior closer. 

“I’ll be back, okay? Quit worrying or I’ll knee you in the dick,” he threatened, a smile on his face as the other chuckled before pressing his lips to Dream’s forehead. It was… sweet. 

It was something Techno used to do so many moons ago. Butterflies were dancing in Dream’s stomach and making his hands sweat as he looked up to meet the other’s eyes. Techno’s free hand held the side of his face as he slowly drew Dream closer. He closed his eyes and met the other halfway as their lips finally pressed together in a real kiss. 

The butterflies worsened to the point Dream felt almost dizzy. He smiled and the other did as well as they broke away, eyes remaining shut as their foreheads pressed together. 

“If you don’t come back, I’m afraid chat will hunt you down. They are so clingy. Not to mention absolutely whipped,” Techno said and Dream chuckled softly before pulling away. 

“Well, I do love being hunted so I’m up for the challenge,” Dream said before swinging into the saddle, Techno absentmindedly adjusting the stirrups to fit more comfortably. “But I’ll be back,” he reassured as Techno finished before backing away. 

Dream led Spirit outside and into the snow before raising his hood. He turned to look at Techno who was smiling at him and he smiled back before urging his horse into a canter.

He passed Phil on the way out, who smiled and pointed at him, the crow on his shoulder immediately taking off to follow. Dream waved at them, unable to fight the smile on his face as he topped the hill and left what was really beginning to feel like home, behind.

Chapter Text

It felt amazing to be back in the saddle, tromping through the snow. The creaking of leather and her soft pants filled the air, along with the quiet flaps from the crow above them. The soft crunch of snow as they slowly made their way closer to their destination soothed his mind. This was the first time in a while that he had nothing on his mind. No worries, no plans, no chaos. He reached down and patted her neck, smiling as her ears flicked back to listen to him. He had missed this.

He leaned forward, whispering softly to her in hopes that the crow wouldn’t hear and repeat everything back to Phil. “I’m sorry for not being able to save you all those months ago, girl. And for everything I did afterward. I know you don’t remember any of it, but still… I’m sorry,” he finished, patting her once more and running his hands through her mane. She didn’t do much other than slobber around the bit in her mouth, but he took it as an acceptance of his apology and smiled, leaning back in the saddle and speaking a little louder. “I’m so happy you’re here again. I really fucking missed you,” he said as she leaned her head over to snag a low-hanging branch, chewing on it for a bit before dropping it. 

The sun was dipping steadily, so he urged her back into a canter, wanting to reach Niki’s before dark. 

He smiled as she sped up, loving how he wasn’t having to control anything. He wasn’t pulling her body into place or forcing it to move. He didn’t have to cast a warming spell to keep her blood and bones from shattering in the cold. He wasn’t worried about how well her body would hold until he could stitch her back together. No, instead, he just had to ask her and she responded, body warm and heart beating in her chest. She was choosing to listen and obey him. 

Perhaps XD had been wrong. Controlling the will of others had made him feel powerful, but right now, with Spirit choosing to follow his lead, he felt more confident and powerful than he had in a long time. Maybe true power was in having others choose to follow and support you rather than forcing them. 

He had taken this loyalty for granted once before, but he swore to never forget just how happy she made him. How many months ago had it been since he had been able to watch her ears flick back to listen to him as he spoke to her?  Simple things such as that made him unbearably satisfied with having her at his side once more. 

His cheeks hurt from smiling so much but he couldn’t help it as he mindlessly spoke softly about each and everything that he could think to talk to her about as they continued on their way. 

Ultimately, the trip to Niki’s was entirely uneventful. The ride had been pleasant and offered him a lot of time to think. He had talked out all of his thoughts to Spirit, sure that the crow had been listening as well, but he found that he didn’t mind. 

 He’s decided that the Revival Book was not meant to be his and that he would return it to Lady Death. Holding on to the book would only lead to trouble. For one, he wanted to wash his hands of his past, and that was nothing but a symbol of his past and his servitude to the God of Chaos. He wanted nothing to do with it. He couldn’t use it, nor should he. Besides, it belonged to Lady Death, so he would return it to her. Phil said that he and Dream were friends now, and Dream figured that returning the book would be a decent first step in making sure that he didn’t fuck up this friendship as he had done in the past.

He’s also decided that training with Techno to sharpen his skills was a good idea and would prove to the other that he wasn’t as weak as he thought. He hasn’t had to rely on weapons or physical, non-magical combat in a while, so it wouldn’t hurt. Not to mention that he rather used to enjoy sparring with the other. It would be fun and put the warrior at ease once Dream proved to him that he was still capable. 

He’s also decided that he would track down Sapnap, George, and Bad and explain to them why he vanished all those moons ago. They deserved to know and he really wished to see them again. 

Besides, if they were still angry with him, then he’d leave and promise to never bother them again. That’d be heartbreaking, but okay. He’d understand. Still, he wanted to speak with them and ensure that nothing was left unsaid between them. Had he ever even thanked Bad for teaching him the basics of magic when he was younger? Did Bad feel responsible for how Dream turned out? Did they blame themselves for Dream leaving them? Were they looking for him? Did they think that he was dead?

He wasn’t sure, which was why he had decided to speak with them. It would be terrifying to see them all again after having left them, but he wanted, no, he needed to tell them everything and allow them to decide what they wanted to do from there. If he didn’t, it would drive him mad. Even if they hated him and wished to never see him again, then at least he’d get to see them and hear their voices one last time. 

He’s also decided that he is going to stay with Techno, at least for a little while longer. He enjoyed it there. He really, really did. Even when it was awkward and stressful, it still had a warmth to it that seemed to welcome him with open arms, despite his past. Perhaps that was because both Techno and Phil had a bloody past in their lifetimes as well. He didn’t feel like a vicious killer as much when he was surrounded by others whose past’s were soaked through with blood. It was relieving, in a way. 

By the time they broke through the clearing and spotted Niki’s bar, Dream’s throat hurt. He had been speaking all of his thoughts aloud to both Spirit and the crow as he debated his options before deciding on them. Sure, the crow would most likely report all of this back to Phil, but Dream doubted it would hurt anything. Besides, he and Phil were friends. The man said it himself, so Dream should be able to trust him at least a little. 

He sighed, pulling down his hood as he approached the hitching post outside of Niki’s bar. At the very least, he really hoped that he could trust Phil. He wanted to. God did he want to be able to fully trust both him and Techno with no fears of anything going wrong. Hopefully, eventually , he would. It would just take time and patience to build trust amongst them. 

 He slid out of the saddle and tied Spirit to the post, giving her one last goodbye pat before walking up the steps to head inside Niki’s shop. He knew just where to step to avoid the awful creaking of the dilapidated and rotten wood as he made his way inside. His little spy was quick to swoop down and land on his shoulder just as he pushed open the heavy oak door. 

“Welcome in! What can I get started for you,” Niki said as she rounded the corner from the back rooms. She paused when she lifted her eyes and saw him. They both stood frozen before Dream reached a hand up to rub awkwardly at his neck. He had kind of overlooked the part where he would have to tell her about all that had happened since they had last seen each other. He was with her only a few days ago but holy fuck had a lot changed since then. 

“O-oh my Gods! Dream!? I-I didn’t even recognize you!” She said, rounding the bar and walking up to him, standing at an arm’s length as she appraised him. “You don’t have that awful, spooky aura of yours anymore,” she said, looking him up and down as if checking for injuries, her eyes lingering on the crow resting on his shoulder. 

He laughed awkwardly. “Nope. I, uh, lost my magic entirely, actually. So no ‘aura’ at all,” he said and she gasped before ushering him over to the bar. She poured him and drink and handed it over while the crow decided that exploring the floor of the bar was much more interesting than their conversation. 

“What happened? Did Techno do this?” She asked, resting one of her hands over his own. She hadn’t acted like this towards him since he had gained his Chaos magic. It was odd. Not a bad odd, just odd. 

“N-no, he didn’t. Well, I mean… um,” he said, stuttering as he toyed with his drink, trying to think of what to say. “I learned that he never betrayed me and that the God of Chaos tricked me. So I asked Him if I could leave His coven and He said yes,” Dream said before taking a long drink as an excuse to be quiet for a moment. How many times would he have to tell this story before it actually felt real ?

Niki stared at the wood bar underneath them, tapping her nails as if in thought. “So, what about your lifespan? Is it still drained because of the Chaos magic?”

“No, He, uh, actually made me immortal. Like Techno,” he said, smiling awkwardly as she stared at him as if he had grown a second head. 

The silence stretched before her voice finally shattered it. “What’s the catch? No way He’d do it simply out of the kindness of His heart,” she said with a huff. She had never hidden her distaste for the God, but hadn’t really said much other than that Dream was grown and could make his own decisions. 

“Oh, that? Um, the catch is that Techno will be the one to kill me one day,” he said, eyes focused on his drink as he spoke. He finally raised his eyes, to see that she seemed very upset for him. Her eyes were filled with worry, but she didn’t voice her concerns. Instead, she simply refilled his drink.

“Are you okay with that?” She finally said after he had sipped on his drink in silence for a few moments. 

He shrugged, not really sure of the answer himself. 

“Well, do you think you can be happy? With Techno and without your magic?” She asked, voice soft as she poured herself a drink. 

He pondered over her question for a moment, wondering what the answer was. He sure felt happy this afternoon when he was leaving Techno’s home. He felt happy to know that he could go back whenever he wanted to. He remembered just how warm he had felt when Techno had hugged him before he left and he could still almost feel the ghost of the other’s lips covering his own. He was brought out of his thoughts when he heard Niki’s laughter. He looked at her and she was smiling. 

“Well, there’s that goofy smile that I haven’t seen in Gods knows how long,” she said, chuckling again when his face flushed. He had been smiling while thinking about Techno and Phil and Spirit and the home Techno has seemed to carve out for himself in the cruel and terribly cold world. A home that was welcoming and warm and so full of life, whether it was the numerous plants in the greenhouse or the dozens upon dozens of animals that he kept around the place. Not to mention that, without his Chaos magic, the animals actually tolerated him being near them. 

“You really love him, don’t you?” Niki asked and Dream ducked his head, taking a drink rather than answering. “I haven’t seen you smile like that unless that big dope of a man is around with his dorky crown,” she said, laughing again and, this time, he joined in. 

He finally answered. “Yeah, I think I can be happy. Even without my magic.”

She smiled before raising her glass in the air. “Then I propose a toast to you. For moving on to the next chapter of your life,” she said and he raised his own glass, clinking it with hers before they both drank, smiles contagious as they tried to not laugh. 

“You’re so lame,” he said and she laughed, nudging his hand and almost making his drink slosh out and unto the bar. 

“Oh, whatever. I can be sappy if I want to be,” she said, failing to hide her smile behind her glass. “Besides, now you won’t be scaring off all of my customers. And I can finally get this place back up and running. Properly, this time.”

“Maybe it would have never died if you hadn’t started watering down everyone’s drinks,” he said, giving her a pointed stare and a smug smile.

“Oh, poor Dream. Never found out that I only ever watered down your drinks. It was to protect your liver, honest,” she said with a traitorous smile, one hand covering her heart in a mock show of sympathy and causing them to both break down into chuckles once more. 

It was really nice to be able to speak with Niki like this. They hadn’t been super close ever since he had joined XD’s coven. It was most likely due to how he had started treating her. He had stopped talking and stopped trusting. His problems were his problems and he hadn’t wanted her in any part of it. He was lucky that she hadn’t kicked him out months ago. It was odd how quickly his behavior switched back to friendly. Had XD’s magic really contorted his view on the world so much? Did it seriously impact his behavior? He had thought that it was XD’s teachings that made him choose to start behaving differently. To play things safer and to be more guarded, more menacing. But was that his choice? Or did he just assume he was choosing to behave that way? 

It was widely known that Chaos magic corrupted one’s soul, but had that happened to him? It was difficult to believe, but it was also odd just how different he was around Niki only a few measly days apart. The last time he had seen her, they had barely spoken and now, they were acting like old friends again. They were old friends, though, weren’t they?

“Oh my Gods! I haven’t gotten on to you for leaving that mess outside of my bar the last time you were here!” She yelled, laughter breaking through despite her trying to appear mad. “You ditched me for your boyfriend and left me to clean up your mess!” She said with an accusatory finger pointing his way. 

He laughed and then ducked as she swatted at him. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” He tries to get out through laughter as she slapped playfully at his arms that were guarding his face. Perhaps animals weren’t the only thing to treat him differently while he possessed dark magic. Niki had even said that his ‘awful, spooky aura’ was no longer there. 

He hums in thought before Niki breaks the comfortable silence. “I’m assuming you came for your old weapon stash now that you no longer have your magic?” She says, straightening as he nods. “Well, come on then. I’m ready for you to get your stuff so I’ll finally have more room for storage,” she jokes as she leads him into the back rooms. 

He follows, along with the crow who finally decided they were actually interesting enough to spy on. He can’t help but smile once he sees the large chest glowing softly sitting in the corner of the room. He approaches it, kneeling in front of it and running his hands along the enchanted lock. He placed a spell on this chest that only allowed him to open it, to keep it safe from thieves while he was away. He stared at it for a moment, before finally unlatching the lock and swinging it open. The crow flapped its wings and landed carefully on his shoulder, peering into the chest as he opened it.

He sighed as his eyes took in the sight of his enchanted hunting bow that glowed faintly with power even though it had been locked in a chest for the past few months. He ran his fingers over the crossbow beside it that he had won in a bet against a sorcerer from up north that was also glowing due to the enchantments upon it. He pulled them out and set them aside as he pulled out a few of his journals, bestiaries, and spellbooks. He set them aside as well and then grabbed the bag full of crystals and gems, some already enchanted, while others were simply for his collection. Most were either rare, difficult to acquire, or already enchanted for a specific use. Or they were just rather pretty. He looked through them for a minute, running his fingers over the rough edges of the crystals, feeling some of the power he had infused into them burn against his now magic-less person. He grinned at the power thrumming through the crystals before finally setting them aside as well. He ignored the crow that poked its head in and swiped a green calcite crystal before poking at it and rolling it around on the floor as if it were a ball.

His quiver was also in here, along with an assortment of arrows wrapped in paper and stored according to type. He placed the weakness arrows and the other enchanted arrows aside and filled the quiver with regular arrows before slinging it unto his back. Next were the holsters for his other weapons. He went ahead and strapped the familiar leather unto himself as Niki left to head towards the walk-in closet where they stored their potions that she sold. 

Finally, after his straps were all in place, he reached for the last item in the chest. His netherite axe was shining a wicked purple in the low light of the room. He ran his fingers over the cool metal as he pulled it onto his lap. He held the axe in his hands, smiling at just how perfectly the leather wrap warped to fit his exact hold. He had used this axe for years and it felt as if he had never put it down. 

He put the axe into its rightful place in its holster, before holstering the bow and crossbow as well. He suddenly felt normal . He no longer felt exposed or weak. God, he was itching to use these weapons again. Hopefully, Techno would be willing to spar with him. Or, better yet, he could go hunting. Something he hasn’t done in quite some time but something that had always seemed to be such an integral part of himself. His bow felt hot on his back as he thought about hunting once more. 

There was a smile on his face as he sorted through his books and gemstones. Niki returned with a leather bag that seemed rather heavy. He gave her a questioning look and she shrugged. “Well, these are your potions and, uh, seeing as you can’t make them anymore I think that you should have them back,” she said with a soft smile before setting them beside him. 

He went to protest, but she raised her hand to silence him. “It’s fine. Besides, I think I’d rather get my actual business back up and running rather than continuing to split my focus. It was a good source of income and I’m grateful for it, but it’s not something I’d want to do long term,” she said, nudging him with her foot before gesturing towards the bag. He opened it and there was his assortment of potions and hex bags that he had created. He couldn’t help but smile. 

“Thank you, Niki,” he said as he ran his fingers over a regeneration potion, the smooth glass welcoming his touch. Perhaps he wasn’t entirely without his magic. 

“No problem. But, uh, how are you planning to get all of this stuff home?” She asked with an awkward expression. 

He paused before realizing what she meant. The last time he had been here, he had walked. Because he had just burnt Spirit’s corpse. Then, he had stayed in the area until Techno came. “O-Oh my God! I haven’t even shown you!” He jumped from his spot and grabbed her wrist, pulling her to follow him as he dragged her outside, the crow following them as they dashed through the bar. As soon as they were outside, he looked at her to see her eyes light up in recognition as she saw Spirit.

“Oh, wow. How the-” she started as she walked over and placed a tentative hand on the horse’s large head. Spirit simply nickered and pressed into the other’s hand, blinking at her slowly. 

“T-the God of Chaos brought her back and let me keep her,” he said through his smile, coming over to pet the horse as well. 

She gave him an odd look, but didn’t press, instead rubbing the horse between its eyes. “Alright, then. Let’s get your stuff loaded.”

They did, Niki wrapping all of his books and tying them to the saddle on either side to distribute the weight as Dream packed the gems carefully in the same bag as the potions. He attached his weapons to the saddle, happy to see that Techno’s saddle allowed him to store both his bow and his axe. His crossbow was attached to his hip and the bag with gemstones and potions was on his back. He was all packed and ready to head back to Techno’s house. 

He turns to say goodbye, but Niki was already crushing him in a hug. He hugs her back just as hard before she swats his shoulder and pushes away. “Next time you’re in town, bring your boyfriend. You two can pay me back for ditching me with the mess by helping me renovate,” she says as he climbs into the saddle, the crow landing on his shoulder and depositing the green calcite crystal into Dream’s hand. He nods in agreement as he pulls Spirit away from the hitching post and angles himself to leave. 

Niki stops him, petting Spirit’s neck as she smiles at him. “Y’know, Dream… I think that you look a lot better with a bow and an axe rather than that mask,” she says softly, her bright smile making him feel warm despite the cold. 

Dream smiles, pulling his cloak to cover his hair before responding. “Thanks. I think I feel a lot better without it, too,” he says as he urges his horse forwards, offering one last wave to Niki as Spirit exits the clearing and heads off into the woods, the crow opting to remain on Dream’s shoulder rather than fly. He booped it on the beak and it squawked at him and pecked at his cloak. 

 The sun was just beginning to set, so Dream would need to set up camp quickly before hunting. Or should he just eat what Phil had sent? Wouldn’t it be rude to not eat the food he was given? He hums in thought, electing to ignore that thought for the moment and instead reflect on his talk with Niki.

It was true, what he had told her. He did feel better without the Chaos magic and the mask. His mind seemed clearer and he was less angry. He didn’t have this craving for violence or the desire to intimidate those around him. Also, his body seemed to be more normal. It felt hunger and fatigue, unlike when he was filled with so much magic coursing through him that his body felt like a puppet to it, being pulled along on strings and forced to continue long past his natural limits. He knew he was no longer able to stay up for weeks on end or go numerous days with nothing but potions to keep him going, but he didn’t mind. Perhaps if he treated himself as a human, he’d feel like one. Unlike how he had felt while within XD’s coven. 

But right now? He was… happy. Genuinely happy. He felt as if Niki was a friend that he had written off and started to treat more like a business partner. However, today he felt as if he had regained her friendship. It was a really good start to all of the amends he needed to make to those he had hurt. 

Although, now, it felt almost doable. He had his weapons back and felt as if he didn’t have to rely on magic or trickery to take care of himself. He felt strong. Independent. Free.

He urged Spirit into a canter as he laughed to himself. The icy wind was blowing through his hair and blowing the hood off of his head, but he didn’t mind the numbing cold. He watched as Spirit’s muscles bunched underneath him as she ran, her breath leaving puffs of mist in the air as she panted. His stomach was empty, only with liquor to warm it, but the hunger was invigorating . 

He was feeling and seeing things that he hadn’t before. The cold wasn’t dampened by a spell to ward it off, nor was he having to control Spirit’s body to force her to move. His body felt hungry rather than a live wire fueled by pure magic and ignorant of his bodily needs.

He may be weaker than he was, but that was alright. 

Because he felt human again. 

Fucking finally , Sapnap thinks as he lowers the eyeglass, nodding once to his companions in confirmation. He couldn’t help the smile on his face as he looked through the spyglass once more, seeing his once best friend wave goodbye to Niki before heading into the forest. He didn’t even suspect them. 

This was perfect.

They had done it. They had finally managed to uncover Dream’s whereabouts after almost half a year of searching. It was finally time for Sapnap to right his past failures. 

He was finally going to understand why his former friend had abandoned them in exchange for the God of Chaos. Why had Dream chosen power and dark magic over their family? What had Sapnap done wrong to push the other away? It didn’t make sense. Dream wasn’t some power-hungry monster, or at least he didn’t use to be. He had never been cruel or unkind or… or un happy . 

Why would he leave? Why would he abandon his family and the cherished pet that he treated like his own child for something as ridiculous and unnecessary as power? Patches had been devastated at Dream’s sudden disappearance. They all had been. A piece of their family was missing. Had chosen to leave. 

Sapnap had thought that they had all been happy. They had been safe and together and it made no sense why Dream would ever give that up.

He was going to get answers to all of his questions and he was going to put an end to it, one way or another. He wouldn’t let Dream escape without a fight, and he damn sure wasn’t going to let anything happen to the friends at his side.  

Dream would either come home with them or Sapnap would turn him in. Chaos magic was outlawed for a reason. Sapnap was going to strip it from him. And if he couldn’t… If Dream wanted to keep his dark and cruel magic so fucking bad, then he would take it with him to the grave.

Chapter Text

It had taken a considerable amount of effort to find Dream. He and George had been working as bounty hunters for months just so they would be one of the first to get information on Dream’s possible location. They had always seemed to be one step behind, despite spending nearly every waking moment looking over their shoulder and searching for the information that would finally lead them to their quarry. 

Whenever they would get the proper information, by the time they arrived, Dream would be long gone and without a trace. Tracking spells never worked and would lead them in endless circles, and other witches were either clueless or too afraid to go up against the ‘feared’ chaos witch that Dream apparently was now. That, or they were obviously incapable and a waste of time and resources. The witches that were capable had usually already tried and were killed. It made Sapnap’s job of finally catching Dream and putting a stop to the other’s dark magic exceptionally… difficult. Tedious, even. 

It was familiar, in a way, and Sapnap would expect nothing less from his friend. Dream always had excelled at outsmarting and outmaneuvering those pursuing him. And he had plenty of experience running away from him, George, and Bad. He had even managed to shake them from his trail entirely a couple of times in the past few months. Once, they had given up after several weeks of Dream not being spotted anywhere (or at least not by anyone still alive and able to speak to them) and had decided to hunt the last person they knew had worked with Dream. 

Technoblade . 

And fuck hadn’t that been a disaster? He was easier to find… but it hadn’t been worth it. Even after Bad and George both refused and warned that it seemed especially dangerous, Sapnap hadn’t relented. He’d all but guilted them into hunting the follower of the Blood God, and his insistence had gotten George killed. They would have all died if the warrior hadn’t suddenly gotten violently ill or something. Whatever it was that made the man retreat saved both him and Bad. Sapnap had severely underestimated the other.  

He was never going to forget the shameful and pathetic feeling of failing one of the only remaining friends he had. That pain, although short lived, would never be forgotten. He needed to prioritize those that had stayed by his side through all their years of loss and hardship, instead of the friend that some days felt more like a shadow they were trying to catch. 

Burying George back in Kinoko was something he had never fathomed possible. It had never even crossed his mind that he would have to bury someone he saw as his brother. Not while seemingly chasing his own tail while searching for Dream. It felt like they were constantly just going in circles. And if they weren’t, it was because they were losing the trail entirely or taking drastic chances such as going after a renowned warrior known for his brutality and brute strength and winding up with one of their members dead . 

He hadn’t been prepared to lose someone so close to him. Someone he considered family. It had shattered something within him, something that made him give up his search for Dream entirely. Fuck him . If he doesn’t want to be found, then so fucking be it. 

Bad had agreed, although reluctantly, and so they stayed home for a few days mourning their loss. That was until a very dirty George knocked on their door and cursed them relentlessly for burying him. Sapnap had been frozen in place, just staring at the other as he was trying and failing to brush dirt off of his shirt and out of his hair, all while cursing with the angriest expression on his face. Sapnap had all but tackled the other in a hug, trying to hide his tears in George’s muddy shirt. 

George said that his ‘God friend’ had mentioned that Dream was the one that revived him. 

Initially, Sapnap didn’t believe him. The mystery ‘God friend’ George claimed to see in his dreams wasn’t something Sapnap had ever understood nor trusted. That same ‘God friend’ had only appeared once Dream had left, so Sapnap and Bad had both assumed that the imaginary figure was George’s way of coping. What was unsettling was how George had always spoken of it as if it were real and as if what it said was absolutely true, with no room for error. 

It wasn’t until George had been brought back to life that Sapnap had considered the possibility that perhaps there was a deity of some sort involved. Of course, it was much more likely that Dream had instead decided to delve into necromancy. George even said that Dream had been the one to revive him. Maybe the ‘God friend’ and George’s dreams were some sort of mind-game Dream was doing. It wasn’t a far-fetched idea, but George swore that Dream wasn’t messing with him and had nothing to do with his dreams or his fatigue. 

And after Sapnap had explained that Technoblade had ran off soon after killing George and his odd behavior right before, George swore that his ‘God friend’ must have done something to him and that the ‘God friend’ was trying to protect George. Sapnap wasn’t quite sure what he thought of it, but what he did know, was that he was glad to have George back safe and sound. 

What he really wanted was to take all three of them back home. It had been a while since he had seen any of his other friends, which wasn’t fair to them. But more than anything, he wasn’t sure if risking Bad and George’s safety was worth chasing after a man that didn’t seem to want to be found. 

Unfortunately, after George had been brought back, he seemed more determined than ever to find Dream. He wanted Sapnap and Bad to both join him and search again, even going so far as to say that he’d search by himself if Sapnap refused. 

The more they argued, the more weary Sapnap grew of the topic. He assumed that George felt conflicted because Dream had ‘saved’ his life by reviving him. George was probably thinking that it meant that Dream still cared or that he hadn’t abandoned them by choice. It left the idea behind that maybe Dream cared and maybe they could be a family once more like they had been. 

 It frustrated Sapnap, but he understood , although he no longer believed it was true. 

And if it got George to shut the fuck up , then fine . He’d search one last time. 

That was his ultimatum, and his friends both readily agreed. One last time before they would all put their past behind them and move on, no matter how much it hurt. It wasn’t fair that Dream could just up and leave them and they would spend months upon months of their lives searching for him. Especially since the other didn’t even seem to want to be found. 

So they decided to look for him one last time, before permanently giving up their search. 

Now here they are, staring at the man himself as he left Niki’s bar. They hadn’t had to wait for too long before George returned with news of a small forest fire and the demise of a small coven. For the first time ever , there were witnesses that survived their encounter with Dream. They confirmed that the masked witch had been there, fighting alongside Technoblade as they murdered the townsfolk and members of a coven that had gone to try and take them down. 

From there, they had searched around, finding old hoof prints that led south, towards the tundra. It was a miracle that they hadn’t been covered with snow or trampled by other wildlife. They had been following the trail on foot until they spotted a green cloak on top of a white horse. It was Dream and Spirit. 

So they had tailed him as he made his way to Niki’s, Sapnap having to ignore Bad’s mumblings of how unusual it was for Dream not to have noticed them. They carefully stayed out of sight of both Dream and the crow that was flying above him as if following. Once he had gotten to Niki’s, they hid, watching and waiting for him to exit. Now here he was, armed and swinging back into the saddle. 

Sapnap couldn’t keep the cruel smile off of his face as he ducked down, hiding as his best friend rode away, completely unaware of them. 

He had spent so much of the past year frantically searching for his friend, thinking the worst, yet here he was, unharmed and smiling, not a care in the world. This would end today. 

Sapnap was going to get answers, and if he couldn’t, then he was going to get even. 

Dream hadn’t rode too far before he decided to stop and set up camp. He stepped out of the saddle, one hand cradling the crow that had fallen asleep sometime on their short journey as he landed in the snow. The crow woke up, obviously grumpy as he pecked harshly at Dream’s thumb before flapping its wings aggressively as it flew to rest in a tree overlooking them. Dream stuck his tongue out at the bird, shaking his hurt hand as he reached for the reins and carefully lifted them over Spirit’s head before leading her over to a tree. He hitched her, looking over the saddle to see what he had to work with in setting up his camp. 

Thankfully, Techno had a bedroll on his saddle that he could use for warmth without having to rely on a fire. Spirit had her winter coat, but Dream still felt that it would be insufficient once the sun fully set. He swung his bag off of his back and dug around in his sack of crystals until he found a piece of rough citrine that had been enchanted to provide warmth to the wearer. He wrapped the leather cord attached to the crystal around her bridle and kissed her massive head before looking upwards to the crow. 

Do crows get cold? He searched through the bag once more, saddened to see that he didn’t have another crystal for the crow. He himself didn’t mind not having one. The cold was something he hadn’t had to feel in so long that it seemed nostalgic in a sick way. Besides, they wouldn’t be able to stay long since there wasn’t much for Spirit to eat, so perhaps the crow would be fine. Still, he wasn’t sure . 

“Hey, um, birdie? A-are you gonna get cold tonight?” He asked, feeling rather dumb for expecting an answer. Sure enough, the crow just flapped its wings and squawked at him aggressively. He couldn’t really blame the crow. Phil could understand it and Techno’s chat could translate it. Dream was the one that was unable to understand the other. 

He sighed and turned his attention towards unpacking the saddle, stacking its contents in a small pile off to the side before removing the saddle itself and setting it down as well. Spirit was mouthing at the snow at her feet and Dream chuckled before coming over to pet her once more. It wasn’t quite dark yet, so he would have some time to hunt if he wanted to. But first, he’d want to see what food Phil packed for him.

He walked towards his small pile of goodies and pulled out the satchel filled with food. Inside was a small metal pot of stew that could easily be reheated, as well as a golden apple that he promptly fed to Spirit and a piece of bread that the crow decided was meant for him. The golden apple would keep Spirit full for much longer than a normal apple, so that was one less thing he’d have to worry about. 

It was probably meant for him if he ran into trouble, but he’d rather Spirit be full than save it for danger that may never come. It was expensive horse food, but he’s sure Techno wouldn’t mind. Hell, seeing how proud he seems when he talks about his own stead, he’s probably just as bad about spoiling his animals. 

Now, with only the stew, Dream would either have to eat it cold, or suck it up and build a fire. A fire would make the most sense. Even if he did go hunting, he’d have to make one eventually. Besides, the crow might need it for warmth. Just because Dream is fine with the cold doesn’t mean that the small bird would be. He sighed loudly and leaned his head back, staring upwards into the dusky sky before setting down the satchel of food and turning to search for wood. 

On one hand, getting wood without his magic would be a tedious and exhausting task. On the other hand, he’d finally have an excuse to use his axe again. 

George was studying the hoof prints left in the snow and leading their trio towards their prey as Sapnap and Bad focused on ensuring they hadn’t been found out. They were listening for any unusual sounds and watching for any slight movement that meant that Dream had turned to attack. They had lost sight of him almost half an hour ago and were now tracking Spirit’s prints. Losing sight of Dream may prove to be a dangerous mistake.

Sapnap didn’t trust Dream not to have intentionally let them follow him only to lead them into a trap. It was actually one of his main strategies when he was being hunted to turn the hunter into the prey. It was unpredictable and dangerous so Sapnap and Bad were a tad on edge as they tried to ensure they weren’t currently being stalked. 

They had hunted Dream before, on much friendlier and playful terms, but they still knew just how fatal a single misstep was when trying to catch the other. 

He focused on the darkening forest, whispering for George to hurry the fuck up before we can’t see as he tried to ignore just how sweaty his hands were as he gripped his sword. As soon as it got too dark for them to see, they would be all but sitting ducks for Dream to pick off one by one. Sapnap would be damned if he let either of his two friends beside him be hurt. He knew that this ‘reunion’ would most likely end in ruin, so his main goal was to ensure that the two men beside him got home safely. Dream didn’t have control over himself right now since he had been corrupted by chaos magic, so Sapnap wasn’t sure what to expect. Would he see his old friend that would laugh and smile with him? Or would he see the monster the townspeople describe in the rumors surrounding what all Dream has done?

No matter what they find, it won’t change their mission. They were going to strip Dream of his magic, even if it meant he and Bad had to lose their own to do it. 

He exhaled harshly, warmth surrounding him and flames dancing in his closed fists. Bad flashed him a warning look, not even having to speak to convey that Sapnap ‘ needed to keep his anger in check’ and was going to ‘give away their position’ . 

But Sapnap was angry. Angry that he was forced to have to choose between his family one again. Sacrifices always had to be made to gain anything, but it never seemed right or justified. In trying to save Dream, he’d be sacrificing Bad’s magic and his own. He’d be risking all of their safety and for what? He had loved Dream like a brother, but he wasn’t sure whether Dream had ever felt the same. The other had chosen to abandon them for power and for chaos. 

He just prayed they left with their lives. If it really came down to it, Sapnap would delay Dream, kill him if he could, while the others fled. And if they followed Dream and he led them to Technoblade? 

Sapnap had no idea how he was going to protect the two men beside him. He could fend off Dream and he could stall Techno for a few moments, surely. But both? 

He tried to shake the worry off of him and instead follow behind George, who seemed eerily determined to find Dream. He hadn’t complained of the cold or of his feet hurting. He hasn’t tried to nap or, hell, has George even slept since he had returned with news of where Dream had been? 

It was odd, for sure. George had been ill lately, always sleeping and always fatigued. He had been plagued with vivid dreams that turned into nightmares whenever he happened to upset the ‘God friend’ that appeared in his dreams. The same ‘God friend’ that apparently always appeared in George’s dreams. It was a tad worrisome and, so far, no spells or potions or amount of caffeine kept George from falling asleep and from dreaming of his ‘God friend’. 

This was probably the longest George has been awake in a long time. Perhaps actual news of Dream was enough to keep him awake. After all, he had gotten ill after they had discovered that Dream had left them.

Now here George was, fully alert and focused on the tracks, eyes trained ahead of him like a hound on the hunt. 

And sure enough, the tracks eventually led them to who they had spent months hunting.

Dream had amassed a small stack of wood that he was currently carrying back to camp. The crow was resting on his shoulder, pecking occasionally at his hair as if trying to tuck it behind his ear. His hands were a little preoccupied, so he cursed at it instead as it nicked his ear for the eighth time, but it only seemed to make the bird peck harder and more frantically. 

His angry cursing eventually faded into laughter and he turned to look at the bird, pausing halfway as a cold sensation washed over him. There had been a slight movement behind him. Only a shadow moving from one tree to another, but it was unmistakably a person. 

He tried to recover, forcing a smile to remain on his face as he continued walking towards camp. Towards Spirit. Towards escape. 

He was probably just overreacting. Surely all the talk of him being weak and such had gotten to him and put him on edge. Hopefully that was the case, but movement out of the corner of his eye along with the sensation of multiple pairs of eyes on him left his hands shaking and heart pounding in his chest. 

Now that he was actually paying attention, it was obvious he was being stalked. It was hard to ignore the sensation of being watched by multiple people.

It was probably just some random thug or thief. Surely one of his enemies hadn’t caught up with him so quickly, right? Even so, he should play this safe. His curse meant that they couldn’t kill him, but there were worse things than dying. If he were captured, they could use him to gain leverage against Techno. Even if he was willing to barter that he could take whoever was pursuing him in a fight, if he ended up losing, then that would put his new found allies at a disadvantage. That wasn’t fair to the other. He turned his head again, this time not seeing anything in his peripheral as he whispered to the crow. 

“Go and bring Techno to me. Tell him to hurry,” he whispered through a smile and a false cheery voice. Hopefully the crow would do as told and not ignore him in favor of spying. Hopefully it understood English well enough to not be confused by the happy tone he had used. He felt sweat run down the side of his face and he faced back away from the crow and scanned the tree line in front of him as he continued to walk. 

The crow had stopped pecking at his hair and fluttered its wings as if nervous. Finally, it simply launched itself in the air and circled before heading off towards Techno’s home. Dream forced a bright smile on his face and waved at the bird as if trying to call it back. He sighed loudly afterwards and shrugged his shoulders in a show of pretending they were sore from the weight of the wood. Then, he broke into a jog back towards camp. He had his ears trained to pick up the sounds of footsteps following him, but he could barely hear over the sound of the snow crunching underneath his feet. 

He was about five minutes from his makeshift camp, but he had unsaddled Spirit and it would take around three minutes to saddle her back up and untie her, and that would be if he abandoned all of his things. He could leave the saddle too and just untie the reins and go from there, but it was Technoblade’s saddle. 

Fuck . Why didn’t he let Techno come again? 

When did they start pursuing him? Have they already been at his camp? 

Shit . All of his stuff was back at camp. His crystals and potions and spell books and everything that connected him to his magic. He didn’t want to have to leave all of it behind or think about the fact that others may have already taken it for themselves. He didn’t want to think that they may have already taken Spirit or worse. 

Fucking hell… why was he so stupid to think that he could do this own his own? 

He was panting, heart beating painfully as he made his way back to camp. He’d get Spirit and leave. He’d go back to Techno’s and… and what? Lead the people following him directly to Techno’s secret and hidden base? He couldn’t do that. Fuck . 

He heard the sound of footsteps gaining on him and strained his ears. One, no two sets of feet and… the draw of a bow. He dropped the wood in his arms and lurched to the side, rolling and coming up to a kneeling position, hand automatically moving to draw his axe as he turned to face his pursuers. 

He froze as he was met with fiery amber eyes and the end of a sword. 

“Sapnap?” He said, axe lowering on its own as he smiled at his old friend. Sapnap did not share the same happiness. Instead, his sword struck the axe, hooking underneath it and pulling it cleanly from Dream’s grip. He watched as his axe landed several feet away in the snow, out of his reach, not to mention he’d have to get through Sapnap to retrieve it. 

He’d let his guard down when he saw his old friend, but he found that he didn’t mind at all. He didn’t feel like he was in danger. 

Despite the fact that George was holding a bow, an arrow of slowness notched and aimed at Dream’s ankle, Dream felt perfectly safe. Then there was Bad, holding rope that was glowing faintly with enchantments.

“Don’t make this harder than it needs to be, Dream,” Sapnap warned, sword tip aimed at Dream’s throat as Bad circled behind him. Dream raised his hands in surrender, not able to keep the dumb smile off of his face. 

“I-I can’t believe you guys are here,” he said breathlessly, relaxing his arms as Bad pulled them behind his back before tying them tightly. The taller pushed on Dream’s shoulder until he was fully kneeling in the snow.

“Of course we’re here. It’s not like you left behind an entire forest fire to signal where you were after broadcasting your location by waltzing through a town with a mass-murderer at your side,” Sapnap said venomously. Dream winced, looking instead to George, whose eyes were wide as if in amazement. 

“A-are you going to kill me?” Dream asked, eyes returning to Sapnap, who seemed conflicted at the question and boy that was not reassuring. Still, it was doubtful that his own brother would be capable. Surely he wasn’t that mad, right?

“We don’t want to, Dream,” Bad said, voice soft and just as sweet as it always had been. “These ropes should contain your power, okay? Along with these,” Bad said as he placed several cords of leather embedded with crystals around his neck. 

Dream nodded, trying to turn to look at Bad. “I, uh, don’t actually have my power anymore,” he said awkwardly and Bad frowned at him before patting him on the head as one would an amusing pet. 

“Yeah, okay, Dream. Just be good for a little bit and we’ll get your head cleared up, okay?” Bad said with a soft smile, motioning for George to come closer. He did, arrow notched and at the ready to shoot at a single wrong move from Dream. 

Sapnap was still there as well, watching with sword in hand as Dream knelt in the snow. Bad had started scooping snow out from a spot on the ground, but was stopped as Sapnap simply snapped and a small pillar of fire materialized a few feet away, instantly warming Dream to the core as it burned a large circle in the ground, clearing the snow and burning any sticks, roots, and grass to ash. 

The flames had vanished just as quickly as they had appeared, but Dream felt like the air was stuck in his throat as he stared at the charred ground, skin still prickling from the warmth the fire emitted. It was terrifying. The flames were precise and deadly . Burning hot enough to scorch the ground in a mere second or two? It was ridiculous. It showed that the magic user, Sapnap , had to be powerful and have immense control over his flames to pull of such a deed. And he seemed to have done it as a second thought. Just to speed up the process of whatever Bad had been doing. 

He had used to feel alive whenever Sapnap used his magic around him. The flames would dance uncontrollably and Sapnap would struggle just to keep from burning himself. The warmth was nice and cozy and Dream and George used to beg Sapnap to try and shoot his flames at surrounding trees or to attempt crazy tricks. But now? After he had burned himself, the fire seemed like a living, breathing threat. 

For the first time in his life, he was scared of Sapnap. He hadn’t even thought about the fact that Sapnap wielded fire. He tried to drag in a breath and force his lungs to work once more as he looked over the scorched ground.  

It was a perfect circle and Dream finally figured out what was about to happen. This would be an incantation… a ritual of some sort. Bad had mentioned ‘clearing his head’ but Dream wasn’t sure what that meant. 

“W-what are you planning to do?” He asked, but Sapnap just glared at him and George was still unusually quiet as he stared at him. 

Bad sighed as he knelt at the burned circle and pulled out a piece of chalk from his bag before beginning to draw the rituals. “You’re not going to like this, Dream. We’re going to take your magic away. No more chaos magic to mess with your mind.”

Dream laughed awkwardly, straining to try and see what runes Bad was using. “L-like I said, I don’t have any magic to take away,” he droned as he tried to remember the different incantations that could be used to take away or remove magic. There weren’t many, and most were dangerous to even perform because they would strip magic from anyone nearby, including those casting the spells. 

It shouldn’t harm Dream, since he didn’t have magic to lose, but that was just it. He had no idea what it would do instead. No magic to erase didn’t necessarily mean that it wouldn't affect him.

Sapnap pulled out Bad’s old spell book, filled with a mixture of spells and recipes. Oh gods . There was no way to predict what concoction of magic Bad had come up with this time. 

“Here’s how this is going to work, Dream. You’re going to get in that incantation circle and you’re going to stay there . We’re going to take away your magic, whether you want us to or not,” Sapnap says, opening the book and finally sheathing his sword. He looks a bit older than the last time they had seen one another. He seemed tense and serious, with more scars. The usual fires that flickered when he moved seemed more contained and controlled. His sparks used to be wild and carefree, setting small fires throughout their house and once even setting Dream’s hair on fire. Just one spark that burns a little too brightly was all it took to send things ablaze. But now, those sparks burned brighter than ever, but without the freedom to burn. They landed on Bad’s book, but despite being on decades, if not centuries old pages, the sparks didn’t even leave behind a smudge.

It was obvious that Sapnap had mastered controlling his magic. 

It should have made Dream proud to know that his friend had mastered his elemental magic. Instead, it terrified him. He had never felt icy fear when facing his once best friend, but he couldn’t help the sensation of wrongness caused by the sight of flames. 

He was so entranced by the flames that he hadn’t even noticed George holster his bow and make his way to Dream until the other had grabbed his arms and began tugging him backwards towards the circle of charred earth. 

“Yeah, and after we do that, we’re taking you home, Dream,” George said, pulling especially hard at his arms before dropping him onto the ground. 

Even though now would be the perfect time to see what spell Bad would be using or by smudging the chalk next him to try and destroy some of the runes, he was instead frozen in place, eyes locked unto the side of George’s face since the other wouldn’t look at him. “Y-you’re serious? Y-you’d want me to come back?” Dream asked, head tilted as far back as he could to try and see George’s expression. No way was the other being serious. This had to be some sort of trick. 

 George whipped his head around, looking at him in disbelief and with a bit of anger written on his face. “I almost forgot how stupid you are,” he said, crossing his arms, one hand resting on the crossbow on his hip as he pointedly looked anywhere but at Dream. 

“Of course we’d want you back, Dream. Why do you think these two became bounty hunters in the first place? To be the first ones to get information on you .” Bad says as he finishes the chalk lines and goes to pick up Dream’s feet. “Please don’t kick me in the face, Dream. I swear this is for your own good,” Bad said as he grabbed Dream’s ankles and lifted, George picking him up from his armpits as they swung him into the incantation circle before setting him down. 

“Besides, ‘you know who’ said that you were the one responsible for reviving me after your murderous friend decided to run me through with his sword. I figured that meant we were still friends,” George said, words accompanied by a questioning look, pressing for reassurance. 

“I-yeah of course I did! I-uh, the incantation won’t work since I don’t have any magic,” Dream said, voice trailing off as he finally glanced down to study the runes. Bad had always had exceptionally detailed handwriting, especially when it came to his magic. The runes were neat and clear. The spell was meant to entirely bound and seal one’s magic. It would affect the one casting the spell as well as anyone in the circle.

Sapnap sighed loudly, looking down at the pages, his flames dancing almost nervously around his fingers and across the pages as he started to read. 

Oh no . 

Sapnap would lose his magic. And for no good reason. 

“Wait, no,” Dream said, beginning to move forward to try and get Sapnap to stop, only to feel Bad and George’s hands grab his shoulders and pull him back. Bad was going to lose his magic too? For him ?

Dream felt sheer panic flood through him at the thought that people he still cared deeply for would be sacrificing a part of themselves in vain, merely to try and save him from his own mistakes. 

It was so fucking like them. And he loved them for it. 

“No! Seriously, guys, stop! I don’t have magic-... you- Sapnap! ” Dream cried, struggling against the hands holding him, only stopping when he heard the tell-tale sound of an ender pearl hitting the ground. Everyone froze as Technoblade materialized in between Sapnap and Dream, his sword already poised to strike down one of the two holding Dream. 

Chapter Text

Techno has always been an intimidating figure, whether on or off of the battlefield. Even when he was in a loose cotton shirt, weaponless in his garden, there was an air of threat that always lingered. No matter how gentle his eyes were when he smiled, they couldn’t hide the battle prowess that clung to him like a second skin. His moves were calculated, whether it was him kneeling in the garden facing Dream so as to not show his back, or in setting his sword down on the table, handle outwards so he could grab it on the way to confront whatever idiot was dumb enough to encroach in his territory and in his home. Most of his actions, whether intentional or not, were in preparation for a potential battle. 

Not to mention his tall and scarred figure that spoke of countless battles not only survived, but won . The warrior spoke and stood with such confidence, as if he were royalty.  As if he were untouchable. Hell, he even dressed the part, crown and all. 

Perhaps it was the centuries he had lived and all of the experiences he has endured that made him seem so intimidating to face. Or maybe it was his ties to the Blood God that struck terror into those unfortunate enough to earn the warrior’s wrath. 

All Dream knew was that there was no bigger adrenaline rush than standing toe to toe against Technoblade in an all out fight. It was exciting . It was terrifying. It made Dream feel alive . 

Whatever it was, it was electric. It was entrancing . Dream had instantly been intrigued by the other all those moons ago when he had waltzed into Niki’s tavern, an unfamiliar place, and had taken a seat as if he were as comfortable as could be. Techno had sat in a chair, not bothering to even look at the other patrons, at Dream at all. As if he knew without a doubt that no one there could ever be a threat to him. 

It was an unspoken challenge . One that Dream had been all but giddy to accept. Usually, men that walk and behave with such arrogance fall hard . It’s always a delight to see the downfall of those dumb enough, arrogant enough, to underestimate him. But what was even more of a delight was to find someone actually able to entertain him in a battle.

 Despite ending up on his ass in the dirt, he hadn’t been able to wipe the grin off of his face. Because for the first time in a while , someone else was able to stand toe to toe with him not only in his imagination, but in reality. Techno had won their little fight, and to see the smile on the other’s face? To see such a soft and special reaction from the other had made Dream’s knees weak. 

It was as if Techno had been just as excited to meet someone that made him have to try in order to win. It must have been just as refreshing for Techno as it had been for Dream to actually face someone that offered a decent challenge, even in a friendly scuffle.

After that fight, they had barely gotten the words out to invite each other for a drink. They had dumbly stumbled over their words, but had settled in a back table in Niki’s tavern, drinking way too much and laughing far too loudly. It was so hard to realize that they weren’t the only two people that existed in that bar. They hadn’t been able to get enough of each other and Dream left the bar with him, promising Niki that he wasn’t going to follow the stranger off into the woods to be murdered. He did follow Techno into the forest, but they found other ways to entertain themselves than with violence. 

That night hadn’t dulled Dream’s curiosity at all . Instead, it solidified the fact that he wished to follow the warrior in his travels until he did begin to get bored. That, however, hadn’t happened. Because within the next few days, he had been blessed enough to see Techno in a battle . Dream realized quite quickly that he wasn’t going to get rid of his interest in the other anytime soon. 

Whenever the other had his trusted weapon in his hand, he looked like a God . Confident, powerful, and untouchable. Dream had felt so safe whenever he was standing alongside the other. Battles with the warrior had been euphoric. They fought side by side, as if in a deadly dance, playing off of each other as if they had been fighting beside the other for their entire lives. Techno had centuries of experience that made themselves known by how he always managed to perfectly predict Dream’s movements and his needs in battle. 

Dream never had to worry about the other’s safety, or waste time having to voice what he needed or a strategy he wanted to employ. They worked together like the moon and the tide. Pushing and pulling each other as they waded through the blood-soaked battlefield, never once having to question the outcome. 

But what Dream really admired about the other was that despite his strength, he was still intelligent and kind. He wasn’t some dumb brute that threw their weight around, taunting and bullying those weaker than himself. No. Instead, he chose to be fiercely protective and loyal to those that had earned his trust. He chose to have a farm next to his isolated little cabin and spent his spare time growing potatoes, rather than waging war. 

But now? Seeing those usually soft and playful eyes filled with anger and rage was terrifying. A force this strong swinging its deadly weapon towards someone that Dream considered family made his stomach burn with an icy cold. 

The warrior was strikingly similar to the ocean. An unstoppable and untamable force. Wild enough to never be pinned down and reckless enough to destroy those dumb enough to try and stand against his waves. No matter how much people would build up their defenses and their cities, if you earned the ocean’s wrath, it would eventually erode away your barriers with its relentless onslaught of waves. 

Dream has fought alongside Techno enough to know that it took immense and unstoppable power to stand toe to toe against the warrior. He had been able to when he wielded the God of Chaos’s unyeilding and uncontainable power, but now? He couldn’t match the other in pure strength. Luckily, he had learned how to deal with the ocean. 

When you can’t stand against the waves, you must redirect them. 

So as Techno’s blade swung directly at George, Dream pushed himself back into Bad to knock him off of his feet and kicked his own foot upwards to connect with Techno’s hand and make his swing just barely slice off the tips of George’s hair. 

The warrior righted himself, taking a step back and - thankfully - looking to Dream for direction, undoubtedly confused by Dream protecting his ‘attackers’. 

“Stop!” Dream yelled, trying to push himself back up but being off balance with his arms tied behind him and Bad refusing to let go of him. George stumbled back a step in shock before falling backwards, looking pale and terrified.

Bad was pushing at him and trying to climb to his feet as well, but Dream was struggling to not end face first in the dirt. He needed to be able to explain himself and to tell both sides to back down. Otherwise, this may end in the loss of someone he loved.  

Techno tried to reach a hand down to pull Dream to his feet, but was intercepted by a flame wall that made Dream freeze, allowing Bad to gain the upper-hand. 

“Technoblade! You step away from them,” Sapnap threatened, bringing the wall of flames closer and forcing Techno to turn to face him. “Your fight is with me,” Sapnap declared, sword raised as the wall of flame slowly boxed Techno in.

“W-wait, Dream. These are your friends, right?” Techno said, cautiously eyeing the sorcerer across from him who’s sword burned with fire, the flames dancing up his arms and flickering dangerously. 

“Yes! Stop! Sapnap, seriously, this isn't what it looks like! Back off! Both of you!” Dream yelled, as Bad, who had finally gotten to his feet, dragged him back into the incantation circle by his hair. 

“George! Hold him down! I’ll do the spell,” Bad said, reaching his hand out, a black darkness immediately forming and reaching for the discarded spell book before dragging it across the forest floor and into Bad’s hands. 

George recovered and took Bad’s place, wrestling Dream to the ground in the circle. Dream fought against the other wildly, lashing out and trying to gain leverage, but with his arms tied behind him, he knew he wouldn't make much progress. 

“No! Bad, you’re going to lose your magic!” Dream cried, an icy fear burning through him. “Sapnap stop!” He yelled as he and Techno circled, Techno trying to fend off the other without injuring him all whilst not losing his own head in the process. The ugly clang of metal against metal reverberated throughout the clearing, only broken by the sounds of his own struggle.

That fight wouldn’t end well. Dream had a soft spot for the voices, but if they were good at one thing, it was demanding blood. They wouldn’t be satisfied until they convinced Techno to draw blood. They wouldn’t settle for a stalemate, nor would they settle for surrender on either side. That battle would eventually result in one of them falling if allowed to go on. Techno had amazing willpower over the voices, but he would eventually succumb to their presence, as was his curse.

“Be still, Dream!” George pleaded, grabbing the back of Dream’s neck and shoving it into the charred dirt, settling on top of Dream’s back and trying to pin him. “I’m doing this for your own good!”

Bad began to read, and as he did, the forest darkened and the wind began to blow, sending Sapnap’s flames blowing with it. This would end in a forest fire and blood soaked ground. 

Dream felt his face burn with tears as he watched Techno block a killing blow and shoving into the other before having to jump backwards to avoid a pillar of flames. 

“They’re going to kill each other!” He cried, right as George finally used his entire body weight to shove Dream down, knocking the breath out of his lungs.

A shadow crossed over him and George gasped just as he was thrown off of Dream. Dream barely had time to turn his head before he was wrapped in black wings and dragged out of the circle. The ropes binding his hands were cut and Dream turned to see a very upset Philza Minecraft, his flock of murder circling above, their cries angry and piercing the once quiet forest. 

“Phil!” Dream cried, looking to his new friend, that looked back at him, a dark look in his eyes. He wasn’t considered the Angel of Death for nothing, it seemed. Right now, he seemed just as blood thirsty and angry as Techno had been. “Phil, these are my friends! Don’t hurt them!” Dream pleaded, happy to see the darkness in the other’s eyes fade almost immediately, a calculating look taking its place.

George was crawling to his feet just as Bad charged at them, Phil rushing to intercept, their swords meeting in an ugly clang of metal. 

“George! You keep Dream from escaping! We’re not losing him this time!” Bad cried as he tried to press Phil away from Dream.

“Stop!” Dream yelled again, just as Philza shoved into Bad, forcing him away from Dream, his crows dipping to try and steal trinkets and amulets from around Bad’s neck. Phil seemed to be fighting defensively, at least, not seeming to intend to hurt Bad. Thank the gods for that. 

Sapnap was panting, flames seeming to breathe with him as he dodged a fatal blow. Techno’s eyes were glowing an angry red and Dream knew that he was struggling to not cave in to the voice’s demand for blood, that is, if he hadn’t already. He needed to disrupt their fight. To get their attention away from one another. 

Dream lunged towards his discarded axe, trying to not get tied up in Phil and Bad’s fight as he swiped it from beside their feet and rolled, popping up and charging towards Sapnap and Techno. He was intercepted by an arrow that flew just before his face and he turned to see George giving him a questioning look. He stared back as the other came closer, crossbow leveled at his face. 

“I don’t think a two versus one would be fair, Dream,” George said bitterly, one hand drifting to his axe. 

“I agree. Now, why don’t you take care of Sapnap, while I try to get Techno to back off, yeah?” He said with a forced smile before taking a step towards the fight. George looked confused, so Dream continued. “I think instead of everyone trying to kill one another, I can tell you the truth.”

“The truth?” George questioned, holstering his crossbow and trading it for his axe. “Why don’t you tell me the truth, Dream?” George said, swinging his axe angrily, but not yet attacking. Dream spared a glance to Sapnap and Techno, to see one of Techno’s eyes blinded with blood from a cut just above his brow and Sapnap losing ground due to a deeper cut into his thigh. That needed attention, and soon.

“I-I’ll tell all of you the truth if you’ll just listen to me!” Dream said, motioning to the fight once more, until finally, a very frustrated George rolled his eyes before lunging towards Sapnap and swinging his axe to connect with the other’s sword. Dream ducked in just as quickly, going to block Techno’s swing and protect George’s back, but the warrior stopped mid-swing as if scared. 

There was a look of absolute terror on the other’s face and he took several steps back before dropping his sword entirely, as if too afraid to even touch the weapon. 

“ Dream! ” He finally shouted, but Dream wasn’t sure whether it was out of anger or fear. Techno reached one hand and placed it over his heart as if it were beating so hard it hurt. “Y-you can’t just do that! What if I would have hit you!? You could have died!” Techno said, breathless and now Dream could tell that the other had been afraid. Afraid of striking Dream and killing him.  

He wasn’t sure how to respond, so he just gave an awkward smile and shrugged before turning to see Sapnap shove George behind himself as if to protect the other from them. He looked at them, seeing a scared Sapnap, one hand holding up his sword to ensure space between the two groups, and the other hand held out to the side as if to keep George tucked safely behind him. 

He could feel Techno’s immense presence behind him, and knew that he needed to try and get everyone to sit down and talk. Techno was acting out of fear for Dream and Sapnap was acting out of fear to protect his own friends. It would end poorly if allowed to continue. 

“Look, Sapnap, I can explain everything, okay?” Dream said, holstering his weapon and holding out both hands in a placating gesture, just as Techno reached to pick up his own weapon, slowly straightening and no doubt sending a threatening glare at Sapnap to not try anything.

“Fuck that, Dream. You’re going to explain everything after we erase that fucked up magic you have, okay? Now tell the murderer beside you and his little friend to leave,” Sapnap threatened, his eyes burning and his flames dancing around his injured leg and cauterizing it. 

“I’m not leaving,” Techno said, more to Dream than to Sapnap, but it angered Sapnap all the same. 

Just as Sapnap was about to reply, he was interrupted by laughter. They all looked over to see Bad laughing at Phil and the crow that had landed on his hat, squawking madly as Phil tried and failed to shoo it away. 

“So you said that you were a friend of Dream’s?” Bad asked and Phil nodded while frowning at the crow. 

“Fine! You can go see Dream. But stay out of his way, okay? If they start fighting again you leave , alright? Techno’s not gonna protect you over Dream, mate,” Phil said to the crow that excitedly flew over to Dream and instead of landing on his shoulder, decided to fly straight into Dream’s face, making him stumble backwards. He was caught by Techno, who righted him as he finally got the bird off and held it in his hands as it flapped its wings and wiggled as hard as it could. It was the same bird from before. 

“Hey, bud! Stop, calm down. I’m okay. Thanks for going to get help, okay? But these are my friends too, so don’t attack them, alright?” He said, trying not to laugh as Techno thumbed at a scratch the bird left on his face and glared at the poor creature, who didn’t bother to pay the immortal warrior a glance. Dream finally let the bird onto his shoulder, wincing as it immediately started pecking at his ear. 

Perhaps that was how the crow showed its affection. Or maybe he was just similar to Tommy. Annoying, no matter what. 

He finally looked over to Sapnap and George who seemed confused, yet still guarded. They most likely suspected a trick. 

He shrugged and looked back to Phil, who was leaning on his sword as he spoke to Bad. Bad’s weapon was holstered and he had a bright smile on his face. 

“So he and Techno are-?” Bad asked and when Phil nodded, Bad turned to him with a happy smile and Dream felt his face burn in embarrassment. Oh great . Phil looked smug, the little shit, as Bad laughed and darted over to wrap Dream in a hug, as if no longer afraid of him. 

“ Dream! I always knew you’d find someone!” Bad said and Phil laughed loudly, not at all feeling guilty for humiliating him. Some friend he was. 

But at least they were no longer fighting. Bad seemed more than content with speaking, his curiosity peaked, and the rest just seemed too confused to try and reignite the anger that had caused their earlier fight. 

As per usual, Phil may seem like a sweet old man making friends, but his every move was calculated. This was exactly the interruption Dream needed in order to settle everyone and start explaining. 

“Y-yeah, Bad. He’s, uh, the reason I lost my Chaos magic, too. I’ve been staying with him the past few days. I was going to come find all of you, though. I know I have a lot to explain and- and I’ll understand if you all don’t want to see me again. I swear I’ll stay gone if that’s what you-” Dream said, voice growing softer towards the end and eyes watering at the mere thought of never seeing his closest friends again. Especially since this is the first time he has been able to see them in what feels like a lifetime. 

“Oh, Dream, no. We’re not going to tell you to leave,” Bad said, pulling back from their hug to meet his eye. “Why, these two,” he said, gesturing towards Sapnap and George, “ became bounty hunters just to try and find you. We’ve been looking everywhere for you. We know that Chaos magic is dangerous stuff,” Bad said as he eyed the golden chain carrying Techno’s ring that Dream wore around his neck. He smiled at it before lifting his eyes once more. “We figured you didn’t want us involved, so we understand,” Bad said, looking to Techno. “That being said, though, we’d really love to hear about what happened, okay?” 

Dream nodded and looked over to Sapnap, who had finally holstered his weapon and crossed his arms. 

“Sure, we can listen to what happened after we take away your magic,” Sapnap said and Techno grunted behind him, tensing and preparing for another fight. This only made Sapnap reach for his weapon once more. 

“Okay! Okay!” Phil said, stepping in between the two men with a wide smile. “Why don’t we all head back to my place and we can talk over some tea, okay?” He offered, smiling and looking to Bad, who nodded. 

“Of course. Thank you for the offer, we’d love to join you all for tea,” Bad said, bowing a little before shooting Sapnap a challenging glare, obviously telling him to back down. Surprisingly, he did, turning away and instead looking over George to check for any injuries. 

George, however, was looking over Sapnap’s shoulder at Dream, who nodded with an awkward smile, hoping it conveyed his thanks for helping to break up the fight. 

“Good! Now, Techno brought his horse, I have mine and Dream? Do you still have Spirit with you?” Phil asked and Dream nodded. “Great! Now each of us can pair up and we can be back just as the sun finishes setting, yeah?” Phil asked, clapping his hands together and heading exactly towards where Dream had left Spirit. 

Sly old man. He already knew he had Spirit. And he knew that Sapnap, Bad, and George didn’t. His crows had probably already scouted the entire area. 

Huh. He should have expected it. Actually, now that he thought about it, Phil arrived exceptionally fast but was still a bit behind Techno. 

“Say, Techno. You got here awfully fast,” Dream said, shooting the other a suspicious glance. Techno looked down at him, his cheeks lightly tinted a pretty shade of pink as he laughed awkwardly and rubbed the back of his neck. 

“Nah, you’re imaginin’ things, Dream,” he said, walking past Dream and following after Phil, the rest all following suit. 

“Are you sure? No way you would have done something like, follow me , right?” Dream asked, leaning in and allowing a bit of a teasing tone to enter his voice. The other held up his hands and looked away. 

“Okay, fine. But blame chat. They were the ones worried ‘bout you. And we weren’t following you. Nah, we were, uh, coming to find you. I made them wait a full six hours, y’know? But they wouldn’t stop worrying, so I came to ease their conscience. Only to hear from a little birdie that you were being attacked,” Techno said, shooting a scathing glance to Sapnap, who immediately yelled back, flames dancing all around him and making Dream take a small step away.

“We weren’t attacking him you fucking dumbass! And you’re not one to talk! You killed George!” Sapnap yelled and Techno winced. 

“Yeah, I know. I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were friends with Dream. But he already stabbed me for it, so you’re good, I’d hope.” Techno said, dipping his head to George, who seemed absorbed in looking Techno up and down as if looking for faults. 

“Hmm… Dream, are you sure this is who you want to date? He dresses like a king… It’s odd,” George said, arms crossed, and Techno gasped, probably genuinely offended. Dream couldn’t help but to snicker, full on laughing when Techno just stuck his foot out, tripping Dream and sending him spiraling into the snow with no explanation. 

This earned a laugh from George, but Sapnap still had an angry look plastered on his face. 

“Hey!” Dream said, accepting Techno’s hand as the other pulled him to his feet. “Now you’ve gone and done it. I didn’t stab you for George. I stabbed you for Phil . I haven’t gotten you back for George… yet ,” Dream said and Techno gave him a weary side-eye. 

“I really hope you’re joking,” the warrior said and Bad snickered, turning to face them and walking backwards, Phil casually grabbing his arm and pulling him to the side to prevent him from backing into a tree.. 

“Dream doesn’t usually let anyone get away with picking on George,” Bad said through a smile. “Sapnap would know that the best,” Bad said, finally turning back around to walk normally.

Sapnap huffed and rolled his eyes. “Except for the part where I just pick on George and this fucking idiot killed him.”

“Okay, to be fair, you did attack me, yelling about how I was a traitor to the state ‘n all,” Techno said and Sapnap shot him a glare. 

“That’s true, Sapnap,” George said softly. “I knew the risks. You’re just mad because it was your idea to go after him and we all knew it was a bad idea. No one blames you for that except for yourself. Besides, I’m here, aren’t I? Alive and well? Thanks to Dream for reviving me. We finally tracked him down, don’t ruin it over something that I’m not even holding a grudge over, okay?” George said and Sapnap, although obviously stunned by the words, eventually nodded, averting his eyes and speeding up so he could walk next to Bad. 

Dream watched, unsure of how to approach the other. The rest of the walk was rather awkward until they got to his campsite where Spirit was ancy, hooves striking the ground and head swinging wildly, probably startled by all of the yelling and the scent of smoke from the earlier fight. She was still tied up with all of his belongings still stacked in a pile to the side, several crows guarding it. 

Dream shot Phil a glance, but the other ignored him. He approached his horse, petting her and trying to calm her as he began to saddle her up and load all of his supplies. George approached him, nudging a stack of books with his foot and pointedly not helping as Dream strapped down and loaded his belongings. 

“So, if you have all of this stuff, who’s going to have to walk?” George asked, face showing that it was not going to be him. Phil laughed and walked over, throwing an arm around George, who seemed startled and immediately tried to worm his way out of the interaction. 

“Don’t worry, mate. These wings aren’t just for show. I’ll fly home and by the time you all get there, I’ll already have the tea made,” Phil said, fluttering his wings and causing his crows to flap their own, squawking as if applauding Phil. 

It was rather adorable. 

“Bad?” Phil asked, finally releasing George and looking over towards the other with a smile. “You can ride my horse.”

Bad nodded, returning Phil’s smile with his own. “So Sapnap, you can ride with me,” Bad started, only to be interrupted. 

“No. I’ll ride with him.” Sapnap said, pointing at Techno, who held his gaze, both still sizing one another up. 

Dream really hoped it wouldn’t always be like this between them. It was already growing tiresome. 

“I’m not letting George ride with him. He’ll ride with Bad,” Sapnap said and Techno just shrugged, before whistling. 

Soon, both his and Phil’s horse entered the clearing, just as Dream finished loading his things unto Spirit. 

“Or, I can ride with Techno and you can take Spirit?” Dream offered, but Sapnap shook his head. 

“What and have you two split off and make a run for it? I wouldn’t put it past you to leave Spirit behind with this whole Chaos magic bullshit,” Sapnap seethed as he strode towards Techno and Carl.
Techno swung himself onto the saddle and Sapnap pulled himself on behind him, Bad and George climbing onto Phil’s steed. Dream, likewise, mounted Spirit and turned her towards Techno and Phil’s home, eyeing Techno and Sapnap to ensure they hadn’t already started trying to kill one another. Philza stretched his wings and took off, most of his crows following, but some remained as if they were escorting the rest of them home. 

This would either go really, really well, or would end in absolute disaster.

Chapter Text

Dream had never been more relieved to top the hill and see Techno’s home. The ride back had been just short of torturous . Thick tension clung to the group, drowning them in an awkward silence that made Dream wish he could just urge Spirit into a gallop and run away. Honestly, it had been less stressful when they had been fighting and at each other’s throats. At least then they were letting out this anger and tension! Now it was just collecting around them, smothering them, and making Dream regret every life decision that led him to this moment. 

It felt as if they were surrounded by gas and all it took was one spark and they would all be set ablaze. 

Dream looked over to Techno and Sapnap, who hadn’t made a peep the entire trip. If anyone would be the metaphorical spark that lurched them back into an all out battle, it would be one of those two. Techno’s face was stern, eyes burning an angry crimson and never straying from the horizon before them. His knuckles were white from how hard he was gripping the reins and his shoulders were tight. Dream knew he was probably very on edge by having Sapnap behind him and out of his eyesight. The voices were probably chanting endlessly trying to instigate another fight or suggest that Sapnap was going to strike whilst they couldn’t see. 

And looking at Sapnap, Dream wasn’t sure whether the other wasn’t going to strike. He was burning a hole in the back of Techno’s head, face showing pure malice and disgust. His hands were balled into fists and resting on his thighs, right next to his weapon. It was as if Sapnap had assigned himself the task of watching Techno’s each and every move. 

George, however, seemed to not care about the tension one bit. He appeared to be half-asleep, leaning on Bad, who was humming to fill the painful silence. Dream himself was racking his mind, trying and failing to figure out how the hell he was going to explain everything. 

He was tense, feeling as if he were tightroping across two skyscrapers. Between Techno and Phil, his newfound friends, and between Sapnap, George, and Bad. His friends that he had known for so long that he considered them family. If things didn’t end up with everyone being cordial to one another, or worse, if his explanation didn’t help anything and led to another battle…

He has no idea what he’ll do. How could he choose? Well , he knew exactly who he would choose. But he also figures that he would never truly be happy with his choice, no matter what he decided. He’d always feel like he was missing something, someone in his life. 

As he tred across the metaphorical tightrope in his mind, he shivered. All it would take was one gust of wind and he would be spiraling, torn between the two. Go forward with Techno and Phil? People he barely knows, one of which is destined to kill him… Or should he go backwards, to what he knows will be a safe choice? His family.

He ran his fingers slowly through Spirit's mane, smiling a bit when she shook her head, the soft jingle from her bridle reminding him of times when he would spend days out exploring on horseback with his family. Could he live the remainder of his life without them? Could he really walk away from Techno, after all that he had risked for Dream, knowing that he’ll never be able to satisfy his curiosity of the warrior? 

He prayed to whatever God that would listen that this would somehow resolve peacefully. Surely his family would believe him. Surely they wouldn’t leave him so quickly once learning the truth. 

He hoped that once they got back to Techno’s home, they wouldn’t all erupted into another fight. Gods , he’s not sure what he’d do if that happened. Earlier, he had felt pure horror at seeing Techno facing off with Sapnap. Those two were strong, sure. Both were sturdy fighters and gifted at what they do. The problem was that they were both just as brilliantly stubborn as the other. 

 What was Dream to do if Techno actually killed one of his friends? What if Sapnap managed to wound Techno or Phil or burned down their home with his sorcery during the fight? All of this strife and it was his fault. None of them would be in this situation if it weren’t for his past and present screw ups. 

He just prayed that they would listen to whatever he managed to say to try to explain himself. He hoped that none of the people around him ended up hurt or worse. But Phil seemed like he understood. He was trying to mediate, and so was Bad. He wouldn’t be alone in trying to keep everyone calm, at least. 

Or he sure hoped they remained neutral. But if Sapnap actually injures Techno, Dream is sure that Phil would defend him at any cost. Same for Bad. Dream was the only one that cared about both of them. 

He took a steadying breath as they slowly made their way down the hill and to the stables, the crow that had ridden on Dream’s shoulder the entire way leaving to join its murder resting on the roof as soon as they got close. Poor bird was probably just as on edge as the rest of them with the thick tension clinging to the group. At least it was able to leave. Dream imagines that if he climbs up onto the roof to try and hide, he’ll just be followed or dragged back down and forced to explain himself. 

It’d be hard to get away from someone with wings . 

It was odd how fast his heart was beating as he pulled Spirit to a stop and slid out of the saddle. He paused, taking a moment to pet her as the others climbed down from their steeds as well. George yawned and walked over, leaning against the barn wall instead of helping strip the horses of their tack and releasing them into the stables as the others seemed to be doing. From where Dream was, George was the only person that could see him. Everyone else was on the other side of Spirit, blocked from view. He looked at George, whose facial expression he couldn’t discern due to the goggles the other wore before swiftly looking away and continuing to awkwardly stroke Spirit’s neck. 

How the fuck was he supposed to explain everything that had occurred over the past several months?! Bad may think that they wouldn’t hate him or want to never see him again, but they may change their mind after they hear that it was Dream’s fault. Because was it not? He was the one that accepted the God of Chaos’s invitation. No one forced him to. He could have just died and spared so many people so much pain. Or, better yet, he could have just told his family about Techno instead of running off to spend a few weeks with him like some love-sick teenager. If he had taken even that small precaution, Bad would have been able to be prepared. 

His overprotective parenting style used to be something  that Dream would make fun of. Bad would have insisted he take a protection amulet. Hell, Bad always tried to get them to take a small satchel full of necessities. A tracking hex included. Not to mention the fire resistance crystal Bad always chastised Dream for leaving behind. If he had even an ounce of self-preservation, he would have listened to the much older and more experienced witch that had taught him magic in the first place.

Sapnap rounded Spirit, tearing Dream from his thoughts. He was facing Dream with an angry expression that soon melted into confusion. 

“What’s with the face, Dream? Are you about to cry?” George finally asked in a bored tone. 

“W-what?! No! I wasn’t about to cry y-you fucking asshole,” Dream said, ending in a whisper as he quickly turned back towards Spirit and began to undo the books strapped onto the saddle. 

Sapnap hummed and stood beside him, staring at him for a few long seconds before beginning to help unload Spirit. They got all of Dream’s belongings off and set beside George in the snow before Dream took off the saddle and walked it over to Techno, who was leading Phil’s now untacked horse into its stall. 

“Here’s your saddle back,” Dream said, handing it over to Techno, who turned to put it in its spot. 

“Y-you can have it, y’know,” the warrior said. “I found a spare one,” Techno said as he jerked his head towards where the saddle Carl had worn was now sitting on a rack beside where Techno’s usually sits. Dream smiled and Techno smiled back, face tinted pink as he set the saddle Dream had returned back to its rightful spot.

The warrior’s eyes lifted, gaze hardening instantly and Dream turned to see Sapnap leading Spirit towards the barn, his own face tense and not at all hiding the anger he felt. Dream took the reins from Sapnap and led Spirit inside before removing the reins and setting them down next to the saddle. 

The two men were still staring at each other as if about to pounce and start another fight. Dream walked towards them and placed a hand on Techno’s chest, pushing him back gently and standing between the two. 

“Why don’t we head inside?” He suggested, walking past them and towards George who was still leaning against the barn wall, watching them and Bad, who was loading his arms full of Dream's things and chastising George for not helping. 

“Thanks, Bad,” Dream said as he too hefted the bag of gems and potions onto his back and reached to pick up a stack of books. He turned his head to where Techno and Sapnap were still scowling at one another before Techno turned away to approach the group. 

“He does seem like your type. All muscles and scars and broody attitude. Even if he does dress weird,” George snickered, adjusting the goggles on his face, a crooked grin all Dream could see. Dream rolled his eyes and elected to ignore the comment.

This was awkward as hell.

He heard two sets of footprints behind him, but ignored them as Techno and Sapnap approached, instead heading inside with Bad and George. He looked back as he headed up the steps, seeing Techno and Sapnap carrying the rest of his stuff. George, at least, opened the door for the group as they headed inside, arms full. 

And … shit. Where the fuck was he supposed to put all of this stuff? He doesn’t have a room here. He’s spent all of one night here and it was spent drunkenly passed out on the couch. Is he supposed to put it in Techno’s room? Was that assuming something? Or like inviting himself to move in or something? 

He had no clue, so he just stood awkwardly in the doorway, Bad and George beside him, both wearing matching confused expressions, looking to him for direction. 

Thankfully, Phil rounded the corner, wings dragging the floor slightly as he approached with a smile. 

“Hey, what took you guys so long?” The older man said as he took some of what Bad was carrying. “Come on, you can set all of that stuff in this room.”

Thank the Gods for Philza Minecraft . Dream thought as he followed him through the house and into what appeared to be a study room full of books and papers sprawled across a desk. He wasn’t sure he’d ever seen this room before. Still, he set the stuff down and turned to Phil with a smile. The other nodded and led them back towards the living room, talking animatedly with Bad, but Dream drowned them out. 

It wouldn’t be long now before they would all be sitting down and staring at him as he tried to explain to them all of his past failures and his biggest regrets. Fuck. 

Sapnap and Techno passed by them as they made their way to the study room and Dream didn’t bother to look at them as he was led by Phil to sit in a chair in the living room. Not long after, he was handed a cup of tea which he stared at, trying to use the feeling of his hands burning from the heat the cup emitted to ground him. 

He felt the sensation of being watched and glanced up to see George staring at him, chin resting on his hand as he leaned over the edge of the couch beside him, but the other didn’t speak, so Dream returned his eyes back to the tea as Techno and Sapnap finally made their way to the living room a dining room chair in each of their arms. Techno set his chair beside Dream and Sapnap set his own across from him. It would be hard to not look at the person situated directly across from him while he explained. Sapnap probably wanted Dream to look him dead in the eye the entire time to try and pick apart his story and discern any lies.  

Great .

After a few moments, Phil and Bad’s conversation died down, leaving the room silent save for the fire crackling in the fireplace only a few feet away. Dream’s heart was once again racing, and it felt as if the room was filled with a suffocating heat. He forced himself to take a deep breath, finally sitting the tea cup down and unclenching his hands. 

“Dream. If you don’t want to explain… you don’t have to,” Techno said, and Dream jerked his head to meet the other’s gaze. “I can make them leave.”

The warrior’s expression was stern. It held the promise that if Dream asked, the other would fight tooth and nail to get his three friends to leave. It was comforting, in a way. Techno was offering him an out. He didn’t have to do this if he didn’t want to. Sure, it would probably end in bloodshed, but Dream didn’t want the other’s to leave, anyway. He wanted them to understand, so he needed to explain. It was just rather nice to know that he wasn’t being forced to. He could refuse and Techo would support him. 

Another deep breath. “That’s alright. I need to explain things,” he finally said, turning to look at each of the people in turn, his eyes finally settling on Sapnap. 

“So, I, uh, don’t have magic anymore. Any magic,” he said to a silent room full of five sets of eyes staring at him with every ounce of their attention. “I, uh-”

“Bull shit .” Sapnap spat, eyes burning. “No way in hell you could just give up that dark magic you’ve gotten yourself tangled up in. Don’t lie to me, Dream,” Sapnap threatened, causing Techno to tense beside him.

“Dream,” Bad spoke softly. “We’re only here to help. I know you’re not thinking straight, but-”

“No! I-I’m serious. I’m not lying. I lost my magic,” Dream started, only to be cut off by Sapnap laughing. 

“Dream. We’re not falling for any of your tricks,” the fire witch said, leaning forward and resting his head on his hands as he stared at Dream as if studying him, no, challenging him. 

“I’m not trying to trick you,” he started, pausing when he saw the doubt written plainly across his friend’s faces. “Okay. So I can tell you how I lost my magic. Um, but I guess I kinda never told any of you why I joined the God of Chaos’s coven. So maybe I should start there before I can tell you why I left it,” Dream said with an awkward laugh that died all too quickly in the silent room.

“ Or maybe you’re going to tell us that story to stall while you come up with the rest of the story,” Sapnap said, rolling his eyes. His tea cup was sitting on the ground beside him discarded, his sole attention on Dream. 

“Oh my god !” Dream interrupted with a yell. “We are going to be here all fucking night if you don’t let me talk.”

“Then cut the bullshit,” Sapnap said, sitting up straight, one hand moving to rest on the hilt of his sword.

“Fine, you want the short and sweet version?” Dream snapped, leaning back in the chair and eyeing Sapnap. He forgot how easy it was to get in a fight with him. They used to always fight. Not near as much as Sapnap did with George, but he always felt like he had something to prove to the other. “The God of Chaos tricked me into joining his coven. It was either join Him, or be burned at the stake. I made the dumb fucking decision to join Him, thinking that he was some savior that decided to spare some random mortal after Techno set me up to be murdered,” Dream said, eyes never straying from Sapnap. The other shot a sharp glare to Techno before quickly returning Dream’s stare. 

“Turns out that the God of Chaos set me up! And I blamed Techno for no reason. I isolated myself from everyone and only found out the truth… what? Like two days ago?” He asked in a near yell turning to Techno, but not waiting for an answer before continuing. “I discovered that fact the day I tried to kill Techno for something he didn’t even do!” Dream said, voice nearing panic as he remembered the rage that had lived inside of him, intent on destroying the other’s life no matter who or what got in his way.

“Instead of killing me, like he probably should have, he protected me from the coven sent to kill me and stood beside me while I spoke with the God of Chaos. Hell, Techno was the reason I even realized I had been tricked. He was the one that figured it out! So when the God of Chaos showed up, I-I asked to be free from his coven, and he allowed it,” Dream finished, sitting back, still meeting Sapnap’s fiery eyes. The other was meeting his gaze evenly as he pondered over Dream’s words as if trying to pick out the lies. 

“B-but you said you lost all your magic. Not just the dark magic,” Bad said softly and Dream turned his glare to Bad, before looking down at his lap. Right. No reason to be upset with them for doubting his word. Just because they didn’t believe him didn’t give Dream any right to blame them. They were smart to not believe him. Not after all that he’d been taught about manipulation and deceit by his past Patron. 

“Yeah. He- uh… The God of Chaos let me leave his coven, but cursed me. He took all of my magic,” Dream spoke softly, still staring at his hands. He should be terrified to admit this dramatic shortcoming, this weakness to them, but for once, losing his magic wasn’t what he was embarrassed about. It was having had it in the first place. Chaos magic was a soul-binding, dark and evil thing that he had been taught since he was in diapers to never seek out.  

“Continue,” Sapnap said, waving his hand to signal to keep talking. “Why did you initially leave us, Dream?”

Dream paused at the words and felt his cheeks heat up. He picked up his tea and took a small sip to stall. He looked down at the mug, fiddling with the tea bag to distract himself. “I, uh, met Techno. At Niki’s. I, uh, was… He was umm… courting me?” Dream said, face red and looking anywhere but at Techno. “I don’t know why I didn’t just tell you guys. I guess I thought it was exciting? Rebellious or something else stupid. Anyway, I was just traveling with him. I had only planned to be gone a few weeks before returning,” Dream admitted, forcing himself to take another steading breath. This felt like he was on trial. Especially considering the look in Sapnap’s eyes. 

“We were staying near a small town. We weren’t doing anything, nor did I have chaos magic. It was an old, religious village that was against all witches and magic, not that we knew that. Even though I was a nature witch, it was still considered an abomination. Enough to warrant being burned at the stake.” Another forceful deep breath. He couldn’t bear to look Sapnap in the eye any longer and dropped them to train on the tea that was growing colder by the second. But if he stopped now, he wasn’t sure he’d ever be able to finish.

“Our camp was overrun with townsfolk. You guys know my old Patron. He wasn’t a violent Being. Nor did He allow His magic to be used for violence. I-I didn’t have time to reach for my weapon an-and Techno was just staring . He wasn’t helping,” Dream said, voice almost a whisper. He closed his eyes, turning his face away from the fireplace. “I-I was caught by the townsfolk and taken to the pyre to burn. I hadn’t used my magic or anything. There should have been no way that they knew I had magic. That I was a sorcerer. I had been sold out to the church. I had assumed by Techno. I was dragged to the town square and chained to the pyre,” Dream said, voice beginning to shake. He was startled by a hand resting on his shoulder, and looked up to see Bad sitting on the side of Dream’s chair, his face soft and adorned with a gentle smile. 

“It’s okay, Dream. You’re doing great,” Bad said and Dream nodded, taking a small sip from his lukewarm tea to try and buy enough time to collect himself before continuing.

“And- and- Techno was watching. He was just standing there, staring at me as they poured oils on me and prayed over me, telling me to confess so I wouldn’t be barred from their version of salvation. He stood and watched as they lit the pyre and as I went up in flames,” he spoke, words shaky and raw. “I-I was screaming for him to help, but he didn’t move. I just knew that he had been the one to sell me out,” Dream said, focusing on Bad’s gentle touch as he looked over to see Techno staring at the fire, eyes dark and expression pained. He was leaning forwards, head resting on his hands as he listened intently to Dream’s words. 

The warrior’s expression made him pause, but he forced himself to continue. 

“They lit the pyre and… and I burned. S-So when the God of Chaos appeared whilst I was dying and offered to save me from my fate and to give me unimaginable power, power to get revenge on those that had damned me, I… I said yes. I joined Him and he taught me how to wield dark magic,” Dream said, trying to not notice how Bad’s grip had tightened ever so slightly. He was sure the other would have disappointment written across his face if Dream looked up right now. Seeing that was something Dream didn’t think he could bare. So instead, he kept his eyes trained on this lap. 

“T-then, I began to do His bidding to try and repay Him for saving me,” Dream uttered, sitting down the tea cup and rubbing his sweaty hands on his pants, eyes trained carefully on his boots. “Whenever He didn’t need me, I stayed to myself, usually at Niki’s. U-um, one day, Phil came to me,” Dream said, looking up to the older man, whose sole attention was on Techno. “He, uh, asked me to come help his friend in exchange for the Revival Book. I-I came, and lifted the curse that the God of Chaos had placed on him. It was the first time I had seen him since the pyre. Afterwards, the God of Chaos asked me to revive George with the Revival book, and I did. He then sent me after Techno to get revenge,” Dream said, looking to George, who still seemed… somewhat sad. Dream took another sip from his tea and cleared his throat. Gods , it had been awhile since he had talked this much.

Bad’s hands were resting gently on his shoulder and squeezed him in encouragement, so Dream continued.

“I was going to trick him with a lov-,” Dream stopped himself with an awkward cough, reaching to once more pick up the tea cup as a distraction. Fuck . He was so not ready to admit that to his friends. “Uh… so basically long story short, I put him under a truth spell after we fought the coven and townspeople,” Dream rambled, trying to get the words out as quickly as possible so he could move on. 

“I-I learned that he didn’t betray me and that the God of Chaos was controlling him, preventing him from helping me to try and force me to accept the deal or burn,” Dream said, disheartened by Sapnap’s even gaze. Did the other even believe him? Dream continued his explanation anyway.

“H-he hadn’t sold me out. No, he’d been tricked, as well. He was made to believe that he hadn’t helped me when I needed him. That he had let me die. He carried that guilt all while I carried an unfair hatred for him, that only pushed me further into the God of Chaos’s coven,” he said while glancing at the aforementioned warrior, who was still eerily still and silent, eyes focused solely on the fire. There was no telling the thoughts behind those eyes.

“Then, when the God Himself showed up, I asked Him and He confirmed it. He admitted to tricking me into joining His coven and using Techno to manipulate me. So I asked to leave His coven and he allowed it. He let me give him back His power under the condition that He curses me,” Dream finished, twirling the tea in his cup and letting silence fall over the room once more.

“What’s the rest of the curse?” George questioned after a long moment. “No way He just took your magic. No way He’d ever let you off that easily,” the other said and Dream paused for a short second before remembering that somehow George knew XD as well. Not only that, but was considered one of his most cherished pets. It almost sent a shiver down Dream’s spine. How unfortunate that George had to face the Chaos God, too. 

“My curse is that I no longer have any magic. I was made immortal and almost nothing can kill me. Not sickness or old age… but one day, He will force Techno to kill me. I will die by Techno’s hand unless I kill him first and go back to the God of Chaos, bringing proof that I killed Techno. In that case, He’d let me back into His coven and return to me my magic.” Dream answered, letting out a deep breath. It was a lot . He still has yet to process the curse in its entirety.

There was a long pause and Dream looked at each of their faces. Sapnap looked utterly horrified, a worried anger making itself known by how tightly his hands were fisted. Bad seemed both sad and deep in thought, his hands trying to comfort Dream by rubbing soothing patterns across his arms and back. He couldn’t discern George’s expression behind the goggles, but the other was looking into his tea cup, swirling the liquid around. He was most likely either bored or thinking.

Phil nodded at Dream, wearing a proud and encouraging smile and Techno… Well, Techno was still staring at the fire, not moving a muscle as he studied the flames.

“Holy fuck, dude,” Sapnap said finally, letting out a deep breath and sitting up, looking down as if in thought. His shoulders were tense, as if hearing what Dream had gone through had physically pained him. 

“A-are you okay?” Bad asks with a soft voice, as if speaking to a small child. 

Dream nods with an awkward smile as Bad wrapped him in a hug and squeezed him tightly, as if he were a kid again that had stayed out too late and made Bad worry. 

“So, y-you’re not… upset with me?” Dream asked after seeing the worry on their faces, regretting the question at Sapnap’s disbelieving laughter.

“Why would we be mad at you, Dream? We’ve been worried sick!” Bad chastised, lightly slapping Dream’s arm. “Don’t beat yourself up. I’m amazed you were able to find your own way back to us and out of the Chaos coven!” 

“Yeah, dude. What the fuck? I believe you. And that’s seriously fucked,” Sapnap said, the fire in his eyes softening to a warm glow. 

And oh wow . Maybe this could end well? Was it possible he’d get to keep his new friends and his old family? 

“Language,” Bad mumbled, shooting a glare at Sapnap that was swiftly ignored. 

“So,” Sapnap starts shooting a sharp look towards Techno. “You said you’re staying with the one person in the entire world that can kill you. Why the fuck are you staying with him?! You just said he’s going to inevitably kill you,” Sapnap said, worry evident in his voice. 

Dream looked over to Techno, who was still staring intently at the fire, clearly deep in thought. 

“I know,” Dream said, tearing his eyes away from the warrior to match Sapnap’s own stare. “But that’s my choice. I also didn’t really think that going home was an option. I was going to come talk to you guys, but I wasn’t sure yet on how you all would react,” Dream said and Bad nudged him, smiling brightly. 

“We’re not mad, Dre-” Bad started only to be cut off by George.

“You’re not staying here,” George says with a sense of finality in his voice. 

“Right. You’re coming home,” Sapnap said, standing, one hand still on the hilt of his sword. “It’s great and all that he helped you leave the coven. We owe him, but it’d be suicide to stay with him.” Sapnap took a step forward and Dream leaned back in his chair, both hands raised in a placating gesture.

“I kinda have to, actually. I owe a God a visit and to return something of Hers,” Dream said, looking to Philza, who had a serious expression on his face, his eyes trained on Techno, but immediately meeting Dream’s and smiling once he realized he was being observed.

“No. I agree, Dream,” Techno said, not moving from where he sat staring into the fire. “You should go with them. You’re free now. You can go with them and live a long, fulfilling life. You can just give the book back to Phil. He’ll return it for you,” the warrior said, voice leaving no room for question.

Silence settled heavily over everyone in the room, all eyes going to Techno, who’s gaze hadn’t once left the fire. 

“W-what?” Dream finally asked, shattering the silence as he stared at the other, who didn’t bother to return his gaze. “You can’t be serious.”

“He’s right, Dream. He’s dangerous, whether he intends to be or not,” Sapnap said, approaching Dream cautiously, as if afraid he’d bolt. “The best thing for you to do is to come home.”

“Wha-? No, I mean, I don’t know, I-” Dream said, looking to Bad’s sincere face to George’s determined gaze to Sapnap. Sapnap, who seemed so guarded yet thrilled at the prospect of having his entire family back. He looked to Philza, who seemed saddened, but nonetheless kept his mouth shut, eyes occasionally looking to Techno. And Techno, who seemed to have already made up his mind. 

“You can’t just decide that without me, Techno,” Dream said, standing and facing the warrior. “You’re supposed to be on my side.”

Techno sighed before standing, his presence alone making everyone still and fall silent. “I am on your side. And so are they. And they’re right . It would be selfish and reckless of me to keep you here. I’m the only thing in the world that can kill you. You’d be better off with them, Dream,” Techno said, voice firm yet sounding pained.  Dream took a step back, disbelief written across his face as he stared at the scarred warrior before him. He-he wasn’t abandoning Dream, was he?

“You can’t just decide for me! I’m not a child, I-” Dream started, voice rising in amplitude, but immediately falling silent as the other began to speak.

“You are in my house. I can absolutely make you leave,” Techno said, crossing his arms and looking to Sapnap. Sapnap nodded and grabbed at Dream’s arm, pulling him towards the door. 

“Wha-? No! No, you can’t- Sapnap, stop! ” Dream cried, pushing the other off of him. He looked to George, who was standing at Sapnap’s side and Bad, who had grabbed his other arm. “Guys, please, you can’t-” 

He turned his eyes to Techno, who had already turned his back on Dream, staring into the fire pit once more, as if he had never even cared. As if Dream wasn’t worth looking at. 

His friends began to pull him towards the door, Dream struggling with all of his might to be let free. If he had even an ounce of his Chaos magic, this wouldn’t even be a contest. It would take a small war to get him to leave from a place he didn’t want to leave. But now? With none of his magic, he was all but defenseless as his three friends pulled him away from Techno’s warm home and out towards the freezing tundra night.

He’s pulled through the doorway and dragged outside, kicking and pleading with them to let him go. It was all too familiar to the night he was dragged to the pyre. He was just as defenseless and pathetic as back then. The wind outside was harsh and unyielding, tearing through his clothes and sending his nerves alight with panic. He was being taken away. He had once more found something in his life that made him happy, and was foolish enough to think that he’d be able to keep it. It was inevitable that he would lose this too. He had just never imagined it would be this soon. 

His face burned, the tears he had unknowingly shed freezing in the cold night and making his face go numb. His body was already growing tired from the struggle, but he continued, yelling and pleading to be let go. 

The crow that had been accompanying him flew to him as soon as it heard the commotion and immediately began to circle around Sapnap, squawking and pecking at his face and arms to try and get him to let go. 

Another friend that he would lose. The first animal brave enough to approach him even when he had been corrupted.

“Techno!” Dream cried, trying to break free from his friend’s hold. “Techno you fucking pussy !” Dream shouted angrily, digging his heels into the snow to try and slow Sapnap and Bad down. 

“Dream! Are you crazy? Why do you even want to stay with him?” Sapnap said and Dream turned to face him. 

“Why did you go through all of this to try and find me knowing that I might try and kill all of you!?” Dream retorted, thankful that it at least made Sapnap stop to think. 

“Because you’re family and I’ve known you all of my life.” Sapnap replied. “The exact reason why you’re coming home.” 

“I am home!” Dream finally yelled, but it went unheard as he was continuously pulled further and further away. “Please! Guys, just listen to me!” 

“I’m sorry, Dream. But this is for your own good,” Sapnap said, finally grabbing him around the waist as well and lifting him off the ground, Bad immediately grabbing his legs and helping as they hauled him towards the stables at a much faster pace, since Dream was no longer able to resist as much. 

“You’re all being selfish!” He yelled, cursing as they fought with him. 

“He doesn’t even want you here! Didn’t you hear him?!” Sapnap yelled back, cursing as Dream head-butted his nose. 

“Let me talk to him,” Dream cried, twisting himself as best he could, but barely loosening their grips. He wouldn’t get free at this rate. 

Sapnap’s shoulders were tense and his voice was laced with venom. “You’ve known him for all of what ? A few fucking months? Most of that you spent hating him and you’re ready to ditch us again to stay at his side? Knowing that he’s going to murder you eventually?!” Sapnap seethed, dropping Dream in the snow and knocking the air out of his lungs. 

Dream gasped, turning over to see Sapnap walking back towards the house as he drew his sword. “Fat fucking chance. I’m not letting him kill anyone else. What is the ‘oh so scary’ God of Chaos going to do when I kill Techno, huh? Then you’ll live forever and never be able to rejoin His pathetic fucking coven. Huh? How about that?” Sapnap said shooting a glance at Bad, who immediately grabbed at Dream and tried to hold him down. 

“Sapnap! Wait!” Bad cried, desperately trying to hold Dream down as per the other’s unspoken request despite the panic flooding into his voice. “George help him!” 

The crow squealed indignantly and tried to attack Bad’s horns, but was caught by George, who cupped it carefully and trapped it to his chest.

Dream turned and shoved at Bad as hard as he could, but Bad was unrelenting, pulling Dream right with him. They wrestled in the snow, Dream trying to get away and Bad frantically trying to keep Dream out of it. 

“Uh, guys? Are either of you going to stop them?” George said as Dream heard a door slam open, most likely Sapnap storming back into the house. 

He and Bad continued to wrestle, until Dream finally shoved Bad into the snow by his face, shooting to his feet and beginning to run. Something cold and numb wrapped itself around Dream’s legs, sending him tumbling into the snow. He turned over and looked back to see Bad, covered in snow extending a hand, shadows dancing their way through the night to wrap around Dream’s legs. He kicked at the darkness, but it was unrelenting. 

He’d never get free without magic of his own. 

It only took a few moments for Bad to get back to his feet and drag Dream back to him by the shadows wrapped around his legs. 

“Please, Dream. I didn’t want to have to do this,” Bad said as he pulled an amulet from his cloak. 

“Fuck!” Dream cried, twisting and desperately clawing at the shadows encasing him. He knew that amulet. It would make him go to sleep and stay asleep until someone took it off of him.

“George. I’m going to put Dream to sleep. I want you to load him onto Spirit and go home , okay? Me and Sapnap will catch up later. Don’t stop for anything,” Bad said, swirling one hand and making the shadows crawl up to try and trap Dream’s arms as well to keep him from fighting. 

Dream fought madly, but his hands were soon caught and pulled back down unto the snow. His eyes burned with tears, blurring the vision of Bad kneeling beside him, amulet in hand. 

“Please, Bad, please,” Dream begged, hating just how weak he was. How long ago was it that he was bested by Bad? He had outgrown Bad’s magic as a mere teenager. Bad had been so proud when Dream had first won in a sparring match between them. Now look at him. Fully grown, a master in countless areas of magic, yet unable to wield even the simplest forms. Not even able to defend himself from a self-proclaimed pacifist sorcerer that spent his spare time baking instead of practicing his art. 

It was downright humiliating. No wonder Techno didn’t want him to stay. Dream wouldn’t be able to defend himself. He offered nothing. He used to be able to protect Techno from magic, to offer something on the battlefield. He had always been gifted at healing. He had been helpful , but now? He understands why Techno wouldn’t want him anymore. 

He was a lost cause. He was nothing without his magic. Not against other sorcerers. 

The amulet closed in, just about to settle around his face before a black blur flew by, swiping the amulet from Bad’s grasp and stunning the man just enough for his magic to slip. 

Dream immediately took advantage, surging forward and sending Bad sprawling into the snow. The other’s cloak fell around him, open and revealing the assortment of amulets around his neck. Dream spotted the protective crystal and grabbed it, ripping it clean from around the other witch’s neck before pushing himself off and backing up several feet. He swiftly tied the leather cord around his own neck, shooting a glance to the crow in the sky that was flapping its wings and circling, a mass of other crows joining it as they tried to disguise which one of them had the amulet. 

God s, he was really beginning to love these birds. 

He spared one last glance at his two friends. George watching him as if amused, his hands on his hip. Had he let the crow go? Had he told it to swipe the amulet? 

He was brought out of his thoughts as Bad rose to his feet. 

“Dream, please, we’re just trying to help,” Bad said, voice sounding strained. 

“Bad, it’s my choice ,” Dream said, backing towards the house. “You have no right to take that from me. I know I’ve made mistakes and I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions, but this? You can’t force me to do things I don’t want to do,” Dream said before turning and rushing back towards the house. 

He raced up the slippery steps and back inside, almost slipping on the rug by the front door, only to pause when he took in the sight of Techno sitting calmly in the chair, Philza beside him, his wings wrapped around Techno as if in comfort, Sapnap standing in front of him, sword holstered and expression oddly relaxed, seeing as he was intent on killing the other a few moments ago. 

“That makes… some sense,” Sapnap said as he lifted his gaze to meet a snow covered Dream, Bad right on his heels. With an absentminded snap of his fingers, a pillar of flame shot up around Bad and Dream, drying them instantly, but making the air stick in Dream’s throat. Panic flooded through him and he immediately fell to his knees, body feeling numb and cold despite the warmth from the flames. 

He was okay. He knew he was okay. Sapnap wasn’t trying to hurt him; he wouldn’t . But still, the sight of flames and the heat encasing him shoved him back into a time when he was bound and in agony. Alone and betrayed. And it felt like it was happening again. Techno turning his back on him, but this time it was actually him. He was being subdued and forced to bend to another's will. His knees hit the floor achingly hard, hands reaching up to his throat as he instinctively held his breath to not breathe in the smoke. 

 The first to reach him was Techno, who must have started moving as soon as Sapnap had snapped his fingers and before the flames had even fully appeared. Warm hands pulled his hands away and back down unto his lap, and Dream looked up to see crimson eyes that held all of the kindness that Techno wore on his sleeve.

“Whoa! It’s okay, Dream,” the warrior soothed soothed, hands pulling him gently back to his feet and wrapping him in his cloak, tucking the velvet around him and pulling him a step closer. The other must have felt how cold Dream’s hands were from wrestling in the snow with Bad. 

“Oh shit,” Sapnap said, rushing over but pausing a few feet away as if unsure what to do. “I-I didn’t think about- I’m sorry, Dream. Fuck . I’m sorry,” Sapnap said and Dream nodded, taking a few deep breaths. 

He was fine. It had just caught him really off guard. He was fine. Nothing to freak out over. Sapnap wouldn’t hurt him. He was okay. Techno was here. He wouldn’t let anything happen. 

They all stayed, frozen to the spot before George broke the silence with a long whistle, mimicking a cat call. Dream turned to see a shit-eating grin on his face as George leaned against the open doorway, watching on with interest. “Oh, yeah. He’s definitely your type, Dream.”

Dream stared at George for a long moment before bursting out into a tired and exasperated laughter. “You’re just jealous ,” Dream responded as an afterthought, trying to ignore the warmth from Techno’s hand as it held Dream’s own so softly as if the warrior was afraid Dream might shatter.

George kicked himself off of the wall and walked over, reaching for the golden band that Dream wore around his neck. “So this is what it takes to get away from Him?” George whispered, most likely not intending for others to hear him, movements stilling when he registered that he had spoken the words aloud.

Dream eyed him, not sure of what to say before Sapnap interrupted. “So, you guys figured that the God of Chaos wouldn’t have wasted His time giving Dream immortality if He intended to get Techno to kill Dream immediately. Or at least in the span of a human lifetime,” Sapnap summarized, as if nonchalantly trying to fill the others in. Bad immediately straightened beside Dream, stepping forward and placing a hand on his shoulder.

“ Oh! That does make sense,” Bad said, turning to smile at Dream. 

Philza cleared his throat and nodded. “That and since Dream’s magic is so similar to the God of Chaos’s own, we imagine that His first goal is to get Dream to return to His coven. Not kill him off,” Philza said, coming to stand beside Techno and Dream, who was still shrouded in the other’s cloak. 

“And, the most important part that all of you ignored,” Dream said, sending a sharp glance to Techno, who immediately wilted under Dream’s gaze. “Is that it’s my fucking choice seeing as it’s my life.”

Bad nodded. “You’re right. We’re sorry, Dream.”

Sapnap nodded before reaching towards and nudging Dream. “W-we’re still friends and shit, right?” He said with an almost nervous expression. 

Dream smiled and broke out into a laugh. “Of course we are, idiot . I-I want to stay here, though,” Dream said looking to a worried Techno, who seemed as if he wanted to speak, but shook himself, his face going back to a more neutral expression. 

“I guess seeing as you’re homeless and so, so hard to get rid off,” Techno said dramatically and Dream laughed, albeit a bit strained. Had the other wanted to insist on Dream still leaving but decided to just go along with it while all of his friends were here? It would make sense. Dream couldn’t offer him much right now. But still, like hell would Dream let the other kick him to the curb that easily. He’d at least want to be dumped properly. So for now, he’d stay. Techno could get the fuck over it. 

No way were all of those sweet words Techno was saying a mere day ago so full of shit they would expire this soon. No. He would stay. For now. 

“ But , I promise to come visit and you guys can come whenever you want!” Dream said, gesturing to the house as he looked at his friends. 

Sapnap and Bad nodded, seemingly satisfied before Bad rushed forwards and crushed him in a hug, forcing Techno to either back off or be hugged as well. Techno immediately retreated, the fucker. 

“I’m just so, so happy you’re safe, Dream,” Bad said and Dream hugged him back just as tightly. He had really missed this. Missed them . 

“So, uh, are we all of a sudden just going to let him stay? I thought this was a capture mission,” George said, grin on his face. Dream couldn’t tell whether or not he was being serious, but he smiled in return anyway. 

“For now,” Sapnap said, nodding to Phil before his gaze turned to Techno. The two were sizing one another up yet again, the tension building once more. Surprisingly, Sapnap simply extended his hand. Techno stared at it, shock written on his face, before he accepted it in a firm handshake. 

“Take care of him,” Sapnap said, not letting go of the other’s hand. “And if you kill him, I’ll come back and I’ll kill you. No matter what it takes or if you claim a god forced you to do it,” Sapnap threatened and Techno simply paused for a moment before his face split in a wide grin. 

“I’ll keep that in mind. You’re a good friend. I can respect that,” Techno said and Sapnap smiled back, before finally releasing his hand. 

They both looked at Dream, who couldn’t help but to roll his eyes. “You guys are ridiculous,” he said and George snickered behind him. 

“Alright, I think it’s time we leave, Dream. But we’ll be back! Or you can come and visit. I still live in the same place, and Sapnap and George are in Kinoko Kingdom, you can’t miss it!” Bad said as he pulled Dream into another hug. 

Dream nodded and followed as they walked outside, noting how Bad had not so subtly grabbed his arm to pull him outside. “I’ll be right back!” He said to Techno, motioning for him to stay as he walked outside with his old friends. He gently shook Bad off and skipped down the steps so he was walking beside Sapnap. He had a question he wanted answered before he didn’t get the chance. 

The group had changed their mind rather quickly about dragging him back to letting him stay. So quickly, in fact, that it almost felt like whiplash. He eyed Sapnap before he spoke. The other walked with such confidence. Hell, he’d been the one to challenge Techno the entire night. But not just out of anger… more like he was ensuring he was the one to deal with the biggest threat. Not only that, but Sapnap had held his own. Hell, he had even nicked Techno a time or two during their short battle. 

Sapnap seems to have matured quite a bit. Now that Dream has time to think about it, even Bad seemed to look to Sapnap for orders. Had Sapnap become the leader? Even over Bad? All it took was a single glance from Sapnap for Bad to fight Dream and let Sapnap go inside to face Techno and Philza alone. A single glance had Bad acting against what he probably wanted to do. Not only that, but whenever they entered, Bad had paused immediately in his fight with Dream once he had seen that Sapnap had calmed down. Or changed his mind. 

And as soon as Sapnap said that he understood the reasoning for why it would be okay for Dream to stay with Techno for a little while, they all just… accepted it? 

In his absence, the dynamic of his old friend group had shifted dramatically. If Sapnap was the one they all looked to now, then he would be the one Dream needed to ask. 

“So, uh, Sapnap. What made you change your mind?” Dream said softly, so the others couldn’t hear. They seemed to understand, though, and gave Sapnap and him some space. Sapnap was the one that ultimately decided Dream could stay. The others were merely, what? Following his orders? Or did they just trust his judgment that much? To understand and trust that they would agree with his decision later once they were told everything?

Sapnap sighed and turned to face him, rolling his neck before meeting his gaze. “Well, I walked inside, fully intent on killing Technoblade and, instead, saw him hunched over, Philza Minecraft trying to comfort him. A big guy like that all torn up over you leaving? It was.. Unexpected,” Sapnap said, looking somewhere over Dream’s shoulder. “I think it took everything in him to send you away. But he did it. Because it was for your own good. Even if it hurt both of you, it was what kept you safe.”

Keep him safe? Is that why Techno had sent him away? Not because Dream was useless or the other had grown tired of him but because he had thought it was best for him? Shit . That sounds like something the self-righteous idiot would do. Fuck. And here he was trying to belittle himself and write Techno off as some asshole so quickly. Maybe the XD had really fucked with his perception of himself and those around him.

Sapnap sighed again, before looking at Dream once more. “I think he’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe. And I think you really like him. So I’m fine with it. Besides, Philza explained how it was unlikely that the God of Chaos would act so soon and that he would be inquiring about it to the Goddess of Death to make sure. I… I trust him. Somewhat. Besides, it’s your choice and Techno, well , he seems good for you.” Sapnap finished, offering Dream a small smile before nudging him in the shoulder.

Dream returned the smile. “Thanks, Sapnap.” 

Of course Phil was the one that managed to explain everything perfectly and get what Dream and Techno both wanted, all while avoiding any and all conflict. He’s never seen Sapnap back down from a fight so quickly . Gods, that man was scary. Angel of Death? That name almost didn’t do the man justice.

Speak of the devil… the crow from before squawked as it flew to Dream, amulet still clutched in its talons. Dream held out a hand and it released it to him before landing on his shoulder, in between him and Sapnap. 

“ But , I’m serious. If he hurts you, or you want to leave. Come find me,” Sapnap said, a vicious glint in his eye that made Dream smile. Fuck . It’s been awhile since he’s had people genuinely care about him. It was different to go from being on your own and all alone… you against the world to having an entire group of people willing to fight to keep you safe. 

Dream handed Bad’s amulet over to Sapnap before reaching to take of the one he had stolen. Sapnap reached a hand out and placed it over Dream’s own. 

“No, you keep it. We can make more,” Sapnap said and Dream hummed but relented. The unspoken ‘since you can no longer make them’ hung in the air, but Dream tried to not linger on the thought. 

The crow flared its wings and squawked angrily at Sapnap, who seemed amused at the daring creature. This only served to enrage the crow, so Dream scooped it up in his hands and pulled it close to his chest. 

“Stop it. We’re friends. They’re no longer attacking me. And thank you, for helping me,” he spoke to the crow, who seemed all too happy at the words and began fluttering its wings as if to show off. 

Sapnap’s face softened and he slapped Dream on the shoulder, pulling him closer. “And whenever you come to visit, I can introduce you to my special someone,” Sapnap said, cheeks immediately reddening, face splitting into a dopey smile. 

Dream gasped, face dropping in shock and mock-disgust. “ Special someone ? Oh my god, you’ve been hanging around Bad too much. You sound old ,” Dream teased and Sapnap laughed. “But seriously, I’m happy for you. I’d love to meet them.”

“And I-I’m sorry, man,” Sapnap said, staring down at the snow. “I know that a lot of the fights were fueled by me being selfish and wanting you home. I-I just figured that they wouldn’t be able or willing to protect you like I- like we would be,” Sapnap said, gesturing to George and Bad, who were talking a few yards away. “B-but Technoblade, h-he seems to be a decent guy,” Sapnap said, rolling his eyes, as if pretending that the thought annoyed him.

Dream smiled, staring at the side of Sapnap’s face. He’s not sure why the words make him feel warm, but he’s downright giddy at hearing them. 

“Gods, I want to fight him, though. Like a real sparring match,” Sapnap said, excitement clear in his voice as he turned to look at Dream. “And you too. I bet you’ve picked up some new moves,” the other said and Dream smiled even wider. 

It was nice to think that the other still viewed him as a challenge. Even in a non-magic fight. 

“I’d really love that,” Dream said, nudging the other and pulling his hands away from his chest to free the trapped crow so it could fly back to rest on his shoulder. 

“Oh!” Dream said to get the other’s attention. “Why, um, if you don’t mind, why did you believe me? About not having any magic anymore? About my whole story, actually,” Dream said, looking at the crow and stroking its back with a finger rather than meet the other’s eyes. 

“Oh, well. Um, don’t be mad, but Bad searched you while you were talking,” Sapnap said, laughing awkwardly and Dream jerked his head around to stare at the other. “Yeah, when he moved to sit beside you on the chair? He searched you for magic and when he found you clear, I knew. Without the chaos magic, I figured you wouldn’t have any reason to lie to us,” Sapnap finished, cheeks pink and Dream couldn’t help but to laugh. 

“You bitch,” Dream said with a laugh and Sapnap laughed too. “I knew you all believed me too easily. What the hell!” Dream said and the crow squawked as if it was chastising Dream for no longer petting him. 

“If it makes you feel any better, I’m like ninety-five percent sure that Philza knew,” Sapnap said and Dream shook his head. Of course he would have known. Fucking Phil.

“Well, thank you for believing me. I’m glad I got to see all of you,” Dream said and Sapnap smiled at him. 

“Me too. I can’t believe we finally found you!” Sapnap said, bumping into his shoulder before looking up upon hearing a sharp whistle. It was George who was staring at Sapnap expectantly.

Sapnap nodded and turned as George approached, jerking his head to Sapnap, who rolled his eyes but turned to leave George and Dream alone. The crow burrowed its way in between Dream’s neck and Techno’s cloak and Dream tried to not wince as the talons dug in a little too harshly.

“Hey,” George said, nodding to the crow that dipped its head in turn. 

“Hey,” Dream replied, not sure exactly what to say. “Uh, thanks for the help today,” he settled with saying, hating how dumb it sounded. 

“Of course. I figured there was a reason XD let you go. I knew Techno would at least be interesting . And I wanted to hear your story. Wouldn’t be able to do that at someone’s funeral now would I?” George said and Dream laughed awkwardly. It was just now striking him how different George seemed. It felt as if the other were detached. Not to mention that he apparently knows of XD’s real name. He must have been a favored pet, indeed. 

“So, George. How do you know the God of Chaos?” Dream finally asked and George laughed. 

“Oh that’s a story for another time,” George said with a shrug. “Which is what I was coming to tell you. We need to talk. Eventually. So come find me whenever. I’ll be in Kinoko, like Bad said,” George said, turning to leave without another word. 

Next to approach was Bad, who grabbed Dream’s hand gently and pulled it to his chest. 

“Dream. I-I just wanted to apologize for tonight. I hope you’ll forgive us a-and know that we’re not angry with you,” Bad said with a soft smile. “We love you, and you’re welcome home at any time,” he said and Dream returned his smile as Bad pulled him into a hug. “I also wanted to say that I am so proud of you. For all that you’ve overcome and for all that you’ve done. You managed to get out of the God of Chaos’s coven and find good people to have in your life. I’m so proud of you,” Bad said and Dream hugged him back, squeezing him tightly and ignoring the way his eyes watered at the words. 

“Thanks, Bad. I really missed you guys,” Dream said as they pulled away from one another. Bad smiled and began to back away. 

“We’ll see you soon! And come visit whenever! I’m serious!” Bad said as he made his way back over to George and Sapnap. 

Bad was steadily waving and George and Sapnap turned, one with a smile and the other with a nonchalant wave before they all began to start their trek home through the snow. 

Dream watched them as they disappeared, Sapnap’s hand lighting up in flames to light their way as they left. He watched until the flame became hard to discern in the dark before finally turning to walk inside, not at all cold due to the red, thick, velvety cloak he was still wearing around his shoulders, and the crow with violent tendencies that was buried in between his skin and his shirt at this point. 

He was met with an awkward Techno that was fidgeting side to side and Phil, who was standing back and watching them. 

“You bitch ,” Dream said through a grin. “Trying to weasel out of providing me food, cuddles, and shelter for free. How dare you,” Dream said and Techno seemed to melt with relief, as if he had been worried Dream would be genuinely upset. 

He was , but what Sapnap said had been true, he supposes. Techno only did it because he had thought it was in Dream’s best interest. It probably would have been the most logical move. A week ago he would have laughed in the face of whoever was dumb enough to suggest he would value his wants and desires over his own safety and benefit. But now? He was so full of emotions he could throw up. And it felt good . 

“Did you think you could get rid of me that easily, huh? As if I wouldn’t come crawling back just to annoy you?” Dream said and Techno’s face was all harsh angles but with such softness in his eyes and in his smile. His hands were gentle as they settled around Dream’s waist and pulled him ever so slightly closer. 

He reached upwards to ruffle the other’s hair, knocking the crown off of his head, which the other caught and set beside before pulling Dream fully into a hug. 

“You are banned from taking trips without me for the near future, alright? That was a one and done situation. Never again,” Techno said, burying his face in the crook of Dream’s neck and Dream laughed, pressing a kiss to the side of the other’s face. 

“As if you could ever keep up with me in a foot race to stop me.”

Chapter Text

Yesterday was hell . So many emotions and so many people. All in his house. 

It had been pure insanity. Add on top of that chat yelling at him to kill everyone present and lock Dream in the basement to prevent Dream from being taken away. They were so sure that once they offered Dream the flower they had in mind all would be forgiven, even their plot of locking him in the damn basement.

As if Dream hadn’t looked at him in pure fear whenever Techno had almost killed the one called George for the second time. Chat was stupid if they thought Dream wouldn’t have turned on them in an instant if Techno had actually killed any of his friends. He may have seemed torn between Techno and Phil and his family, but Techno knows without a doubt that Dream would have attacked him in an instant if he had actually lost control of the voices and had become violent. Actually violent, that is. Instead, he was stuck trying to fend off Sapnap while carefully weighing both keeping Dream in his line of sight and not seeming as if he wasn’t trying. That would have been disrespectful to the other. Besides, Sapnap seemed like a skilled fighter, but he didn’t have the centuries of experience that Techno did. Dream used his intelligence and trickery in fights which kept things interesting, but Sapnap was obviously used to being the stronger person in a fight. He relied on brute force far too much to make their fight anything other than a tad boring seeing as the other’s strength wasn’t up to par with Techno’s own. Well, the fire the other had did keep him on his toes a bit more, but he didn’t utilize it near as much as he could have. There was definitely room for improvement.

Still, he wished he hadn't fought the other. He saw the look on Dream’s face when they had been fighting. He had been scared and torn between which one he would back if the fight had gotten uglier. 

Dream didn’t seem mad about last night, but Techno wasn’t sure how he wasn’t holding a grudge. Techno had fought his friends, some of which were trying to kill him. Then, he turned his back on Dream, both literally and figuratively to try and get Sapnap to take Dream somewhere safe. And Sapnap and company had literally fought and forced Dream to leave. 

Instead of seeming upset, Dream was instead fast asleep, tucked into his side and hogging all of the covers. It left Techno confused and a tad suspicious. He wasn’t sure what he was suspicious of, but it just seemed a little off. 

He wasn’t going to bring it up, though. Not to Dream, anyway. 

Still, he wasn’t sure if Dream had made the right choice. Phil seemed confident that Dream would be safe with them and Sapnap had trusted Phil’s opinion, but neither of them have ever been under the control of the God of Chaos. It’s not like Techno would be capable of resisting the God’s will. If the God decided that today was the day... that He wanted Dream dead right now, then all it would take was a thought from the God and Techno would wake up holding Dream’s body. 

It was terrifying . So why the hell wasn’t Dream scared of him? Scared of their fates? This would be so much easier if Dream had his magic and would be able to at least hold Techno off. But as they stand right now, Dream wouldn’t stand much of a chance. Or at least, Techno hasn’t seen Dream fight with a weapon in ages . No, if Dream wants to stay here, they needed to train. 

But they wouldn’t be able to do that today because Phil and Dream were adamant about returning the Revival Book today. Or, uh, tomorrow? 

Techno tilted his head back to look at the window above his bed, seeing faint rays of sun signaling that the sun was slowly beginning to start its trek through the sky. Today. Fuck . 

He sighed, trying his best to stay still so Dream could sleep in a bit, but the task was made difficult by the frustration building within him. He wasn’t sure how long he and Dream could play happy couple before tragedy struck. Even if it was a few lifetimes, shouldn’t Dream be spending this lifetime with his family? 

What made Dream want to stay with him so badly? 

Techno L

      L

  L Techno

            L :)

Stfu T, we’re trying to be quiet for DReam

      Techno’s thoughts are so LOUD

Yeah wtf. Dream is cuddled up in our bed and you’re complaining?

      L

  Techno scared

       Dream loves us 

Yeah a lot more than he likes those fucking bird brains

            Hey that’s mean

Yeah crows are dope

      Techno L

Fuck those crows. Their attention whores 

                     they’re**

L

      L

 Stfu asshole

      GUYS were gonna be Demonetized 

we’re**

Great. And now he’s managed to rile chat up. This was turning out to be a great day. 

Dream shifted, one arm stretching out across Techno in a small stretch as he nosed his face closer before he relaxed with a contented sigh, quickly falling back into even breaths. Techno leaned his head down to look, only seeing soft curls and pale skin, but it was enough to make him feel like he needed to throw up. His stomach was jittery and he was so nervous . The last time he had felt this unsure of what he was supposed to do was before Phil had taken him in lifetimes ago. 

He wanted Dream to be safe, and he just wasn’t sure whether he could do that as well as his family. If a sorcerer came after them, a powerful one, then Sapnap would be better suited to deal with it. Right? The other was a skilled warrior. One that seemed well versed in magic as well. Sure he could use some more experience, but he was a better choice than Techno, right? Techno would be the one to kill Dream. Who would protect him when that happened? If Techno was all mind-controlled, then Sapnap needed to be here. Dream needed to be far away from him and with his family . So why the hell was he so insistent on being here? With him?

As much as he wanted Dream by his side, to wake up every day to see blond curls and green eyes, their curse was tainting it. 

Gods , everything felt wrong and uncertain. How could he offer Dream the life that the other deserved when he was inevitably going to be the one to end it? 

Techno, chill… there’s gonna be a lot of plot before that surely

     Yeah plot POG

dream wants to stay with us

      He loves us

  And we’re gonna get him flowers for the sunsword! 

         Just focus on our sunsword, T

You literally heard the homeless man say last night he wanted cuddles, so CUDDLE

  We’ll kill ANYONE that messes with dream

          YEAH

BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD

        AND CUDDLES

Were gonna keep him safe

   Swearsies! <3

Techno sighed, but couldn’t fight the smile gently pulling on the corners of his mouth. Damn, chat was really whooped. But they were right, in their own way. Dream chose to stay, so Techno will deal with any and all consequences that come with that. He’d gladly sacrifice whatever it took to keep his family and friends safe. When they go on the trip today, Techno would just need to be on full alert. If Dream wanted to stay, then Techno couldn’t exactly force him to leave. He had tried that and it had been a total shit show. So instead, he’d focus on keeping Dream safe at any and all cost. Besides, Dream still had his amulets and crystals… he wasn’t entirely defenseless. Not to mention his axe and bow. He had been a hunter, after all. 

Techno remembers Dream being able to keep up with him without magic in a fight. With magic, Techno was barely able to hold his own against the witch. And Dream was a damn good shot. He just prays that in the months Dream spent with the God of Chaos, he hadn’t lost his previous abilities.

Hopefully, he was worried for nothing. Still, he’d be vigilant and ensure their trip went smoothly and whenever they returned, he’d train with Dream to make sure the other hadn’t lost any skill he had previously had.

DUH Techno

    Dummy

  L
We wouldn’t have chosen dream if he wasnt a badass

    Technodumb

L

       L

   TECHNO L

Dreams not a spooky witch, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t murder people

     I love our little maniac <3

 TechnoDUMB

Techno rolls his eyes before closing them, determined to at least try and rest before they leave to meet with Lady Death. Even if he knew he wouldn’t fall asleep, he wanted to relax a bit. 

Of course, just as Techno started actually feeling sleep tugging at the back of his mind, he was ripped out of it by a finger poking him directly in the forehead.

“Techno?” 

He heard Dream’s voice, groggy from sleep but still excited and opened his own eyes to meet green ones. 

“ Oh , so I’m polite and let you sleep in, but as soon as you wake up you can’t help but poke me in the face?” Techno grumbled, reaching a hand up to rub at his face and trying to ignore the devious glint in the other’s eyes. 

“Yeah. I’m hungry, so you gotta feed me as per our arrangement,” Dream said, plopping back down dramatically on top of Techno. 

Techno chuckled, reaching a hand up to card through the other’s hair as he spoke. “What arrangement? I thought that just included the free housing and cuddles? I don’t remember you mentionin’ anything about food,” Techno teased as Dream gently ran his fingers along the raised scars on the back of his neck left behind from the God of Chaos’s curse.

“Well, I distinctly remember adding food to the list,” Dream said, propping himself up and counting on his fingers. “Food, shelter, and cuddles. Those were my three things and how dare you forget the most important one,” Dream said with a mock angry expression, mouth quirking up in a grin as Techno rolled his eyes and sighed as loudly as he could.

“Well, you never said I had to make it,” he protested, closing his eyes again and turning away from Dream as if trying to go back to sleep. That was met with a hand on his shoulder and pulling him back onto his back. He tried to turn over again, pushing the other’s hands away before Dream hooked a leg around him and straddled him, pinning him by the hips.

He looked up to see Dream smiling down at him in victory, cheeks a pretty shade of pink. “The deal was you ‘provide’ me food, shelter, and cuddles. So provide ,” Dream said, flicking Techno’s nose. 

“Fine. What do you want for breakfast?” Techno asked, trying desperately to ignore chat’s varying ‘suggestions’ of what he should have for breakfast. They really weren’t making his job any easier of trying to ignore the feeling of warm thighs pressing into-

Okay. No. Breakfast. 

“Hmm,” Dream hummed as if in thought, leaning back to rest fully on Techno’s lap and making the other nearly bite his tongue to keep from cursing. Fucking asshole. Chat too. 

Dream’s eyes were tracing their way up Techno’s body and Techno desperately tried to convince himself he was imagining things. He was supposed to be focused . Keep Dream safe and be in the best state of mind for this fucking trip. If he let Dream get away with what he was surely planning right now, he’d be fucking putty in the other’s hands. He knows that from experience and Dream sure as shit knows it too, the sneaky bastard. 

“You wanna know what I want for breakfast?” Dream asked, eyelashes fluttering just right and fucking hell he forget how good Dream was at ticking off all of the most obscure boxes Techno hadn’t even known he’d had . His voice had dropped into something much more serious with just the lilt of a tease dangling off the ends of his words. 

Techno was locked into venomous green eyes that knew exactly what they wanted and just how to get it. Why the hell had Techno ever been worried about Dream’s safety? Dream could run him through with a knife right now and Techno is sure it would take him a moment to even realize the pain with how easily Dream manages to steal his attention and ruin his focus. 

Those green eyes grew closer, a firm hand resting on his chest, other pressing into the pillow beside Techno’s head as Dream leaned in.

Dream’s eyes slipped closed and Techno followed suit, entirely swept away. 

He almost knocked Dream onto the floor with how hard he jumped at the loud knock on their door. 

“Good morning, children! Get up and get ready! I made breakfast and then it's off to see the wifey!” 

Phil’s voice sounded so full of excitement and glee at the prospect of seeing his wife that Techno almost felt guilty for the anger he felt towards his best friend at that moment. He looked to Dream, who seemed just as displeased. Dream simply sighed and began to pull off his stolen pajamas before dressing himself, armor and all. 

Techno sat up, just watching and hating the loss he felt. He stood, trying to fight the grumpy expression on his face as he too got dressed for the day. 

Techno L

     L

L

  :( 

Damn philza fucking minecraft

    It was just getting good too

L

Techno was going to lose it . 

Dream and Spirit were, quite literally, cantering circles around them. Phil and Techno were walking their own horses towards where Lady Death had arranged to meet them, the crows flying overhead and leading the way. All while Dream was circling them, his laughter echoing around them as crows chased after him. 

Techno was going to break his fucking neck by trying to keep his eyes on Dream. The other just wouldn’t stay put . He’d race into the tree lines, Spirit dodging through the trees to try and shake their feathery pursuers only to burst out of the forest and back onto the path several hundred feet away. 

He was trying to listen to whatever Phil was talking about, he swears, but goddammit keeping up with where Dream was was a full time job. It honestly reminded him of Tommy, but he wouldn’t dare say that to Dream. 

He laughed awkwardly at Phil’s joke (God he hopes what Phil just said was a joke), before turning away to try and locate Dream. Unsurprisingly, the blonde man is no where to be found. The only sign of him being a black blur of crows circling overhead a place in the forest about fifty or so yards away.

If he were to be attacked, Techno would have to search for him, and it would take a minute or so for him to get there. Not to mention Spirit would be tired if they had to flee. Of course, Techno could always pull Dream over onto Carl, but he figures Dream would be opposed to leaving Spirit behind. 

Fucking hell . His mind wouldn’t slow down enough to even attempt to bother listening to Phil. He was just thinking of countless scenarios and ways that this trip could go very wrong. 

He’s trying to be understanding and to stay calm. He knows this is probably a really fun day for Dream, but Techno felt as if his hair would turn gray before they made it back home. 

Fuck. 

Techno’s eyes shot up when a white blur shot out of the tree line and cantered towards them. His heart dropped to his stomach whenever it was apparent that the horse no longer had its rider. He immediately jerked his own horse to where Spirit had come from and was about to run, only to feel Phil’s hand on his shoulder.

“He’s fine, mate. The crows would have told me if something had happened,” Phil said, a tense smile on his face. Techno nodded, forcing himself to take a deep breath as he scanned the trees for Dream. 

Why the hell does the bastard have to wear green ? Couldn’t he wear like a bright red or white or some other color that could be picked out easier? 

He finally saw a small blur of movement and then a small hand waving at him. He smiled back, flipping the other off and feeling his stomach flip as the other gave a mock angry expression from where he was hiding in the trees before leaning back, falling until his knees caught on the limb and then he was hanging upside down and sticking his tongue out at Techno. 

Techno laughed, albeit a little forcefully, as if trying to look happier and less stressed than he obviously was, before waving at Dream to come back. 

Dream whistled, Spirit immediately turning and trotting back towards where his owner was making his way down the tree until Dream was back in the saddle and making his way back over towards their group. 

Dream’s face was lit with a smile that seemed so full of joy, Techno felt a tad guilty for asking him to come back. His cheeks were tinted a rosy pink from the exertion and his eyes seemed to be so bright in a way that they hadn’t been since Techno had lost him all those moons ago. 

“Alright, kids. We’re only a few minutes away, now,” Phil said, and Techno glanced at his friend, happy to see that Phil seemed just as filled with excitement as Dream. Was Techno the only one that was so tense and on edge that he felt tired just from how fast his heart was beating?

Dream was walking beside him, relaxed in the saddle and stretching his hands up as high as he could before sighing and leaning forward to pet Spirit. 

He was interrupted by the crow that seemed to have taken a real liking towards Dream. It landed on the saddle horn and squawked loudly, as if demanding pets. Dream cooed at the little bird and immediately obliged, showering the bird with praise as it puffed its chest and squawked even louder. 

“Aw, I really should give you a name, huh, little guy?” Dream said , humming as he leaned back and reached into his cloak and pulled out a leather bound journal. Where the hell he had kept it was a mystery to Techno. But all witches seemed to keep spell books and stuff on them, so it must be a trade secret how they seemed to just materialize books and potions out of seemingly thin air. That, or maybe Dream just had a lot of pockets.

Dream flipped open the book and turned a few pages before gasping and turning the book around to show the bird. 

“How about Wyvern? It’s kinda like a dragon, except it has two legs and two wings, just like you,” Dream said, voice soft as the crow turned its head to study the picture of the mythical beast sketched on the pages. 

Oh HELL NO

     TEchno tell dream he can’t name that fucking bird! 

Yah if bird brain gets a name then SO DO WE

    YEAH

Tell dream to name us!

     WE want names! 

NAME US!

     NAME US!!!! 

>:(

NAME US!!

   Dream </3 

:( 

  Green man just broke my heart

Do we get names? :(

     NAME USSSSSSS

NAME US!

   WE WANT NAMES!

“Guys, please shut up,” Techno said, dropping the reins to hold his head at chats eruption of shouts. Gods, he would never get used to the pain from having all of chat yelling at once. He could barely make out anything until they started chanting in unison what they wanted. “Chat, there is no way Dream can name all of you. Hell, I don’t even know how many of you there are ,” Techno said and pressed his hands harder into his temples as he waited for chat’s indignant yelling. 

“Aww, chat, I’m sorry,” Dream’s voice filtered through chat’s incessant yelling, but as soon as he spoke, they went silent as if listening. 

Thank fuck . 

“Yeah, and besides,” Phil said, leaning forward to look around Techno and to look at his crow. “All of my murder already has names. This one’s name is-”

This was irrevocably the best day ever . 

The feeling of Spirit’s hooves striking the ground and launching them forward as they circled Phil and Techno in the clearing before leaping over a fallen log and disappearing into the thick foliage of the forest that completely concealed them was just magnificent . Just the knowledge that he would be able to have many more rides like this in his future was enough to make him feel like he could pass out from pure happiness. 

Them ditching the path must have caught the attention of some of the crows, as well, as now they were being chased. Gods , Dream loved being chased. 

He urged Spirit onwards, ducking through trees and swiping by bushes and trampling anything unfortunate enough to find itself under Spirit’s hooves. He could scream he felt so free. 

He pulled Spirit to the left and they leapt back out into the clearing, circling their group once more before ducking back into the forest. 

This would be even better if Techno were chasing him, but the other has seemed a bit off all day. He seemed worried. Stressed. 

Dream could have spent this time worrying about whether it was because Techno didn’t want him here or that maybe the other was worried because he thought he was weak and fragile and would croak at any moment, but Dream couldn’t find it in himself to care. Not with how amazing it was to be back in the saddle and have his best friend underneath him, muscles bunching and pulling just right to push them onwards. Real flesh and blood. Real muscle that was moving under a white coat that had sweat building on it. Sweat!

Gods this was fantastic. Spirit, alive and well and right here . 

Not to mention he had spoken with his family and they hadn’t hated him! No, instead, they had seemed so happy once everything had been smoothed out. It had given Dream his first real glance of his potential future. A future where he could keep both his family and his new friends. A future without the God of Chaos looming over his shoulder. He could see a life where he wasn’t filled with fear and regret.  A life where he could make amends for all of the wrong he had done. A life with people he loved. 

A life full of things he loved, such as being chased. 

The crows were ducking down and pecking at his hair and cloak and Dream laughed, deciding to ditch the birds in the trees. 

He pulled Spirit tight around a tree and grabbed the lowest branch before quickly pulling himself up and jumping higher before pressing himself into the trunk of the tree. He watched as Spirit cantered back to Techno and Phil while the birds scattered, searching for where he had gone. The first to find him was his favorite crow. The little bird was about to reveal his location to the others, but Dream just smiled and pressed a finger to his lips and the bird immediately shut its beak before landing on the branch in front of Dream so they were eye to eye. 

“Keep up,” Dream whispered before running down the branch and jumping to the next tree, grabbing the branch and pressing himself back into the trunk, laughing giddily at the adrenaline from the jump. He hasn’t done this in way too long. Not since it was possible he could actually fall . 

He watched as the crow landed beside him before pulling himself up higher and jumping to the next tree. The branch gave a little under his weight, but he quickly moved towards the thicker part of the branch, pausing to look at the scrapes covering his hands. 

He couldn’t fight the manic grin splitting his face. 

He looked towards where Techno was and saw the other’s eyes tracing the tree line looking for him, worry evident in his expression. 

He dropped lower so he was less concealed by the leaves and waved exaggeratedly to try and get the other’s attention. By now, the rest of the crows had discovered his hiding spot and were surrounding him. 

Techno finally spotted him, a relieved smile splitting the other's face and Dream smiled back, waving once more. 

The other responded with his middle finger and Dream gasped, pressing a hand to his chest and making an ‘o’ with his mouth to try and display his displeasure with the gesture and convey just how hurt he was even from fifty feet off of the ground and with the other not able to make out his face clearly. Sue him for being a tad dramatic. He leaned forwards, twisting at the last second to hook his knees on the branch to catch himself. He smiled at the way Techno tensed and seemed ready to leap to catch him before Dream stuck his tongue out at the other. 

Techno rolled his eyes and waved him over so Dream sighed and whistled for Spirit before slipping down the tree and rejoining his steed to go back towards his overprotective… uh, partner? Boyfriend? He doesn’t know. Nor does he really care. Because Techno had this soft expression on his face when Dream approached that stole Dream’s breath. 

Whatever they were was enough. 

Because Techno cared . Genuinely cared about him. Enough to worry and fret about where he was and whether or not he was safe. Not to mention, he somehow got Sapnap’s approval. Which was saying something considering most people Dream had fancied had gotten chased off, or more often scared off by his insane family. 

But Techno and Phil were still here and it felt right . 

“Alright, kids. We’re only a few minutes away, now,” Phil said, betraying all of his excitement at seeing his wife. Dream was happy for the old man, really. He doesn’t know much about Philza, but he does know that since he’s married to a literal God, he probably doesn’t get to see Her that often. This probably meant a lot to the other. 

He sighed loudly, reaching up as if trying to touch the leaves far above them as he stretched. He watched as Techno’s eyes traced over him and he laughed just as his favorite crow swooped down to land on his saddle horn, wings stretching out as if trying to ensure he had Dream’s full attention.

“Hey, little guy,” Dream said, running his finger over the bird’s head and down its spine, smiling at how it fluttered its wings and shook its head. “You’re such a pretty bird, huh? Yeah, and so smart,” Dream cooed, petting the bird and watching as it ruffled its feathers and straightened up as if to look taller. “Aw, I really should give you a name, huh, little guy?” Dream asked as he leaned back and reached into his cloak and pulled out his bestiary. He had brought it in case they had stumbled across any interesting finds. The last time he had seen Lady Death, all she had with her were crows, but Dream wanted to be ready if they found anything else or if the Goddess had any other pets.

He opened his book and flipped to his section on dragons. He’s come across quite a few and has heard from XD about an Ender Dragon species that was from the God’s home, but as he flips through, he doesn’t spot any that really sound right. Then, he turns the page and sees his crude sketch of a wyvern. A type of dragon with only two legs. It’s not really a species of dragon, but the name seems fitting. He turns the book around and points to the wyvern on the page. “How about Wyvern? It’s kinda like a dragon, except it has two legs and two wings, just like you,” Dream explains, grinning as the crow tilts its head as if considering. 

Dream shuts the book and sets it in his lap as he looks down to the crow whose beak is slightly open as it stares at the now closed book. 

Dream turns as he hears Techno groan, frowning as the other clutches his head as if in pain. “Guys, please shut up. Chat, there is no way Dream can name all of you. Hell, I don’t even know how many of you there are ,” Techno near-whispered as he pressed his hands so hard into his head it looked like it hurt.

“Aww, chat, I’m sorry,” Dream said, smiling softly as Techno looked up at him. Dream pulled his reins to the left so Spirit would walk close enough to Carl so that Dream could reach over and gently grab the other’s hand before squeezing. He hadn’t meant to piss chat off. 

“Yeah, and besides,” Phil said, leaning forward to look at the crow still resting on Dream’s saddle horn. “All of my murder already has names. This one’s name is-” Phil started before being interrupted by a flurry of feathers and loud squawks.

“Hey! I gave you your name, you brat ,” Phil said through a grin before waving his hand dismissively at the crow that was still angrily shouting. “But if you want Dream’s name then fine. I think Wyvern is a rather nice name,” Phil said, poking the crow on the beak as it seemed to thank Phil by rubbing its little head against the other’s hand before taking to the air and joining the murder leading them. 

He watched the swirl of black above them that steadily led them closer to where they were to meet Lady Death, admiring how animated and happy they all seemed. Phil was looking at the flock as well, his expression fond. 

“We’re almost there, now,” Phil sighed, a smile still plastered onto his face as he pointed at the large, black tree just a few hundred feet away.

Dream looked at the tree as well, eyes tracing over the twisted dead branches and marveling at the sheer size of the tree. 

He remembered it from the last time he was here. It was impossibly large, black deadened branches forking their way into the sky and posing a wicked break from the alive and green forest surrounding it. 

Phil urged his horse faster and Dream quickly followed suit, Techno following from behind. Dream looked back, only to see Techno looking back as well, as if to check to make sure they weren’t being followed. 

When the other finally looked forward and caught Dream watching him, he winced as if embarrassed. Dream just rolled his eyes and urged Spirit faster. Carl quickly caught up, however, and soon, they were running side by side, Phil a few strides ahead as they topped the hill to inevitably greet the Goddess of Death.

Chapter Text

Returning the Revival Book had been blissfully uneventful, but not for Dream’s lack of trying. He had handed the book over, Mumza smiling in her sleeping form composed of a soft smoke. Techno knew that she struggled to maintain her form in this world, so it was a treat that she showed at all, even if it was just a visage of blackened fog. Dream had apologized, and the crows had translated Mumza’s thanks and instruction that he ‘ better not break my warrior’s little heart’. Which had been a tad embarrassing. Chat was unhelpful, as usual, preferring to tease him rather than defend him as Mumza humiliated him. 

Dream, however, had just grinned ear-to-ear and swore he’d do his best.

Other than that, he and Dream just waited by the horses as Phil spoke with his wife for as long as she could manage to maintain her form. 

It was nice to see her and ‘hear’ her words, even if they were translated through both the crows and chat before reaching him.  

Techno was honestly just happy that everything seemed to have gone well and that they were all heading home. Phil seemed content with seeing the ole wifey and Dream seemed stuck in thought, but not upset or stressed, just contemplating. Honestly, it was preferred that Dream just calmly rode beside him while petting the crow, Wyvern , rather than racing around and aging Techno at a rate that should be impossible for immortals. 

Seeing Mumza was great and it was nice to have Phil acting like a teenager drooling over his crush once more, but Techno was just ready to have his little family tucked away in their cabin again. A place where he could keep a better eye on Dream. 

And, alright, he may be acting a tad overprotective, but who could blame him? Dream had a ton of enemies from his time as a ‘spooky witch’, as chat so helpfully deemed him. It’s not that Techno doesn’t believe that Dream can protect himself, but he isn’t sure how well they would stack up against magic. It definitely doesn’t help that most all of Dream’s enemies would most likely be other witches .

He glanced over as nonchalantly as he could to see Dream and Spirit walking at his side. Dream was still using Techno’s old saddle, now equipped with Dream’s bow and sheath of arrows. There were leather bound crystals dangling off of the saddle and jingling as they walked. A book Techno imagined was filled with either deadly spells or was just Dream’s diary was strapped on as well. Dream was steadily petting the crow, eyes staring blankly ahead and eyebrows drawn together. 

He sure looked just as dangerous as he used to be when they had fought side by side. There were probably concealed weapons on his person along with the bow and axe he carried. Not to mention he may still be armed to the teeth with potions, hidden behind that green cloak of his.

Phil, on the other hand, was grinning like an idiot, his horse antsy below him from his boundless excitement as they made their slow trek home. 

The murder of crows above them were lazily gliding as they led the group over the grassy plains. Soon, they would back in the tundra and then back home, safe and sound. And then, Techno could finally relax his tense shoulders and focus on something ordinary like dinner . 

The murder caught his attention as they suddenly began cawing loudly, as if trying to get the other crows’ attention. Even Wyvern took to the sky in a frenzy, and Techno jerked his head to look at Phil, who was focused on listening to his murder. 

When the older man caught Techno staring, he smiled. “It’s alright, mate. They just found some injured animal. There’s no danger,” Phil said, as if he hadn’t just said the most dangerous thing ever.

Techno winced and glanced at Dream, who was already looking at where the crows were circling and angling Spirit towards them. 

“Dream,” Techno tried, but was only rewarded with a sharp look, before the other urged Spirit into a canter, passing from the grassy plains towards the mess of trees just ahead. After that, he’d be in the tundra, probably attempting to approach a wild and injured animal, only now it would be without his nature magic. 

Techno clenched his jaw, shooting a look to Phil, who at least had the decency to look guilty.

 “What? Did you forget that he used to be a nature witch, Phil?” Techno said, urging his own horse to try and catch up with Dream. 

“Oh, so it's my fault?!” Phil yelled as he too began to head towards where his murder of crows were circling their next meal.

Techno arrived to see a wounded deer in a patch of blood soaked snow, with Dream crouched across from it and reaching a hand out as if to try and calm the deer down. It was obvious the deer was terrified and in agony, its back leg twisted and caught between large metal teeth of a bear trap most likely left behind by an irresponsible hunter. Not to mention the deer’s distended belly. It was pregnant. Great . 

He’d never convince Dream to abandon it. 

“Shhhh, it’s okay,” Dream whispers, voice wavering as he leaned a bit forward. He paused once the deer panics, throwing its body further away and only serving to twist its leg further. Dream backed off and Techno approached, kneeling beside him. Dream was obviously upset, his frustration showing through his clenched fists and the angry looks he was shooting at the crows circling ahead, waiting for the deer to die so they could have their share.

“Dream,” Techno whispered, speaking softly so as to not spook the deer or anger Dream. “I’m not sure that we can help her. Why don’t we-”

“ No ,” Dream said, moving forward and towards the deer. “I’m not gonna let you ‘put her out of her misery’ or whatever other bullshit you were going to say. I can save her,” Dream said, reaching forward again and making the deer cry out as it struggled and tugged on the chains anchoring the bear trap into the ground as it tried to get away. 

It was certainly odd for Techno to witness animals being afraid of Dream. Sure, Carl had been whenever Dream had possessed the Chaos God’s power, but now that Dream no longer had it, Techno had just assumed things would have gone back to normal. 

He had somehow forgotten that the reason animals had loved and trusted Dream so much was because of his connection to the nature God that he used to serve and not because of how amazing and gentle he was. Now that he no longer had his old Patron’s blessing, wild animals were just that… wild . The deer probably believed that Dream was here to kill it, no matter what soft words Dream spoke, it wouldn’t comfort an animal fearing its life. 

“It’s either that or leave it to die on its own, Dream. It’s going to die of shock before we can get it free if we were to try. And even if we did, we’d have to worry about blood loss and infection, not to mention the fact that any predator within a ten mile radius is probably already on its wa-” Techno said, only to stop once he noticed the slight shake in Dream’s shoulders. He couldn’t see the other’s face, but he knew that he had made Dream cry. 

Usually, whenever Techno tried to reason with Dream about these situations, Dream would just brush him off and continue to prove him wrong. And he always did. This time, however, Dream probably realized that Techno was right. There wasn’t much they could do.

“Wait, no, Dream,” Techno tried, reaching to rest his hand on Dream’s shoulder, but he was harshly shaken off. 

“No!” Dream cried, pressing his hands against his face and shaking his head. “ No . T-this was why I initially learned magic. This ,” Dream said, gesturing to the deer that was panting in the snow, its head dipping lower as if it was fighting losing consciousness. “This was why I asked Bad to take me on as his student. To help ,” Dream finished in a whisper. Techno watched as the other’s shoulders trembled.

“N-now, even after I miraculously managed to get away from XD,” Dream said, gasping and curling inwards, his hands reaching upwards to press against the pale skin of his face that had been hidden behind a mask for so long, unable to feel the sun’s grace. “Shit. I wasn’t supposed to-” Dream says, tears streaming down his face as he hiccups, looking on at the deer that was panting in the snow, body splayed out in exhaustion as it closely watched the two of them. “I-I just want to help , Techno. W-why am I so fucking useless?! ” Dream cried and Techno finally shook his head and pulled Dream’s hands away from his face and down to his sides before pulling Dream into his chest. 

“You’re not useless, Dream,” Techno murmurs, listening to chat as they frantically shout about Dream being in trouble for uttering the God of Chaos’s true name. ‘ XD, huh? ’ Techno thought. He had heard that name before from chat, but hadn’t connected it to the God of Chaos until now. Surely, the God wouldn’t seek revenge on Dream now for that, right? 

“You’re okay,” Techno whispered, pressing kisses into the top of Dream’s head as the other pulled on Techno’s shirt as if wishing to be swallowed whole. It always shocked him just how strongly Dream truly cared for and how far he was willing to go to save a life. Sure, he was a hunter, but seeing as this was a pregnant, young doe caught in an inhumane trap recklessly left behind, the other was bound to want to save the animal. 

But he couldn’t. They both knew that. This was Dream finally coming to terms with what he’s lost. Not just the Chaos magic, but his own magic as well. He was entirely without it. Even though he had broken free from XD’s grasp, it would leave a permanent mark on him. He would never again be able to fully return to who he once was.

Dream was trembling, but pushed himself out of Techno’s hold to face the deer. 

“I-I’m so sorry,” Dream whispered, voice sounding so full of pain that it made Techno’s own eyes water. How was he ever going to take this pain away from Dream? Dream couldn’t be who he once was. Would he ever not feel tainted by Chaos? Would he ever truly be capable of feeling as happy as he used to be when they had first met? 

Techno went to reach for Dream, but was stopped by a hand on his shoulder. He looked back to see Phil, face serious and eyes on full alert as he tried to tug Techno backwards. Techno turned to where Phil was staring and saw that the older man had been staring at Dream . 

Dream, who, if Techno focused hard enough, was glowing a warm gold as if the sun itself was choosing to reflect gently off of his skin. His hair, although twisted and tangled from the wind with bits of snow stuck in it, reflected the golden hue beautifully. It made Techno think, not for the first time, that Dream looked angelic. 

This was how Dream had appeared the first time he had ever seen him, back when he had been blessed by the nature God. 

Dream reached a hand up to wipe away his tears, other hand digging into the snow as if to ground himself as he mumbled apology after apology to the deer that was slowly bleeding out. The deer relaxed fully into the snow, no longer seeming terrified. 

Was it dying? Or already dead? 

Dream sniffed, hesitantly reaching a hand out towards the deer, who craned its head to gently nuzzle against Dream’s bare hand that was burning a fiery red from the cold.

Dream gasped at the sudden trust the deer seemed to have towards him, his voice flooding with warmth and joy as he scooted closer to the deer, running his hand down the things neck to comfort it. Dream quickly began working to dismantle the bear trap, Techno stepping forward to help when he heard Phil’s sharp intake of breath. He tensed and he looked up to see a massive reindeer break from the tree line, its eyes focused on them. 

Phil’s hold on his arm tightened and Techno reached for his sword, hand resting on the hilt. He knew a God when he saw one. 

The reindeer had massive twisting antlers, adorned with small golden chains wrapped around them and dangling in between with small crystals that mimicked snow. They were  jingling softly as they swayed side to side with each of the God’s steps. The antlers almost seemed as if they contained their own solar system with how the gold and the crystals reflected the sun beautifully, the ice frozen on the chains only adding to the shine. It was almost hard to look at with how bright it shone. Similar to how Dream used to be whenever he was deep at work preserving his forest and the creatures that resided there. 

The animal's hooves were a solid back, seemingly made of smoke, and somehow far darker than what XD could ever hope his void to be. As the animal approached, a sense of pure peace and ease settled over the clearing, serving to make the sounds of the breathing of them and the injured deer almost deafening. 

Dream seemed to be the last to notice the God’s presence, far too absorbed in comforting the dying animal that had its head resting in his lap. When he did notice, however, his shoulders stiffened and he immediately backed away from the deer as if afraid. He bumped into Techno’s knee from where he had been scooting himself backwards, and Techno’s hand tightened on the hilt of his sword. 

The reindeer approached the pregnant deer, now free of its trap courtesy of Dream. The massive animal brushed noses with the injured deer, exhaling, a puff of mist escaping its snout from where the warm breath mingled with the icy tundra air. As the mist brushed against the deer's face, its body began to glow faintly, before the injuries shined with such a magnificent light that Techno had to shield his eyes. The light vanished almost as quickly as it had come, leaving behind an entirely uninjured deer that stood shakily, bleating softly and brushing noses again with the God as if in thanks, before scampering off as if nothing had occurred at all. 

Dream was breathing heavily below him, and Techno took a step forward, or at least tried to, but was grounded by Phil, who had a death grip on his arm and was using his wings to restrain him. 

As soon as the deer had left the clearing, the reindeer turned its massive head towards Dream, appraising him for several long moments before approaching, the crystals and golden chains looped through his antlers mesmerizing as they clinked together softly. 

Dream gasped, immediately falling forward onto his hands and knees and dipping his head as if in shame. “I-I’m so sorry,” Dream said, shaking his head, arms trembling as if afraid. “I-I’m so sorry, my Lord,” Dream cried out softly and that’s when it registered to Techno that this magnificent creature… this God , had been Dream’s old Patron. 

This was the God that Dream felt that he had betrayed and abandoned. And perhaps, the God thought that as well. He brushed Phil off harshly, stepping forward and drawing his sword, eyeing the God warily. The reindeer stopped, lifting its head to appraise Techno, its eyes showing wisdom and intelligence as it met Techno’s own. It felt as if he were being sifted through, all his memories and emotions on full display for the God to ingest. 

 He doubted he could protect Dream from a literal God; actually, he knew that he couldn’t. He’s already failed at that twice now. But still, he would try. 

He was stopped, however, when Dream simply lifted a hand, as if telling Techno to back off. 

He did, albeit very hesitantly. He sheathed his half drawn sword, staring down at Dream, who seemed so small and defenseless, knelt in the snow before this massive creature. He wasn’t sure what the God wanted, or why it was here, but if both Dream and Phil thought that he should stay out of it, then he would. He trusted their instincts. He would , however, be ready if and when this thing decided to turn vengeful. 

Once Techno’s sword was back in its sheath, the God blinked at him, as if in praise, before lowering its head back to Dream and continuing its approach. 

“I-I’m sorry, C-Callahan. I-I didn’t mean-” Dream started, hiccuping and seeming to choke on the words he wanted to say. Dream was shaking as if terrified, most likely at having to face the Patron he so obviously cared for and respected. Techno knew that if the God, Callahan , rejected Dream now, it would crush him. 

The reindeer simply lowered its head until his snout brushed gently against Dream’s hair before exhaling, ruffling Dream’s already tangled hair and making it burn a bright gold that soon died out before the God turned to walk away. 

Dream lifted his head, staring at the retreating figure before clumsily fighting his way to his feet. 

W O W.

          Callahan is so cool!

Dream IS MAGIC AGAIN?!?!

    YAYYY

                SUNSWORD

SUNSWORD

     SUUUUN SWORD!!

Guys, I think Techno needs a translation

            Yeah he’s looking all constipated again

Yeah the crows already tattled to phil

    I GUESS we can tell Techno

L

      L 

L Techno lame. Can’t even interpret the language of the gosd

       Right? How embarrassing xD 

GUYS! Lets go get the baby deer for Dream!

     OMG YESSS

TEchno! Go get the pregnant deer and bring it home and keep the baby!

     What no. dream would hate that

Yeah focus on the flowers

         GUYS… translation?

Oh, well he said “Blah blah, godly stuff, blah blah, here’s your magic back!”

        That …. Is not at all what he said. 

 Oh well. Lets not tell techno the rest until after he gets dream the flowers!

       OHHH YES!

Techno is reeling from chat’s sudden excitement, but strides forward until he is right next to Dream before pulling Dream to face him, pleasantly surprised to see a bright, cheerful smile on the other’s face. 

“Dream, are you okay?” Techno asks, cupping Dream’s face and angling his head left to right to try and check for injuries he knows are not there. He brushes away the tears and runs his hand through tangled blonde hair, interrupted by the other’s sudden laughter. 

It was a genuinely happy sound, one that made Techno’s heart ache with nostalgia. Dream lifts his hand between them, twisting his fingers delicately, golden-green swirls looping through his fingers before sharpening into threads. 

“I- He… restored me. My magic,” Dream whispered, staring intently at the gentle magic dancing through his fingertips. 

Techno smiled, looking up to see the reindeer still standing at the edge of the clearing, watching them. Techno nodded to it, and it dipped its head in turn. 

Oh, fuck. 

         Yeah techno imma translate this one

L

    L

Oh fuck us

    DEMONETIZATION GUYS

Bruh i thought callahan was a peaceful god

   OOP

Yeah bro, Callahan said he’s entrusting dream to you and for you to protect him. 

    We WILL! 

And that if you don’t break the curse and end up killing him, Callahan will revoke your immortality

      … so wouldn’t that be instant death? 

Doesn’t matter. WE’re going to protect dream

     Yeah how many lifetimes are we at now?

Definitely more than just the one techno was supposed to have

      Uh oh

Oh fuck. ‘Uh oh’ was right. Now, he had another curse from another God. What was this? Three curses now, from three different deities?! 

Techno dropped his gaze from the God to Dream, pulling him closer and wrapping him even tighter in a hug. It was, strangely comforting, in a way, that if he ever were to kill Dream, he wouldn’t have to live with the consequence for long before he’d be joining the other. 

But fuck that. If Callahan, the literal God, said that he trusted Techno to break the curse, then that meant there was a way . And he would. Especially now that Dream’s power was restored and not tainted by chaos. 

He would find a way to break the curse and keep Dream safe. Even if that meant calling upon old friends. Old allies. Old enemies . 

He’d free them from their fate, even if it meant destroying a God or two in the process.

Chapter Text

Dream is overjoyed on the ride home, using his magic for everything and nothing. One strand of gold was holding his reins and leading Spirit while Dream was running around in the snow, using his magic to heal dying trees, turning their deadened branches back to their once leafy, green, healthy state.

The pure joy on the other’s face as his magic was once more able to bring about life rather than destruction made Techno’s stomach burn with something all too similar to the satisfaction he got after a long battle finally won. 

Dream’s threads were twisting through the air, playing with the dozens of crows that were partaking in a game of tag. They were attempting to fight their way through the mess of strings guarding Dream, squawking obnoxiously loud whenever they were gently pushed away and unable to claim their victory. 

Dream was smiling from ear to ear, his face flushed as he played, laughter ringing pleasantly in Techno’s ears. Philza was smiling as well, and whenever Techno looked over at him, the older simply raised an eyebrow and jerked his head towards Dream, who was fending off the crows, laughing so loudly he sounded out of breath as the crows backed him into his own mess of strings, tripping him and sending him tumbling into the snow. 

This made laughter break out of Techno’s own mouth, and he covered it with a hand as he watched on. Dream attempted to sit up, being blocked by a large snout pressing into his chest as if Spirit, too, wanted to play. Dream petted Spirit, but was soon put back on the run as dozens of crows took advantage of his distraction and began to swarm him, happily chirping as they managed to ‘tag’ the other. 

Chat was pleading with Techno to go join them and that it looked like ‘ so much fun’ and ‘ it's so unfair we can’t play’ , but Techno held his ground. It would be fun, but Techno would rather let Dream have his own fun and instead focus on committing the moment to memory. Dream was shining, his smile full of life and eyes glowing with the joy he must feel. He seemed elestial . He seemed truly happy. It was such a stark contrast from the tears and helplessness the other bore less than thirty minutes ago that it almost felt like whiplash. But the bright smile on Dream’s face just cemented the fact that Techno would jeopardize anything , even his own immortality, just to ensure that the other continued to smile.

Fuck the curses. Nothing would take this joy from them.

When they finally made it home, Dream was all too quick to kiss Techno goodbye before rushing back outside with a quick shout of “ I’ll be back! I gotta go tell Bad!”

Techno was entirely dumbstruck. He had spent all day waiting for the chance to finally have Dream safe and sound and tucked into his side as they ate dinner and finally just relaxed together. Instead, Dream was off on the next ‘adventure’ all of two minutes after reaching home. 

It was worrisome for Dream to leave again all on his own, but he supposed that now that Dream had his magic and his weapons again, there wasn’t really a need for Techno to accompany him… right ? Chat disagreed wholeheartedly, but Dream distinctly said that he will be back. Insinuating that he wanted to go alone. 

And who was Techno to ever deny Dream? 

Dream leaves, and as soon as he does, the absence is suffocating. Even Phil seems a little put off by it, glancing around as if not sure what to do. Techno had stood outside for a solid five minutes after Dream had disappeared from sight, before Phil finally dragged him inside. 

They had a bit of awkward small-talk, before Phil eventually retired to his own home.

This left Techno all alone, so he finally attempted to busy himself with chores to try and pass the time. Dream had only spent a few days at his side and in his house, but it felt as if he had lost his arm with how much it ached to think that he had no true idea where Dream was or how he was doing. 

He made dinner, ate what he could stomach, before cleaning the kitchen, then the baseboards, then the basement, just to try and avoid thinking about the witch.

He looked up to the clock, realizing belatedly that it has only been four hours since the other has left. Surely, Dream was still atop Spirit, filled with joy as he played with Wyvern, the crow that had decided to accompany him. And no , Techno wasn’t jealous of the dumb bird for being allowed to accompany Dream, despite chat’s teasing. 

Dream was off, racing over the tundra and towards his family, all while Techno sat here, trying desperately to distract himself from how much he missed the other. He had gone months without Dream before. Had already mourned his loss in silence while believing that he had been the one to ruin it. That was painful, but somehow this was more aggravating. Made him on edge and tense in a way he usually wasn’t at home. Chat was trading stories with one another about what they would do once Dream came back. Some even asking Techno why he hadn’t gone with Dream, others encouraging him to give chase so that they could all be together again. 

It was odd, not having the other here, but maybe the fact that Dream was coming back was what made this worse. He wasn’t trying to move on or forget. No, he was instead staring at the clock and wishing for time to speed up. The waiting was what was painful. 

The rest of the day crawled by, with Techno trying to fill his thoughts with something other than the green cloaked little witch that had wormed his way into Techno’s heart so fast that it was shocking just how quickly Techno had grown used to having the other in his arms and tucked safely under his chin. How pleasant it was to be able to close his eyes and feel the warmth from the other and the small patterns Dream traced along his arms and down his back during their embrace. He missed how at peace he and chat felt just basking in the other’s presence, the scent of a brewing storm tingling his nose and making his mouth water as he stared into eyes that promised mischief but also shone with limitless kindness when they wanted to. 

He missed just how quickly those eyes could turn hateful, wrath filling him with the desire to win, to overcome, to protect . 

And God he was much more ensnared by Dream than he had previously known. 

Techno finally laid down, chest empty whenever he reached his arms out only to feel cold blankets rather than the warmth Dream had once offered. 

God, get over it , he thought to himself bitterly. Dream had shared this bed with him once . It’s not like they had spent decades at one another's side. 

Sleep evaded him for most of the night, and the morning offered no comfort. It was far too quiet. Chat was moping, far quieter than usual and obviously bored with it being just him. They, too, had grown used to having Dream with them. Dream, who had grown from mysterious and dangerous to energetic and playful. Even though he had changed with the loss of his Chaos magic, he hadn’t faltered at being able to fully retain the attention of everyone near him. 

He started this day by burying himself in chores once more while trying to chase the loss of Dream’s presence from his mind. He frowned at the absence of obnoxious laughter whenever he dropped the egg he was about to crack, unable to catch it before it splattered all over the kitchen floor. 

He missed the teasing voice that would have mocked him as he knelt on the floor to clean it. Hand aching from the loss of touch that would have been there whenever Dream would have inevitably knelt down and taken the rag from him to aid him, probably with a complaint of ‘now hurry up and finish making me food’ .

It felt like there was a hole in his home whenever no one annoyingly tried to smear raw pancake batter on his face like a child whenever Techno left the bowl unattended. 

It was ridiculous for him to miss things that he barely even had. Besides, it’s not like Dream had died or was gone for good. He was coming back, right? Surely he hadn’t been attacked. Or decided that maybe it was safer to remain with his family. Now that he had his magic back, he might reconsider. Oh no . How the hell was Techno supposed to bear this loss for more than just a few measly days? 

He had once tried to send Dream away to be with his family, but now the mere thought of that made him feel sick and abandon the breakfast he had been attempting to distract himself with. 

Dream still needs us though… right?

        But he has his magic back

Ofc he still needs us

     L :(

Go find dream please? :)

       Yeah i miss him

  We all miss him T

     Lets go bring him back home!

guys , I think we’re all forgetting that this is the PERFECT opportunity to acquire the flower without dream getting suspicious. 

   Ooh that’s a good idea

Fine. I’ll say it. Lets go get dream back

         L

No that’s clingy af

   L

    Yeah dream’s gonna come back

He left his books and stuff so he has to, right?

Techno massaged his temples, eyes closed as he rested his forehead against the cool countertop. He jumped whenever he picked out the faint smell of smoke and looked over to the poor pancakes that he had forgotten to flip. 

Raw on one side and black on the other. Perfect . 

Techno spent the rest of the day tending to his garden and his various animals, trying to ignore chat’s nonstop theorizing about Dream’s whereabouts and how he was doing. And most aggravating of all was their debate on whether or not Dream would return. 

The sun had just begun to set and Techno felt the weariness that had haunted him all day fully settle into his bones. He was utterly exhausted. He wiped his hands free from the dirt from the garden before throwing the hand towel over his shoulder and standing, stretching and feeling only minimal relief as his back clicked.

He sighed, turning to head back inside when he was almost knocked off of his feet as chat’s quiet and mindless chatter turned into frantic shouts and screams, full of excitement. 

DREAM!!!

     DREAM IS BACK!

 Dream, my beloved

               <3

DReamie!!

    DNB for the WIN bitches!

       Yay!

 See, all of you idiots were worried for nothing. 

    We had PLENTY of time to go get the flowers and we didn’t :(

Techno whirled around, a bit too quickly, to see a white horse make its careful way down the snowy slope, a green cloaked figure riding atop of it. In Dream’s arms and tucked snuggly within his cloak was a furry black and brown creature, only its head poking out. Then there was Wyvern, resting securely on Dream’s shoulder as if it was the only natural place for it to be.

Dream approached, a smile splitting his face as he slid down from Spirit’s back to approach Techno, still cradling the cat gently within his arms. 

Techno rushed forward, engulfing the other in a hug, careful to not squish the small creature sandwiched between them and only feeling a tad sorry for spooking Wyvern and making the bird take flight to avoid being crushed. Dream laughed, throwing his free arm around Techno’s neck and holding him close as Techno swayed them side to side. 

“Holy fuck ,” he finally breathed, burying his nose into Dream’s hair and inhaling as much of the other’s scent as he could, only earning another bright laugh from Dream and a swat to his arm. “I missed you so much more than I thought I would,” he admitted, praying it didn’t come off as too clingy or controlling. 

But Dream just smiled that radiant smile, and Techno swore he was glowing even without the magic. Dream just pulled back, his hand toying with the ends of Techno’s hair before pulling him down and into a kiss. 

Techno immediately tightened his hold, feeling the hole that had occupied his chest for the past day or so immediately feel with so much joy he felt like not smiling was an impossible feat. 

They broke apart and dissolved into laughter as Techno wrapped an arm around Dream’s shoulders and led him to Spirit. Techno took the reins and led their group to the stables, where he sat Dream down on top of an overturned bucket and began stripping Spirit of her gear before cleaning her thoroughly, all while keeping an eye on Dream, who was stroking the cat and trying to get the fuzzy creature to play. Wyvern had at sometime returned to rest on Dream’s shoulder, eyeing the creature that seemed intent on staying attached to Dream’s leather chest plate, as if afraid of being left behind if it let go. 

“So, who is that?” Techno asked as he continued brushing Spirit’s coat. 

“ This ,” Dream said, voice full of love as he stroked the little creature along his spine. “Is Patches. My familiar,” Dream said, cooing at the cat as it cried out pathetically as Dream tried to detach it from his chest plate. “I, uh, left him. Whenever I joined the God of Chaos’s coven. Since chaos magic uses the life-force of what is around it, it would have eaten through her , since she’s my familiar rather than me. It would have used her up and then moved to my own soul. So I left her with Sapnap and George and Bad,” Dream explained, the cat mewling softly as it buried its head as far into Dream’s chest as it could. 

Dream’s eyes were misty as he looked down at the animal. If animals could cry, Techno knew this cat would be. It was just as expressive as Dream, only without a voice or tears to communicate. 

Techno didn’t know much about familiars, but he knew enough to know that the creatures and the witch that took them in formed a life bond. One stronger than even death. If a witch were to die, the familiar was responsible for guiding the witch to the afterlife and would then accompany them into it, surrendering their own life in the process. Not only that, but they were to be a witch’s loyal companion to accompany them throughout their entire existence. 

Techno had only been without Dream for a few measly days and felt as if his chest had been moments away from caving in with how empty he had felt. He couldn’t imagine the pain Patches had endured by losing the charge she had sworn to accompany and protect in both lives. 

After Spirit was cleaned, Techno stabled the animal, ensuring she had enough hay to keep her happy until Dream inevitably returned to spoil her and sneak all of Techno’s golden apples to her come morning. 

He led Dream inside, eyeing the creature that had yet to release its death grip on Dream’s leather armor. Dream was obviously sad, so Techno leaned over and pressed his lips to the other’s temple, setting down the cloth wrapped bundle that had been stored on Spirit, Wyvern immediately landing on it. 

A part of him was ecstatic at the idea of Dream bringing his pets and more items to keep at Techno’s house. It really made it feel as if Dream were making this his own home, too. Nothing in the world would make Techno as happy as having Dream safe and sound in the home he and Phil had carved out. 

He began unpacking the bundle, listening intently as Dream rattled off a few more things he would have to get for Patches. Techno didn’t recognize a lot of what there was, but put it where Dream instructed. A rough carpet thing covered with coarse rope went in the living room and a soft bed went beside it. Two ceramic bowls went in the kitchen, but apparently, they were both for food and a strange metal contraption was the water bowl. Dream instructed Techno where to pour the water, and he did, as Dream spoke a spell aloud and with a wave of his hand, the water began to bubble before beginning to flow down the side like a miniature fountain. Wyvern was pecking at the water, wings fluttering as he toyed with it.

And wow , did Techno underestimate just how much Dream spoiled his pets. 

Patches was still crying, clinging onto Dream, who was reclining on the couch and stroking her. She seemed to be a tad more relaxed, but Techno knew better than to steal Dream’s attention from the creature. Next, Techno pulled a gray little box out and went to go set it in the living room next to the bed before Dream shook his head. 

“That’s the litter box. It goes in the bathroom,” Dream said, voice soft as if to not startle the cat that seemed to have tired itself out.

“The cat prefers to use the restroom in the bathroom?” Techno said, studying Dream’s face and waiting for the smile that was sure to come. It did, of course, and it made Techno’s stomach burn with warmth. 

“ Duh , Techno,” Dream drawled, leaning his head back to rest on the armchair of the couch. 

Techno did as was told, next pouring the litter in it, probably using way too much since Dream wasn’t there to tell him how much. Surely Patches wouldn’t mind, right? 

Next, it was Techno’s turn to offer a gift to Patches. He went to the fridge and pulled out the salmon that he had caught that day to make for dinner. He had caught four, intending to freeze two and cook the other two for himself and Phil. It definitely wasn’t that he had hoped that the third would be needed in case Dream returned, and he definitely hadn’t caught the fourth as an excuse that he hadn’t been terribly missing Dream and had just been catching extras anyways. 

But he had already failed miserably at pretending to not miss Dream and now that Patches was here, they would need all four anyway. Whatever Patches didn’t eat could just go to the hounds. 

Techno hummed to himself as he skinned the fish and washed them. He carefully deboned them, slicing a small portion off of one and placing it in Patches’ bowl, swatting at Wyvern who seemed intent on stealing it. He returned to Patches' fish and cut another, smaller portion off for the crow, who took it with glee before retreating back to Dream to eat. He continued to prepare the rest of them, placing the rest of the fish for Patches back into the fridge while he waited for the pan to get hot enough to start cooking the fish. 

He sliced up several potatoes and dropped them into a pot to boil, slicing up several different veggies and placing them into the pan, cooking them a bit before he did the fish. 

While he waited for the veggies to cook and the potatoes to soften, he approached Dream, who was smiling to himself, eyes closed as he petted the now fast asleep Patches. Wyvern was resting on Dream’s knee as it tore into the now half-gone piece of salmon.

Those emerald eyes opened when they heard Techno approach, and Techno couldn’t help but to return the other’s smile. He sat down beside them, staring at brown eyes that blinked open tiredly at him. Techno extended his hand and Patches pressed her cold and wet nose against it as she took in his scent. 

She finally pushed her head against his hand and he petted her softly, grinning. 

It felt like a real victory to have gained the approval of Dream’s familiar. 

The sound of water boiling a bit too hard stole his attention and he returned to the kitchen to finish preparing dinner. He stirred the potatoes and lowered the flame before focusing on the vegetables. They were done, so he plated them, now beginning the fish. 

Soon, everything would be ready, so he called to Wyvern to go and fetch Phil for dinner. The crow obediently scarfed down the rest of the fish before flying to Techno, who opened the kitchen window and let the bird free to go and find its master. 

Just as Phil was entering, Techno was placing the plates on the table and returning to fetch their glasses. He paused when he saw Phil holding two bottles of wine and grabbed the wine glasses instead.

Dream sat down at the table, Patches resting in his lap and eyeing Phil as he approached. 

It was obvious Patches would refuse to leave Dream’s lap, and Dream would probably refuse as well, so Techno just grabbed her bowl and set it beside Dream’s plate. 

She meowed at him and Techno scratched her behind the ear before sitting down beside Dream. 

Phil was all smiles as well as he poured the wine. 

“Tonight, we celebrate Dream!” He exclaimed as he sat down and raised his wine glass. Techno raised his own as well, looking at Dream, whose cheeks were a rosy pink as he too lifted his glass to toast the return of his magic and celebrate all that he had gained. 

The night had been full of excitement and laughter, only cementing just how integral a part of the family Dream was despite only being a part of it for a few days. 

They retired to bed only after Dream had gone outside and rounded up all of Techno’s hounds, wagging his finger at them as he instructed them to be polite to Patches. They all sat obediently and listened as Dream warned them not to chase her or harm her, their tails wagging with excitement, noses twitching as they took in her scent. Techno stood off to the side, watching as his ‘ferocious’ guard dogs were wagging their tails so hard their butts swished side to side as they fought to stay seated and listen as Dream instructed them. Finally, Dream released them and they all carefully approached, asking Dream for pets and sniffing at the new creature. 

Patches placed her paw on one of their snouts and the wolf whined with excitement as it fought to urge to play, instead licking at the cat’s outstretched arm. Dream smiled warmly at them, thanking them for their attention before beginning to walk back to the house, a hoard of wolves following with Techno, too, falling in line. 

After only a few days, Dream has seemed to gain favor with Techno’s hounds, Phil’s crows, and the two men themselves. If Techno wasn’t careful, Dream would have full control over the house. 

But that thought only seemed to make Techno smile, because it meant that Dream would be here. Be with him, at his side. 

Patches finally released Dream, instead exploring the cabin and claiming the rug in front of the fireplace for herself as Dream and Techno sat curled on the couch, wrapped within one another, sharing soft kisses and laughing as wandering hands traced their way over exposed skin, leaving goosebumps in their wake. 

Techno knew now more than ever, that he would do anything to keep this. Having Dream happy and safe and in his arms? It was the ultimate temptation. Techno had known he would fight to keep Dream safe, but now? He had decided. 

There was no question. He would hunt down a solution for their curse. And then? He would hunt down the God that dared to try and distort just how pure Dream was. He would find XD and he would make the God wish he had never toyed with their lives.

Chapter Text

“ What?! What do you mean you can’t use your magic to fight!?” Techno near yelled, worry painting his words a bitter tone enough to upset Carl beneath him. 

“Relax,” Dream says, trying and failing to placate him, but easily calming Carl with just a small swirl of his magic. “Callahan is a peaceful God. My magic, my original gift, was meant to be used for medicinal purposes,” Dream spoke, threads materializing and swirling beautifully before them. “My magic resembles threads used for stitches and for helping hands in creating potions and stuff. Of course they can be used for violence, but Callahan is much more hands on than other Gods tend to be,” Dream says, stroking the back of Wyvern that decided to accompany them on their morning ride, with a smile on his face, as if he weren’t saying the stupidest thing ever . 

“He decides within that moment whether or not violence is necessary,” Dream spoke, his deep respect for his God shining through in his voice. “In the past, he only really let me use it on poachers and hunters that had lost their respect for the forest and for their prey,” Dream said with a fond smile, glancing up to see Techno looking at him as if he had lost his mind. 

And it was because Dream had lost his mind. What good would having his magic back be if he couldn’t use it to defend himself?! He verbalized these thoughts to Dream, who just frowned at him. 

“Like I said, Techno, Callahan decides, and I will respect His decision. If I am attacked, I would imagine that He would let me defend myself. It’s more so that I don’t use His magic for bad things, seeing as He is a peaceful Being. It’s why He only has a handful of people that are blessed by Him,” Dream says, eyes closed and lips drawn in a pout. 

Great. Now he’s managed to piss Dream off. 

WHAT?! 

     So callahan determines whether we get a sunsword? 

            :( 

Okay QUICK what flower would callahan like?!

     He’s the nature god… so all of them? 

He’s a deer sooo carrots? 

        yea techno! Start growing more carrots!

But that means less potatoes :(

       Its a sacrifice we must make

FOR THE SUNSWORD!

   FOR THE SUNSWORD!!

Techno taps his temple to try and get chat settled enough for him to think. Not being able to use the magic without ‘approval’ is definitely a big limitation, but if Techno really thinks about it, it makes sense. Actually, it seems like a good idea, despite the drawbacks. Perhaps it was exactly what Dream needed. Just because Techno was a warrior that had bloodshed on his hands that would never rinse out, doesn’t mean that that is what is best for Dream. Maybe Dream would prefer not being able to use his magic for violence unless approved by a God. Then, he wouldn’t be able to beat himself up about what he had done, because it would have gotten the seal of approval from Callahan, a God Dream obviously holds a deep respect for.

On the other hand, he’s seen Dream run a man through with his own sword just for being a little bit of a jerk to him, so maybe he shouldn’t really be thinking of Dream as something delicate. Dream didn’t really seem like the person to get hung up over a little bloodshed.

“My magic no longer possesses chaos within it. I won’t be able to control or manipulate people or slice through flesh. Well, I guess that’s not entirely true,” Dream said, pausing his petting of Wyvern to lean back in the saddle as if figuring out how to word what he wants to say. “Callahan is not a vocal God. He judges based on intentions. Off of emotions and thoughts. So, if I want to slice flesh to kill , he may not allow it. But if I were slicing flesh to try and get an arrow out, then he would. It’s based on what I intend to use the magic for. Same with the poachers. I wanted to hurt them to protect my home and my forest. But if I go to the bar and pick a fight, my magic won’t be able to help me.”

Techno is stewing in his own thoughts about why the fuck didn’t Dream mention that before running off for two fucking days all by himself!? He elected not to say anything, instead glaring holes in the poor tree a few dozen yards away.

Phil hummed before pulling his own horse to walk closer to Spirit. Techno jumped when the other entered his peripheral vision. He had nearly forgotten that the old man had tagged along. “It was an amazing honor to meet your Patron, Dream,” Phil said, voice full of awe and as Techno looked at his face, he realized that Phil seemed genuinely thankful and pleasantly surprised. Which was odd seeing as with how old Phil was, there truly wasn’t much that could surprise him. 

“He’s one of the oldest Gods in existence. Most likely even more powerful than the God of Chaos!” Phil exclaimed and Dream had a radiant smile on his face as if it made him happy to have other people recognize how amazing his Patron was. “Lady Death sees him quite often and is very fond of him. She says that he escorts each animal that has fallen in his forest to her door personally . Meaning he’s most likely ubiquitous or omnipresent, at the very least, if not , omnificent. If anyone is the God amongst Gods, I would believe that it would be him,” Phil said, sounding more and more like a fanboy by the minute. “I-I’m honestly stunned. When you said you used to serve a Nature God, I had believed that you meant a smaller God. No wonder the God of Chaos scouted you, if Callahan himself chose to bless you!”

Dream smiled, a pretty pink coating his cheeks, but Techno was still a little peeved at the notion that Callahan had direct control over whether or not He would lend His power to aide Dream in battle. It was unreliable and hard to plan around. Dream would just have to be mad at him. Techno had to say it. 

        Techno DUMB

 Idiot. Isn’t that how our power works as well?

          L 

    L for techno

He got too used to overpowered dream

             L

   L

And, okay , maybe chat was on to something, although he’d never admit it. 

“Yeah, He honestly sounds pretty chill, but you still need to relearn how to defend yourself with an axe. I don’t trust this ‘he judges intent’ in a life or death situation. It still stands that you need to be able to defend yourself without magic, okay? And, don’t worry, I have the best training partner lined up for you,” Techno said, looking forward and back at the horizon rather than at Dream and whatever angry or confused expression he wore. 

Oh no

      Oh gods no

YAAAAY

      Dream is gonna hate you for this techno

HECK YEAH

    A-at least it’ll be good for clout?

Techno finally dared to glance back at Dream, who was wearing a puzzled expression.