Pandemonium | Dream SMP

04. Drugs.

It's gone midday when the tour finally ends. I'm a little sad that our time exploring the small nation is over, as I'm a person that enjoys spending their time outdoors, a quality that Schlatt has never understood about me.

"Why would anyone want to be outside, surrounded by dirt and bugs, when you can be inside enjoying alcohol and a warm fireplace." He'd once expressed, a look of disdain on his face.

I'd simply listened without comment. It's not my place to correct another's opinion, even if I disagree with it. And Schlatt's opinions are ones I usually disagree with. But that's just how our relationship works. We understand each other, but that doesn't mean we have to be in agreement.

Looking over at Schlatt now, I can see how relieved he is to finally get the chance to put his feet up. Considering how hard he diets, he has a surprising lack of stamina. And it shows now in his impatient frown and creased brows. His short breaths and drooping shoulders. It's rare to see him so discomposed, especially in front of anyone that isn't me. He hates showing weakness.

We're almost in view of Tommy's home when something unusual happens.

A man in a mask steps out in front of us, followed by a dark-haired male wearing a white bandana and a nasty grin. They must have been lying in wait for us to have timed their appearance so well.

"Dream." Tommy snarls, all excitement from the day's events dropping away from his face in an instant. Tubbo is the same, his expression turning stony as he rests a hand on the hilt of his sword. I take a few steps back to position myself beside Schlatt, who has an amused look in his dark eyes. Although I don't know these strangers, from Tommy and Tubbo's reactions alone I can garner that they aren't friendly.

"What do you want, Dream?" Tubbo speaks up. His voice is confident, but his hands tremble.

"Oh, you know, just passing through," the masked man called Dream says nonchalantly, taking a few steps forward. His voice reminds me of Schlatt's. Smooth and buttery, but with menace hidden beneath it. His choice of attire, on the other hand, is nothing like what Schlatt would wear. A green jacket and ripped jeans. The jacket has clearly seen better days, and has a hood attached that is currently pulled up and over his head despite the warm weather. His mask is perhaps the strangest thing about him. But also the most alluring. It's simple and round, obscuring the entirety of his face. A smiley face decorates the white surface, practically mocking us with its pleasant expression. He turns to survey our little group, and I catch the glimpse of a black axe hanging from his side.

Netherite? I wonder with awe.

"No way, is that Schlatt?" Dream's companion exclaims. He takes a step forward and Tommy's sword is immediately at his throat.

"Another step and I'll cut you, bitch boy," Tommy warns.

The dark-haired youth just laughs, "Yo, Dream. It really is Schlatt! I can't believe he's actually back. And after we told him to never show his face here again. He must have a death wish!"

"We invited him," Tubbo explains defensively. "He's a guest of L'Manburg. He's out of your jurisdiction."

"I didn't know you let children speak on your behalf, Schlatt." Dream says, speaking straight over Tubbo's head to address the horned man directly. "Is this really what you've resorted to? Hiding behind children?"

"I see you're as witty as ever," Schlatt smirks, all fatigue suddenly gone from his body as he stands straight and confident, his shoulders squared. "What can I say? I missed you guys and your trash talk."

"Not as much as you're about to miss your head." Dream's companion sneers, reaching for the sword at his back.

"Sapnap, wait."