New Reality: A Dream x George Fanfic

Chapter 21: Limbo

Dream opened his eyes. He was surrounded in darkness, and it seemed to make no difference whether his eyes were open or closed; he couldn't see a thing.

He slowly realized he wasn't breathing, but he didn't feel his lungs burning for air. He frowned in confusion, looking down at his hands... Or rather, where his hands should have been.

In their place was a subtle ripple, like the reflection of light on glass. A soft glow traced the outlines of his fingers, trailing up over his skin to distinguish it from the dark.

He wiggled his fingers. A trail of light particles, like motes of glowing dust, floated behind them.

Am I dead?

If this was the afterlife, it was certainly a strange one. There was no God, no Heaven or Hell, only emptiness.

He felt solid ground beneath his feet and realized he was standing on a flat surface. He hesitantly took a step forward, watching the shimmering form of his feet move beneath him.

He felt like a ghost. A ghost, lost in darkness. Stuck in limbo.

-----

George picked himself up and walked home alone, feeling hollow. The clouds had cleared, and the new day had arrived in a blaze of sun and warmth, so contrary to the feelings of his heart.

He stared straight ahead as he walked, trying to suppress the sobs that lurched into his throat.

Maybe... Maybe he'll have respawned. Maybe he's just back at the base, waiting for me. George had been trying to convince himself that there was hope, even though he knew it was a slim possibility at best.

He could see golden torchlight streaming through cracks in the trees as he neared the edge of the woods. The light was warm and comforting, as if it were welcoming him home. Dream's in there. He must be in there. George's breaths quickened and he started walking faster. He passed a few sheep grazing on the lush underbrush of the forest, killing them as he went. I bet Dream will be happy to see that I've got more food! I can't wait to see him again! He hurried on, ignoring the feeling of dread building in the pit of his stomach.

-----

Dream had been walking for a while. A few hours, maybe, or a few minutes. He wasn't sure. His feet didn't feel tired, and he still didn't feel the need to breathe. He'd also noticed that he didn't appear to have a heartbeat, but he decided to set those realizations aside; for the time being, he was content to simply walk and not think about anything at all. He wasn't sure where he was going, but he kept walking nonetheless, compelled by some strange silent force.

Eventually, he discerned a soft light in the distance. He continued walking toward it, curiosity pulling at his thoughts. As he neared the light, it took the shape of a woman, tall and bright, with glassy skin to match his own. She stared at him silently, and he felt suddenly very small.

Was this God?

As if she'd read his thoughts, the woman laughed in a strange, disjointed way. "Hello, Clay. You've come a long way, as have I. It's so good to finally meet you." Her voice sounded strangely familiar, wavery, almost inhuman.

Dream cleared his throat, deciding to ignore her strange greeting. "Call me Dream."

"Dream..." The woman rolled the word around in her mouth, appearing to relish the taste of it. She cocked her head slightly, staring at him with such intensity that he found he couldn't look away. "You must have questions, Dream."

"I-" Dream's mind was suddenly flooded with so many questions that he didn't even know where to begin. So, he asked the question of the most immediate concern. "Am I dead?"