Pandemonium | Dream SMP

05. Schlatt is not to be trusted.

That night, no matter how much I toss and turn, sleep fails to find me. I'm usually a light sleeper. I have to be for Schlatt's sake, considering he sleeps like a log, and an attack is just as likely at night as it is during the day. But tonight is different. Both my mind and body refuse to rest.

Finally giving in to the reality that I'm not about to fall asleep any time soon, I throw back the covers of my makeshift bed and stand silently to my feet. The room is bathed in darkness, but even through it I can still make out the grumbling shape of Schlatt as he rests soundly in Tommy's bed.

I frown slightly at the sounds he makes.

They're not in any way natural. A clear indication that he hasn't been taking his medication like he should.

I don't know exactly what ails Schlatt. He rarely talks about his illness, preferring to pretend it doesn't exist than face the reality that he isn't perfect. It doesn't seem to be too serious, whatever he has, and I can only hope that it doesn't grow worse with time. The most I can do is encourage him to take his meds on time and keep him from getting assassinated by the many individuals he's offended.

Leaving the man to sleep in peace, I make my way from the bedroom and into the adjoining front room. It's easier to see here, as moonlight streams steadily in through the small windows, lighting up the space. Tommy is easy to spot, sprawled out like a stick figure on his sofa, his blankets thrown askew. His mouth hangs open as he sleeps, a growing pool of drool gathering on his pillow.

I giggle at the sight. He really is a child at heart, no matter how macho he tries to act in front of others. It's almost strange seeing him like this. I didn't know he could make such a peaceful expression.

After fixing up his blankets, I decide to try and cure my insomnia by venturing outside, rather than staying indoors where I could potentially disturb the sleeping boy.

It's brighter out than I thought it would be. The moon and stars hang like lanterns in the empty night, casting silvery light across the plains of the SMP.

I spy a bench off to the side of Tommy's garden, and make my way over to it, the cool grass tickling my bare feet as I walk. It's an old bench, worn from use. It also offers a wonderful view of the moonlit lands around me. From here I can see all the buildings not in L'Manburg territory, the ones I'd been unable to visit during the tour.

This land is so vast, it's unlike anything I've ever seen before. It's a shame I can't freely explore it right now.

As I gaze out, starstruck by the view, I vaguely register the figure stepping quietly out from the shadows, approaching on light feet.

They take a seat beside me, at the opposite end of the bench, and slump into the wooden frame with a tired sigh.

"You seem very confident that I won't attack you," I comment softly, flicking my pale blue gaze across to them.

"If you wanted to attack me you would have done so already." They quip back confidently.

We sit in silence for a moment, pretending to admire the view. I say pretending since neither one of us is remotely interested in our surroundings anymore, but rather each other.

Dream, of the Dream SMP. I've heard of men so conceited that they'd name land after themselves. But to think that I'd be sitting next to one, conversing with one, is extremely surreal. What's more, is that he's surprisingly average in appearance. Granted, his mask is a little strange, and his height, even stranger. I hadn't noticed earlier, but now that I'm sat so close to him, I can see that he must be well over six feet tall, towering far above my measly five foot five.

I stretch out my legs and sink into the seat, mirroring his relaxed posture, despite the fact neither one of us is relaxed, but simply putting on an act to try and catch the other off guard. At a moments notice, I'm sure he could easily jump to his feet and swing a punch.

"Schlatt has come for the election, hasn't he?"

"Yes." I nod, seeing no point in denying this fact.

"And how long are you staying for?"

"We'll probably leave the day after the rally."

Dream hums thoughtfully. It's a low sound that vibrates through the bench and up into my chest.

"I don't have time to deal with Schlatt right now. The election is my main concern for the moment. If you make sure he leaves after the rally, then I won't bother you. But I will be watching."

I stare at him, surprised. He's more reasonable than I thought. Granted I do as he says, of course. If not, I can only imagine the consequences.

"I understand."

Dream nods and stands, his hands finding their way to his jacket pockets. The black axe at his hip swings with the movement, and once again my eyes are drawn to it. Netherite is an incredibly rare material. People kill over that stuff. I wonder what method he used to acquire it.

The masked man takes a step away, but hesitates, and turns to stare down at me. I sit up straight and expectantly, wondering what more he has to say.

"You're clearly a skilled fighter, Ares. Schlatt wouldn't have risked coming here if you weren't. So I'll give you this one warning, from one warrior to another." He says, his voice cool and sharp, "Schlatt is not to be trusted. He's a compulsive liar and a cheat. He won't hesitate to use you to get what he wants. You'd best leave him while you still can, or you'll only suffer."

I smile softly, my gaze dropping to my feet. "You think I don't know all that? Schlatt is all of those things and worse. It's no secret that he's a terrible person. But...I think you'd be surprised to find he also has his positives." I play with my fingers as I talk, my smile growing more confident with each word. "I owe that man more than you could imagine. And you want me to abandon him, simply because he's not perfect? I'm afraid I can't do that."

Dream tuts and turns on his heel, "then you'll fall with him. And believe me, he will fall."

As quietly as he'd appeared, Dream leaves, the green of his jacket the last to fade into the night. I wait for a moment, staring at the spot where he'd disappeared. And then I stand and head back inside.

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Guys! It's barely been two weeks and I'm already about to hit 3k! Like, what?! You're all amazing! And I love reading all your comments (I read every single one of them).

Next chapter is on Thursday :)

POGCHAMP