Encre's POV weeks later

With Suave's help, some of Jasper's energy and life(code) was returned, but not all. So now I'm just a black and white skeleton with colorful eyes. He is still not back to normal. Suave has left the chaotic Jasper in the care of Charlos and Felicia because he got tired of being put on the roof or stuck on chandeliers because of Jasper's sudden "flying trips". Too much deja vu for him. Then again, Jasper causes Fallacy Deja u by mimicking him and saying bleh bleh bleh. Then I have to hear him insist that he DOES NOT go bleh bleh bleh. Later he catches Felicia or Poussière saying that he does.

"IT WAS YOU!"Is all you could hear Fallacy shout from anywhere in the castle

And yes, Jasper still calls me Mama Encwe as a joke, everyone finds it funny. Felicia joins the joke by calling me a sister in law. My friends did not recognize me besides Classique until everything was explained. Rufous hugged me nearly to death, happy that I'm okay. And he defends Jasper because he gets into trouble. He even cradles Jasper to sleep when nobody else can handle him.

Fallacy has been busy with meetings and Suave demands that I rest. After getting in those tests, I have been feeling pretty drained, but my mind is full of ideas to create or do. I fall asleep in bed one winter's night and awaken when I feel someone tugging my hand. I open an eye to see Jasper sitting in bed with a grin and pulling Fallacy's hand to hold mine. Fallacy is asleep, not even being disturbed by this. He seems so peaceful and happily asleep. I smile. Jasper pats our hands as if patting two bricks into a cemented brick wall, something there to stay. He seemed proud of himself.......

(Image above)

Before he flopped backward to sleep between us. I giggle and doze off.

I wake up to Felicia poking me. The moment I glanced at her she scoops me up and zipped away. She set me in a chair and did some weird hand gestures. In a blink, she was holding a black sphere.

"Phew, that could've gone really wrong. You ok?"She asks

I nod. I check myself to see that my bones are white again. I thank her and stand up. My soul got this painful feeling and I stumble. Two hands steady me. I glance and lil Jasper is flying behind me with his arms wrapped around me.

"Encwe? Good?"He asks

I nod.

He smiles. He lets me go. He peeks out the window.

"Go out. Sun good for you."He says, then crawls off

"How the heck did he know that you were in trouble? Your mark didn't even give off the scent!"She says

"Heh. Well, we were stuck together and being used as lab rats. In situations like those, special bonds are formed. Partly since after a while, we could just sense when a test is hurting the other. Those things do not go away."I say

"Ah, that makes sense."She says

Instead of going out, I go back to bed, curled up close to Fallacy. I wake up and he is laying there, gazing at me. I smile.

"I'm surprised you aren't outside. It's a sunny day out."He says

"Yeah well, I think I've learned not to go anywhere before you wake up. Unless everyone here wants to hear you yell my name when you do."I say

"What? Since when has that happened?"He asks

"Hmmm, that time you were a baby and woke up without me, then the times Suave was giving me checkups and you woke up to find me gone. Or the time Suave cured my eyes and you were unaware. Or anytime I wake up before you and Felicia made chicken noodle soup for me! You scare the heck outta me at those times!"I explain

Flashback:*Encre comes downstairs and greets everyone in the living room, or anyone awake. Jasper crawls over and hugs him. Suave would check him to make sure he is okay still. Rufous would hug Encre nearly to death, followed by Suave checking to see if he is okay AGAIN.

"Oh! Encre! You look ill still! Here, I'll make some chicken noodle soup to help you get better!"Felicia would say

Minutes later she would give him a bowl of soup. He blew some steam off of it and would sit down at a table. But before he could even eat it or set the bowl down, he gets startled by a sudden noise. The noise of his paranoid lover.

"ENCRE!" Fallacy shouts when he woke up without Encre beside him

Encre fumbles with the bowl, either spilling it on himself or if he managed to eat some food before Fallacy shouted, choke on the food he ate. And this would repeat. EVERY. THREE. DAYS!

*Flashback End*

"Really? I don't recall that many times."He says

I get a book from a drawer and open it.

"Suave has kept track of every single time."I say

He looks at the book.

"43 times? Oh wow. Oops."He says

He glances at me and smiles. He sets the book aside. He wraps his arms around me.

"I love you."He says, hugging me close

"I love you too."I say

He smiles widely, then kisses my cheek. Suave peeks in.

"Huh, new record. Felicia! Change the sign to 3!"He shouts down the hall

"No way!"Felicia says

"What sign?"Fallacy asks

I chuckle. He looks at me.

"You know, don't you?"He asks

I nod.

Without saying anything, he scoops me up and heads down the hall. There he finds Felicia changing a sign to the number 3. The sign said: DAYS WITHOUT FALLACY SCREAMING ENCRE'S NAME FOR NO REASON......3

"Seriously?"He says

"Hey, you do it so frequently it was getting to the point where we kinda had to keep track. Azure forgot that days were passing you did it so often. He thought the day was repeating itself."Felicia says

"It was that or the grandmothers would whack you."Suave says

Fallacy shrugs it off.

"HEY ENCRE! I AM OUTSIDE!"Classique hollers from outside

"Pfft, guess he hasn't gotten his hearing back yet."Felicia says

"Huh?"Fallacy says

"He came over once and was in the art room looking at Encre's stuff when you yelled for Encre. You yelled so loud that he couldn't hear anything for the rest of the day! Now, he can hear us faintly when speaking to him thanks to you. Suave says he should be able to hear normally again in 4 days. You're just lucky he won't let Rufous get even with you. Rufous is not happy that you caused Classique that."Felicia explains

Fallacy looks at me and sighs. His gaze was apologetic. He sets me down.

"Coming, Classique!"I exclaim, then run off

I go outside to find Classique standing with his horse.

"I wasn't sure if Fallacy was yelling or if you would hear."He says

"He is sorry for being so loud. How are you?"I ask

"I am alright. Toriel fixed my hearing.......Rufous hasn't killed or tried to get even with him for yelling, right?"He asks

I nod.

"But he is scheming with Felicia."I say with a shake of my head

"Pfft, I wish him luck. How are those multiverse friends of yours?"He asks

"Hmm, I dunno."I say

He takes me by the hand. He takes his horse to the stables. He took me under a tree and we sit together. I pull out my phone and call Ink. My call is accepted, but it isn't Ink who answers.

"Hello? Encre?"A new voice says

"A voice in a box, cool!"Classique says softly, looking mesmerized

"Hello? Who is this?"I ask

Classique gets some food out. There is silence on the other end. We eat together. I have it on my shoulder, tilting my head to hold

"Ink is busy at the moment so I'm handling his phone. This is his friend Dream speaking."He says

"Ah! Nightmare's brother! I remember hearing about you!"I say

"Really?"He asks

"Yeah. Nightmare told a lot about you. You aren't the most innocent, but not evil either. Speaking of him, how is he? How are you?"I ask

"I am alright. He's alright the last we spoke. Unfortunately, he has not met the Charles guy I matched him with. He doesn't seem happy about me setting him up."He says

"You still have that set up? I warned Ink about how dangerous a certain Charles fellow. I fear for his safety. I know what that guy is capable of and Nightmare doesn't deserve that. What does this Charles guy look like?"I ask

He describes to me the exact Charles that I know, despise and fear.

"That guy is not good. I know him. And like I told Ink, he is not fit or safe for Nightmare. What if he gets hurt by the guy you set him up with or goes missing?"I ask

"What's going on?"Classique whispers

I put the phone on mute.

"One bud of mine named Nightmare is a real good fellow. His bro set him up with Charles and we both know how that can go. Same Charles that caused us issues here. He seems to think that it's a good idea and ignores any warnings of any other outcomes. Can't take a hint."I explain

"Oh boy."He says with a roll of his eyes.

I unmute the phone.

"What do you know anyways, Encre? You've never been in the multiverse as far as I know. Besides, if something goes wrong, which Charles probably won't let happen, we'll just come visit you! He ended up with you the last time he went missing."He says casually

Not much of a big deal to him it seems.

"Why does it seem like I am more concerned for your brother than you? Also, I kinda have been in the multiverse. I was in this blank space with a Serram guy once. And I know a bunch of folks from the multiverse. And I've encountered the same Charles you set Nightmare up with. He is nothing good trust me. So you're a real genius to put him with someone as dangerous as that."I say with a dull tone

"Well you're just an oblivious Negative Nancy who just doesn't sees the good in him. Killer was much worse."Dream says

"Says the one who let Nightmare get taken down and hated Killer for protecting him."I say

"How did you know about that?"Dream asks

"Nightmare."I say

"Can I speak with him?"Classique asks

I nod and hand him the phone.

"Hello? Nightmare's brother? This is Encre's friend speaking. Now, I have seen what Charles has done to Encre. It is nothing good. He is nothing good. So whatever saint you see in him is just satan in disguise for all I care. Then again, you aren't a saint either if you are so cool with your own family being put in danger. If anything bad happens to Nightmare, that is on you and you better know that. Hell, if your brother DOES end up here, you better be ready for the BIGGEST I TOLD YOU SO in your life!"Classique says

"Oh dear..."Dream says

"Good day to you sir!"Classique says, hanging up

He returns the phone.

"What does this Nightmare guy look like?"He asks

I quickly sketch his two forms.

"He can easily switch from either one."I mention

He nods.

"I'll keep an eye out for him."He says, then spots Rufous watching us

Rufous tries to sneak away.

"Hey, Rufous!"Classique cheers, getting up and going after him

He ended up tackling Rufous into the snowy ground, tumbling around into a hug. Rufous had a burning red face at being caught. I see someone else approaching me from the corner of my eyes. I glance over, thinking it was Fallacy due to their height. It isn't.

"Heya Encre!"The fellow says

I recognize his voice and appearance. Except he looked more grown up and his orange marks by his eyes stretched out farther, kinda like Fallacy's blue flames around his eyes.

"Jasper?"I say

He nods.

"Auntie messed up with a spell and now I'm like this. You're the only one who recognized me. I'm kinda using it as an advantage to mess with others, but I guess you cannot be fooled."He says

I shake my head.

"I sense you will get a bit of pain soon."He says

I nod. Then, my soul stung with pain again at a beat. He hugs me.

"Why does this keep happening?"I mutter

"I dunno, but I promise you that whatever happens, I shall protect you! No test or idiot will change that!"He says

"Jasper-"I begin to thank him

"Ssssh, shush shush shush. Ssssh, I intend to keep that promise!"He says, putting a finger to my mouth

I smile and nod. He lowers it. He kisses me on the head.

"I've always wanted to do that but never had the chance!"He says

Then he gets up and runs off.

"TIME TO BE MY INNER LOKI!"He shouts

He has read so much Marvel and Shino's stuff.

I look up and see the clouds cover the sky, but the sun is going down anyway. Fallacy walks right past me.

"ENCRE!"He shouts

I facepalm.

"Felicia change the sign to zero!"Suave exclaims

"DANG IT FALLACY!"Felicia yells

"I am right here, Fallacy."I say with a shake of my head.

"Oh dear, whoops."He says

He comes over.

"Don't think I did not see what happened."He says

I look up at him. I glance around and see Jasper causing chaos and messing with others. He really did use his new form as an advantage.

"You mean Poussière getting jumpscared?"I ask

"Wait that happened?"He asks

I nod, gesturing to Jasper dropping down behind Poussière and yelling KNEEL. Poussière jumped so high that he ended up in a tree. Fallacy watches, but then focuses on me again.

"Hey! No distracting! That's not what I'm talking about!"He says

He slips behind me, sitting down and wrapping an arm around me to hold me close. The other holds my head. tilting it so he has better access to my neck.

"Fallacy? What are you doing?"I ask

"Encre, you are my love. Only I get to kiss ya, besides your family."He says

"Aww! Are you getting jealous again?"I ask

"No!"He says, then kisses the back of my neck

"You sure?"I ask

"M-Maybe!"He says

I start chuckling.

"What's so funny?"He asks

"Two things in this. You are getting jealous because your son Jasper kissed me. Plus, there's no reason to get jealous. Second, you are the only amour for me."I say, turning my head and kissing him.

His face burns up.

"Good."He says, kissing my mark

I smile. Then a strange feeling overcame me. Within an instant, Jasper came running over and hugs me.

"...omelborp eht oitacol dna hcraes ,esneS"He whispers softly

(Sense, search and locatio the problemo.... in reverse)

"Jasper?"Fallacy says in surprise

He puts a hand up to signal Fallacy to wait. He keeps repeating the chant, then goes silent. He glances at me.

"It's test 12 coming back to action with test 27."He says

I sigh, but smile.

"Thank you Jasper for warning me."I say

He smiles.

"I think you should rest before those two start test 4 up again."He says

"Good point."I say

"What is going on?"Fallacy asks

"I'll explain later, Father. And if you're wondering how I'm in this form, Auntie messed up."He says

"How do you know what is happening to Encre?"Fallacy asks, carressing my cheek softly with a hand

"We have a special bond, Father. May not be like what you have with him, but it's something only he and I have. It kinda came naturally after the 6th test."He says

I get a weird tingling feeling.

"You are gonna get a dizzy feeling again."I warn him

"Thanks for the heads up!"He says

Fallacy hugs us close, making Jasper sit.

"Please explain what the hell happened to you both!"He says

Jasper and I look at each other.

"I'll explain. But first, I will take Encre inside. Alley-oop!"Jasper says

"Let me guess, another thing you've always wanted to do?"I say teasingly

He nods.

"Our bond shall never be broken!"He says

I chuckle.

"Wait here, Father. I'll be back."He says, carrying me inside

Once we got inside, he carries me up the stairs. I cough, but cover it of course. I check my hand and find blood was coughed up. Oh dear......

Jasper seems alarmed, but quickly got calm.

"It appears the two tests set off test 10 instead. Let's hope test 9 doesn't happen either. I will be right here to help you. We will find a solution."He says, then places me in bed

I nod, then try to sleep. An awful pain overcame me.

Oh we hoped those tests wouldn't come back. But they did.

??? POV

I wake up and look around. Pain was gone. But my partners were not around.

Uh oh......Did test 9 split us up?

I check my soul to see that it was just a sliver of what it is meant to be. It was beating normally so that was good. I know what to do. But I'm also confused with the situation. The last time this happened.........Oh heck no. The door creaks open. I glance over and it is Jasper.

"Is this another test? Another maze?"I ask

"Nope. Do you know where the others are?"He replies

I shake my head.

"Then I think it is like an easter egg hunt now. We will find them. That way you stay safe.....Well, you all."He says

I smile.

"I promise-no....swear on my soul that we'll find a better way to heal you then what they did."He says, crossing his chest where his soul would be

(Like humans crossing their hearts.)

Chills go down my spine at the memory.

"M'Lord, what is going on?"Suave asks, then glances at me

"Bonjour, Suave."I say

"Hello, Monsieur."He says

"We have a 5-19 on our hands."Jasper says

(Me while writing this:-flashbacks to Monster's Inc 23-19 alert scene. Or W-S for white sock alert. XD)

"I'll go alert the others."Suave says, leaving

Jasper comes over.

"I am watching over you. So back outside we go to explain what in the world is going on."He says

I smile and nod.

"Though, knowing your trait you won't have an issue with that."He says

"Wait a sec!"I say

I check the drawer. I find a note.

Took knife for safety.-Colère

"Welp, there goes the knife."I say

Jasper peeks and sees the note.

"How much do you wanna bet he is using the knife right now?"He asks

"Most likely for self defense. 69% sure is my bet."I say

He scoops me up and nods. He carries me outside. I see Classique riding off with Rufous and Azure is searching bushes. Felicia is searching the village. Fallacy stands under the tree, witnessing this.

"I'm back!"Jasper says

He looks at us confusedly.

"Jasper? What's going on? Why is everyone scattering? Nobody will answer me besides something called 5-19! And what happened to Encre?"He asks

"Oh right! Suave says you skipped the meeting! Well, this is Aimé. He is the loving part of Encre and is the source of his healing magic."Jasper says

"Part?"He says

"Yeah. There are some tests they did that split him up into different parts, while another divided his soul into different parts. That combined had the different soul parts connect with parts of him. Then there was something like the Labyrinth that the Minotaur was stuck in. Except it was more like a corn maze with obstacles. And those idiots were testing to see if there were any weaknesses in our bonds with Encre or signs that there is love for them from Encre. They were in the center like the prize of that maze we went to once. I, as well as scarecrows or dummy versions of our friends, you and Auntie, were the obstacles."He explains

He pauses to let the info sink in.

"What were the results?"He asks

Jasper looks at me. I smile.

"You and I both know how your results went."He says

"I have no regrets or shame!"I say

He tosses me to Fallacy. I hug him tightly. He looks at me and gives me a kiss on the head. I giggle.

"Well, it absolutely failed. Three parts of him came running to me and stayed close. I found this guy hugging a dummy made to look like you....Which says enough on its own that he won't love them."He says

Fallacy smiles.

"Oh really?"He asks, glancing at me

"How is that even a question?"I ask

He kisses my cheek.

"But one part did reach the center to meet them. The anger side of him. I named that part Colère. Boy he could've ripped those two to pieces with or without a knife if he had the time! Then again, he DOES have the memories of all the enemies and his fighting skills, as well as the fuel for his attack magic. So it's not really a surprise."Jasper says

"Wait, you named each part of him?"Fallacy asks

"Well it does make it less confusing. Would you have rathered me call them Encre 1 through 5?"He says

"Good point. Who are the other parts?"Fallacy asks

"Peur, his fear. Peur is very jumpy, and is the one with all the bad memories. Triste, his sadness. Remembers sad times and is master of defense. Smiley, his joy. Constantly smiling and creative or artisitic. Constantly goes down memory lane or has his head in the clouds. Loves reenacting happy moments or retelling them. Their soul pieces, like his pink one are represented by yellow, purple and blue pieces. His anger is the red piece."Jasper explains

"Where are the rest of him?"He asks

"Dunno."I say

"5-19 is E-S, a code standing for Encre Split. It alerts everyone of the situation and we planned to find and protect all the parts of him. Which is currently enabled and in the process. You would have known that if you were NOT SKIPPING last week's MEETING, ahem!"Jasper says

"What? I like cuddling Encre!"He says

Jasper facepalms. I hug Fallacy. He cradles me in his arms and I curl up in his grasp.

"I love you, mon amour."I say softly

"I love you too. And don't worry, once we find the rest of you, we will put you back together just like they did."He says

Jasper snatches me from him. I hug him tightly

"No! Jasper assured me that nothing of that sort will be done! Not again!"I say

Jasper holds me close and protectively.

"Right, Jasper?"I ask

"Right."He assures me

"What does he mean?"Fallacy asks

"Father.....They didn't put him together nicely, gently, or easily. It was very painful for him, each part of him. They.....toyed with him, picked on him, especially with Peur. He was too jumpy to fight or talk back to them after all. His anger side protects him twice as much now. But it was no use....They killed each part of him cruelly, then procrastinated on putting him back together. Instead, they toyed and messed with the pieces, squeezing and nearly crushing them to dust. They were not as delicate and careful as you are with his soul. Then they tried to put his soul together like a puzzle. And we learned that they are TERRIBLE with puzzles. So, there is NO WAY we are doing it like they did. Got that, Father?"Jasper says

Fallacy nods.

"Now that is settled, let's think. Where could the others be? Where would they go?"Jasper says

"I know a place."I say

They look at me in surprise.

"What? We share knowledge ya know. We are what makes up 1 person."I say

My soul pings, flashing a blue color.

"What does that mean?"They ask

"One of them is there right now."I say

Jasper sets me down.

"Auntie! We got a lead! We'll be back!"He says

"What do I do with this spell then?"She asks, gesturing to her glowing hand

Jasper shrugs.

"Guess I let it loose."She says

The bright aura went from her hand and hit Fallacy. It broke him apart and next thing we know, there are 5 short Fallacy figures running about. One had no eyelights, just glowing red eyes. The second was trembling, looking around uneasily. The third had tears in his eyes. The fourth was flying around, happy as can be. The fifth was squeezing Jasper's leg with a hug. Jasper just stares in shock.

"Oh dear, I read the wrong one."She says

"No kidding! Now we have ten lovers on the loose and the size of kids! Is this panic what-"Jasper begins

"WELCOME TO PARENTING MLORD JASPER! OR THE WORLD OF DEALING WITH HYPER KIDS LIKE YOU!"Suave shouts

I look at each of them. They glance over and surround me.

"Anger, bring your eye-lights back. Must not freak him out."One says

The red eyed one nods and summons eye-lights.

They hug me close.

"Ok, Fathers. Listen up. We need to set some ground rules."Jasper says

All of them look up at him. My soul pings.

"Oh dear....He's there!"I mutter

I slip out from the bunch of Fallacies. I run off into the forest while they set rules down. I follow where my soul points.

"Hey!"A voice shouts

I slow my steps. I turn to see the hugger Fallacy coming over. He grips my hand tightly.

"Where are you going?"He asks

"I know where the another part of me is."I reply

He kisses me on the cheek. I feel my face burn.

"Let me come with you. I wanna protect you."He says

"Okay."I say

I nuzzle his cheek. His face burns.

"This way!"I cheer, running ahead

"Wait up!"He yells

I come out of the forest and look around, spotting a familiar hill. One that I haven't been to in years......Well, not all of me. I go up the hill, stopping midway to the top in order to allow him to catch up. He looks around.

"I hear crying, why?"He asks

"Well, this is a special place. And it is where Triste is. So crying is to be expected."I say

Then I hesitate.

"You might want to hang back. I will handle it."I say

He looks at me confused.

I go to the top. I find a hand-made headstone and marked.

Beloved Gramma:More of a mother than a grandma, loved forever.

Standing in front of the headstone and crying is Triste. Yes, this is Gramma's grave. Made it with my world's Dream since nobody else would. Nobody really cared to help or seemed to care if she died. But hey, she came back to life with help. And even before that, she would follow me around and protect me as a spirit. I go over and hug Triste. He turns to me and hugs right back, crying over my shoulder.

"Shush shush shush... It's okay. I know. But remember, she is back. No need to remember those times anymore."I say

"Agreed."A voice says

I look up, then smile. Triste gets scooped up by none other than Gramma herself.

"Grammaaaaa! I love you so much! I don't wanna lose you again!"He whimpers

"There there, my dear. I'm here, no need to cry."She says

I come close and hug her. She looks down at me.

"Hey, Aimé? Can I come yet?"Fallacy asks

Gramma grabs me by the hand and leads us down the hill to him.

"Okay, explain what the hell happened to my grandson?"Gramma says

He runs to me and kisses me, hugging me close. Then he whistles. The other four come with Jasper.

"What in the world?"She says

"5-19 has happened, and Felicia shot a spell at Fallacy, splitting him."Jasper says

"And where's the rest of my grandson?"She asks

"Dunno."Jasper says

"And what's your situation?"She asks

"Auntie turned me. SO that's two spells gone wrong."Jasper says

The two begin to talk. Gramma didn't even notice that the bunch of Fallacies took Triste from her grasp. He looks around, very unsettled. But then he kinda gets cheered up once understanding the situation. Then we both felt a strong pain. I dropped to my knees, holding my head.

"Love! What's wrong?"Two Fallacies ask as another two try to calm Triste down again

"Someone is messing with memories........Peur's memories. Oh dear...He's being attacked."I say

One of them look up.

"I can smell your blood and scent....."He says, then leaves the other parts of him, flying off

"Hey! Anger! Come back!"The others yell

I get back up.

"After him!"The rest say,

They run, taking Triste and I along while Gramma and Jasper talk, unaware to what is going on.

Peur's POV

I get up shakily. I feel a stab in the back again. My blindfold falls off. I fall to the ground and turn over to see what attacked me. It was this weird goopy figure looming over me, constantly changing form. Hands of knives and glowing white eyes.

"Ah! You have many fears I see. But what if I turn your allies against you.~"It says

I had no clue what it was talking about, but then it grinned in a way that sent chills down my spine.

"Let's start off with something easy for me."He says

Then he takes a morph of a well-known were-octopus. Tentacles and all. I quiver in fear. The fraud continues to attack, binding my ankles with a tentacle so I couldn't run away. I couldn't move, but then the attacks came from another angle. I look to see Fallacy attacking me. His eyes were blank, glowing red. Just like with the Blood Moon. I frown.

"May I join, partner?"Fallacy says, but it wasn't his voice.

The two paused. The fraud nods to the second. They both attack.

"Now, Charles and E!Gaster, my bosses, want something from you. Forget you ever knew them."The frauds say

I have no control over that. I do not answer. But before they could hurt me again, I sliced the tentacle with a twig I had snatched, freeing me from their hold. I grab my blindfold and tie it over my eyes. It always helps me deal with situations. Then I ran for dear life through the swampy environment. I run until I could feel the change of the ground. Now, I hear the hoots of owls, the flapping of wings, the whistles of the wind, trees swaying and snow crunching under my steps. But I could hear them behind me. That is, until two solid hands rested on my shoulders, stopping me in my tracks. The hands shifted, one now at my waist with a knife. An aura radiated from whoever that was behind me. And a sense of a familiar soul piece was rippling to me.

"Ah ah ah! Nobody is hurting Peur! I don't care your motives or bosses! You are not hurting him!"A familiar voice says

I feel the knife carefully. It's the one for emergencies from Fallacy.

"Bonjour, Colère."I say

"Bonjour Peur. Don't worry, these fakes will not hurt you."He says

Then his grip left me. But I could hear him.

"Take this you connards!"He says

(connards=assholes in French)

I lean against a tree, checking my wounds. I heal them a bit, but not as well as Aimé can. Then I hear a squashing or crashing noise.

"Woo! Take that idiots!"Another voice cheers

"Pfft, it's raining watermelons."Colère says

"That shopkeeper isn't getting two melons back!"The voice says

"Reenacting the old days with Dream, huh?"Colère says

"Yeah, the day Azure came into our life! I'm the size of a child, just like back then! Why not?"The voice says, recognized as Smiley's

"Oh yeah! That started our little game of Guard and Thief! He always wanted to be a guard!"I say

"And he did! But whenever he played, we'd share what I stole! Er, borrowed."He says

"Then he took us into his home until we were old enough to live on our own and support ourselves. We cannot thank him enough for that....As well as Classique and Rufous. When they came in our life, things became better."I agree

"They healed Aimé within Encre. Made him stronger than before. They are truly the best."Colère says

"Is it safe?"I ask

I feel hands grab mine.

"It's safe now Peur!"Smiley says

"Indeed."Colère agrees

I smile.

"Now let's go. We gotta find the rest of us."They both say

"Okay."I say

"Can I keep the watermelon?"Smiley asks

"Yes, Smiley, you can keep the watermelon. Aimé loves watermelon and it may cheer Triste up.""Colère says

We walk through the snow and they alert me that we've reached a village. Something sets Colère on edge though. He releases my hand and blocks us from going ahead.

"Stay back. You are not laying a hand on them."He growls

"Oh, what are you doing with that? You might hurt yourself."A voice says

"I am not a kid. And I was given this. I won't hurt myself, I might hurt you, Monsieur."He snaps

"Let's not fight, guys....No need to make a scene."I say

"I'll take that! Wait....."The voice says

"What? Give that back hooded thief!"He says

"Hey Classique! I found three Encres!"The voice says

Colère kept snapping at him, trying to get the knife back.

Smiley had broken the watermelon open by now and was giving slices to each of us, even Classique who yelled that he was coming. He set the other half down, wondering what to do with it.

"Everyone calm down!"Classique shouts

Everyone froze. Classique explains everything. Turns out the "hooded thief" is Rufous. Classique quickly got everyone to settle down. Colère was still not satisfied. He was suspicious of them still. I followed his lead, he is our protector after all.

I hear the snow crunch as if someone sat or crouched in it.

"Let me take you back to where you are safe."Classique says

"How can I believe you? You unarmed me! I don't trust you! What if you're just those stupid attackers' friends pretending to be our friends? You are getting nothing from us!"He snaps

"Attackers?"Classique says

"Yes! Shapeshifting freaks that work for bitches like Charles!"He snaps

"I assure you, we will not hurt you. I am not working for Charles."Classique says

"He seems pretty protective and pissed."Rufous says

"Of course! I am his anger! I am the protector of his other parts! I've witnessed them get hurt and abused! I will not allow it again!"He growls

"I-Is it them or not?"I ask

"Hmm, I dunno Peur. Both of you show some valid ID."He replies

I hear a sword being taken out of a sheath.

"That's the sword Rufous gave you."Smiley says to Classique

"Mhm."Classique hums

"Alright, and Rufous? What is his proof?"Colère says

I hear a sleeve being rolled up.

"Still have burn marks from the fire at the forge."Rufous says

"It's them."Colère confirms

I peek out.

"Aww! You look adorable, little one!"Classique says, holding me closer and pulling me out from behind Colère

"This is Peur, his fear. The one with the watermelon is Smiley, his joy."Colère says

"HI!"Smiley says with enthusiasm.

"Why wear a blindfold?"Rufous asks

"So people don't make fun of my weird eyes."I say

"Doesn't that lower your defenses?"Rufous asks

I hear the thwish of an arrow leaving a bow and the woosh of it zipping through the air. I snatch Classique's sword and quickly figure out where the arrow is heading. I hop up beside Rufous, hearing the arrow ping off the sword and it crunch into the snowy ground.

"How in the world?"Rufous says

"Did I mention that Peur has the best senses and is an expert at defense strategies or techniques?"Colère says smugly

"How?"Rufous says as I return the sword to Classique, who runs off to get the archer that attempted to shoot Rufous in the head

"Just because I'm his fear doesn't make him a coward or too scared to stop his worst fears from coming true. Fear is what fuels bravery after all."I say

"Ooo! I see Fallacy! Wait....Did he clone himself?"Smiley says

"Huh?"Colère and I say in surprise

"Peur! Colère! Smiley!"I hear Triste yell

"Hey! It's the other 3! Hey guys!"Aimé shouts

I get tackled to the ground. But before I could do anything, I feel a kiss on my cheek.

"Who hurt you?!"A familiar voice growls

"F-Fallacy?"I stutter

"That's me."He says

"ANGER GET OFF OF HIM!"Another voice of Fallacy says

"Yes, Joy."He says, helping me back up

I hear the snow crunch, heavy breathing and then Jasper's voice shout loudly.

"What the hell you guys?! You should have told us that you were going!"Jasper snaps

"Agreed."Gramma says

"Sorry, you were too busy chit chatting and blah blah blah. When I sense trouble for Encre, I go to him and that is final."Anger says

"Ah,that's logical."Colère says

The two angers start talking.

Aimé heals me with a hug. I blindly met the other parts of Fallacy and understand the situation. I ran and hugged Gramma, Smiley and Colère soon did the same.

"Luckily, I know how to undo Auntie's mistake. Fathers, hold still."Jasper says

"OK!"They all say

There is a zap noise heard.

"Did it work?"Rufous asks

"Looks like it. Father?"Jasper says

"I am fine, son."Fallacy says

I get a bad feeling. I focus on the feeling. I block out all of them talking. Unfortunately the spell only worked on vampires. I hear the strain of bows ready to fire their arrows. And based on the direction of the sound, it is aiming in our direction.

"Gramma? Where are we?"I ask

"Oh, we're in Vestuniland."She says

Isn't that a kingdom against vampires and other good monsters like them? Wait!

"Everyone duck!"I shout

I hear bodies hit the ground, the snow crunching under the weight. I hear arrows go flying, now missing their targets. I hear Jasper yelp that some arrows barely missed him. Fallacy confirmed the same thing with him. I could hear the bows getting aimed again. Gramma scooped up Smiley, Triste, Aimé, Colère for their safety. She told me to hide behind her but I was focused on figuring out where they are aimed from and what to do. Fallacy was yelling for Jasper to go hide, which he ran off and successfully does, but I sense he is still close. Probably hiding behind a tree or something. I hear the arrows get released, I push off the snow, thinking of a plan.

Thwish!

Ping! Ping! Ping! Ping! Ping!

Thunk! Thunk! Thunk! Thunk! Thunk!

I had leapt in front of where Fallacy was crouching in the snow, snapped my fingers to get the nearest item over with magic. I had gotten the lid of a barrel, quickly holding it like a shield. I knew very well how to after all the times I did when playing with Azure. The arrows either shot onto the lid or bounced off into the snow. Some even shot right back at the archers.

"There they are!"Classique shouts then yells as he went to attack them

I lower the lid, tossing it aside. I turn to Fallacy.

"Are you okay?"I ask

"What was that?"He asks

"Dude, your love is a pro at defense and senses."Rufous says

"I couldn't let the biggest fears come true."I say

"Awww!"Fallacy says, scooping me up

I get ambushed with kisses. My face burns up. Then I feel his hand untying my blindfold.

"Is it safe?"Jasper asks

"Yep."Fallacy says, slipping the blindfold off of me

I look down, burying my face in his chest so he can't see my eyes.

"Love? What is wrong?"He asks

"My eyes...."I say

"What?"He says

"Oh yeah...He is pretty insecure about his eyes. All the bad memories cause it. That's why he wears a blindfold."Smiley says

"Demon's cursed creation, people say about my eyes...."I mutter

"Let me see them, my dear."Fallacy says

"Huh?"I say

I feel a hand at my chin. The hand lifts my chin up, but I shut my eyes.

"Let me see your eyes. I love you, every part of you. I find your eyes dazzling, Love."He says

I hesitate, then slowly open my eyes. I look up at him as his hand carresses my cheek softly. He looks at me for a moment before looking in shock.

"Something wrong?"I ask

"Ooo! Constantly changing colors and shapes!"Jasper says

The other parts of Encre pull Jasper aside. They each hug Gramma, Jasper, Classique or Rufous.

Fallacy's eye-lights became hearts.

"Your eyes look beautiful! You look very adorable!"He tells me

My face burns.

He kisses me on the cheeks and on top of my head until I was a blushing mess.

"Father, you are overwhelming Aimé over here."Jasper says

"That is his love part, which is understandable."Gramma says

"Well at least he feels the love I am giving him."He says, kissing my neck now

I squeak from sparks of excitement and love from him. He kissed the back of my neck. I yelp with joy.

"So, all his weakspots are shown now? His loved ones and ticklish spots?"Jasper says

"I'm still looking for the rest of his ticklish spots."Fallacy says

Jasper chuckles.

"Speaking of which...."He says, resting me on an arm

He tickles my feet, making me squeal with laughter. He smiles, then tickles me by stroking my spine and wiggling his fingers at my sides. I laughed hysterically, unable to control myself. I'm hardly able to breathe.

"You win! You win! You got all of them!"I say through laughs

He keeps tickling my feet, smiling.

Then, before I could register what happened, I was shot through the chest. I start trembling, tears in my eyes instantly at the overwhelming pain. I couldn't breathe. Everything was turning black. I clenched onto Fallacy tightly.

"Peur! Encre! Love!"I hear Fallacy yell

Fallacy's POV

I frown and feel tears fall from my eyes as Peur faded away, an arrow that went through his back and out his chest. I hold the purple soul piece gently. All the other parts of Encre drop to their knees, crying and feeling the pain, but not as much to make them snap or fade. His anger spotted something and with the knife I gave Encre in hand, ran after the culprit. There are yells and violent noises. Then he comes back, the knife covered in blood and shaking his head. The other parts of him hug the angry side. Peur's soul piece was trembling. I gently start to caress the small soul fragment. It stops shaking but the other sides of him froze, their faces blushing in different colors. His anger had red and orange; Smiley's was yellow and green; Triste's was a bright blue; Aimé's was a pink shade. They all looked adorable.

Aimé comes over with Smiley, hugging me at my legs. I look down at them as they gaze right back at me.

"Please don't try their techniques. Peur was the first to get hurt last time...."Triste says

His anger was hugging his grandma. I know they probably feel the sensation that is calming his fear. And the situation they wish to avoid.

"Of course, I promise to be gentle. And I have no plans to do what they did."I assure them

The two of them smile up at me. Jasper is keeping Triste calm. I keep carressing his soul fragment. That made them grip me tighter, their faces adorable blushing messes.

"What happened?"His gramma asks

"You don't wanna know. It's over and it won't happen again."Jasper says

I get an idea. I scoop the two of them up, setting them on each of my arms. Aimé took the soul fragment and connected it to his, where it properly belongs. He grew slightly, now his eyes changing between pinks or purples. We're making progress. When his grandmother's back was turned, I kissed the two on the head. Smiley gets a big grin. Meanwhile Peur/Aimé fainted, curled up in my arms with a blushing magenta face.

I carried them over to the others.

"Shall we go?"I say happily

They nod. Triste is held by Jasper while Colère was carried by Elanor, his grandma. We head off, keeping them shielded protectively so they couldn't get hurt. We return home.

"I think I got an idea."Jasper says

"What is it?"Smiley asks

"Instead of you all getting forced together, how about you piece yourselves together? Nobody knows how your soul fragments fit better than you guys. Summon your souls and hug. They'll click like magnets."Jasper says

"Good point!"Smiley says

I set them down and let them try. That's exactly what they did. And it worked, but when he came back all in one piece, he was drained of energy. He fell backwards and I scooped him up, holding him delicately in my arms. He clung to me firm yet gently. I carry him back to the castle and right inside.

"Fallacy......."He says

"Yes?"I ask

He kisses me on the head.

"I love you...."He whispers

"I love you too."I say

"Sir?"Suave says

I look at him.

"Yes?"I ask

"Poussière wants to speak with you both. He says it's important. A buddy of yours has been spotted with that troublesome Charles guy. Not willingly either."He says

Encre opens his eyes.

"I told his brother so!"He says

Classique looks at us.

"That brother of Nightmare didn't listen?"He asks

"Doesn't sound like it."I say

"Hmph. I will go see what I can do to help the poor guy."Classique says, running off

Encre clings to me.

"Thanks for telling me, Suave."I say, then head to the meeting room with Encre still in my arms

He didn't want to go anywhere but hear what Poussière has to say.

I shut the door behind me. I notice on the table there was one of the wanted posters for Charles.

"That's Charles, correct?"Poussière asks

"Yep."Encre says

"Well, I was down by a river and saw that guy hanging from a hole in the sky with a lantern in his hand. He dropped it and shut the hole. The lantern plunged into the river, floating and being pushed around. But I could see inside the lantern. I saw a silhouette of a small skeleton trapped inside at the size of a candle. I went to grab it but only got to knock it to the sand. The lantern opened and out came the skeleton. He looked around but I could tell with the condition of his purple eyes that he was blind. He had so many wounds. Poor guy. He went into the water and washed something off of him that made him grow. He looked strange, but lost. I've heard about the troubles with Charles or about this Nightmare guy from Classique. I assumed by his purple eyes it was him, so I came back. What should we do? We can't just leave the guy out there to blindly wander and bleed himself to death! I caught his blood's scent, he's too good of a guy to die like that!"Poussière explains

Before anything could proceed, there were sounds of running footsteps and the doors burst open. There stood Cruzar, a former vampire or monster hunter but now is just a criminal hunter. He and Macabre only hunt troublemakers these days.

"I saw a were-octopus!"He exclaims, looking as bewildered as Belle's father when he looked for help to save Belle from the Beast

"What?"Poussière says

Encre and I look at each other.

"Nightmare!"He says softly

We have to be sure.

"Sit down and explain."I say

He shuts the doors with a nod. He sits down. Encre slips into one beside me and Poussière sits on the other side of me.

"Macabre and I were just heading home from catching bad folks to rest, relax, see Dreamy, and work on paperwork, when suddenly he saw a strange creature or figure walking wandering in the shadows casted by the moon. He went and grabbed the figure. I came to get a closer look. This figure was a person-like figure. But he had black goop with a dark green glow oozing all over him, tentacles growing from his back, and one glowing green eye. It was like a skeleton had become a werewolf but turned part octopus instead. The fella was fighting for dear life against Macabre, who surprisingly looked a lot like the fella. Macabre told the fella to stop and it will be over soon, meaning that he was gonna kill the poor guy. He got bitten and the fella cried out. I could hear the fear in their voice. I couldn't hurt the fella, he was doing nothing wrong. Macabre ordered me to help but I refused. He forced me to put a knife to their neck, but I refused."He says

"Did he kill the fella?"Encre asks worriedly

"No, I wouldn't let him. I explained how pointless and wrong it is to hurt someone who did nothing wrong. He was just taking a nightly stroll for all we knew. I pointed out the compassion in his gaze, something bad people don't have. I convinced him to let the fella speak and release him. The fella was very polite, pointing out that he was blind and wanted to be respectful by looking at us when speaking to us. He turned back to an ordinairy skeleton, though had severe wounds all over him. Macabre was shocked. The fella was scared, holding up an arm as if afraid to get hurt more. He also had a horn and wings. He was still crying, but explained his situation. He just wants one thing. To go home. Be back with his child. He is in trouble and he needs to protect him. He cares for him with everything he has. He can't let the child get hurt. Kid is getting in over his head he claims wants to help him. He doesn't want any trouble, he was too wounded. He just wants to help the ones he cared about. Pfft, he understood that we are some big tough hunters, but insisted that there must be someone we care dearly about that we want to protect in any way we can. I thought of Dream and turns out that was me for Macabre.He begged to be let go and reminded us that his child means a lot to him. And like it's been pointed out, he is blind. He said the worst trouble we'll get from him is probably him running or flying into a tree. Not a crime. We left him alone. But I saw the pain, honesty and fear in his gaze. I thought you guys might know him and thought you could help him. He should not be left in that condition. I couldn't because if I did anything Macabre would get ticked off."Cruzar explains

I look to Encre. He nods, confirming it is Nightmare from his knowledge. Even if it wasn't, we'd still help.

"Alright.Thank you for telling us. Poussière, please escort Cruzar home before Dream and Macabre panic. Encre, dear, stay here and get checked on. Gotta make sure that you are okay and there won't be any serious problems later."I say, then leap out the window

I extend my wings and fly through the air. Not many vampires or creatures were flying since it is close to sunrise, but I luckily can handle some UV rays as long as I take breaks or have a certain snack. But I notice another figure flying, looking goopy and like nothing I've seen before. I come closer and make a U-turn to fly beside him. He sure did look like Nightmare the were-octopus......Just different.

"Since when do goopy figures fly? I think you should come with me, sir."I say politely

Guess he really didn't see me because he trembled with fright when I spoke and dove down to leave me. But I easily trailed behind him. He lands and hides behind a tree. I run right to him. But he runs fast! I am not up for a misunderstanding and fear causing this wounded were-octopus to hurt himself and try to flee all night!

"Quit running. I just want to help."I say

He tries to run but I grab him and pin him against the tree as gentle as I could. I could sense his soul racing and under all the goop he is bleeding. He raises his arms defensively, crying and trembling. He can't see so he must think I am a threat.....Or worse, Charles. I recognize the smell of his blood. It IS Nightmare.

"What are you-wait. Nightmare?"I ask

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TBC

Sorry if it's too long. I got ideas and had to get them out after a bit of writer's block. But hey! We're back on track! And Nightmare dropped in! I'll get the next chapter out soon!