Late that night, everyone was asleep. Everyone but Dream.

His ears picked up the deep breathing of the three mortals and the chirp of the crickets. The fire had gone out long ago and the quiet chill of the wind ruffled Dream's hair.

He turned the blade over in his palm, inspecting it. Even in the dark night, the scarlet jewel seemed to shine. It had this unearthly glow about it, one that sent a shiver down Dream's spine. A bush rustled nearby and Dream hid the dagger immediately. He unsheathed his sword and walked to the source of the noise.

His eyes locked with those of a familiar brown haired friend and Dream sighed, sheathing his sword. He asked, "Ant? What are you doing here?"

Ant, who was currently in his human form, frowned. His familiar leather necklace sat at the base of his neck, a small red gem tied to it. Dream realized for the first time that it was something of sentimental value to the shapeshifter. Ant said, "You know why I'm here, Dream."

"Yeah, I do." Dream paused before adding, "Why do I have to hurry? Techno usually gives me as much time as needed for missions, why is this one different?"

"I don't know," Ant said evenly, "I just know that he needs you to return within the next two months."

Two months. They had two months to plan. Dream mulled over this and muttered, "Thanks for the message."

Ant stuffed his hands in his pant pockets and shrugged. "It is my job."

Dream hummed in agreement, expecting Ant to leave, but the shapeshifter stood still. Antfrost was a messenger― just like Callahan had been.

"What does Techno hold over you?" Dream asked suddenly.

Ant stiffened, his eyes narrowing, and said nothing. Dream's gaze lowered to the necklace around Ant's neck and commented, "I bet it has something to do with that."

A hand lifted to touch the leather around his neck. Ant rubbed his thumb over the crimson gem absentmindedly, his throat bobbing as he swallowed. He met Dream's eyes and said, "Techno holds something over everyone who works for him. Debts, objects― even people."

Ant's blue eyes shuttered as he turned away, whispering, "Safe travels."

Dream didn't get a chance to reply, because one moment Antfrost was walking behind a tree and the next he was bounding away in his cat form, the red gem around his neck sparkling under the moonlight.

Without thinking, Dream's fingers were pulled to his wrist, brushing over his bracelet. His head turned to the campsite, where his three friends rested. He walked back slowly, the grass swishing against his boots. As he sat down, Dream wondered how many others Technoblade had power over.

Hours later, it was morning and the three mortals awoke slowly. Their drowsiness wore off when Dream started the day off with, "Alright everyone. We're taking a slight detour."

"Detour?" Sapnap asked, rubbing his eyes.

Dream nodded and pointed east. "Just a week that way is the coast. I have a friend there. I want to get her opinion on the dagger― to make sure that it's the real thing."

"How would she know?" Sapnap muttered.

"She's a pirate captain and has seen many treasures. I know that she's caught up with mythical objects, such as this blood dagger. I bet she could tell us if it's real."

"A pirate?" George asked warily. "Are you sure we can trust a pirate?"

"Of course, she's my friend."

~

A week later, the group was walking through a busy port. The smell of fish was absolutely abhorrent to Dream's nose and he couldn't help the gag that was stuck in his throat.

Thankfully, none of the locals could see his disgust because of his hood, but Dream couldn't say the same for his friends. Callahan had a polite, neutral face, but George and Sapnap were both scrunching their noses.

A local glanced at the two of them with a mocking laugh. The old woman rolled her eyes and scoffed, "Tourists."

But what was there to tour in that town? Nothing. Just docks filled to the brim with ships and boats. Most of them were fishing boats, but there were quite a few that were obviously not.

Dream approached a familiar, wealthy boat and told the three others to wait on the dock. He walked onboard and immediately a sword was being pointed at his throat.

Dream didn't bat an eye. His eyes slid to a teen boy, human. His blond hair was so dirty it was almost brown and Dream could hardly tell that his shirt was purple.

"I'm here to see your captain," Dream said, lifting his hand to push away the blade.

The boy tipped his chin up and said, "The captain is at home today. You won't find her here."

"Do you mind telling me where I can find her?"

The blonde's eyes narrowed and, without turning around, he shouted, "HBomb! Come talk to this weird stranger! He's looking for Captain!"

The teen gave Dream one last glare before scurrying off below deck. A human man with brown hair and a beard approached Dream. His red and black flannel put him at odds from his environment, making him look more of a farmer than a pirate.

HBomb looked Dream up and down and asked, "What do you want with the captain?"

"I'm an old friend."

"Uh huh," the human said skeptically. He jerked his chin towards the city and said, "You'll find her at her home, visiting with her family before we set sail. She's got this little place further inland. Just look for a fenced in pasture with dozens of sheep. You'll find her there."

Dream nodded and said, "Thank you."

HBomb didn't reply, watching carefully as Dream left. Dream kept his hands to himself to show that he wasn't there to steal and exited the boat. Sapnap eyed Dream curiously and asked, "Was she there?"

"No, we have to go more inland," Dream replied and led them through the city.

As they exited the grey city, their noses were greeted with the fresh smell of the countryside and they all collectively breathed sighs of relief.

Dream walked ahead, listening to the unusually calm conversation between George and Sapnap. Soon, a flock of sheep caught Dream's eye and he followed the fence line. Minutes later, the four stood in front of a small, cozy looking home.

Dream pulled back his hood and knocked against the door. Moments later, the door opened and a familiar woman stood in front of Dream, her curly hair, dyed white, pulled back in a low ponytail. Her face broke into a warm smile at the sight of Dream and she greeted, "Dream! I haven't seen you in years, how are you?!"

"I'm good, thank you, Puffy."

Puffy laughed softly and said, "Please, come in."

She stepped out of the way and the group walked into her home. Dream spotted her familiar hat hanging with her wool cloak on the wall as well as a shepherd's cane. Puffy led them all in and they sat down at a table in her kitchen. "Can I get you guys anything to eat or drink?"

Dream looked at his tired friends and said, "Water would be nice, thank you."

Puffy smiled and walked through her kitchen, talking over her shoulder. "Are these your friends, Dream?"

"Yes," Dream replied, "this is Callahan, Sapnap, and George."

"Nice to meet you all," Puffy said, setting cups of water in front of them.

"Are your parents in town?"

"Yeah, they left less than an hour ago. I've been baking bread until they return. It's been so long since I've had some time with my family," Puffy said with a sad smile. "Travelling the oceans hardly gives me personal time."

Dream nodded. George and Sapnap looked like they were about to fall asleep any second. They had already drained their water. Puffy chuckled and took the cups back. She opened her oven and George's eyes flew open.

The smell of fresh, warm bread greeted their noses and Dream laughed softly when Sapnap's head shot up. Without speaking, Puffy set plates of bread in front of each of them, leaving to come back with glasses of milk.

"Oh my god," Sapnap said, his voice muffled as he spoke through bites of bread. "You're literally my savior."

Callahan nodded eagerly and Dream laughed. Sapnap added, "He feeds us nothing but berries, nuts, and dried meat."

Puffy gave Dream a look like she knew that Sapnap wasn't being completely honest. To be fair, Dream did cook them meat more often than not.

George swallowed some of his bread and said, "Thank you, Puffy."

Puffy smiled, watching in silence as the four ate the bread and drank the milk. Sapnap let out a long burp, a hand rested on his stomach, when he finished. If anything, the three mortals looked even more tired.

Puffy said, "You three go find a couch or bed to sleep on. Dream and I will talk while you nap."

George looked hesitant to accept the offer, but Sapnap said immediately, "Only if you insist."

"I insist."

Sapnap smiled sleepily, leaving the kitchen with a 'thank you'. Callahan followed behind, but George stayed, looking between Dream and Puffy, his face unsure.

Dream smiled softly at him and murmured, "Go on, George, go get some rest."

George nodded slowly, standing up to leave. As he left, his fingers lingered on Dream's shoulder, long enough to be seen as caring, but short enough to brush it off on George's tiredness. He looked back as he left the kitchen, eyes meeting Dream's.

Dream looked back to Puffy when George was out of sight and pulled out the dagger. He started, "I was wondering if you―"

He stopped at Puffy's look, her brows raised in a silent question and her head tilted. She ignored the weapon in Dream's hands and said, "George... you two must have a connection― different from your other two friends."

"You could say that," Dream said with a small smile.

Puffy hummed in acknowledgement and remarked, "He's mortal."

Dream looked away, ignoring the comment and pushing the dagger to Puffy. "Tell me about this blade."

Puffy studied him for a long moment, trying to search Dream's eyes, but Dream didn't look up. Puffy took the silent hint and picked up the dagger.

Her eyes widened and she gasped softly. Looking to Dream, she asked, "Where did you get this?"

"A friend gave it to me. I'm supposed to bring it back to my boss."

Puffy's eyes sparkled as she looked back up to Dream. She got up and opened a drawer, pulling out a magnifying glass. She sat back down and placed the dagger in a pocket of sunlight that was drifting through the window.

Puffy studied the blade, muttering, "The blade is black, which isn't too unusual for a dagger. Normally it would just be more expensive to the average person, but this color is... it's an iridescent black... which is extremely rare. And the hilt... finely crafted black leather."

She looked to Dream, her eyes full of awe and excitement. "But the gem... I've never seen this color before. The red is so rich... it― it's like..."

"Blood," Dream finished, earning a nod from Puffy.

The pirate stood up again and left the room, coming back minutes later with an old, heavy looking book. It thudded to the table and she flipped through the dust riddled pages. Puffy stopped and looked between the book and the dagger, before turning the book around to face Dream.

Dream's breath caught when he saw the dagger lying before him on a frayed page. The colors were slightly marred from how old the book was, but Dream could tell that they were the same. He looked at the words on the page, frowning.

"What language is this?" Dream asked Puffy.

Puffy studied the lettering before answering, "I don't know... but I'm sure you could find someone who does know."

Dream nodded, his brows furrowing as Puffy ripped the page out the book. She gave it to Dream and said, "Keep it. You need it more than me, it seems."

"Thank you."

Puffy waved it off and said kindly, "Feel free to rest here as well. My parents won't mind."

Dream gave her a grateful smile and tucked the dagger and page into his pack. "We'll be gone before nightfall, don't worry."

Puffy went to say otherwise, but Dream stood up and left the kitchen. He found George in a small room, sleeping soundly on a bed. George was polite enough to lay on top of the covers, his boots by the door, making sure he didn't mess up the bed.

Dream smiled softly, closing the door behind him and laying in the bed next to George. George mumbled in his sleep, his arm reaching out and pulling Dream close. His arm wrapped around Dream's middle, pulling their legs together as his head nestled in Dream's chest.

Warm breaths tickled Dream's chest and Dream inhaled deeply, his nose buried in George's hair. He didn't have any need for sleep, so he just laid with George, letting them share warmth.

The house was peacefully quiet. A few sheep bleated here and there, accompanied by gentle bird tunes and the faint ring of the city bells in the distance.

With George, Dream decided that he could stay there forever.