mirror, mirror ∥ Dream SMP

3.

Things you should know:
1. Alternate Dream is referred to as "Alternate" for the majority of this chapter, and "Dream" after the fight ends.
2. If this becomes too confusing, please let me know, as well as any suggestions you have on how to make it more clear.

Warnings: Foul Language, Violence, Discussion of Tommy's Exile

Philza saw him first.

The imposter was strolling down the main path towards the community house, not even bothering to be subtle. His diamond armor clinked with every step. "Prime," The avian hybrid whispered.

"He looks exactly like him," Eret muttered, eyes wide behind their sunglasses. "How is that possible?"

Tubbo pushed his way to the front of the crowd. "He's not wearing a mask!"

The imposter stopped a few yards away, eyes fixed on Dream, who stood apart from the rest of the SMP, decked out in full netherite and gripping a sword.

"Hello, Dream," he called. The muttering from the audience quieted.

"Who are you?" Dream demanded.

"You from an alternate universe."

"Bullshit."

Dream's alternate self tilted his head, brushing a hand over the mask hanging at his waist. "You recognize this face, don't you? It's yours."

"How did you get here?"

"Jumped in a portal running from Tommy."

There was a disbelieving pause. ". . . Tommy?"

He snorted at the incredulous tone. "Yeah. Manhunt. He downed a strength potion after I killed Wilbur."

A flinch ran through the crowd. Philza's hands clenched into fists, twitching at the phantom sensation of blood drying under his fingernails. Alternate Dream's eyes slid to Fundy, who had taken a step back, his ears pressed to his head.

"Temporarily killed," he clarified. "He respawned. Prime, Dream, what the hell did you do to this SMP?"

Dream remained silent.

Alternate slowly shook his head. "Manipulating children? Starting wars?" He gestured at the crowd. "This was supposed to be a safe place, where they could be happy. "

"They are happy."

"Doesn't look like it to me."

Alternate stalked forward. Dream stepped up to meet him.

"Right to business, then." Alternate raised his chin. "Duel to the first death."

"Agreed."

"If I win, you'll leave the SMP alone."

Dream stopped in his tracks. "What? The SMP is-- it's my SMP!"

Alternate blinked slowly. "You've hurt the people enough," he said calmly. "Just let them go."

Dream snarled and started forward again. His counterpart ran up to meet him. Axe met sword, the diamond shivering against netherite. They deadlocked for a moment before spinning away from each other. Alternate yanked a shield from his inventory, Dream following suit, exchanging his sword for a netherite axe. The two of them clashed once more.

They were pretty evenly matched. Fighting against himself was a strange experience, Alternate had to admit; they could predict each others' tells, and thus neither could land a hit on the other. As it was, this would go on until one of them dropped from exhaustion or got lucky.