Later that night, before I planned to tell everyone what had happened, I requested to speak to Techno. I couldn't leave my bed for at least a day so I had to ask Dream to get him. I wasn't sure when I would be able to speak to him alone again, before the war.

Thankfully, due to my magic, my wound was healing quickly now. George's fine work on my wound helped speed up the process. I was kept on the numbing ointment to keep the bite of the pain away until I could handle it.

I stroked Ghost's head, who was curled up next to me. When he had been allowed into the room to see me, he had whined and jumped up next to me without hesitation. He hadn't left since then, keeping his head rested on my leg at all times.

A soft knock came from the door, followed by its opening to reveal Techno. His bloodied shirt had been replaced with a clean one, and his mantle was once again wrapped around his shoulders. He must've cleaned the cape and ran home to get a fresh shirt.

He shut the door, leaning on it. "You wanted to see me?"

I nodded, "I wanted to thank you. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be here right now if you hadn't saved me." I could feel my eyes watering, emotions surging through me.

He nodded, his lips in a thin line. Other than the slight emotion in his eyes, his face was completely void of it, "Don't thank me," He angled his towards the dog at my side, "Thank him. He was the one that dragged me to you."

I glanced at the hound, "How exactly did he find you?"

He shrugged, "I'm assuming he sniffed out my trail, following it to where I was. He growled and barked at me until I followed him," His eyes softened, "You know if I knew what was happening in the ravine, I would've come down there."

I nodded, letting a tear slip-free, "I know. I'm just lucky I was able to make it out of that damned ravine." I huffed a laugh, "There are too many stairs in there."

It was silent for a moment, neither of us looking each other in the eye. I sighed, glancing back at him, "You know who did this, don't you?"

When his eyes found mine, there was a fire burning in them. He gave me a clipped nod, "Yes, I do. But if you don't mind me asking, how did it happen?"

I shifted slightly, making the dog look up at me with concern. I continued to pet him as I told Techno what Wilbur did and how I ignored my magic's warnings. Throughout the conversation, the man looked down at the ground. Something like guilt was in his posture.

I finished, "Techno, I can feel guilt coming off of you in waves, what's the matter?"

He hesitated for a moment, clearing his throat. He gripped the sword at his hip, a nervous tick I had picked up on, "Well I'm the one that had given Wilbur that dagger, but it was years ago. I didn't even know he still had it. I feel like it's partially-"

I cut him off, raising my hand, "No, this is not your fault. Your brother is in a very bad place, mentally, and he did something he thought was right. I should've listened to the warnings that were being thrown at me, but I felt bad for him so I ignored them."

Techno nodded, his grip lessening on the sword. Warmth flooded his eyes and surprisingly a small smile spread on his lips, "Well, I'm glad you're alright."

I smiled, "Me too." My smile lessened a little, "I'll see you on doomsday?"

He nodded, opening the door, "See you then."

-

"Alright y/n, what happened?"

Techno had gone home after our conversation, probably to prepare more for the approaching war. He hadn't said if he would talk to Wilbur, but I'm sure Techno knew that if he didn't speak to the man, Dream surely would.

The boys were now spread across my room, using my bed rest as an excuse to sleep in my room with me.

I bit back at a smile, seeing Sapnap and Karl cuddled up together. The two were clearly falling for each other.

George was lounging in a chair they had dragged in here. Dream laid on the other side of me, his hand intertwined with mine.

I turned my head to Dream before starting, "You have to promise me to not freak out and go stab this person before I finish telling you." He rolled his eyes, nodding.

I took a deep breath, beginning to tell them why I was at Pogtopia and the interaction I had with Wilbur. I told them how he attacked me, trapping me from using my magic. My eyes darted to the bruises around my wrists at that part, gingerly brushing my fingers across them.

Tears welled in Karl's eyes when I described the moment and the following moments I got stabbed. My side pulsed in response, my thoughts drifting to what I thought were my last minutes alive.

By the time I had finished, I could feel anger seeping out of Sapnap and Dream, a little more from the latter. The man on the bed with me was as taut as a bowstring with restraint. He angled his head at me, "Can I go take care of him now that you're done talking?"

I gave him a small smile, "Not yet. I need to be there, to talk to him." I leaned my head against my hand, "I truly don't think he did it on purpose, he's in a dark place right now."

Sapnap straightened, "That doesn't mean he's allowed to stab you though. He needs to have consequences." His posture softened when Karl leaned into him, running a hand through the boy's hair.

Dream's voice was rough, muttering mostly to himself, "Oh, he'll have consequences."

I squeezed his hand, making him relax a little. I looked at George, "Thank you for basically saving my life."

He gave me a small smile, his brown eyes warm, "Of course. If I hadn't, who would've been here to stop those two," He threw a stare at Sapnap and Dream, "from ganging up on me."

I smiled, Karl's face brightening, "And, who would've stayed up all night talking with me?"

Sapnap caught on, "I wouldn't have had anyone to light shit on fire with." I laughed at the goofy grin on his face. The man had a serious addiction to arson.

Dream smiled, "We also need someone around who can keep Sapnap from lighting important shit on fire." Sapnap's face reddened a little, Dream continuing, "While you and I were in here, Techno almost killed him when they were cleaning his cape."

Sapnap got defensive, "It isn't my fault his cape got too close to the fire under the boiling water!"

I laughed, warmth filling up inside of me. I looked at my lap, a strong blush on my face, "Aw guys, I didn't mean to worry you."

I glanced up as George spoke, "We know, we just worry cause your our y/n. And we love you."

More tears began to well in my eyes, Sapnap continuing after his friend, "What would we do without our little elemental princess around?"

My tears dissolved into laughter, "I'm not a princess."

Dream rolled his eyes, amusement dancing on his face, "You basically are, princess." He slid off the bed, getting on his knees. He placed a hand to his chest dramatically, "You have stolen my heart, your Majesty." I rolled my eyes, Karl giggling next to me.

I smirked, weaving a crown made of strands of fire around my head. Their eyes widened slightly, Dream's only showing amusement, "Well, Sir Dream, you will not be getting it back." I let the crown slip away into ashes, Dream dissolving into giggles.

Everyone's laugh followed his, Sapnap saying above the noise, "Okay, get a room, lovebirds." At that moment, I sent a quick thank you up to the gods that were watching over me.

-

Dream pov

He had waited until all of their breaths were even and deep before stepping out of the room. He glanced around at all of them, a small lantern illuminating the room slightly.

George was knocked out in the chair, falling asleep mid-conversation. He smiled, seeing Sapnap have his arms wrapped protectively around Karl as they laid on the floor.

His heart leaped when his eyes landed on y/n, who had her hand resting on Patches. Ghost laid on the other side of her, the animals keeping her safe.

He softly closed the door, wandering into his room to find his ax. His mask laid on his bed where someone had moved it after earlier that day. When he had dropped it, a small crack was caused at the bottom. He frowned, bringing up to put on his face.

Something like a calm fury settled over him, replacing his previous vulnerability. He didn't know if it was his new position with the gods or if it was just his personality that caused him to feel like this, but he embraced it.

No one would be allowed to get away with even looking at her wrong without him dealing with it.

He tugged his dark green hood over his hair, lacing up his dark boots. A soft creak emitted behind him as he went to grab his ax. He spun, his muscles tensing.

"Dream, you aren't doing what I think you're doing, are you?" George stood in his doorway, his eyes half-open from sleep. Dream suppressed a laugh when he caught sight of the man's wild, dark hair.

He composed himself, relaxing, "Well, that depends."

George crossed his arms, "On what?"

Dream turned his back towards the man, grabbing his ax, "If you're going to tell y/n."

George chuckled, "Now I definitely know what you're up to. But I won't tell y/n, on one condition."

Dream turned back around, "What is it?" He hoped he wasn't going to say what he was suspecting.

George smirked, "You have to bring me with you." Yup, he said what he was expecting him to.

He sighed, "I supposed there's no way out of this?"

"Not unless you want y/n to know what you're up to."

Dream rolled his eyes behind his mask, "Fine. Go change, you can't wear pajamas to a shit show."

-

George dressed quickly, stepping back into the hall where Dream was waiting. He hooked a diamond sword to his side, beginning to walk towards the front door.

He paused, noticing Dream's hesitance, "Dream, she'll be fine. Sapnap's in there and Ghost won't let anyone go near her. She's safe."

Dream looked up at his best friend, following in his steps towards the door, "I know." He gripped his ax tightly, fighting the urge to run back in there. He knew that Sapnap would keep her safe, but it still bothered him to leave her.

He shook off the feeling as they stepped out into the warm night. Thunder was rumbling in the distance, closing in on them. A small part of him knew that it was her magic that was calling the storm, unconsciously. It had a tendency to act out when she was hurt.

He just hoped that the magic would work fast enough so that she could fight Schlatt in a few days.

Not only had Wilbur endangered her life, but also the plan to take down the darkness.

He angled his mask at George, "So why exactly do you want to come? I never took you as a violent person, Georgie."

George rolled his eyes at the nickname, "I'm coming to make sure you don't kill Wilbur. You need someone there to make you think rationally."

Dream sucked in a breath, "Uh, I do think rationally."

His friend laughed, "Not when you're in that killing calm. You tend to lose yourself in the violence and fury, so I'll be your anchor." He turned to Dream, "Wilbur can't die, even if he deserves it for what he did." George's soft face darkened at the last words.

Dream huffed, "Well, you don't have to worry about that. First of all, if I killed him, y/n would never forgive me." He lifted up two fingers, "Secondly, I already told Techno that I need to have a chat with his brother, so Techno will be there."

Confusion was on George's face, "So you don't plan on hurting Wilbur?"

"Not yet. I need him breathing for my plan. But if I had the choice, he would already be up with the gods."

-

As soon as the two figures in the dark clearing came into view, calm washed over him. His instincts began to kick in making the less human side of himself come out.

Maybe this is why he was chosen to be the God of Chaos.

A surge of confidence rushed through him, putting a swagger in his steps. He kept his face emotionless behind his mask. A fire of fury burned fiercely inside of him.

As they got closer, a third figure sprinted out towards the two others. The moonlight reflected on his blonde hair, a small green cloth wrapped around his wrist. Dream rolled his eyes behind his mask, he didn't need Tommy getting in the way.

When he was in this strange killing calm, his body was more alert, his senses heightened. He could faintly hear George's heart beating rhythmically. He could see the details of Wilbur's face, even though they were still too far away for a normal person to make him out in the dark.

Tommy was huffing with his hands on his knees when they got closer. He shot upright at the sound of their approach. The teen was slightly taller than him, but Dream knew he could take him down in a fight. He had had years to train his skills and body.

Dream ignored Wilbur for a moment by staring at Tommy, "What are you doing here?"

Tommy squared his shoulders, "I'm here to make sure you don't kill my brother," His face softened slightly, glancing to George, "Is she alright?"

Dream bit down on his sneer, George responding, "Yes, bed-bound at the moment. But alive." He could see his friend shooting daggers at Wilbur with his stare.

Techno turned to his younger brother, "Tommy, go home-"

Tommy planted his feet, "No. I want to be here."

His brother just rolled his eyes, giving up. When he turned back to Dream, he beckoned him to continue. Dream turned his piercing stare on Wilbur. The man shrunk back slightly, feeling his glare from behind the mask.

"Why did you do it?" His voice was steady when he spoke, the killing calm taking over once more. It was taking everything in his power to not unleash his ax on the man.

Wilbur sighed while shaking his hands slightly, "I didn't mean to. I thought she was the traitor so I was going to take matters into my own hands." Dream saw right through the lie, not just because he knew who the true traitor was. He could hear the faint skip of his heart as he told the lie.

"Wilbur I am walking a very fine line, I recommend telling me the truth." He raised his gleaming netherite ax slightly, "Or I won't hesitate to make you tell the truth."

As well as Tommy's, Wilbur's eyes widened with fear. Satisfaction washed over Dream like a crashing wave. It only increased the desire to slice the man into tiny bits.

The man swallowed, glancing to Techno. The latter gave him a nod, Wilbur taking a deep breath, "I truly didn't mean to," He raised his palms, "I swear. It's just like something ... snapped in me. I didn't realize what I was doing till it was done."

Dream ignored the warning look George gave him as he stalked up to the man. Although Wilbur was taller, Dream looked at the man down his nose. He leaned in, his voice hushed so that only he would hear, "If you so much as breathe in the wrong way near her, I won't hesitate to snap your neck."

He glanced at Tommy before whispering, "The only reason you are still alive is because of our plan. It would hurt her and my plan if you were dead."

He stepped away, "And I don't like when things don't go my way, Wilbur." He could feel his knuckles turning white from the strong grip on his ax.

The image of her damaged form, dripping with blood flashed in his mind. He had to bite his tongue to keep from attacking the man. A strong shake ran through his body quickly as fury washed over him. There was a slight metallic taste in his mouth.

Their eyes were on him, Techno's hand on his sword's handle. Something inside of him laughed. They expected him to attack Wilbur.

Good. People should be scared of him.

He took a deep breath, turning his back on the man. The first drops of rain fell onto his mask and shoulders. Her magic was telling him to breathe, to step away from the man. And the rain was his applause.

He could feel her magic pulsing around him from the approaching thunderstorm. It comforted him as he composed himself.

George turned away, ready to walk off. Dream glanced over his shoulder, fire in his stare, "You should be thankful that this is a warning." He placed a finger to his chin to feign contemplation, "I truly can't decide if I should leave you alive or not."

Wilbur and Tommy tensed while Techno just calmly took his hand off his sword. He knew Dream was restraining himself. He shot a deadly look at his lover's almost killer, knowing that he could see it despite his mask.

He shrugged, smiling at Wilbur. He saw the man flinch as he saw the blood from Dream's tongue drip down his teeth in his smile.

He hadn't meant to bite his tongue, but if the blood scared Wilbur, then why not use it against him?

~~~~

if you couldn't tell, dream is a tad bit protective

make sure to get water and something to eat! thank you for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful day