"What?"

"You heard me," Techno replied, his voice unwavering, "kill him."

Dream looked at Karl with wide eyes and looked at Sapnap, who hadn't torn his eyes from Karl. Dream couldn't move, he couldn't kill his friend's lover.

His eyes snapped back to Technoblade when the god ordered, "Kill him, Dream."

"I—" Dream stopped, trying to swallow the fear that was climbing up his throat.

Techno leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. His eyes sparkled with curiosity and a little confusion when Dream didn't do as he ordered. "Huh," he commented, "have you gone soft, Dream? Last time you were here, you would've killed him with no hesitation... yet here you are, hesitating. Why's that?"

The god sighed when Dream didn't reply and rubbed his fingers against his temples. "You're angering me, Dream. Just kill him, it's not that hard."

Dream opened his mouth, but no words came out. His eyes couldn't leave Karl's face. Karl was looking at Sapnap desperately, his eyes full of longing and love. Did Dream look at George like that?

Techno stood up abruptly, his eyes full of anger. He jerked his chin to some guard somewhere and before Dream could react, George was being torn away from his side. Dream's head whipped towards him and George cried out when his arms were yanked behind him. His wrists were encased in handcuffs and the guard pulled him over to Technoblade.

Dream was frozen, absolutely terrified. He couldn't show any reaction. He couldn't show Techno how much he cared for George, so he just swallowed and watched, a pit growing in his stomach.

The guard pulled George next to Karl and shoved him on his knees, holding him up harshly by his hair. Dream's nostrils flared, seething anger seeping through his core. George was terrified, his eyes wide as he looked at Dream.

"What are you doing?" Dream asked stiffly.

Techno gave him a bored sigh. "I'm giving you a choice. You can pick either one to kill."

Dream looked between George and Karl. He knew who he'd pick without hesitating, but he couldn't kill Karl. Sapnap would hate him forever and Dream promised him that he would reunite them.

Dream's eyes slid to Technoblade and he gritted his teeth. "No."

Techno's red eyes darkened. "What did you just say to me?"

"I said no."

Techno approached him furiously and slapped him, the blow causing Dream's head to whip to the side. Dream stumbled, his head turning back to the god with a stubborn glare.

"Say it again," Technoblade seethed.

"No," Dream hissed, earning a blow to his stomach.

There was a noise from behind Techno and the god looked over curiously. George— the source of the sound— had wide eyes, watching in fear and anger. While Techno's back was turned, Dream gave George a desperate look to stay quiet.

Technoblade turned back to Dream and pushed his shoulders down so that he was on his knees. Techno yanked Dream's chin up and spat, "When have I ever taught you to disobey me?"

Dream's lips thinned and he said nothing, holding his ground. Techno's eyes sparked in pure rage. His hand whipped out, slapping Dream to the side. Dream put his hands out to stop his head from smashing into the polished floor.

The tile was so clean, he could see his reflection. But before he could recognize it, Techno was yanking him back up to his knees by his wrist. Techno held his wrist in a deathly tight grip and repeated, "When have I ever taught you to disobey me?"

"Never," Dream replied.

"That's what I thought," Techno said with a huff. His eyes softened, "You know I always saw you like a son— like a friend. We used to be happy, things used to be good between us... why did you have to let a mortal get in the way? What was his name again? Oh, Fundy."

Dream swallowed, his eyes never leaving Techno's. Techno sighed and his eyes caught on Dream's wrist that he was holding. His grip loosened and his eyes narrowed at the braided cloak. "I didn't peg you as the type of Fae to wear accessories."

Dream dismissed it casually, saying, "Well, I did wear a mask for how many years."

"That's true," Techno hummed and pulled Dream to his feet.

He released Dream's wrist and walked over to stand between George and Karl with a sigh. "Okay, Dream. If you can't kill one of them, I will. Who should it be?"

When Dream couldn't reply, Technoblade lifted Karl's chin and mused, "Should it be him? The seer? I found him a while back after I saw his eyes in my thoughts, spying over me like a little owl." Techno laughed darkly. "What were you doing in my head?"

Karl's mouth opened and closed, but no words came out. Technoblade chuckled and released his chin. He turned to George and tsked. Lifting George's chin, Techno hummed, looking into George's discolored eyes with curiosity.

Dream couldn't help but emit a small noise that sounded like a plea. The god raised an eyebrow, glancing at Dream. He said, "Or should it be him? The mortal who I just met... who lied to me as his first impression." Techno scoffed and released George's chin harshly. "So, who shall it be, Dream? Who do I get to kill?"

Dream took a deep breath, a plan forming in his head. He said evenly, "No, let me kill one."

Sapnap's head snapped to Dream and he pleaded, "Dream, no, don't kill Karl."

Dream didn't look at the mortal and held Techno's stare. Techno nodded in approval and stepped out of the way. Dream walked past him, his eyes softening as he looked at George. With Techno behind him, Dream mouthed, 'I love you.'

George's face crumpled in relief, fear still in his eyes, but not of Dream. Dream took a step towards Karl and Sapnap screamed, "No! Dream, please."

Dream pushed back the guilt of making his friend upset, but he had a plan. He pulled out his sword and rested it on Karl's throat. Sapnap screamed and pleaded from behind him, but Dream tuned it out. Tears fell from Karl's eyes and Dream whispered, "Do you trust me?"

Karl's brows furrowed in confusion, but his head nodded after a moment. Dream nodded back and looked at the guard holding Karl. His sword thrashed out a cut through the guard's throat. He brought his steel sword down upon Karl's chains and freed the seer.

Dream heard Techno's hum of disapproval, but he ignored it and killed the guard holding George. After freeing George, he saw Sapnap get out of his cuffs by burning through them and then killing his guard. He and Karl ran to each other, sobbing as they embraced.

Dream shouted, "Go!"

Sapnap looked at him, gratitude in his eyes and he and Karl ran. Dream turned to Technoblade, who was disappointed, but he made no move to stop the mortals from moving. He waved his hand and the remaining guards ran after Sapnap and Karl.

Dream stepped in front of George protectively, lifting his bloodied sword in front of him. The dagger was a small, hidden weight at his belt.

Techno's eyes were alight with excitement at the change of events. "When I said choose one, I didn't mean the guards."

Dream said nothing, his mind running through every possible scenario. Techno sighed and pulled out his sword. He gestured with his sword and teased, "C'mon, Dream, show me what you remember."

He approached Technoblade, keeping an ear turned towards George. Dream slashed his sword at the god, who dodged it deftly and responded with a swipe towards Dream's throat.

Dream ducked and the two started pacing in a circle. His leg swung out, aiming for Techno's ankles, but Techno just stepped back with a tsk. "Dream, you're going to have to do better. I taught you that. You can't fool me with my own tricks."

Dream scowled, blocking Techno's blow to his side with his sword. Techno jumped back immediately and went for Dream's other side, which was temporarily open. Dream stepped out of the way, but not quick enough because silver met cloth and flesh. He hissed as blood seeped through his clothes.

Techno chuckled. "You've always been predictable. Do you really think you can beat me when I know every move you're going to make?"

Dream clenched his jaw and ran forward, slashing his sword at Techno's shoulder. Techno dodged it with ease and Dream let out a sound of frustration.

Techno laughed, a degrading sound that only angered Dream more. The god backed towards George and Dream snapped to attention. He ran and put himself between Techno and George. He snarled, "Stay away from him."

Techno only laughed again and Dream handed George a dagger, just in case. He didn't let himself think about the way George's fingers grazed his own as he turned back to Technoblade.

Dream approached Techno again, swinging his sword for the god's left arm. Techno's sword met his, a loud 'clang' ringing out. Techno pushed his weight towards Dream, pushing their blades to his neck. Dream gritted his teeth as metal met the sensitive skin of his neck.

He grunted as he tried to push Techno off him, but the god was too strong. Dream's knees buckled and he started losing ground. Then, suddenly, Techno's eyes flew wide and he hissed in pain.

The god released his pressure on Dream and lifted his hand behind his back to pull out a dagger. He yanked the dagger out of his shoulder and turned to George with a menacing glare. Dream stumbled forward, but Techno's hand swung back and punched Dream in his jaw.

Dream reeled at the force of the blow, losing focus for a moment too long. When his eyes refocused, he saw George lifting his hands, and the metal chains that were on the floor flew forward. Techno gasped in surprise, but the gasp was cut off when those chains wrapped around his throat.

George gave Dream an urgent look and Dream pulled out the blood dagger. He ran towards Techno, but the god yanked the chains from his throat and laughed. Dream stumbled in his step, hiding the dagger and standing by George.

Technoblade rubbed his throat and said with a sadistic look in his eyes, "A telekinetic... why he's worth even more than the other one."

Dream placed himself in front of George and said, "You're not touching him."

Techno laughed darkly. "Oh, Clay, I should've known... Have you fallen for yet another mortal?"

Dream bristled at the name, but he held his ground, "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh, you know exactly what I'm talking about."

Dream lifted his sword and Technoblade chuckled. "You never learn, do you? What have I said... mortals are weak and love makes you weaker. Don't you remember your lessons?"

Dream said nothing, hearing George's breath catch from behind him. Techno hummed and added, "You're weak for loving something so fragile, so breakable. I could snap his neck with little force... so could you. Have you learned to be gentle, Clay? Have you learned to repress your inner monster to befriend this mortal?"

"He's not a monster," George snapped, stepping to Dream's side.

Dream put a protective hand in front of him to keep George away from the god. Technoblade laughed darkly. "You couldn't have chosen a Fae to fall in love with? What is it about mortality that draws you in? Clay, he'll die in a matter of decades, whereas you, you will live on for hundreds, maybe thousands of years. This mortal means nothing in the span of your life."

"That's not true," Dream replied defensively.

"Oh, really?" Techno taunted. "Tell me, when you turn five hundred, will you still remember this mortal? No, he's insignificant. He means nothing and he will have no impact on the world. You were made for more."

Dream stiffened. "I don't care. You're not touching him."

The god clicked his tongue, disappointment heavy in his eyes. "Step out of my way, Clay."

"No."

Technoblade's eyes narrowed. "Don't let this mortal be your downfall. You've already earned one scar from defending the last one."

Dream said nothing, holding his cold stare. Technoblade sighed and said, "I guess I'll just have to teach you another lesson. What is it? Second time's the charm...? No, that's three." Techno chuckled. "Do you think there will be another one after him? How exciting."

"I will protect him with my life," Dream replied, anger lacing his voice.

"Dream?" George spoke quietly and Dream turned to look at him. George's eyes were fearful, but there was so much love in them that Dream's heart threatened to break at the amount of trust in George's eyes.

"I will protect you with my life," Dream repeated in a whisper.

George's face turned sad. "He's right, though. You have so much life ahead of you. Don't let me get in your way."

Dream's brows furrowed in confusion. "But, George, what about our promise?"

"Don't worry," he replied softly, "I still have your heart."

"And I have yours."

George swallowed, eyes brimming with tears as Dream looked back to Technoblade. The god was watching with avid interest, like it was entertainment to him. He teased, "How romantic." He looked around the room, devilry in his eyes. "Can someone bring in the rings?" Looking back to them, Techno smirked. "I hope you have your vows."

Dream said nothing, walking forward and lifting his sword. Technoblade grinned as their blades clashed. The sound of metal on metal and the person he was fighting with brought up many memories. Memories of how Techno taught him how to fight, how he earned several scars, and how he was always pushed to get back up.

Dream gritted his teeth and fought on, but soon enough, the god overpowered him. Technoblade used "his" move and swiped his leg out. His foot hit Dream's ankles and Dream fell to the floor, his fingers splaying out to stop his head from making contact with the tile and his sword sliding across the floor.

He frantically looked up, scrambling onto his feet. He breathed, "No."

Techno had reached George and was holding his blade to his throat. An evil gleam took hold in Techno's eyes, but all Dream could look at was George.

George was breathing heavily, his chest rising and falling rapidly, and his eyes were full of terror. As he swallowed, Techno's sword scraped his throat, causing a trail of red to slide down his neck.

Dream pulled out one of his daggers and Techno tsked. "Put that away. Wouldn't want my hand to slip, would you, Clay?"

Dream was frozen, his eyes wide and darting between Technoblade and George. He swallowed and sheathed the dagger. He lifted his hands up in front of him and said, his voice wavering, "Don't hurt him."

"Beg," Techno ordered, a lazy grin on his face.

"Technoblade," Dream pleaded, his eyes desperate, "please don't hurt him. Please."

"And why should I listen to you?"

Dream was at a loss for words, the sentences stuck in his throat. He fell to his knees and whispered, "I— I'll lengthen my years of service to you. Anything, just don't hurt him."

"Dream, no," George whispered, tears in his eyes.

Techno's red eyes lit up in triumph. He hummed. "How many years?"

"However many it takes for you to let him go."

Tears slipped from George's eyes, full of sadness, fear, and love. "Dream, you can't... What about your family? You were going to find out who killed them."

Dream's shoulders slumped. "It doesn't matter anymore."

Technoblade laughed darkly. "You still haven't figured it out? Wow, Clay, and I thought you were smart. I didn't save you all those years ago. I was the one who killed your family."

Dream paled, his eyes going wide. Tears filled his eyes and he choked out, "W-what?"

"You should've heard their screams. Music to my ears." Techno paused, taking in Dream's anguished expression. "I have to say, your sister had the prettiest song."

An uncountable amount of pure rage coursed through Dream's body. His breathing quickened and he went to get up, but Techno tsked. Dream's eyes snapped to the sword digging into George's throat and, just like that, the rage was gone, replaced by fear.

"Let him go," Dream said weakly, "you can have me for the rest of my life. I don't care anymore."

George's expression was so full of anguish that Dream didn't think his heart could take anymore.

Technoblade sighed. "Alright." He let go of George, fulfilling his end of the deal. Dream's shoulders relaxed in relief and Techno laughed. "I let him go, but I didn't say I wouldn't kill him."

Dream scrambled onto his feet, but not quick enough.

Techno's sword slashed out, cutting a red line through George's throat.

George's hands flew to his throat, choking on his own blood. His eyes were wide as he looked at Dream for the last time and he fell to the floor, dead.