It's gone midday when the tour finally ends. I'm a little sad that our time exploring the small nation is over, as I'm a person that enjoys spending their time outdoors, a quality that Schlatt has never understood about me.

"Why would anyone want to be outside, surrounded by dirt and bugs, when you can be inside enjoying alcohol and a warm fireplace." He'd once expressed, a look of disdain on his face.

I'd simply listened without comment. It's not my place to correct another's opinion, even if I disagree with it. And Schlatt's opinions are ones I usually disagree with. But that's just how our relationship works. We understand each other, but that doesn't mean we have to be in agreement.

Looking over at Schlatt now, I can see how relieved he is to finally get the chance to put his feet up. Considering how hard he diets, he has a surprising lack of stamina. And it shows now in his impatient frown and creased brows. His short breaths and drooping shoulders. It's rare to see him so discomposed, especially in front of anyone that isn't me. He hates showing weakness.

We're almost in view of Tommy's home when something unusual happens.

A man in a mask steps out in front of us, followed by a dark-haired male wearing a white bandana and a nasty grin. They must have been lying in wait for us to have timed their appearance so well.

"Dream." Tommy snarls, all excitement from the day's events dropping away from his face in an instant. Tubbo is the same, his expression turning stony as he rests a hand on the hilt of his sword. I take a few steps back to position myself beside Schlatt, who has an amused look in his dark eyes. Although I don't know these strangers, from Tommy and Tubbo's reactions alone I can garner that they aren't friendly.

"What do you want, Dream?" Tubbo speaks up. His voice is confident, but his hands tremble.

"Oh, you know, just passing through," the masked man called Dream says nonchalantly, taking a few steps forward. His voice reminds me of Schlatt's. Smooth and buttery, but with menace hidden beneath it. His choice of attire, on the other hand, is nothing like what Schlatt would wear. A green jacket and ripped jeans. The jacket has clearly seen better days, and has a hood attached that is currently pulled up and over his head despite the warm weather. His mask is perhaps the strangest thing about him. But also the most alluring. It's simple and round, obscuring the entirety of his face. A smiley face decorates the white surface, practically mocking us with its pleasant expression. He turns to survey our little group, and I catch the glimpse of a black axe hanging from his side.

Netherite? I wonder with awe.

"No way, is that Schlatt?" Dream's companion exclaims. He takes a step forward and Tommy's sword is immediately at his throat.

"Another step and I'll cut you, bitch boy," Tommy warns.

The dark-haired youth just laughs, "Yo, Dream. It really is Schlatt! I can't believe he's actually back. And after we told him to never show his face here again. He must have a death wish!"

"We invited him," Tubbo explains defensively. "He's a guest of L'Manburg. He's out of your jurisdiction."

"I didn't know you let children speak on your behalf, Schlatt." Dream says, speaking straight over Tubbo's head to address the horned man directly. "Is this really what you've resorted to? Hiding behind children?"

"I see you're as witty as ever," Schlatt smirks, all fatigue suddenly gone from his body as he stands straight and confident, his shoulders squared. "What can I say? I missed you guys and your trash talk."

"Not as much as you're about to miss your head." Dream's companion sneers, reaching for the sword at his back.

"Sapnap, wait."

Dream's cold instruction has Sapnap practically freeze, hand halfway to the hilt of his weapon. He turns wary eyes to the masked man.

"What?"

Schlatt chuckles, earning everyone's attention. "Because there's still one introduction left to make. Isn't that right, Ares?"

I smile sweetly. "Yes, sir. That's right."

I've already caught on that this is a man Schlatt despises. The man he wishes me to keep at bay. And I intend to do just that.

"It's nice to meet you both. I'm Ares." I introduce myself, the smile never once leaving my lips. It's a dangerous smile. One that probably looks out of place on my pleasant features. Like a glacier in a flower field.

"And what are you supposed to be? Schlatt's booty call?" Sapnap comments rudely, clearly unable to read the mood.

"No, I'm his bodyguard." I correct politely. "So if you want to get to him, you'll have to go through me first."

"Psh. That should be easy. You don't even have a weapon on you. What a shitty bodyguard."

"Who said I needed a weapon to take you on?"

This strikes a nerve in Sapnap, and he growls, snapping his attention to Dream. "Did you hear that?! Let me fight her, Dream! I'll make it quick!"

I turn my gaze on Dream, who curiously enough hasn't said a word since my introduction. I'm sure he's been gazing at me this entire time, however, and I can only imagine what's going through his mind right now.

"...no. No fighting today." He decides finally, much to Sapnap's chagrin. "Another day, but not today."

Sapnap hesitates, and for a moment I think he's going to lunge at us anyway. But then he curses and drops his hand to his side, smacking Tommy's sword away in the process.

"Whatever." He mutters.

"What a pity. And I was so looking forward to watching Ares wipe the floor with you." Schlatt sighs, shaking his head.

Dream rests a hand on Sapnap's shoulder, who looks about ready to strangle the goat-man where he stands.

While I appreciate Schlatt's confidence in my skills, I do wish he wouldn't taunt the enemy. It does nothing for his image. And makes my job harder than it has to be.

"Don't get comfortable, Schlatt. You won't be here long." Dream warns, and after a final stare in my direction, turns and starts strolling away, hands in his pockets. Sapnap flashes us his middle fingers before spinning and jogging after the masked man.

"Yeah, that's right! You'd better run!" Tommy proclaims to their retreating backs, waving his sword around in victory, despite him not actually doing anything.

"I hate that prick," Schlatt mutters, his dark eyes narrowing into a glare as he watches Dream leave. "He's so up himself."

Reminds me of someone else I know. I think with a small sigh, finally allowing my icy smile to melt away to be replaced with my usual pleasant persona. Smiling like that hurts my cheeks, but Schlatt always insists I look intimidating with it.

"Well...that just happened." Tubbo chuckles awkwardly, attempting to make light of the very dangerous situation we just encountered.

I eye him, and find his hands to still be trembling. To think that the mere appearance of one man would have such an effect on him. Just how strong is Dream?

"Hey, that was awesome!" Tommy grins, hopping up to Tubbo's side and swinging an arm over his shoulders. "Did you see the look on Sapnap's face? It was priceless!"

"Glad you enjoyed the show, boys." Schlatt hums, stretching an arm over his head. "But I'm afraid that'll be all for today. God, I'm fuckin' exhausted. How do you kids have so much energy?"

"Drugs," Tommy smirks, and Tubbo rolls his eyes.

"I'm afraid Schlatt needs his rest now. But thank you both for the exceptional tour." I say, nodding to the two boys.

"Oh, right, of course." Tubbo nods along hastily.

As I follow Schlatt up to the house, I hear Tommy whisper to Tubbo, "What does exceptional mean?"

"I think it means good."

"Oh. I knew that."

————————

If you haven't watched the animatic then PLEASE watch it. It's so funny I cried.

Stay healthy, stay safe. Oh, and-

BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD