Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

~

Dream was meeting with Error at a random, quiet placeholder AU. One where they would not be bothered, or questioned.

“Please Error. I’ve tried all I can, really, but he’s growing too powerful. I can not do this alone.” Dream was doing all he could to convince Error to help him with his plan— it was of utmost importance! For the sake of the multiverse!

“F-fine, I’ll help you. BUT! I’m doing this on my own terms. I don’t care for you, or your b-brother.” Weird.. guardian.. things. Why must they always drag Error into things? They must not know that Error has an oh-so busy schedule and life. I guess he’s just really attractive… hm…

“Thank you so much Error! I am very grateful that you agreed, and-"

“Enough.” The glitchy skeleton didn’t want to hear any more. Might as well get this over with fast…

Dream asked for Error to transport Nightmare’s minions back to their AUs. Sure that is a rather interesting request, but it’s for the greater good— right? Now they were ‘free’ of Nightmare’s command… temporarily.

Once Error confirmed that he completed the request, he and Dream parted ways. 

Meanwhile, in Nightmare’s castle…

“There’s nothing to feed off of,” Nightmare hisses. Passive patiently listens, as he has nothing else he can do.  “They think they can escape me. Hilarious. I’ll make sure to put them all back in their place. But first, I’ll go find an AU to feed off of.” He hated being weak, and liked having a source of negativity on standby. 

As Nightmare comes up from the ground, he notices something is off. Extremely off. It’s peaceful here, but he made sure to go somewhere he knew would provide him with more power. This isn’t right. 

He scans the AU, until being interrupted by a certain paint obsessed freak. Nightmare doesn’t have time to play games with Ink right now, though.

“Hello Nightmare,” Ink gives Nightmare a nice big smile. Disgusting. If Passive could say anything, he would say hi back. 

“What is this. Why are you here.” Right, Nightmare doesn’t have time for this. He needs more power and negativity— not a friendly conversation with your neighborhood squid. 

“Oh me and a friend are just visiting…” A friend? Ink brought a friend? Passive really hoped it was…

“I don’t care. Piss off.” Oh, if only Passive had a say in things. This would’ve gone so much differently…

“Why, that’s not very nice to say, friend.” It’s Blue! How odd. Blue doesn’t usually accompany Ink- he usually goes with Dream. This worries Passive. Is Dream okay? Better question, is he gonna be okay?! A 2v1 doesn’t sound very appealing right now.

“I’m not your, or anybody else’s, friend. I don’t have time for this.” He could’ve said it in a nicer way.

“Before you go!” Swap stops Nightmare. Is he looking for conflict? Better question— where is Dream! 

“We just wanted to have a friendly chat with you,” Swap beams with excitement. Disgusting.

“A completely positive one.” Ink adds on. How annoying. 

The AU becomes warmer, fuzzier… happier, if you will. Is this all a set up? What’s going on? Is Dream nearby..?

“If you’re looking for a fight, come find me later.” Nightmare says this, hoping this will deter Ink and Swap. 

“Busy doing what??” Idiot number one… “And we don’t want to fight!” And idiot number two. How irritating.

It’s starting to get a little TOO positive in this AU. Dream must be here, it only makes sense. (Maybe we should leave..?) Did I just catch you wanting to do something? (…) Exactly.

“Cat's got your tongue?” Haha, very funny. What if Nightmare were to break Ink’s precious ‘Broomie’ in half?

“Do not speak to me with your idioms.” How classy.

“Oh ink, you know how he isn’t very fond of cats..” it’s not very polite to talk bad about someone in front of them. Although, it is better than talking behind their back…

“Ah, thanks for reminding me, Swap!” Passive can’t tell if this is sarcasm or not. Ink is too strange.

“You are very welcome, friend.” How sweet…

…ew. The positivity here makes me want to vomit. (uuugghh… of course it does) You and the other two are annoying. (If I could roll my ‘eyes’ at you, I would.) Then it’s a shame that you can’t.

((Ink: hey, it’s working!))

((Swap: is it?? He just seems like he’s dissociating more…))

((Ink: that counts!!!))

((Swap: if you say so…))

“What's wrong, Nightmare?” It doesn’t take a genius to answer this.

“Is everything okay?” Passive wondered the same about Blue. I mean, he was dragged along into whatever plan this is. Why won’t he just go home?  It must be exhausting working with two guardians, while not being one himself. 

I… (I don’t like this) Neither do I. We’re leaving. (But dream…) That little ray of sunshine can do whatever he wants, I don’t care.

Before Nightmare knows it, he is surrounded by positivity. There’s so little negativity to feed off of, and it’s so… dissatisfying. Were Ink and Swap just here to stall Nightmare?

“Swap, I think we’re done here.” Huh? This concerned Passive. What could this statement mean? 

“Stunning! Now we just need to wait for Dream to get here.” Dream?

I located a new AU to feed off of- (Dream!) No. One without him and his little friends. (No, I mean- Dream! He’s… right there!)

So it’s time Dream finally shows his face. Disgusting.

“Night…” Dream seems so confident, but why? What is this all about?

“And just why are YOU so close to me? You know what I am capable of, Dream.” (Who doesn't know what you’re capable of..?)

“This is it…the final hurdle.” Dream’s smile fades, but he seems even more confident than before. (The final hurdle? Is… he going to kill me?)

“‘The final hurdle?’ You can’t possibly think that you’re about to defeat me right here, right now.” How dare Dream. How dare he even imply such. No, this simply will not do.

“No.. that’s not what I’m doing..” 

“Then what are you doing?” Million dollar question— something everyone wants to know the answer to.

“Freeing you.” (…)

Before Nightmare can say anything, Dream acts fast and touches Nightmare's soul. 

“You…” His soul started to resonate. (What..did he do?)

“Let’s hope this goes positive for both of us. (my hand hurts a lot!)”

“You will never truly get rid of me. I’ll always be here. There is no escaping me.” These words made Dream, Ink, and Swap all tense up. Spooky.

“I… (my hand hurts even more now.)” This is it. 

Nightmare’s soul reverts from a black apple, to a golden apple. Nightmare… is finally free from his corruption. (Or is he?)

“it actually- IT ACTUALLY WORKED?! Owwww my hand-“ There was leftover goop still on Dream’s hand, and it hurt. A lot.

“Wooah, neat! I didn’t think it would actually work!” 

“Wow Ink, thanks for the positive reassurance. MY HAND-“

“Quick, wipe it off in the snow!” It seems that Swap is the only responsible one here.

“Y-you idiots.” Oh, joy! Ink’s dearest friend Error is here!

“Error! Hello! Hi!” 

“Hi.. squid.” Ugh. “So it w-worked?” 

“Yes…it worked.” Maybe a little too well… Nightmare was laying in the snow, motionless.

“C-cool. What are you gonna do with the o-other anomalies?”

“The- ohh.. right. They’re probably extremely overwhelmed with negative emotions right now, I just go help them.” It’s Dream’s duty to spread positivity. It wouldn’t hurt to try and help Killer, Dust, and Horror, right? 

“Maybe we can try and find a way to calm them down, and explain everything?” That seems like a logical approach to this situation, yes.

“…Yes. Swap, take my brother. I will ‘save’ the rest of them.” 

“Okay.” Why’d swap have to take him? No fair. 

“M-my work here..is done.” Ink’s dearest friend Error is leaving! How sad…

“Goodbye Error!!!” 

“Uh huh.” Error makes a glitchy portal, and skedaddles.

“Thank you so much, Swap. You’ve done great today, and I am very grateful for your assistance.” Dream would never be able to thank Swap enough.

“”You’re welcome?” Overreacting much? 

Ink makes a splotch in the ground for him and Dream to use, and they exit the AU. 

Once Swap and an unconscious Nightmare (Passive) make it to the AU where the star sanses base resides, he sets Nightmare down on a couch.

“I never expected the day that I’d get to babysit THE king of negativity... this is not how I pictured how today would turn out at all. I wonder what he was like, pre-corruption.” Who wouldn’t wonder that? 

~after a while~ 

This is a lot easier than Swap thought it would be. Nightmare has been asleep for so long— maybe him and Dream are used to this? Is he even asleep..?

(…)

Nightmare awakens.

“A-ah…” My throat hurts. Or is it my head that hurts? Or is it my entire body that hurts? 

“Woah! Hey, hello! I wouldn’t recommend trying to move right now.” (Poor thing…)

“Hello..?” I.. I’m in control. Dream did it, he really freed me! I have to thank him-

“Hello!” (He seems so… so happy. Can he even feel happiness? Isn’t that bad for him?!)

“You’re.. Blue.” I get to actually speak to him in person. I no longer exist as a.. Ghost of some sort?

“Huh?” 

“You’re Blue! and I’m- I’m Nightmare!” It feels so nice to finally be able to speak for myself. But- I need to speak to everyone else. I must.

“Well, yes? That is correct. Good job!” (It’s like I’m welcoming a new soul to the world.. Oh this is sad.)

“You have to take me to my friends! And Dream!” I need to find them, and help them!

“Slow your roll. You just got… revived? Uhh.. I’m not entirely sure—”

“Please bring me to them! Their negativity will overwhelm Dream but not me— I can handle it! I know what I’m meant to do! Please, let me help my brother and my friends!” I don’t know what I’ll do if I lose the chance to speak to my brother, after finally being brought back. 

“Calm down-! I can’t risk you getting hurt at all-”

“Dream could be in danger!!!!!” Please.. Blue. 

(Oh jeez..) “Okay, fine. I’ll see what I can do.” It’s adoring to see how much he cares for his brother. I can’t believe this is the same Nightmare we fought all those times ago.

Meanwhile…

((Disclaimer~ I’m not very well educated on Killer’s stages. Bear with me here.))

“P-please relax?! There is a reasonable explanation behind this, you know!” Dream pleaded.

“Why’d you send me here. What have you done with the others?!” Killer was barely keeping himself together.

“I- … I saved my brother!” No harm in saying the truth, right?  

Killer enters stage three. Ink and Dream back up, and prepare to defend themselves.

“Yeesh, looks like he reallyyy cared about Nightmare..” Ink said, sarcastically. 

“No, you’re saying it wrong. He really cared about his boss, not Nightmare.” I will not have anyone sully my brother’s name anymore.

“Technically the same thing…” 

“That was not my brother. No. And I don’t understand how anyone could ever care for someone like… him-”

“OF COURSE YOU DON’T.” Killer sent knives flying in Dream and Ink’s direction.

Ink evades them by creating a wall…

“You don’t have to do this!” There’s no reason for this, Dream thought. I mean, come on! Everyone should be HAPPY now! 

“You will NEVER understand what WE had.” Killer snarled. 

“Oh?” Ink would have inquired more, but that was Dream’s job.

“What—”

Before Dream could finish, Swap and Nightmare appeared. 

“There’s no need to question that,” Oh my dear Killer, you deserve so much better. (Oh and, it’s nothing, Dream. Don’t worry about it.)

“Brother?! What are you doing here?! Are you okay…?” (He’s- awake! He’s awake and he’s okay!… right?! RIGHT?!)

“Hey..Dream.” (There’s so much I want to say to him, but… I need to apologize for everything first. It’s all my fault.)

“Hey guys, can we please focus on the situation at hand?!” Right, Killer. He’s extremely unstable right now. Someone needs to do something- anything!

“Killer, stop!” (It’s time to stop this, my dear.) 

“Not until I know that boss is okay.” 

“I-... I’m fine! Everything is fine. You…are fine. Please calm down.” 

Killer finally backed off. Thank the stars…

“We need to go find the others, and make sure that they are okay.” Knowing that Killer responded like this made him fear how Dust and Horror would respond.  

“ok.” Classic Killer…  

“Well that went well!” Again, Ink with the sarcasm.

“I guess you could put it that way.” It could’ve gone better, thought Swap.

“We should.. Go help Horror next. Make sure he’s okay, so we can divert our attention to Dust. He’s probably struggling the most right now.” Nightmare was worried about them both. It’s a miracle he was able to calm down Killer as fast as he could.

“Then we’re off,” Killer ruled.

Now let’s go back in time a few moments. Dust was stuck.. And seemed to be going insane. 

“This isn’t… right. What just happened.” He couldn’t even begin to understand.

Phantom: WE ARE RIGHT BACK AT WHERE WE STARTED.

“I can’t leave– I don’t understand. How did this happen?” He was just sleeping in his own bed at Nightmare’s castle just a moment ago, how did he even get here?

Phantom: GREAT GOING.

“Quit that. I don’t need your pessimism right now.” Papyrus– or rather, a phantom of him, was not making things much better. 

Phantom: OF COURSE, OF COURSE… I SHOULD DO EVERYTHING TO APPEASE THE WISHES OF YOU… RIGHT.

“Leave me alone! I- … I don’t have time for this. I think I’ll just lie here, forever now.” Eventually he’ll be saved again, right?

Phantom: DON’T DO THAT.

“Well what am I supposed to do? I’m stuck here forever, alone. Again.” 

Phantom: I’M RIGHT HERE. 

“Yeah. I’m alone, again.”

Phantom: …

And now we return to the present, featuring Horror’s tale. Passive had just got done explaining to Horror bits and parts of his entire situation, keeping it simple enough to save time. 

“That is…a lot to take in.” Horror understood Passive’s small summary, but… it was life changing information. He’d have to take time to process it some other time, but right now they need to save Dust. 

“You are right.. Horror. Soon we’ll return back to the castle…”  Passive tried to reassure Horror, but it wasn’t that simple.

Swap: Guys, I think we should really go to dust now–

Killer: no shit. 

Horror: We’re getting there.

Swap: …? What’s with all the hostility?! Yeesh…

Dream: Do not let this bring you down, Swap.

Swap: ok.

Passive: Very well, let’s go.

//So the gang travels to the AU of Dusttale. When they get there, they notice Dust… lying in the snow. 

Passive: Dust! (Is he okay? Are we too late..?)

Ink: well this can’t be good

Swap: ink.. 

Ink: hey there., swap.

Horror: *picks up dust* he’ll be okay.

Killer: He better be.

Passive: He will be.

Killer: … 

Horror: …

(Ink: What a lifeless AU.. it needs some color in it.

Swap: What are you gonna do, start painting?

Ink: Yes actually

Swap: No.)

Passive: Ok. Let’s go… home now. (This AU is… too quiet. And Dream has been too quiet. I’m getting worried.)

Dream: yeah, sounds good. 

Passive: … (So cold.)

Nightmare’s castle // timeskip~ Passive decides to talk with Dream, Ink, and Swap while Killer and Horror wait for Dust to wake up. 

Killer: I miss him already.

Horror: Oh? Miss what?

Killer: I’m gonna miss his … ‘evil side’. He was such a true boss…

Horror: Hmm.. I suppose. He’d feed on our bad feelings for his own personal gain, but it also benefited us.  I think…deep down, he cared.

Killer: In his own.. evil way I guess. We’re the only ones who got to know the real Nightmare.

Horror: ‘The real Nightmare’....

And then dust woke up.

Dust: Was that all.. A bad dream?

Killer: Depends.

Dust: I’m not awake enough to give an open-ended response. 

Killer: Ah, Dust… How I missed you…

Dust: Shut up

Killer: ok.

Horror: Hi.. Dust…

Dust: Hey, Horror

Horror: Are you.. Okay..

Dust: Yeah, I’m fine. Just.. confused.

Horror: You wouldn’t be the only one…

Killer: I won’t let them take him away.

Dust: …Huh?

Horror: Killer, relax. It’s not like they’re gonna make Nightmare live with them now and become some… fourth member of the star sanses…

Dust: woah, woah woah. What did I miss.

Killer: you missed a lot, and–

Passive: hey..

the star sanses: ,,,

Horror: Hello..

Killer: Hey.

Dust: Hi…? (Phantom: IT’S THE GHOST WE COULD SEE! HE’S REAL!) (you’re… right. This is weird.) (Phantom: MAYBE I TOO CAN HAVE MY OWN BODY AGAIN.) (...)

“I…owe you three a detailed explanation. One that should explain… everything.” Is what Passive said, before the castle fell completely silent. He explains how he became corrupted and how his body was being possessed, but he was still there.

~

(Dust: I’m not entirely sure what I was expecting, but this was not it.

Horror: Yeah.. I don’t even know what to say. 

Killer: I understand now… he wants to apologize for everything– let’s call him, ‘Corrupted’, did.

Dust: That sounds so… exhausting.

Horror: Being a king is exhausting.

Dust: Yeah, you’re not wrong. 

Killer: Oh we gotta keep him.

Dust: (freak.)

Horror: What do you.. mean by that.

Killer: I mean, we just lost our boss. I’ll be damned if you think I’m gonna lose him, too.

Horror: Didn’t we just meet him?

Dust: Not exactly… Recall how he said he was still living on, but not in control of his body?

Horror: Oh… right.

Killer: He was there… the entire time. Not only that, but… what are we gonna do if they actually take him?

Horror: Return to our… oh… Oh.

Dust: I’m not doing that again.

Killer: And we can’t manage a castle by ourselves.

Dust: Says who? I can do it.

Killer: …hush.

Dust: don’t tell me to hush.

Horror: Killer.. Is right. We can’t lose another version of Nightmare. 

Killer: Yeah. Dream’s just gonna have to suck it up.

Dust: This seems like a fun battle… 

Killer: Yeah. We’re keeping him.)

passive: Right. Again, I’m sorry for everything– 

Killer: yeah yeah it’s chill, you’re staying with us, right?

Passive + Dream: what.

(Swap: uh oh…)

(Ink: Ooh, conflict.)

Killer: come on- we just lost one version of boss, we aren’t losing another.

Dust: yeah, NOT sorry to break it to ya.

Dream: I don’t think you three understand-

Killer//phase two//: No, I don’t think YOU understand. 

Passive: Killer.. Please calm down. I’m not worth it– 

Dream: why do YOU persist in claiming Nightmare? He isn’t even related to you!

Dust: You may be right, but that’s still our boss.

Horror: and we care for him, just as he cares for us.

Killer: So we AREN’T letting you take him away from us.

(Passive: … why… why do they care so much about me after everything I’ve done?)  

Dream: it is not up for debate who my brother is staying with.

Dust: wanna fight then?

Killer: We aren’t afraid of fighting for what’s right. 

Swap: guys! There is no need for that!

(Ink: It would be entertaining to see though

Swap: yeah, you’re right.

Ink: :D

Swap: but we need to support Dream here, with peace. Not violence.

Ink: It sure is tough being a Star Sans.)

And suddenly, all their voices start to fade away. 

~ Passive’s point of view

Hello…? Why did all their voices just fade out– and why is it so dark. Don’t do this to me right now. I just got control over my body again— I can’t lose it again! Please…

(…)

Oh, it’s just the wave of their negativity hitting me hard. No wonder. Ow- OW! 

Dream was jabbing an arrow in Passive. (Yeeeouch)

Dream: Stop- please! We’re hurting him! 

Killer: ‘WE’RE’ HURTING HIM?

Ink: that might just be you, Dream.

Dream: No, I’m trying to stop him from being overwhelmed again! 

Passive: okay, okay- stop stabbing me!

(…)

Dream: are you okay?!

Passive: oh yeah, I’m great. 

Dream: …I’m sorry. 

Passive: it’s … okay? I think? I’m okay, and you’re okay.

Dream: yeah…

Ink: Awesome, we’re all on good terms now, right?

MTT: . . . 

Passive: ehh…

Dream: I guess it’ll take some more time.

Swap: —and that’s okay! We have all the time in the multiverse. (I..hope.)

Ink: great, can we leave now

Swap: your communication skills need working on.

Ink: what’s that supposed to mean, friend.

Swap: we’ll talk about it later, if you remember 

Ink: …

Killer: You guys have fun…but boss is staying with us. *

Killer grabs one half of Passive. 

Passive: (uuuuuuhhhhhhh- ok.)

Dream: No he is not! 

Dream grabs the other half of Passive.

Passive: (really? Really.)

Horror: uhh.. hey let’s maybe not do that?

Killer: shut the hell up Horror!

Dream: do not interfere with this!

Horror: ok..

(Swap: There has to be a better way to do this.

Ink: They should flip a coin!

Swap: Hm, that would be a simple way of deciding things)

~ Dust’s pov

Phantom: THE LAVENDER SKELETON SEEMS VERY UNHAPPY.

What would you do if your brother and one of your… lets say, friends, is trying to decide what’s best for you?

Phantom: THAT’LL NEVER HAPPEN.

Play pretend in this scenario. 

Phantom: WELL I’D PROBABLY PULL AWAY FROM BOTH OF THEM, AND DO MY OWN THING.

Yeah, sounds smart. But I’m pretty sure Killer isn’t gonna let boss go. 

Phantom: IF YOUR BOSS WAS SUCH A BAD BOSS, WHY DO YOU ALL EVEN CARE IF HE LEAVES OR NOT?

I… don’t know. Because of Nightmare, I’m free from that stupid cycle and I have a new place to call home, with… ‘friends’ that also suffered... in exchange for my loyalty to Nightmare. Horror is able to get food for himself and his AU or something like that because of his deal with Nightmare, in exchange for…. His loyalty too, I assume… and killer— he’s… a completely different case. 

Phantom: HOW SO?

Killer was the one closest to Nightmare. He was also the one that was treated the worst. If I were him, I think I’d hate Nightmare…but he doesn’t. I don’t know what’s going on in Killer’s head.

Phantom: WEIRD…

~

Killer and Dream were playing tug of war… with passive. Oh to be desired like that.

Killer: . . . 

Dream: . . . 

Passive: would you both let go of me?! I can make decisions for myself! 

Dream: but-

Killer let’s go of Nightmare.

Killer: yeah, dream. Let him go.

Dream: …okay. 

Dream also lets go of Passive. 

Dream: your decision? 

Killer: … 

Passive: I..

I really need to choose my words wisely. If I decide to go with Dream…I’ll be abandoning my friends. My people. I won’t be able to ensure their safety, or take away their negative feelings. I would never be able to forgive myself— no! 

But if I don’t go with Dream… he could get hurt. Or worse- he’ll hate me! He went through all the trouble of fighting … corrupted … for years, because he believed in me until the very end— If I don’t go with him, he’ll definitely hate me! 

I don’t want him to hate me, but… I don’t want them to go through any more pain. It’s unfair… and an imbalance that I must fix.

“I’m sorry… but I have to stay with my friends.” And the castle remained silent for a moment more. 

An evil grin appeared upon Killer’s face.

“No, this isn’t- no!” Drew couldn’t believe it. His brother was choosing… them? Over HIM?

“welp, boss made up his mind. No going back now, right?” Dust said, gleefully. 

“I can’t accept this.” Dream… apparently made up his mind, too.

“Dream…” would Passive be able to convince Dream?

“I will not allow this! You can’t. It’s dangerous!” He was just worried— can you blame him? 

Passive: Dream… I want you to be okay, as much as I want them to be okay. The only difference is I know you’ll be okay. You… were always the one able to manage everything. They’re no telling about these guys, though.  

Murder time trio: (??? What’s that supposed to mean.)

Dream: but- after everything?! You could get hurt!- Or worse! SO MUCH WORSE! (Why isn’t he listening to me?! Why doesn’t he care about… what I want?)

Passive: I’ll be fine. They are more important.

Dream: (…) very well. (I see the problem here.) 

Passive: thank you for understanding…dream.

Dream: of course.

(…)

Error: ₩ⱧɎ ₩₳₴ ₮Ⱨ₳₮ ₴Ø ĐⱤ₳₥₳₮ł₵? 

Ink: No, literally. 

Swap: Hey.. that was really sad. Don’t be mean right now. 

Ink: Mmmm…

Error: Ɽꋪዪꋪꋪዪ…

Killer: Score! We get to keep boss!

Dust: don’t word it like that, you idiot.

Killer: we win fool, shut up

Horror: be.. nice.

Killer: you be nice

Horror: I am nice. Wanna see mean?

Killer: No

Dust: yeah

Killer: …

Dream: I supposed we should part ways then.

Passive: until we meet again, of course. 

Dream: …

Passive: …

Swap: you guys do know that you can just visit each other, right???!!

Dream/Passive: he likes to surround himself in overly negative/positive environments.

All: -

Passive: actually, not overly negative? Just enough to keep me full-

Dream: yeah, I don’t … truly like over positive energy, too much is overwhelming.

(…)

Swap: ..so then visit each other.

Dream/Passive: Ok!

Swap: (twins are so… strange.)

Killer: awesome ending!!! Get out.

Ink: Yeesh…

Error: ₮ØɄ₲Ⱨ ₵ⱤØ₩Đ. *Glitches away*

Swap: Okay then…

Dream: goodbye, nightmare.

Passive: bye, dream

The star sanses leave.

(…)

“okay… well. I’m not exactly sure why you guys wanted me to stay… knowing that I’m horrible and all…” He couldn’t begin to wrap his head around it. He’s horrible! There’s no amount of apologizing to Mae up for everything he’s done! 

“You are our boss, of course we’d want you to stay!” Passive didn’t understand why Killer said this. Even IF he was their boss, he was a horrible one. Why don’t they find a better one? 

“We have nothing better to do, anyway.” Dust added. Is this also another problem caused by Nightmare’s reign of terror?

“Nothing is.. funner than hanging out with the gang” Horror replied. Passive could count maybe three things better than being stuck here because of an evil boss. Reading, sleeping, and reading again. Oh to be back in the past..

“But I was…so terrible. Nothing can justify that.” It doesn’t hurt to admit this, because he knows it’s true. 

“Yet you helped us out of our tough situations…” Oh Dust. It wasn’t out of the goodness of Nightmare's ‘heart’, so it doesn’t count.

“For my own personal gain!” Passive countered.

“You also made sure we had a place to stay, and provided us with food…” Oh Horror… when you put it like that, it sounds… good. But it isn’t good.

“I did that so you wouldn’t be able to abandon me?!” What weren’t they understanding? Passive isn’t worth their time, oh no. They’re too good for him. 

“You’d always talk to us~” Killer. Passive can’t even begin to explain all the torment he’s caused Killer. 

“I was…literally the worst to you! Why are you defending me here?!” 

“Because” …wow. That’s such a Killer response. 

“None of you have friends, or something to live for BECAUSE of me. How can you insist on-”

Before Passive could finish, Killer stopped him.

Killer: yo. Hush.

Passive: excuse me..?

Horror: he means…relax.

Dust: you don’t have to worry about it. 

Passive: . . . I promise to treat you all better. 

Killer: I’m okay with how things are right now … although boss is gone.

Horror: we’ll just miss him, dearly 

Dust: yeah…

This…made Passive feel conflicted. How could anyone EVER possibly miss him!? What?! There’s no way. Passive has to prove himself worthy. He must prove he’s the better boss— the true Nightmare.

Passive: I’ll prove it to all of you, I’m gonna be a better boss!

Dust: We’ll see about that.

Passive: Absolutely! 

Horror: maybe in a 100 years…

Passive: It will not take that long, but okay?

Horror: sarcasm… wait what do you mean by ok???

Passive: remember, I’m 513 years old.

MTT: .

Killer: guess you could say… we like em older 

Horror: what.

Dust: yo. 

Passive: …?

Dust: now is NOT the time.

Killer: oh cmon…

Horror: let’s switch the conversation… to food

Killer: of course you’d say that.

Horror: Hm? What was that?.

Passive: Food? I know a place where we could get some food… (I also need to speak with something there.)

Killer: if ya say so

Horror: Yay..

Dust: shrugs

Before we carry on with nightmare and his gang, we’ll see what the star sanses are doing. 

Swap: take it slow… okay?

Dream: Oh yes, yes… I am fine

Swap: Clearly not, friend.

Ink: you’re very distressed

Dream: No no no guys, I’m okay! It’s not like my brother who I just worked so hard to save, decided to stay with those- UNFORTUNATE MONSTERS instead of me!!!! 

Ink: Now why’d you have to call them that?

Dream: I tried being polite.

Ink: did you…

Swap: Dream, you’ve got to try and understand his point of view. He thinks that he’s responsible for them, and has to make up for everything he’s done to them… he can’t just leave them! That’s… what’s the word..

Ink: insensitive~

Dream: But that wasn’t him. He doesn’t have to apologize for what he didn’t do. I always knew it wasn’t him. He doesn’t have to make it up to anyone.

Swap: the crimes Nightmare committed don’t just go away, Dream…

Ink: it just doesn’t work that way. 

Swap: and he’s shown that he cares for them dearly.

Dream: …not for long.

Swap: Huh???

Ink: Uh oh, what are you gonna do? 

Dream: I’m gonna make him realize that right here with me is where he should be! I’ll save him, again, but from his ‘so-called friends’ this time! 

Swap: I don’t think he needs any saving, Dream.

Dream: Oh but he does! If brother can't understand that none of this is his fault, I will make him understand.

Swap: that sounds like a threat.

Dream: Do not worry friends, I’m coming up with a marvelous solution to this issue! I’ll be back.

(Dream walks away)

Swap: This isn’t good— oh no.

Ink: Of course not! I bet on error’s life this will go terribly wrong 

Swap: why. Why?! That’s not- that’s not okay!!!

Ink: would you rather me bet on his soul? Or my— Oh.

Swap: . . . Do you need help???

Ink: No

Swap: I think me and my brother can help you.

Ink: Huh? But I don’t need help— swap.

Swap: Ink, let’s learn about how to properly read a room 

Ink: Err…

As Swap and Ink go on a trip to Underswap, Dream continues to plot. He wants the best for his brother. While this takes place, we’ll go visit Fluffytale. 

//(I can’t remember my thought process for this section. Forgive me as I try to salvage this.)

A familiar aroma, setting, and cafe was a perfect place to relax given what happened so far today. Dust had not a clue on what this place was, whereas Horror was familiar with a few things. (Nightmare RARELY brought things back from Ccino’s cafe back to the castle.) 

Killer: Ccino’s Cafe!

Passive: Yes, here we are. 

Dust: who is Ccino..

Passive: …Someone I need to apologize to. You three sit here, and–

Killer: Oh, no. I’m SO coming with you! I haven’t seen Ccino in so long!

Passive: Yes, and for that I am sorry. Regardless, you’re staying here with– where did they go.

Killer: Dust and Horror? They walked away when you weren’t looking. Probably on a date or something now let’s go! 

Passive: W-what-

Killer takes Nightmare’s arm, and they run off to wherever Ccino is. Meanwhile…

Dust: So, what’s all this?

Horror: This is.. I forget the name of the AU, but we’re at Ccino’s cafe.. He’s the sans of this AU..

Dust: cool, I guess. Never expected a sans to own and run a cafe.

Horror: I don’t know much about this AU… all I know is.. This cafe is really popular..

Dust: Interesting. We’ll have to ask boss if we can visit more often then.  

Horror: yes… 

Dust: . . . (Phantom: THOSE CATS THERE. THEY LOOK LIKE YOU AND YOUR HORRIFIC FRIEND.) (What do you even mean by that?)

Horror: Hey.. those two cats look like us..

Dust: uhh.. Yeah. you’re..right? (Phantom: SEE?) (weird.)

~

Killer: HI CCINO! How have you been !?!?!?!

Passive: . . .

Ccino: err.. Killer? Hello, hi. What’s… going on?

Passive: I have… a lot to explain. And a lot to say, and a lot to apologize for. 

Ccino: ? (I don’t think I’ve ever met this skeleton before, why do they need to apologize to me?)

Passive: It’s me… Nightmare.

Ccino: …really???

Passive: Yes.

Killer: You better strap in for a wild ride.

Ccino: umm.. Okay.

Apologizing to Ccino was a different story. He actually assisted Nightmare. The only thing that really shocked Ccino was the fact that passive was able to ‘live’ on out of pure spite. In the end, Nightmare offered to try and repay Ccino in any way of Ccino’s choosings. 

Ccino: I..don’t know what to say. I was not expecting this today.. 

Passive: I understand… if you hate me. (In fact, I actually hate myself too so join the train.)

Ccino: I don’t hate you, it’s not your fault. 

Passive: (…really???????????????????????????????)

“I just want to know, is… umm.. The other Nightmare really gone forever?” Oh Ccino. You’ve made the same mistake as.. Everyone else has today. There isn’t exactly an ‘other Nightmare’. That spirit that took over Nightmare’s body… Passive couldn’t even begin to think of ways on how to explain the truth to everyone.

“…Not exactly.” That’s as close as Passive will get to saying the truth. 

“Not exactly? What does that mean?” Oh Killer, you wouldn’t understand. Nor should you want to understand. Passive STILL couldn’t wrap his head around Killer, out of all of them, wanted him back.

“Don’t you.. NOT want him back…after what he did to you? Weren’t you treated the worst?” Ccino questioned. Passive also wanted to know the answer to this. 

“There’s no telling what I want.” Killer declared. What does that mean? Passive couldn’t take it anymore. He just wants Killer to be happy. 

~

Passive: Hey… Ccino?

Ccino: Yes?

Passive: I know this will be a little bit much for me to ask, but… can you watch over two of my friends for me until I return? I…I need to do something else.

Killer: (Oh?)

Ccino: uh..sure. Why not.. Who am I watching over?

Passive: Dust and Horror. You..can’t miss em.

Ccino: You can count on me…

Killer: Hey, wait. Why do they need watching over. What’s happening-

Passive: Killer… you and I are going to go ‘visit’ a friend of yours.

Killer: ?…

Nightmare and Killer enter through a weird portal Nightmare makes, leaving Ccino alone.

Ccino: Ok.. simple enough..a ‘Dust’ and a ‘Horror’. (No wonder they’re friends with Nightmare. What odd names. But where could they be?)

Horror: ,,, 

Ccino: (...In front of me. Ok.) Is your friend…okay there?

Horror: he is one with the cats

Dust: I am one with the cats.

Ccino: Ok.. would you like any snacks?

Horror: Yes please.

Dust: no..

Ccino: okay…

//So, Nightmare and Killer went to find Color!Sans. 

//DISCLAIMER for this section! I don’t know much about Color!Sans, so I am sorry. 

Killer: why…are we…

Passive: you deserve a good ending.

Killer: I..

Color: what is- happening? Killer?…

Killer: …color…

Color: what is..

Passive: I’m sorry, color. 

Color: …

Passive: Your hate towards me is justified. I understand.

Color: back away from Killer!

Killer: wait-

Nightmare backed away slowly. 

Color: …

Killer: …

Passive: Killer, you deserve only the best. I’ve ruined everything about you and…I can’t let you live like this. I just…hope that color can ensure your soul’s safety.

Color: (what….is happening? How is this happening? Does this mean, Killer is free?)

Killer: but- boss! 

Passive: I was a terrible person to you. Please…don’t call me boss..I’m not worth it. I want you to be happy, Killer.

Killer: I’m NOT happy!

Passive: yeah, because I’m still here. 

Killer: but-

Color: are you really abandoning him?

Passive: I..I’m not trying to abandon him? No- I’m just trying to help him..

Color: ‘help’ him? Since when are YOU capable of helping anyone?!

Passive: …I hope you’re happy Killer.

Killer: wait! Don’t- leave! 

Color: let him go Killer, you’re free now.

Killer: Yeah, and what about Dust? A-and Horror!?

Passive: what..about them?

Killer: Will I ever see them again?!

Passive: If you want to? Sure- after all, I’ll be with dre-

Color: I won’t let you hurt anyone else!

Passive: I would never hurt my brother.

Color: but you would hurt Killer?

Passive: . . . *portals away*

Killer: boss…

Color: cmon Killer, we can just go back to your world. He can’t control you anymore, right?

Killer: but I..

Color: I get it, he abandoned you. But, think of it as you finally getting out of a toxic relationship. You’re free now.

Killer: Nighty…

Back to Fluffytale~ 

(Horror and Ccino chatting)

Passive: …

Dust: hey, you’re back

Passive: Unfortunately. 

Horror: oh?

Ccino: wait, what did you do?

Passive: I set Killer free

Horror/Dust: …

Dust: you what.

Horror: how- where-

Passive: he’s with color and, I really hope he’ll finally get to experience his good ending, one without my interference. 

Dust: …you just…abandoned him with someone random?!

Passive: I did not abandon him-- why does everyone keep saying that?

Horror: Because you did.

Passive: No- and it’s not someone random! Color is…one of Killer’s good friends, that I…got in the way of. I wanted him to be happy, so.. I brought Killer to him, while apologizing.

(…)

Horror: cmon Dust, let’s go save killer…

Dust: ok.

Passive: wait, what?!

Horror: We were happy with how things were. Sure our lives could be soooo much better, but… we’ve settled with what we’ve got. You’re just taking it away.

Passive: I’m not taking anything (or anyone!!!) away. I’m giving you a chance to start over! I just don’t want you to feel any more pain, because of me… 

Dust: Take our feelings and what we want into consideration, next time.

Passive: … (I don’t… understand.)

Dust: Let's go, Horror.

Horror: Okay..

Horror and Dust teleport away.

Passive: somehow, while trying to make things better I made it worse. This always happens.

Ccino: I think you should just leave things as is. Whether you like it or not, they’re attached to you now.

Passive: that’s horrible! I’M horrible!

Ccino: So? You’re their boss. Also.. don’t you think they don’t really care about that?

Passive: They should care about that. 

Ccino: Mmmm.. why do you think horror and Dust work with you? 

Passive: because I forced them to… because I manipulated them to???

Ccino: Ok, but what exactly do they see you as?

Passive: I don’t.. I don’t know? They only saw- CORRUPTED me as their boss. (a really bad one!!!)

Ccino: So in the end… you mean a lot to them. 

Passive: I shouldn’t! 

Ccino: ,,,

Passive: I’ll never be able to redeem myself!!!

Ccino: Says who? You just have to keep trying…

Passive: well I am trying! Can’t you see how that went? 

Ccino: maybe abandoning someone isn’t the best line of action…

Passive: (Why does everyone keep saying that.) I meant it as setting him free from my manipulation… not anything else. I just wanted him to be free.

Ccino: I can’t speak on behalf of Killer, but I have a feeling he just doesn’t care about being ‘free’ anymore.

Passive: don’t say that..who wouldn’t want to be free of me…?

Ccino: Them I guess

Passive: It makes no sense. This makes no sense. 

Ccino: Sigh… (He just isn’t seeing their point of view.) How about this.

Passive: ?

Ccino: Try redeeming yourself in another way . . one where you and your gang all stay together ! ‘Happy’ ! Like a family. 

Passive: I don’t think I’m capable of doing anything like that.

Ccino: You haven’t even tried.

Passive: What’s the point in trying if I know I’m going to fail?

Ccino: Fake it till you make it, that’s what I do

Passive: . . . that’s not good. Stop that.

Ccino: let me live my life. Anyhow… want to help me make some pastries? I’m sure that’ll get your mind off… this.

Passive: I suppose.  

~

Killer just stood there, silent. Who knows what was going through his head. Color couldn’t bear to see him like this, but before he could attempt to make conversation, two unique looking skeletons appeared. Color gets closer to Killer, as he doesn’t say a word.

Color: and just who are you two supposed to be.

Dust: what’s it to ya.

Color: . . . 

Horror: I’m Horror… and this is Dust.

Color: Okay..  what do you want?

Horror: we’re here to take Killer back, clearly.

Killer: . . . 

Color: Oh absolutely not. He JUST gained his freedom.. Somehow.. And I will not let you take it away! He doesn’t deserve this. 

Horror: listen pal.. I’m not sure if you understand the situation.

Color: oh I understand alright. You both work with Nightmare!

Dust: So what.

Color: Don’t ‘so what’ me.

Killer: Color. . . that’s enough.

Horror/Dust: ?

Color: killer…please don’t do this to yourself. You’re free, remember? There’s no need to put yourself in another environment like that…

Killer: I… don’t want to be free, if it means I have to give up what I have.

All: . . .

Killer: Please… understand. From now on, I do things on my own terms. And…I’ll see you later, okay?

Color: … okay, killer.

Killer: Don’t worry about me

Color: (I’m going to keep worrying about you.)

Horror: Awkward…

Dust: Yeah, so anyway, let’s go put boss back in his place.

Killer: What’s that supposed to mean???

Dust:We’re putting the gang back together, whether he likes it or not. Nightmare doesn’t have a choice.

Horror: . . . ok

Killer: cool

Dust: great

Killer: Cya color

Color: goodbye, killer…stay safe?

Killer: you know I wont.

Color: (Oh Killer…)

//thank the stars that that’s over. Let’s head back to Ccino’s cafe!

Once Horror, Dust, and Killer make it back to the Cafe, they see that they were given ‘gifts’. 

Horror: holy smokes.

Dust/Killer: -

Ccino: We made pastries while you were away

Passive: apology, pastries. I.. I’m sorry.

(…)

Horror: apology accepted 

Dust: (Insane work.) 

Killer: …

Passive: Killer- I’m especially … more sorry to you. I didn’t think that-

Killer: You can’t get rid of me, boss.

Passive: What?

Killer: you heard me. So don’t do that again . . . or else.

Passive: Are you threatening me?????? You- ok. Ok. I promise not to abandon you, or anyone else, again.

Killer: good!

Passive: (Killer…) 

Horror: I really like… the pastries. Can we save some..for my papyrus…

Passive: of course

Ccino: I can make more, if you’d like?

Horror: please do.

~ (Ccino makes more pastries) 

When we’re together, they’re happy. Really happy. Ccino was right. I don’t have any negativity to feed off of, right now… but Ccino was right. Maybe this really is for the best? 

Killer: What's on our agenda for tomorrow, boss?

Passive: I don’t… I’m not sure? 

Killer: I’m fine with whatever you say

Passive: why don’t we host a vote…

Dust: we all become one with the cats. Or.. steal them all

Ccino: Please do not the cat.

Dust: worth a shot 

Horror: how about we stay here and make pastries until the end of time?

Ccino: please…do not the pastries?

Horror: Maybe some day..

Passive: We could always visit Dream–

Killer: HM? We should all go stay at the castle and do a bunch of crazy things while messing it up in the process? Awesome suggestion

Passive: what. 

Dust: I like that idea..kind of…

Horror: we can always clean after but it’s fun in the process 

Dust: ‘we’.

Passive: WHAT.

Killer: it’s decided then!

Ccino: You four have fun.

Passive: There is nothing fun about this !

Killer: learn how to let loose, and have fun boss.

Passive: No.

Dust: can we borrow some of the cats. (Phantom: YOU DON’T EVEN TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, HOW CAN YOU CONSIDER TAKING CARE OF A FELINE?) (watch and learn, loser.) (Phantom: WELL I NEVER.)

Killer: …

Passive: …

Ccino: Only if it’s okay with Nightmare.. Also, you must take good care of them.. The cats are all precious and very dear to me.

(…)

Passive: i.. I don’t know.. I.. Killer I’m sorry.

Killer: Quit apologizing. What happened, happened. We shouldn’t bring it up again.

Passive: Ok…

Dust: …???

Passive: It’s.. okay with me…

Dust: oh, joy

Horror: I’m gonna go drop these off to [my] brother.. Meet you guys back at the castle?

Passive: Yes, that is ideal.

Horror: Ok… 

~

Ccino: You can go pick a cat to ‘borrow’ and NOT steal.

Dust: yeah yeah. . . walks off

Killer: Ccinoooo~, you love me right?~

Ccino: uh huh.. What do you want.

Killer: Can I borrow one too, please?? I’ll treat it with love, attention, affecti-

Ccino: Yes. 

Killer: YES! runs off

Passive: …

Ccino: What? What lore am I missing…? 

Passive: I killed Killer’s cats.

Ccino: …Oh. Suddenly, I don’t seem too keen on allowing you and your gang to take two of my cats home with you.

Passive: I’ll stay away from them.. I promise.. Killer was a really good caretaker.. I can’t guarantee anything on Dust’s part..

Ccino: Just.. make sure to return them unharmed. 

Passive: You have my word.

Ccino: why are you so formal?

Passive: why aren’t you.

Ccino: . . .

Passive: I’m sorry..

Ccino: Sure.

Passive: I am..

Nightmare’s castle // timeskip ! ! !

Horror: night, boss.

Passive: …goodnight, horror.

Killer: Dust come back– our cats can be best friends!

Dust: Mine doesn’t like yours.

Killer: You don’t know that.

Dust: Sure I do… now go away.

Killer: Boss, Dust is being so.. So cruel to me.. For no reason!!!

Passive: Maybe, here’s a suggestion, stop pestering him?

Killer: Don’t side with him, I thought you loved me.

Passive: ?????????????????????????????????

Dust: quit being weird, Killer.

Killer: You're the only one making it weird.

Dust: mhm… sure…

Passive: goodnight, you two. Please get some sleep.

Dust: Maybe..

Killer: You get some sleep too

Passive: I… would rather read. 

(Killer and Dust: Nerd.)

Passive: I haven’t been able to read in my own body for so long. Leave me alone.

Killer: Okay, okay. . . 

Dust: whatever. . 

~

Chapter Text

Hello my lovelies! I am so sorry you had to witness my terrible writing skills. After I uploaded this… terrible work, I got the flu. It sucked!!! But I started working on chapter two anyway. Spoiler alert: I lost all motivation to continue the creation of this. (Hopefully someone takes this idea and makes it better ☹️)

I am back to revise and edit this fic, so it’s no longer a chatfic / in script format, and easier to read. I hope this helps :D

SO... I rewrote it... and now I'm going to pretend it doesn't exist again. Awesome sauce!

Have a good day...