Chapter Text
Adrenaline rushing through veins. Anticipation palpable in the air. The deep, unwavering recognition that you are where your are meant to be. Doing what you always should have done.
Somehow, with some luck, Dream gets to experience this feeling every day.
The first time he held an axe, gifted to him by parents he can’t remember, and chased after other kids his age in games they crafted together, he knew he wanted to hunt.
But it was years before he knew that he was supposed to be a Hunter. When he watched a group of people try to stop dragon eggs from being stolen, and begin to fail miserably, he stepped in. He saved them, and he saved the eggs. Dream had never felt more alive.
He’s one of the few lucky ones that found his purpose early and got to pursue it too. The summer he turned 18 brought him the role of a lifetime. A Hunter for the Manhunt Agency, dedicating his life to hunting and stopping people that try to mess with the dragons that live in the world.
He may have picked up a few friends along the way, bringing them into the Agency so they could Hunt and fight together. Forever.
Dragon activity is strongest in the summer. People believe the warmth attracts dragons from wherever they come from. They make nests, and more importantly, lay eggs. More eggs to protect, naturally, means more missions for Hunters.
Dream loves the summer.
Every day’s a new mission, every moment another exhilarating rush, another reminder that he is alive. He worked hard to prove that he’s worthy to be a Hunter, and to find a group of people that can and will fight alongside him. No one gets left behind, Dream can’t live through that again.
But summer brings change too. Each summer a new friend was added to his Hunter team. Each summer the most challenging manhunt of their careers knocks on their door. The good has to be balanced by the bad. But it never shakes Dream, he welcomes the reckoning.
Because nothing has taken his purpose away from him.
Not yet.
***************************
The cool wind brings a bite of relief from the summer heat. The afternoon sun makes Dream sweat through his black shirt. It was inevitable, given his circumstances. Crouching behind a tree in the shallow woods, Dream can just faintly smell the strong odor of the dragon nearby. His heart beats faster, anticipation and adrenaline threatening to consume his being, and he loves every moment of it. This is how Dream feels alive, being a Hunter.
A shuffle from a bush in the far distance echoes through the silence. His target. Maybe multiple targets, Runners usually take these risks in groups, it's too risky to face the Hunters alone.
“On my cue.” Dream whispers. He doesn’t need a response to know his team heard him. It’s too quiet to miss.
He waits for the Runners to reveal themselves. Directly in the middle of the shallow woods lay two large ovals, rigid and black with purple veins. Dragon eggs. Dream considers the Runners will make a beeline for them. A quick in and out. But he knows better, the Runners are too far away to forgo their usual arc track to their treasure.
The bush shuffles. A twig cracks. Suddenly, seven Runners break through the distant tree line.
“Now!” Dream barks, just loud enough for his team to hear without question. On his direct left, an arrow whooshes through the air to the other side. George leaves his hiding spot, crouching as he runs closer to shoot more arrows. On Dream's right, Sapnap heads for the dragon eggs, holding a long, silver sword to his side.
With the distraction in place, Dream jumps from his hiding spot and dashes straight to the Runners. In his team of six hunters, Dream is the only one with the perfect combination of speed and precise fighting techniques. It’s one of the many reasons the Manhunt Agency elected him to be the leader of his team of Hunters, even if Sapnap swears he’s on the same level.
Four of the Runners disperse at the sight of Dream, leaving him to a three on one. It’s nothing Dream is not used to, but it helps to know George has his flank with the arrows. The other four Runners have another brutal battle waiting for them on the other side of the field. Dream can hear the moment Bad, Sam, and Antfrost leave their hiding spots to surprise the Runners in a hastily created trap.
Dream runs his shoulder right into the nearest Runner’s chest, knocking the both of them to the ground. A blade swings towards his leg, he feels it nick his thigh as he rolls out of the way. He kicks out his other leg to trip an oncoming Runner before he can attack. Dream pulls a dagger from a deep pocket in his pants and aims it for the third Runner. He never uses it for a kill, only for a warning to whoever dares to face the pointing edge of the golden blade.
The third Runner does not take the warning. In one swift move, they pull out a blade of their own and strikes it against the dagger. Dream grunts, the dull pain of the cut in his leg increases under the weight of the Runner.
Change tactics.
Dream retreats, the Runner loses their balance but recovers quickly. The other two runners still lay on the ground, heaving as they catch their breath. This group of Runners must be new if they stay down that easy, Dream realizes, their bodies are not yet prepared for the demands of a fight. It’s unusual, Runners tend to be well equipped for a fight. The Manhunt Agency, and in extension a team of Hunters, have been protecting dragon eggs and nests for two decades, any good Runner trains in the event they come face to face with a Hunter as they try to invade a dragon’s nest. Is it a coincidence that this dragon nest is as new as the Runners seem to be?
Regardless, it doesn’t matter in the end. Dream is here to do what he knows best. The only thing he’s ever known to be. A Hunter.
Dream lunges for the Runner, swiping his dagger just inches away from his target’s body to wear them out. The Runner attempts to dodge each swipe, using their blade to block the swipes that get too close to ripping through his skin. When the Runner stumbles, Dream takes the opportunity and wraps his arm around their neck in a headlock. He angles the dagger close to the Runner’s neck, pressing the rest of his arm against their chest to keep them still.
“You morons! Go get the eggs!” The Runner hisses at their teammates on the ground.
They follow orders, but Dream can see the way the Runners struggle to stand up, and they jog rather than sprint to the middle of the field.
“Give up now, and no one else will get hurt!” Dream yells into the Runner’s ear. “Some extra money in your pocket is not worth all of this.”
The Runner scoffs, but instead of giving up, they thrust their elbow into Dream’s stomach. The pain leaves him breathless, and he’s too consumed by the instant, aching need to get oxygen back into his lungs that he doesn’t fight when the Runner wraps Dream into a lock of his own; one arm around his chest, the other around his abdomen.
“Tell your team to retreat!” The Runner demands.
“Never…we're not…scared of…you..” Dream breathes out.
“Pfft, you and your little freaks don't know what we're capable of. You'll be dead before you- OW!!”
Heavy arms release Dream from their grip. The Runner falls to the ground in a howl of pain. An arrow is lodged into the man's hip. A strike, not a deathblow.
“Damn, guess I'll never know what you're capable of.” Dream shrugs.
The Runner mutters under his breath and crawls achingly slow into the denser part of the woods. Dream takes the chance to survey the rest of the battlefield. George moves through the trees back to the middle of the clearing, where Sapnap is carefully using his sword to keep the eggs from the two Runners attempting to beat him down with their fists. Sam and Ant tie a rope around three squirming Runners. Bad, using his lengthy build and double bladed sword, blocks a Runner from sneaking over to Sapnap and the eggs.
Dream finds himself sprinting to Sapnap's side, punching down a Runner before they can attack Sapnap while he's distracted. They fight together, and like it's always been, they win faster because of it. When one Runner falls, Dream grabs an egg and throws it as a far as he can muster into the dragon's nest ahead of them. Sapnap throws another as Dream knocks the remaining Runner down. Dream picks up the final egg, but before he can throw it, the Runner jumps back up and reels his entire body towards both of them, barely grabbing the remaining egg in the process.
Dream and Sapnap scramble up. George shoots an arrow towards the Runner, but misses as the Runner dodges. Dream lifts his axe, balancing the weight between both arms, then collides it with the Runner’s waist. The amateurish tactics of the group makes Dream go easy on them.
As the Runner loses his balance, Sapnap sends a hard punch into his chest. The egg drops from his hands. Dream hurries to it, picking it up before another Runner can take it.
The Runner falls to his knees. Dream and Sapnap gear up for another attack, but the Runner scurries into the deep woods.
Dream glances to his left, and watches as the other three Runners do the same.
“Is everyone alright?” Bad calls, wasting no time to check for injuries.
“Why did you let them go?” George emerges from a tree behind Sam. The rope used to trap the Runners lays cut in half on the ground.
“We figured they'd run with the rest. If not, wouldn't be that hard to make them run.” Ant shrugs. Bad pulls on Ant's arm to wrap a bandage around a few scrapes.
“Great work everyone! We were outnumbered and somehow that was the shortest battle we've faced all week.” Dream calls out. He bites back the paranoia crawling up his chest. His team is improving, it only serves them well to get faster at dispelling Runners. The faster they can save dragon eggs, the more eggs they can save from Runners elsewhere.
Dream holds the dragon egg in his arms a little tighter. Just in case.
”All in a day's work.” Sapnap sighs. Somehow, he's come out of the battle with barely a scratch. He’s the only one of the group wearing short sleeves and a pair of shorts. If Sapnap walked into town after this, no one would ever suspect he was a Hunter. Dream has tried to get Sapnap to wear proper gear, but to no avail. Now, the sight makes him laugh.
“I'll admit, those guys were more prepared than Runners usually are. They knew they would have to face us.” Sam says, taking off his bulky green face mask.
“They're a bunch of idiots. No one sane enough thinks they can beat us.” George slings his crossbow over his shoulder as he walks over.
There has rarely been a mission this team of Hunters has failed, hardly a fight they haven't won. It's why their team is highly regarded in the Agency, and awarded with constant missions and high praise from the public. Dream can never walk through the halls of the Agency without catching a few sideyes from other Hunters he's never worked with. But they can be jealous all they want, it's not his fault he's the best.
“Alright gang let's go over the checklist!” Bad announces. The Hunters gather in a circle for the usual procedure.
As part of the Manhunt Agency, all Hunter teams go over a mandatory end of mission checklist to log notable events to report to the head of the agency, Mr. V. Being the leader of this team of Hunters, Dream is supposed to go over the checklist, but he tends to forget when he's still reeling from whatever fight took place. So Bad took up the responsibility, once he was through teasing him about it.
“All Hunters are present? Check!” Bad begins. “How many Runners were present? Seven, surprisingly. Any notable injuries?”
“This rope burn is pretty intense.” Ant mutters.
“Oh shut up you big baby, that doesn't even count as an injury.” Sapnap chuckles.
“Dream? Don't tell me those Runners didn't have your ass in a three on one.” George turns to Dream, eyes flickering to the dark black spot on his pants. The blade from his fight cut a little deeper than he had realized. The pain comes in small waves, but it’s nothing to fret over.
“Like any of them can take me down,” Dream scoffs. “But I appreciated the assistance, George.”
“Whatever, if you pass out from excessive bleeding don't come crying to me.” George rolls his eyes, but he can't hide the smile that follows.
“Okie dokie, no notable injuries I guess.” Bad interjects. “Now, obviously there were no dragon encounters so we can mark that off. Finally, are all eggs secured?”
Dream glances at the large, black egg in his arms. It's rigid with scales and curves, almost as hard as a rock, and cold. So, so cold, in any other instance Dream would have dropped it immediately before his hands could freeze. The dragon egg is fascinating, he can't blame Runners for wanting one for their own. The material could give them wealth beyond belief.
But even larger than wealth, the egg could give Runners a dragon of their own. Dream has been a Hunter for five years, working with the Manhunt Agency to protect dragon eggs and nests from the greed of the Runners. But in all that time, and his lifetime, no dragon has ever been seen in person. The only evidence of their existence are the eggs, the occasional rumbling that ripples through the ground from a roar or loud stomp, and the nests.
“Dream…we can't bring the eggs with us, you know that.” Ant points out. The others spot the egg too, and Dream can see the caution in their eyes.
“Stop looking at me like that, I'll put it away.” Dream groans. Instead of chucking the egg to the nest like he did before, he takes the opportunity to get closer to the nest.
The nests are…odd. So far, Dream has only seen nests amongst fields of trees, and one time in a mountain grove. They give off the most intense odor he's ever been unfortune enough to smell, mildew and rotting fruit with a hint of lavender. The edge is marked by a mist of grey that turns into heavy fog on the ground further in. The smell is too strong from the outside, and gets worse further in. No has been able to manage a few steps in, and those who have, get hit by something strong in the fog. What that something is exactly is unclear, maybe some kind of dragon magic, but it's known to cause strong pain in the limbs. These dragons don't want to be found, Dream guesses. They weren't always in this world, so they must be hiding to stay safe. He doesn't understand why, wouldn't finding home be the first priority? Or being found by the ones who know you? Isn't hiding basically giving up?
When Dream reaches the edge of the nest, he strains to see through the fog, covering his nose to limit the effects of the odor.
But there's nothing. Only fog, and trees, and sky.
“Is there a point to this?” Dream whispers to the wind. A question he asks himself often, but would never let anyone know he does. Not even George and Sapnap, his closest teammates and friends. There's a reason for everything in this system. The Runners want to milk the eggs for whatever wealth they can get, and maybe crack into a nest for brownie points. The Hunters prevent the Runners from succeeding. The Manhunt Agency tracks both sides, gives the Hunters orders and resources to their job, and researches other dragon nests. But if no one has even seen a dragon, is there a reason the Agency wants to protect them so desperately? Who cares if a few Runners have a little adventure and make some money on the side? Who's to say a dragon will even hatch from these eggs.
Dream breathes, forces his mind to shut up for just a minute.
He can't afford to ask these questions, or get the answers to them, or think them at all. He is a Hunter. He knew he was meant to be one after saving a group of Hunters from a Runner when he was 13. Saving people, and saving eggs, just felt right. His whole life since has been this lifestyle. Training, fighting, learning. There is nothing else in the world Dream would rather be doing. Hunting is who he is, it's all he knows. A life dedicated to protecting dragons he has never seen. No other reasoning is required.
“Be safe little guy.” Dream whispers a goodbye to the egg. He lifts it up, forming a nice grip for a far throw.
Then he freezes.
Dream didn’t realize how quiet the world around him got until the cacaphony of cries breaks it. He whips around to find his team.
There, where he left them, still together. That's the good news.
The bad news? A massive fish net covers and pins them to the ground. Five of the Runners that had ran away surround them, each with a long stick and a blazing flame at the tip of it. The Runners push the flames closer to the fish net.
Dream sprints through the trees back to the clearing, the fastest he can muster with a mildly deep cut in his thigh. The egg is still in his hands, he realizes, and curses for not throwing it back to the nest sooner.
“Give us that egg, and your Hunters will be released.” The Runner directly across from Dream demands the second he reaches the clearing.
“Or what? I took two of you and your other buddy down myself. You think I can't wipe all five of you, too?” Dream taunts. He really could take them, though the injury on his leg could slow him down.
“Cocky much, eh?” The Runner spits. The man snaps his fingers, and in unison the others move their flames dangerously close to the fish net.
“Or else, your little Hunters burn to death.” The Runner chuckles.
Dream's heart stops for a fraction of a second, but even that is too long. He can't take on five in a fight with the threat that they will burn his team alive at any given moment. He can't do anything once a fire starts.
The chill of the egg breaks the growing heat in Dream's hands. He forces his brain to think past the panic and the taunts of his paranoia proving him right.
The egg is what they want. If he throws it now, it will be safe, but his team won’t. Dream can't let his team suffer. He's by order supposed to protect the eggs from Runners. Failing to do so will make Mr. V angry, and force his team to face dire consequences.
The choice is clear.
“Alright, move the fire away and I'll hand over the egg.”
“Dream stop! What are you-” George yells, but is muffled by a Runner shoving his face into the ground.
The Hunters attempt to protest as well, but Dream has already accepted his fate.
“We move completely once we have the egg.” The Runner says. The others move the flames slightly away from the fish net, still far too close for Dream's liking.
Dream steps closer, until he's standing directly in front of another Runner. He recognizes the man as one of the two he knocked down in the fight earlier.
The man reaches out for the egg. Dream moves the egg in his direction. Then, at the last second, he pivots, and drops the egg directly into the flames on the Runner's stick.
“YOU IMBECILE!” The Runner cries as he jumps away. The egg catches fire easily, and falls to the ground where the Runner had just stood.
Swiftly, Dream pulls his axe off his back and smashes the blade into the egg. He does it again, and again, and again, until finally the egg cracks. He keeps going, until the egg opens and the flame crawls to the inside of it.
“DREAM!!” Sapnap shouts. A cry for help he recognizes immediately.
Dream moves closer to the Hunters, and swings his now flaming axe on instinct. It collides with a Runner's stick on its way to set the fish net ablaze. Dream knocks the stick to the side before going for another swing at the Runner.
“Dude, come on! It's not worth it anymore!” One of the Runners call. Just like before, the Runners scatter from the clearing. This time, Dream knows they won't return.
The axe easily cuts through the fish net. The Hunters waste no time in untangling themselves out of the trap. Dream surveys their surroundings one last time, taking in the crackling of fire that luckily is not spreading fast.
Then he looks at the egg, and it's like his brain freezes, all functions shutting down on command.
Purple sparks rise from the broken egg. The fire isn't burning it, but the egg is quickly disappearing. The smell of lavender and smoke fill his senses. He can't seem to look away from the sparks dancing in the air. His brain fogs, and a faint feeling protrudes through: a pull. A call to help. But even worse, a deep feeling of loneliness and hopelessness blooms in his heart.
“Dream? Get away from their man what are you doing?” Sam's voice breaks through the trance. Dream's arm is yanked back. He didn't notice he even moved closer to the egg.
“What…what just happened?” Dream questions, more to himself than to the others.
“That's what I'm trying to figure out. You went all zombie for second.” Sam wraps an arm around Dream's shoulders, holding him steady as his awareness returns.
“You didn't see that too? Or, or feel it?”
“No..feel what?” Sam asks, his brows scrunch as he looks at Dream intently.
“I don't want to sound ungrateful, because I am very glad you saved our lives Dream. But, you know we have to tell Mr. V about, uh, about that.” Bad gestures towards flames. The egg has dissipated entirely.
“The boss is going to kill us.” Ant frowns. He pulls out a bottle of water and pours it over the remaining flames.
“To put it lightly.” Sapnap snorts, but there's no humor in the fearful look he gives Dream.
“Let's just get out of here before round three starts.” George suggests, and begins walking away before anyone can object.
Dream takes one last look at the spot the egg once was. There, hidden in the ashes of the stick and grass, is a tiny silver shard. He picks it up with shaky hands, but no weird trance comes with it. Dream shoves it in his pocket and catches up with his team before they can notice.
An ugly, louder paranoia forms in Dream's chest. Something is not right with these dragons, and he's about to pay the consequence for finding out.
---
Bright and early two days later, Dream gets a call for an emergency Manhunt Agency meeting.
He's heard nothing from Mr. V or other Agency Hunter's since the incident. He and his team has taken the last couple days to heal and rest before any new assignments. Basically, he's been safe.
Until now.
An egg is broken because of him, the very outcome he's supposed to avoid. The thought of getting suspended, or even worse, revoked of his leader title, has led to him to anxiously going over every scenario that could save him from serious consequences. Lying is one option, if he can get his team to follow suit. Gaslighting Mr. V enough, or pretending the report was a prank, could get him a slap on the wrist. Avoiding Mr. V entirely is good, but he’ll get cornered eventually. His team will get punished if hides for too long.
He spends so long considering the lying option, he finds himself leaving his home later than he should have. Any opportunity to lie might be gone if he can’t find a moment to tell warn his team.
Finding ways to avoid consequences weren’t the only things taking over his mind, though. There's the paranoia of a sinister problem under the surface of the existence of dragons that has welcomed the anxiety with open arms. The combination is eating away his composure, he couldn't even confidently leave his home during his time off.
Walking through the cobble roads of the Plains town, he could almost pretend that everything is normal. Because just like any other day, people stop to greet him, fawn at his presence, and get their own items signed by him. Just as usual, he also is met with questions and ridicule from those who don’t want the dragons to be protected. He listens to each one intently, too, feeding the paranoia in his gut. But the fuel of praise and the affirmation that he's doing exactly what he's meant to do is dignifying. It makes him think everything will be ok after all, because he's Dream. The best hunter in the overworld. Irreplaceable. He’s loved and he loves his life, the perfect relationship.
So when he walks up the glossy quartz steps of the Manhunt Agency, his turmoil of the last two days lessens. This is a first time offence, if anything, and it was for the safety of fellow Hunters. Nothing too serious can come from that.
Cold air and the smell of marble greet him as he enters the lobby. He takes deep breaths to calm his rapidly beating heart as he walks down the hallway. Light from the windows on the wall reflect across the polished marble, illuminating the doors to the many rooms in the building. He passes by multiple office spaces, used by the Researchers throughout the day. Most of the rooms are always kept locked to avoid any information they find to be seen by unwanted eyes. Dream takes a sharp left, and passes by the large weaponry room. It’s shaped in an oval, and filled with weapons Hunters use for missions, armor to wear if desired, and other items that could be helpful on long journeys. His dagger was created in that room, it’s the only real weapon he uses from the Agency. His axe has been with him for far longer.
This building has been a second home to Dream for the last handful of years. It’s brought him success beyond his imagination, and the best friends he’s ever had. Today, he feels like an intruder tiptoeing through the halls to avoid getting caught and tossed out.
With one last breath, Dream pushes open the double doors to the meeting auditorium.
Dream has no shame in admitting he's often late to Manhunt meetings. Whatever he misses Sapnap or George will fill him in, so he figures there's no need to rush. If a random distraction here or there slows him down, it's not the end of the world.
As he walks into the auditorium, though, a sudden wave of dread overtakes him. He's barely five minutes late, but the booming, commanding voice of Mr. V tells him the meeting is well on its way. This was not the day to take his time.
The auditorium is filled with every hunter and researcher in the Agency. Rows of chairs fill the left and right sides of the room, and a long brown carpet covers the isle in the center. At the front of the room Mr. V stands on the stage, leaning over a silver stand with two pieces of paper. The long window on the leftside wall fills the room with the warm morning sunlight. The people inside, however, are cold and unwelcoming.
“Well, look who's finally decided to join us.” Mr. V calls out. The man makes direct eye contact with Dream, compelling him to move forward.
His heart begins to pound violently. Dream takes careful steps up the carpet, doing his best to put on the confident, at ease persona he normally parades around. It's harder to do this time, anxiety doesn't often take hold of him around large groups of people.
“Mr. V, what a pleasure it is to speak with you today.” Dream greets, nodding his head in a quick bow. The Agency leader's eyes have not left his, so Dream stays standing in the middle aisle. In his peripheral, he sees Sapnap staring at him from the front row. Dream knows more than he feels that the rest of his team are there too, staring at him like he could burst into pieces at any moment.
“The pleasure is mine, as you will soon see. Would you like to be caught up on what we've been discussing or are you too busy going rogue?” Mr. V questions with a sickening smile. His red and white suite makes him look cheerful and welcoming. A sweet and fascinating package, matched with red hair. Red Velvet, he takes his name seriously.
The package doesn’t match his demeaner today.
“Well, I'm awfully busy with manhunts and healing injuries as you know. But I can spare some time to hear what's new with the Agency.” Dream shrugs. Acting a little more cocky than he normally is around his boss is the only thing keeping his anxiety from spilling over.
“How delightful.” Mr. V huffs with no ounce of amusement. The man's deep red hair bounces at the slight movement.
Dream takes a step to his left, quickly scanning the row his team occupies for an empty seat. He hardly gets two steps in before he's stopped.
“Please stay standing, Mr. Wastaken. This discussion concerns you the most.” Mr. V demands.
If there was any hope left that Dream would make it out of this meeting unscathed, it's surely gone now. Standing in the front, where everyone can watch his every move, is already cause for concern. But the use of his last name? Mr. V only refers to last names either out of respect or out of anger. Dream would be a fool to act like there's any form of respect coming from his boss.
Mr. V clears his throat and scans the room. Finally, he addresses everyone as he speaks.
“In short, public opinion on dragons, and thus, the Manhunt Agency, is changing at an alarming rate.” Mr. V lifts up a piece of paper, reviewing the contents before he continues. “As no one has reportedly seen a dragon, or lived to tell the tale, many think this Agency is a waste of space, resources, and causes more chaos than helps. The ones who haven't succumb to ignorance are more divided than ever before. There are people who believe in our cause, to protect these special species and prevent greedy people ruining it. Then, there are those who are sure these dragons are harmful and need to be eradicated from our world once and for all.” The man's brown eyes flixer to Dream, too obvious to miss.
That gives him a clue. Mr. V knows about the incident, Bad must have reported it after all. But does the man think Dream did it on purpose? Not that it was an accident, obviously, but he doesn't have some dark secret desire to kill dragons. How would he anyway? Destroying some eggs and camping around a nest brings no harm to dragons. They don't bring harm to people, either. At least, he used to think so. But now…..
Mr. V shuffles to the second paper in front of him, “There are have been increasing reports of missing people. Their last sighted appearances have been near known nests. It started off with only a few people, a pure coincidence. Similar reports grew over the last year, and the most recent ones have put us under fire.”
“What does this have to do with Dream?” Sapnap abruptly interrupts.
“*Sapnap!?*” Bad hisses. His brows scrunch together and his eyes are wider than Dream has ever seen. No other reprimanding leaves his lips. Upon closer look, Dream sees Sam gently squeezing Bad’s arm.
“I don't mean any disrespect,” Sapnap defends, Dream doesn't believe him for a second. “But these reports and whatever the public thinks about dragons have nothing to do with Dream like you claimed. What, are you claiming he's behind the missing people?”
“It is not your place to interrupt me, Mr. Pandas.” Mr. V responds, his eyes travel down the row of hunters. That sickening smile returns to his face while Sapnap stares him down, refusing to cower. “I will let it slide this time, because you pose a great question.”
Mr. V takes one last look at his papers, then steps away from the stand.
“A nest has been reported near Traveler’s Alcove, that cabin town that’s visited by hundreds of people every day. The forest that surrounds the Alcove, deemed Traveler’s End for the last six years, has been a dragon’s nest all along. It’s the strongest and largest one that’s ever been spotted. The dragon, or dragons, within it must have power and health like no other dragon that’s found itself in the overworld. Our researchers believe it’s the key to discovering where the dragons are coming from, and how they traverse from their world to ours. But unfortunate for us, Traveler’s Alcove and the land around it is being investigated for a record number of missing people in the last five months.”
“So, are you saying it’s true? The missing people are tied to dragon nests?” George asks.
“I don’t believe for one second that dragons are doing this. They’re innocent, fragile creatures that need our protection. But the people are questioning this, and their claims can put an end to the Manhunt Agency. So now, more than ever, our reputation has to be protected. Every person in this room has a mission to show people that we are on the right side of this debate, that our intentions are pure, and no controversy or chaos is being created by this Agency.”
Dream shuffles on his feet, holding tightly to his composure. He’s no stranger to controversy. If he could count how many hunters in the room hated him, it would be more than half of the bunch. He doesn’t know why, other than pure jealousy at how fast he entered the Agency, got a team of his own to lead, and the popularity he’s gained from it. Doesn’t matter to him either way, he ignores them all. Unless they come at him, then, well, he has to say something back. But that kind of controversy wouldn’t shed a bad light on the Agency. So Dream knows the next words out of his boss’s mouth will be about the incident.
“To enforce this, I have to make a couple changes to how we operate. First and foremost, no hunter team should go near the nest at Traveler’s Alcove. Only our researchers are permitted, and they will only go when the investigations slow down.”
Murmurs within the room briefly emerge, undoubtedly hunters who are disappointed they won’t get what would be the biggest mission assignment.
“Next, I have to address an unfortunate event I have been made aware of.” Mr. V clears his throat, and his eyes land on Dream. This time, they don’t return to the rest of the room.
“Our star hunter, Dream, has committed a disturbing act on his last mission. He broke a dragon egg that should have been safely returned to the nest by any means necessary. In doing this, he has disgraced the mission of this Agency and will be punished.”
The murmurs turn to harsh whispers. Dream is frozen in his spot. In his mind, he groans at the revelation the other hunters have received. He can already see them using this against him, another thing to add to their list of reasons why they hate him. He has to defend himself, if he could save his own reputation, the context behind his actions have to be known.
“I didn’t mean to, I swear! I just, I had to, it was the only thing I could think of in the moment. My team’s lives were at stake, Mr. V.” Dream explains frantically.
“It’s true! We would have been burnt to a crisp if it weren’t for Dream’s quick thinking.” Sam backs him up. His hand hasn’t left Bad’s arm.
“It will never happen again, Mr. V. I made some bad calls during that fight, those Runners wouldn’t have had the chance to hurt my team if I did better. I will do better.” Dream takes a step forward, desperate to get his boss to understand his view.
“Anyone who is comfortable enough to destroy an egg, for whatever reason, will have no issue doing it again. Your top priority is protecting the eggs and the nest, not your team, Mr. Wastaken.” Mr. V growls.
Dream stumbles at the weight of the words. “You think- you wanted me to let my team burn to death then?”
Mr. V rolls his eyes, “We don’t have time for this, I’m only stating what your job is, however you interpret that is not my problem.” He lifts a hand up to stop the growing cacophony of voices throughout the room. “As punishment, Dream is henceforth revoked of his role as a Hunter here. Permanently.”
Dream’s heart stops.
There were many ways he saw this meeting going, and the worst one has come true.
His work, his life, his sweat and tears, his heart, all for this role, this lifestyle, this passion, this purpose, to be a hunter. Gone.
Taken from him in one swoop. No discussion, no consideration, no debate. All for one mistake.
A mistake that he doesn’t regret.
“Mr.V, please…don’t do this.” Dream pleads, he can’t think past the flood of fear to come up with a better plea.
“No!” Sapnap shouts.
”That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard!” George stands from his seat, the disbelief in his cry almost matches the gaping hole of emptiness that’s already seizing Dream's heart.
“Velvet, come on, this is too far!” Ant stands too. He catches Mr. V off guard with the use of his full name. No one ever uses it.
“The punishment fits the crime, Antfrost, there’s nothing you can say to change my mind.” Mr. V doubles down. “Your team will be rearranged, I will be assigning each of you to the other Hunter teams. I hope you will learn from them how to keep yourselves from losing to Runners.”
Chaos breaks out in a ripple. His team, now former, scream at Mr. V. The other Hunters raise their voices, but are too cowardly to yell too, but just as eager to keep the status quo of their own teams protected. There are some snickers too, the kind that celebrate the downfall of something they hate.
“My decisions are final! If any one of you step out of line and hurt the reputation of the Manhunt Agency, Dream’s fate will become yours too. Meeting is adjourned.” Mr. V calls. He bangs his hand on the stand, the smack loud of enough to scare the Hunters and Researchers both into following orders. They slowly leave the hall, but Dream doesn’t move, and neither does Mr. V.
His team rush to him once the room clears. Bad wraps his long arms around Dream’s shoulders, whispering apologies through silent tears. Dream can’t bring himself to speak.
“Mr. V this is ridiculous. He’s the best hunter in this damn place, you can’t get rid of him.” Sam attempts one last time to change the boss’s mind.
“You were a great Hunter, Dream, I will not deny that. But those Runners you faced have already spread word around of what you’ve done. It’s only a matter of time until the rest of the public hears of it too. That’s controversy. We can’t have that.” Mr. V finally moves, taking steps closer to the group.
“You were a good Hunter, Dream,” Mr. V drops his voice low, only a few octaves above a whisper, “But not everything last forever. Someone better is bound to come along, it won’t be hard to replace you. Time’s up, Mr. Wastaken.”
Mr. V smiles, nods to the group, and saunters down the aisle to the doors.
“It was a pleasure speaking with you today!” Mr. V calls just before he crosses the door threshold, “Close the door on your way out, won’t you?”
Then he’s gone.
And Dream collapses.
---
The summer heat reawakens Dream’s senses. Something in him shut down before, he’s sure of it, because he doesn’t remember moving from the meeting auditorium to the front steps of the Manhunt Agency.
The voices of his friends, now former teammates, slowly become clearer after existing as muffled sounds in his head. Something in him is still shut down, he thinks, because he can’t bring himself to react, to respond, to contribute. It’s unlike him, and that’s how he knows his world is ending.
“Separating our team is extra cruel, honestly.” Sam complains. He paces back and forth a few steps ahead, the others sit near Dream.
“I know, like it wasn’t enough to take Dream away. I don’t get it.” Ant adds.
“Probably because he doesn’t trust us, like we’re going to sneak Dream into missions anyway if it’s just us.” George rolls his eyes.
“Damn, I would have done that.” Sapnap admits. His eyes are closed as he basks in the sunlight, as if it was the only thing keeping him from exploding.
“Gosh I’m so sorry guys, I should have just said the mission was successful and all eggs were taken care of.” Bad whimpers, guilt eating at his words. “I never would have guessed Mr. V would punish us this severely.”
“You did what you were obligated to do Bad, don’t feel bad.” Sam dismisses the apology. “It is what it is. What do we do now?”
George slides closer to Dream, crossing his arms and sitting up straight like he does during serious Hunter meetings. “Get his role back, obviously. We can’t do this without Dream.”
“But you heard Mr. V, he’s not changing his mind. To him, Dream’s replaceable, and so is our team.” Ant sighs.
“No, I won't stand for this. You're the best hunter in this place, no one can take that away from you Dream.” Sapnap declares. Dream glances at him again, and is met with fierce determination staring back. The affirmation comforts Dream.
Sapnap’s strength has always been a rock for him. When Dream is flailing in battles, worried that he’s made the wrong play or that he’s led his team to dangers they can’t turn back from, Sapnap had always brought the fuel he needed. He would run into any fight, any obstacle, with the confidence and optimism that they will make it through, because there was simply no other outcome. Dream would hold on that strength, recall it when his own was failing, and it was all he needed to push through.
But Dream can’t hold on to it this time. It slips through his hands like water, nothing more than a temporary fix. It’s then that Dream realizes how doomed he truly is. Mr. V took away his purpose, and with it, his life.
“We have to come up with a plan, and we can’t stop until Dream and our team is back.” George nods.
“I’m in, but whatever we do has to show Mr. V that we can all be trusted, which means following those rules he yapped about.” Sam picks up his pace as he speaks.
“And we have to prove that Dream isn’t some controversy that’s bringing the Agency down.” George adds.
“Well, that’s a little hard to do after the egg thing. So Dream will have to play it extra safe for awhile.” Bad says. “That cool with you, Dream?”
All eyes turn to him, waiting for Dream to lead the charge in their newfound mission. Dream has never wanted to disappear more than he does in this moment.
He can’t lead anything, he can’t find the strength to do it. There are hunters, and researchers, and the boss himself in the building behind him going about their day as if everything is normal. Undoubtedly, those same people are cheering at the public humiliation Dream went through. They think he’s not worthy of his role, but being a Hunter is all he’s ever known. If he’s not a Hunter, if he’s not worthy to be one, then who he is? What is life if he can’t be himself? What lengths must he go through to make people believe in who he is?
“Dream, are you alright?” George whispers.
Dream opens his mouth to respond, to at least show his friends he’s onboard, even if that’s all he can contribute for now. Then, he closes it as a new revelation dawns on him. Paranoia creeps back into his consciousness, a truth he can’t ignore.
The broken egg hypnotized him, for a moment making him feel as broken as he feels now. He didn’t touch the insides of the egg, and the outer shell has been touched by hundreds of people - Hunters and Runners alike - but such effect comes from it.
It was magic, a kind that isn’t known in the overworld, that was created by a broken, dissipating egg. A fully grown dragon must have ten times that strength, and that’s far more dangerous than a couple of eggs.
Fearing these dragons may not be as crazy as Mr. V has made it seem. Could Dream continue protecting these creatures if they’re truly this harmful?
Dream is a Hunter. He has taken no other identity. But maybe being a Hunter has been wrong all along. So who is he, really?
“I don’t know what to do.” Dream whispers.
A quiet moment follows. The Sun is reaching the top of the sky, the heat intensifies along with it. He can hear the birds sing in the distance, free and content in the space they found themselves in. The summer is kind to them. If only he can say the same for himself.
Another whistle pierces through the air, deep and loud and unnatural. The Crosslands Train, it travels across biomes in every direction. The loud whistle commands attention, designed so everyone knows the train is here, and will only stay for a few hours.
Dream can’t be like birds, he isn’t content. But if he wants to get away, he might have found the next best thing.
“That’s ok, we can figure it out together.” George consoles him, briefly patting his shoulder.
“We’re here for you. Just do as we say, alright?” Sapnap follows George’s lead, gently rubbing Dream’s back.
“How about this, me and Ant will talk to Mr. V tomorrow. Plant the seeds to change his perspective. Then Sam, George, and Sapnap get intel on Dream’s reputation with the public. Maybe if it’s his favor we can use that as leverage.” Bad theorizes.
“Sure, that sounds good Bad.” Dream mumbles and stands up. He can’t focus while his heart is ripped to shreds from a battle within his own mind. But he knows he can’t listen to his friends plan to save his role if he’s not even sure it’s the right thing to do.
He needs to go, and only one place can give him answers.
“Dream? Where are you going?” Sapnap calls out. Dream has already made it halfway down the steps before he responds.
“To Traveler’s Alcove.” He turns around, taking in his team one more time. One half of his heart twinges at the sight of them in front of the Agency. A life Dream has known and loved for so long, right at his fingertips and yet so far away.
“You’re joking right?” George spits, the rest of the team groans alongside him. “You have to stay out of trouble, remember? Follow Mr. V’s orders. You’re being reckless.”
“I’m going to prove him wrong. Show him and all the other jealous freaks that they need me.” Dream lies. It’s all he could think of to placate his friends, to keep them from asking further questions.
“Dream-” George calls after him.
But Dream is already running away. He’s fast, and he surprised them. They won’t catch up to him, not yet.
He runs to his home first, quickly packing a bag with one change of clothes. The green hoodie and baggie pants that’s on him now are too comfortable to waste time changing out of, so he’ll have to rely on it and the clothes in his bag for the next few days.
Dream’s plan is simple. Discover the truth, and fast. If he takes any longer, the emptiness in his chest will consume him. He’s desperate to bring happier days back, and he can’t do it if he doesn’t know who he is.
He grabs his trusty dagger and axe, shoving the larger one into the bag and strapping the smaller one under his hoodie sleeve. The weapons have been with him through many adventures, so feeling the weight of them after the day he’s had strikes him with more grief that comfort. He supposes he’ll have to get used to these feelings for now.
His eyes land on a shining, silver shard. The crystal shard he found in that broken egg. Before he can decide against it, Dream shoves the crystal into his pants pocket. If he’s going to face the largest dragon nest known to man, having a piece of a dragon egg might come in handy.
He hasn’t thought about the crystal since that incident, it’s really the least of his concerns. But now that he’s chasing the questions and paranoia that came from the broken egg, he allows his mind to wander as he runs through the town.
The purple stuff, and the awful feeling that came with it, is undoubtedly magic. So dragons have magic within them, wherever they originate from must be built on some kind of magic too. This isn’t too shocking to Dream. But the crystal is an odd puzzle piece. He stumbles on the theory that bright crystal shards are inside the dragon’s body, acting as a heart, or general source of life and health. He’ll never know unless he encounters an actual dragon, and even then, he would have to spill open the creatures guts to be sure. Dream has no intentions on killing a dragon, for now. It would be hard to kill a giant mystical creature when there’s no rulebook on how they act.
Hundreds of thoughts roll through Dream’s mind, fighting for his attention. One distant question grabs a hold of him, quick and gone in a moment. Are Runners truly after money with the eggs, or are they trying to learn how to kill dragons themselves? He might as well reconsider everything he’s known up to now, when there’s so much more to understand.
His heart pounds, the emptiness grows just a little more. Dream takes the hint, one thing at a time. Questioning is reality is too life altering.
By mid afternoon, Dream is at the train station. The place is crowded with people, but luckily the station was built to handle large numbers. Large wooden platforms align with one long train track. Stone pillars hold up a wooden roof, the only form of protection for the old place. Not many trains pass through, so there’s been no demand to renovate the station or add more train tracks. But it leaves more people waiting for trains that will take hours to arrive.
Dream traces a map framed on one of the pillars, outlining the main train routes that pass through. The Crosslands Train has one more stop before it reaches Traveler’s Alcove. He guesses he will arrive by late afternoon.
The passing conversation of group nearby catches his ear, a debate between them that isn't too heated but has clearly been thought through. They discuss dragons, divided on whether they think they're good or bad. One stance stands out the most, and fuels the paranoia running rampant inside him.
"If I had it my way, that Manhunt place would be spending their time searching for where them dragons came from and closing it up for good, not protecting them from the few people who actually try to get rid of em."
Dream pushes his way through the crowd to get inside the train. Another second listening to his own fears verbalized outside of the comfort of his mind will make him panic.
Cold air wraps around him as he enters the train. The car is filled with people patiently waiting to continue their travel plans. Dream manages to find a booth seat tucked away in the back corner of the car. A rickety table sits between him and the seat across from him, wide enough for at least four people to sit in. A window borders the booth, revealing the view of the other side of station. Homes and shops, people making their way between them, living their lives.
Dream envies them.
Suddenly, he feels desperately lonely. A new consuming feeling that makes its own attack on his heart. It’s just like how the egg made him feel, but this time it’s all his own doing. But on top of running from his friends, he’s disconnect more than ever from his self. A shredded heart, an internal war, a lost role. His friends would never understand this new reality.
“Mind if we sit here.” A voice abruptly stops Dream’s further descent into despair.
A voice he would know anywhere.
When turns away from the window, he’s met with the smiling faces of his two best friends. They look proud, like they succeeded in catching Dream before he was too far gone.
“Sapnap? George? How did you find me?” Dream gapes.
“Well, it wasn’t too hard. How else would you get to Traveler’s Alcove without taking the train?” George shrugs as he scoots into the booth seat across from him. Sapnap follows, squishing into the space and forcing George to scoot closer to the train car wall.
“You can’t get away from us that easily.” Sapnap chuckles.
Dream wishes he could, just for this one mission. He would rather not lie to his friends again.
But maybe they could help him, maybe he doesn’t have to run away from them.
“I’m, uhm, sorry for leaving like that. This is just something I have to do, and I can’t let you stop me.” Dream apologizes, he hopes they can hear the warning.
“You’re the biggest idiot I’ve ever met, you know that right?” George scoffs.
“What? I apologized-”
“You don’t have to face anything alone, and yet here you are.” George shakes his head.
“What he means is, we got you. If you absolutely must go to Traveler’s End, then we’re with you.” Sapnap smiles. He lightly elbows George with a snicker.
“Sapnap stop it!” George cries, then elbows Sapnap a little harder.
“Stop being stupid then.” Sapnap quips back. They start to elbow fight, laughing as they demand the other to stop.
“Dream, tell him to stop!” George begs through fits of giggles.
“You’re such a baby.” Sapnap shakes his head. He looks at Dream, and suddenly the fighting ends.
Because Dream always plays along with their fights. Not physically, but it never fails to make him laugh, and he enjoys choosing which side to support and which side to rile up. He’s too easily persuaded by George most of the time.
But Dream isn’t laughing. He could barely manage a smile. His best friends are here and willing to stand with him, yet he feels so lonely. Drifting in time as he watches a life he loved play out in front him but isn’t real.
“Hey man,” Sapnap starts, the boisterous energy vanishes as quickly as it appeared. “I know this is, uh, messing with your brain, man. But hold on, ok? We'll get through this.” Sapnap murmurs.
Dream can’t hold on.
He’s losing himself, and deep in his shredded heart, he knows something awful is waiting for him in the forest of Traveler’s Alcove.
The train lurches to a start, and within minutes, the Plains town is far behind them. It makes Dream breathe a little easier. His next challenge awaits him, but for now, there’s nothing to fight.
“I wonder if we’ll witness any disappearances while we’re there.” George breaks the lulling silence.
“What if we disappear?” Sapnap questions. It might have been a joke, but Dream can tell it weighs on the both of them.
Dream hasn’t thought about that possible outcome, the ultimate consequence to his recklessness. He’s not worried about it, it seems like an unlikely outcome. There isn’t much he can feel right now. He’s been cycling through anxiety, loneliness, emptiness, on a never ending loop. If he could look at the broken egg’s magic right now, he wouldn’t feel much of a difference.
Except, there was one other effect the magic had on him that he’s forgotten until now.
“The egg was calling, or, pulling me..to something.” Dream breathes out his revelation.
He immediately regrets it.
“What are you talking about?” George asks cautiously.
“There was, uhm, a weird reaction I had to that purple mist that came out of the egg.” Dream admits in rush.
“That was…pulling you?” Sapnap questions.
“It wanted me to help it, I don’t know with what.” Dream takes a shaky breath, deciding to air out his own question for the first time out loud, “Are we protecting the right thing?”
George’s face goes stone cold. Sapnap glances at George, then his eyes widen.
“Dream, is this why you’re running away?” Sapnap glances around the train cart. “You’re being ridiculous. Even more than George normally is.”
“The hell?” George’s stoney face breaks for a moment, instinctively reacting to any blow Sapnap throws at him.
“You didn’t see it Sapnap, or feel it, but I just don’t feel too good about this.” Dream admits.
The loneliness settles deeper into his bones. Dream doesn't expect for George and Sapnap to believe him immediately. If Mr. V and the Agency knew anything about the effects of dragon magic, they never told the hunters. In fact, Mr. V has told them all the complete opposite ideas about dragons. So his friends would have to question their own identity, their own understanding, as much as he is right now. It's not a good feeling, he would never want his friends to feel the ache of emptiness he feels now. But if he can't get them to at least understand where he's coming from, to take it seriously, then they will certainly stop him from finding the truth himself.
Running away seems to be his only options, the only decisions he can be sure about.
Sapnap shakes his head and leans forward, “Dream, don’t jump ship now. Maybe you imagined it? Either way, it doesn’t matter, we’re going to this place to get your Hunter role back. That’s it. Understood?”
Dream doesn’t respond. But for the first time, he accepts the reality that his friends will be hunting him if he goes off on his own.
Dream is a Hunter, but he just might have to play the part of the Runner.