Dream bit back an angry reply. He broke his pick and dropped it, cursing. He pulled another one out and sighed. "It's obvious he wants you dead Karl. Which is why we need to get you out." He heard a slight cluck and smirked. "I think I'm close to getting you out, Prince."
Karl smiled. "Great! Door swings in so I'll back up."
"Hmm? Oh, s**t." Dream whispered. "I'll just carry him. But the tunnel... Is there another way out?" He asked, gently picking Nick up. "We came through an underwater tunnel. He needs to rest. I'm not letting him go back through."
Karl shook his head. "What tunnel? I don't know of any other way out. Other than up there." He said, pointing to the stairs.
Dream shook his head. "A while." He said to Karl. "Nick! Wake up, bud. C'mon, please." He shook him hard and sighed quietly. "I f**king hate these dreams. They hurt him and he always feels bad after. I hate what they do to him." The older boy groaned, shaking his brother harder.
Karl frowned and stood next to George in terror. "I don't know what to do. I feel bad just watching, but I don't know how to help."
Dream pulled Nick closer. "Shhhh. It's just me. Breathe, Nicky, breathe. Just breathe. I'm here, I'm here." He rubbed his back gently, hushing him at the same time.
Karl shuddered. "Dream, is he okay? Please tell me he's okay!"
"F-Fire-" That single word made it feel like Nick's word was crashing down, but after pausing for a moment he continued. "A-And almost drowning A-And you hating me and t-the tower all of it all over again someone help me-" He sobbed harder and struggled to breathe.
George's heart broke for the boy, his friend. He put a comforting arm around Karl's shoulders.
