Who Lies in the End?

Ch 32: 2 "I've fallen from higher"

art by: rin_yuun on instagram

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"George, hold on- can you think about this?"

"I already have."

"Let me rephrase that: can we talk about this?"

"Sapnap," George leveled his friend with a solid stare, "We're running out of options and running out of time."

Dream shook his head at the arguing pair. Even as the whole lot of them were retreating towards the mansion, Sapnap was still trying to talk George out of this decision; unfortunately for him, George seemed dead set on the outcome. The others seemed uncertain as well but were far less vocal about it.

As George and Sapnap took the lead, BadBoyHalo and Karl slowed down to walk beside Dream. His body tensed at the position, especially because Sam was lagging in the back with his eyes boring a hole in his skull. The whole situation put Dream on edge, and he was already regretting his decision, but as his eyes fell upon George, he found himself willing to follow... for now.

"So, Dream," Bad began with a tentative, but friendly tone, "this has got to be a weird situation."

"Well, it's not every day that people request the help of outlaws," he shrugged.

"It's not every day someone of your caliber just stumbles onto our home. Quite literally, in this instance."

Dream allowed a small laugh, "Certainly wasn't the plan. I got kinda turned around in the forest and forgot about this village."

Karl piped in with his own question, "How many did you have to run from this time?"

"Four and Techno was on his way."

"Seriously? How did you get away?" Bad looked up at Dream with genuine interest.

The expression bloomed warmth in Dream's chest. He tilted his head in thought before he flashed a proud smile, "Lots of agility and surprises."

"That's pretty vague," Karl commented.

Dream shrugged, not really willing to divulge all his secrets. A voice from behind the trio voiced the next inquiry.

"Any witnesses who've seen your work always remark on your quick thinking and resourcefulness. Even when you don't have anything on you, supplies just... appear," Sam commented, a suspicious lilt in his voice.

"I'm flattered that you know so much about me," Dream mocked as he turned on his heel to face Sam. The white mask watched the creeper-kin with a devilish grin as Dream walked backward.

"I had to do my own research as soon as your name began to be posted on Wanted posters," Sam explained casually, but his eyes were sharp as they watched Dream's every movement.

"Want me to sign one? You could sell it for a profit," Karl and Bad let out a few laughs, making Dream smirk with confidence. He bet if Sam could actually see his face, the expression would only piss the other off more. He spun forward as they reached the mansion.

Swamp air opened to cool hallways as the group finally entered the marbled floors of the mansion. Dream took in the simple, but elegant build. Enough to get across the higher status, but friendly enough to not be intimidated by a simple wall. Cozy. There were some servants that passed by and looked at Dream in shock and awe. Even with his hands chained in front of him, and axe in his grasp, he gave off a frightening presence as he walked. They looked frozen in place, their eyes darting from his masked form to their Duke, confusion knit between their brows.

Safe, huh, George? Like hell.

"Let Sam and I handle it. You focus on the new guest," Sapnap sneered as they finally stopped at an intersection.