I slowly open my eyes again and look behind me.  There was a big boulder with notes torn apart on it now, possibly the punk's plans torn to shreds. But three things were noticeably tied to the top of the boulder. Ink's brush, his puppet of me and my puppet of him. I smile, glad I wasn't crushed under it or to see those items again. I then realize who I'm holding and their condition. I look at my Inky and his face is a bright rainbow all over and his eye light was a small emerald dot that was shaking crazily. I realize I was not just hugging him or had leapt over beside him, but on him.

I gaze down carefully at him. I feel my face light up even more as I see him. His dress, I had to admit, did indeed make him look cute, though now wasn't the time and I will not say that the brat's tricks were okay in a way. This was wrong. Besides, Ink seems embarrassed enough already. I release him gently.

I see the chains were still cutting into him. I raise a hand, summoning a bone attack. His eye light was now a tiny spec as it shrank. He quickly shut his eyes. I swing it down and it broke the chain between his wrists, the metal around each wrist falling apart. He looks at me, his eye light slowly growing again.

"You thought I was gonna hurt you? I wouldn't hurt you, my beloved Inky. I'm hEre t0 protect you, n0t hurt you. I'm gEtTiNg y0u out oF hErE. I g0t you, I'll keep you safe and soUnD!"I state, covering my hand in fake offense

"N-No, I just...i-it's f-f-force of instinct from  earlier....I d-d-d-didn't m-mean it to s-s-seem l-l-like that! I-"Ink stutters

"I was just mEsSiNg wiTh yA! It's oK. WaIt hOw bad did he hurt you?"I ask

"....I don't want to talk about it. Now, let's just get out of here. I think the chemicals are messing with ya again, your voice is changing."Ink says

I nod and slice the ankle chain off him smoothly. It fell apart. Ink stood with me helping him up. Now, the chain was supporting him in a way. I slice that and the metal slips right off. His body went limp and he falls forward, I caught him of course. Poor Inky. I wrap his scarf back onto him and he smiles at me. I pick him up and carry him out, examining him for injuries. Turns out that under the chains, many wounds were being hidden and covered up, but also being grown since the chains digs into these wounds. I use my magic to pick the puppets and brush up, placing the brush in Ink's hold with the puppets in my pockets. I walk cautiously, then hear another chain rattle. I look into the room it was coming from and was shocked at what I found.

"Nightmare?"I could only mutter

His head turned, but no tentacles were shown. He was not his goopy self, more like his old self, before he ate the apple. It was only believed to be a myth. He kept saying to the gang that the old form of him was gone, and that he couldn't willingly turn into it. Willingly! That's it! I gaze at Nightmare and saw chains on him, severe wounds even and tears in his eyes. He was beaten worse than Ink, most likely to turn to this form.

"Hello? Oh, h-hi. Please tell me something. Tell me that my friends...Error, Dust, the gang, are ok. Is D-Dream alive?"Nightmare asks

Deep down he cares about us. Even his own brother. Heh, there's good in him alright. He isn't just a monster feeding on Negativity.

"Your brother and friends are fine. But are you? I can see your wounds and this place is falling apart, it'd be best if you get outta here." I reply

Nightmare was silent, but a smile came to his face at hearing the answer to his question. He lifts his hand out to me, but winced in pain and lowers it again, grunting and groaning in pain as he did so.

I couldn't leave a former fellow gang member behind, he may have been mean in his ways, but he was a good friend. He's protective and is at his weakest. Plus he literally just asked about me and the others while he is suffering. I couldn't leave him here, it just didn't seem right.

I approach him with Ink still in my arms. I summon a bone attack and had it slice him free of the chains. I turn my back to him and crouch.

"Climb on. I'm getting you outta here."I order

"B-But I'm bad! I'm a leader of destroyers and villains! I could destroy your AU! Why are you helping me?"Nightmare asks, and I could hear the painful fear within confusion filling his tone

"Because you're in no shape to fight anyway. I've met the punk that caused this and there's no way I'm letting someone die because of them. Even if they're a destroyer leader. Now get on. "I explain

Nightmare climbs on and I stretch back up. I look around to make sure there weren't any threats. I went into a sprint.

"So, I'm gonna guess you turned into that form when attacked and the punk used some chemicals on ya. Am I right?"I say, trying to get a conversation going, it calms the situation

"You are. Dang kid attacked me in my own base after I sent everyone out to do their daily destroying. They probably don't even realize I was taken. I still don't get why you're helping me."Nightmare replies

"Just think of it as a favor. Returned. Besides, us destroyers stick together and look out for each other don't we? You may not realize it now, but I still believe that our lil gang is quicker to pick up on stuff than ya think. But, let's let a former member give ya hand, shall we?"I state, looking over my shoulder at him with a wink

"I guess so.Wait, Error? That you? I hardly recognized ya! What happened to ya?"Nightmare exclaims as I reach the end of the passageway

"Same as you. Got attacked and chemicals got me. Now, we're in the same boat and I'm helping you. So this stays between us or I'll personally come and show everyone your so-called nonexistent form. As well as tell your dear brother that you were worried about him. I have witness in my arms."I say with a shrug but a glare at him.

"Okay, you got yourself a deal. But what do ya plan on doing?"Nightmare asks

"I'm gonna take you my void most likely to get patched up, or somewhere safe,really. And I got a cover-up for you in case we run into your brother."I reply

"And what is that?"Nightmare inquires

"You're from a new AU called DreamSwap, basically a swap version of your AU. You were taken by the kid and you're getting assistance from me to get back to your AU. You do not wish to get close to him based on you and your Dream's relationship, which is very bad. That's assuming you don't want him near you."I explain, finding a button to open the passageway entrance again

"Okay, but to be honest...after what just happened...I may want to hug him. Don't tell anyone or quote me on that!"Nightmare snaps

"Okay, but before I open this entrance and go through with this idea, I have just one more thing to tell you."I state

"What's that?" Nightmare asks

"If you dAre try to attack any of us while we're helping you, especially my Inky and I, well, let's just say you'll have more than me to deal with. You'll have my brother, too. He'll be angry. And trust me, you won't like it when he's angry."I tell him

"You have a brother?"Nightmare exclaims in shock

"Yes, and you won't like him angry with you. So don't try anything as long as I help you. Capeesh?"I claim

"Yes, Error."Nightmare agrees

I smile. Then I realize Ink's condition and he probably doesn't want anyone else to see. Nightmare hasn't been able to see Ink based on his position. Unfortunately, as soon as I made this realization, Nightmare began to shuffle and move in his position. I quickly use my magic to wrap Ink in his own scarf, hiding his outfit and condition. Ink looks at me in alarm but once I met his gaze, he understood and smiles. Then I felt Nightmare peek over my head.

"Ah, he's your witness. I see. Hello, Ink."Nightmare says

"Hi..."Ink replies

I press the button and walk through with it closing behind me. I find the kid was gone now. Instead, there was Blue carrying Dust in his arms. Blue immediately saw me and came over. He had his scarf back on and had Dream's crown in hand.

"Error! There you are! I was starting to get worried! And you got Ink! I where's Dream then. His crown thing was left here. Wait, is that Nightmare?"Blue exclaims

"Hey, Blue. I did. DreaM was in severe condition so I got him outta here with a little help, I think you cAn guEss who. This is DrEamSwaP Nightmare, not Dream's brother exactly. Now, where's the kid and what happened to him?"I explain.

"Oh! I see! Alright! The kid fled the scene. Something's going on because as soon as they fled, Dust yelled and then passed out. It seems like the chemicals are wearing off. Is everything ok with you guys?"Blue tells us

"Wait, that's Dust?He looks glitched up like you normally are."Nightmare whispers

"Chemicals."I whisper back to him

"Blue, we're okay. Let's just get outta here, I can hear it falling apart."Ink says

Blue nods and led us to the nearest exit. We got a good distance from the mysterious lair and watched it crumble to the ground. I crouch and Nightmare climbs off of my back. I set Ink down, thinking we're safe now. Blue didn't put Dust down though, worried about him and wanting to hold him close. I began patching Nightmare's injuries up after Ink told me he will handle himself. Ya, he did this behind a tree. He probably didn't want Blue, Dust or Nightmare to see what the punk did to him, which I could I understand. 

I look over after hearing some groan and see that Dust was waking up. He seemed to be glitching between his normal self and his glitchy one because of the chemicals. He quickly realized that Blue was carrying him, which is amazing on its own because of the size differences between them, but I guess if Blue can carry his Paps, he can carry nearly anyone. I saw the look in his eyes as he tried to find something to say. Then he did.

(Not my image, credit to owner)

Blue chuckles, his face lighting up as Dust's did. He shook his head no.

"No, you're not silly. This is almost as easy as carrying my Paps. After what I witnessed earlier, I'm not gonna put you down to give ya the chance to. I'm not risking you passing out again."Blue says

The two then began debating with each other on who should be carrying who and whatnot. I chuckle and Nightmare taps my shoulder. I look at him and he had this confused expression on. He points to Dust and Blue.

"What the hell is up with those two? Dust never offers to help support someone like that. And Blue seems close to him. "Nightmare asks

I tried to think of an excuse for them. Dust doesn't want Nightmare to know about his connection or feelings with Blue. I'm sure Blue wants to same, though the topic never comes up with him.

"Oh, weLl let's just say through this cha0s, they've been helping each other and are getting aloNg better."I excuse them as, though only I knew it went deeper than that

They didn't just become instant friends in this chaos.

"Ah, I see. Alright. Glad to see that Dustberry junk on the UnderNet isn't happening."Nightmare says with a smirk, though it was less sinister and more friendly of one.

"AyE, who brought NiGhTmArE hErE? AnD hOw ThE hEcK iS he in thAt FoRm?"Dust snaps, pointing a glitching bandaged hand at Nightmare

"Oh! Error says the kid brought him from DreamSwap! He seemed really hurt, so we took him outta there as well. That's his AU's version of him!"Blue explains

I then began to feel this horrible pain in my skull. It was as if hundreds of unseen bone attacks were hammering down on my skull. I lift my hand to it and try to figure out the cause. Nightmare inched away from me slightly.

"Uh, guys? Something's wrong with him! Is it normal for his crack to glow like that?"Nightmare yells

"What? No! He has never had that crack before until that mean kid came along! An it's glowing? Shoot, I don't know what that means!"Blue exclaims

"NoW wIlL yA pUt mE dOwN? I tHiNk I might hAvE aN idea!"Dust says

"Fine."Blue says

Dust was soon beside me and with an inspecting gaze. I couldn't focus on anything. I could only feel the banging pain that by now was surging from my skull to my arms. I then heard a scream. Ink's. 

"Ink!"Blue yells, running off to Ink

"What kind of madness is this?"Nightmare asks

"Dunno, but most likely the punk's. Hey, can you do me a favor and look after Error? I have to make a call that could fix this issue."Dust replies

"Ink's out cold and his cracked eye is glowing as well! This can't be good!"Blue shouts from by the tree

I couldn't move and I couldn't understand why. All I felt was pain. It was horrible. I wanted it to end, but I was worried about Ink at the same time. I wanted him to be ok.

"O-Ok! Do whatever you have to, Dust!"Nightmare says

Dust got up and took a few steps away, taking his phone out. He indeed made a call and I couldn't hear much, but I heard one thing he said.

"GeT over hErE. We hAvE a Code 3E and Code 19 at lEvEl tHrEe. Stupid punk of a kid had one last trick up their sleeves."Dust says, then hung up

"Error, don't die on us. Stay with us. I'll kill you if you do!"Nightmare orders

"Wow, what GrEaT logic to motivate me. You're making it s0und like I either die because of some chemical or by you."I say sarcastically

"Hey, I'm new to this being nice thing, okay? And this is tense! So don't you dare go out right now like Ink did!"Nightmare snaps

"Point taken. I'm not planning on dying anyway."I say

"Dang right you're not."Nightmare states grumpily

A portal opens. Nightmare's eye lights went small. There was silence as I could hear the portal didn't close. I hear four pairs of footprints. Great, more trouble. This pain is so great and powerful...but I must stay awake...I can do this! 

"Where's that troublesome kiddo?"A voice asks

"They fled the scene."Dust told it

"Dang it. Blue? You around here? Are you okay?"The voice says

"Where's my brother? Ink? Ink, where are you? Ink!"A second calls

"WheRe's ErRor?"A third asks

"Nightmare? Brother?!"A fourth gasps

Oh great, Dust called them in! I didn't want my brother to worry but he's probably panicking based on whatever Dust said! 

I turn my head as a response to hearing my name called. The pain only worsens.  I see Ink!Pap peeking out from behind Swap!Pap, who had his genocide eye glowing. Beside him was my brother, E!Pap, waving his hand above him with a worried expression. I could see he had a forced smile on to Beside him was Dream, who had bandages and an entirely different outfit on. Dream seemed shocked to see Nightmare, especially in his current form and bandaged condition. Behind them was a glitchy portal that my brother probably made for them to come through.

(drew this myself)

"Papy! I'm over here with Ink!"Blue shouts

Both Ink!Pap and Swap!Pap over to Blue and Ink. Blue explains everything that happened to them that got us to this point. Swap!Pap didn't seem pleased, but he nods.

"So what you're saying is that this all happened because someone released their anger the wrong way, creating a crazy kiddo that's still out there, and now Ink's paying the price as well as that dude over there?"Swap!Pap summarizes into a question

"Well, yes. If the kid never came along, none of this probably would've happened and they wouldn't have these cracks that seem to be causing their pain."Blue says, his focus on Ink it seems

Swap!Pap elbows Ink!Pap and whispers something to him. Ink!Pap's expression darkens and he nods. 

Dream ran over to Nightmare but before he could touch him, Dust dove between them and quickly filled Dream in on what AU he is from. Man, that even fools Dust! Nightmare stood once Dust sat beside me. The two began to talk nervously and greet each other. Then I witnessed something nice. Nightmare hugged Dream. There really is some brotherly love for him deep in Nightmare. I don't think Dream cares if this is his Nightmare or not, just as long as a Nightmare is safe makes him happy. Especially with the hug! But of them are crying!

(I drew this)

"I'm so glad you're okay!"Nightmare says

"What do you mean? I should be saying that to you!"Dream says

"I know you were also taken by the kid and I could hear them hurt you. They may have hurt me, but it seems you got it worse. I couldn't ever lose you, no matter the AU."Nightmare says

"Aww, I feel the same about my brother."Dream admits

"Really? Even after everything he's done?"Nightmare asks

"Of course. He's my brother after all. Plus, if I had been a better brother and protect him from the haters or shown the people that he's as good as me, maybe he wouldn't have had to eat those apples and we wouldn't have to fight. But, no matter. That's a big if and it's too late now. All I can really do is hope that I can make it up to him and find a way to bring him back. Become his good brother again."Dream explains

"Dream..."Nightmare begins

"Heh, sorry. I rambled didn't I? I don't exactly know what you're going through with your Dream, but I'm sure if he's anything like me, he will be willing to listen and try to fix the issue. Maybe he will try to be your brother and get along again. I'm sure deep down that's all he really wants."Dream says, still under the belief that Nightmare is from DreamSwap

"Right....of course...Thanks, Dream."Nightmare sighs

I smile at this sight. They got along nicely and hardly realize it. They got progress done. I blink and feel the pain worsen as I away. I try to look around but everything went blurry. I put on my glasses, thinking that's the issue. Now with my glasses, I couldn't see anything. I got the opposite effect, plus the pain just kept growing. I felt myself shake as I tried to work through it and stay awake. I felt an arm wrap itself around me, causing me to jump. I jumped again when a second did the same in the opposite direction, both of the hands resting on my shoulders.

"It's just us, Error. Don't worry. It's just Dust and Blue."I hear Blue say from my left

"O-oK."I say, then notice my voice was back to normal

Score! Minus points for pain and loss of sight though!

"E!Pap, he's over here!"Dust shouts from my right

I then feel someone wrap their arms around me in a hugging fashion. I feel a scarf get placed around my neck and the person hugging me tremble, crying. 

"Br0tHeR, wHat hApPeNeD? I cAn teLl yOuR iN pAiN."I hear my brother cry

"ReMember thAt cAll I maDe t0 y0u? TalKiNg 0f a siTuAti0n aNd tElLing y0u t0 stAy wiTh SwAp!Pap? Ya, tHe sitUaTion wiTh soMe kiD Ink!PAp crEAted suMMarizes iT. SiNce we'Re n0t oN a cAll, mAy aS wEll sAy iT t0 pr0ve iT's mE. 34E......WheRe aRe yOu exAcTlY?"I explain, looking around even though I knew it was useless

"It's a long story."Dust states

I felt a hand rest on one of my eyes, gently turning my head. I reach a hand out in the direction of it and felt my brother's face. His cheek to be exact. I try to wipe the tears in his eyes, but they kept coming and the pain grew. I lower my hand.

"BrothEr iT's gonNa bE oKaY. I g0t y0u I'm goNna-"My brother says, but was cut off by silence

"WhAt? Can you rEpEat tHat?"I ask

There was silence. I didn't want to interrupt him if he was talking, so I tilted my head confusedly. Still silence. I felt someone jab their fist into my arm. I heard it crack. What's happening to me? 

"Ow! WhO diD thAt? ThaT hUrT aNd iSn'T fUnNy! You'Re lUcKY I cAn'T sEe oR hEaR aNyThINg! WaIt....Oh sHo0t."I snap, then realize what I just said

I felt someone lift me off the ground. My pain-filled body tensed quickly, but then I felt my brother's scarf so I guessed it was him. Soon as I realized this, he hoists me over his shoulder and I felt him grab someone and toss them over his other shoulder. I felt my arms dangle weakly downward, sensing the motion of my brother running. Knowing him, he was probably panicking and rounding everyone up to get help or something. I felt a gloved hand grab my newly cracked arm. I jolted but then felt the fact that the gloves didn't cover the fingers. I only knew one person who was in this situation that wore those gloves.

"InKy?"I whisper

I feel my arm get lifted and felt someone wrap bandages around my arm. I felt a head sway and rest beside mine. I feel them rest their hand in mine, gripping it tight. I reach out and feel his scarf. Then I reach higher and feel his face softly, then feel his cracked eye and then felt tears coming down his cheeks. I wipe them and wrap my arm around him while the other hand held his.

"PlEaSe doN'T cRy InKy."I whisper

I felt us go through a portal and next thing I knew, I was laid on some bed and Ink's hand left me. I reach up and hold my scarf as tight as I could. I took out the puppets and though I couldn't see them, feeling them made me feel safe. I then felt my strings return and decide to bandage myself using them. I start searching for any other injuries and wrap any that I found. I then laid back down and shut my eyes.