━━ FLAMES SURROUND EVERYTHING,

tearing it down in their wake and basking everything in a golden glow.

It eats away at wood, weaving into the Mushroom, ashes clouding the sky.

No room for regret now.

The fire reflects in the boy's blue eyes, flames swirling around as he stares into their depths.

He doesn't regret it, not yet, at least. The house was built during a time when people were dying. It deserved this.

But it's just a house.

"Should we put it out?"

"No."

"Are you sure? It could spread."

"I said no, Ranboo."

The two-toned boy nods, "Right, yeah okay. Sorry."

Tommy's still as the fire eats away at George's house. Or should he say the new king's house? He grips the lighter tightly in his hand, a flame bursting at the tip. Tommy grabs a stick on the ground next to him, lighting it on fire and chucking it at George's house.

He wanted to watch it burn, all of it. He wanted nothing left except the ashes.

Ranboo watches, concern in his eyes. He wasn't sure what was going on inside Tommy's head. He wasn't even sure why he was here. All he did was offer Tommy an allium. The next thing he knew, he was being dragged here.

There wasn't much else he could do other than go along with Tommy. After all, Tommy insisted it was only a prank. It was all a joke. George wouldn't care.

But the look on Tommy's face said more than that.

There was more to this than just some prank, but it wasn't Ranboo's place to ask.

Tommy throws the lighter into the fire for good measure and turns on his heels storming off.

Ranboo follows close behind, glancing behind him every now and then. He would get some water from the pond in front of George's house, but it was too risky.

The community house is seen on the horizon, the lake glistening in front of it.

"Go home, Ranboo," Tommy said.

"What?"

Tommy looks at him, and Ranboo quickly looks away. He doesn't like being looked at.

"Go home and lay low," Tommy said. "Don't do anything stupid."

Ranboo wants to ask more, but Tommy is already walking away from him.

The Enderboy frowns.

...

Phil had come to the conclusion that Ghostbur was, in fact, a ghost. He existed purely because of Alivebur's unfinished business. He was almost like a manifestation of him.

"Why the black eyes?" You asked, sitting next to Fundy on the couch.

"And the amnesia?" Tubbo adds.

Phil flips a page in the book, reading it to himself before explaining it in simpler terms to everyone else. "You've all heard the expression eyes are the window to the soul, right?"

Everyone nods.

"Well, think of that. And then think of the idea that Ghostbur is sort of the soul. That is to say, he has no soul, so he has no eyes."

"Oh," You said.

"The amnesia is likely caused by the trauma of Wilbur's life. It's possible when the two," Phil looks hesitantly at Ghostbur. "Separated. Wilbur didn't want to remember the bad, so it carried over into his manifestation."

"Philza, you are so wise," Tubbo said.

Phil chuckles, setting the book back on the shelf. "Thank you, Mr. President."

The two begin discussing political matters, Ghostbur chiming in with his own thoughts. Fundy sits next to you, brows furrowed as he stares outside.

You were both thinking the same thing.

What did Ghostbur remember?

If Ghostbur only remembers what Wilbur wanted to remember, how much was missing? Did he choose to forget everything that came after the election?

Only one way to find out.

"Ghostbur," You call out. "Do you remember the election?"

Ghostbur nods, "Of course I do! Tommy and I won and we-,"

"Stop," Fundy said. "Who won?"

Ghostbur blinks, frowning ever so slightly. "Tommy and I."

Fundy shakes his head, "No, you didn't. You guys lost. Schlatt won."

"Who's Schlatt?"

This was a joke, wasn't it? You didn't blame Wilbur for not wanting to remember Schlatt, but god, it was like everything after the election he had re-written into his perfect little fantasy. It wasn't fair that he was living in that, and you were stuck in this world.

Your phone pings suddenly, and you read over the short text. "I have to go," You said, standing up from your seat.

"I'm sorry," Ghostbur said, reaching out for you. "Was it something I said? I didn't mean to upset you. Here, more blue."

Ghostbur drops more blue in your hands, and you give him the best smile you can muster. "Thanks."

"Where are you going?" Tubbo asked.

"Quackity," You lied.

Tubbo nods, and you exit Phil's house. The sun deep below the horizon stars twinkling in the midnight sky.

You had somewhere you needed to be; Dream had reminded you of that. Your time was up. The three days had passed.

He wants your answer, and he wants it now.

The forest is much creepier at night. All the trees have lost most of their leaves, all of them crunching under your feet as you move deeper. The only thing that illuminates Wilbur's grave is the lantern you brought with you.

A sudden breeze makes you wrap Wilbur's cape tighter around yourself as Dream stands in front of you, hoodie drawn over his head.

"Well?"

"What did you do?"

Dream tilts his head to the side, your lantern making shadows dance across his mask. "What do you mean?"

"Did you bring him back?"

Dream chuckles, "That wasn't the deal."

You scoff, rolling your eyes. "I know that, but there is some ghost hanging around with black eyes, and I needed to make sure that wasn't some sick way of scaring me into this."

Dream leans against a tree, flipping a small dagger in his hand. "As much as I wish I could take the credit for that, I can't. But do tell me more about this ghost."

"He only remembers the good things or the things Wilbur wanted to remember."

"Which means?"

"When I asked about the election, he told me that he and Tommy won."

"That's certainly not what I remember."

You chuckle, but it's forced, and he knows it. "I think we all know who really won."

"Let me ask you. Does he remember you?"

That was the question, wasn't it? Of course, Ghostbur remembered you, but not in the way Wilbur did. If he doesn't remember anything after the election, well, that would change a lot.

"Why does it matter? He's just a ghost."

Dream shrugs, "That's true, but it probably hurts. That means Wilbur didn't want to remember you."

You look away from Dream, eyes falling onto the grave. "Do you want an answer?"

"I do."

You might regret this months from now, maybe even in a few hours. But there was nothing to lose. Ghostbur was the last straw for you; he was the push over the edge.

"I'll help you, Dream," You said, gripping his gloved hand tightly. No time for backing out, no time for regrets. You were willing to bargain for Wilbur back. "But if you break your promise," You squeeze his hand tighter, "I will end you."

Dream pulls back from your grasp, unfazed. "Threatening me now, darling? Don't test my patience and I won't test yours. I'll keep my promise, you keep yours."

"I hope you know what you're doing," You whisper, a slightly threatening tone to your voice.

"Do you?"

That was an easy answer.

No.

"Yes."

...

You awoke the next day to your phone ringing loudly. You begrudgingly pick it up, Tubbo's contact flashing brightly in your face.

"Tubbo?"

"Dream wants to make you ambassador again. The job is yours, if you want it," He rushes out.

You sit up in bed, eyebrows furrowed. He had already set his plan in motion, good for him. But why did Tubbo sound so scared?

"I'd love to," You said, faking surprise.

"Good," Tubbo said, pausing. "I need you now."

"What happened?"

Tubbo hesitates, "Dream built walls around L'manberg, obsidian walls."

"He what?"

In an instant, you're out of the bed pulling on your clothes and boots. This wasn't part of Dream's plan, at least, not that you were aware of.

"He said Tommy burnt down George's house. We're at the court right now."

You slip your coat on as you open the door. "He wouldn't do that, not this soon. Would he?"

Tubbo glances at Tommy from his spot in the court, "I don't know."

"I'm on my way," You said, hanging up on Tubbo as you make your way to the courthouse.

"Tommy, I need you to stand in there," Tubbo said, opening up a small cell for him. Tommy immediately shakes his head, stepping back.

It was so small, he couldn't. "I'm not gonna-,"

"Tommy," Tubbo said sternly, gaze hardening as Tommy continues to push against him.

"I should not be punished right now. Don't put me in there! I shouldn't be,"

"Tommy you're hurting yourself more right now."

Tommy's face falls when he realizes that no matter what he did he would have to sit in the tiny cell. Tubbo wasn't his friend right now, and he was alone.

He was always alone.

Quackity grabs Tommy's shoulders, "Tommy, I'm going to be the one defending you right now. So shut your mouth and get in there."

Tommy steps into the cell as Tubbo slides the bars shut, making Tommy flinch.

"Just stay quiet, Tommy," You said, taking your seat next to Quackity.

"No! I can't be - this is unfair. Tubbo, you can't do this!"

"Tommy, I'm on your side here!" Tubbo responds through strained teeth.

"Then get me out of this fucking box! Even if I did do it-"

"Shut up!"

"I have rights!"

"You lost them when you burned down George's house."

"You can't just-"

"You have the right to remain silent."

Tubbo's words hang heavy in the air, silencing everyone. Tommy purses his lips together, leaning back.

"Tubbo be like, human rights don't matter. Capital punishment."

"Shut up," Quackity hisses, and Tommy holds his hand up in defense.

"Here is what I've been told," Tubbo starts, taking his place on the podium. "Dream and George have sufficient evidence that the defendant, Tommyinnit, has committed arson."

"What the fuck?" Tommy shrieks.

So, maybe he had done it. But a charge of arson? Seems a bit excessive if you ask him.

"Tubbo, listen to me. This is a good point. How can we even be sure he saw it right? You know how he is, faulty. We all know he's got a few loose screws. He's on his way out," Tommy pointed out, lowering his voice.

"You're not helping your case."

"I'm just saying!"

"Tommy, you will have your time to speak. George, give us your side of the story."

George stands up, his usual sunglasses gone and instead replaced with a crown. He looks regal in the way he stands, like a mirror of Dream. Except shorter.

"I was having a regular day, and I needed to grab something from my vacation home. When I got there it was gone. All of it was burnt, my stuff was taken, even the fish in the pond were dead! And I haven't done anything to deserve that, right?"

"Well, you are colorblind."

"Tommy!"

"There's nothing wrong with that!" George huffs, crossing his arms. "Anyway, I got there, and I'm looking around to see If there's anything, and I see two figures just barely in the distance. Two! And one had a red shirt with blonde hair and the other? The other was Ranboo."

Everyone looks to Ranboo seated at the back of the court with Niki as a witness.

"Well," Ranboo sighs, standing up.

"Ranboo, I'm gonna have to ask you to step into this cell here," Tubbo directs, gesturing to the cell opposite of Tommy.

You're closest, and Tubbo nods for you to close it. You switch the lever, the bars screeching as they fall into place.

"No! Wait-," Tommy said, reaching a hand through the bars. "Tubbo, this guy, Ranboo, he's literally a civilian. You can't just take George's word and put him in there!"

Ranboo just shrugs, slightly unfazed. He seems calm, fidgeting with the cuffs of his shirts.

"It's just a precaution," Tubbo assured, "Ranboo, shed some light on this situation, please."

"I - uh," Ranboo coughs, staring at the floor. "Keep in mind I have really bad memory loss. I don't know why. It's from something. I don't know what, I can't remember.

"That's not a good look," Tubbo sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Can you remember anything?"

Ranboo shakes his head.

"Okay, Tommy, can we hear your side and don't yell."

"It was the perfect crime, and no one saw me either. Dream is just - the walls are overreacting, okay? All I did was take stuff."

Your lips part in slight shock. Tommy actually admitted it. Then, Tommy actually did it.

"It was burnt!" George snaps, standing up and pointing an accusing finger at Tommy.

"In my defense, I didn't think you would see," Tommy shrugs.

"You didn't think I would see?" George questioned, chuckling dryly.

"Well no, but now that I've owned up to it, I don't need to be punished. Let me out."

Tubbo meets Tommy's eyes, hesitation clear. "Tommy, I've been advised to banish you."

The words hit Tommy like a tidal wave, and he grabs onto the bars of his cell. His eyes are scared, but they look more pissed than anything. "Tubbo, what the fuck? It was just a funny little prank! I-,"

"Quiet!" Tubbo demands. "However, I decided that was extreme. So I'm hoping to please both parties by probation. George, Tommy will be stripped of his power, and everything he does, he will have to report directly to Fundy."

"What?" Tommy asked in disbelief. He, the vice president (well, not anymore), had to report to someone else? Tommy shakes his head, leaning back. He never got to be independent, did he? Always working under someone else, whether he wanted to or was forced to.

Someone always had the upper hand.

"Is this what you fucking wanted?" Quackity probed, meeting Tommy's eyes through the cell.

The blonde doesn't say anything.

"He's reporting to a furry!" Karl snickers, high-fiving George.

"No way!"

"Tommy, as of now, you're on probation. This is your last chance."

"Or what bro? Or what bitch?" Tommy taunts before quickly adding. "I didn't mean that sorry."

"Or else you'll be exiled," Tubbo said, lips set in a straight line as Tommy recoils. "Probation the next two weeks. Everything you do, you write up and report to Fundy."

"Tubbo, this is insane!" Tommy protests.

"It may be insane, however-"

"Tubbo, there are walls around your home!"

"I know, and I'm hoping this will be enough to tear them down!"

"You can't just build walls because we - I," Tommy coughs, correcting himself, but no one notices. "Did a little prank."

"George is the king of the SMP! I don't even want to know what this is considered," Tubbo said, stepping down from the podium and pulling Tommy's cell open.

"Treason," George replied.

Tommy steps past Tubbo, and he can feel the irritation rolling off him in waves. Tubbo stops Tommy, grabbing the small pin on his chest. He grabs the flag of L'manberg pin, the sign of power, of being part of the cabinet, and takes it.

"Tubbo, what the fuck?" Tommy gasps, watching as the pin is shoved in Tubbo's pocket. It hurt.

That belonged to Tommy. He earned his place here.

And just like that, he lost it.

"What about Ranboo?" Fundy asked, jerking a thumb in the direction of the Enderboy.

"He wasn't there. It was just me," Tommy said flatly.

Tubbo shrugs, gesturing for you to let him out. You open Ranboo's cell door, giving his shoulder a squeeze as he nods at you.

"Word of advice," You said, grabbing his attention. "Stay out of trouble."

Ranboo nods, "I will."

He leaves after that, disappearing into the woods, and you're to make your way back over to Tubbo, but then you see him.

"Dream," You call out.

The said boy turns to you, mask present as usual. He doesn't say anything, just shrugs. You grab onto his sleeve.

"This wasn't part of the deal," You hiss in his ear.

Dream grabs your wrist, pulling it off of him and gripping it tightly. "It is now. You're playing by my rules."

"I didn't agree to walls around my country."

"And I didn't agree to let Tommy burn down George's house."

He has a point there.

Dream lets go of you, shoving you back, and someone else grabs your arm, pulling you back to his side.

"Lay off, dude," Quackity sneers.

Dream rolls his eyes behind his mask, crossing his arms again as he eyes the L'manberg cabinet up and down.

"Prohibition isn't enough," He said.

Tubbo's head snaps up, "What do you mean, Dream?"

"Tommy is Tommy. He's never gonna learn, and he's never gonna stop. If you want that as somebody in your nation, even as someone without power, then look, it's fine. Just think about it. We can have a meeting. Until then, it's not enough."

"When do you propose this meeting?"

"I'll coordinate it with (Y/N)."

More alone time with Dream, perfect.

"Why isn't probation enough?" Tubbo questioned, still fighting for Tommy. "We've stripped him of his power."

"Listen, it's fine. I'll give you time to think about it. You can say the same thing, but I have some things to say. If you don't change your mind, we'll talk."

"Can I just say one thing?" Tommy butts in.

Tubbo glares at him, "I think you've said enough."

"Please?"

"Fine"

"Think of all the times Dream has tortured us!" Tommy shouts, waving dramatically at the masked man. "He's destroyed our home! He's been a huge dick, going around taunting us. I've done one thing, which I was allowed to do. I have free rights to-,"

"Tubbo, if you don't want to exile him, that's fine, but give me the disc," Dream cuts him off.

"What?" Tommy's voice is barely above a whisper.

"Tommy, I suggest you stay quiet."

"I gave you that disc to show how much I trusted you."

"I know," Tubbo whispers.

You can see the hurt plain as day in both boy's eyes. It was tearing them apart, from the inside out.

"I'll see you at the meeting then," Dream said, backing away with a smirk under his mask.

"We'll be there," Tubbo dismissed.

"Tommy, if you care about L'manberg, you're gonna listen," Quackity said, watching Dream walk away with narrowed eyes.

"I gave L'manberg to Tubbo because I don't have to care about L'manberg anymore because I know Tubbo can!" Tommy objects as if trying to explain how that makes a difference.

"You're the vice president!" You shout. It doesn't matter why Tommy's president or who he did it for. What matters is that he is.

And he can't pull shit like this anymore.

"What you don't