#super tiny au

The smell of putrid mold flooded Tommy’s nose the moment he opened up his emergency stash. He nearly threw up at the sight, but he held it in as giant shoes passed by his hiding spot in the wall. With trembling hands he reached into the box and grabbed the single piece of moldy bread still left. He had been saving it for an emergency, but it seemed like the mold had already spread across most of it. And the sight of the hairy green streaks made bile rise up to the back of his throat.

“Fuck,” he whimpered, his stomach growling all the while.

He opened his mouth to try to take a bite but his teeth refused to clamp down. Even as his stomach weeped at not having fresh food for days he couldn’t do it. Disgusted, he took the piece of bread in his fists and chucked it out into the open. The mice he competed with would take it with no problem.

Tommy couldn’t live like this much longer. He really thought the worst part about the supervillain attack was that he’d been caught. He knew he’d have to move to a new store, but he wasn’t ready for the mall to be basically shut down for days. Even when the bookstore eventually opened back up the cafe that had been his main food source stayed shut behind wooden boards. Apparently it had been destroyed during the fight between Dream and the Blade.

Usually on days like this he’d be out before customers even started to show up. He’d hide under the tables of the cafe and wait for food to be dropped, so he could run it back to his hide out at the end of the day. It grossed him out a bit that most of it had already touched someone else’s lips, but he didn’t have room to complain. And he’d take spit over mold any day…

However, now the entire cafe was nothing more than rubble. He’d eaten the last of his still edible food supply two days before, and at that point he’d do anything for even a crumb.

In the end it was that determination that lead him out into the rows of bookshelves. He knew how dangerous it was to be out in the middle of the day when the most customers were there, but it was the least of his concerns. There were other restaurants around the mall, surely someone had brought something into the store.

Slowly he tiptoed around the base of the nearest bookshelf. The edge of it came up just enough for him to hide underneath- perfect for staying hidden from any unsuspecting humans. He held his bag impossibly tight as shadows passed by one by one. Suddenly, air whipped past his face as a pair of colorful light up sneakers stormed past. Even though he knew they couldn’t see him under the bookshelves he still got nervous as heavy thumping business shoes strolled past.

‘Breathe,’ he reminded himself, ‘It’s okay.’

As soon as the shoes disappeared from his sight he continued his trek along the edge of the bookshelf. A couple more people passed, but thankfully they were a bit farther away. And every time he watched carefully hoping they’d drop anything edible.

However, the main area wasn’t his goal; the kids area was what he wanted. As scary as kids were for someone barely palm-sized, they were more likely to have food out, and more likely to drop it. It just meant that Tommy had to make his way across the entire store to get there.

It took almost an hour before Tommy finally reached the brightly colored shelves of the children’s section. Already dozens of squealing toddlers rushed by reminding him of why he never went there in the first place. But his groaning stomach demanded he went in.

Carefully he jumped to the cover of the next set of shelves, so he could see the central area better. In the center of the room a large wooden table was decorated with fairies and dragons while all around it sat colorful bean bags. It was too cutesy for him, but something strange did catch his attention.

Sitting at the table with no kids around was an adult man. He looked to be in his twenties and his hair fell over his eyes as he stared down at the book in his hands. The long pristine coat that adorned his back looked extremely out of place against the neon pinks and blues of the children’s area. Tommy would have laughed, but he was much too focused on what the man had next to him.

He almost drooled as the guy dug out a handful of nuts from his bag and tossed them into his mouth.

Immediately, Tommy’s brain ran through a hundred different ways he could try to nab a few. The bag the nuts were in was sitting unguarded on the chair next to the man- since he was reading Tommy could just try to climb in and grab some. The only problem with that was that he needed to make sure the man kept his attention on the book. Also he’d have to worry about kids coming by and seeing him while he was out in the open.

However, his other option was to wait and see if the man would drop some. It was likely to happen, but then there was no guarantee he’d get enough for even one day.

In the end his grumbling stomach decided for him. He had to get some even if it was outrageously dangerous.

As carefully as he could he crept out from his hiding spot under the bookshelf into the open air. His eyes stayed glued to the man and with a few quick leaps he was at the table. It gave him a little bit of cover, but if the man stopped reading he was sure he’d be caught.

‘Come on Tommy,’ he exhaled, ‘You can do this.’

His eyes glanced over the room once more to make sure the coast was clear before he pulled out his borrowing hook from his bag. It was a little roughed up from his accident with the villain, but it would still do. Quietly, he threw it up until it wrapped around the nearest table leg. The scratching of the metal hook with the wood made him cringe, but luckily the man didn’t look down, he just grabbed a few more nuts from his bag.

With practiced hands Tommy tied the end of the rope around his waist and jumped up to grab onto the table leg. His muscles ached as he dragged himself up the rope, but after a few minutes he reached the top. The bench the man was sitting on (and that had the nuts on it) was a little below him, so he started to swing. He kicked his legs until he had enough momentum to send him flying to the bench below.

He hit it with a thud and for a moment he thought he blew it. His eyes shot up to the man, but luckily he hadn’t seemed to notice, his eyes still glued to the book.

At his new level the smell of the salt-dusted nuts was almost overwhelming. Just the thought of them made his mouth start to water. Carefully watching the man, he tiptoed closer to his open bag. The satchel was open and if he looked close enough he could see the tip of the bag of nuts sticking out.

Without a moment to spare he grabbed onto the side of the satchel and started to drag himself up. His eyes stayed glued to the man above him with each step he made. His fingers ached as he dug into the leather surface, dragging himself up until finally he reached the top.

As soon as he saw it time froze. The sight of food, actual food, lying easily in front of him felt like a blessing. His stomach growled from days of emptiness, so he didn’t make it wait any longer.

As fast as he could he shoved the nuts into his own bag. Once it was full and almost bursting from the top, he shoved two into his pockets. Then when he wasn’t sure where to put any else he shoved one into his mouth. On a normal day he would have felt humiliated by how desperate he was but his hunger overwhelmed him. Before he even knew what he was doing he was shoveling them into his mouth, eating as many as he could.

After the first few his stomach ached from fullness, but it was like he couldn’t control his own body. Every part of him was focused on the food in front of him.

So much so that when something brushed against his back his only thought was to protect the food. He seethed as he grabbed two more nuts in his hands, but before he could turn to spit at his attacker his words died in his throat.

“Damn, you’re a fighter huh?”

The sound of a deep unfamiliar voice finally snapped Tommy out of his stupor. A cold chill ran through his body, and slowly he turned his head around, dreading what he saw. Looking down at him with his hand only a few centimeters away was the man.

“Haven’t heard of a size shifter in a long time,” the man smiled, “Cool power kid.”

Tommy’s mouth gaped open in fear and confusion. He tried to back up but he couldn’t move without risking falling into the bag. His mind ran through a million different ways to try to escape but it didn’t look like he’d have a chance. He was stuck with the man on one side and his open bag on the other.

“I…” Tommy said, “Fuck I didn’t mean to- I’m sorry.”

“What do you mean you didn’t mean to,” he snorted, “Most people don’t steal on accident.”

Tommy opened his mouth to respond but it was like he’d forgotten how to speak. 

“Now come on why don’t you size up so we can talk, yeah?” The man leaned down.

At that Tommy’s confusion only grew. He studied the man’s face and while he didn’t seem angry that he had caught a thief, he seemed serious. Like Tommy was supposed to understand the words coming out of his mouth.

Tommy swallowed and nervously put down the nuts he’d had in his hands. The human’s words rolled over in his head, but he wasn’t sure what to make of them.

“Yeah we can talk,”Tommy mumbled, keeping his head low, “Just let me get out of this first.”

The man nodded and waved his hand for Tommy to go. Less careful this time he jumped down from the side of the man’s bag and thumped onto the bench below. His legs ached a bit from the impact, but he knew humans well enough to know he didn’t want to see him get impatient.

“Alright now up you go,” the man waved, pointing up with his finger, “I’m not talking to a tiny delinquent.”

Tommy frowned, and glanced up to the top of the table. He could probably get up with his hook, but he’d already done more climbing in the day than he’d done in weeks. Yet the man seemed pretty serious about it, so with a sigh he pulled his hook off of his back.

He started to unravel the thread around it, but before he could get very far the man coughed to get his attention, an impatient frown on his lips.

“I said up little man,” he said, “Get big, grow up, you know- size shift.”

Tommy searched his brain for any meaning, but he couldn’t recall learning anything about what the man was talking about. He could have been speaking another language as far as Tommy was aware.

“As much as I’d love to do…that,” Tommy said, “I have no clue what you’re talking about.”

The man’s mouth drew into a tight line as he continued to stare at him. It almost felt like his eyes were a physical weight, pushing Tommy down into the ground.

“I’m not stupid kid,” the man scoffed, “I know how size shifters work. Now change to a human size already, I need to leave soon anyway.”

When the guy’s explanation met his ears Tommy finally felt the puzzle pieces fall into place.

“Oh, I’m not a…whatever you called it,” the words felt heavy on his tongue, “I’ve always been like this. Would have changed it a while ago if I could.”

“You’re joking.”

He wasn’t sure why but the dismissal made his blood turn hot. How dare some stranger tell him he was wrong when he had been the one stuck like that for his whole life.

“I’m fucking serious,” Tommy snapped, “Now will you actually talk or are you just going to keep fucking with me.”

As soon as the words left his mouth he regretted them. He wished he could swallow them back before they flitted their way up to the man’s ears. However, there wasn’t anything he could do, but wait for the inevitable anger that came with upsetting humans.

“Oh,” the man said quietly after a few seconds of uncomfortable silence, “Sorry…I wasn’t um. I didn’t know that was a thing.”

Tommy shrugged, “Yeah well I’ve never met anyone else like me so you’re not the only one. But if I could change it I would in a fucking heartbeat.”

His outburst seemed to make the older man uncomfortable and as he looked away Tommy took his chance to unravel his rope the rest of the way. The hook sat perfectly in his palm, his fingers rubbing across the grooves in the metal to soothe his anxiety. Before he could chicken out or think a little more, he threw it up so it latched onto the top of the table.

He tugged on it and while the string whined it was steady enough. The sound drew the man’s attention and while his gaze made Tommy uncomfortable, it had been a long time since anyone else had actually talked to him without trying to smush him. Briskly, he climbed up the rope until he reached the edge of the table. The man’s hand rested underneath him and while Tommy realized it was probably supposed to be reassuring like a safety net, it did nothing to soothe his nerves. When he finally pulled himself up onto the top, the tall guy crossed his arms on the table and leaned his head down.

“So,” he smiled, “Do you live here then?”

Tommy nodded half-heartedly as he flipped his hook back onto his back, “Yep don’t have much of a choice. Not like I can leave.”

“Oh yeah,” the guy hummed, “Guess that makes sense. Doesn’t explain why you’re stealing my nuts though.”

Tommy sputtered out an excuse earning soft laughter from the man. His eyebrows crinkled up in glee, and even though it was at Tommy’s expense he couldn’t bring himself to mind.

“I’m just a big man who loves nuts what can I say,” Tommy shrugged.

The man laughed again and Tommy’s heart practically sung. In a far corner of his mind he knew he should be more careful, humans weren’t to be trusted, but the guy wasn’t scary. If he wanted to he could have crushed Tommy as soon as he was caught.

“I get that,”the man said, “Although I cant say I’m much of a nut man myself.”

Tommy sat down against the rough wood and watched as the guy turned to his bag. It was strange seeing how big his hand was compared to the satchel when Tommy had struggled to even climb up its side. The human’s hand moved out of sight and then, moments later, the bag of nuts was plopped down on the table in front of him.

“Here take as many as you want I wont eat them all anyway,” he smiled, “They're kind of gross anyways.”

Without hesitation Tommy dug into the bag again, grabbing even more than before. The guy chuckled, but Tommy couldn’t bring himself to care when he’d basically saved his life. He wasn’t sure how much longer he could have gone without food. And with how many nuts he had now he’d at least be good for another week.

After he was sure he’d packed as many nuts as he could carry he sat back down, putting his now very heavy backpack onto the table. He wanted to thank the guy, but he worried about seeming too desperate. Even if he seemed nice Tommy knew not to trust humans. No matter how soft the man made him feel he couldn’t give in, and he definitely couldn’t let him know how much he was struggling.

So instead he nodded his head to the guy, trying to seem as indifferent as possible, “Thanks for the shitty nuts.”

“Ay you’re the one who’s eating them,” the man scoffed.

Tommy sputtered trying to come up with a response, but before he could reply a low mechanical hum echoed across the building.

‘Hello customers, we will be closing in 10 minutes. Please bring your final items up to the register where our cashiers will be happy to help you. Have a great night!’

The human looked up and shrugged, “Well guess I gotta head out. Need to buy this book before I leave anyway.”

“Oh,” Tommy said, “Yeah. Wouldn’t want to stop you from doing nerd shit.”

A disgustingly sweet smile crossed the man’s face and for a brief second Tommy considered biting him just to make him stop.

“Yeah yeah whatever. The books not even for me,” the guy scoffed as he threw his bag over his shoulder, “I’m Wilbur by the way.”

“Tommy.”

Wilbur nodded, a sly smile working its way across his face, “Well Tommy, it was nice to meet you. Even if you are the most useless size shifter ever.”

Immediately Tommy puffed up his chest, but before he could argue Wilbur was up from his seat. His knowing smile made Tommy wish he could throw a nut into his eye.

“See you later tiny man.”

Tommy seethed under his gaze, but he knew he’d only humiliate himself more if he tried to get down from the table to chase after him. So instead he settled for dramatically turning his back to the human. Wilbur snorted in amusement, but Tommy refused to turn around and give him any power.

A few seconds later he heard footsteps trail away leaving him alone on the table. He’d barely noticed but the store had cleared out quite a bit. Without the thrall of people he could hear the mechanical hum of the AC as it struggled to keep the building cold.

Tommy usually wasn’t out that late. He liked to be back before the closing shift turned the lights off, but it was kind of peaceful being out when it was so quiet. He inhaled the smell of old worn paper before throwing his bag over his shoulders. The weight of the nuts strained his back, but he'd find a way to get it all back.

Life in the city was scary enough. Ever since Tommy could remember the fear of heroes and villains had been a constant in his mind. Their bloody fights could start anywhere; it was simply a part of life like the world turning or the leaves falling. Whole buildings had been demolished in their wakes, and depending on which villains were there, there were often plenty of casualties. Whenever Tommy was able to sneak through the book store to see the TV plastered above the register the screen usually depicted fires and rubble and injuries unimaginable. 

However, Tommy had really hoped he’d never have to experience it himself.

Screams tore through his ears as people easily twenty times his size rushed past. The store’s workers had long since run to safety so Tommy could stand on the counter to see through to the rest of the mall. There was no fire or rubble or death yet, but he could only assume it was to come. He just hoped whichever hero showed up was nice enough to make sure the building didn’t collapse on him.

As the last of the customers rushed through the store, the alarms blazing above them, Tommy turned his attention to how he would get out. Usually, he would use the book carts the workers bring to the front at the end of the night; however, in their hurry (not that he could blame them) the carts were somewhere else in the winding rows of books. He could try to climb down the nearby cabinets by balancing on their handles, but the last time he'd tried to do that he almost gave himself a concussion. And when you're only a few inches tall getting a doctor to help wasn't really an option.

Tommy huffed as he looked over the side of the desk. The fall was pretty far and while the floor was carpeted he was sure he'd at least break a few bones if he tried to jump. Yet, the blaring of the sirens lighting up the store made his heart race with fear. 

Quickly he opened his fabric pack and dug through the jumbled contents. There were a few pieces of bread and chips, a coin he'd found on the floor, and a long piece of thread from a first aid kit he'd found. With a proud hum, he tore out the thing twine and wrapped it around his forearm until his skin turned blue. As uncomfortable as it was he needed it to stay on, so he wrapped it around a few more times before tying it off.

"Fuck," he hissed, the thread pulling and twisting against his skin.

His hair stuck to his face as he tied the other side of the thread onto the handle of the closest cabinet. The drawers formed a ladder all the way down to the ground, and he would have to use them...he just had to make sure he didn't tumble on the way. Once the thread was thoroughly wrapped around the metal handle he tugged it to make sure it wouldn't fall loose. 

With a deep shaky breath, he stepped down onto the first bar. It was a bit of a stretch since it was a few inches down from his place on the table, but luckily he was able to reach it. 

"Not that bad," Tommy mumbled to himself as he readied himself to take the next step.

He leaned forward off the metal bar to look down at the one below it. It was a bit farther since the drawer wasn't completely closed, but he was still pretty sure he could make it.

His shoes squeaked as he pushed himself forward, but as soon as he hopped down a loud crash rang through the front of the store. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the glass windows shatter as a dark figure raced through. He yelped in shock, but the distraction was enough to send him off course. His foot just barely missed the bar and his back slammed against it with an awful crack. The thread around his arm was the only thing keeping him from slamming on the floor and when it finally drew taught he felt like his arm was about to be ripped off. 

"Ah! Fuck!" he yelled as he desperately tried to release his arm. He clawed at the thread with his other hand but it just put more pressure on his arm. 

Tears budded up in the corners of his eyes as the pain made his head feel hazy. He wanted to scream until someone came to save him, but he was smart enough to know that normal people were freaked out by him. The first time he'd been caught by a human in one of the other mall's stores he'd almost been killed with their broom.

He hissed in pain as he reached up to grab onto the thread, still dangling from the cabinet's highest drawer. It relieved some of the pressure, but he worried if he couldn't get out soon his arm would be as good as dead. However, he didn't have much time to figure anything out before another large crash echoed through the store. 

His eyes darted to the middle of the room where bookshelves were usually lined up in neat rows. There, struggling next to a broken bookshelf, were two men. The shorter one he immediately recognized: he'd seen him on TV enough times to know the signature green cloak and half mask adorned by the greatest hero in the city. However, the other man, the one Dream was currently trying to stay on top of, he hadn't seen before. 

He tried to turn his body to see the fight better but was immediately met by the worst scream he'd ever heard. Dream straddled the taller man and pressed his hands down against his throat. Tommy couldn't see very well but it already seemed like there was blood dripping down the man's neck. His scream was guttural and wet as Dream pressed down harder. 

"You really thought you'd get away huh?" Dream asked as he leaned closer to the struggling man's face. The other struggled against the hero's grip and groaned, but he barely budged under Dream's hands.

"What little birdy doesn't wanna talk anymore? You had so much to say the last time," Dream scowled in a way that made Tommy's heart stop. He knew Dream was good, and he was likely watching history, but usually he didn't seem so terrifying on the news.

"Fuck...off," the other man coughed as blood rolled down his cheek.

Dream leaned forward again, pressing down harder, and this time Tommy had to look away. Even though he knew Dream was good, the sight of the villain's blood made him feel sick.

It was only when another loud voice boomed through the store that he looked up again, making his arm cry out in pain. The thread twisted against his skin like a vice and he had to resist shouting. The last thing he wanted was to draw anyone's attention.

"Dream. Get off him," the new man, a villain he did recognize, growled, "Let's have a fair fight, huh?"

The Blade. Tommy stared in awe at the cloaked man with his boar-tusk mask protruding from his face. He'd seen plenty of news stories about the Blade- enough to know he absolutely did not want to be in the same place as him...especially if Dream was there too.

"Not a very fair fight if I let you have your little siren huh?" Dream grinned wildly back at the villain, "Just let me get rid of him real quick, and then we can spar."

The Blade growled and stepped forward, his whole body radiating power in a way that made Tommy's body tense up like he was the one about to be crushed under his sword. 

"Let him go," the Blade said as he drew his sword from his side. The edge of the blade was already covered in a slick sheen of blood that made Tommy feel ill.

Dream laughed, the bottom visible half of his face twisting up into a sly smile, "Or what?"

The Blade didn't even give him a chance before he rushed forward slamming into the hero with a loud thud. In seconds the two were struggling, both trying to get on top of the other. The Blade swung his sword and just barely missed Dream's face before he was shoved to the ground. The Blade jumped to his feet and was immediately met by Dream's dagger. The hero sliced at the villain's chest, but he barely was able to cut through the cloak before the Blade slammed into him with his shoulder.

The whole time Tommy stared wide-eyed at the fight. His arm throbbed and his head felt dizzy from hanging, but he couldn't turn his attention away from the two as they danced back and forth. It would almost be elegant if they weren't both trying to kill each other. 

He was so distracted he didn't even notice that the previously downed villain had started to move until he was only a few steps away from Tommy. Immediately he held his breath, trying to make as little noise as possible even though he was so clearly in the open. The man looked awful the closer he got, his face was bloodied and black like he'd been hit by something and his dark-blue mask was off-kilter and covered with blood. Meanwhile, patches of blue bruises sprouted up around his neck from where Dream had held him down. Tommy hoped he'd never have to experience it, but he assumed being choked by someone with super strength hurt pretty bad. 

Nervously, he watched as the villain scootched closer to the desk until he was able to lean against it. Tommy felt frozen; all the villain would have to do was turn his head a bit, and Tommy would be caught...and if regular people didn't like him, he assumed it would be even worse with a villain.

"Niki," the villain spoke into his wrist, "Need help..."

Tommy assumed it must have been some sort of communication device but he didn't see anything. It was almost like it was part of the dark cloak the villain had draped over his body. Within seconds, a high chirpy voice called back through the villain's cloak asking where he was. The man coughed out blood and gave the mystery woman the name of the shop. 

"Be careful," he said slowly, "Dream's here."

As curious as he was, Tommy's attention was drawn back to the fight in front of them. A loud crash came from the bookshelves as the Blade pushed Dream into them. The wooden posts cracked and splintered under his weight, but Dream didn't even seem affected. Both had a few scratches from where the other got lucky, but neither seemed tired.

"Lay back...I'll...soon," the voice from the villain's cloak crackled.

The villain nodded in exhaustion, but before Tommy could turn his attention back to the main fight the cabinets shook pulling the thread impossibly tight around his arm. He shrieked as the pain became overwhelming and he was sure his arm would tear off. His thoughts glazed over so much he didn't even realize his mistake until his vision cleared.

The villain who had previously been leaning against the cabinets was staring right at him. 

Tommy could see the sparkle of curiosity in his eyes even through his mask. He struggled harder, trying to get free, but every movement just pulled the thread tighter until he couldn't move anymore.

"What the fuck..." the villain grumbled before rubbing his eyes with his gloved fist, "You're...small."

If Tommy wasn't in so much shock he would have laughed at the villain's words. The situation seemed so ridiculous to him. A supervillain saying something so stupid while he looked to be on the brink of death. However, before Tommy could do anything a hand was reaching towards him.

"Hey wait no!" Tommy squealed as a finger poked his chest.

He partly expected the villain to crush him, but he just seemed confused, not violent. 

"You're stuck," the man said, "I- give me a second."

The hand pulled away and Tommy slammed his eyes shut so he wouldn't have to see what the villain was planning. Even injured he had no idea what he could do. Especially if he knew the Blade...he had to be dangerous. After a few seconds of only hearing the grunting of Dream and the Blade, Tommy felt something tug on the thread. His arm twisted making him yelp again, but he immediately swallowed his tears. Desperately he tried to remember the news story from a couple weeks ago about what to do in case you encountered a villain.

Run if you can

Give them what they want

He tried, but he couldn't remember any of the other steps. Although, he guessed it didn't really matter. It wasn't like he was in a position to get away, so instead, he just waited as the thread was moved around in the villain's hands. 

His eyes squeezed even tighter as the thread was tugged again, but this time instead of wrapping tighter around his arm, the pressure disappeared. His eyes flew open in surprise as he fell, but before he could get far, he landed on something warm. 

It felt so good to have his arm free, he didn't even realize where he was until the warmth underneath him moved. His eyes shot up, and sure enough, the villain was staring back at him. He scrambled back but was stopped by the man's fingers.

The villain coughed, more blood dribbling down his chin, "Wait I...I can-"

The villain made an awful choking sound, and while goosebumps crawled up Tommy's arms he couldn't help but feel bad. But before the villain could stumble through his words a scream echoed across the store. The villain's head shot up as the Blade ran back towards him, his sword coated in new blood.

"Siren, we have to go," the Blade said, "Can you walk?"

The villain, Siren, let out a shaky breath and nodded quickly to the other man. The fingers wrapped around Tommy again, and for a few terrible seconds, he thought Siren was going to take him before he was placed back onto the desk where he had started. The villain nodded at him in what Tommy assumed was supposed to be reassuring before he stumbled over to the Blade. 

"Where's Dream?" Siren asked as he leaned against the Blade's side.

The Blade wrapped his arm around the injured villain, "He's over there- stabbed him pretty good, but he'll be up again soon. Did you call for help?"

Siren nodded and opened his mouth to say something, his eyes darting over to where Tommy was nursing his arm on the desk. Tommy froze as their eyes met. When Siren turned back to the Blade Tommy readied himself to be outed. It wasn't like he could get away, and against the Blade he'd be dead in seconds.

"Yeah...I called," Siren nodded.

He looked like he wanted to say more, but his head lulled against the Blade's shoulder. Tommy stayed tense in case Siren changed his mind, but after some whispering between the two, they stumbled out of the book store. Leaving Tommy alone with Dream injured somewhere else among the stacks of books. 

Carefully, he rested his hand against his injured arm and hissed in pain as the scratched-up skin burned. He'd have to bandage it up once he got to safety, but first, he had to find a new way down. He glanced back over to the drawer handles that had been his downfall the first time and spat at them as if they had purposefully caused him to fall.

He stumbled over to the other side of the drawers where Siren had been sitting and to his surprise, he found that one of the rolling carts had been pulled up to the side. The thought that Siren had done it to help him crossed his mind, but he quickly shooed the thought away as the sounds of Dream's pained groans echoed from across the room. It must have been an accident, there was no way the villain had intended to help him.

Carefully he wrapped his legs around one of the poles on the cart's side. With his good arm he balanced himself, and then like a firefighter down a pole, he slid down to the bottom. When he reached the wheel at the bottom of the cart, he cautiously jumped down to the carpet below.

His feet hit the ground with a dull thud, and even though it wasn't far, pain raced up his arm. Above him, the lights and alarms blared as if Tommy hadn't already come face-to-face with the danger. As he rubbed his hand against his arm trying to relieve some of the pain, he heard shuffling from the other side of the room.

Dream must have gotten up.

As he heard the hero move he quickly raced to the wall where a small hole opened up to the shop's inner workings. It was barely a home, but he made do with what he could get. As he dug through his measly supplies to find bandages he heard an angered shout from the hero before the sound of cracking glass came from the entrance.