E-404 | Dreamnotfound

Chapter Twenty Four

A/N: I've decided I'm going to be doing off-and-on updates so no set schedule for this fanfic. Anyways go read Dream Catcher, my other fanfic, because the writing is better.

"What's wrong George?"

Dream was in the brunette's temporary room as he helped him pack. Foolish had told them George needed to strengthen his muscles, which meant that he needed to build them up by carrying some bags, but not too many in a way that would cause more harm than good. So, George would carry a lighter backpack that he'd first brought for the mission.

"I just have a bad feeling about this," he signed, shuffling through his bag.

The male was once again masked and sat on the other's bed.

"The letter?"

A simple nod, "I can't stop wondering why the creator of this simulation is doing it to begin with."

Dream was quiet, trying to process it himself. He could tell the other were uneasy, "I know. The ides of this being fake is scary but knowing we have to abide by everything to escape is worse."

"That's not even the half of it."

The blonde held a questioning look.

"The letter said that if I strayed from my assigned 'purpose' that the creator intended, then they'd 'motivate me.' I don't even know who they are, or what they want with me, and they're threatening me."

"George-"

"Dream," his voice was a whisper, but it cut through the air with desperation, "That means someone is threatening me. Someone that holds the materials and weaponry to hurt me or someone that's close to us. They could hurt you."

"Hey, look at me," Dream slid his mask to the side of his face in order to uncover his eyes, "We're going to get through this together, with Sapnap and Karl, as a team, okay?"

The brunette gave a nod. He wanted to believe every part of it, but half of him was still unsure.

"They might be close, what if it's a spy?" George asked.

Dream paused for a moment, "If there's a spy within our group, only the four of us, Technoblade, and Phil will know about direct decisions and orders. And, to have precaution, we'll start something like the buddy system. Going somewhere, even just to a bedroom, we'll be in groups of two or more."

George grabbed the water from the night table which laid beside the bed, taking a drink as he thought.

"Okay."

George sat on the bed next to Dream when the blonde reached another to intertwin pinkies, "I'll be here for you, George. We'll be alright."

The brunette held a smile on his face, agreeing, "Let's go."

As they made their way out of the room, they were met with the remainder of the group who were discussing their departure.

"Are you sure you don't want to come back with us?" Sapnap asked.

Foolish shook his head, "I have no interest in returning to the outside world."

"You could even just come with us," Dream suggested, "You don't have to leave, but I think it would be fun to have you at the stronghold."

Foolish paused for a moment, thinking about his decision. He was happy in his small log cabin, but he figured that a small adventure would be fun.

"Okay, I'll come," he smiled.

"It'll be worthwhile," Dream reassured, "Do you have your own horse for the ride over?"

"Yeah," Foolish answered, "I'm gonna go pack my things and get my horse ready, I'll be back."

Once Foolish had left, the remainder of the group put on their coats. Of course, they'd be going through the nether, but they first had to ride through the cold winter weather.

"Okay so," Sapnap announced, "Dream is going to be with me, and George you're going with Karl. That way you'll both be with someone who isn't wounded."

"Did they already leave?" Dream asked, referring to others who had accompanied them on the mission.

"Yeah and Technoblade came back to the base because he wants to know more about the Bane."

"Okay," Dream said, "Let's get home."

The trio walked outside, prepping their horses. George couldn't deny a part of him that was worried about using the nether as a way to travel. A lot of things seemed to put him in unease. The idea of someone with the ability to watch him was a reason for that.

The snow had melted off the ground, foreshadowing the beginnings of fall.

He drifted towards Dream, watching as his blonde hair blowing in the cold breeze. He was pretty.

"I'm ready to leave if you guys are," Foolish announced and George realized that he brought the bare necessities with him.

They traveled through the forest, eventually making it to the portal area where George had remembered his nervousness. A small feeling lingered within him.

They continued through, finding a small dug-out path that looked to continue through the rocks for a while.

Dream kept sending small, teasing looks over at George as the group of five conserved whatever random thought came to mind like the idea of space or Greek mythology.

When the horses came to a halt, George looked up to question why they'd stopped. Because he was sitting behind George, he had to peer over his shoulder.

Sapnap sent a look backfilled with worry to the others.

"Karl?" George whispered.

With no response, he focused on the conversation ahead.

"Who are you and why are you in the nether?" Dream asked, caution on his voice as he looked down from his horse.

"I could ask you the same," the person responded, "Don't worry, I'm not apart of The Evolved. I still have my three lives."

The answer had Dream turning his head in confusion.

"What?"

"They've been attacking everyone recently, so I figured you'd be worried we were a part of them," they said.

Karl moved the horse closer to the group, allowing George to see the person. The person was alone, wearing a sweater and messy hair.

"Oh," Dream replied, "Then stay safe on your journey and have a good day."

Sapnap directed Karl and Foolish to continue forward and George kept his eyes on the person as they walked past. At one point, they'd made eye contact as they passed and George could've sworn a smirk was plastered upon them. However, when he blinked, there was only a straight face.

"Huh, that's weird."

"What?" Karl questioned.

"Oh, it's nothing."