Chapter 3: I'm Just the Villain

Scenario: Dream has just informed Ponz of Pandora's Box, the huge prison in which he means to trap Technoblade and the rest of his enemies. We can assume that he is aware of Tommy residing in Techno's house.

The beach, which was once a relaxing place that overlooked the sea, was now covered and engulfed in the shadow made by Dream's own Pandora's Box, made by him and Sam. He thought that it was absolutely genius when he created the idea, building a prison that would hold even Technoblade, but now that he stood it's in overwhelming shadow, he couldn't help but wonder if it had been a mistake. He couldn't change it now, of course, but there was no hurt in feeling a little regret. He'd had enough of it in the past, so why not add a little more?

He adjusted the mask on his face as he turned away and began the walk back to L'Manberg. L'Manberg. What a stupid name. Tommy had come up with it, or so he had been told. Tommy was exiled. It was all part of Dream's plan, and it didn't matter that Tommy was with Techno now. As long as they didn't do anything major, his plan would continue to function perfectly and smoothly.

He sighed, watching the grass get trampled under his feet as he trudged back to his home. Well, it wasn't exactly his home. He didn't have a home, really. He had a house, or a lair. But it would never be a home. A home was something he could get attached to, and attachments were dangerous. He'd let himself get too attached to Wilbur, and their plan together. The perfectly planned plot, unbreakable in any possible way, that they built together. It had worked, but Dream had let himself fantasize about other schemes they could make together to bring down L'Manberg once and for all. But Wilbur had died, and Dream had felt sorrow. Sorrow was dangerous. It was an emotion, and emotions interfered with goals and ideas. Techno was letting his emotions get ahead of him by letting Tommy in, and Dream mocked him. A dream had to make sure he stayed one step ahead of everyone. Then he would come out on top.

He stopped suddenly and studied his hands. They were shaking, probably from lack of food or sleep. He hadn't had time to eat or rest, and sometimes he wished he could, but then he pushed those thoughts aside and pushed himself onward.

Dream heard a rustling to the side of him, and before he could even think, he had his axe out and pointed at a...rabbit. He sighed and put it back away. He was jumpy, but jumpy was good, right? Jumpy meant that he wouldn't be caught surprised.

"You'll be caught by surprise one day, Dream," a lazy yet powerful voice said from behind him. Dream whipped around, but saw no one.

"Techno? I know I heard you. Come out."

There was nothing but a slight wind. Why would Techno be here? He'd be in his home in the north. He wasn't here.

Dream shook his head and continued onward. Playing the role of the cunning villain had taken its toll on him, but it would all be worth it in the end. He didn't have to worry about himself at all. He was just the villain, after all. He had the entire world on puppet strings. The only person he had to fear was...himself.

He stopped, reached up, and untied his mask, holding it in his hands and looking at it.

I can't mess up. Not now.

He'd be fine. He had nothing to worry about.

Except for-

Nothing. He was perfectly fine.

Dream pulled the mask back over his face as he walked quickly back to L'Manberg.