Swap Nightmare is tired and would like a break please

——-

SwapDream Multiverse

Life had been a rollercoaster ever since he had been little. He had enjoyed spending time alone with his brother, in the company of their mother The Tree of Feelings. It had been lonely but it was all they had known. It went down hill when the villagers came. The newcomers had promised to stay for a while before leaving, but instead they had settled down and never left.

Once they had confirmed what Guardian they both were, that is when the issues arose. He was looked at in disgust and treated as a mangy dog that needed to be put down. The injuries he received never fully healed, before the next batch were inflicted upon him. His elder brother tried to help but they treated Dream as naive. As if the other was being tricked by the 'demon'. He felt himself lose hope of things ever changing but it seems Dream had had enough.

That day haunted him, when he saw his brother eating the apples as if in a frenzy. He managed to eat one for himself but the effects on Dream were devastating. As soon as the last apple was gone, Dream screamed and collapsed. He heard their bones snap as wings burst through their back. Their magic changed and became denser. When they looked at him he no longer saw the caring older brother but a being that had lost most of their mind.

The crazed laughing made his SOUL drop as did watching all the villagers be slaughtered. That was the start of his new life, trying to stop his brother's continued rampages. Discovering there had been another universe was less important than trying to save others from Dream.

He was glad his brother still cared for him on some level, as he knew he was not as strong as his sibling. He had escaped many battles alive thanks to the 'love' his opposite had for him, which he was grateful for. He had also somehow gathered monsters to his side, to help him make a balance in the many AU's. Life had settled into a routine but he should have remembered his brother liked to make life more 'fun'.

He thought it was a regular battle, with Dream trying to play with the inhabitants. The positivity was stifling but he saw Dream was clearly distracted. They kept looking at a small portal they made. When he saw their smirk widen and jump away from him, his trepidation increased.

He saw his brother open their arms and catch someone falling through a portal. This didn't look like the others 'beloved' but who knew what Dream could have done. He felt pity for the monster who his brother was obsessed with, but it did give him free time from his brother. Sacrifices had to be made in this multiverse and he wasn't totally selfless.

When a small face looked at him he knew it was much worse than he thought. He had no idea who this was, but the wings showed a possible reason they were taken.

"Isn't he cute? I just had to have him~".

His brother was insane! He wasn't sure if Dream ignored his words on purpose or if the others' minds could not understand what was wrong with this picture.

"You can't just steal monsters, Dream! Is that a babybones?! Oh god...what did you do?".

This looked like a major mess to clean up. How was he going to sort this out? What happened to the others parents?!.....why did the other have such deep negativity?

"DREAM! Don't you run away from me. Who did you kill now?!".

....he was of course, completely ignored. He watched in a daze as Dream flew away with his latest 'prize'. He sighed in exhaustion and grabbed one of his special cigarettes, to release some negativity building up. He would have to tell his gang about the latest problem.

Weeks passed by and he was suspicious at not seeing his brother around. The AU's had been peaceful and he was no closer to finding where the babybones was. Dream had too many 'houses' and swapped often, as they got bored. A major clue was when rumours came of an 'angel of mercy' appearing. He doubted that with his brother but he followed the lead to the universe it came from.

He heard tales of a small angel calming Dream when his anger had appeared. The stories noted the dark wings that seemed to shield all in their embrace....That sounded like his brother had a hand in some of these rumours.

He was impressed but more worried at the danger the babybones was in. His brother wasn't exactly 'stable' anymore and even he had to be careful not to set him off. He had found nothing else useful, so continued his role visiting AU's. He helped monsters understand how to live with their negativity in a healthy manner and to not expect to always be happy.

He had been about to head home after another busy day, when Dream suddenly appeared. Before he could react a weapon was aimed towards him, which he managed to dodge just in time. His group was with him this time but he worried for their safety.

"Everyone. Head back home, i'll meet you soon"

He could see Killer about to complain when Dreams magic started flooding the area. This seemed more serious than usual and he felt the fear in his friends grow. He knew Dream saw his friends as unimportant and the only reason they were not dead was because Nightmare liked them. An angry Dream on the other hand, might not care and dust them all without mercy.

They thankfully left but not before Dream managed to scuff them up. Why was his brother so violent today? He had no more time to think as a barrage of attacks headed towards him. The battle raged on for hours and Nightmare worried he was about to be killed. Before the final attack could land, it disappeared with his brother smiling at him.

"That should be enough. Karma, you can come out now~".

A head popped out from behind a large rock, followed by small hands. They looked around then scurried towards Dream, demanding to be picked up. How had he not noticed them? His brother's smirk told him all he needed to know.

He watched in disbelief as his brother was used as a climbing frame, with no complaint. He felt Dreams magic poke at the darkness in the other, eliciting a hiss from the babybones. He choked when he saw Dream's wings being pulled in displeasure and got ready to intervene. It seemed it wasn't needed, as Dream only laughed and patted the other gently.

What hell dimension did he fall into? His brother was acting as a reasonable being.

"I know I'm radiant brother but there is no need to stare~".

The warning look made him sigh in relief. This was still his brother. He watched in curiosity as Dream dropped the other on the ground and summoned a Gaster Blaster. Unsure where this was going, his jaw fell at seeing Karma chase after the deadly weapon. He must be being punished for some unknown crime, as the world was not making any sense.

"I need help, Nightmare"

Looking at Dream he realised how serious the other was. He could not remember seeing this look on his brother's face or his actual name be called.

"What is it?"

He may hate all his brother had done, but he still cared for the other. He felt relief flow off the other and waited in silence.

"He can't eat solid foods and his wings...he won't let me touch them to heal".

That was alarming. That was usally seen in monsters about to 'fall'down' or with serious conditions. He was impressed his brother hadn't pushed that boundary but after his many escapes from his brothers 'loving care' he must have finally learned. He studied Karma and saw no visible issues. Their magic looked healthy and they moved around easily. He would need to examine them but would rather not get attacked by his brother.

"I'll need to get closer to him".

He saw the way they stiffened and prepared to open a portal to run. After a minute the other nodded, so he cautiously moved towards Karma. The blaster was un-summoned and the babybones gaze fixed upon him. The dead eye stare as well as all positivity disappearing caused him to shiver. This was not an ordinary monster.

Kneeling down in front of them he could clearly see the damaged wings. He had no idea how to help but he would try. Seeing his brother's golden feather around their neck was a very clear claim and showed true care.

"Your wings need healing. Why wont you let my brother help?"

"To test him, of course"

......what? Were they insane? Where did his brother snatch this monster from? Where were the survival instincts?!

"He could kill you! Why are you pushing this?!".

He had made sure to whisper the warning as clearly as he could. The mocking look given back eerily mirrored his brother. He felt like an idiot under that stare and he hated it. They had been with his brother too much, he was scared to see what other mannerisms they had copied.

He ignored that chilling thought and startled, realising how close the other had gotten to him. The babybones seemed to be deciding something and he didn't look away, even when he heard his brother walking closer.

"Whats wrong, baby bird? Did Nightmare say something strange?~"

"Can we visit his place? Is he good at grooming wings?"

Nightmare felt he was standing in a minefield. He had zero control and was praying this went well. He could clearly see how close his brother had gotten to Karma already. He paled at the questions asked. He did not want his brother anywhere near his base. Who knows what the other would—

"Of course we can! We can have some family bonding and he even has some strays you can play with~".

Did the other know where he lived? Looking at Dream he saw the smirk get sharper, as if in confirmation. Also what strays? He didnt have any animals- wait. Is he talking about his friends?! Has Dream somehow gotten worse?!

"Up we get you two. No time to waste. I tired out your 'friends' enough to be safe".

His brother was terrifying. He might be mad but he was still a strategist at heart. He let himself go limp as his brother dragged him through a portal, as Karma laughed at his misery. The kid would fit right in with this crazy family.

-

The meeting between Karama and his group went surprisingly well. After of course Dream had a chat, before they spotted the kid. Killer was basically a child himself so they got along great. This base was not the most glamorous location, as his brother kept trashing the last ones. It had seen better days but it kept the heat in and water out, so it would do.

It was odd how Karma interacted with his group. He watched them in familiarity and didn't seem surprised by some of their more unique quirks. They other did step away when his group got close to touching him, so perhaps he was more nervous than he appeared. His brother was content to watch from a corner and seemed to loom over the whole room, in silent warning.

"So shorty, why are you here?".

Was Killer trying to get them killed? He felt his SOUL trying to escape his body and wished he had chosen smarter friends.

"I wanted to see if Nightmare had a library".

The disappointment was palpable and his face froze in disbelief at the true reason they had come. His brother was giggling as if this was to be expected. Looking at Cross he instructed him to take the others away. He had reached his quota of SOUL attacks today.

The quiet and peaceful environment was broken, by Karma pulling him and Dream to sit side by side on the old couch. This was the closet he had been to his brother without fighting and it was sad how comforting it was.

He was not expecting Karma to grab one of Dream's wings and show it to him. What followed was the most thorough preening routine he had ever witnessed. He was glad his brother looked just as confused why he was being taught. He interrupted the lecture just having to know.

"Why are you telling me this?"

"For when I'm not here".

It was an innocent statement at first glance and even their expression hadn't changed, but the emotions battered against his senses like a storm. The anticipation followed by pure glee, with sorrow surrounding it all. His brother keened and Nightmare realised the babybones was still holding their wing.

"I'm not leaving you, Karma. You will never be alone".

His brother's eyes seemed clear of the constant madness and pure truth shone through. Karma only hummed in answer, as if unwilling to shatter the others belief. The lecture continued swiftly after. He continued watching what Karma did and admired the care they put into each feather. This was a stark contrast to how their own looked and made his SOUL clench.

"Can I groom you, my crow?".

Nightmare knew this was more than a simple task. They were trying to show in actions that they wanted to keep the other. The agreement was quick but pleased his brother. Their hands reached out but looked unsure where to start. He had an idea and prayed he would not regret it.

"Is your bed still stupidly big, Dream? I haven't seen your place in a while. Be a good place to relax. Only for a bit!".

His brother had been looking a bit too giddy as he talked. This would be temporary only. A portal was opened and Dream indicated for him to go through. He texted his group where he was going and said he shouldn't be long. Taking a calming breath he walked in and looked around the room. It still looked as over the top as last time.

The shuffling noise alerted him to Karma getting on the bed. Dream had grabbed various items and a few medical tools as well. What exactly was he going to see here? He sat on the bed, making sure he stayed out of Dreams' way. Karma's back was facing them as Dream gingerly grabbed one wing to stretch it out. He winced at the bald spots and the scratches on certain sections.

Dreams' fingers were gentle, examining each feather individually and checking for any irregularities. Nightmare watched his brother hum in pleasure, at the general good health of the feathers. Two vials on the bed did catch his attention and he was wary when Dream placed the contents on his hand. The other then spread it on the bald spots and damaged feathers.

It wasn't harmful, if Karams purr was anything to go by. His brother must have noticed his conflicting feelings on the matter, as he explained.

"It's an Inks and Errors magic essence. They are the others initial parents, so their magic will help"

The 'for now' was silently implied. He was curious how the other obtained this but would let himself stay ignorant. The less he knew the less likely he would be dragged into a situation. Ignorance truly was bliss when concerning his brother.

Glancing over he saw his brother was almost done and was now gently running his fingers through both wings. The feathers really shined now and were in surprisingly good condition, if the other wasn't eating. He knew his brother would never allow his family to starve, so what was he doing instead?

Magical feeding could be seen as a very trusting gesture, as nothing could be hidden during it. He knew most monsters would not survive his twin's pure magic. The apples may have given power but it made their magic very potent. Karma was an odd little monster though, as they hadn't reacted to either of their auras. Maybe his brother wasn't as far gone as he had feared, if he was willing to do that.

He smiled as the babybones collapsed. Seems having no pain present was very soothing. It must have been exhausting on their body. Dream finished off his grooming by wrapping white bandages around sensitive spots.

"You should go brother. You must be tired".

He had been sure he would have had to break out of the house but he was pleased at not being forced to stay. Opening a portal he glanced back and felt the gratefulness coming off his brother for helping.

-

Dream was very pleased with how things had gone, even if food was still off the table. He had a few more vials of magic and it was very effective in feather growth. It also seemed to stabilise the others' magic after such a drastic change in circumstances. He would have to get more but did not want to leave them alone.

His brother had been helpful last time and they had met up a few more times in battle with Karma. He could have a go and trust them. He opened a portal to the new 'secret' base and grinned at only seeing his brother.

"Brother~. I need you to look after Karma for a bit when I run an errand. Can you?".

Grinning at the reluctant nod he went back to grab Karma, who was peacefully sleeping. They chirped when he picked them up but went back to sleep in his hold. His child was perfect~.

He placed them next to his brother and went to get what he needed. He could do this in a few hours, if he was smart about it.

Nightmare watched Dream leave and was unsure what to do now. He grabbed the newspaper and continued reading, waiting for the babybones to wake up. Hearing a portal open he didn't react and expected Dream to come through, but the voice was not who he expected.

" What a pain. Are you going to hand them over or do I have to dust you? ".

His skull snapped towards the voice and he paled at seeing an Error variant. The power was familiar to him, so this must be the Destroyer he had met before. He wasted no time grabbing Karma and jumping through his portal. He sent some magic through the rarely used bond with his brother, as he was not equipped to deal with this alone.

He lost count of the number of portals he made but sighed in relief at seeing his brother. He dashed behind him, letting Karma down. He then stood beside Dream to better hide the babybones.

"He was much sneakier than i thought. This will be annoying~"

He was startled when a portal opened behind them.

" Just grabbing fluffy then i'll be gone. Ink won't shut up but this will stop him from screeching in my skull "

Dream was impressed he was finally found. This monster's words might sound cold but the relief and happiness when spotting Karma was obvious. He hadn't had a true battle in a while, so this should be fun. First he had to send his raven home, out of the way of danger. Opening a portal underneath them he was shocked when another seemed to overlap. The interacting magic was unstable so he tried to close it, but it was too late and Karma fell through.

He could find them eventually, thanks to his feather, but first he would show why it was unwise to try and steal what was his.

-

This seemed to be the new normal in this life. The darkness surrounding him looked strangely familiar after opening Inks door. He was impressed that Error had found him, as he saw how paranoid this Dream was. The falling never seemed to end and he was not looking forward to the landing.

He better not fall in a random meeting again. That was way too may monsters. Maybe this was actually the Void? Rather boring but he was sure he could sleep till the end came.

~~~~~~~~

Dream: *acting soft with Karma*

Nightmare: Who are you?! Where is my real brother?!

Dream: *acting feral when he comes near and badmouthing his friends*

Nightmare: Phew. I was worried for a second