A Dragon's Hoard

Chapter 7

Dream and Fundy left a little late, as Niki and the boys were very insistent that they be prepared for anything. And while Niki was slightly upset that he was letting Fundy go with him, she didn't say anything, only raising an eyebrow. They were both in full netherite armour and had weapons and potions just in case someone decided to disobey the rules of the Holy Land.

Before they exited the den, Niki stood on her tiptoes and whispered in his ear: "Simp." He chuckled and shrugged.

They had decided to walk to the meeting since Dream's wings were still injured and Fundy had already scolded him for even suggesting he carry him. They made their way through the forest, stopping at the border.

"Remember the plan, I mean it foxy. Stay behind me," he got a noncommittal grunt from the man but then he paused.

"Foxy?"

"Just- you're not gonna forget that one are you?"

"Nope!" Dream was given a sharp toothed grin that told him that the rest of the family would definitely be hearing about this. They made their way to the coordinates George had sent him and were greeted by three men, Schlatt, Quackity and George.

"Well well well. Hello Dream, and Fundy, what a surprise," Schlatt was surprisingly not drunk, or at least was still coherent.

"What's this about Schlatt? I'm not giving them back and you're not going to convince me." Dream had positioned himself in front of Fundy and his wings were spread in order to look more intimidating.

"Ah you can keep your little fuck buddy and those kids, I don't really care. However, you will be giving me my daughter back," Dream had bristled at the man's comments but he stayed calm, the only sign of his anxiety being his flicking tail.

"No."

"You don't seem surprised at the news, so she already told you. She usually doesn't trust people that easily so she must have... oh," the goat man started laughing. "So she figured it out too. You know I only realized when I got here. How is Tubbo doing?"

"They're both safe, far away from you."

"Hmm well you can keep the boy, he's useless," George and Quackity both made faces at that, "but I will have Nyx back."

"I already said no. You did enough to her." Schlatt was getting angrier and everyone could tell.

"Tell me where she is or I will force it out of you Dream." There was something in his eyes that made Dream take a small step back and wrap his tail around Fundy. He had some kind of trick up his sleeve, and Dream didn't plan to stick around to find out.

"I've dealt with hybrids before Dream. I know how to handle them. So I'll give you one last chance before I make you and your little boy toy give her up."

"I'm not sure I like where this is heading Schlatt so I'm afraid we'll have to continue this another day."

"You're not going anywhere." He raised a hand and everyone standing there tensed. His face twisted into a smirk and swung his hand down like he was starting a race.

It reached his side and suddenly ropes were flung across the clearing, creating a net over Dream's back. He tried to keep his grip on Fundy while clawing at the ropes now dragging him to the ground. Manberg troops emerged from the trees and Dream cursed himself for being distracted with Fundy when they entered.

The weight of the fox man was pulled from his tail and Dream turned to see him fighting off several men.

"Run Fundy!"

"No I'm not leaving you!" George and Quackity were yelling too, they didn't seem to know anything about this. George was being held back by Quackity but they were obviously just as confused.

"Go Fundy! Go!" He sparred a final glance at Dream, wings beating wildly against the ropes, tail lashing out at anyone who dared get close. Dragon's breath covered the land but it wasn't enough. You can't win every battle. And so Fundy dashed off into the woods, sprinting away from the fight and his Dream. Tears ran down his face but he couldn't afford to cry.

Dream tried to block the way behind Fundy as he disappeared into the dark woods. He only stopped fighting when then man was out of sight and Schlatt had ordered his men not to follow, "he's not worth anything anyways."

Dream glared at the man, and he smirked back. "I told you, give me Nyx back and everything will be just fine." Dream thought about spitting in his face but then he saw what was in Schlatt's hand.

It was a thick metal circle, carved with runes and he could feel the magic emanating from it. He knew what this was, he may not have ever touched one but that was fine by him. Schlatt's smile only widened when he saw Dream's gaze lock onto the collar.

"So you know what this is! It took me a while to get one but it was necessary to control the brat at first. Put it on him."

At this Dream began to fight again, pulling at the ropes with all his might, but in the short time he had stopped the ropes had been secured. He couldn't get out. Oh Prime. No. Shit. I need to get out. No. Panic was setting in as the soldiers came closer to him. He couldn't allow that monstrosity near him.

But near him it went. The collar was soon fastened around his neck and he could immediately feel it take effect. His wings felt numb, the strength seeped from his body. His tail flicked anxiously but felt sluggish, like he couldn't reach it. His magic felt blocked too, he could sense it but it was overpowered by the pain of having it suppressed. It was like part of his soul had been taken away and it hurt.

This was worse than any pain he had ever experienced, worse than any kind of torture. Dream never cried in front of people, but he almost did that day. Sounds were muffled but he could make out George's voice, angry and hurt. He was trying to get to Dream but Dream was stuck. He was stuck in the Holy land, now defiled by violence, and stuck in his head as he tried to fight through the waves of pain coming from his neck. All he could see through his tear filled eyes, was Schlatt's sickening grin as he watched his soul be stripped away.

Fundy ran as quick as he could, only stopping to listen for people following. He didn't know it, but Fundy was lucky. He had made it far enough away that he couldn't hear the screams that echoed through the forest. Or perhaps he wasn't lucky, perhaps it would've been better to be there than feel the guilt of leaving someone you love. He was out of breath and had only realized he'd been shot with an arrow when he stopped to press in the code.

Once again, the group on the couch were startled by the entrance of an injured man. It was almost too loud. Questions about, if he was ok? How did he get shot? Where was Dream? That last one hurt the most. He only managed to mutter: "he's got him," before he collapsed to the ground, halfway to unconsciousness.

There was a curse from the doorway, "oh no. We have to get him, as fast as we can. You don't understand, he won't kill him," Nyx was standing in the hall, petrified. "It's so much worse than death."

A/N

Mwahahahaha, I can already hear my friends calling me a bitch. You know I wasn't sure what would happen at the meeting and then I thought: what if I just added angst? Hope you enjoyed! If you liked it so far, feel free to vote! I really hope you guys like it and are in so much pain lol.

Next chapter will probably be out in a couple of days!