When I opened my eyes, I was in a very bright room. In fact, the walls were made of light, bright white continuing on into infinity.

I looked down at myself, surprised to see all my bruises were gone. I was back in my navy hoodie, my hair undone. I was dreaming. I looked as if the events of the festival never happened. In fact, I felt amazing.

"Your bruises will come back once you wake up."

My head snapped back up at the sound of a voice. In front of me stood a beautiful woman. She had on a flowing dress that looked like it was made of sun rays. She had wavy, honey-colored hair that spread around her as if there was a wind blowing.

But it was her eyes that struck me. They were a deep amber color, with hues of brown on the outside.

I must've looked confused because the woman laughed. It was a sound that filled me with pure joy, comforting me. She smiled "I guess I should explain what's going on."

She stepped forward, taking my hands, her face growing softer. "We are all very proud of you."

"We?" It shocked me to hear my own voice again, after hearing the foreign one for so long.

"I cannot tell you who just yet. But for now, I must tell you your purpose." She intertwined one of our hands, leading me into the infinite light. "Before I start, I am Noemi, the Goddess of Light. To you, one of your 'good gods'." She laughed at my shock once again, the warm sound filling me up.

"But you won't remember any of this once you wake. This interaction is to let you know of our presence." She paused. "We are watching over you. The darkness blocked us from you for a while, but we knew you would get out."

"Why are these ancient gods coming back?"

"We aren't sure, but we do know how to stop them." She stopped walking, facing me.

"How?"

She smiled at me, but there was a sadness in her eyes. "You."

Fear and shock filled me, making me take a small step back. "But I'm just one person." It was all too overwhelming. I just wanted to be with my friends, to make them happy.

She moved her hand in a small circle, yellow light erupting around the movement. She sent it towards me, forming a chair under me. I sat down, warmth filling me from the seat.

"Yes, one person who holds powerful magic at her fingertips. You are someone who could snap her fingers and it would destroy cities. And you still have magic that has not been found."

My eyes snapped to her amber ones. "I still have more magic I haven't found?"

She nodded. "I cannot tell you what it is, but you do. You are powerful enough to stop the darkness, but it will come at a cost."

"What's the cost?"

Her face turned sad. "That is another thing I cannot tell you, but I encourage you to save your world. Stop the horned man that is full of darkness and the gods will back off, we hope. The war is unpredictable."

"I have one request." She nodded for me to continue, "I want you to keep the dark gods away from Dream while I fight. Please."

She seemed to contemplate my request before coming to a conclusion. "We will keep them away from him as long as we can. But they are growing in strength. I'm not sure we can promise anything."

Her answer didn't feel comforting.

She turned, facing the light, looking at me over her tan shoulder. "We will be with you. You have the gods on your side."

Before I could ask her more she stepped into the light and disappeared. My eyes grew heavy. I leaned back into the seat, letting sleep take me.

-

The next time I opened my eyes, I was back in the real world.

I couldn't remember what I was dreaming of, but light filled me. I could feel my magic returning from it's slumber, overflowing with joy. It seemed just as happy as I was to be free of it's cage.

I slid my eyes around the room. It was small, lit up by lanterns. There weren't any windows and the walls were made of stone, showing me that I was underground. I was laying in a simple bed, thin sheets covering me.

I groaned and pulled myself into a sitting position. Soreness spiked through my body. I glanced at my fist, a blue bruise blooming across my knuckles. I ignored the pain, smiling at what caused it. I would have to tell Dream, he'd be proud.

I jolted up straighter, remembering that I had found them. I swung my sore legs over the side, taking no notice of my pain. I was about to step out, remembering my clothing. I was still in my black clothes, but it no longer looked like it sucked the light out. Although, they were ripped and muddy.

There was a door in the corner, leading into a bathroom. I took care to not look in the mirror, keeping my eyes on the shower. On the counter, a pile of clothes was already awaiting me.

I stepped into the shower, letting the warm stream of water wrap around me. It smoothed my discomfort in my limbs and back. Thick steam quickly filled the room, making everything look foggy.

I got out of the shower after scrubbing the dirt and grime off of me. I pulled on my navy hoodie and pants, quickly savoring the comfort of my old clothes. I placed the dirty black clothes on the floor, making a mental note to burn them later. I didn't want to keep anything that connected me to the past few days.

My legs were slightly wobbly when I stepped out of the room into a hallway. Several other doors and torches lined the hallway, leading to a staircase. I gripped the railing as I climbed, bracing myself on it.

Because I was asleep for so long, my body wasn't used to moving. My muscles were weak, not used to being without support from the darkness. I would have to train hard to get myself back into fighting form.

I reached the top of the staircase, looking around. Directly in front of me stood a door, a breeze coming through the cracks. That must be the door to the outside.

To my right sat a kitchen and room full of chests. On my other side, there was another hallway. Not seeing anyone to my right, I walked through the hall. As I neared the end I could hear voices.

I quickened my pace as much as my sore limbs would let me, letting my excitement soar.

"No, you do it like this." My magic leaped at the sound of Dream's voice, sending small embers out around me. I calmed it, peeking my head into the room. My mouth gaped at the sight.

I now looked into a huge room, which held couches and bookcases directly in front of me. Further into the room, weapons and armor lined the walls. There was an area for archery in the corner and a sparring mat sat next to it.

And there on the sparring mat, stood a man wearing a lime green hoodie and one with a white bandana. I smiled, watching as Dream showed Sapnap some tricks with an ax and shield.

George stood on their other side, sorting through chests, "C'mon Sapnap, just get it already." His voice was teasing, still searching through something in the chests.

Sapnap paused his movements, turning to George. "I wanna see you come try to learn this Georgie." He lowered his shield, causing Dream to sigh. He clearly just wanted to teach him without their bickering.

"I can't, I'm colorblind."

Sapnap rolled his eyes at his friend and then continued to stick his tongue out at him. I hid my giggle as I watched the two argue.

"Yeah, Sapnap, he's colorblind."

I laughed as all of their heads snapped to me. The sound echoed through the room, the tall ceiling taking my words higher.

Like the moment before I had gone to sleep, they raced over to where I stood. They practically tripped over each other as they pulled me into a hug. I embraced them, ignoring my blooming headache.

At that moment, I realized how touch starved I had been. I leaned into their warmth, savoring it. I tried not to let it all hit me again.

"I ... can't ... breathe," I got out, smiling as they quickly released me. "I love you all giving me hugs, but until my lungs heal, maybe not so tight." My voice was warm, no cold edge lingering there.

Dream stepped towards me again, George and Sapnap glancing at each other. Smiles grew on their faces, Sapnap rolling his eyes, teasingly. "Just kiss already, lovebirds."

That was the only reassurance Dream needed. He stepped to me, wrapping his arms around me. I almost fell from the feeling of safety, but he kept me supported. His emerald eyes were dancing, mirroring the happy smile on his face.

I gave him a small nod, standing on the tips of my toes. My legs would've quaked from the effort, but Dream lifted me completely off my feet, bringing my face to his. He pressed his lips to mine, the scent of rain and forest filling me. I closed my eyes, a glowing feeling filling me.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, bringing him closer to me. I smiled into our kiss. I felt so much joy in my heart that I felt like I would explode.

The kiss was wrapped in emotions from the time I was gone. There were hints of fear and sadness ebbed in it, but the happiness and content overpowered it. A crack in my heart healed from the affection.

He leaned back, a loving look in his eyes. I nuzzled my face into his neck as he spoke, "I missed you." His voice was quiet, but content. I hugged him tighter, knowing he understood I felt the same.

"Y/n, do you want to tell us about it?" I peeked over Dream's shoulder to look at George. Their faces had turned soft, waiting for my response. I nodded, causing Dream to set me back down.

I walked over to the couches with them following after me. I sat down next to Sapnap, while George and Dream faced us. I leaned into my best friend, letting him support me.

And then I explained to them what had happened at the election.

I told them about what Schlatt did to me and the others. I showed them the bruises and scratches, earning a growl from Sapnap. But when I showed them the bruise on my knuckles and explained it, they all smiled.

Their smiles fell away as I explained how it felt to be trapped. How the darkness had kept me and my magic in a cage.

The temperature in the room began to lower, signifying the approaching night. I felt sleep tugging at me again, but I powered through it.

"So what do we do now?" George questioned, looking at me.

I felt tired again, after the amount of talking I did. I truly needed to work my endurance back up, if talking made me tired.

I would have to train with Dream tomorrow.

I paused, unsure. Noticing my hesitation, Dream said, "I think I have a plan."

-

Dream pov

He knew it would be a risk to put himself in this position. But it would be worth it.

It would all be worth it, even if he lost himself, just so she could live in a world without the darkness.

He wouldn't tell her the risks, not when she had a purpose.

He knew that Noemi had visited her because she had visited him as well.

It had been the middle of the night after he thought he was asleep. But he opened his eyes to see a glowing woman in his dark room. He had sat up, reaching for his sword. Seeing his alarm, she quickly explained who she was.

The Goddess of Light.

She had told him that she had come from meeting y/n and explained the same thing she had told her.

He smiled when he was told he wouldn't have to experience the darkness for a while. But it quickly disappeared when the woman continued on. Y/n would have to pay a price for saving their world.

Noemi explained to him the plan he would present to his group. He would join Schlatt's side only in battle, and continue to help Pogtopia up until then.

But there was a risk. It was the price y/n would have to pay.

He would be putting himself in an exposed position, to fall to the hunger for power. No darkness could get to him, but his own mind could change him. He could fall to himself.

And lose her.

He would be the price she would have to pay.

~~~~

i told you all not to get attached ;(

I'm breaking my own heart with my story ughhh

But i hope u all have a wonderful day or night! Go get some water if you haven't drunk any today!