Manburg Underground

A Meeting With the Beast

Dream didn't mention anything to George the next morning or afternoon, but he finally brought it up that night when they were both in their room. He turned off his phone, the sudden darkness leaving deep purple spots in his vision, and turned to look over at George. He was sitting up in his bed, scrolling through something on his phone. "So," Dream asked, "what were your hobbies from before all of this?"

George stopped and looked at him. Then, he simply said, "I don't know. I just enjoyed hanging out with my friends."

Getting no where with the conversation, Dream finally said it. "You were a streamer right?"

Looking away, George said, "I used to stream here and there." He sighed.

"'Here and there.' Sure." Dream scoffed and stood up. "You have a fanbase of millions and never told me. Even more importantly, you went out and got a job in the middle of New York! Someone is going to recognize you, George."

George didn't know why Dream seemed so upset, but his next statement said it all.

"If you get caught, we both die. Schlatt will see the news. He will kill us both!" Dream said, his voice raising. "When I woke up from after everything that had happened, you were there. You said something that you didn't think I'd hear. You said 'at least I have Dream. He's the last thing I have.'" Dream looked away and grabbed his elbow with the opposite hand. "obviously not."

George froze. He'd remembered that, but Dream was asleep. He'd assumed that he hadn't heard anything he said that night, but now it was evident that he had. The last words hit him hard and made him feel sick. It was true. George was in some way, famous. The only reason he hadn't been recognized at the coffee shop was because he dyed his hair back to his natural color the day before his birthday. He'd been blonde for years before.

"Dre-Clay-"

"Is that all I am George? 'Dream'? I forget that we've only known each other for barely that long. But in my memories, you're there. George, I might not be the only person you have left, but for me, you are. It's not fair." And with that, Dream left the room and George listened at the familiar click of the front door closing.

He'd fucked up big time. Dream had left his phone and it buzzed again from the kitchen table.

He shouldn't.

Giving in to curiosity, George went over and turned the phone over, the screen automatically lighting up.

From: WilburSoot@gmail.com
Subject: George

It's a good thing he's not aware. Thanks for distracting him. The whole streamer thing is going to be an obstacle for sure, but soon people will mourn for him and move on.

Keep him from guessing. The plan is still in place. I hope he got the notes we planted. They were a good distraction. Old lore to keep him focused in the past. Uncle will be glad to see you safe.

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.

Dream kicked a rock down the sidewalk and hurried his way into the building. It was freezing cold outside and he was welcomed with a warm blast of air as the heater inside kicked on. Wilbur sat at a desk in the corner and stood up when Dream arrived.

He followed Will down into a long corridor that led to the back of Pogtopia. "Here," Will said, motioning for Dream to step inside, and Dream walked in, taking a seat at the long table.

"Jimmy." Dream greeted the man across from him.

How are your memories?" Jimmy asked, getting straight to the point and ignoring Wilbur in the background.

"Still fuzzy. I remember Phil. I remember George and Schlatt. That's all I need to remember, right?"

Jimmy smiled and shook his head. "You don't remember anything else? Only them." He said, answering his own question. "Dream, there's going to be a time where remembering everything is going to be important. I can help you with that. I know that Phil warned you in the letters not to seek my guidance, but I promise I can help."

Dream was only half listening. His mind kept wandering back to George. He knew how stupid he was for walking out. Arguing didn't mean he should have left George alone with no way to contact him.

Of course he was upset; George had told him that his life before Schlatt was boring and meaningless. Obviously that wasn't true. He was an entirely different person on the internet than when he was with Dream. With Dream, George babied him and acted as though he was incompetent. George acted as if Dream's memory loss had made him dumb.

Maybe it was jealously in Dream's mind. Maybe it was admiration. Whatever it was, Dream didn't like the feeling that came with it. He tapped his fingers in a mindless pattern on the table, his chin resting in the palm of his hand. Jimmy continued to speak. "Of course, getting your memories back will mean revisiting a painful history, Dream. Are you okay to proceed with this?"

Dream hesitated. What if remembering would result in a repeat of what had happened the other night? He couldn't rely on George always being there for him and he knew that George had a life separate from his. Dream didn't want to remember. Remembering was only going to make things more complicated.

"Dream?" Jimmy asked again.

"I'll do it."

Hi! This is Zak's editor here :)

If you enjoy the drama if this book and enjoy medieval AUs such as Agent 03, you might like the new book that I am writing on Zak's account.

"The Prince's Royal Wish"

Please go check it out!!!

Also, mind voting? :)