Chapter Text
New beginnings were hope-filled things. They were seeds, waiting to be nurtured, to bloom into something greater. Beginnings required work and determination; love and care to spring from the dirt the warm vitality of life.
Dream understood this as he held between his fingers a delicate red poppy. Its petals fluttered softly, reaching for him with the quiet breeze. He held its fragile life in his hands. Its whole world at the will of his mercy. One slip and he could crush it in his palm.
But he didn’t. Instead, Dream admired the bright bloom, holding it close to his heart; a reminder of the home he was leaving behind; of the new life he would lead.
“Since when are you sentimental?” a bright teasing voice called behind him. Dream turned to see a brown haired boy, youthful excitement pulling at his lips. His eyes of brown and blue were obscured by dark-tinted glasses, but his amusement shone through them all the same. George sauntered over, peering over his friend’s shoulder. “You’re standing here like a weirdo. It’s just a flower.”
Dream scoffed, “I know it’s just a flower.”
“Then why do you look all serious?” George mocked him with furrowed brows.
“Because,” Dream rolled his eyes. “We’re leaving home. This is a big deal for me.”
“And that’s why you’re mourning a stupid flower.”
Dream suppressed a smirk as he pushed George’s face away, setting his glasses askew. “You’re an idiot.”
George grumbled as he fixed his lenses. “Well it was your idea to leave, so don’t get all mopey on me.”
Dream watched as his friend stood against the landscape, worn clothes and ragged hair the same as the day they’d met. The familiar fields behind them stretched on and on, the tall stalks of wheat a golden sea before them. They’d worked for years in these lands, grown from children to young men together, and now it was time for them to move on, to become something more.
Dream remembered their first moments with clarity, him and Sapnap playing in the woods when they’d come across the farmer’s child. They’d invited the shy boy to explore the forest with them, chasing frogs and squirrels and other small creatures. It’d taken some convincing—George unsure about neglecting his farming duties to play with the village youngsters—but once he did, he’d never looked back. From then on they’d been inseparable: the three of them against the world. So many adventures and joys to be had. If Dream could have one wish, it would be that it stayed that way forever.
But wishes were just that, a wish. To hold on to that dream, he would have to fight for it. He’d need power to keep them all safe from the cruel world awaiting them, from the creatures that lurked in the shadows. That was why he would start anew, climb his way to the top and take his friends with him. They would be one big happy family. They would have a better life, one filled with glory beyond their simple beginnings.
Yes, glory. A deep voice whispered in his ears, echoing only in his mind. That is what I promise you.
As Dream stared at George, poppy in hand, he knew the journey would not be easy. He knew that whatever happened, he could never truly admit how he’d acquired what he had; the true purpose of this mission. But in the end, it was best for all of them.
It’s our secret. The voice replied to his thoughts.
Dream quietly agreed. Yes, our secret.
With one last look, Dream raised the flower to the wind and let go. It flew up into the sky, twirling in joyful dance. Dream and George watched it grow smaller and smaller until it disappeared.
Once it’d vanished into the clouds, George let out a sigh. “You really think we should do this?” For once, George’s words were tinged with doubt.
Dream simply smiled, “Of course, George. We’ve always wanted something better. This is our chance. We’ll start over, find a new land and soon others will join us. Sapnap and his family are already preparing to move and more will follow. We’ll have a better life there. We’ll make it a better life. Trust me.”
George’s uncertainty slipped away, as easy as breathing. “Of course, Dream. I trust you.” An excited grin graced his features, light shining bright behind his eyes and crinkling at the corners with unspoken warmth. It was all Dream needed.
Who knew what the future held. Who knew what challenges might arise to face them but with his friends by his side, and a greater power at his back, Dream was confident that he would overcome all obstacles and fell anyone that dared stand in his way.