Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The sun was setting a beautiful orange and gold, reflecting itself into the blue ocean waves, one might look upon the island and find it quite beautiful. Though for a boy called Tommyinnit, the world just all seems dull. 

Tommy lays in the remains of Logstedshire, staring aimlessly into the sky as the day continues to end. Just a few hours ago his “home” was all intact. Just a couple hours ago he and Dream were goofing around, playing, telling jokes. Friends. And just an hour ago Dream discovered Tommy’s secret stash, and everything went to ruins.

Tommy lays in the wreckage of Logstedshire, clenching his eyes, trying to think about his one mistake. Why did he have to make the secret room, why did he feel the need to need anything, Dream would give him everything he needs. He just wanted something of his own, some control of his life. He just wanted a place that people could come to and collect his belongings whenever he ran out of hope and will. He’s been feeling it so strongly these past weeks, Dream always stopping him in the nether. Why couldn’t Dream just try to listen to him, hear and understand the chests, understand he felt he was running low on time.

 It wouldn’t be kind to Dream, but Tommy needed Dream a lot more than Dream needed him. And now Dream was gone. Dream had blown up everything, killed Mushroom Henry, banned him from the nether, banned him from getting visits from anyone, and he didn’t even know when Dream would return.

Why did I have to be so freaking stupid? He thought to himself. Why did breaking the rule mess so much up? Why were a couple chests so bad? Why did I have to hide it from Dream? Why was I so stupid? Why am I such a horrible friend? I really am a horrible friend. I’m selfish. I should have just been grateful.

Tommy turned in the ash and debris, rolling onto his side, picking with the dirt. He then saw the remains of one of his photos, and so squirmed over towards it. He dug it out of the dirt and dusted it off. It was pretty ruined, but it was still intact enough for Tommy to give one last dulled smile. It was a picture of Tubbo and him smiling with each other at the beach. 

Tubbo always loved the beach, the sea, boats… Why couldn’t he just come to Tommy’s party. Suddenly Dream’s words came back to him “Tubbo isn’t your friend. He’s moved on. Happier, better off without you. Burned his compass. He doesn’t care, I care!” oh right… Tubbo hated Tommy. Everyone on the server hated Tommy and only mildly put up with him. He was annoying and a problem.

Tommy closed his eyes for a moment. Taking a breath. He’d made his choice.

He rose from the reckages, hesitantly standing, trying to support himself with his bruised and beaten body. He gained balance, looked into his inventory, the stacks of blocks, and smiled. It was finally time. He didn’t need lava. “I don’t need the nether”. 

And so Tommy began to build up into the sky. It was a simple tower, one wrong move and he’d fall. He just continued to build as the voices and thoughts raced through his mind. 

“I can’t do this anymore…” He said to none but the wind, for no one else was there. I can’t sit and rot here anymore. Barely living while they’ve all forgotten about me. They don’t care, they never cared about me. They’re all doing so well without him, Dream said. Dream. He, Ranboo, and Ghostbur were the only things keeping him going. And one by one they all left him. Dream was the only one, and now he’s gone too. He’ll return sometime to check on Tommy, but Tommy couldn’t wait, and it'll never be the same.

Tommy paused briefly to catch his heavy breath, and try to hold in the tears that were beginning to build. He stared out at the view, the sunset from his sight. He can’t do this. There’s nothing he can do. “Cause, cause I’m just alone.” he admitted to himself. He really is alone now, there’s nobody. He ruined it.

He continued with his building, trying to remain calm. “My only friend Dream…. Is,.. is gone.” He breathed, looking at the clouds he had just broken past. “My only friend. He was my friend… He was my friend. Dream, he… He was my only friend this entire time.” Tommy’s brain showed him flashes of others yelling, angry at him, of him annoying them. 

“He was, what did he do for me?” More images flashed into his brain. “He came, and he visited me everyday” No one else visited basically. He’s been alone besides from Dream for months. At the beginning some came, sure. But it was a one time thing or a pity gift, and then they never returned, Probably his own fault he guesses. Annoying and all. 

“He’d come around, everyday. And we laugh,” Images of them sitting on the logs telling jokes, sitting on the beach together, walking in the woods. “And we’d cry” Images of Tommy having nightmares, of panicking, of Dream comforting him, of Dream hitting him, punishing him, teaching him. Dream blowing up his things, yelling at him, holding him from the neck. Of loss, loss of a friend, loss coming to terms with none of your friendships being real, and loss of the person you were. “So much tears…” Tommy weakly laughed.

“And we’d. And he’d take my things,” Images of Tommy and his defiance, as it slowly died out through the months. Dream smiling, praising him as time went on. “And we’d laugh some more.” He tried to smile weakly, he couldn’t keep himself from scowling though “and he’d make me throw everything into a, into a hole.” “This is just a lesson on discipline Tommy! You don’t need these things! You need to learn you don’t own anything.” His mind was beginning to hurt. He shook his head and continued on.

He soon ran out of dirt, marking the top of his tower, the end of his journey. He stared at the island, the now night sky, once more. “And he said to me, I’ll see you..”  He couldn’t take the tears. “His last words were ‘ I’ll see you every, every week to come and watch you ’. Well…” He said as he stared at the ocean below. “Now you…ha, now you won’t, ya…. Won’t need to come to watch me. No need to come and watch me.” He held his eyes closed as he let out his sobs and hugged his middle, feeling his ribs. 

This was a disaster, he was a disaster. Dream was right, he’s a problem, a burden, he ruins the lives of anyone he meets. And that includes Dream. He managed to mess it up with the only person who seemed to want him, his best friend Dream. If Dream couldn’t put up with him now, then no one could. He couldn’t take this anymore, none of it. He was only here for Dream and now Dream didn’t want him anymore. 

He continued to try to hold back his tears but it was one use. He took one last look around. This is it. He didn’t want to be a burden to Dream, or anymore. All he ever wanted was his friends and home, and he had neither. 

He took his first step nearing the edge. Everything will be better when I’m gone. Good things don’t happen to heroes, but I was never a hero was I? One foot off the tower, he breathed in, thank you Dream. I’m sorry. And he stepped off.

He began to fall, plummeting towards the ground. The wind in his scrawny messing longer hair. This is for the best. I had no reason for living anymore. He told himself. But as he began to get closer to the ground he started panicking. Did he really want to die? How badly would it hurt? He didn’t want to die, he did, he didn’t, he did, he didn’t know. 

In his panic and hesitance he managed to get closer to a water filled crater, but not close enough as he made impact with the ground. He hit the ground, half going into the water, slamming his chest into rocks of dirt. 

He fell, but it wasn’t enough to kill him. He groaned, clutching his side. He felt a little blood, his head hurt so much. Oh this was awful, he wasn't positive he had wanted to die, but this was awful. He sobbed, clutching his side as he shrieked in pain.

He had to do something. He didn’t have any potions, any food. No one would come and find him in time, Dream wouldn’t return for a few days. He could just wait and bleed out, succeed in dying, but he wasn’t sure if that’s what he wanted anymore. He couldn’t wait for anyone, he had to do this himself. He thought, trying to think if there was anything he could do. Techno… Dream had said Techno lived out here, Tommy had stumbled upon his house once. He could go there. 

He pushed himself off the ground in pain, sucking in hair trying not to scream more. He took off his shirt, ripping it and tying it around his chest wound the best he could. If he could just make it to Techno’s house, he could help him. He started stumbling in the direction of Techno’s house, still clutching his side.

Techno could help. Techno and Tommy don’t have the best relationship, hadn’t seen him last on the best of terms, but surely Techno would help him. If he wasn’t home Tommy could just borrow some of his potions. He continues to walk. His left arm seems broken, dangly to his side, his legs barely supporting him, maybe also sprained or damaged. 

He stumbles and slows, making his way closer little by little. He can see snow in the distance, he’s almost there. He just needs to get through this field, past the grass and flowers, and he’ll be one step closer to Techno and safety. Maybe Techno could be out hunting and he’d spot him. Tommy tried, hoping for his life that things worked out for once. It’d suck, but maybe if Techno decided to kill him, it wouldn’t be that bad.

He’s about to reach the snow, when suddenly, his foot gets stuck on something, a rock. He stumbles, his other leg collides with his heel, causing him to trip and fall. Fall right onto his wound and head. He lets out a shriek of pain, sobbing. 

He, he can’t keep his eyes open. In seconds, they close.

< Tommyinnit > hit the ground too hard

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He wakes up to a massive pain in his head. He tries to open his eyes but it’s hard. He manages to open them into a squint, and looks around. He appears to be on a bed, in a dark small room. The room is basically empty, stone walls, just the bed and a table to the side with some books and papers. The only light coming in from the slightly opened door. He looks around more, trying to see his surroundings. Where is he? 

As he moves, his chest and arm seize. He lets out muffled sobs. He begins to hear something outside the door, footsteps, and he’s scared. He doesn’t know where he is, who could be coming, what's going on.

 Before he knows it the door’s being opened, and a man with messy hair and a smiley mask stands before him. His posture is messy, his breathing rough. He lets out a quiet “Did it actually, did it finally work?”

He stares scared at the masked man as the man gets closer. 

“Um. excuse me… but, who are you? Wh-where am I? Wh-who am I?”

Chapter Text

Dream started making his way towards the exile area. Speeding his way there so he could get in and out. He had just helped Technoblade escape his execution, and was high on adrenaline. 

Tommy had been alone for a day now, and Dream thought it would be best to just check on him from afar. Tommy still needed to spend some time alone if Dream was going to get him fully wrapped around his finger, but he needed to make sure Tommy was taking at least the slightest care of himself. 

This was so great, he helped Techno and now would be owed a favor from the Blood God, everything was going to plan. He just needed to speed his way to Tommy just in case any of those L’manburgians decided to try to visit him now that they weren’t distracted. 

After Dream’s last visit he was furious, things were going so well with Tommy and then suddenly it turned out that he was lying and hiding things from him. Dream didn’t like it, but he was feeling a bit worried. He couldn’t let Tommy get away, he was essential in all his plans, the key to his power. 

He’s hoping this solitary confinement will do Tommy some good. He’s been researching that enchantment if worse comes to worse, but he isn’t ready yet. Surely Tommy was still his, he seemed so distraught when Dream said he wouldn’t be visiting everyday.

Dream tridented over a ways away from where Logstedshire used to be. He peeked over the hill looking for any sign of Tommy. Hopefully Tommy was doing the bare necessities. He didn’t see any new tent or house though, so ok Tommy might have slept in the dirt, or under a tree.

 He tried to get a good look around from where he was, but he couldn't see Tommy anywhere. Maybe he went mining?

With no sign of Tommy he began to get worried, he tried to tell himself Tommy was just out gathering things, but what if he wasn’t? What if he ran away? Better get close just to check out the perimeter and damage better.

He splashed himself with invisibility just to be safe, and made his way around the land.

He looked around and was getting frustrated. Things didn’t look all that different from when he left. Tommy seemed real distraught though, so he didn’t really expect much to have changed he guessed. But if Tommy was that upset to not build shelter, would he really be out gathering materials?

Dream groaned, trying to contain his emotions. It all went down hill the moment he realized the massive tower in the sky. Oh crep. 

He ran towards it, it didn’t look like Tommy was up there, he couldn’t hear anything. He looks at the ground, there’s some sticks, a picture, and Tommy’s compass. But he begins to panic seeing the blood splatter all over the grass, what happened here? If Tommy jumped and died his body would still be here though. Your body doesn’t disappear as quickly for your final death. 

He couldn’t help his panic and decided to check the logs just to be sure. But to his dismay, there it was…

< Tommyinnit > hit the ground too hard

Oh no. Oh nononononononoooo.

Where was he then? Where did his body go? Dream was only gone a day, what could have happened.

It was then that he realized the faintest trail of blood. The grass and dirt slightly looked like something had been dragged. Did someone else get to Tommy before him?

He followed the trail, into a field, and not that far away, there it was. Tommy’s body lay in the dirt. Dream ran over to him and assessed the damage. Despite the message confirming Tommy’s death, it just didn’t hit with Dream, he had to check. Tommy’s body was all scrunched up from the positioning he had tripped himself. From the way his legs were twisted almost together, he may have rammed his leg into the other, throwing off his balance.

 He turned the body around, looking at Tommy’s scrunched up and sad looking face. There was a wound on his head, and a large one in his chest. His ribs were broken, and so was his arm and shoulder. There was damage to his leg as well, but not nearly as bad.

How could this happen. No, Tommy. He knew Tommy kept staring off into the lava as if he wanted to jump, but he never thought he actually would. Had he messed up Tommy’s head that badly? Maybe he was a little too harsh in their last encounter. Dream had taught him to depend on him, and maybe he thought he was leaving for good like everyone else. Oh no.

Ok. Maybe there was a way to fix this. Yeah he could fix this. He definitely didn’t think he would end up needing to use this so soon, but he could use the revive book Schlatt gave him. He had been slightly studying it, but was nowhere ready or prepared to use it. He’d have to now though.

Yeah, things could work out. His key wasn’t gone, just a little more broken than he thought. The book was in his enderchest, but he shouldn't get it out in public just to be safe, so he better hurry Tommy out of here before anyone comes.  He put Tommy on his back and started making his way to his closest base.

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He made his way to base, a nice underground one not too far. He went into one of the open rooms and laid Tommy down. Splashed him with a healing potion to conserve his body and maybe heal it. Ok, now for the hard part. He got out an enderchest, and then the revival book. Time for a quick read. Things would all be ok.

He opened the book and started taking notes. The book already had basically everything he needed in of itself. He just had to read the words in his head, and burn the book to complete the ritual. He decided to go ahead and make a few copies of the book to be safe, burn one of them rather than the original. 

It was getting to him and he just wanted to get it over with. He didn’t completely understand the language in some parts, but he didn’t have time to figure it out.

 He closed his eyes, took a breath, opened them, and then started reading the words. After he read the last one he threw the book into the fire he had prepared and brought his gaze to Tommy.

He stared, for a few minutes… but nothing was happening. Maybe it just took a while. He waited a bit more, but then decided to try again, tired of waiting. That time he felt he could feel the slightest hint of something, but still nothing happened. Still Tommy was dead.

He went on to try it again and again, saying it would work, but it didn’t. One more time, one more try he told himself several times, but it wasn’t working.

He crumpled to the floor. No… Tommy. All his plans, all his work. Tommy, his friend, his tool, his key. No no no no, this couldn’t be happening. Tommy was all he had, he gave up everything for him. He had Punz sure, but that was business. He couldn’t take this. L’manburg would be furious wouldn’t they. But this time he didn’t have complete control, wasn’t able to tell himself he was just playing, Tommy was actually gone. This wasn’t how things were supposed to go.

 He needed to talk to someone. Would George and Sapnap even talk to him after their last encounter, their last fight. Surely they would. Sure his point in what he did was to distance them from him so they wouldn’t get hurt, but they were his friends, they had to care.

He left Tommy for now, he’d come back for him later. Right now he needed to see his friends, find something to distract him, some familiarity, some reminder that he had control. 

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He made his way to George’s newly fixed mushroom house. Trying to conceal his emotions, but the day's events were getting to him. He had just aided Technblade, so L’manburg would be distrusting of him, and now Tommy was gone and they’d accuse him of killing him. Which he kinda did didn’t he….. No. He’d find some way to fix this, to twist their strings and convince them. Tommy did do this, not him, they’d see the tower if they cared.

With a deep breath, and a wipe of his eyes, he knocked on George’s door. It only took a second, but then George opened the door. Huh, he opened it, he wasn’t sleeping for once. The moment George saw him he scowled.

“Dream, what are you doing here? I thought you were done with us? Didn’t need us.”

Dream felt the nervousness from his brow, happy he had his mask to block his expression.

“Hi George, I know it’s been a bit. We didn’t end our last conversation the best. But I realized I was a bit too hard. I was getting overwhelmed. I did what I did to protect you, and I need you to realize that. I cared about you, and then you and Mexican L’manburg started conspiring against me. But I’m ready to put it behind us, I miss you.”

George just stared at him, his face looking hesitant, empathetic, but also slightly disbelieving. From Behind George Dream could see Sapnap walk up. Oh this could be good, he could apologize and get both of them back.

“Dream just realize how your words affected us. I can get that you were overwhelmed, but you went a bit overkill. And when you took George's kingship, it was out of nowhere and unprofessional.” Sapnap said.

“Out of nowhere, Technoblade was literally trying to assassinate George minutes before! I know Technoblade, as long as you were king you were endangered. I didn’t think about it when I first made you king, I just was thinking of how I trusted you and how it would benefit you, I didn’t think well enough about the negatives.” Dream countered. “I’m sorry, both of you.” 

He couldn’t help the built up emotions inside himself wanting to get out. He didn’t want to lose Sapnap and George, but with his plans they'd be in danger. He couldn’t help the emotions about Tommy, how everything he did seemed for nothing. Apparently he was really failing to hold it in. Despite the mask Sapnap and George seemed to sense something was off.

“I really need you guys right now.” Dream whispered, clenching his eyes.

Sapnap and George dropped their cold expressions and let him in, sitting him on the couch.

George started “What's wrong Dream, why do you seem so distraught? What's happened?”

“Yeah man, why do you seem so beat up about something?” Sapnap added.

Dream breathed. Was this really the best idea, he wasn’t sure. Maybe he could use this to his advantage somehow. Change his plans and keep his friends on his side.

“It’s Tommy” Dream said. Both Sapnap and George scowled at the mention of his name.

“What's the little shirt done now Dream. I-” Sapnap stated, but Dream cut him 

“No! He’s, he’s dead. I visited him today and found him dead.”

They just stared there in shock, disbelieving, trying to wrap their heads around Tommy, Tommy of all people, being “dead”. Dream started to break down a bit having actually said it out loud now. 

“Dream I… I don’t know what to say. I wouldn’t believe it, but you seem really upset about this, and I trust you. I’m still upset at you, but I trust you. That must have been really hard to see.” George told him.

Dream smiled, trying to pull his emotions back in. At least he has George and Sapnap back, for now at least. They talked about it a little more before changing the subject. Chatting a bit more then until Dream decided he should go.

He said his goodbye and started walking his way down the prime path. Thinking of Tommy, of why the book hadn’t worked, or what he could have done to prevent this.

While walking down the path he made his way closer to the community house, and he stopped. Seeing the figure ahead just a little ways in the distance, was a sad angry looking Tubbo.

Oh great, he’s screwed.

Chapter Text

Tubbo made his way out of New L’manburg, down the prime path towards the Community house and nether portals.

He needed to see Tommy, He missed Tommy, It had been too long.

He just parted with the butcher army, Technoblade has escaped, Big Q lost a life, but he couldn’t focus on that. All he could think about was Tommy, The adrenaline and joy of getting to see Tommy again.

Big Q had been right, they couldn’t trust Dream, he had fallen for Dreams words and kindness. Dream helped Technoblade escape the execution, he had planned this, Dream and planned and twisted so many things.

It’s been almost five months since Tubbo saw Tommy, oh gosh… He had chosen to not visit Tommy due to guilt, because he was ashamed, he didn’t want to face his friend, didn’t want to face Tommy’s anger and potential hatred. Tubbo had basically betrayed him, his trust, by exiling him.

It was more than guilt keeping him away though, it was Dream. He had thought Dream was helping them, showing genuine care and kindness. He knew visiting Tommy could disrupt the peace with Dream. Dream might not like him visiting, and for some reason Tubbo didn’t see that as a red flag to Dream’s dishonesty until now.

But now he realizes Dream’s tricks, he won’t fall for it. They had planned a festival, an execution, and Dream would see their power soon. In his head he questioned why? Why was he doing the same cruel things Schlatt did to him? Why did they need to execute anyone? Technoblade was leaving them be, and now they’ve invited his wrath. What good would things bring, why and how did he let himself become this way?

He had to protect his people, he was the president, presidents have to make hard choices, put their feelings to the side. Even towards their best friends . But he could think of that all later, right now all he could and needed to think about was that there was nothing stopping him, except for fear, from visiting Tommy. 

He was going to see Tommy, in… what had he called his temporary home? Logstedshire was it? He wondered how much it had changed, people had told him things but he hadn’t seen it himself or heard much about it for a while.

He made his way down the path, passing through the community house. Surely Tommy wouldn’t be too mad, or it would pass soon after they reunite. Surely Tommy missed Tubbo just as much as Tubbo missed him. He tried to remain optimistic, and he just couldn’t contain the giddiness of finally, after so long, getting to see Tommy again.

He entered the nether and looked around, which way was it again? Oh right! It took him a minute but then he remembered and started making his way down. He admired the path, reminiscing on how Tommy loved making paths, railroads, sewers, oh it was going to be so great to see him again. He came to one part in the path that was partially broken and stopped himself from falling. Looked like the path was broken and someone tried to fix it with wood, but the wood just ended up mostly burning. Strange. But no matter, he could just build over it.

He crossed the path and entered the portal. His excitement only rising. Finally, Finally I get to see Tommy again. He closed his eyes and entered, feeling the magic portal bring him through, then arriving at the other side. He opened his eyes and stepped out, taking in the island. His first sight made the island look quite pretty, comfortable. “Awesome” he said to himself. Now to just find Tommy.  

He stepped further out and took another look around, then realized the second broken portal. Why the heck were there two portals? Strange. He passed it without giving it another thought and made his way toward where he was told main Logstedshire was, only to be met with a crater. “What the hell!” he said with wide eyes. What happened here? Was it a creeper, did Tommy do this? Something else? If this is destroyed, then where is he sleeping? ”Does, does he have a tent somewhere?”

He sped his way back across the island. Not noticing the tower that was almost right in front of him.  He looked around, taking things in, now slightly more stressed out. Where could Tommy be? Why haven’t I heard him, why hasn’t he heard me? He saw several structures, also looking slightly broken and or abandoned. He followed the path and then made his way to another crater that looked to have bits of a burned up cloth and items in it. Could this have been the tent? “What, what is going on here?” 

Now he was really starting to freak out. “Tommy! Tommy, where are you! It’s me Tubbo! I know you might be mad, I’m sorry, but I really need to see you right now!” He frantically looked around, no replay. “Please just tell me that you’re ok!” Still nothing.

”What has gone wrong?” He was panicking more now, frantically looking around, Why was everything destroyed? Where is Tommy? “What’s happen-” But then he saw it as he turned, up in the sky, a super tall pillar.

No. He thought, and he ran towards it, back to where Logstedshire used to be. He made his way closer, his head filling with ‘ no no no no no. That can’t be. No no.’ He made his way back to the crater, looking at the pillar as well. “What is this… What is- What is this pillar?!” He was beginning to cry through his panic now. No no no no. “Why is it all blown up?” he cried. “What did he-....” And then it seemed to get through to him as he stared at the top of the pillar. no, that could be. His crying was starting to increase. “No… Surely not…” 

He got closer, and then, there sitting at the bottom of the pillar, were items. Among the items he could see sticks, a photo, and… a compass. As well as a pile of blood. His eyes shot open. “No… No. Surely not… No!” He kneeled by the compass, sure enough it was the “Your Tubbo compass”. Ranboo, and Ghostbur had told him partially about how much Tommy treasured it. Next to the compass there was the photo, he dusted it off and saw it was of Tommy and him at the beach… No no. Surely not. He wouldn’t couldn’t accept that, this… But the facts, the proof, was right in front of him.

Tubbo pulled back. This really couldn’t be happening… Tommy, would he really? Was it really that bad? Why had no one told him. Why hadn’t Tommy tried to reach out.  Tubbo was in too much pain he didn’t even think about how if Tommy Died then where was the body? He started trembling away, but then turned around and quickly grabbed the items, trying his best to not let his sight fall on the blood.

He had to get out of here. He couldn’t take this. How could this have happened? He clenched his eyes and held his head, trying to battle his thoughts, control them, assure himself that this was just a misunderstanding, that Tommy was fine, but it was too hard to deny what he saw. As much as he wanted to deny it, his thoughts were too strong for him. He had to get out of here. Now.  He took off and ran back to the portal, then through the nether, his tears evaporating in the heat. He couldn’t handle this. No, not his Tommy.

He made his way through the portal, to the community house, and started making his way back to New L’manburg. This, this couldn’t be happening. He couldn’t accept it. He could barely see through his tears, but then he saw a figure ahead of him. He quickly wiped his tears to see through, and there not too far ahead was Dream, making his way towards him. 

Tubbo could feel the anger building in his veins, the tears still building up in his eyes. 

Dream. Dream was the one who made him exile Tommy. Dream was the one threatening his nation. Dream was the one he had promised Tommy he’d help defeat. Them against Dream, but now Tommy is gone. Tommy who he never visited because of Dream. Tommy who was under Dream’s supervision. 

He continued staring while Dream walked closer, eventually lifting his head and stopping. Seeming to have just noticed Tubbo’s presence. He wondered if Dream even knew. Dream seemed to hesitate, almost stepping back. Strange. Dream stopped walking so Tubbo would just have to go to him. He didn’t care about anything right now besides speaking his mind to Dream. He stormed over.

“Dream!” His voice was angry, but it was also easy to tell he had been crying.

“Oh, hi Mr. President” Dream said awkwardly, fake chipperness. After the words came out he seemed to falter again, dropping his hand partially from where he was waving. 

“Tubbo…” Tubbo thought he could hear the slightest bit of sadness in how he said his name, but why was that?

“Tubbo, I know why you’re sad and angry right now, and I’m so sorry.” It sounded genuine and Tubbo just couldn’t take it, what was going on. Why did Dream sound sad, why did he say sorry.

“You- you know?” Tubbo said stuttering. “You know that he’s dead?!” The tears were just spilling out of his face, he couldn’t keep it in.

“I do know Tubbo. I went to visit Tommy this morning, I found him dead. I didn’t see it coming, I honestly don’t know what to say. I know you guys saw me helping Technoblade, I know that probably broke some trust, but I knew killing Technoblade would only bring more problems. I know I don’t deserve your trust, but please believe me when I say I never wanted Tommy to die. I never wanted this!”

Tubbo couldn’t take this, his mind was doing laps. Dream, Dream seemed like he was about to start crying under that mask. He was practically begging, Tubbo of all people, to believe him. Dream, why did Dream care what happens to Tommy? Is this real? Is he getting tricked again? This was all too much. Dream, Dream seemed upset. Dream said Tommy was dead, he actually saw his body. Wait, his body?”

“Where, where is his body Dream? It wasn’t at Logstedshire when I visited. What did you do with him!”

“Calm down Tubbo. I, I brought it to one of my bases, put some healing potions on it to stop it from deteriorating. I was hoping he wasn’t really dead, that I could save him with some potions, but I was too late-.”

“Take me to him!” Tubbo yelled.

“I can’t Tubbo. But I’ll bring it to you. Tomorrow, just give me a place and I’ll bring it. I’d prefer not to have to carry a corpse around other people though, so preferably somewhere private or easy to get to.”

Tubbo was having a hard enough time processing this all, and didn't even get a chance to reply before Dream spoke once more, his confident tone back on. “Good bye for now Mr. President, give me the location and I’ll come tomorrow. I’m guessing you want to plan a funeral.” And with that Dream then got out his trident and tridented away. Tubbo stayed standing there, staring at where Dream was just standing.

Hahaha, haha. This was Real. Tommy was actually dead! He couldn’t keep his composure. Getting thrown into hysterics from everything that had just happened. What a shirty day! Technoblade survived and escaped, and was now probably planning to come to them with an army of withers. Quackity lost a life. Dream broke their trust but also apologized to him and seemed genuinely upset. And to top it all off, Tommy, his best friend, is dead! He apparently killed himself!

Saying those words in his head caused him the falter, the hysterics to stop. Tommy, Tommy really killed himself… Tubbo’s legs gave out, he just sat there for a minute collecting his thoughts, letting the tears spill. He, he doesn’t know what to believe anymore. Everything is a mess. He has to try to fix things. He has to plan a funeral. 

He breathed, composed himself, and stood up. Continuing his way back, feeling so much more empty and distraught than when he left. He left with the excitement and optimism of seeing his best friend again, and returns sad, his said friend gone, dead.

He makes his way back in, and looks around. They're going to have to take down Techno’s execution device, what was he thinking? Executions, he was planning a festival to kill someone, he really was acting just like Schlatt. No. Suddenly a memory came to him, he closed his eyes and clenched his fists. “As long as i can’t be the next schlatt, you can’t be the next wilbur.” He had exiled Tommy, and then started executing people, just like Schlatt. And Tommy, Tommy apparently blew up his new home, and then killed himself, just like Wilbur.

He couldn’t take these thoughts, no, he needed to focus on something else. He couldn’t remove the stage yet, not by himself, but he could…? He looked around and then spotted Phil’s house. He could let Phil free, it wasn’t right to trap him here. L’manburg wasn’t supposed to be this way, it was supposed to be about freedom. He made his way over to the house and knocked on the door. It took a minute and he was about to knock again when he got a response.

“What do you shirts want now! Haven't you done enough! Just leave me alone!”

“Phil, it's Tubbo, I really need to speak to you. Yes it is important and technically bad but nobody is in harm and you don’t need to do anything. I simply need to relay some information to you.”

Phil opened the door and slacked against the frame, giving Tubbo a grimace. “Well? What is it?”

Tubbo took a breath in “Can I- Can I come in please?”

“Well sure President Tubbo, I’m sure I had a choice in this anyway.” Phil said sarcastically while he led Tubbo in. Tubbo talked a ways in, but then stopped.

“You know you’re right Phil, and I should just get this over with, no stretching it out. Philza Minecraft you are officially relieved of your house arrest by order of me, President Tubbo. You are free now and may leave, but I still have one more thing to say to you if you would please stay.”

Phil’s eyes widened while Tubbo went on, and looked hesitant, questioning, and shocked. “What’s this about Tubbo?”

Tubbo let his face fall as the tears began to fall again. “Gosh, I’m so sorry Phil. I’m, I’m a terrible president, I should never have kept you here, or tried to execute Technoblade. I’ve, I’ve made so many mistakes, and I need you to know I’m so sorry.” He clenched his hands and held his head down and back.

After those words Phil’s angry serious face seemed to fall as well. It seemed his caring fatherly instincts had been triggered by Tubbo’s confession. “Tubbo mate, what's going on? Why are you crying?”

Tubbo didn’t want to say it but he had to, he had to tell Phil. Tell Phil that another son, that Tommy, was dead. He was trying to say it, but the words weren’t leaving his mouth. Phil realized his struggle.

“Just breathe mate, in and out, slowly, there you go. Now can you tell me what’s going on?”

Tubbo breathed. “He’s dead Phil, Tommy’s dead, he-he killed himself.” Tubbo sobbed. Phil’s shock returned as well as worry as he tried to process what Tubbo had just said. Tubbo held his eyes with his hands. “I exiled him Phil. I sent him there where he was all alone. I didn’t visit him because I was too afraid, and now he’s dead. Because of me!.”

“Tommy… Tommy’s dead mate? I- that can’t be, that can’t be right?”

“He’s dead Phil, I saw the tower and gathered his belongings. Dream is bringing his body tomorrow, and we’ll be having a funeral in three days. You're welcome to stay, but I know you wanted to leave. You're welcome to bring Technoblade as well, as long as he doesn’t hurt us. I know it seems like an obvious trap, but I just want Tommy’s family to be there for his funeral. I promise I won’t attack Technoblade again.”

Phil honestly didn’t know what to think. Tubbo didn’t know what Phil was thinking currently as well. 

“I… I’ll consider it mate. Thank you, for letting me be free. I, I’m sure it wasn’t your fault he died. Don’t be too hard on yourself mate. Yes, I’d like to leave now.”

“Of course Phil, thank you for understanding.” Tubbo said and he shifted out of the way of the door, pushing a button on a remote making Phil’s ankle bracelet release, letting Phil walk out.

“Well… Bye mate. I’ll see you some other time.” Phil looked over to Tubbo with a sad smile and waved.

“Bye Phil, I hope to see you at the funeral.”

And with that Phil took to the sky, flying off. Tubbo just watched sadly as he flew away, Well, that’s one thing slightly fixed. As if on cue, Quackity had been walking by and saw Phil fly away, now angrily running towards Tubbo.

“Wow wow wow, Tubbo, why are you letting the old man get away!”

Tubbo sighed and tried to put his confident face back on.

“I set him free Big Q, he is no longer under arrest and should never have been.” 

“What, what are you talking about Tubbo?” Quackity laughed.

“What I’m saying is that I changed my mind Quackity. I know I agreed, and was even eager about it earlier, but execution is not the way to go, it will only bring more chaos. We should not have gone after Technoblade and will not be having the festival.”

Quackity just stared in surprise, clenching his teeth. “What! Why are you doing this Tubbo! Why are you backing out now! You promised, we agreed to this!”

“You need to listen to me Big Q! I’m the president and I made my decision, don’t undermine me. L’manburg is about freedom, and I will not let it become a nation of blood and revenge. We will only fight to defend ourselves, we will not be seeking or causing any unnecessary violence! Do you understand me!” Tubbo yelled back.

Quackity wore a confused face, stepping back a bit. “But why Tubbo, why did you change your mind? What brought this?” He questioned, then quickly added “Did Dream threaten you?” He asked angrily.

Tubbo replied, stepping more into the light so Quackity could see his redend eyes. “What happened Big Q, is that Tommy is dead. I went to visit him today, and found he killed himself.” Tubbo stated with tears, Quackity paled at that, taking a step back, and changed his mind taking a few more forward. 

“It took finding he’s dead to bring me to my senses Big Q, I don’t want people to die, I don’t want L’manbugs legacy to be one of death. He was my best friend, and I was too distracted by revenge to go and see him, and now I never will again!”

Quackity stepped forward and hugged Tubbo while he cried. “I’ll never see him again Big Q, he’s gone, he’s actually gone.”  “Oh Tubbo…” Quackity soothed. After a minute Tubbo pulled himself together. 

“We will be having a funeral in three days, if you could inform some of the others I would be thankful. I’m going to go home now, get some rest. Goodbye Big Q.”

“Goodbye Tubbo…” Quackity weakly smiled and said, and Tubbo was on his way.

Tubbo entered into the white house, went to his quarters and slammed the door, falling once again onto the floor as he let the day's events and feelings sink in once again and cried, What was he going to do? How was he supposed to govern this nation, what was he supposed to do it without Tommy? He sat against the wall, knees against his chest as he sobbed his tears away. Oh Tommy.  

He continued to cry, and he eventually ended up falling asleep against the wall. Ranboo would later come in and set him in his bed.

Chapter Text

Tubbo awoke with a headache and back pain the next day. Surprised to have awoken in a bed, but didn’t question it, he didn’t really have the energy. He looked at the clock and saw it was pretty early, but that was no issue and he didn’t really think he’d be able to fall back to sleep if he tried. He has a lot to do today, might as well start now.

He gets out of bed and makes his way to the kitchen, deciding to have coffee once instead of his usual tea. Maybe the coffee would give him the energy he needs. He sits down and takes a sip, and a breath. 

So far he’s worked out that today will be a planning day for the funeral, tomorrow preparations and putting it together, and then finally the actual funeral. He doesn’t quite know what time he came back yesterday, just that it was dark. He wonders how many people Quackity managed to tell. He thinks more about what Dream had asked him, and decides on one of the unclaimed houses in New L’manburg near the peer. 

Tubbo_ Whispers to Dream: Sorry for not replaying last niht

Tubbo_ Whispers to Dream: was a bit held up

Tubbo_ Whispers to Dream: if you cuold bring him to the emty howse by the peer

Tubbo_ Whispers to Dream: jst tell me when and ill come

One task done, more to go. What next, it’s early so most people will still be in bed. He’ll start by asking Phil his thoughts, and then go to his fellow cabinet members and see if they’ve been caught up. He wasn’t sure if Phil was in range for the communicators to work though, and he didn’t want to send someone to him. He’ll just message just to be safe.

Tubbo_ Whispers to Ph1LzA: Hey agan Phil

Tubbo_ Whispers to Ph1LzA: jst wnated your insite for the funral  

Tubbo_ Whispers to Ph1LzA:  is there anythig u can think of we sould inclood?

Tubbo_ Whispers to Ph1LzA: messge me back when u can

Tubbo puts down his communicator and takes another breath. Here goes, the start of a busy couple days.

______________________

Tubbo had knocked on Ranboo’s door in the morning and he didn’t quite know what to think. Tubbo looked pretty beat up, and Ranboo remembers going to talk to him and finding him against the wall. Tubbo told him there was an important meeting, so he hurried himself getting ready and made his way to the meeting place which was thankfully not in the butcher room under the water, instead being the white house.

When he arrived, Fundy and Quackity were already there, Quackity looking  very uncomfortable, which made Ranboo feel uncomfortable.  It didn’t take long for Tubbo to enter the room, with his hands behind his back, his face seemed stoic, which made Ranboo feel more nervous.

“Thank you all for meeting me here.” Tubbo started. “Quackity, did you manage to share the news with anyone?”

Quackity nervously faltered. “So Tubbo, not really. No one was really around, and I was still sorta processing. So I only managed to tell Niki who said she’d tell Karl.” Quackity answered.

“What news?” Fundy asked. “Is this about the festival? I thought we were keeping that secret?”

Tubbo spoke up, “No Fundy. I mean yes, this is about the festival, but also much more. I know it may surprise you because of yesterday's events, but in the time since then I have decided to cancel said festival, it will only bring pain.” 

Fundy was about to interject, but Tubbo stopped him.

“Please let me finish what I was saying before any comments Fundy. So as I was saying, the festival is off. We will not be going after anyone, it will only put our nation in danger. You have all only just awoken so I’m sure you didn’t get a chance to see that I also set Philza free.” “What?!” Fundy shouted. 

Tubbo glared at him and Fundy took a step back, with a quiet ‘sorry’.

Tubbo started once more “Our nation is about freedom, holding Philza captive was against our ways, our principles, our laws. I bring you here today not to tell you more about how we have been failing our jobs, but with sad news.” Tubbo took a sigh and looked to the ground. 

Ranboo thought this a chance to ask, surely that's what Tubbo was conveying. He was hesitant, but managed to get it out. “What- what happened Tubbo? Are-are you ok?”

Tubbo gave a weak smile. “I’m unsure to be honest Ranboo. And to answer what happened, well… I went to finally pay my visit to Tommy yesterday, but when I arrived it was revealed that he was dead, he jumped off a pillar.”

Ranboo and Fundy stared at them in shock. Tommy… Tommy did what? Ranboo, Ranboo had seen how sad he was. Ranboo had wanted to help him, but Dream was just around so much. Ranboo tried sending more letters to Tommy, but Tommy never replied, Dream said he wanted to be alone. Was, was Tommy really dead?

“And that’s why I’ve brought you here today everyone. We will be holding a funeral for Tommy in two days, and I need everyone's help to prepare. Today is simply planning, then tomorrow actually putting it together. Dream will be coming around later with Tommy’s body, and I was wondering if any of you would be willing to accompany me in retrieving it.”

“Wait what!” Quackity shouted. “Dream, Dream has Tommy’s body! Why didn’t you say that earlier, how are you so sure Dream didn’t do something to him!”

“I’m sure because I saw the scene Quackity, but any doubts I have will surely be cleared up when I see his body later. Now who will be coming with me?”

Nobody was speaking up, so Ranboo felt maybe he should. He, he didn’t want Tubbo to go alone. “I’ll, I’ll come Tubbo. However I can help.”

“Thank you Ranboo” Tubbo replied sweetly. “Then Quackity and Fundy, I’d like you two to take down the execution stand, and start setting the place up for a funeral. But first we will all sit down and share our insights about what we should bring to this funeral.”

Everyone just nodded their heads, and so they began.

Ranboo felt uncomfortable the whole time. Happy they were done with executing people, but horrified to learn about Tommy. How could this happen… He tried to offer what he could, he hadn’t known Tommy all that long necessarily, but he hoped he was helping. 

_____________

The meeting with the cabinet went well, they had worked out times and events. They’d have a wake before the actual funeral, and provide time to give people the opportunity to speak. They prepared for if Phil and Technoblade arrived, how they all had to remain to themselves, there would be no fighting, but to also be prepared to defend the nation and people. The meeting was on i’s way to end shortly, but then Tubbo got his message from Dream ending the meeting slightly earlier than planned.

“Alright, that was from Dream, he’s ready for us. Come on Ranboo. This concludes today's meeting, the rest of you can continue to think of preparations, and take down the stage, if you could also just inform more people of the coming events when you see them. Thank you, farewell.”

And so Tubbo turned and walked out. Ranboo was worried and hesitant, but did as he was told and followed to the house by the peer.This was it, they were about to see Tommy’s body, and it would finally set in as a reality. 

Tubbo opened the door and went in, and Ranboo followed. They came into the first room to see Dream with his arms crossed tapping his foot. He didn’t seem to want to be here.

“Mr. President” he perked up. “Right this way, I have it laying on the bed. There’s not much to say, so I’ll show you and then be on my way.” Tubbo signed “Yes, thank you Dream, show us where you’ve sat him.”

Dream led them to the bedroom, and sure enough there he was, Tommy was lying on the bed. Tubbo made a pained noise and walked up to his friend's body. Tommy, Tommy looked a little beaten, but mostly fine, as if he was only sleeping. Tubbo brushed Tommy’s dirty blond hair to the side, getting a better view of Tommy’s delicate face. There were no clear signs of abuse, I guess Dream really didn’t do anything to him Tubbo thought. Ranboo had walked up behind him and was making choked whining noises, maybe he shouldn’t have brought Ranboo, he’s too vulnerable. 

Tubbo tried to put a smile on his face with his furrowed pained eyebrows, and turned once more to Dream. “Thank you once again Dream, you are free now, we can handle it from here. The funeral will be the day after tomorrow if you’re planning on attending.” “Of course. Tubbo, Ranboo, farewell for now.” and so Dream left. 

Tubbo went back to Tommy’s body, playing with his hair in his hands. Wow, he’s really dead. Tubbo just stared, he could hear Ranboo crying in the background, and tried his best to tune him out. “H-how could this happen?” Ranboo stutters “Tommy, oh Tommy.” Ranboo continues to cry, he thinks about the yesterday where he couldn’t stop crying. But now, even faced with the body of his best friend, he can’t seem to cry, or feel anything for the matter. It’s real, he knows it is, but it still feels like a dream.

___________________________________________________________

The next several hours pass quickly. Tubbo and Ranboo lock down the house as it becomes the official holding place for Tommy’s body until the funeral. Tubbo comes up with a few more ideas for the Funeral. Tubbo sends Ranboo off to find a suit for Tommy and someone who can help clean up his body more, while he himself goes to Awesamdude asking if he can make them a nice casket. Tubbo wants to make this a grand funeral, but he remembers Tommy’s words about a funeral all those nights ago. “If I have a funeral, I don’t want anything big or cheesy. Just snap my name on a headstone and a couple words about what a BIg man I am, and the manliest things I’ve done to remember me for.”

Tubbo and the rest of the cabinet spread the word of Tommy’s death and invited people to the funeral. Ranboo ended up bringing Eret to help clean Tommy up, which slightly annoyed him, but he wasn’t one to hold a grudge and so breathed it out.

The day came to an end and then the next day began. Phil replied with some of his thoughts. They made the preparation for the funeral, set things up for it and the wake, and quickly the second day also came to an end. So finally it was the third day, the day of the event, and they were, mostly, ready.

Tubbo awoke and rose from his bed, still feeling dull and drained, but he had to put on his best face, for Tommy. The morning preparations went by smoothly, and then in the afternoon they started welcoming people arriving for the wake. Niki and Ponk had kindly supplied lots of food and treats for the event, Sam had made a fine coffin, and Tommy was prepped to be buried by his house, by the bench. 

Phil did arrive which made Tubbo smile, Techno was nowhere to be seen which was both a relief but also a disappointment for Tommy’s sake. The arrival period went well, Tommy was laid for viewing and Tubbo saw several people walk up to him. When Phil walked up and looked unbelieving, which was most people's reaction honestly, but you could see the heartbreak, another son gone, but at least this one’s body wouldn’t be blown to bits.

The arrival period ended, and Tubbo rang his glass calling people for the speech time.

“Thank you all so much for coming here, it means so much for us all to gather to honor and reminisce about Tommy, who was unfortunately taken too soon from this world. Tommy was my best friend, we have been through thick and thin together for years. He was a wonderful person, but often disliked for his outlandish personality, and his inability to control himself. It was due to that that I was put in the position to exile him. Due to his actions the exile was the clearer course of action, but yes I do regret it. I regret not visiting him more, if I had maybe I could have prevented this. Tommy didn’t deserve a lot this world threw at him, but he always stayed strong and didn’t give up, which is why I approve of him getting the opportunity to rest. Tommy, I miss you, I wish you hadn’t gone, but I will always love and forgive you. Thank you all for listening, does anyone else have anything to say?”

And so a few people came forward and gave their points. Even people who didn’t know Tommy well. Sapnap came forward and reministad on when Tommy helped him against Ponk. Phil about when Tommy was younger with Wilbur, Fundy with some memories of his uncle, and Niki about the revolution and sewing along their uniforms and flag with Tommy. “I also have to say, I’m sorry Tommy” she said “although it has only been so many months, it feels like forever since Wilbur died, and I blamed you for it. I blamed you for his madness, and I held hatred towards you for being so close to him. It wasn’t right. I thought this exile was finally giving him some consequences for his actions, but from the little we know about his exile, I was wrong. No one deserves to be alone, I’m sorry I didn’t visit you, and I never wanted you to die.”

During Niki’s speech Tubbo could see Jack scowling with his arms crossed while he listened. Clenching his teeth and slightly chewing on his lip. Once Niki was done he stepped forward, saying he had a few things to say, and Tubbo became slightly worried.

“Well hello everyone. Unlike some of you, I was one of the people to visit o’l Tommyinnit. Tommy was alone, but that was his own fault for being so rude to the rest of us, and his actions. When I visited Tommy, he killed me! I came to give him a surprise visit, and the moment he turned around he pushed me into the lava and I lost a life. I hate Tommyinnit, he was once my friend, but he abandoned me and left me behind. I hated him and wanted him to feel just like me, alone.” Jack looked down and paused…”so I don’t know why I feel so upset about his death! I too wanted him to suffer, after he killed me I wanted him to die! But now that it’s happened, I don’t know what to feel. I’m angry at you Tommyinnt, you messed up in a lot of ways,.. But I’ll miss you. Thank you, that’s all.”

Everyone just stared, and slightly quietly clappend. Tubbo wiped the sweat from his brow, well that wasn’t great, but it could have been worse. It surprised him even more when Ranboo stood forward. He knew Ranboo wanted to say some things, but he didn’t think he’d be able to take the crowd. Ranboo faced them all, eyes on him, he closed his own and breathed.

“Tommy-Tommy was my friend. I’ve-I’ve only been on this server for so long, but he was the first friend I made when I came here. I gave him a flower, and he later gave me one back.” Ranboo walked over to Tommy’s casket and sat an Allium in his hands. “We got along, yes he was loud, but he was kind. He invited me to play a prank on George’s house, and I accepted. Sadly the prank went wrong, and George’s house burned. He then took the fall for me, which resulted in his exile. I couldn’t help but feel at fault... I made sure to visit him, we even exchanged letters. I could tell that he was losing himself, and struggling, and I had just hoped things would improve, and that-that I’d be enough. I didn’t actually do anything, and I can’t help but feel guilty once again. Tommy suffered a lot in his final months. I might have failed, but I’m happy that I was there to give him even the littlest bit of happiness, maybe I helped him keep going a little longer. I’m happy, hon-honard to have been one of his friends.” Ranboo teared, and stepped down. All that could be heard in the room was the sliver, the sounds of Ranboos' tears burning his skin as he walked down.

Tubbo walked over and patted him on the back, to which Ranboo responded by hugging him. Tubbo saw Dream in the corner, and offered to let him say some words, but Dream refused. The wake finished up shortly, and then it was time for the actual funeral.

They made their way to the site of the grave, Tubbo, Phil, Ranboo, Quackity, Fundy, and Sam carrying the casket. They all gathered around the tree near the bench, where Sam, Sapnap, and Quackity had begun to dig a hole for the casket. Tubbo put Mellohi into the record player, and it began to play. This, this is all Tommy would have wanted. They said their last goodbyes, gave their last speeches, and then Tommy was buried. A headstone above his grave

TommyInnt

Sixteen

Son, Brother, Soldier, Best Friend, Biggest Man, Wife Haver

May he rest in Peace

As everyone else made their way and left, Tubbo stayed until he and Ranboo were the last left. Just staring at the grave. Tommy’s body was in the dirt now, he was gone, and would never be seen again. Ranboo dropped some flowers around his resting place, alliums, daisies, and yellow roses. They stayed there, even as it began to rain.

Tubbo just stared at the grave, wishing he could feel more, feel whole again. What was he supposed to do next. As the rain began to rain harder, Ranboo pulled him in and forced him to return back home, back to New L’manberg, to the nation his friend helped create, to where Tommy would never get to return.

Chapter Text

It was the day after Tommy’s funeral, Tubbo had given everyone the rest of the week off besides from mandatory needs for the nation. He was enjoying his early morning tea with honey when there was a knock on his door. He wondered who it could be, he really didn’t feel up for talking to anyone right now. 

He went to the door and as he opened it got encased in a surprise hug.

“Hello Tubbo!!!!! Oh it’s great to see you! I know I just saw you the other day during Technoblades little cage show, but it feels like it’s been so long and I wanted to talk to you hehe.”

Tubbo stared at Ghostbur, he had been really distracted by everything and had completely forgotten about the ghost during the whole funeral process. Oh Tommy probably would have wanted him there, he may have had some of his own incites, hopefully he isn’t mad… Wait a minute-

“Oh I just had to come and say hello again Tubbo, and say sorry I missed the party! Techno and Phil were telling me all about the party you were planning, and it sounded so fun! But I was a bit busy with a friend here, isn’t he so nice! Oh I just remember! Tommy had a party a while ago, but then I got lost, I haven't seen him since… Oh gosh hopefully he won’t be displeased with me. Did you enjoy Tommy’s party Tubbo?”

Tommy had a party??? “Oh no Ghostbur, I didn’t know he ever had a party, I never got an invite… But that’s not important right now Ghostbur.” He debated between telling Ghostbur that Tommy had died. Ghostbur might take it really badly, or as a joke. Seeing Ghostbur just reminded him that Ghosts are technically a possibility in this world, so technically Tommy might have a ghost now. Maybe if he tells Ghostbur, ghostbur could tell him using some weird ghost connection. 

“Um Ghostbur, I’m sorry to say it wasn’t quite a party you missed. It was a funeral.”

“A funeral? That sounds sad… but for who?” 

“I know this is going to be sad Ghostbur, but I actually could use your help. The person who died, was Tommy.” 

“T-T-Tommy…? No no that can’t be. Why would Tommy be dead?” 

“I’ll tell you later Ghostbur, but the point is that he died, and I was wondering if you, a ghost, had any way to tell if he had one too.”

“I’ve never met another ghost before, I don’t really know Tubbo. Nothing-nothing feels off or strange, so currently I don’t think I have any ghost sensors. Sorry…” 

“Hey it’s ok Ghostbur, thank you for your help and trying. And it’s ok that you weren't able to come to the funeral. It would have been great to have you, but it’s ok.  I need to go now though, I’m going to go and try to find Tommy’s ghost, you can join me if you’d like.”

“Oh I’d love to! Thank you Tubbo. Oh wow, so you think Tommy is a ghost like me now?” 

“We don’t know Ghostbur, but it’s worth an effort to look and try to figure out.” 

“Yay this is going to be so fun! Oh me and Tommy can do all sorts of Ghost things together now. We can be Ghost Lads on Tour!” 

Tubbo smiled as Ghostbur continued to ramble on. There was hope… Sure, he might be a ghost, so he might be different from Tommy, but having any version of Tommy in his life would be better than no Tommy at all. He could take it. He decided to send a server message to everyone to keep their eyes out.

Tubbo_: If you cuold all keep your eyes out for the chnace of a gost Tommy, it wuld be very appreshiated. Tell me if you find him.

_________________________________________________________________

People on the server kept their eyes out, while others started directly looking for the ghost. Some were pretty sure he wouldn’t have a ghost, others said it might just take some time for one to appear. To their relief and surprise, they did end up finding a ghost Tommy, it just wasn’t what they were expecting.

It was Ranboo who found him, towards the evening, in the exile area. Ranboo had wanted to see the area for himself, Tubbo had said it was destroyed, and mentioned a pillar, he wanted to see it for himself. And see if maybe he could find a sign, or a clue to what happened. Or maybe Tommy left a message for them somewhere.  Tubbo was also mentioning the chance of a ghost, which maybe would be cool, but he wasn’t getting his hopes up.

It was also a pro that he was alone, it was hard to be around others with Tommy being gone, awkward for all of them. And everyone else was running around the main areas looking for the ghost, he just wanted an hour of quiet. 

When Ranboo went through the portal, he prepared himself for what he’d see. It was a mess, but he’d imagined worse so it was just fine in his standard. The mail box had been destroyed, so nothing there. He went to the craters, not many things salvageable. He then saw the tower and gulped. Man, poor Tommy. Maybe it would have been better if they were both exiled. 

He was at the bottom of the tower looking for remains, when he noticed the offset dirt. It had rained, so things were washed away and muddy, but the dirt still looked offset enough that it must have happened before the rain. He followed the offset dirt path, which led him to a field where the grass made it hard to track. He continued walking though, admiring the flowers, Tommy and him sat here on one of his visits he remembers.

Then he sees it, a ways in front of him, there's something, someone in the grass. He walks over more, and his eyes widen. There in the field, surrounded by violets, daffodils, and lilacs, is Tommy. Or, GhostTommy. Ranboo just stares with wide eyes. The ghost Tommy is just laying there, smiling, slightly bobbing his head up and down like he’s listening to music.

He decided to try to say hello. “Um, e-excuse me? Ghost Tommy? It’s me, um Ranboo. Do you remember me?” He waits, but Ghost Tommy doesn’t respond, or even do anything to show he’s recognized that Ranboo was there. “Tommy….?” 

He walks up to the ghost, kneels beside him, and tries to shake his shoulder. But when he tries to touch him, his hand just fades right through. Sometimes he would faze a little through Ghostbur, but Ghostbur was mostly solid. This Tommy, he even looked slightly more see through. It was like he was a projection. 

This was stressing Ranboo out, so he decided to just let Tubbo know he found him.

Ranboo whispers to Tubbo_: Erm I found ghost tommy, but he’s being a little weird.

Tubbo_ whispers to Ranboo: You did! Whare?!

Ranboo whispers to Tubbo_: in the exile area, in a field

Ranboo whispers to Tubbo_: but please Tubbo, he’s different, don’t get your hopes up.

Tubbo_ whispers to Ranboo: brt

Ranboo just holds his communicator to his side and sighs. Well here this goes. He gives one more look to the ghost Tommy laying in the field, and then goes to meet Tubbo at the portal.

_________________________________________________________________________

Tubbo was pumpd. He pushed down his sadness of Tommy being dead and focused on the fact that part of Tommy was still here, he had a ghost! He and Ghostbur had discussed it more and how to treat him. They also discussed names that he might like to use. Maybe Ghostinnit, GhostTommy, Gommy, Phantommy, Toast? Well it didn’t matter, Ghost Tommy would decide. He was going to be so sure to welcome him though. If ghost Tommy was like Ghostbur, then he still has his memories, just mostly remembers the happy ones, and will be more childlike. He can deal with that.

He walked through the portal and came to the exile area. Finding Ranboo standing there for him, twisting his fingers. “Hi Ranboo! Show me where he is'' he smiled. Ranboo just looked nervous, which ok, that's not strange for him or anything. “Erm, Tubbo. You just have to listen to me. I know you’re excited, but from what I’ve gathered he is so far quite different from Ghostbur.” Different from Ghostbur? he thought, well that's ok. He’ll still find a way to make it work. “I hear you Ranboo. Got it, just take me to him and let me see.” Ranboo looked displeased, but complied.

Ranboo led him to the field, and once Tommy was in his view he ran towards him. “Tommyyyyy!” He threw himself to the ground and was met with surprise when he tried to hug him but faded right through. Well ok, yeah that's different from Ghostbur. “Erm.. Tommy! Tommy it's me Tubbo! You’re a ghost now, and I’m sorry, but I’m here now, and I should have never exiled you.”

He just stared at the ghost, as it continued to lay in the field and bob it’s head, not even acknowledging him. “Tommy….”  “This is what I was trying to warn you about Tubbo” Ranboo walked up. “I’m pretty sure this is him, but so far he’s unresponsive, and has different physics than Ghostbur.”

Well… ok. That is pretty weird. He wonders when it will stop. If they can’t touch him, then maybe he’s just sleeping and there's no easy way to wake him up.

“Well ok, this is fine Ranboo. We just have to wait and see what happens. The important thing is that we found him.” “Yeah, I guess….” Ranboo answers. “Well there’s not much more we can do now, so let’s walk back to New L’manburg together, we’ll come and check on him tomorrow.” Tubbo smiled. Ranboo nodded.

Tubbo felt great. Yes he was still pushing away his initial sadness that was due to Tommy’s death. Yes so far Ghost Tommy was quite different and surprising. But he just had to stay optimistic, everything would be ok and work it’s way out.

_____________________________________________________________

Tubbo returned the next day, and Ghost Tommy was in the same place, acting the same way. Just laying there smiling, and bobbing his head. Tubbo tried to talk to him, but once again he didn’t regard Tubbo at all. 

Tubbo was really confused by him. He looked just like Tommy, signature red and white shirt. He was even less blue and grey than Ghostbur was. Sure he was also kinda see through, but that was hard to see unless you were really looking. So for the most part, he just looked like regular old Tommy, jamming in the grass. Tubbo stayed for a while, but then once again left.

He then came again the next day, and the next day, and the next, but they were all the same. Ghost Tommy didn’t change, but Tubbo came everyday to stay with him for a bit, and even started bringing a book. Other people heard about Tommy’s ghost, but would come once and see how he was unresponsive and then leave. “It’s just like him to ignore us,” Jack Manifold said.

It was then one morning, when Tubbo got up, and he felt like his hope was fading. He had his morning coffee and realized he would really need to get back to his presidential duties soon. He looked at the calendar and was terrified when he realized what day it was, April 9th, Tommy’s 17th birthday… Tubbo felt heart broken, but he still couldn’t muster up the tears. He finished up his morning schedule, and as fast as he could went to see Tommy.

He walked up to the spirit. “Hi again Tommy, it’s me Tubbo again. Happy birthday Big man. You might be a ghost now, but it’s still your birthday.” He hoped with all his heart that the ghost would just acknowledge him, but it didn’t, and he felt heart broken. He decided to read the book he brought, but today he’d read it aloud, just in case Tommy somehow could hear him. 

 “Um, I’d like to read to you Tommy. And please don’t make fun of me when I make mistakes. I may be dyslexic but I still like to read some stories to pass the time. This one is about a magical underground world that Ranboo gave me.” And so he read, he laughed and passed the time trying to imagine Tommy enjoying it with him.

When he was finished for the day he put the book to the side and stared at Tommy’s ghost once more. He lightly sang happy birthday, and then went back to staring. After a few minutes, he spoke once more. “I really wish I knew if you could hear me Tommy. I really wish you would get up and we could hang out. Is that selfish of me? I wish I could apologize properly for everything that happened. I guess I was really hoping I could make it up to you.” He closed his eyes and breathed. Thinking of what he wanted to say. “I really miss you big man. I may not know if you can hear me, and you might not acknowledge me, but I’m going to continue coming to you, talking to you. Because if there’s even the slightest chance that I could be bringing you comfort, I’ll take it.” He stared at his friend’s ghost and tried to smile. “Good night Ghost Tommy, happy birthday.”

__________________________________________________

And so, like he said, he continued to come and visit the ghost, but now just every night when he was done with the day's work. It had been almost two weeks since Tommy’s birthday, and Tubbo was again making his way down to Tommy. He had his hands in his pockets as we walked down the path. He loved visiting Tommy, Tommy’s ghost, but he has to admit he’s growing tired. He still holds on to what he says about wanting to bring Tommy comfort if there was the slimmest chance, but he’s just running low on energy for anything. Tommy’s death is finally really setting in with him, and it’s been making it harder. 

He waves hello to Tommy, and settles down next to him, continuing where they left off on their book. After getting through a good amount of chapters he sets it down, and turns to the ghost.

 “So hey Tommy. I hope you’ve been enjoying the story. I wanted to say a few more things to you though. Ever since I found out you died, I- It’s been rough man. Which is obvious of course. But I just felt so sad when I first realized you were dead. It didn’t quite feel real, but I cried so much about having lost you. Now though, now I know you're gone, and fully acknowledge you’re not coming back, but I can’t feel myself feeling that sad. I can’t cry about it. I feel heart broken, but also so dull. And it just feels like I left all my emotions, all the tears I could cry, on that first day. And I’m angry at myself  for not being able to cry more for you, we were, are my best friend! I love you man, and your ghost, he just seems so happy! And it makes me angry that I could make you happy, that I caused you to do what you did! Everyone is telling me it wasn’t my fault, and that it’s ok that I can’t cry, but I don’t feel I can believe them. What am I supposed to do….” He has his head held down. “ I just miss you so much man,.. I want things to go back to how they used to be. Before all of this danger, and hatred, and conflict. Just you and me, happy.” 

He looks up at Tommy’s ghost, but gasps when he sees that the ghost’s eyebrows are now furrowed, and the ghost seems like it’s fading in and out. “Hey, hey man, what's happening?!” Tubbo tries to grab the ghost forgetting that he can’t grip him. Tubbo doesn’t know what's happening, and why the ghost is now glitching almost. “Tommy,... Tommy I’m here. I don’t know what's happening, but I’m here for you,” And so Tubbo stayed by his side until the fading stopped. The ghost then just layed there, eyebrows still furrowed, and no longer bobbing his head. Tubbo decided to stay for an hour longer, just to see if it started happening again, but it didn’t. So he said good night, and made his way back.

When he got back he told Ranboo what occurred, and that he didn’t understand what happened. Tubbo also couldn't help but fear it was something he said. Tommy’s ghost had seemed fine until he started making his confession/speech. He just hopes things, Ghost Tommy, will be ok.

He returns to Ghost Tommy again the next day after work, and things seem to be ok. The ghost still looks slightly sad, but things seem ok. Things remain ok for about an hour, then as they’re reading Tubbo notices that Ghost Tommy is glitching once again. He looks more strained this time though. And just like last time, it ends as quickly and surprisingly as it arrived.

This continues for several more days, and Tubbo is becoming more and more worried. He doesn’t know what's happening, Phil doesn’t have any ideas, and even Ghostbur doesn’t have any advice or knowledge of what could be happening. He decides to stay with Tommy more as it keeps happening more rapidly. One day it seems real bad, that he decides to stay the night. He goes to sleep a while after Ghost Tommy stops fading, and now just looks like he’s sleeping. 

When Tubbo awakes and pulls away his sleeping blanket though, Ghost Tommy isn’t there, he's nowhere to be seen. Tubbo panics. “Ghost Tommy! Tommy! Where are you?! Did you finally decide to get up! This isn’t funny, please come out!”  He still got no response and so dashed more around where Logstedshire was, then into the nether, then out back into the over world. Looking all around, shouting, just trying to find where Ghost Tommy could have gone. 

He was getting real stressed out when he accidently didn’t look where he was going and bumped into Ranboo. He makes an ‘umff” and falls on the ground. Ranboo notices and offers him a hand with furrowed eyebrows. “Tubbo, Tubbo whats wrong? Why weren’t you looking where you were going?” “It’s Ghost Tommy Ranboo! He- he has been continuing to glitch, so I’ve been staying with him trying to figure it out and be there for him, but today he was just gone!” Ranboo gasped. “He was gone?...” he asked. “Yes, Tommy- Ghost Tommy,.. Ranboo he’s gone, and I can’t find him anywhere. I don't know what happened to him or where he could have gone.” 

Despite not showing tears, Ranboo could tell he was really upset, and so pulled him into a hug. “It’s ok Tubbo, I’ll help you look for him. It’s going to be ok.” And so they looked a little more that day before Ranboo suggested they rest. Then the next day they returned to where Ghost Tommy was, where Ranboo was really hoping he’d be, but he was still gone. They continued this, checking exile, then slightly around the rest of the server, then resting for the day, for the rest of the week.

By the end of the week Tubbo felt lost. Ghost Tommy was gone now, he wasn’t coming back, Tubbo accepted it. He had felt so much joy originally at the prospect of a Ghost Tommy to make it up to, but then Ghost Tommy wouldn’t acknowledge them, and now he’s gone too. Instead of getting a resolve, Tubbo’s just lost Tommy all over again. He’s left with an even more dull feeling than before, thankfully he has Ranboo there to hold him, as he finally gives up, and heads in.

Chapter Text

Some hours after Dream parted ways with Tubbo saying he’d bring Tommy’s body the next day, he began to regret his decision. He shouldn’t just give up on Tommy and hand over the body, it was cruel to give up on his favorite pawn as quickly as he did. He was inexperienced with the revival, all he needed to do was take the time to learn. Now he had to hand over Tommy though, but he’d figure out a way to make it all work.

Tommy was his, and he was going to stop at nothing to bring him back. There was always the possibility that he just couldn’t be brought back, but Dream chose to ignore that. He would hand Tommy over, make it look like it was all said and done, and then bring him back into his hold. Bring Tommy back, show him how little his “friends” cared for him, how much he actually cared about Tommy, and get Tommy right under his thumb. He wasn’t even being malicious. He genuinely wanted to bring Tommy back, for his sake and his own, and he needed to show Tommy how those L’manburgians weren’t good for him. He could be so much more with Dream, that Dream would show and guide him, like good friends do.

And so he did bring Tommy’s body the next day, he learned about the plans for the funeral. He wished they could have had the wake on a separate day, which would give him time to switch the coffins, but he’d find a way. He looked at Tommy’s body once more, not trusting to hand it off to Tubbo. Of course he knew Tubbo wouldn’t do anything with it, but he couldn’t help but be haunted by the ‘what if’s?’ He just had to wait two days, he told himself. Then he’d have Tommy back in his arms and could begin.

And so the day of the funeral came. He was surprised by the amount of people that came. He may have been playing some strings, but a lot of these people really seemed like they actually didn’t care about Tommy when he was in exile. He was doubly surprised when Sapnap of all people went up and gave a speech. He listened to their speeches, their memories, their thoughts on why he died, what they thought exile was like, what they knew about him, and he scoffed. These people didn’t know Tommy all that well, not like he did. They were very off about the exile, but of course why would they think or suggest that Tommy was being mis-treated. 

The funeral went on and he just tried to stay calm, and out of the way, while he waited for this thing to hurry up and be over. Tubbo had offered him a chance to speak, but no way was he doing that. People saw him and Tommy as enemies, and he’s pretty sure a lot of them still hate him, he’s not going up to go give a speech. Everything he needs to tell Tommy, he will and can in a matter of time.

Unfortunately the funeral procession was directly after the wake so there was still no opportunity to grab Tommy then before he went into the ground, but Dream had come prepared for that. He waited through the procession, as they lowered him into the ground, and as people said their final words. Then he waited as people began to walk away and leave.

He would have loved to stay and wait till everyone was gone, and then get Tommy, but that would look suspicious, and it didn’t look like Tubbo would be leaving anytime soon. So Dream decided to take his leave. Do something and then return later in the night for the body.

 He spotted something up on a hill in the distance and walked up to it. As he approached he saw there was Technoblade in armour watching the events from a distance. 

“Well hello Techno” He said as he continued to approach.

“Dream” he replied with a quick head nod.

“Missing out on the funeral I see, or are you just observing from here?” He pretended to ask.

“Just keepin my distance Dream. Don’t know if you remember, but that government just tried to kill me. Don’t exactly trust them. And besides, I can see just fine from here.” he scoffed.

“Ah yes, I see now.” Dream snickered. “Speaking of their recent attempt on your life, I don’t know if you heard but they’ve apparently proclaimed that they’ve changed their ways, and will no longer seek violence. I don’t know about you, but I can’t entirely believe it. I know you’re still angry with them, probably planning to take your revenge. Especially after what happened to Tommy.-”

“And how do I know you didn’t have any involvement in what happened to him Dream?And who says I care about him.”

“Well if you didn’t care about him, then why would you be here.” Dream smiled from under his mask. 

“I’m here for Phil.” Technoblade muttered.

“Well ok.” Dream responded once more. “Back to what I was saying. It was that government's fault he got exiled in the first place. And it was also them that tried to execute you. I’m not using my favor on this, but I’d like if you could postpone your revenge. I’d like to aid you, or rather have you aid me in my grand attempts to eradicate that nation. First though I must prepare some things, as well as give myself some time to mourn Tommy.” Technoblade was about to butt in and ask Dream why he cared for Tommy, but Dream beat him to it answering. “We didn’t know each other the best, but we bonded quite a bit in his exile, and I’m going to miss him.”

Technoblade was a bit disbelieving in some of Dream’s words, and frustrated at the prospect of having to postpone his revenge. But smiled upon the possibility and opportunity to take that government out once and for all besides Dream.

“Fine.” He said simply. “I’ll not go after them for now, unless they come tryin to attack me, and I’ll await this grand scheme of yours.”

Dream smiled again “Thank you Technoblade. I’m excited for this future partnership.”

And with that they were done. And right on time Phil walked up, and he and Techno started making their way back to their base. And upon seeing that there were still people by Tommy’s grave, Dream decided to continue to make his leave for now aswell.

Dream had managed to set things up in the stronghold quite well. A room for Tommy, check, the library sorted and the books he’d need laid out, check, and a nice room for himself, check. It was now dusk and Dream returned to the hill to get a view. Tubbo and Ranboo were the only ones still there, even as it began to start raining. Fortunately the rain started to pick up not much later, and so Dream didn’t end up needing to wait much longer. After a couple more minutes of waiting to make sure no one was around or coming, he made his way down the hill. 

Now he wasn’t going to just dig up Tommy’s grave, no that would be easily noticeable. Even if he tried his best to make it look untouched, it just wasn’t possible. So his plan was to go after the coffin from the side. Tommy was buried next to his bench, which just happened to be on a small cliff and ledge. So Dream went down the ledge and upon the sides of the cliff, and started digging inward. He had the coordinates so all he had to do was dig forward until he hit the casket, take Tommy’s body, and make his leave. He’d patch up the side of the cliff but it was unlikely anyone would check or even notice.

And so that's what he did. He grabbed Tommy's body, putting it over his shoulder, and started making his way out. Once he came to the opening again, he dosed them both in invisibility and started pearling away back to the stronghold.

Then once he was there, he laid Tommy into the room he had prepared, and Tommy’s invisibility started wearing off. Now just to perfect the revival process, and get his Tommy back. He doused Tommy in another healing potion just to be safe and make sure it wouldn’t start to decompose, and then left the room to begin his research. 

Only a few days had passed and his research was going well. He reviewed the revival book and went through the things he’d need to uncover and decode. So far he’d found language that matched Enderian, Enchanted Table, and Galactic. He was unsure if he needed to just be able to decode them, or if he needed to be able to say the things too. The book made it sound like he could do it all in his head, but was he supposed to be reciting things in his head, or just reading them? 

While in his work he had heard about the apparent Ghost Tommy. He was at first afraid of the situation, fearing that Ghost Tommy might tell them all about what had actually happened in exile. Thankfully from what he’d heard though, Ghost Tommy just laid there in some grass, not saying or doing anything. It was a strange situation, but he chose not to question it. Don’t look a gift in the mouth and all that. He was just thankful things were working out. 

After a week he thought he had most things down. He had been working mostly non-stop, but did take a few breaks to check on Tommy’s body, and to hang for a bit with George and Sapnap. They seemed to believe and understand he was mourning, so gave him the space he needed to work. 

When Tommy’s birthday rolled around, he debated trying the revival again, but he wasn’t ready yet, and didn’t want to see himself fail. He then questioned if he should go check out the Ghost for himself, but once again opted to not. There was no reason to visit the ghost, he just needed to focus so he could get this done and soon as possible.

After anothing week he began trying to perfect his tongue, as well as made several small attempts to revive Tommy, all failing. But he assured himself it was just fine, they were simply tests. He also began to start thinking of his next plans, he’d need to set up a training room for when Tommy woke up. Oh he just couldn’t wait to play with Tommy again, and this time turning him to his side to aid in the destruction of his former home. It was going to be amazing.

 In the back of his mind Dream was still terrified of the revival not working, but it was overshadowed by his excitement and anticipation. Everything he’s learned these past weeks, imagining the power he’d have by being able to resurrect people. Due to his needing to completely understand the enchanted table dialect, he also managed to acquire all the knowledge he needed for his enchantment project, and was excited for if and when the prospect would come up and be needed. 

This was the night. He had everything laid out. The revival books, several because if it didn’t work he was going to keep trying until it did. The fire, ready to burn away the magic that brought back life. And Tommy, perfectly laid out in a room with almost nothing, where he wouldn’t be able to escape, not that he should want to. 

And so, Dream took his breath, a breath of the sweet dusty fiery air, and smiled, it was time. He began, reading over the script in this head:

∴⍑|| ↸╎↸ ||𝙹⚍ ʖ𝙹ℸ ̣ ⍑ᒷ∷ ℸ ̣ ∷ᔑリᓭꖎᔑℸ ̣ ╎リ⊣ ℸ ̣ ⍑╎ᓭ, ⍑ᔑ⍑ᔑ. 

 ⋮ꖌ, ʖ⚍ℸ ̣  ╎ℸ ̣ 'ᓭ リ𝙹ℸ ̣ ⍑╎リ⊣ ᓭ!¡ᒷᓵ╎ᔑꖎ.

T⍑∷𝙹⚍⊣⍑ ℸ ̣ ⍑ᒷ !¡𝙹∴ᒷ∷ 𝙹⎓ ⊣𝙹↸ ʖ∷╎リ⊣ ꖎ╎⎓ᒷ ʖᔑᓵꖌ ℸ ̣ 𝙹 ℸ ̣ ⍑╎ᓭ ᓭ𝙹⚍ꖎ.

⊑⟒⏃⌰ ⍙⏃⌇ ⊑⏃⌇ ⏚⟒⟒⋏ ⏚⍀⍜☍⟒⋏ ⏃⋏⎅ ⌇⏃⎐⟒ ⍙⊑⏃⏁ ⊑⏃⌇ ⏚⟒⟒⋏ ⌰⍜⌇⏁. ☊⊑⏃⋏☌⟒ ⎎⏃⏁⟒⌇ ⎅⟒⌇⟟☌⋏, ⏃⋏⎅ ⏁⎍⍀⋏ ⏚⏃☊☍ ⏁⊑⟒ ☊⌰⍜☊☍.

  f𝙹∷ ᔑꖎꖎ ℸ ̣ ⍑ᒷ ᓵ∷⚍ᒷꖎ ℸ ̣ ⍑╎リ⊣ᓭ i'⍊ᒷ ᓭᔑ╎↸ ᔑリ↸ ↸𝙹リᒷ, 𝙹リᒷ ᒲ𝙹∷ᒷ ℸ ̣ ⍑ᒷ∷ᒷ ∴╎ꖎꖎ ʖᒷ ℸ ̣ 𝙹 ∷ᒷᒲᒷᒲʖᒷ∷. I'ᒲ ℸ ̣ ⍑ᒷ 𝙹リᒷ ∴⍑𝙹 ᔑʖ⚍ᓭᒷ↸ ⊣𝙹↸ᓭ !¡𝙹∴ᒷ∷, ʖ⚍ℸ ̣  ||𝙹⚍ ᔑ∷ᒷ ᔑ↸𝙹∷ᔑʖꖎᒷ, ᓵ𝙹リℸ ̣ ∷𝙹ꖎꖎᔑʖꖎᒷ, ⎓𝙹∷ᒷ⍊ᒷ∷.

R̶͈̻̙̽̆̅̅̐į̶̫̟͖̮̓̏s̸̨͎̞̆́ͅe̷̹͂̓͒͘ ̷̡̪̩͊́n̸̡̠̫̈́̆͛͘o̶̢̤̞̰̓̈̿̿̈w̷͓̌̇̔̐ ̷̞̊̇ş̵͎̲̱̔̏͌ö̸̢͚́͋͊̒̚ͅu̷̠̻̫̰̦͂́̏͛l̷̡̢̀̂̆̋,̷̞̐̆́͘͝ ̶̮̤̐İ̸̼͚̹̋ ̷̞̌b̷̧̩̺̦̜̀͌̕͘͝r̵̖͎͈̱̈́ĭ̵̠̲͓̉̐̈́̏n̶̝͇͙̝̟̊̾̌̔͝g̶̖̒̄͘ ̵͒̊̇̉͜y̷̡̢̭͈̽̊̌̚ͅỏ̶̫̝̟͕͓u̸̢͍͊̚͠ ̸̧̧̗͇̙̆̊̐͝b̴̛̗͔͂͐̌̈a̷͍̼̲͙͋͑̿̉c̶̩̱̳̘͂̋̅k̷̙̝̟̱̂͆͝ ̵̩̲̼̹̊̂͒̔ͅt̶̺̮̦̏́͋̉̚o̵̼̺̼͚͚̓̈́͝ ̷̘̈́s̸̡͙e̴̞̺̮͋r̷̻̎̔v̵̲͈͇͖̈́͂è̶̮̥̤̒ ̴͈̦̤̻̌̇̅̓ṫ̵̖͕͓̋̌̒h̴͓͔͉̯͈̔r̴̛̼̗̲͚͈͐̽͠o̴̞̦̹̍͒͘͜u̷͉̾̅͝g̵̢̹͚̥̭̓̓͛͋h̸͍͊̎̈́͆ ̴̭͓̟̜͝m̵̨͎̰͙̐͌͋ý̷̖͛̎ ̸̫̪͔͚̈́͑͜m̴͚̺̳̝̂̽̕͜e̴̙̞̬ř̴̨̔̐ͅc̶̡̹͍̙͐̕͘͠ȳ̸̝̱̌͗̚ ̶̰͚͉̋̆ă̸͇n̷͕̐̀̌͘d̷̞̼̠͑̉͊͘ ̷̡̖͓̻͍̆͗p̵̱͕̮̗̯͑o̴̠̽̂͠w̷̝̗͚̼͎͌̎͐͘é̴̖̘̖͜r̸̥̳͛̈́̀̌̆.̸͔̃ ̴̡̯̹̰̒̋͋G̷͇͇͖̘̎o̴̭̓̕̕̚͝d̸̪̤̚s̷̭̈́̍̄̅͑ ̴͎̺̍̌̂͌͝f̴̡̯̊͜r̴̬̠̤̀̐̂̓͝ỏ̸̳̖̯̇̊͊̏ṃ̷͙̗͂ ̶̛̤͚͒͘͠á̷̦̥̫̦̎̈b̸̗͎̆͛́o̵̜̊̑̀͑̚͜v̷̨̞͎͌e̷̝͉̘̤̾̂̕̕͝ ̷̼̙͌̓ͅb̸̘̲̰̯̊͌̚͜r̵̟̫͒̈͒i̸͉̖̬̭͆n̷̗̖̮̖͍͊̄͘͝g̵͖̖̲̻̿̉̃ ̷̧̜̣̪̟̽̽̉b̴̢͘͝ä̷̡͎̪̺̳́c̷̛͈͍͍̼͠ͅk̷̞̠̂ͅ ̴͕̯̯̎̐̅ẉ̶̼̰͑̾̃͐̽h̷̲̺͑́̏̈́̄a̷͚͐t̶̙̟͚͒̈́̿͒̐ ̵̛̣̲̓̎͜ö̶̡͇͍̠́̋n̶̬͔͇̱̋̎̽c̵̣͐̄̃̃e̵̦͉͎̱̟̔̌̃̀ ̷̡͔̙̠͐͒w̷̗̩̟͉͕̃̚͘á̴̹̣̈s̷̡̬̓̑͂͗ ̵̪̝̰̝̋̈͘m̶̨̈́́̓̄̕i̶̟̪̭̅n̷̡̹̪̋͝e̸̦̯͔̿̌.̸̴̰̩̮̞͓͉̦̜̾̓͑̄̈́̀͠͠ ̴̛̝̠͗̚

His smile only grew as he recited the spell. He could feel the energy coursing through his veins. Despite its power, he knew it could be more, and that it wasn’t yet enough. He was right, as Tommy did not yet rise from the dead. He went on to try again, and then again, feeling himself feel more powerful each time, but for some reason it still didn't seem to be enough, Tommy wasn’t rising.

Dream ended up growing himself tired. Frustrated that the outcome still wasn’t in his favor. Why hasn't Tommy revived yet! What could he have been doing wrong?! He left the room, not bothering to close the door, to get himself a drink and a quick break before he began to try again. 

It wasn’t really that many attempts, but he couldn’t help but be furious. He really thought it’s be easier. What if Tommy just didn’t get up? What if he was really gone…? Dream considered his options. He looked at himself, he was kinda a mess, it was real late now, he hadn’t been sleeping much. He put so much into this, only for it not to work. (Little did he know that if he just had some patience he would have seen the boy rise not much long after.) 

He was brought out of his thoughts a few moments later, by the sound of a light shriek. He immediately rose, and turned making his way back to Tommy’s holding room. Could, could this really be happening, did it really work? He was so happy and relieved, but at the same time in disbelief. He slowly pushed the door open.

 And there he was. Sitting up a bit, pulled against the wall as if he was afraid, was Tommy. Tommy was actually revived, he had done it. 

“Did it actually, did it finally work?” he asked, starting to smile once more. 

But Tommy doesn’t ask what he means, he just stares scaredly, trying to pull into himself, but unable to due to his still remaining injuries. Dream tries to approach him and ask how he’s feeling, what it was like, why he looks so scared, but was then stopped by the boys first and next question….

“Um. excuse me… but, who are you? Wh-where am I? Wh-who am I?”

Chapter Text

Unfortunately, and to Dream’s disdain, things weren’t solved that easily.

After a few seconds staring at the scared, but alive! Tommy, Tommy fainted. Dream quickly rushed to his side to lay him down, but noticed how Tommy’s body was still so cold, and then when Dream checked his pulse, there was none. Tommy, had died…. Again. But there was no message, so did he really? 

Dream checked, and Tommy seemed pretty dead. He almost smacked himself, thinking the whole thing was just a hallucination or something, but no he trusted his mind, and his mind had seen Tommy rise. He decided to give it a rest for the night, and he’d continue his work again tomorrow.

Although Tommy was seemingly dead, again, Dream held unto the fact that he had done it. It may have only lasted a few minutes, but he had resurrected Tommy. He slept a lot better that night knowing his feats, and maybe also knowing that Tommy, his Tommy, was not gone.

Dream slept in the next day, the weight on his shoulder less heavy. He woke up, prepared himself for his day, checked and saw Tommy was actually still there, and still dead, and went back into his work, trying to figure out what had happened.

After looking over it a few times, Dream was pretty sure he did everything correctly, and so after taking a break to make sure his mind was clear, went back to Tommy’s side. This time after doing the spell, Dream stayed and forced himself to be more patient for signs of a result.

 Almost five minutes after the spell was cast, he got his sign. Tommy started groaning, slightly squirming. Dream got up from his chair and got closure to Tommy, putting his hand slightly on the boy, checking him. Tommy Screamed at the touch

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. Who-who are you? L-leave m-me alon-ne…”

Tommy was once again straining himself trying to pull away, and once again didn’t seem to recognize where or who he was with.

“Tommy, Tommy it’s me Dream, you have to calm down.”

“Dr-dream? I- I don’t- who-” But before he could finish whatever he was saying, his eyes went wide and he fell forward into Dream arms, suddenly  again dead cold.

This was getting really frustrating to Dream. Why couldn’t it just be easy to revive Tommy!, why did he keep seemingly dying…? Tommy said his name that time, but did that mean he recognized him. When he found Tommy the first time, Tommy had asked who he was, seeming to have forgotten and not remember Dream. There was a possibility he just didn’t recognize where he was and that it was Dream, and, and he’ll have to test this theory tomorrow. These reviving Tommy sessions are making him really tired.

And so the next day he tested his theory. He did the spell, waited patiently, but this time didn’t try to approach Tommy after his first squeal. He waited to see how long it would take Tommy himself.  So after Tommy sat up, and then gasped at the sight of Dream, Dream tested some waters.

“Do you know where you are?”

The boy just stared confused and somewhat scared, looking at the door like he wanted to run. 

“Ok then, do you remember me?”

Tommy shook his head.

“It’s me Dream, we’re friends. Do you remember anything? Who you are?”

“Um… I’m-I’m sorry sir.” 

Sir. Hearing the words come out of Tommy’s mouth enlighten something deep in Dream. He had never controlled what Tommy called him, and he guesses he knows why he would like it, but this feeling it’s bringing him, it’s strange. 

“I-I don’t recall why I’m here, and I really don’t know what going on. So-sorry.”

It’s so strange, to see Tommy stuttering and whining like this. Sure Tommy has stuttered before to him, but even then he had this aura of confidence around him that he just doesn’t have now. 

It’s quiet between them now. Tommy seems really awkward and uncomfortable, but Dream is just continuing to test things. His next test?, how long will it take Tommy to die again. 

It doesn’t take long, after a few minutes Tommy spikes in pain, clutching his stomach and other hand on his head, and then falls. Dream takes his time this time, going up to the body. He examines where Tommy was clutching, and hu? Strange, the wound started bleeding again, he wonders if it was like that yesterday and he just didn’t see. 

Well with one theory confirmed and a new test in session, Dream can say that Tommy has seemingly no memory when he wakes up. This time, when Dream gave his name, Tommy didn’t mutter it back, and didn't seem to recognize it. Deep down he’s feeling really frustrated with everything going on, but on the surface level he’s telling himself this is all good fun and fine.

 He can test Tommy more, figure out why he keeps dying, continue gathering research on resurrection, and see how long it takes him to get his memories back. He’s only had a couple minutes to talk to Tommy each time, surely this is just a drowsiness thing, he knows once he figures out how to make Tommy stay living he’ll be back to himself in no time, and then the real fun begins.

The Following days are the same, Dream just observing, testing, looking for signs. Each time Tommy rises he has no memory of the previous resurrections. Dream is feeling more motivated to figure this out, and starts doing multiple ‘revive Tommy sessions’ a day. He finds that Tommy has still sustained his injuries, and healing potions don’t do anything once he’s dead. It seems like wherever Tommy is revived, his injuries get triggered and start affecting him again, causing him to die. When he’s revived it seems to work like a totem, it doesn’t bring him back to full health, only the health he was in before he died. So in Tommy’s case, the health he was after jumping off a tower and almost dying. So far it’s taken at most eight minutes for Tommy to start dying, and he continues to have no prior knowledge, making Dream realize it could possibly be a head injury.

With everything he’s acquired, Dream thinks he’s ready for the final session. All he needs to do is heal Tommy in time, and he should be fine. Dream also decided to replace his usual fire in the spell with soul fire. He did a little research about soul fire, it’s very symbolic and is also used in lots or rituals, religious or otherwise. He doesn’t know if it will make a difference, but he’s willing to try. Try switching one variable for one stronger and see what happens.

He has everything set up, food, portions, the fire, everything he’ll need, and so starts the ritual spell. With the increase in time he does the spell, the less time it takes for Tommy to actually wake up showing signs of the spell's effect. Tommy rises, like the other times, groggily, he spots Dream and squeaks, pulling back a bit. Dream wastes no time in shoving an enchanted apple in Tommy’s face, the action is too fast and scares Tommy though.

“Aaar… I-I, no thank you… um, coul-”

Dream continues pushing. “No Time. eat the apple. Now.”

Tommy shudders a bit, but takes the apple. “Al-alright.”

“Good. Now when you’re done with that, drink this potion, it’s regeneration.”

Tommy does so, and Dream sighs in relief seeing the injuries slowly stitch themselves back together. It was sorta fun watching Tommy grovel in pain to them, but he’s ready to move on. Yes, this time Tommy would live. (This time he was actually trying to bring back Tommy and not just conduct some experiment.) 

The injuries are healing themselves, but it’s still not a definitive answer to if Tommy will live this time, but surely he will. It’s awkward now, and Tommy after finishing the potion seems frightened, but also looks like he wants answers. 

“Um, excuse me. Could you-”  “Just wait a few more minutes” Dream says. He really doesn't want to do the whole explanation again if Tommy just ends up dying.

And so they wait, the eight minutes pass and Dream can’t help but gin. Thank goodness that’s finally over. Just to be safe though he keeps pushing healing potions onto Tommy, and gives him a few regular enchanted apples. There. This will keep his pawn on the board, this will keep him alive.

A few more minutes are all the confirmation Dream needs to finally let out the last breath he was holding in. Next issue, talking to Tommy, and seeing if he has any sustaining injuries. If he’s right and Tommy did hurt his head, the healing pot might not heal it right away. He’s looking over his remaining items when Tommy decides to speak again.

“Um, so-sorry again, but is no-now an ok ti-time? Tha-thanks for the potions and a-all, but can you tell me wh-where I am?”

“Well Tommy, you are currently in my base, and I’m fixing you up, now does anything still hurt?”

Tommy just looks at him blearily “Wh-who’s To-Tommy?” Oh gosh this is going to be a lot harder than he thought to deal with. His frustration and slight panic is building once again, but he can keep it calm and inside.

“Well, you are Tommy.” He says simply. Clapping his hands. “Now again, does anything still feel wrong? Any pain?”

“Oh. We-well I do kin-kinda feel like I gotta throw up, bu that mi-ght just be from all tha potions you we-were stuffing dow-down me.” He motions for his stomach and throat, “and my head also sorta hurts.”

Based off of the tells and answers Tommy is giving, Dream can conclude he seems to have a concussion. Well ok, that's just one more day on the chopping block. Dream doesn’t really want to leave Tommy, somewhat afraid he’ll just drop dead again , but Tommy does look like a mess and could use some rest.

“Get some rest. I’ll be back to check on you in a bit, Don’t go anywhere.” Dream says the last parts sternly.

“Oh, um.. Ok. I guess I can stay here a bit. B-bye then.”

Dream exits the room and realizes he might need the rest too, this was all exhausting. He was up really late now doing Tommy experiments one after the other and then finally reviving him for real. Guess they should both get some rest. As he falls asleep he thinks about his plans going forward. Things that will have to be sidelined a bit longer. He has to make sure Tommy is healthy before Dream starts putting him through the grinder. Giving him extensive training to help him to become his protégé and weapon. Hopefully with a bit of rest Tommy can get over this concussion and things will start to get back on track. 

When Dream goes to check on Tommy in the morning, he’s relieved he’s still in his bed, but also slightly afraid Tommy might be dead again. Great, is this going to be a regular thing now? Every time Dream see’s Tommy sleeping he’ll think he’s dead? Whatever, he’ll get over it soon.

He waits a bit longer just to make sure he’s letting Tommy get adequate rest while he’s healing, and then goes to shake him awake.

“Tommy, Tommy…. Wake up.”

Tommy starts to groggily wake up, but then suddenly seems to tense and burst up. “Who-who are you?! Whe-were I am? What do you want with m-me?!” 

And Dream just can’t take this, not again. How long is this going to last. Tommy seemingly forgot the entire revival yesterday, again, but it couldn’t be blamed on dying this time. He was so sure Tommy would just get better from here, but why isn’t he then! Why did he forget?! Dream in frustration, exists the room.

Once he’s existed the room and at a far enough distance, he punches the wall in frustration. How long is this going to continue on? How long until Tommy is better? How long until he can return to his plan?! 

It’s that this moment that Dream pauses and suddenly questions if it will. Sure it’s only been a day and Tommy doesn’t have his memory back, and didn’t improve, and it might just take patience, but what if it doesn’t. What if Tommy doesn't improve, and just keeps forgetting things… What if Tommy, his Tommy, doesn’t remember him! Doesn’t regain the memories he’s lost. Then, ha, everything Dream’s done will be for nothing. He pushed Tommy close to suicdie for nothing because it didn’t even help in his plan, it actually ruined it. 

He spent so long spending time with Tommy, convincing him they were friends, doing boring things with him, making sure no one else came, just for it to all go to nothing. No. No he won’t let it go to nothing. He’ll trigger Tommy’s memories. And maybe, maybe he just needs to give Tommy some time, but he won’t let it go to waste. Even if he can’t get everything back, it won’t all go to waste. Tommy won’t go to waste. 

He then thinks about how all this effort was to get Tommy on his side, to see him in pain and to see his friends' pained faces. To have the satisfaction of turning the hero Tommy, to nothing by his side. Well maybe now he has an opportunity he thinks… If Tommy doesn’t remember anything right now, then it would be easy to convince him to be on his side. Maybe some days, maybe weeks of training with a messed up memory, then getting it back, would actually help his cause. Yeah yeah, he can work with this. 

In Fact he’s going to go the extra mile on this, and make Tommy think he’s a completely different person. Yes, this, this will be a fun experiment. There is the prospect of it getting messy when Tommy does regain himself and ask why Dream lied, but he could get to that when it happens. Who knows maybe the memories will blend, maybe it could be like starting fresh and conditioning Tommy into his perfect weapon. Almost like raising a child to be exactly what he wants them to be.  This Tommy doesn't appear to remember anything, so it shouldn’t be too hard for Dream to convince him of things, and he won’t even have to deal with the extra work of convincing Tommy his friends don’t care for him, or any of that other bagage, because Tommy doesn’t have any of that in the first place now. He's a blank slate, ready to be crafted.

Ok, he can make this work, at least make waiting for Tommy to actually wake up be fun and effective, not slowing down his plans. Now, now just to come up with the perfect plan, the perfect identity for Tommy. This actually might be easier and more fun to show off to the rest of L’manberg when that time comes. And he won’t have to convince Tommy to use a fake name so L’manburg doesn’t recognize him, he’ll just give him a false one now.

But what to call him… He’s overheard Technoblade call him Theseus a few times… but that would then be too obvious. And no forms of Theseus like theo, just to be safe… He doesn't have many ideas, Tommy was meant to choose his new name originally. Maybe Dream will do something from Greek mythology just to narrow it down and make it easier… Let’s see, any facts about Tommy’s situation that match any other figure? Dream thinks for a bit, thinking of little facts about Tommy that could relate to the figures. What happened to Tommy, Tommy was a soldier, fought in some wars, was pulled away from his home and friends, twice, he lived in exile and experienced true grief and distress believing that no one actually ever cared for him, and then tried to kill himself, not succeeding, and then died due to tripping when trying to seek help… Nothing really matches with the story of how his Tommy got here, but it doesn’t have to, it just needs to inspire a name. Hmmm, lost his friends, considered suicide, died because of he tripped on his foot, his heel.. Oh! That one could work. 

Achilles. The strong warrior that fought in the trojan war. Was trained by Chiron to become said great warrior. Pulling out of said war after getting disrespected by the commander Agamemnon, only to return after the death of his closest friend Patroclus which almost drove him to suicide. Achilles then returns to the war to kill the prince but ultimately die due to the weakness of his heel. Yeah, it’s somewhat poetic, but the details don’t really matter, the name will due, no one will suspect a thing.

He takes a few more minutes to think up his plan and story, and then enters back into Tommy’s room.  Everything's going to work out He tells himself. This will be fun. He walks into the room to see the pulled back, confused, scared, looking Tommy. Or well, Achilles for the time being.

“Hello again,” He greets kindly. “Good morning, sorry I just forgot I had something to attend to first. How are you feeling? Any Better?”

Tommy just stares confused. “I-um… I feel kinda off, but not really, bad per say. I- co-could you please explain whe-where I am?”

“Oh no, poor thing, you really did hit your head too hard didn’t you? Do you not even recognize me?” He throws in some fake concern and tears. 

 Tommy immediately stiffens up a little. “Oh no! I-I mean.. No. I don’t - I don’t recognize you, or where I am. Am, am I supposed to?”

“Well of course” Dream says back. “This is your home. Don’t you at least remember who you are?”

“N-no. No I don’t. But you seem to. S-so who am I, and who are you? Please, I'm-I'm so confused…” Perfect Dream thinks.

“Oh that’s such a shame.” Dream starts “Well, I’m Dream, I’m your friend, guardian. And you, your name…..  is Achilles.”

Chapter Text

Tom-....Achilles. His name… is Achilles…

Achilles doesn’t really know what to think, and thinking is kinda hurting right now. All he knows is he woke up in an unfamiliar room, and Dream… Dream told him he hit his head after some people kidnapped him, which somehow caused him to temporarily lose his memory.

Dream, Dream is… his friend? The name does feel kinda familiar on his tongue.

Dream is asking him lots of questions, slightly overwhelming him, checking his remaining but healing injuries.

Dream leaves the room for a minute, and Achilles breathes.

Dream asked him if he remembers anything, and-and he lied saying no he didn’t. Ok, Dream says he’s his friend, and is telling him all this stuff, but he’s allowed to be a little cautious. Despite Dream feeling familiar, there’s also this warning feeling around him. 

So he lies.

 He doesn’t remember anything big, anything crazy, but there’s something. It’s blurry and hard to hear, but he remembers falling, falling through the air while feeling sad? Sad and maybe scared that he lost or will lose something. Then he remembers, just a second, of laying in a field with plants. 

Looking around the room he’s in he feels like he might remember more, but it’s just out of reach. He feels like he just saw, did something. Like he was dreaming but now that he's awoken he can’t recall what the dream was. It becomes more and more scrambled and distant the longer he’s awake. One thing, he thinks, he thinks there was a man. A man shaking him, and asking him questions, and then he awoke.

He doesn’t get too much time to himself yet, because Dream enters back into the room once more.

“Ok Achilles, you are currently suffering with some memory loss which we can’t really have or wait for it to resolve itself to continue training. So I’ll just remind you and re-fill you into some things so we can get back to work.” 

Achilles can’t see Dream’s face, which is kinda frightening, but he thinks the guy is smiling by his tone. Guess the guy’s an optimist. He seems real confident things will just pick themselves back up to where they were.

“So as I’ve told you my name is Dream, I’m your best friend and your guardian. You are Achilles, you’re my protégé and we were training for a war when you got taken by the enemy.”

Ach stiffened. “A-a war?”

“Hush Achilles. Wait for me to be finished before speaking.” His tone had some bite in it and so Ach pulled back and tensed.

“Yes, a war. As I was saying, they took you. I rushed in as soon as I could, but they had already gotten you. I brought you back to our home and started working on bringing you back.”

“What does that mean?!” Ach suddenly asks before he could think to stop himself.

Dream groaned. “I’ll inform you more later. And I just told you to not interrupt me! Guess we need to relearn how to follow the rules.”

Ach didn’t expect it, but suddenly Dream's hand came into his vision, hitting his face, slapping him, and it stung. Achilles recoiled back, clutching his face. His head already hurt, why did Dream have to slap him, what did he do?

“If there's one thing you need to remember about yourself and our relationship Achilles, it’s that you belong to me. I’m your guardian, your teacher, your friend, but also your wielder. You are my protégé, and my weapon, and you must follow what I say!”

Dream seems to be glaring but also maybe grinning behind the mask, as Achilles tries to push himself into the corner. 

“I’ll be back again later to chat more,” Dream says. “But for now I’ll leave you to rest and rethink.”

Dream exits the room and Achilles continues to clutch his cheek. Gosh what was happening. Ok ok, he just has to follow the rules, and he won’t get slapped again. (He really wished he could just get his memory back, he’s sure this would all be a lot less sufferable if he could understand.)

They were in a war, he was in a war, he doesn’t think he knows how to fight. But, Dream said he was his protégé, and gosh Dream was really scary, nothing like he was when he originally came in to find him. He bets his usual self would feel a lot less scared right now, maybe they act and joke like this a lot, and Dream just doesn’t realize that Achilles isn’t used to it anymore.

Well he better just enjoy this quiet moment of peace while he can. Dream had taken all the stuff he had originally in the room with him, so there wasn’t really anything for him to do. Guess he’ll just sit here. Maybe he could sleep? Or maybe he could do some more thinking. He tries to stand up off the bed, arg it's so hard for some reason. He’s so weak and sore, and it feels like he hasn’t used his legs in days, how long was he out?

After a couple laps around the room to both test his legs and also get a better look around the room, he feels tired and so sits back down on his bed. He lays there, just hoping his mind will wander to something to think about. He starts thinking more about this war Dream mentioned, and his memories. He wonders how long they’ve been at war, who they're up against, how many are on their side. He really hopes this isn’t going to be too hard… He-he doesn’t want to fight in a war… He lies sadly. There’s not much more to say, and he doesn’t want to think about the topic anymore. He’s also having no luck remembering anything, so why not get that rest Dream mentioned…

Dream returned a few hours later, it’s evening now and he comes to bring Tommy some dinner. Dream doesn’t bother knocking and just lets himself in. 

“Achilles, Ach time for dinner.” He says as he lightly shakes the boy to wake him. He manages and Tommy rubs his eyes before looking up to Dream with a gasp and quiver. Dream irritatingly thinks he knows what this reaction means.

“Achilles. Can you tell me what you remember.” He states simi-sweetly.

“Um, I… I was-was laying in th-this bed. And you-. You-.” Dream had enough of this, time to start beating some things into this boy’s brain, literally.

He whacks Tommy in the face, who stumbles back in his lanky bed. His nose is bleeding slightly, he’s crying a bit, weak… but it’s nothing that will seriously affect him, and nothing they can’t fix. “Tell me what you remember Achilles. Or do I have to help you remember more?!”

“Awk!, arrr. I- I um you dre- Dream. You’re Dream and I-I’m Achilles. And you said something about war, an-and me having to fi-fight.” He panicky stutters out.

Dream looks at him sternly. Frustrated by the current handicap, but determined to bring Tommy back on track. “I suppose that will do for now. Know that from here on out failure to remember things will result in being punished.” He’s going to get this information drilled into his head until he can’t forget. “The next few days we will be working solely on your memories before we return to training. If I ask you to repeat what you recall you will do so or be punished. We will have morning and night routines. I am devoted to nailing these memories back in your head. Do you understand?”

Tommy just nodded his head. He looks so weak, it’s both liberating and an obstacle. He loves to watch Tommy grovel but he also needs him to be strong so he can fight these battles. If his next plans go well then Tommy won’t technically need to be able to be the best fighter, but he will need to be tough enough to complete his mission.

“Ok, we are starting the nightly routine now. You will repeat back what I tell you to the word. Remember failure to do so means punishment, so commit this to mind and don’t forget.” Tommy looks so scared, he hopes this short torture will put an end to his current dilemma when it comes to Tommy’s memory.

“Ok, start repeating back now. I am Achilles.”

“I-I am Achilles” He repeats back.

“I am Dream’s protégé and tool.”

“I am Dr-Dream’s pro-protégé and tool.”

“Dream is my friend, my guardian, and my owner.”

Tommy seems to make a confused face at that, but complies nonetheless. “Dream is m-my friend. My gur-guardian. And m-my… my owner.” Dream smiles.

“I will listen to Dream and not disobey.”

“I will listen to Dream, and nn-not disobey.” His speaking is getting slightly better, good.

“I will protect Dream with my life, L’manburg is the enemy.”

Now this is what had Tommy staring with wide eyes, “What’s a L’manburg?” he asks stunned and worriedly. 

“Silence!” Dream shouts, giving Tommy his next slap to the face. Tommy better not start remembering L’manburg. “L’manburg is our enemy, the ones who want to hurt you! Now repeat back what I said!” 

Tommy is once again clutching himself, but trying to pick his head up to continue on.

“Um… I-I will protect Dream… L’ma-” Dream grabs him by his collar and shoves him against the wall a little. “Say it correctly. Do you need me to say it again?” He’s realizing he might be being a bit too harsh and hard on Tommy, but it doesn’t matter. He’ll deliver whatever force is needed to make Tommy understand and listen.

“No no!” Tommy tries to assure, shaking his head. “I-I will protect Dream, with my life. L’manburg is the enemy”

“Very good.” Dream says as he sets Tommy down and pats his head. “Almost done.”

“I am alone. Dream is my only friend. All I need is Dream.”

“I am a-alone. Dre-Dream is my only friend. All I-I need is Dream…”

“Good good.” Dream lightly congratulates. “Now repeat it all back to me. Can you do that?” He has his arms crossed as his foot taps.

Tommy nods his head and thinks for a moment, trying to recall everything so as not to be hit. Dream is about to berate him again, but Tommy notices and picks up.

“I-I am Achilles. I am Dream's protégé and tool. D-Dream is my friend, guardian, and my owner. I will listen to Dream and not disobey. I wi-will protect Dream with all my life. L’manberg is the enemy. I am a-alone. Dream is my only friend, all I need is Dream.” He finishes and takes a breath.

Dream smiles and claps quietly. “Very good Achilles. And remember those words because I don’t want to have to punish you again.” He walks up closer once more to Tommy who shifts slightly back, clearly scared of what will happen next. But Dream just puts his hand on Tommys head and starts petting his hair. “You know I don’t want to hurt you Achilles, I only do this to help you, we just can’t have you forgetting everything.” 

Tommy was tense, but as Dream continued to pet his head, he lets his shoulders down, and pushed into it a little. Dream smiled. At least this was the same, at least Tommy was still starved for contact that he’ll take any he can get, even if the person was just hurting him. Tommy is acting like he’s never gotten comfort, which he guesses he hasn’t as far as he can remember. “Do you understand the rules Achilles?” He says sweetly as he continues to pet his hair. “You understand I do this because I care about you and want you back at your A-game?”

“I-I do Dream.” He mutters back.

“Good good. Now I’m sorry but I have to go now.” Dream pulls back and Tommy wines a little, how cute. “Don’t worry I’ll be back in the morning for us to continue. And I’m sorry but because of your failings today you will not be having dinner. Remember that as one of your possible punishments. And now I want you to repeat your mantra until you fall asleep. Ok?”

“Ye-yes Dream. I understand Dream” He says back with his head down.

Dream exits the room with a smile as he hears Tommy begin to recite his commandments back.

“Dream is my only friend, all I need is Dream. I am Achilles. I am Dream's protégé and tool. D-Dream is my friend, my guardian, and my owner. I will listen to Dream and not disobey. I wi-will protect Dream with my life. L’manberg is the enemy. I am a-alone. Dream is my only friend, all I need is Dream.” 

He continues to recite again and again. He doesn’t know how long he’s been going but it feels like forever. 

“I am Achilles. I am Dream's protégé and tool. D-Dream is my friend, my guardian, and my owner. I will listen to Dream and not disobey.” Finally, finally he thinks he’s running out of breath and about to collapse. “ I wi-will protect Dream with my life. L-l’manberg is the enemy. I am a-alone. Dream is-is my, my only friend, all I need is Dream. All, all-I, I need… is Dream..” He falls back.

The next two days are the same. Achilles rises, Dream tests what he remembers, and tells him to repeat his mantra, if he fails either he is punished by force and or lack of food. Achilles is really struggling to remember it all, but it’s beginning to make its mark on his psyche and be easier to recall. After lots of harsh hits, words, locked in a room to repeatedly repeat his mantra, and a few loving pats, Achilles thinks he’s getting the hang on things.

He wakes early on the third day and prepares himself for when Dream enters the room. Practicing the mantra in his head trying to make sure it’s right.

It doesn’t take long, and Dream enters. Achilles rises and stands ready for instruction, but needing Dream to push him to start the day. 

“Your mantra” He says simply, testing Achilles's brain.

“I am Achilles. I am Dream's protégé and tool. Dream is my friend, my guardian, and my owner. I will listen to Dream and not disobey. I will protect Dream with my life. L’manberg is the enemy. I am alone. Dream is my only friend, all I need is Dream.”

Dreams hums, and Achilles can’t help but perk up hoping that means a smile under his mask. “Very well Achilles” He compliments “It seems we might be ready to move on to training again.” 

And instantly Achilles' smile drops. It’s not that he isn’t happy he completed the morning routine without punishment, it’s just that he’s really worried about this fighting thing, and has been trying to put this ‘war’ to the back of his brain. 

“Is there a problem Achilles?” Dream asks.

“No Dream. Sorry, just kinda worried to find out how far I’ve probably fallen I guess.” He scratches the back of his head and nervously chuckles. “But I’m ready.”

“Good, now follow me so we can begin. If you do well then you will be rewarded with breakfast.” Oh that sounded good, Ach hasn’t gotten much food since he first woke up a few days ago. He’s gotten a few scraps, but not a meal. This was the first morning with some success, so he can only hope he can continue his streak.

Dream leads him out of the room, and gosh he didn’t think it'd be this scary. Sure this was supposedly his home, but he doesn’t remember! And-and he’s been in this room for three days, never leaving. He steps out and takes a shaky breath, he’d love to take his time but he really doesn't want to upset Dream.

He follows and Dream leads him down the stone hallway, through what seems like a living room, down another hallway. While walking, Achilles can’t help but notice a view rooms that look like they have extra security, wonder what those are for? But, well… Oh, Dream did say they were in war, so it probably had to do with that. After walking down the hall they arrived at their destination. An open room with lots of fighting equipment everywhere.

Achilles enters and looks around, taking in the large room. There are a couple platforms around the place, a cool parkour course maybe. He is suddenly pulled out of the immersion by a wooden sword being thrown at his legs. He lets out a sudden squeak of fear and startlement, before picking up the sword.

“We’ll be starting by seeing where you’re currently at,” Dream says. “This will show me where you need to improve. Ready yourself.” Achilles looks at Dream and tries to hold it like he does. “And begin!” Dream rushed towards Achilles and he held in the startled gasp. He throws himself to the side enough to just miss Dream's wooden sword. Ok, ok, he needs to think.

he really didn’t think Dream would just jump right in. He expected to be instructed, but he bets Dream has already taught him this stuff before and so wants to try to spark his memory, oh great.

He dodges another attack. “Fight Achilles, show me what you can do!”

Achilles tries not to flinch at the tone and volume, trying to steady himself. He’s holding his swords and his feet are planted, and as Dream attacks again and he hits back, he thinks this may feel slightly familiar. He has no idea what he’s doing, and he is very scared, but his muscle memory seems to be making use. Unfortunately not even some faint memory of how to fight is enough to combat Dream. “Tell me who you are Achilles?!” Dream suddenly says, distracting him and then lunging towards him.

Achilles is striked and quickly moves out of the way. He tries to hold in a whimper. “Well Achilles? I’m waiting!” Oh right, he’s gotta answer that. “I am Achilles, I am your protégé and tool.” He answers hoping it’s what Dream is looking for. Dream doesn’t respond and with the mask there is no way for him to know if Dream is pleased or not, or any of what he’s thinking.

 He holds back another flinch as Dream lunges for him again, and he barely dodges. It’s so hard to stay calm as he tries to combat Dream. He tries to make a move on Dream, and gets swhacked to the side. “That was nothing Achilles, keep going!” Achilles did, he he tried, He held Dream's sword against his own, defending himself, and tried to not fall to Dream’s force against him. He couldn’t see Dream’s face, but his amount of force made it seem like he was frustrated and angry.

Achilles couldn’t keep it up and Dream managed to get a move on him, letting go of his force and then reinforcing it into Achilles’ side. It didn’t stop as he pushed with such a force that Achilles shrieked and recoiled back. Dream didn’t seem to like his show of weakness and just didn’t stop. He kept hitting him and shoving him, and then once he was against the wall, pinning him down. After Dream let go of his shirt Achilles fell to the floor. He was so out of breath, tears were starting to form. “Don’t just give up! What will you do when the enemy has you pinned down!”

Dream then kicked him down and then kicked him in the stomach.

“Dream! Dream please! Stop! Stop please, I’m trying, I’m really trying. Please just stop!”

Dream didn’t stop and Achilles continued to sob as he was abrased. He was losing breath and everything was starting to ring, he was beginning to close his eyes, when then Dream hit him somewhere that caused him to suddenly shoot awake.

Images, blurry images of a battlefield. Of people injured, of him clutching his chest. Of a cave, a hole, of being repeatedly beaten. Of people, people all around him, but he can’t see their faces. They laugh and yell at him. He’s all alone. Then, then images of him crying, but then, then someone comes up to him, and pulls him into embrace. He, he looks and sees it’s Dream. Images of Dream and him, helping him with something, talking to him, handing him a trident? Of Dream comforting him.

He suddenly opened his tear-filled eyes and breathed in, realizing Dream had stopped and was now holding him against his chest trying to get him to breathe. How long was he out…

“Easy there Achilles, breathe it out. In and out”

He tries “I-I can - breathe - can’t” he shakes his head. 

“Yes you can, just keep going buddy, I know you can.”

It takes a moment, but he gets there, with a little help from Dream, he’s breathing again. Dream then hits him with a healing potion, and Achilles breaths it in through his sobs. 

“There you go buddy, it’s ok. You’re ok now.” Dream starts patting him on his back and Achilles just can’t take it, can’t resist. Dream has been hurting and punishing him so much in the last days, but his voice now, an-and the memories he thinks he sees, it’s no match. He falls against Dream and starts tightly gripping onto him while he cries. Dream then goes on to rubbing circles into his back while shushing him, it feels so nice.

“What happened there buddy?” He asks. “I’m real sorry I went so hard on you, I just needed to see where you were at, and then I got frustrated and went a bit too harsh, because I care about you and want you to be at your best to stay safe. You were taking it alright when then you just stopped and started breathing too heavily.”

Achilles hugs onto him a little tighter. “I-I think I was remembering something.” He answers.

“Oh really? What did you remember?” Dream exclaims.

“I-. Nothing really, just a couple images. And-and oh. I think, I think I remembered you a bit.” A scene just like this one flashes into his mind. He’s in Dream’s arms and Dream is rubbing circles on his back comforting him. He can’t hear what they’re saying, but he knows it was comforting. “Oh Dream, I-I remember a little!” He grips a little more as the tears fall. “Not much, not much, but you. I remember you helping me, hanging with me, and comforting me just like this. I remember feeling in so much pain, but you were there for me. I was all alone…Thank you, I’m so sorry I can’t be better Dream!”

Dream tensed a little and started rubbing his back a bit more aggressively until he stopped and just looked Achilles in the teary eyes. “T-Achilles…It’s ok. I said it was ok. You did fine, we’re going to make you better. I’m going to help you be better, don’t worry. You’ll get there. And, and I appreciate you, I know you can get there.” He began to pat him on the head again.

“I’m, I’m so happy you are remembering some things” He says, his voice slightly cracking. 

It’s quiet for a few more minutes, Just Dream smoothing Achilles hair, while Achilles basks in his comfort and warmth. “Hey,” Dream breaks the silence, Achilles perks up a little. “I think you’ve done enough for now,” His voice is sweet, nothing like it was when they started this session. “You have a lot to catch up on, but you did well enough that I think you deserve some food. Don’t you think so?”

Achilles tried to think if he was supposed to answer, but Dream seems like he was happy right now, so surely answering couldn’t hurt. “I-I wouldn’t mind some food. Thank you.”

Dream lets go and stands up, then extends his hand to Achilles, helping him support his weight. “Come on then, here we go.” He gently says. 

And then leads him back down the hallway, through the ‘living room’ and to the kitchen. Where Dream gets them both some muffins and they rest.