TW: Depressed reader (again. lol)
Nootmare (Nightmare's personality is off canon. I just couldn't make him evil.)
Criminal Reader.

Enjoy!!!

(THIS HAS OVER 5000 WORDS!!!!)

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You were walking around the city, searching for your next target.

And with target you mean your pick pocket target.

The other kind of target you usually have, you kill at night. Or during the day, when it looks more plausible.

Besides that, you haven't eaten yet today, and felt like you should get yourself some lunch.

Ah... there was your target. They were looking at their phone, not paying much attention to anything but to not ram into someone.

You approached them bumping into them 'accidently'. The moment you did, the crime was done.

"Ahh," you stumbled. The person looked up from their phone and plugged their ear phones out. "I-I am really sorry. Please forgive me.", you said, while they just shook their head, apologizing as well, saying, that they didn't pay much attention.

You smiled at them and bid them farewell. They walked away towards wherever they had to go, while you walked in the other direction, going in a pattern so that anyone would loose you if you were followed.

You took a turn into another alleyway and sat down on the floor behind some trash cans.

You've been doing this ever since you fled your first crime scene.

Your first kill.

It wasn't a happy life, but being the murderer and scum, worse than anyone else, you didn't mind.

You wouldn't even mind if you were to die right at this moment.

"Hahh....", you sighed, while looking at the purse in your hands. It had money and identification papers in it.

How useful.

Why?

Because your special magic revolved around illusions and shape shifting.

According to some books in the library you could even manipulate other human and monster senses if trained well.

Which would never happen, since you would never get the money for it.

Your shape shifting was apparently very rare and high skilled. You didn't know why you could do it.

But it was one of the reasons you were still alive.

The person you robbed didn't have much money on them by normal standards, but enough to last you for a couple days. Maybe a bit over a week, if you were careful with it.

So, you shifted to the person you just saw and got yourself some food.

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You had a nice day today. It was currently nighttime. You didn't go out to kill and flee from certain people called police and justice and so on.

No, today was your free day from work. Well, in your eyes it's work. Killing scum is your profession, pretty much.

So, it's your free day from your unpaid, dangerous, and criminal work.

Besides that you were very well.

The people of the media dubbed the person aka you, that did all those strange murders and such, "Nightmare".

Why? Well, you seemingly kill aimlessly and sometimes very cruelly, that you are a living nightmare in society.

But that was just stupid. You killed those that did wrong and never tried to correct it, or felt remorse for it. And according to how heavy the sentence is, you kill them accordingly. The police knew that, the media didn't.

Hence you were dubbed 'Nightmare' by one and 'cruel judge' by the others.

What stupid names.

Regardless, people feared you because of the medias claims over you. People even made the saying, "Go to bed and sleep, before Nightmare comes for you." or "Don't wander around alone, or Nightmare will come for you."

Like seriously, how scared children must be from you. And they are innocent as well!

Funniest thing of all, is that you change location every once in a while between the few cities, towns and villages this sad world had to offer.

So you were known everywhere and feared by many people.

Haha, what a sad existence you are.

You looked at the red apple in your hand. You thanked for the food and bit into it, while sitting on the grass, outside of town, looking at the night-sky.

The stars shone especially bright that night, making many people go out to stargaze.

Not where you were though. Outside the city lingered many aggressive creatures, waiting for their next target.

But those also knew by now, not to come near certain people.

And somehow, even though you change your appearance every now and then, they can sense that it's you.

And that they shouldn't ever attack.

You weren't only feared by people. You were also feared by animals and other magical beings.

Haha. What a sad existence you are.

Doomed to be alone forever.

You stared at the stars again, looking at the many constellations up above.

What was beyond all of this. Beyond life. Beyond death. Beyond your realm. Beyond space.

Who knew?

You didn't, that's for sure.

Haha, what a clueless and sad existence you are.

Oh, you finished your apple without even noticing it. You were probably really hungry. Maybe you should've bought some more-

Suddenly a kind of whoosh sounded behind you, cutting your thought process short. It sounded like the use of magic. You quickly changed yourself into a little bird, hiding in the grass while observing the magic behind you.

It looked like a portal. A very disgusting black blob-like portal.

Had the police found you? Were they onto you, being out here, surprising you and ready to catch you, now that you were in the open? How naïve they would be.

But the police were still clueless about everything. You made sure of that, observing their every move through changing appearances.

So, who would come through here now?

Maybe it wasn't even because of you.

That would be a funny meeting, for sure.

Through the portal came some kind of goopy fella, covered in black tar and having weird tentacles on their back. They looked like they were wearing a hoodie and some shorts, but it was hard to tell in the dim light.

Beside them came a skeleton, wearing white and black basketball shorts, a T-shirt and a jacket. Some weird liquid streamed out of their eye sockets, while they grinned widely, making them look very creepy. And, was that a glowing and floating red target in front of their chest?

Well, the other fella looked creepy as well, so whatever.

The black creature looked around with their single, somewhat glowing, cyan eye, as if looking for something. The skeleton did as well.

Were they searching for you?

Hopefully not, they didn't look all too friendly.

"Are you sure we're at the correct location, boss?", the grinning skeleton asked the black figure. "Yes, we are. Did you forget about their ability?", he asked in a distorted voice. It made you jump in surprise, accidently chirping a bit.

Their heads snapped in your direction, and you quickly changed into a mouse, running through the grass, hoping they didn't notice you.

You changed location as quickly as possible.

How could you make this beginner mistake? You heard many people speak before and while non of them sounded like the goopy fella, you never let anyone notice your presence. At least not on purpose.

"Boss.", the skeleton said. They most definitely knew that you were there. And the black fella pointed out, that they were after someone with a special ability.

Aka most likely you.

The black figure nodded and straightened themself, their tentacles swaying behind them a bit fastly. The other stood on guard.

"We know you're there, copycat.", they started. You were sure they were searching for you now. Why did this have to happen?

"We are not here to harm you, if you're wondering. We are here to talk and give you an offer.", they continued. You stood still in your place, not allowing yourself to make the same mistake twice.

You were interested in why they wanted to make an offer with you and what it would be. You have been given online requests and board requests on the dark side of the internet and the black market before. Well, anonymously of course.

Most of them asked you to kill some people they hated and that they would pay for it. Or just suggested targets.

Some of them you did kill, seeing as those people did do wrong after some investigation.

But you did it for your reason, not because of some request.

That would be stupid.

So you never accepted their money, when they gave you locations to get it.

They were all fools anyway, getting robbed by other people in the end or getting tricked by the police.

Such idiots.

Funnily enough, there were even people worshipping you as some kind of demon or devil.

People get the most absurd ideas, don't they.

But these two were different. They somehow found out about who you were and they didn't say anything to the police yet.

Instead they offer you a deal about something you don't know about.

It made you internally smirk, making you activate your magic.

You didn't transform into anything else, that would be stupid. Instead, you made an illusion in front of the two monsters.

The skeleton looked even more on guard first while the tentacles of the other twitched a bit, but they soon let it down, as they saw your illusion. It was a text, saying "I am listening."

They both grinned at it. "Boss, are you sure they shouldn't show themself first?", the skeleton whispered. My senses were heightened, so it didn't matter. "Since you are listening, I will tell you our offer. But first, I guess introductions should be in order.", the black fella said, completely ignoring the skeleton beside them.

The skeleton looked around, still somewhat on guard. Well, the grin never faltered, so they must be sure in their abilities.

Or it was permanent.

Oh well, not that you care about that.

You focused on the goopy monster again, listening to their introduction. "I am Nightmare, king of nightmares and negativity.", they said. Well, more like 'he' now that he proclaims to be king. You didn't question it and looked at the skeleton beside him.

"I was dubbed Killer, loyal servant and mercinary of the king of nightmares and negativity.", he said, while bowing slightly. He was probably trained to do so.

Not that you cared.

Well, it was your turn to introduce yourself anyway. Even when they knew who you were.

You manipulated the illusion in front of them, showing a different text now. "I was dubbed 'Nightmare' by this society. Pleased to make your acquaintance. :)", it said. That smiley face only served to make you seem friendly. You didn't want to make the tension rise anymore. And you could flee more easily when their guard is down and you deem them a threat.

"Alright. Now that that's done, we can get down to business.", Nightmare said, as he grinned somewhat lazily, but still pridefully. "First of all, I have to thank you.", he continued, making you question the meaning behind the sentence. "This AU is relatively new in the multiverse, and it started to be one with a lot of negativity. It's all thanks to you, you know.", he explained.

You internally nodded, making the text go away and turn into a white doll or mannequin like object, making it nod in the process.

The skeleton got back on guard, while you made your illusion  sway their hands rapidly in front of them. Making a little text, saying "It can't harm you both."

He lowered his guard, probably knowing that it was just an illusion. He poked it curiously, his hand facing through the manipulated light and magic.

Nightmare coughed twice, making you focus on him again. The skeleton straightened himself again, staring at your magic intently.

"Now, my offer. I am offering you to come with me and join me in my ranks. In exchange I would give you a favour. It can be of any kind. Protection for this AU. For certain people. Killing certain people. I can even make you King or Queen in these lands if you wish so. Of course, I would need some time for it to come true first, but I assure you that I would do it. You may ask your questions now.", Nightmare explained, while looking intently at your magic, waiting for a kind of reaction.

You made it look like it was thinking, to not seem weird.

It was an interesting offer, but you knew nothing of the ups and downs in this. And somehow it was a funny one as well. These two people, one proclaiming to be some king of negativity and nightmares, were trying to recruit you.

Just for the record, there were people trying that as well.

Some of them were even some higher ranked nobles, that had secret killing squads, going on missions to kill debtors or other kind of people they deemed a threat.

It was like they presented themselves on a silver platter!

Hilarious.

Utterly hilarious.

Anyway, you made another speech bubble, saying "What am I working as. What exactly will I be doing?"

Nightmare smirked at this. "You will be working as one of my mercenaries, going on missions. And before you ask,", he said, interrupting your magic signal to ask what kind of missions those are, "The missions will vary. You will mostly be travelling through alternative universes, causing negativity for the greater good.", he explained while looking around the field you were on, probably searching for the real you.

But regarding the details of your 'missions', that's were you would have laughed your ass off, weren't it for the situation you were in.

You never really thought against people. It was more like a quick death or kidnapping situation. Didn't mean that you couldn't fight or didn't know where the vitals of monster or human bodies were.

You were at a disadvantage in this situation. They knew about you, you didn't know about them.

Not ideal for someone who lives on information and preparation.

Nevertheless, his claims sounded absurd. Not only that with the alternative universes, but that you'd willingly cause mass panic. You did what you were doing, because you wanted to rid this world from the scum it has. Not because it was fun or anything.

Okay, that was a somewhat lie. You loved making the criminals you judge suffer, seeing their pained faces their victims also had.

Of course, you never went over board. You judged them according to their actions and you always made sure they felt worse than their victims, in a similar way those suffered.

Yeah, the LV got to your head halfway through your 'mission'.

Stealing from innocent people was much more fun now as well.

Back then, you didn't care about them. You never actually cared about them. You just never made them suffer.

You only tried to survive, really.

Regardless, you asked the two monsters anyway, "Why do you think I would cause mass panic in other realities?"

Nightmare laughed at this. "I have a better question for you, copy cat. Why wouldn't you accept it? Aren't you just like us, killing people, monsters and humans alike, for the greater good?"

"What greater good?", you ask, while making your illusion cross their arms.

"Oh, it's simple, really. You see, while I do get stronger through negativity, it doesn't mean that there shouldn't be a balance. This may sound rather cliché, from some child story book, but you should know, that there are people out there, that think that my actions are unreasonable, tilting the balance slightly to the positive side. And once it starts, it gets stronger and stronger, making the negativity die out completely.", he explained.

"And that's a big deal? A bad thing?", you asked slightly suspicious. This Nightmare fella sounded a lot more like the devil, than someone upholding balance in the multiverse, that somehow existed.

"I can understand why you are suspicious, copy cat. But think of it this way. If negativity is darkness, then positivity is light. Too much negativity would make everything go dark, and no one would be able to see colours or anything at all. But with too much positivity the light gets blinding and no one would ever see anything again, because not even eyelids could save them from the brightness of the world. That's why we need a balance between the two, and I am the one, currently trying to balance the unbalanced balance.", he explained once again, somehow making the last part sound like a riddle.

Maybe it was some joke or something. You wouldn't know.

Now, okay, they might be right about these things, but why you again? Yeah, you caused lots of negativity, accidently, but that doesn't mean your cut out for that job.

The skeleton, that stayed quiet for the last few minutes leaned over to his lord, whispering a few things, that you couldn't make out, this time.

The king smirked brightly, looking even more menacing than before. "My subordinate brought to my attention that you like magic. Your magic is rare among many, but it's still not blooming as it could. So, how about I offer you that I could make your talent blossom in all it's glory, along with a wish. However, for that I would require you to show yourself to us. Regardless of how you look like.", he suggested and looked around expectantly.

You were hesitant at this. Maybe they did want to kill you. Maybe this was all a trick.

The skeleton closed his eyes , seemingly thinking about something, and opened them again, "Tell me, copy cat.", he started. "What do you have to loose, that makes you deny this offer."

You looked at him with your big black mouse orbs, surprised to see him speak like that without the permission of his king.

That's how it worked with all the other nobles at least. Most of them had a shitty attitude.

But that didn't matter, what mattered was the fact that you had something to loose.

"Freedom."

You made the illusion. You could hear the skeleton mumble "Fair enough."

Nightmares grin widened at that. "If that's the only thing, then surely you would accept. We can change the terms to you being a loyal mercenary, that can decide whether to take a mission or not. Your pay for completing them can come in the form of gold, housing or other kind. And my offer still stands, that you show yourself now and I will make your talent blossom in all it's beauty. But you have to show yourself and give us your reply verbally, you see. What do you think?", he said, intriguing you to accept his offer.

It sounded so much better than before. It was more of a business relationship, than a master-servant one.

What did you have to loose now?

Nothing came to mind.

You dispelled your magic, making the two look around searching for any sign of you being there.

Maybe this decision was a bit rash.

But the offer sounded so interesting. Maybe you could get a stable life with this. Maybe you could actually get appreciated for once.

Maybe you could have a better life.

Who were you kidding. You could never get a better life. You were worse than scum, killing was your profession.

But this offer might make your life more interesting. Maybe you'll discover new things. Emotions. People. Food. Life.

The two people intrigued you to accept accept the offer with their way with words.

Yeah, you will take the chances for now.

You took a deep breath, changing from the mouse you were into a child.

Why a child? So you didn't seem threatening and they wouldn't go on guard much.

"I am still not sure about it.", you said while looking at the two of them, that finally spotted you.

The skeleton looked at your appearance with a grin and black eyeholes. It probably fascinated him, what kind of unique magic you had.

Or he had bad history with orphans. Or children.

Who knows.

You didn't.

What a clueless being you are. Haha.

"We can come back some other time.", Nightmare offered, his tentacles lazily swaying behind him.

"That's not really what I meant. While your offer sounds good, I bet you want me to accept it right now. I don't know if you have some magic that will bind me to you, that will make these vague terms be set in stone.", you started, suspiciously glancing at the two. Nightmare seemed to object the idea, but you held your hand up in a stop motion. He didn't speak up, urging for you to continue. "Instead, I would like to form a contract with you. That would make things easier for both me and you, I presume.", you answered hoping you didn't make the wrong choice.

"Of course I will make a contract for this. Would you like to come with us right now and talk about the terms, or some other time, after you rest up. It is late in this AU after all.", Nightmare asked you, while closing his eyes in understanding, his grin not faltering.

His dark figure under the night-sky made him look somewhat cool. Killer as well. Now that you could see them more clearly and from a higher angle.

They looked just menacing and threatening before.

Not that you felt like they were that. Maybe just a bit dangerous.

You debated on his suggestion. Yeah, resting did sound nice, maybe even thinking a bit before you signed something half asleep.

But you had a nap today already, since you took a break from work.

And you couldn't sleep anyway. Most likely, at least.

So, going with these two suspicious fellas sounded somewhat okay.

Wait, you're forgetting stuff. These are still strangers to you. Well, almost, but still. Besides, they knew who you were and what all your tricks probably were.

Going with them... seemed like a bad idea all of a sudden.

On the other hand, what did you have to loose. Your freedom? Yeah, perhaps, but that didn't matter much.

To be honest, it was probably the only thing that actually mattered, besides your justice.

Huh. Maybe you could actually be useful to someone. Your work being actually genuinely appreciated by people.

Even if it meant playing a villain for the rest of your existence.

"I'll come with you.", you blurted out, not thinking any more about it.

And if you did regret it, then you would likely deserve it.

You were worse than scum after all. You have killed many before, destroyed futures, and stole from innocent.

Yeah, you were worse than scum.

Even if it was for your selfish justice and community service, that you dubbed 'taking out the trash'.

"Splendid.", Nightmare said, while grinning widely. He probably already knew that you would accept this offer the moment he wanted you on his side.

The king made a portal and stepped through it. His subordinate did as well. You hesitantly followed suit.

When you arrived on the other side, you were greeted by a long hallway, you have never seen before.

You were at the castle in your world before, killing a target there, but it didn't look anything like this.

So, in conclusion, you were not in your realm of reality anymore. Maybe you were actually kidnapped by the devil for your wrongs and you stepped willingly into hell.

That would be funny.

To anyone watching your misery, that is.

"You may leave now, Killer. I will be in my office with copy cat here. Do not disturb us, as long as it's not something important.", Nightmare said, as he opened a door next to us, guarded by two shadowy figures. They looked like twins.

Killer nodded and walked away, whistling an unfamiliar tune in the process.

He didn't seem like a well educated servant now. More like some casual resident in a hotel, minding their own business.

How funny.

You found that behaviour somehow funny.

Nightmare walked inside the office you following suit. The office looked very tidy and well kept. Nightmare is probably a very tidy person. Or his servants are.

Whatever the case, you didn't care about that.

The king went behind his desk, while a tentacle brought another chair across from his seat. "Take a seat.", he said while pointing to the chair he just put down.

You nodded and sat down. Well, more like climbed on the chair and peaked from your seat at the crown-less king before you.

How annoying this childish form was. The king looked at you indifferently at first, but you could see the glint of amusement on his face.

"Would it be alright if I changed to a taller person?", you asked, just to make sure he wouldn't be surprised and attack you.

"Suit yourself.", he said, while making a dismissive hand.

You did as told and changed into a monster teen. Teen because why not. Monster because all the other people seemed to be monsters here.

"Alright, quick question, copy cat. Have you heard of magic contracts before?",the king asked, taking out a purple paper from some drawers in his desk.

You nodded at his question. "So, you did want to bind me. Well, I guess that's fair.", you said, leaning back into your sear. "Will you be writing it?", you asked Nightmare, while looking around the room some more.

It's very well lit, and had a very majestic feel to it. Now that you thought about it, since the room was lot better you could see the kings features better.

Well, he looked pretty much like before, just that his tentacles shone a bit in the light.

They probably reflected it.

Funnily enough, black absorbs light, normally, so seeing a black liquid or something like that reflect it seems somewhat funny.

"I will be writing it, yes. But before I do, I would like to set the terms we would include beforehand.", he explained. You nodded and let him start his terms.

"First of all. This will be a more business kind of relationship, meaning that I will give you requests and you can take them, getting paid after by money, housing, food or other kind. The requests can be of any kind, since you have the freedom of choosing whether to fulfill it or not.", he began, writing on a small notepad. You nodded, being alright with it.

"Second of all, as I have mentioned before, there are certain people out there, that are destroying the balance between positivity and negativity.
In conclusion, I want me to be your only business partner. If I deem the business you are considering to accept from another person okay, I am able to allow you to accept it, meaning, that you won't be punished as long as you have my consent.", he continued, while looking at you for confirmation.

You thought for a bit about it. Of course, this was to ensure loyalty, but it cut your freedom short. "Well, I would like to state what business means in the contract. You know that I have an unpaid job, and for me, killing those pests is a kind of business and justice. I don't want any kind of misunderstandings to arise.", you argued in a friendly and thoughtful way.

The king nodded and began writing on the notepad again. "In that case, business will be a kind of agreement between both parties, that requires both to do something. This excludes certain gestures like presents on birthdays or other celebratory days and customs.", Nightmare suggested. It was very vague and not detailed enough, but a good base for now.

"To be honest with you, as long as you tell me with who you make business and what kind of agreement it is, I have no problem with you doing whatever.", Nightmare added, while sorting his papers.

"In my opinion, it kind of sounds controlling. I did wish for freedom after all. Or are you going back on your word?", you teased, looking the monster before you in the with goop covered eye. Nightmares tentacles twitched and swayed a bit faster behind him.

He was probably used to being treated with more respect.

"Fair enough. How about we change it to, you can't do business with certain people on a list that I write.", he argued, while calming his appendages.

You shook your head, noticing a little trap behind those words. "How about we make a list. You write the names or groups down, explain to me your reasoning, and after that I decide as well, whether I want that or not.", you smirked lazily. Your freedom was yours at the moment. You won't let him take it away so easily.

"And what if not doing business with my enemies is required for the contract and you disagree?", he asked a bit more intimidatingly, as his voice dropped a bit. You did feel the dread from the kings words, but didn't let it show. Maybe your sweat dropped from your face, but that's all your body let show.

"I understand your concerns. So how about we make a list with all your enemies. That way, I know who not to mess with and who I have to be wary around. It's a win-win situation, Don't you think?", you smiled as kindly as you could. Nightmare looked lost in thought, considering your words carefully.

He eventually nodded. "I agree with your reasoning. However, this list can be altered by both our consent, meaning we can add names, and erase names.", he said, while writing on his notepad. Nightmare most likely noted everything down, that he needed to do for the contract. He soon looked up again, meeting your eyes.

"Now, I did promise, that I would make sure, that you would be able to learn more magic, getting better at it and widen your horizons. I will include this into the contract.", Nightmare explained and you nodded, not having anything to object.

This was going rather smoothly. Whether this was hell or not, whether he was the devil or not, you thought that things would most likely escalate or break into a fight.

But you had to hand it to him, he had his way with words. Kind of annoyingly as well.

"This should be all that has to be included into the contract. I will be writing it soon, so please be patient.", he said while outting his papers away. He stood up, you taking this as your cue to do as well. "Until then I am offering you a room and food, so you can get adjusted to everyone here. Please mind that there are certain idiots in this house, sometimes pranking each other.", he continued with a somewhat pained expression.

To be entirely honest, you didn't expect that. The pranking part, you meant. You thought that Nightmare was more of a dictating king, not really having much supporters in the community or his people. He apparently caused negativity across the multiverse after all.

So, him having such a life sounds interesting. Maybe his evil side is just a façade for the outside world. Maybe he was just some lazy ass old man on the inside, tired of all the paperwork.

But you knew better than to judge anymore than this. Prejudice is a common miscommunication, after all.

You didn't need that in your early business relationship.

Both of you walked outside of the office, you being excited about the new life you would have.

Who knew scum like you would end up like this.

Well, you didn't.

But the change was nice.

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A/N: Yo!! Hope ya enjoyed this, even though their personalities are non-canon. I thought about making a book with this base idea, but made sure to make Nightmare more canon.

You can't really call him Nightmare here. More like Nootmare.

But I hope you enjoyed regardless.