Nightmare's POV
I smile as I slowly wake back up to find myself snuggling Killer. He was looking at me with a big grin on his face, already awake.

"Morning, Killer."I say

"Morning Nightmare. What would you like to do today?"He asks

"Probably just relax and do whatever. Nothing crazy after yesterday."I say

"Sounds good to me."He says

I get up to check on everyone. Cross approaches me.

"So I wasn't dreaming. Nightmare, do you know if it removed your other form for good or temporarily?"He asks

"I dunno....Why?"I ask

"I just want to know if I'm ever going to have to protect you. Which I would not mind."He says, leaning closer

I step back.

"Well....uh, thanks? I'll keep ya updated."I say

"Also, I have to tell you something. I would've told you this during truth or dare but it didn't work out so now would be a good time."He says

"Huh?"I say

"I'm in love with you."He admits

I look at him in shock.

So much for relaxing. How do I break this to him?

"You...You're kidding, right?"I say

"I love you. Would you like to go out sometime?"He says

"Ummm, Cross. I'm sorry but I just don't think I'm ready for a relationship right now....I'm sorry. Are you okay with staying friends?"I tell him

He nods.

"Just as long as we aren't completely cut off from each other, I'm good. I just wanted to get that off my chest."He says

He walks away and I head to the library, knowing Xavior said he'd check it out. I go in there through the aisles and find him at a desk with a stack of books labeled the AUs of my friends or specifically about them.

"If you're doing background checks you won't find any problems with them. They have a clean slate with me."I say, making him jump

He looks at me and grins.

"Oh....Hey, Nightmare."He says

"Hey...."I say

"What are you doing?"He asks

"I thought that we could catch up with each other. It has been a while."I say

He smiles and we chat for hours together. He.....Also confessed and I turned him down as well. I sigh as I left the library. I go back to hang out with Killer. The next few days Cross would be especially nice and Xavior would try to flatter or fluster me with compliments, knowing that's my emotional weak spot.

I found myself feeling better around Killer, who besides Error, treated me the same as if nothing changed. They didn't question me, they didn't get overprotective and they didn't get overly affectionate either. They were just themselves and let me act as if nothing changed. And I liked that. But the more time I spent with Killer, the more I let my guard down and my feelings started to show more. I started feeling the butterflies and the soul doing backflips around him. I kept it to myself though. Dunno how he'd feel about that.

I started spending my time more in the training room, doing the same exercises that were made for Horror or Killer. I have not been able to turn back yet so the exercises I usually did are impossible for me to do. I wanted to be able to defend myself or show that I don't need them all to be so protective. I want to be able to fight alongside them as well. Yeah, I want that but actually getting there is a different story since I've never done these exercises before and my body is pretty weak.

One day I got a strange feeling in my room that I'm being watched. How is that possible? Nobody is around me. And I don't see a peekhole. And Error's not that lazy. And why does it feel like it suddenly got colder? I could sense a negative presence from the corner of my room, but there was nothing there that I could see. Two portals suddenly open and before I could react a hand grabs me.

"What the? LET GO OF ME!"I snap

A sinister laugh is heard from it but I was able to tear free. My crown falls off and I toss my book aside. I could hear running footsteps toward my room. The source of the negative aura begins to come through but while I was focusing on that portal, a hand pulled me through the second.

"HEY!"I yelp

"Don't worry, your safe now. That was close. Good thing you were awake."A voice says

I glance at the portal to see it shut before I could attempt to go back home. I glance ahead to see the stranger that pulled me through extending a hand to me. Clearly male, white bones, purple outfit, purple eyes, and crescent chain of streaks down their cheeks.

"Please come with me, Nightmare."He says

"Who the heck are you?"I ask, stepping back

"I'm Marlon. You're in my universe now."He says

"And why did you bring me here?"I ask

"Oh you don't understand the situation do you?"He says

"Not at all."I say

"Okay, walk and talk with me. I don't want to stay out and risk getting into danger."He says

I didn't sense any negativity or troubles from Marlon. Plus he probably saved me from whatever was causing that negative aura, so I nod and walk with him.

"Okay, so this universe is like an inverse of your timelines but has some random stuff that makes it original as well. It swaps the roles of you and Killer to put it simply."He says

"Okay?"I say

"Let me tell you the tale for it. Once there were four siblings named Kai, Kiran, and Leo and a sister named Latifah. They were guardians like you and your brother were except they kept the balance between peace and violence. Kai kept the peace or end of battles in place, Kiran kept mercy or values in battle in check, and Leon kept the violence or actual battles from getting out of hand. Latifah was the time-keeper, she made sure they didn't last too long. They each had sacred trees or bushes. Kai had an olive tree, Kiran had a strawberry bush, and Leon had a grape tree. Latifah had an orange tree. People would come to recieve one of their fruits, never all of them at once. They'd come for the olive for peace or to bless the end of a conflict, a strawberry for mercy from an enemy or to reclaim the values in battle like justice, and a grape to bless any lives lost in the upcoming war or good luck and for them to benefit from the conflict. They could get oranges depending on how long they wish for it to last. The people would get checked by the four of course, don't want pointless murders, and if a person with bad intentions took one of the sacred treats, they'd get corrupted. The people were always good to them....But it got lonely. Most of the folks would hang out with them only because they were the guardians of the sacred treats."He explains, then pauses to let it sink in

I nod, allowing him to continue.

"Kai was the youngest of the four and was determined to change that. He thought it would be best to get some true friends since the villagers or travelers seemed to be getting cocky and were clearly toxic. He packed the little he had, told his older brothers and sister his plan and left to venture out in search of folks that will love them for who he and his brothers are, not just what they have. The other three looked after his olive tree while he traveled. One day he came across a village that he did not recognize any of the residents and got full of hope. He greeted them all and spent time bonding with each of them. Then he came across a set of siblings. Three brothers and a sister. Same ages as him and his siblings and don't have a clue who he or his siblings are. They were simple folks in the village, not leaders or rulers that usually came to the trees and bush for help. Those four were my siblings and I, named Nirvan, Nadim, and Neoma. He believed not only were they good friends, but that they could be like the ying to the yang that are he and his brothers, bring balance to their lives. He fell hard for my little brother Nirvan, who for a while was clueless."He explains

"Then one day the village was ambushed and attacked in a raid. My siblings and I hid in our home but he refused to. He planted the pits of olives around our house, quickly making them grow. It created a barrier where nothing and nobody with ill-intent or violence can enter. Then when the soldiers raiding the village saw him and how angry the guardian of peace was especially since he saw that they did not have grapes so they were not blessed for this attack, they fled as quick as they could. Everyone was astounded and then he realized that he revealed the secret. But my village treated him just the same, being pacifist in nature and never looking for conflict. My village only wished to meet his brothers. So, he happily took us to his home where his brothers were waiting. The people made a trail right from the village and he explained everything to his siblings. That became their favorite village."He continues

"Okay....I'm not hearing an issue yet...."I say, lost on how this includes me and how long this walk is

"Each of the siblings eventually fell in love. Kai fell in love with Nirvan, who honestly looks a lot like you. I fell for Kiran, Neoma and Leon started dating and then Nadim fell in love with Latifah. The toxic villages or travellers started getting upset that we were with them more often. Suddenly them having lives outside of being a guardian was a problem. Then one day Kai discovered the chaotic multiverse with Nirvan. They planned to go on trips to explore it or help bring some balance to it and report their findings to their siblings. They usually felt trapped in our world and found freedom in the various AUs. That was the last straw. With the help of a being named Shattered, the villagers killed my brother Nirvan and attempted to kill Kai to take his sacred olives for themselves. Others got cockier and tried to take out the rest of us to take it all for themselves, but only managed to kill Nirvan and put Kai into a coma temporarily. Enraged at these deeds and seeking vengeance, Kai's siblings took each of the sacred treats and hid them away, taking a taste of each to allow them to control this conflict for their benefit. To allow them to have a good start, keep the values of their goals and mercy in mind, let them take however they need to achieve it and have a peaceful end. But since they had anger and vengeance on their minds, their forms were corrupted but since their souls had a search for justice, they kept control of themselves and could use new powers to do so. My siblings and I have stuck by them and when Kai woke up, we started working on the things he had planned but with different reasons. We'd explore or watch parts of the multiverse to try to gain knowledge about it, then take action if needed. Shattered seemed to be hunting down versions of you to kill or torture, like he did with Nirvan, so we started tracking his movements, saving versions of you or taking them away to safety before he even had a chance. Now, they stay in a castle with us where in the center of the structure grows the sacred plants, safe from any evil beings trying to steal it. We keep them here where they are safe and happy and ensure it stays that way unless someone they trust comes to take them elsewhere. Which now includes you. And we just narrowly missed an encounter with Shattered. Ah, we have arrived. Come along."He concludes, taking me inside a castle with the radiant colors of a flame-red, orange and yellow-that seemed to shine in the early morning light

Yes, the sun here finally rose.

"Interesting....Did you always have those crescent streaks?"I ask

"No. Much like your timeline, they each had to change our souls which changed us, but different from the popular reason of Nightmares changing the souls. Kiran did it to save my life, plus it's my family's favorite shape. Neoma had to get changed just so she doesn't die by their corrupted touch and Nadim had to get changed because Shattered corrupted his code so the change fixed it.."He tells me

I see numerous other versions of me walking around, looking slightly or greatly different from me in numerous forms. I was amazed, never really seeing other versions like this before. I also see babies through a window in cribs like in an nursery or something. Then in another I saw kids playing.

"Who are all of them?"I ask

"Those are ship children and babies. Basically children you had in different timelines with different people. They are also under our protection."He tells me

"Interesting...."I say softly, continuing to follow him.

We walk around as I take in the sights. The interior walls were painted darker colors in most rooms like shades of blue or purple. Torches lit the hallways and it looked quite lovely.

"Hey! Marlon my dear! You have returned!"A voice says

"Yep! Mission success!"He says

Two skeletons stop in front of him and I. One wore a top hat, another wore a cap, both were in suits. The one with the top hat had a red glow to him while the one with the cap had a white glow with eye streaks like Killer. Yet both were covered in goop like my other form.

"Ah, well done! Welcome Nightmare to our sweet home! We assure you that you'll be safe here and that we'll find a safe place or person for you to go to when you leave!"The top hat man says, taking off his hat and bowing politely

"So good to see that you are okay. And please mind his manners, he is bad at introductions. I am Leon and this is Kiran. I am sure Marlon filled you in on things."The one in the cap says, shaking my hand

I nod.

"We already have a room set up for you and everything you could need. You may go wherever you like. But maybe you should settle in first.*Clap*Blades! Take him to his room!"Kiran says

"And don't worry, this timeline is very secure. Our magic combined to make a barrier to keep others out. Plus Latifah changed the code to only let people in if we want them. So if your friends look for you or foes try to look for you, they won't. Simple as that. We'll find them though."Leon says

A bunch of giant knives march out, leading me away while he takes Marlon and his brother in the opposite direction. They lead me up a few stairwells and down some hallways to my new room. I went inside, finding it very safe, cozy and having a welcoming feeling. The knives leave and I sit on the bed. I feel a buzzing from my pocket. I take out my phone to find Killer calling.

"Hello?"I say when I answer

"Nightmare! Where are you? Are you okay?"Killer asks me

I grin.

"I'm okay. I'm...somewhere. It's hard to explain. Are you okay?"I tell him

"Yeah, some weirdo came into your room but left as soon as he saw you weren't here."He says

"Oh...."I say

"What's your surroundings? What happened?"He asks

"Well, apparently I was taken in by a group of alternate versions of you and I, inverse even, who have a goal to protect people from someone named Shattered? And they say nobody can enter unless they allow it, not even with code. They said they'll come to look for you guys soon."I say

I only hear silence on the other end.

"Killer?"I say

"We're coming to get you."He says

"O-Okay..."I say

Click.

There is a knock at my door. I open it to see a girl and a black and red figure behind her.

"You must be the newest Nightmare! It is so nice to meet you! I am Neoma and this is Kai! Is there anything you need as you settle in?"She asks

"N-No, I'm good. I think I'm going to sleep. Thank you though and it's nice to meet you both as well."I tell her

They both nod, walking away.

I shut the door and slept to the next morning.

When I woke up, I was taken down to get some food and spent time bonding with the other residents or guests here. A common topic among the other Nightmares was gushing about their lovers or crushes. Error, Ink, Killer, Cross, you name it. And they started to talk to me or teach me about signs or tips of what to do since they found that I was new to that topic. I mean, I will admit that I did need their guidance because I didn't know where to start with that. Plus they had successful relationships so they are good sources, right? They also told me about the warning signs or red flags to watch out for of course, which I thanked them for. I met Latifah during these conversations-she loves hearing this topic from anyone who is brought here.

One day I met Nadim and for a while I would come to listen to him playing the violin beautifully.

Time seemed to move so fast here. And I haven't heard anything from my friends....Well at least I am not alone here.

Latifah brought me to a ballroom one day, wishing to teach me something else related to love. She starts to teach me to dance. It was hard, but she made it fun.

"Keep your eyes on me! Don't look down to your feet! That makes you self-conscious and more likely to trip! Plus it keeps the connection going!"She advises me

I listen with a nod. She twirls us around as she has us waltz across the empty ballroom floor. The room seemed to light up brighter as we did so. Then she pulls me into a dip.

"And pause! From here you can often get creative! You could add your own moves but often this is the key moment to go in for a special moment! Just be yourself! But, this is how you dance with someone special in case the chance ever comes."She says

I was amazed and felt my face burn, knowing what she meant by special moment.

I start to picture using what I learned, but my mind couldn't settle on someone to imagine doing it with so it was just an anonymus figure. I'm still uncertain about my feelings though, so it makes sense. But I will be sure to use this in the future.

"T-Thanks..."I say

Then we hear footsteps coming. We get out of the dip so nobody gets the wrong idea.

"Hello?"I hear a voice call

"Cross?"I saw

The footsteps quicken....

"Heyo!"Cross says as he enters with a wave and big grin, Killer following behind him

I notice how upset Killer looked. I could sense his negativity. My mind seems to tune everything out as my sight zoned in on Killer and my mind questioned what could be wrong as well as how to help.

Cross walks in front of me and sets the crown on my head. That's when I snapped out of it.

What was that? Why'd I do that? Wait....I actually have feelings for Killer! Nononononono! He only sees me as a friend! I can't screw that up! What do I doooo? Wait, calm down. Just follow their advice.....Could he like me? Is there anyone he rants about, hinting that he has a crush? Outer this, Outer that. Yes, he does. Chances are he likes Outer or someone else....He surely only sees me as a friend so I must preserve it and follow their advice by not showing it and even moving on from this crush to someone else. Someone that actually has an interest. A crush is temporary after-

"There, much better. Nightmare, you in there? You seem spaced out."Crosssays, readjusting my crown

"Y-Yeah."I say

Latifah noticed my situation and grins. She started a conversation with Cross which allowed me to go to Killer.

"Hey, Killer. Is everything ok? You seem pretty down."I say

"Those other versions of me seemed pretty disappointed that I was the inverse of them. They questioned if I'm good enough to protect or even be with you..."He says

"Well don't listen to them, Killer. They don't exactly know you very well. And they can't decide who I hang around. To me you are more than good enough."I say

He smiles at me, his cheeks turning red. I take off my crown, tucking it away.

"What were you doing with that girl?"He asks

"She was teaching me how to dance."I say

"You never learned or danced before?"He asks

"Do you realize who you're asking?"I chuckle

"Right. But why the sudden interest?"He asks

"Never know when something will come up. Knowing is better than not knowing I guess."I say

Then I notice Killer's formal attire.

"What's the occassion for you to get all dressed up? Are you going on a date or something?"I ask

"Well I was hoping that I-"He begins

"Yep, he is going on a date with his Outer friend!"Cross says as he slides in and pushes Killer away

Knew it....They were right about the rants.... Welp, at least I know I have to move on instead of hurting myself by having feelings for him.

I look at Killer as he tries to fight with Cross, both of them shooting each other looks or communicating through glares and shoves it seemed.

"Is that true, Killer?"I ask

"Well, yes I was going to see Outer-"He replies

"See? I was right! Come on, Nightmare, you know I'd never lie to you. You know how I feel about you."Cross says

I feel my face burn, knowing what he meant.

I nod.

"Speaking of which, I wanted to ask you about that. I know you said you weren't sure if you were ready for a relationship, but how do you know if you don't try? You can try it with me and if you're certain then that you are not ready, we'll just stay friends."He says

I am silent. He takes my crown from my pocket and sets it back on my head.

"So? What do you say?"He asks

"Move onto someone who actually has an interest in you." Cross clearly does and tells me so.....Plus it will be my first relationship and he seems very flexible with my feelings like he just stated....Why not give it a try?

"Alright, let's give it a try."I say

Killer looked very upset. I could sense his emotions were mixing and boiling.

"Cool! Come on then! I already have an idea for our date!"He says, pulling me away

Killer trails behind us. I take a quick glance at him.

"I hope you enjoy your date with Outer, he's very lucky...."I tell him

He said nothing, bowing his head.

Cross took us home and I smiled. Killer left to go to Outertale. Outer is so lucky....If he breaks Killer's soul, I'll break HIS.

I had no idea how quick things between Cross and I would go downhill though.

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

TBC