Nightmare's POV
I wake up early the next morning. Yes, somehow I managed to sleep. I get out of their grips and crawl out of the tent. I enter the kitchen, double-checking the locked door and shutting the sink window's curtains. I start to make breakfast, finding nobody else is awake. I put it on the table. This morning was scrambled eggs. I smile and see Ghastly as the first to come out. He enjoys his plate as I have mine. But then I realize there isn't enough for everyone. I grab some G and head out.
I quickly move to the shop and get some food. I move home quickly and get inside safely. I lock the door but find someone hugging me from behind as soon as I entered the kitchen. I look and see Killer hugging me.
"You're back....Thank goodness. And you're okay too."He says, nuzzling his head against mine
"K-Killer?"I say
He wraps his wings around me, making me unable to move. I look at him and he smiles. I feel my face burn a bit.
"I got worried. I didn't know where you went and worried that you might have gotten hurt or into trouble, especially from that Charles idiot."He says
"Oh! W-Well, I am sorry for that. Now, I'll get some food for everyone set."I say
He releases me and I make more food for everyone. I set it out and soon, everyone is eating. I find this feeling growing in me. I....care for him again. He is......proving himself. My soul quickens. I shake my head. We still have to get close again. I have to be able to trust him again and be okay around him, not so weird...before I love him again.
Three weeks later
I stand alone at the kitchen sink, washing dishes. It's late at night. I make a realization. He has regained my trust....I am okay around him. I'm redeveloping feelings for him. My face warms up and my soul quickens at this realization. I finish washing the dishes. I go into the living room and see Killer sitting on the couch, wide awake. It's nearly midnight. We're the only ones up. He looks at me.
"Do you trust me?"He asks
I nod.
"Good, because I want to explain everything to you."He says, taking me back into the kitchen
I lean against the wall, ready to listen.
"I stayed with you as you asked. But then Dameon came in, saying that there was trouble so I went to investigate. One moment I'm near the hideout, the next I'm knocked out. When I woke up, I was in a room alone with Color. He said he changed my soul to help me. I couldn't remember anything though. He said that's a side effect. He acted as if he knew me and we were close, so I believed him without any memory. He opened the door, freed me from some chains and offered for us to escape together. I stupidly agreed. That's when he kissed me and I'm guessing you came. But the moment I saw the flower, it all came back to me. All my memories and everything. I wanted nothing to do with Color and already felt bad for what I had done. I should've just stayed with you, Night. Then none of this would've happened!"He explains
I step away from the wall.
So Color changed his soul, erasing his memories....Interesting.
He comes over and hugs me.
"I'm sorry, Night! I never meant it! Or anything you might've seen and heard! I swear that I will never do something like that again!"He says
I can hear his honesty and guilt in his voice. I feel my face burn and soul pound.
"I love you, Nightmare."He says
I smile a bit.
"But I know I still have to be better for you."He says
I try to speak but no words come out. He doesn't realize that he already is good. I forgive him. I love him. I try to think of what to say when my voice decides to be present again. It's as if it left the moment my face started burning. Which benefits nobody here. Killer.....No....It's okay. I....love you. These thoughts come to mind. Now if only I could say it.
He continues to talk, hugging me close. He keeps insulting himself as he talked. Sorry became his favorite word. Stupid became his self-given nickname, which I do not approve of. I quickly heard enough of this.
"Stop talking."I tell him
He stops talking. He gives me some space.
"What have I told you about those S words?"I ask
"Plural?"He says in surprise
"Yes. Sorry and stupid."I tell him
"Not to say sorry so many times."He says
"And don't call yourself stupid."I say, placing a hand on his shoulder
"N-Nightmare?"He stutters
"You listen to me and listen clear. You are great just the way you are Killer. I forgive you. I....I even...."I say to him, firm at first but then my voice begins to shake
I feel my soul race. It's pounding and my face is burning. I could no longer hold eye contact with him.
"Nightmare?"He says, grabbing my arm gently
"I love you!"I blurt out
I look at him. His face is turning red but he looks surprised. Anxiety builds in me. So, before he could say anything, I prevented him. I lean in and kiss him. I shut my eyes, scared to see his reaction. I feel him tense. He is surely caught of guard.
But then he relaxes. I feel him grab me. He keeps a gentle grip on me, starting at my arms. But then he wraps his arms around me. He lowers his arms and the floor leaves me. I open my eyes and pull back. He has picked me up bridal style. He smiles at me and I feel my face burn. My soul skips beats.
"W-What are you doing?"I ask
"Loving you back.~"He says, then kisses my cheek
"Killer!" I snap, trying not to shout
"Yes, Nightmare?"He says
"Put me down!"I tell him
"Okay."He says
He sets me down but holds my hand. I notice one of his horns disappear and half a halo appear. I smile. His face gets redder. He releases my hand and I go to the tent Ghastly made for us. I lay in it and sleep. I wake up and look outside. It's snowing.
"HeY! NiGhTmArE! GeT oVEr hEre! I mAdE pAncAkEs!"Error yells
I chuckle and go to have breakfast. Once done, Palette calls my name. I go and find him outside, bundled up. He smiles and gives me a scarf as well as a heavier coat. The coat allowed my wings to be free though.
"Come on! Let's see how your wing is!"He says
"Wait, we're testing my flying abilities NOW?"I ask
"Ya! If you fall, you'll hit the soft and fluffy snow instead of the cold hard ground! Seems better! Now come on!"He says
I nod and unfold my wings. He shows me what to do and I follow his lead. We take off. I wasn't as steady as him but managed. We flew high and low, trying any flying techniques I could use or may have to use in emergency. Everything works out fine. Soon, Palette goes to see his Gothy visit. I keep flying. I spot Killer wandering around. I swoop down, landing beside him.
"Hey, Killer."I say
"Oh! Hey, Nightmare!"He says, looking at me with a smile
A smile I will miss seeing.
"What do you think of the snow?"I ask
"I know it's new for this timeline, but it's nice. The kiddos love it. All of them are coming together, meeting Ghastly or each other and making a snowman."He says
"Aww, that sounds great!"I say
We walk and talk. I smile, enjoying this time. Some kids we didn't know try to get us into a snowball fight but I noticed they made their snowballs with sharp rocks within the snow. I decline and try to keep going with Killer. One throws a snowball right towards Killer's head. I pull Killer close, protecting him with my wing and deflecting the hit. I glare the kids down and they run. I look at Killer. He stares at me in awe. Then he leans in and kisses my cheek. I look at him. I feel my face warm up.
"That's for protecting me...."He says, then kisses my cheek again
"And that's for what I think happened last night. I love you."He says
I smile, my face burning.
I lean in and kiss him back.
"That's an I love you too and for what really happened last night, exactly what ya think."I say
His face becomes a red blushing mess. He looks away from me and we keep walking.
As it started getting late, nearly night, we start to head back. Killer notices this stand that wasn't there before. The person at the stand was selling hot chocolate for 2G. We go over and each pay for one. The guy gives Killer his but apologizes to me.
"I'm running low so yours will take a little longer. Sorry. But here's a discount for the inconvenience."He says, sliding me 1G back
"It's fine."I say
I look to Killer, who is waiting on me. I gesture for him to go.
"I'll catch up!"I tell him
Killer nods and begins to walk ahead.
"So, while that is brewing, let's chat. Are you two a thing?"The guy asks as he heats a cup up with magic
"Em, well we do love each other. But I wouldn't say we're a thing. Not officially at least. He...won my soul."I say
"Oh really? Well, that is....great."The guy says, handing me a cup of hot chocolate
"Thanks!"I say, then run to catch up to Killer
He sees me and starts running too.
"Race ya home!"He yells
I run after him but see him getting near some ice. I get on a small mound of snow and grab him. I pull him back.
"Be careful, Killer! You could've slipped and hurt yourself."I tell him
"O-Ok. Thanks, Nightmare."He says, his face all red again
"No problem."I tell him
He sips his hot chocolate. We go around the ice. He gets this sly look on his face.
"Still gonna race ya home!"He says, then runs off
I facepalm. Surely he's gonna slip on some ice. He doesn't know how to fly. I take a sip of my hot chocolate and instantly it tasted odd. Something isn't right. I take the lid off and pour it onto the snow. The snow got burnt and turned purple, clear sign of chemicals. I begin to feel dizzy and things darkened around me.
"Aww fu-!"I begin, but passed out before I could finish
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I wake up a few hours later. I'm in some kind of basement. I check myself for wounds and find that one of my wings was cut down to the bone. I frown and now feel the pain. I certainly can't fly with it. I see a window shining light in. I ain't staying here. I reach to the window but something gets sprayed in my face and I'm out cold again.
When I woke up again, I couldn't see anything. I should be home. I should have said no to that hot chocolate. Frick. I feel a cut on my hand and two on my arms. I feel my head and feel a wound on my head bleeding. I sense someone near me. I get up and try to run. I feel two slashed hit me. One on my back and another on my arm. Then someone uses a blue attack on my soul, dragging me back.
"You're not leaving me, Nightmare."A voice says
It's Charles.
"What do you want?"I ask
"Your soul."He says
"No!"I tell him, backing away
He pulls me with my soul. Then he slashed my arms another three times.
"Wrong answer."He says
"L-Leave me alone!"I tell him
"No. You're so weak in this form."He says
He cuts me again.
"And what's wrong with that? We're all weak in some way, even you."I say
He cuts me again.
"You're verbally stubborn and stronger than your physical form. Now give me your love, your soul and you'll be healed."He says
I shake my head.
"Does it belong to someone else?"He asks
I nod.
"Well take it back to give to me."He says
"It doesn't work like that."I tell him
I put my arms up in front of me to defend myself from the cuts. Then, a hand touches it. His hand. I begin to shiver from pain and fear.
"Well perhaps once those wounds sink in, you'll make it work. Cya in a few hours.~"He says
My soul is freed and I hear him leave. I weakly get up and search the room to make sure. I check my pockets, something he didn't do. I find my phone. SCORE! I open it with Touch ID and tap where I know the messages app is. I blindly tap and type a message. I send it blindly, leaving it to chance that someone gets it, understands it and tries to help. But what's the chances of that? I know them.Then, I pass out from my wounds, hoping some good comes out of this. I won't give in.
Ghastly's POV
I look around but can't find Papa anywhere.Our home is small so there aren't that many places he could be. It's started snowing harder out. I don't get seperated from Papa for this long usually, so it's worrying me. The first thought that comes to my mind is if he slipped or something happened and he's getting buried in the snow. I whistle and a handful of my newly made friends and recently met alternate cousin, Palette, came. He, Goth, Sprinkle, Dameon, Samara, Shino, Raven and Fenna all come over, gazing down at me, (I'm the Ink of them all, the shortest). I look back up them.
"Let's get out there with snow shovels! It's time to go digging!"I say
"Digging for what?"Goth asks as the others get the shovels excitedly
"For my Papa. Nightmare."I say
"Oh dear! Wait, guys stop!"Goth says
The others put their shovels away.
"Ghastly, I'm sure he's fine."Goth tells me
"But then why isn't he home?"I ask
"He probably got caught in the snow and found another place to be. Like with this world's Blue."He tells me
"Really?"I ask
"Really. I'm sure that when everything calms down, he will come."He says
I smile. I believe him. After all, he's cousin Palette's Gothy and most trusted friend. I've heard a lot about Goth and surely he can be trusted. He is rarely wrong, the others say. Plus, he has been so nice to me. We begin to play games inside.
A few days pass and I go over to Mr. Killer. I smile and look at him. He seems upset, worried even.
"Are you okay?"I ask
He looks at me.
"Don't lie. Papa says you can lie when you're not okay but you are a bad liar. Don't try to lie to me."I tell him
"I'm worried about your Papa."He says
"He probably got stuck in the snow and is staying with someone else."I tell him
"No....He had plenty of time to get back before the snow. And he would've called or texted me....Something isn't right. And the snow stopped coming now, he can come back but hasn't."He says, shaking his head
"Ah, overprotective. You really do have it for my Papa."I say, crossing my arms
"Have what?"He asks
"You're in love with my Papa! You have a crush on him!"I say
"What? No!"He snaps
"Then why do I keep finding you awake in the tent, holding Nightmare and I close at night while holding a knife and gazing around protectively? Plus, I saw you kiss him in the kitchen once."I ask
He is silent. His face is very bright.
"So, am I right?"I ask
"Yes....But I just worry that something happened and he's hurt or in need of help. Something could've attacked him or attempted to take him down."He says
"Hah! As if! Papa is very strong! He can fight back! I can't see him getting taken down."I say
"You really do think highly of him, don't you?"He says
"Yes! He's my super cool Papa! Why wouldn't I?"I ask
"Right....Heh, guess you're right kiddo."He says
I smile.
But then, I have a sight that scared me. One that shocked me and refills me with worry. It was Papa, laying on the ground. He is missing a lot of his wing as well as covered in cuts and bleeding. He is crying. He is in serious pain. And he isn't outside since no snow is there.
I am silent. The longer I am, the longer the vision stays. It eats away at me. I frown. It upsets me too much. If I say something loud, it could worry others. And after I gave reassured Mr. Killer, it would undo what I did or make it seem I lied to him. Don't want that.
"Papa...."I mutter
The vision goes away. I look at Mr. Killer. I frown. I get off the couch and away. I find Uncle Dream pacing in the kitchen. He has his phone out.
"Oh dear...Oh dear...Where is he? This can't be good. This can't be good....He never sends this before...."He says
"Uncle Dream? What's going on?"I ask
He looks at me.
"Shoot....Nothing, Ghastly!"He tells me
"Papa says you're a bad liar. And you just lied to me. It's about Papa isn't it?"I ask
"Why do you say that?"He says
"I had a vision. Check my mind and you'll see. It can't be my imagination, it's too real and I've been thinking that he's okay."I say
He places a hand on my head and shuts his eyes. Didn't last long. He opens his eyes in shock, tears filling them.
"Oh dear....Brother...."He says
"Well? What did you find? Clearly it has something to do with the phone."I say
"Ok...He sent me a message, but it's so odd I can't figure it out. He never sends me stuff like this so it is worrying."He says
"Let me see it."I say
He hands me the phone. There is a text.
VGSEKWD YIIL NW. GW QSMYD YP GJTY NW PE SMUPMW O KPBW. GWK0!
"Oh, this is easy!"I say, translating it in my head
"What?"He says
"I'm blind in one eye. Papa wanted to understand or get to know me better so he used that as a way. He blindfolded himself once and tried to do daily activities. That includes typing. He could only get the key next to the letter he wanted to press or switch to numbers for the letter P by mistake. He often left the caps locked."I say
He looks at me, nodding.
"And can I just say something?"I ask
He nods.
"Why the hell did you match Mr. Charles with Papa? Look where that got us! A complete stranger!"I tell him
Mr. Ink pops his head in the doorway.
"Where'd you learn that word?"He asks
"I heard Mr. Error say it to express anger."I reply
"Error!"Ink yells
"WhaT dId I dO nOW?"Error asks
"Quit teaching kids the h word!"Ink says
"HeLl? ReAlLy? InK, ThEy aRe a SaNs. TheY wIlL lEaRn iT eVeNtuAlLy."Error says
"Get over here! You are getting the brush!"Ink snaps
"EeP! NoT tHe BrUsH!"Error says
Ink runs off.
"What does the message say?"Uncle Dream asks
"This message says CHARLES TOOK ME. HE WANTS TO HURT ME OR ANYONE I LOVE. HELP! And if that sight was real....Mr. Charles did that to him....I've seen where he is these days....I'll be on my way."I say, handing the phone back
I go over to Mr. Killer, hugging him. I take a knife from his back pocket and sneak out. Nobody hurts my Papa and gets away with it. Especially that mean Mr. Charles. Uncle Dream runs out, but the security door Papa installed jammed. So he opens the window of it and yells after me. I ignore him.
Don't worry Papa, I'm coming. He will not get away with this.
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Back to Nightmare's POV
I can hardly move. Everything hurt. He had made this little deal or game to "have some fun". Every day, he will come down. He will talk to me and try to get me to give in. Hah. Fat chance. But that's not the fun part for him. Any troubles I give him means another cut he can put on me. At the end of each visit each day, he will ask me to give up my love to him. Every day I say no, maybe or anything that isn't yes, he will cut my wing that he already broke even more. It's only been four days and he is nearly done with that wing. Soon he will start on the other one.
I hear a door creak open. I start to shake already, knowing what will happen. Bye bye one wing. I hear footsteps come close to me. I back up but feel the wall behind me. I can't stand up or run. But instead of him talking, I feel a hand gently pat me down. A hand feels my cheek and then a head nuzzles mine. I feel my face burn a bit. I'm only used to Killer doing this. Then I feel a knife gently touch my back. I jolt and snatch it. I feel it carefully. It is not a butcher knife. It feels like one of Killer's, even has the initials KS engraved in the handle. I can feel it. I relax a bit more. I reach out and feel someone in front of me. I feel a hand on my cheek. Then, someone kisses me. My mind, full of hope, believes it's Killer. My soul skips beats and my face burns. I shut my eyes, crying with joy.
But then he, whoever is kissing me, pulls back. I open my eyes. I smile.
"K-Killer?"I stutter
"Ah, so that's his name. Who I have to kill, that is. Now, what does he look like?"Charles says
"Hell if I knew, I'm blind."I say
"Hmph."He says
He pours something on me.
"Now tell me."He says
I realize that he put some kind of mind-control chemical on me or thought he did, but I feel no different. I decide to play along and be a wiseass while I'm at it.
"He's a skeleton."I say smugly
He sighs. He is really annoyed. He pours another liquid on me. Then, I feel a hand lift me up.
"Do me a favor."He says, his voice thundering and loud now
I realize I have shrunk.
"O-Ok."I say
"I'm sending you to a place where I get my supplies. The supplies should be ripening from the trees by now in that AU. You are to get it and come back here asap. Figure the blindness thing out on your own. Just tap this item three times to come back."He tells me, placing me in some kind of container
I nod, scared. I hear some bangs and then a voice after the sound of a door being knocked down.
"Papa! Papa? Where are you? Mr. Charles! You leave my Papa alone! When I find you, you will regret ever laying a finger on him!"The voice shouts
I recognize it. Ghastly.
"Ohohoho! That stupid child is here! Guess I'll have some fun dealing with him!"Charles says
I look at him, or where I hear him. I am filled with fear, but not for me. For Ghastly.
"Ghastly! Run! Get out of here! He's gonna hurt you!"I yell as loud as I can
"I know and I'm ready."He shouts back
"Quiet you. It's time for you to go."Charles says
He nudges me with a finger into the container. He shuts the flap, which was like a gate or door to me. I here him lock it. I feel around the walls. It's almost like a lantern thing. Without the candle. I hold on as I feel quick motion, like going down a hill of a roller-coaster. There is a loud splash and this container begins swaying side to side, shifting about. I fall down and end up sitting in it. I can hear the sway of waves and the rush of a river's current. Water, lots of it. SOme kind of body of water. OceanTale? Nah, that AU focuses more on the ocean than land, where land and trees are, just look at the name. I hear an owl's hoots, meaning it must be night. Interesting.
I don't know much. Just that right now, in here is good, out there is bad. I need to get back to help Ghastly. To protect him. But being blind and in this condition won't do any good. I take out my phone and blindly send a message again, hoping someone can figure it out.
After some time, I feel the container slide like it lands on a soft shore. The flap opens automatically. I crawl out and quickly go into the water, trying to wash off any chemicals he put on me. I frown. But then I shake and feel like I grew. The deep water becomes ankle-height, just like it should. I start moving out of the water and feel for the lantern. I find it and toss it into the body of water. I wander about and move quickly about. I feel trees nearby. Probably a forest.
I am full of adrenaline, fear and worry that my mind whizzed. But I feel myself change, with wings, both, reforming with it. I start to run, but then an arm grabs me. I am pulled backwards and to the side. A hand covers my mouth. I cannot see anything but know I'm trapped. I start fighting to free myself with everything I have. I picture Ghastly in my mind. need to get home. Back to him. Out of here! Have to protect him! Before Charles....Charles...HURTS HIM!
It is no use.
I fail to escape.
I cannot escape.
I still struggle.
The grip gets tighter.
I keep squirming, starting to cry again. I refuse to give up now. That would be like giving up on Ghastly.
"Quit struggling. I'll make yours quick and painless if you do."A voice says
I start to cry more, knowing exactly what he meant. Whoever has me will kill me. But that only fuels me to keep fighting.
"I said stop struggling."He snaps
I shake my head.
(Meet Macabre from vampireverse everyone. Monster hunter. Nightmare of it. And by monster, it means vampire, werewolf, etc. Any that are a threat to the villages or "civil" monsters.)
"Your kind never makes things easy, huh?"He asks
I lift my head and bite his hand. He moves it away, shouting in anger and pain.
"Let me go! Whoever you are! Let me go! Please! I just want-!"I cry, but he covers my mouth again
"Cruzar, my hands are full. Get your knife out and do it."He says
(Cruzar is Cross of this world, also a hunter)
"No..."Cruzar says
"What?"He says
"No."Cruzar says
There is some movement and soon I feel a knife just inches away from causing serious damage to my neck.
"Do it."He says
"No! I won't, Macabre!"Cruzar says
The blade leaves my neck without hurting me.
"Why not?!"Macabre snaps
"It just doesn't seem right! He isn't on the wanted list, there's no pay, he's crying and clearly disabled in some shape or form! What's the point?! We attacked him, he didn't come at us! He has compassion in his eyes! Something you tell me their kind doesn't have! And just look at you, then at him! You're replicas! Just looking different! This seems wrong! I just have a feeling that we should not hurt him and just let him go! Or it may be blood on our hands that can't be justified!"Cruzar says
"But he wants-!"Macabre begins
"Ya! He wants something! We don't know what it is! It could be him going home, getting food, help, seeing a friend, doing a task, anything innocent! Macabre, you are forgetting that part of being a hunter is not about the kill, it's about the greater good with the catch. You taught me that. And right now, the kill doesn't seem to be for the greater good. Just your boredom of not being able to catch anything actually wanted! Something that is a threat! Let's at least hear him out!"Cruzar cuts him off
Macabre is silent.
"Or do you want to be the bad guy here? A ruthless killer, not a hunter, without any sort of morals or justice? Gives out rules and orders but contradicts them? A complete stranger?"Cruzar says
"Fine, I guess we can hear what he has to say."Macabre sighs, reluctantly lowering his hand
I breathe and try to calm down. I can feel my soul pounding and my form change to passive.
"What do you want?"Cruzar asks
I blindly look in his direction.
"Am I looking the right way? I want to be respectful to you when I tell you."I say
"Respectful, huh?"Macabre says in surprise
I nod.
"Yes, you are. Macabre, he seems to be blind."Cruzar says
"Ok, well what does he want?"He asks
"Here, let's take some pressure off of him."Cruzar says, pulling me out of his hold
I feel more relaxed. But I still reach a hand up from any possible attacks coming from in front of me.
"I only want one thing. To go home. Be back with my child. He is in trouble and I need to protect him. I care for him with everything I have. I can't let him get hurt. He is getting in over his head. I want to help him. I don't want any trouble, I've been hurt enough anyway. I just want to help the ones I care about. I get that you are some big tough hunters from what it sounds like, but surely there is someone you care dearly about that you want to protect in any way you can. So please, let me go. My son means a lot to me. And like it's been pointed out, I'm blind. I cannot see. The worst trouble you'll get from me is probably me running or flying into a tree."I say in tears as I morph
"Yep. You have a point. I understand your reasons. Very highly. Beloved ones are important. Protection is a big thing. Especially when getting into trouble. Beloved family is even more important. I say that from experience. We'll leave you be."Macabre says
"Really? What experience?"Cruzar asks
"I am stuck with you, Cruzar. You do get yourself into a lot of trouble."He replies
"Oh...Wait you consider me a beloved one?!"Cruzar says
"Thank you, sirs."I say
"Let's go Cruzar."Macabre says
They continue to talk and I can hear how happy Cruzar is to hear this consideration from Macabre. I smile for them.
I hear two pairs of footsteps walk away.
I sigh from relief. I am just amazed at the fact that I was able to talk my way out of that. But I am grateful to what that Cruzar guy did. I smile at this. It will not go unnoticed in the future.
I frown.
Focus!
I wander through the forest, opposite way that those two went. The worry, fear and pain builds up again, so I soon find myself morphed back in my hostile form. I keep moving. But then, I decide to fly. Less chance of being attacked on foot if I'm in the air. Thoughts keep soaring through my head. Charles, Killer, Ghastly, everyone. Gotta keep them safe from Charles. And to that, gotta keep moving.
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But then I get scared half to death.
"Since when do goopy creatures fly? I think you should come with me, sir."A voice says
I hear it from my left, meaning they are flying beside me. In a panic, I fly down and then run as fast as I can. I try to escape whoever owns the voice. I can't take any risks. Can't delay my goal. I frown. I try to hide behind a tree or something. But I hear footsteps stop right beside me.
"Quit running. I just want to help."The voice says
Ya, "help"! That leads to trouble. People use that term loosely. I frown. I keep trying to run but a hand grabs me and pins me against the tree. I feel my soul pound and race with fear. I raise my hands up defensively. If I'm gonna get hurt, I will defend myself. Tears go down my face, thinking that I won't win in my condition. I shake with fear.
"What are you-Wait. Nightmare?"The voice says
"Huh?"I say
"Nightmare! What are you doing here? What happened? Are you okay?"The voice asks, a hand touching one that I raised defensively
I recognize the voice the more I calm down.
"F-Fallacy?"I stutter
"I'm here, Nightmare. It's me. Are you ok?"Fallacy asks
"Ummm...yes? Just blind from some idiot's doing."I say, kinda lying
"What are you doing here?"He asks
"The idiot sent me here."I reply
"Well, let's get you somewhere safe. Then you can explain."He says
I nod. He takes my hand and leads me away from the tree. He has me open my wings and we take off. He guides me. But he kept making comments about "were-octopuses" flying. I smile. I feel better. I feel safer. We land and he leads me inside, doing his best to help with my blindness. He leads me in a certain direction and I can feel myself turn to my passive form. Fallacy stops.
"What the heck happened to you?!"He asks
I know he sees my wounds.
"Ummm....It's a bit of a story."I say
He has me sit down.
"Suave! Get the medical supplies!"He yells
I hear footsteps.
"Here, sir. What should I do with the council? It's only a matter of time before one of them catches a scent of his wounds and comes after him!"Suave says
"I'll keep them busy. You take care of him."Fallacy says
"Yes M'Lord."He says
"Father?" A familiar voice says
"Hello, son."Fallacy says
Jasper doesn't respond.
"What do I tell Encre?"He asks
"Tell him our were-octopus friend has returned."Fallacy says
"Yay!"Jasper cheers, then is heard running off calling for Encre
Suave says goodbye to Fallacy as he leaves as well. I can feel bandages get placed on my wounds. Suave talks to me, asking how I got these wounds and in such severe conditions. I explain it all to him. He understood.
"I'll make sure that man does not enter this place if he dares come. I'm sure your child is fine. Your friends are very protective of you and that means they'll be the same with him. I do not see that disgusting being of a skeleton being able to lay a finger on your son."Suave assures me
I nod.
"Now, how can we take care of your blindness?"He wonders
I shrug.
Footsteps are heard.
"Let's take you to another room, a council member is coming."He says
"O-Ok!"I say
I get lead up some stairs, but then I feel a hand grab my arm and yank me aside. I hear the door shut.
"Suave!"Jasper cheers
I feel Suave get knocked away from me. I hear a bang on the wall.
"H-Hey, M'Lord. What are you doing?"Suave asks
"Hugging duh!"Jasper replies
I look around. But then I feel myself get knocked down. Two arms wrap around me.
"Nightmare!" A voice cheers
"Who is this?"I ask
"Encre!"He cheers
"Oh, hey buddy. Sorry, I can't see."I tell him
"Don't apologize for that! You have no control or fault in it!"He says
"Be careful, I just bandaged his wounds."Suave says
"Right. Now what happened?"Encre asks, helping me sit up
I explain it to him and he was not pleased. He hugs me protectively.
"I won't anyone do that to you again! Congrats on the son though!"He says
"Heh, thanks."I say
"Oh wait! Where's that device Ink gave me with the note? One second!" He says
I hear him run around the room in a search. He comes over and I hear the taps of a phone being dialed. Then there's a ringing sound.
"Interesting....Bonjour? Ink?"Encre says
It is silent.
"Oui! It worked! Okay, Ink. Where is monsieur Killer and Ghastly?....I know Ghastly because Nightmare just told me about him!...Oui, he's with me! He's okay. Just blind and a bit wounded but Suave handled it."Encre says, pausing to listen
"Define okay when there's a council of vampires that can find you and kill you at any moment. Plus you're already blind and wounded. Sorry, Nightmare, but it doesn't look as ok as he says."Suave says
"Wet blanket much?"Jasper says
"It's fine."I say
"Oh, really? Uh-Huh. Okay. Nightmare, Killer wants to talk to you....Em, Killer, nevermind. He isn't looking so good."Encre says
He is silent.
"Yes I am serious. Trust me."Encre says
"That Killer guy should be happy. Nightmare is okay. We, and him, won against a jerk trying to hurt him. We win!"Jasper cheers
My soul beats faster hearing that word. But then, I start to get visions again. I see again, but it seems like I'm back in the basement with Charles. I see him wave a butcher knife at me. Was I teleported?
"You will be mine, Nightmare. Even if I have to cut you down and build you right up again to do so. I will win."He says again, then waves the knife at me
I raise my hands over my head to protect myself.
"No....Please no....Nonono! Not again! Not again! No more!"I cry, shaking
"Nightmare!"Killer's voice shouts
"Huh?"I say
I open my eyes and this sight disappears. I cannot see anything. Not anymore. Was I hallucinating? Is win a key word? How am I hearing Killer?
"Nightmare, I'm here. Listen, hear my voice. I'm here. Breathe, calm down. It's okay."Killer says
I blindly look around.
"W-Where?"I ask
I get handed a phone. Or that's what it feels like. I lift the phone to my skull.
"Here."Killer says from it
I take some breaths and try to calm down.
"M'Lord, maybe use different terms next time. Besides, we haven't won yet. We won a battle, but not the war."Suave says
My soul begins to pound again. A sight begins to form in my eyes. I can feel myself shake. Yep, win or won is a trigger word.
"K-Killer.."I say with a shaky voice
"I'm here, Night. I'm here. It's not real. Trust me, it isn't real. Whatever you are seeing is not real."He tells me
"O-Ok....I'm scared though...."I say
"You have every reason to be. But it's okay. You're safe now. I'm coming as soon as I can."He says
"Is Ghastly okay?"I ask
"Yep. I noticed he took one of my knives so I summoned it and he came back with it. He's beside me right now."He says
"Well tell him he's grounded. He could've gotten into serious trouble and that scares me."I say
"Okay. Hey kid, your Papa says you're grounded for taking that risk and scaring him."Killer says
"Dang it."I hear Ghastly say faintly
"Night, what keeps triggering you to panic?"Killer asks
"Whenever I hear win or won..."I say
"Whoops."Suave and Jasper say
"Well you have nothing to fear, Nightmare. Soon, I will be with you. Then, I will protect you and make sure nothing ever hurts you again. And, I will show you something special."He says
"Really? What?"I ask
"You'll see, you'll see."He replies
"Actually, I won't. I'm blind."I say
"Well then, I'll make you feel it. I will make you like it.~"He says
I feel my face burn. My soul races, but in a good way. I picture some things. It was nice to think of something good.
"I think I'd like that."I say
"Wait, really?"He says
"Mhm."I say
I hear a bang.
"Killer?"I say
"He passed out Papa..."Ghastly says
"Ah okay."I say
"I love you Papa."I say
"Love you too."I say
He hangs up. I set the phone aside. Encre comes over, probably picking it up. He takes my hand and leading me off. He lays me in a bed. I sleep there. I feel better now and even smile. Surely everything will be ok.
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TBC