Nightmare's POV, weeks later

Uuuugh..........Another day here.........Can it get much worse?

I sit up or at least try to given my lack of legs. Yeah, I should explain that.

This other Killer abducted me, putting me in some sort of labrynth for my "safety" after experimenting on me. He wanted to protect me from Shattered apparently, though I was conscious at one point to catch Shattered messing with the chemicals that he later injected into me. The results of the tests took away my feet and replaced it with a bunch of tentacles for a body below my hips, not to mention flowers growing out of numerous wounds from the injection methods. He got a corrupted form somehow and claims this is one of the safest place for me to stay. He seems so much like my Killsy with memories and personality, probably a close timeline's Killer. I dunno what went wrong but he visits and is super protective of me. He speaks low of my Killsy, calling him weak and all these insults because he doesn't have his knowledge or power and whatever....It's like he is trying to stop whatever happened in his world from happening to me or wants to fix his past by making a new life with me. He......scares me, honestly. I never thought that I'd fear Killer, but this one has me scared to the bone with what he may do next. He is unstable but somehow he seems to stabilize when he is with me. He never attacks me or beats me, but he threatens the lives of anyone who tries to take me away. That and I'm scared of escaping and sending him over the edge and hurting others or himself. I've learned not to run when he calls for me, no matter where I am in these maze.

Not to say he's pure evil. He's actually pretty loving and sweet, just like my Killsy. It's just the circumstances aren't right with so much tension and it just isn't right being stuck here. Not to mention what he did to me for "our future".......We have a complicated relationship.

I sit up, the tentacles flopping over. Sure enough, CK as I internally call him, was sitting in a chair watching me.

"Morning sweetheart, what did you dream about?"He asks

"Just dreams about my son....He must be so worried.......You do realize that you acted like Shattered by taking his parent away again and haven't given an explanation? How is it even morning?"I say, not even allowed to have a clock in this room he keeps me in

There's a bed, mini fridge, table with books or other objects to keep me busy, two chairs and paintings on the walls. Nothing too high tech and can't make portals. There is a single door leading to the maze that he has decorated with flowers and life for me to explore as I please. But half the time I know better than to leave this room or he will panic. I only know that he keeps the fridge loaded with my favorite foods and only know time based on his presence or activity. Then there's a closet full of shirts only really.

"Right..."He says, setting a clock above a painting before sitting down.

I look at him as he sits down beside me.

"My...Nighty got killed by Shattered on his way to see Triton and a grandkid........He had sealed away his corrupted form in the attic so I simply took it and swore to never let it happen again. Shattered wrecked my entire world after that........But not anymore. We'll be great together."He says, kissing my cheek

I knew better than to mention my Killsy.

"R-Right...."I say, bowing my head

He smiles at me.

"Now, I'll be going to try to hunt him down. Now, to make things easier for you, I set up some snakes to explore and report back to you about the maze."He says, then teleports away

I stayed where I sat, the snakes giving me hourly updates. I could understand them somehow and then they'd sneak off. I got up eventually, exploring the labrynth a bit and checking to make sure flowers are watered, the most I could do lately. I heard a faint voice echoing, sounding like they were crying. I frown, knowing nobody should be here. I send a few snakes, able to see through their eyes now. There, I see Killer walking through the maze. He was crying and seeming to walk aimlessly. He held a ring in his hand.

"Please please please please let Nighty be okay! I'll protect him with everything in me! I'll give him all the love I have and make him the happiest guy around! Just please let him be okay! I'll never hurt him like this piece of shit or do anything anyone tries or have done to him! Please! He has to be okay!"He cries, begging to nobody in sight

He is walking around a lion's den! If CK comes back and finds him, he is dead!

The snake slithers up the walls and hangs its head down over him.

"Kiiiillllssssseeeee....."It hisses

Killer looks up at it as it slithers back down the wall.

"Nighty? Do you know where my Nighty is?"He says

The snake slithers away and I lost connection to it.

"Hey! Wait up! I want my Nighty!"He cries out, his voice echoing

I head back to the room, checking my clock to see it is 2PM. The snake comes in, wrapping around me as another two leave. The snake fills me in on what's happening. I hear running footsteps and turn to see Killer stopping dead in his tracks.

"Killer?"I say

He didn't answer, just stared.

"Killsy? I-Is that you?"I ask

"N-N-Nighty? W-W-W-W-W-What a-a-a-re hap-happened....Are you okay?"He asks

"Okay is.........debatable. Internal jury is still out on that. But it could be worse. Killsy, I-"I begin

He runs quickly over to me, hugging me in tears.

"Nighty! I love you. I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you! I'm going to get you out of here!"He says

"How did you even GET here? I put the castle in lockdown!"I ask worriedly

"Yeah your little creation Osmond let me search for you. You didn't think anything could keep me from you, huh? I will protect you. Just take my hand."He says

"I...I can't. Killsy, you need to go. If you go,you'll be able to escape before he returns. He is going to kill you if he finds you here. I can't leave, even if I try. If I don't leave, you could be safe. From him, Shattered, and who knows who else that've put targets on your backs because of me.....How can you love me after all the trouble I put you through?"I tell him, sending the snakes to keep an eye out for CK

He looks at me.

"Nighty, you're shaking! What has he done to you?"He asks, stepping forward

I back up nervously. Thoughts ran through my head and none of them were good after hours of being stuck here with only my mind to keep me company while CK is gone. He gently wraps his arms around me anyway, a hand resting on the tentacles that sprouted below my waist.

"It doesn't matter! You can see what was done! I don't want to see what he'll do to you! He's unstable! He took my corrupted form in his timeline and has grown worse! Shattered set him off by destroying his world. He's still you, just lost and trying to fix something that he cannot fix. The only thing he has really done to me is trap me here for my safety. You need to go, Killsy. He will kill you if he finds you! I love you, Killsy, but I can't let you get hurt! Not because of me! Not again! Not ever!"I tell him

"Nighty, don't blame yourself for other people's actions. It's my choice to love and protect you and nothing will make me change my decision. It's their choice to meddle with it or use violence, not you. It's not on you so stop thinking that nonsense. I will get you out of here. Come on."He says, gently tugging me forward

"Please...Go back where you are safe. I set up those protocols for a reason. To protect you and everyone else! Wait, is everyone else okay? Is Dream okay? Triton or Jay? Have they been safe?"I ask

"...Why.....Why do you do all this?"He asks

"Huh?"I say

"The protocols, plans, sacrifices, concern, all of it. Why do you do all that? Always worrying and looking to protect others without a second thought about yourself?"He asks, pinning me to a wall

"Because I love you and everyone I protect. I know what it's like to be alone and defenseless. If I can't keep myself safe, I will sure as hell protect my loved ones instead."I say, resting my hand on his cheek and forcing a smile

"But who is going to protect you, huh? You have value and are loved too! I just wish in these situations that you'd act like it and worry for your own life! It hurts me when you talk as if you don't matter. Cause you do. You matter so much to me. I'm going to love you and protect you, okay? That's final."He says with a frown

"Why do you stay? After everything I've done or what has happened, why? Why do you love me when all I've been is trouble...."I say, breaking into tears

"But isn't that love? For better or for worse, right? You just can't think of all the positives cause you're stuck blaming yourself."He says

"But we're not married! That's part of marriage vows! You could find so much better for so much less trouble! Please, Killsy, I don't want you getting hurt."I tell him

"Not yet."He says softly

"What does tha-?"I begin, but get silenced with a kiss

The snakes slithered up to me during the kiss, warning me that CK came back early. I push Killsy back gently to end the kiss.

"You need to go, Killsy. Please. He's coming back and will kill you if he finds you."I whisper

"Oh Nighty dear! I'm back!~"I hear CK's voice echo

"I'm not leaving you here."He whispers

"Than HIDE."I whisper

He climbs into the closet and I wipe my tears. I sit down at the table, looking at the papers. I could sense CK's presence without even looking up.

"What are you doing my dear?"He asks

"Well I was going to do some puzzles you gave me but realized that I did them already. Heh, so I'm just trying to find ways to keep myself busy."I say

"You don't have to be busy! You can relax! I made sure of it! Stress isn't good for you."He says, bending over me

"Well if I don't keep myself busy, I'm left with my thoughts and worry about my loved ones. I'm alone down here unable to reach them and know that they're okay! And this UnderNovela themed puzzle only reminds me of Error and makes me worry about him more for example! Will I ever get to see them again besides when I sleep?"I say, avoiding mentioning Killsy since I know that sets him off

CK seems to think about what I said, trying to make a response. Then he comes closer and reaches for me. I back away, never liking it when he touches me.

"My apologies. I never meant to cause you that kind of harm or stress. Maybe I'll set up a TV or something so you could watch UnderNovela."He says, then starts kissing me all over

His grip was tight on me so I couldn't break away.

"Let go! That hurts!"I snap at him

He ignores me, pulling me closer to him and only tightening his grip.

"I'll love you better than that worthless pile of bones can, then it won't hurt when you accept it. He is a disgrace to my name."He says

"Stop insulting him! Your insults and everything you do only makes things worse! My Killsy is not insane or cruel like-"I snap at him

SLAP!

I silence myself under his cold stare and feel tears form in my eyes from the sting of his hit. I knew I screwed up. I mentioned Killsy. He tosses me onto the bed and my head hits the wall. He climbs on top of me and holds me down with a hand on my chest, a tentacle looming above me with the shape of a sharp knife's blade at the end.

"Maybe I'll bring a friend to visit you. But you know who not to request, right, my love?"He says

"Y-Yes, I do.."I say

"You know I love you right? Things may be scary or confusing right now but deep down I'm the Killsy you're meant to be with."He says

I just nod my head, not even looking at him now.

"In fact, I made a new friend! He has the same goals as me! To take down Shattered and protect their soulmate! He's setting up on the other end of the labrynth so soon you won't be so lonely when we're gone! Especially when the miracles come!~"He says

Shivers went down my spine, fearing everything he just suggested.

"But there aren't any signs and it's been at least two months of me stuck down here. Are you sure the test worked?"I ask

"I'm sure of it. There's no way it failed. We just need patience."He says, shoving me deeper into the bed as if to emphasize his words against my doubts

"And what will happen if it did work? I've never dealt with any of those things. And how good can I possibly be in that situation stuck like this down here? Are you even going to stay or are you just going to repeat this with another Nightmare?"I ask, knowing how unstable he is

"I would never abandon you. I will do everything I can to make sure things go right. You've handled so many other things, this will be no different. Could you please let me check on the progress?"He asks with a look that ordered me to comply

I hesitated and could feel my soul pound, knowing Killsy is watching from the closet. But I also know that I can't say no to CK.

And of course it's the experiment Shattered meddled with.

I nod, letting my magic take form. My shirt tightened as a result.

"You're beautiful.~ I'll be sure to get some how-to books for you to read so that you worry less about those what if's. You'll do great."He says, feeling the belly through the shirt

Then, he teleports away again.

I quickly go to the closet and open it to check on Killsy. He hid himself behind all the jackets and shirts hanging up but I could see his cheeks burning and his empty stare. His mouth hung open.

"Are you okay?"I ask

His gaze scanned my body and I backed up, crossing my arms as he climbs out.

"I know I look ridiculous but I can't undo it.."I say

"Nighty...You look beautiful."He says

Would he really think that if he knew why CK did this to me? What Shattered did?

"What was he talking about when he spoke about miracles?"He asks

"He......Did experiments on me with some chemicals.......Some he didn't know Shattered meddled with............And, well, he's hoping to have a baby result from one. There haven't been any signs of it but he still hopes for it."I say

"WHAT?!"He snaps

I flinched from the overwhelming amount of anger I could hear and sense from him. He steps closer and I back away, terrified that he might be angry with me and hurt me in his rage. I could see the rage on his face and glance away, feeling weak for letting this happen and ashamed that he knows now. Just as he must be of me. What kind of boyfriend am I to let myself get used like this? I should have his kids someday, not this creep's!

"Shattered is manipulating this whole thing...He said that he wanted to turn your innermost desire against you.....So he's probably trying to make you mad at me. I can sense anger and hatred from you so it must be working."I say, too scared to look at him

"I'm mad and hating them, not you Nighty."He says

He steps closer to me and holds my chin, making me look at him. He feels my cheek softly and I flinch from his touch. His emotions only grew worse. But I sensed his love growing and almost ready to burst from him. I lean into his touch despite the pain, feeling our common love for each other and hoping we could get past this someday. I even hoped for the test to fail so there was less to get past. Cause having the child of that creep is just a whole different issue to get past with him. But I still want that chance and it can't happen if he stays. I lean forward and he takes the chance, kissing me. It was gentle and sweet. He wraps his arms around me and I wrap mine around him, wishing to never let go. We open our eyes and there was nothing but love when we looked at each other.

"Don't make me go. Don't push me away."He says

"Please go....I don't want him to come back and find you..."I tell him

He frowns but goes back through the labyrinth without another word.

After a few hours, the snakes report that he's gone and lead me to the other side of the labyrinth where a new room was. The door was shut but the snakes got inside. The door opens and I see Error standing there but with the lower body of a spider. His expression told me everything and he hugs me, an overwhelming sense of fear and pain coming from him. I lead him to my room and he sits beside me, seeming to like this spot better.

"Who got corrupted enough to come after you?"I ask

"SoMe oThEr InK.....DiD aNoThEr KilLeR tAkE yOu?"He asks

I nod.

"We nEed tO gEt OuT oF hErE."He says

"But what if they come back? They'll go nuts if we're gone."I say

"BuT it's bEtTer tHan bEinG hErE whEn tHey gO cRaZy. EspEciAllY gIvEn whAt tHey sEt iN moTioN. If We dO tHis RigHt, tHey woN't kNow."He says, opening a screen of code

"Error, did that Ink try.......?"I begin but dare not say

"He wAnTeD tO sTaRt a fAmiLy. LeAst To Say, GrAdiEnT mAy gEt tO bE a Big bRotHer. NoW i aM gOinG tO sEt Up oUr EscApe, hAve yoUr snAkeS fInd tHe eXit."He says, typing away

I do as he says and the snakes begin their search. Error finished his coding and with a single tap, two exact clones of us appeared with souls and everything. Then the snakes returned, saying that they found an exit. Error and I look at each other, then follow the snakes away. Once we were far enough, Error activated the clones. We found a large staircase rising upwards. I grab his hand and we cautiously make our way up. The sun started to shine in and soon we had made it out and into a field once the staircase ended. It felt so good to have the sun on us again. We both smiled, then went as fast as we could away from that wretched trap.

Error climbs up a tree, using his strings to pull me up. He opens another code screen.

"What's that for?"I ask as he types away

A portal opens and a glitchy Papyrus comes through.

"BroThEr? YoU cAlLeD? I'vE bEen wOrRieD abOuT yOu aNd sO hAve yOuR fRiEnDs! EspEciAlLy InK anD GrAdiEnT!"He says

Error drops down and leads me down with him.

"NiGhTmArE, tHiS iS mY bRo E!PaP."He says

E!Pap looks at us worriedly and pulls us through the portal to an anti-void. He codes up a giant fish bowl with water and drops me into it, submerging my lower body in it while Error explains what happened, knitting to let out stress using his multiple hands. His brother calls everyone and next thing I know, Triton with a bunch of the other kids are around the fish bowl speaking a mile a minute at once. Accompanying Triton is Jay who is trying to calm him down. Then the council arrives with Gradient, who ran and hugged Error instantly. Dovin, Larissa, and a few others joined the kids around the fish bowl. Larissa actually shrunk down to be slightly taller than me instead of a giant able to squash us with a single step. Carlos, the Creator of Crafts, went beside Error.

"We'll be taking them for a checkup."Larissa says, carrying the fish bowl away with me in it and Carlos takes Error away

Dovin scoops me up, taking me out of the fish bowl. The council takes Error&I to private rooms for checkups. By the end of it, I was healed of any wounds and the chemicals were undone. They gave me new clothes too. Then Larissa returned to my room with tears in her eyes. Following her was Annabelle.

"Nightmare, we found some alarming information from the exams of your condition as well as Error. You both have baby souls forming in you...."She says

"W-What? But there haven't been any signs! I checked each week that I was trapped!"I say

"Annabelle didn't purify them or allow it, so no signs showed. Now you're going to tell me everything they did and where we can find these bastards."She says, grabbing my arm

I was still processing the news and see her eyes turn red.

"NOW. We will make them pay."She says

I nod, telling her everything and writing down the directions to find our abductors.

"I don't have a clue where Shattered would be though."I say

She grows to her normal size and summons her scepter. She presses a button and a flaming blade rises from the top of the scepter.

"I'll improvise."She says, leaving

Annabelle approaches me.

"....Is there a way to know who is the other parent?"I ask

She nods.

"It's not your aductors. It matches your Killsy and for Error it matches the Ink of your timeline. If you'd like, I can dismiss the attempts and it'll fade away. Or I can purify the soul and you'll have a little baby. It's up to you."She says

How does Shattered plan for this to hurt us? This is nothing that Killer may desire....He doesn't even speak of having a kid or family....He denied having those specific desires...How did Killer's DNA or code or whatever even get in the experiment?! But yet....I like the thought of having a kid all our own, not taken from another timeline. Maybe Triton will like the little sibling too....Dream obviously would love being an uncle.......It cannot be that bad, right?

"I'll........Keep the baby. Error is his own choice."I say

"You'll have to keep the magic form though."She says

"I can do it. There has been worse."I say

"Try not to stress too much. We'll take care of you both so you don't have anything to worry about."She tells me

With a twirl of her finger, the soul was purified. I could finally see it developing in my belly and my belly slightly bulged to keep it in. I felt strangely cold suddenly but with a hoodie, I warmed up.

I went to see Error after Annabelle left his room. He apparently made the same choice as me. He and I gave each other a look of understanding as he put on another hoodie with baggy sweatpants. His brother came, taking us home. He went right to find Gradient and our buddies while I went to see where my friends and brother may be.

I find Dream and Color in the library, reading books and looking stressed though.

Dream sighs.

"Color what are we going to do? We're nowhere near finding Nightmare or Error, Killer is going crazy, and we haven't found anywhere new to search!"He says

"I dunno, we can just hope for the best."Color says

"I just hope they're okay...."Dream says

"Hey, Dream, Error's brother found us and dropped us off here an hour ago."I say, spooking them both

They both turn around, staring at me in shock.

"How the fu-"Color begins

"BROTHER!"He cheers, hugging me

"Are you okay? Is Error okay? Do you need medical attention? Is there something I should do or go to? I'm so glad you're okay! It's so good to have you back! I-"He begins rapidly talking

I hush him, trying to soothe him. He looks at me in tears.

"How are you so calm?"He asks

"The council is handling things now. They told me not to worry."I say

And it's unhealthy for someone else if I am stressed. I....have to tell someone though. Killer may be too mad if he found out and hate me......I'm scared and not ready to tell him.

"Also apparently we're getting new ones in the group."I say softly after taking some deep breaths

"Are we stealing them?"Dream asks

"New or used by Fate?"Color asks

"Wonderful responses, both of you."I sigh

"What? They're good questions."Color says

"What was that supposed to mean?"Dream asks me

"Don't worry about it. I'll go find Horror and the others."I say

I head out and smile when I find Horror and Blue cooking in the kitchen together.

"What do you need now, Blue?"Horror asks

"I have everything I need. What are you making?"Blue asks

"Well since you're making pie to celebrate, I'm making some healthier food to balance it out."Horror says

"Makes sense."Blue says

I glance around for a moment to make sure nobody else is around or coming.

"Hey guys..."I say, feeling suddenly tired.

"Oh! Hey, Nightmare! You feeling alright? Error said you both went through hell."Horror says

"Y-Yeah...Just a bit tired."I say

"Well worry not about hunger because Horror and I are making a good meal to celebrate you and Error returning safely! Have you talked to Killer yet?"Blue says

"No...."I say, tensing at the idea

"You okay?"Horror asks

"Umm, how much did Error tell you?"I ask

"That you guys were tortured, experimented on, trapped, in living hell basically? Why? Is there something else?"He asks

"Well.....Someone new is joining the group."I say, hinting to the news

"Really? When will we meet them?"Blue asks, his eyes shining with excitement

"Nine months."I say

Horror caught on quickly. His face turned to shock, then went dark with rage.

"HE....DID THAT? TO YOU?! Where is he so I could make a head-dog out of that bastard!"He snaps

"Horror, calm down. The council is handling it."I say

"Why are you even keeping the baby from them? After what they put you through?"He asks

"It's not theirs...The test failed....Shattered somehow meddled with it to make it not their kid....It's complicated but this baby is not at fault for their origin and shouldn't be punished or hurt for it."I say

"Well, I'm sure he or she will be adorable and a lovely addition to the group!"Blue says

"If you need anything, tell us. We'll take care of you."Horror says

"Is it the same case for Error?"Blue asks

I nod.

"I'll go check on him to make sure he is okay."He says

"Umm, please don't tell Killer. I don't know how he will react."I say

"Are you kidding? He'd love this news!"Blue says

"Please, Blue?"I ask

He sighs, nodding. Then he runs off. I look at Horror. He pulls me into a hug.

"You don't have to explain or give a reason. If you don't feel comfortable, I won't put you at unease. I will keep it between us."He reassures me

"Thank you, Horror."I say

"Though I can imagine that it will get harder to hide. Killer may not have eye-lights but he isn't blind or stupid."He says

"I do not plan on keeping it hidden that long. I just want to find the words to explain it with a clear mind....Now just doesn't seem to be the right time to just drop that kind of bombshell on him."I say

He nods. We part ways and I go to my room. It was dark and eerie and I didn't feel comfortable being alone in it anymore. I heard oncoming rapid footsteps and glance over, seeing Killsy running towards me.

"Nighty!"He exclaims, opening his arms as he ran to me

He was blocked by Cross who came out of nowhere.

"Slow down Killer. Dream says that Nightmare is in very delicate condition. You must be gentle with him, which means not running at him like a crazed bull."Cross says

"Whatever! I know how to care for my Nighty!"He says, shoving Cross aside and hugging me

Cross rolls his eyes and walks away.

"Nighty! Color told me what happened! I'm so happy you're back safely! I don't care what others try, you're my Nighty and I'll keep loving you and nothing can stop me!"He says, nuzzling his head against mine

"That's really sweet, Killsy...."I say

"Having said that, I'm going to show you all the love I can right now! Come on! I have a whole thing set up for us! You'll love it! There's puzzles, treats, books, and we could do-"He says excitedly.

He pauses once noticing the look in my eyes.

"Something wrong? You've never stared so intensely..."He asks

"Just......tired. Didn't get much sleep stuck down there."I say, my body starting to rock back and forth

"Say no more!"He says, taking me into my room and tucking me into bed

I glance at him as he sits in a chair by the window.

"Nobody is stealing you from me."He says, then looks out the window

"I love you...Killsy, about what was said down there..."I begin

"Don't worry about it. Just get some rest."He says

"I-Okay..."I say, dozing off

TBC