Chapter Text
“Dreamscape, do you really want to do this?”
Today was the day. The day they planned to confront Nightmare, the fake Nightmare, about Dream’s brother, the real Nightmare.
It was nerve wracking. Despite weeks of rest after their last visit with Sans, and confrontation with The Creators… he was still tired.
But he wasn't tired from those past events, or lack of sleep. The Creators had stuck to their word, and it had gifted him with some much needed rest.
Both physically and mentally.
But this plan, the plan to confront Nightmare. Confronting him on his home turf, no less…
It stressed him out.
As in, it was the only thing he could think about as the weeks passed by.
But he’s holding Dream’s hand, now. They were almost ready, now.
The Creators had agreed to make more positive universes, just for this occasion. Because these events were interesting to them, or they didn't want them to fail, he didn't know.
Despite everything, it was clear they wanted something interesting to happen.
The creation of those positive universes gave Blue some more work, but that was okay.
He needed the distraction.
This was his idea! But the more time passes, and the more he learns about Nightmare…
Oh, the more he regrets ever bringing it up.
It was a spur of the moment decision.
But it was only to make Dream happy. Maybe it was also a way to meet his brother, but…
He has been told what his brother thinks about him.
Dream grips his hand. “O- Of course I do, Blueberry.”
“But… Dream, Nightmare said that your brother hates you.” He replies. “What if that's true? What will we do then?”
He looks down, and shakily sighs.
Dream doesn't know, Blue can tell. He wishes he could be like him, believing in that one hope so truly.
…But he isn't like him.
“He… He’s lying, to stop me from reaching him.” He replies. “He has to be.”
How can Dream believe in him so much? How, when he's been nothing but bad to him?
And still…
“Are you sure you're ready, Dream?” He asks. “If you don't have enough positive energy, then we can-”
He shakes his head. “No! I mean, yes. Yes, I’m ready. And me getting him back… that will give me all the positivity I need.”
Funny, in a way. Him saying that the guardian of negativity will give him more positivity.
What an oxymoron. Ironic, in a way.
“Dream.” Blue insists. “We are going on his home turf. Also known as the most negative universe in the multiverse. Are you sure you're ready?”
He places his other hand on top of Blue’s held hand.
Why does he trust him so much?
“We aren't going to fight, so I’ll be fine.” He states firmly, as if fact.
Blue furrows his brows. “But we don't know that, ‘scape.”
Dream rubs his thumb on the top of his partner’s hand. Stars, he looks so doubtful. Doubtful of the very idea that someone like Nightmare would hurt him.
“You don't know him like I do, Blue…” Dream shakes his head. “He’s not as bad as you think, I promise.”
…
He’s going to have to defend him, isn't he? Fight Nightmare, because he won't.
That's okay. As long as he can keep him safe, that's alright.
But he doesn't want him to run into danger headfirst like this, either.
People change… Blue knows he did.
That excitable, adventure seeking little kid he once was no longer exists. He’s just been through too much since then. It's to the point where he can't be the same person as back then.
Nightmare, that false Nightmare… who knows what he's putting the true Nightmare through. What kind of change is he forcing upon him?
He knows what kind of person he is. Inhabiting the same body as someone like him, that would break a person.
But in what way?
…
They could rescue him. Rescue him, and see him cry. Cry and sob because he’s grateful for his brother coming back for him.
That seems to be Dream’s ideal.
But Nightmare says he hates him.
But Nightmare could've-
“Blue.” Dream says.
He blinks.
“You're glowing. And I can feel how stressed you are.” He stares at him soothingly. “It’s going to be alright, we just have to get in, and get him out of there.”
Get him out of there.
…Right.
Dream wants him to live with them, after.
The thought of him being in the same household as them, something that would put Dream in danger, put this place they've lived for all this time in danger…
Well, it makes him want to puke.
This house is one of the little things he has, of the good old days.
He does not want Nightmare tinting those memories with his negativity.
…
But he has to do this for Dream.
He needs to make him happy. He needs him to be happy.
Stars, Dream is so confident in this. So strong.
He doesn't know how he does it.
“Alright.” Blue nods. “I think I’m ready. You are too, right?”
He nods.
“Let's go, then.”
“Hmmm… how interesting.” Nightmare muses to himself.
Or rather, more than himself.
He has always, since that day, had someone floating behind him.
Nameless.
Rather, name taken.
“What is it, sir?” His shadow asks.
“Tell me, little prince, would you ever consider stepping onto enemy territory?” He questions. “Especially when said enemy overpowers you completely?”
The person behind him shakes his head.
“Interesting.” Nightmare laughs. “Well, your brother thinks differently. So does his little friend, who I thought knew better.”
“But, there's only…” He says.
“Only what, little prince?” He questions.
The other shakes his head. “N- Nothing.”
“But why they are here, though…” He smiles . “What a question.”
His ghost furrows his brow. “Do… Do you know why?”
He stands up. “It could be multiple things, little prince. We can't just say it's only one, because we have more than one option here.”
“...What do you think?” He asks.
Oh, he thinks multiple things. If it were just Blue there, the correct answer would be to attack.
If it were just Dream there, it would be to reconcile.
But…
It’s both.
Of course it's both.
Though, that gives him a clearer look at things. Especially with the information they both have on a certain somebody.
“I think they're here for you.” He says.
“Me?”
“Yes, you.”
“Why?” He asks.
Nightmare laughs again. Isn't that obvious?
“Dream thinks he can “save” you. Blue thinks otherwise.” He states. “Their emotions here make it all too clear.”
Oh, but he doesn't need saving. He’s perfectly fine the way he is.
“...He should have thought about that before he left me to die.” He states.
Nightmare nods. “Yes, and isn't that thought wonderful?”
He flinches. “What do you-”
He twirls around, and smiles at him.
“That means we can crush his dreams further.”
Dream already had someone close to him die. He had another close friend become corrupted, to where he wasn't his past self anymore.
How would he like a third? A third person, one who is no longer themselves?
A new self.
A better self.
One that confirms that his past, his happiness, is dead.
“I have an idea, one that would suit your interests.” He says. “Are you willing?”
An idea, a plan, that he can't say no to.
Of course he would agree.
This is all he’s ever wanted, after all.
Blue shudders. This place gives him the creeps.
A crescent moon is in the sky, filling up the universe with a permanent night. Fog hovers over the ground, making it hard to see.
Dream seems equally, no, more uncomfortable.
“...It’s just like my old universe, after she died.” He says.
“Who…?” Blue looks at him, and asks.
He plays with his gloves. “My mom.”
“...Oh.” He replies.
Dream looks up at the sky, and sighs.
“As my world was collapsing, Ink saved me from dying along with it.” He says. “Because my brother trapped me in stone, I couldn't escape. Even if I had the means to.”
Another horrible thing his brother did to him.
But…
Ink, he…
“Ink saved you.” He echoes.
Dream nods. “I can't bring myself to hate him, because of that.”
Oh…
“Ink had flaws, a- and Nightmare does too.” He continues. “All I can do is accept them, and help them improve.”
Blue shakes his head. Flaws… they both had- or have- more than just flaws.
But if he insists.
He steps forward, placing his hand on the castle’s gigantic door.
“How are we going to get in safely? He… He surely has guards inside, right?” He asks.
Dream shakes his head. “You’ve explored inside once, right? Last time we were here.”
That's right. He nods.
“Did you run into anyone back then?” He asks.
Blue shakes his head. Weird… he didn't.
And besides, Nightmare fights alone. At least, mostly.
If he had people to fight by his side, surely he would take them out into battle.
“No…” Blue says, looking at Dream. “So you think nobody is here, still? Except for your brother?”
The other walks up to him, pushing at the door.
It… opens?
Both of them flinch.
“It’s unlocked…” He says.
“I- I-” He furrows his brows, trying to figure out why.
Why is the door unlocked? Doesn't Nightmare value his safety? Even his privacy?
Where's the guards? The locks? The defenses?
Isn't this castle supposed to be…
Secure?
Wait.
“This universe… ” Understanding fills Blue’s as he speaks. “It’s already secure as-is.”
That's true, nobody would ever think of stepping in here unless they were insane.
Unless they wanted to be killed.
…
Them coming here… they're really asking to be murdered, aren't they?
They will come back. But does that matter? Death is death.
And that's what he wants them to think.
He wants them to think coming here would spell out their doom.
“What do you mean?” Dream asks. “Nobody except for my brother is here, so…”
He sighs. “Our fear … the negativity we feel… it’s powering him up. He probably thinks that's enough.”
Dream taps his foot.
That's right, people are intimidated by his brother. If someone stepped in, they’d be scared of the fake him.
And of course, why wouldn't they? His real brother, who wouldn't dare do any of those things that the fake would, isn't out there.
“...We’ll have to keep our hopes up, then.” Dream states. “To prove him wrong.”
Blue sighs. “He’ll do everything he can to stop that, though.”
He knows their weaknesses, and strengths. Surely he’ll use that information to his advantage.
Dream shakes his head. “We still have to try.”
Still have to try.
Just like how they still have to try to save him.
But, he’s…
“You’re right.” He says. “Especially if he tries attacking us. We will have to do anything we can to stop him from getting stronger.”
Dream shakes his head.
“We aren't going to fight him.” He says.
“But if he fights us…?” Blue replies.
“He won't.”
Sure, like hell he won't.
“Fine.” He says. “But a promise is a promise. I will fight back if he attacks you.”
Dream nods. “Right…”
“Let's go.” He sighs, stepping forward into the castle.
He beckons him to follow, and the both make their way through.
Immediately, Blue recognizes the smell of dust in the air. And Dream identifies the smell of blood.
They both shudder. It’s clear that people have died here. Blue wouldn't be surprised if he came across a corpse, or a pile of dust.
How can Dream have so much faith in him?
“Ignore the smell.” Dream says. “Keep moving.”
He scoffs. How can he just ignore it?
But, he’s right in that last part. They need to keep moving.
He whispers to himself, asking The Creators for guidance. Guidance, as in, directions.
Because asking them for actual guidance is…
Oh, well, you’d have to be stupid to do that.
Hearing their whispers, and ignoring the weird comments, he follows their directions.
Make a left turn there. Walk past the kitchen, where you can smell food rot. Ignore that pile of dust, that's a dead person.
Walk through that hallway, make a right turn. That's another pile of dust. Ignore it, even though they’re the ones that pointed it out.
Walk through that doorway. Turn right around because someone wanted to play a prank, and give out bad advice. Curse to himself because this is taking way too long.
Notice that Dream is holding steadier than you could ever be, in a moment like this. How his held hand is still and unshaken, while your own can't help but tremble.
Don't think about the fact that you two might die brutally today, just because one of you was holding onto false hope.
Don't think about how all of this was originally your stupid idea in the first place.
Don’t think about the longer you two are in here, the more likely he is to find you first.
Don't, just don't, just-
“Blue. Calm down.” Dream says. “...Are they causing you trouble?”
What does he mean by that? H- He’s fine. Everything is fine, it’s just…
Taking too long.
Blue breathes, in and out. “It’s fine.”
Dream stops.
He turns around, facing his partner. His expression looks concerned, for some reason.
“What’s wrong ?” He questions. “A- Am I walking too fast?”
Dream looks to the side, but doesn't immediately respond.
“Dream?”
The other plays with the cuff of his poncho. “You’re still worried… aren't you?”
…
Is he?
If so, it…
“That doesn't matter .” He responds. “We have to keep moving.”
Blue turns back around, and tries to tug Dream forward. But… he doesn't move for some reason.
Why isn't he moving.
“W- We can't face him when you're like this.” He says. “We need to take time to calm down, and-”
Take time to calm down…?
Take time???
Is he really asking him to take time?????
NOW?!?!?!?!?!
“It’s too late for that.”
He looks down, a shadow covering his face. His partner flinches at his sudden hostility.
“What do you-”
“It’s too late to calm down.” He says. “If we really wanted to do that, then we should’ve done it earlier.”
Dream frowns.
But they have to, they have to calm down! He has to calm down!
He has to calm down if they're going to save him! Or else that fake version of his brother will grow stronger, and-
Blue continues. “We should have calmed down before coming in here. We can't take time to calm down now, because we are in enemy territory.”
“But-” Dream stutters.
He shakes his head.
No buts.
Blue jolts his head at Dream, glaring at him. “Enemy territory, Dream. Right in the middle of it! Or else, do you…?”
“I…”
He growls. Dream can feel his negativity filling the air, along with…
With?
He interrupts that train of thought before it can finish, with the most painful of retorts.
“Do you want us to get caught?” He asks, darkly.
No, h- he…
“I don't want us to get caught, Blue!” Dream shouts, tugging at his hand. “I would never want that!”
Something is going on, he just-
“Oh, do you now?” He asks, interrupting yet again. “Because you seem to love that horrible creature so much, that you would just beg to be murdered by him if you could!”
He flinches.
No, he…
He would never say that!
No, no, no, he wouldn't! That just isn't like him!
But…
“Blue, I need you to listen-” He tries to say.
“No.” He retorts, an uncharacteristic violent look in his eyes. “Why would I? You’re just holding me back! I need to go and face him, and you're just- ugh!”
He tries to tug his hand away, but Dream doesn't let him.
Something is wrong.
He knows what.
And he hates it.
“Please, this place-” He pleads.
Blue doesn't seem to care.
“Shut up! You should just stay here, while I do all the hard work.” He harshly says, trying to pull his hand away more. “It’s better than you getting the both of us killed, right? Right?”
But Dream won't let go. He can't let go.
He can feel the negativity pooling in his eye. But stars, that's not important right now.
His partner growls. “Just let me go, and let me kill him! Unless you want me to be murdered by him again?! It’s what happened last time , after all!”
He doesn't think of the little bit of truth in that statement. It will only hold him back.
No.
What he needs to do.
What he has to do.
Which is-
“I said let me go, and-”
“NO!!!” He shouts, pulling on Blue. Sending a wave of positive energy through his arm, his hand. Directly into his partner. “SNAP OUT OF IT, BLUE! THIS ISN'T YOU!”
Blue stops… and a golden light emits from him.
Dream stares as he glows, feeling the negativity pour out of his body. He was right, it was this place making him like that.
His partner nearly falls to his knees, still expelling that nasty energy. But Dream manages to rush to his side, holding him by his shoulders.
“Hey, hey…” He whispers. “Just let it out, don't let it get to you. I’m here.”
The negativity is still exiting his soul, he can tell. So he holds him tight, never letting go.
His friend's eyelights are shaky and uneven, seemingly unable to process his surroundings.
Dream holds him still, ready to wait as long as it takes for him to recover. Even in a place like this.
But still, he can't help but wonder.
Is this his brother's fault? That fakes fault? First taking his family away, and now attempting to steal his friend?
The castle’s halls are suffocating. In more ways than one. Is that on purpose, because of him?
And what Blue said…
Was it genuine, or was it purely because of his fake brother?
But before he can think about that for too long, Blue shifts in his arms. He looks back to him, consciousness covering his face, and…
Oh stars.
He looks so apologetic.
“Dream, I’m so-”
Don't apologize.
“Shhh…” He replies. “That doesn't matter right now. I know you didn't mean it, right?”
That's right. None of that was his fault.
It was this places’ fault.
He nods. “But…”
“No buts.” Dream replies. “If you didn't mean it, then you didn't mean it.”
Blue mutters to himself. He doesn't believe that, does he?
“Let's keep moving.” He says. “Together.”
Blue nods, and walks together with him. Arms in arms.
…
They're almost there.
At least, that's what they're saying.
He’s trying not to think of all those hurtful things he said, despite how much they bring them up. Because… there's some truth in them.
Even if it's a little bit. That's still too much for him.
He looks up. Just up this staircase, they say. It goes so high that you can't even see how it ends.
He takes one step up. Then another, and another.
Holding Dream close, he prays they don't fall. The stairs are long, and unsteady.
He’s going to be waiting for them at the top. He most definitely knows they’re here now, after the ruckus he made in the hall.
What will he do? Will he choose to harm?
He will.
If maybe Nightmare were different, he’d actually like it here.
…This place is like him, in a way. At least, if Dream’s descriptions are true. Ugly on the outside, covered in years of disgust and rot. But those bits were gone, it would actually be quite nice.
Was his brother ever nice?
Will he ever get to know him? Know him like Dream presumably did?
He doesn’t know, but it’s not likely.
Up one more stair. Then another.
They keep walking, slowly but surely making their way up. There's a railing to the staircase, but he doesn’t think of touching it.
His shoes are already going to need to be cleaned when they get home. He doesn’t want to have to clean his gloves, either.
Thankfully, Dream seems to hold the same sentiment.
It makes sense why this place is so disgusting, though. There’s nobody left alive who's willing to clean it, after all.
Stars know that Nightmare wouldn’t. He isn’t the type.
But was it prettier before? Surely.
How long have those people been dead?
They can’t die. Not permanently.
Thank stars for that. He wouldn’t want his, or Dream’s remains left here. Especially Dream’s.
He doesn’t even want Dream dying here in general. Even if he does come back.
If it does come to that, he’ll take the blow instead.
They’re almost there.
They can hear… something.
A voice?
It’s obvious who.
“You two are really serious about this, aren’t you?”
Dream looks at him nervously. That’s Nightmare, alright.
The Nightmare that Blue knows. Not the one that Dream knows.
“You’re seriously walking, what did you say, right into enemy territory?”
Blue tenses up, summoning one of his two hammers in his free hand.
That's confirmation that he heard their argument.
That's confirmation that he's going to use that information against them.
The two of them keep moving.
…Right into enemy territory.
“I wonder what was so important that you had to walk right into here.”
Dream was.
…Well, he would say it was Nightmare, but it’s not. Not to him.
“I guess I should humor you two, shouldn't I?”
Get up the stairs faster. They're almost there. He can almost see the top.
There must be a reason why these are so long.
Intimidation, probably. Or maybe a safeguard, to stop people from getting up.
Either way, they have to keep moving.
“Hm… Or maybe I should humor myself? I could always push you two down.”
Blue tenses, gripping his hammer. For some reason, an obvious one, he thinks that they wouldn't be the first ones that happened to.
Keep. Moving.
He can see Nightmare now, sitting on his throne.
“It’d be funny to watch you two fall, and try to make your way back up again.”
He’s smirking, amused. And his tentacles flick harshly, as if reminding the both of them of their power.
A few more stairs to go.
Don't stop.
“But I made a deal with a certain someone, and I believe he intends on meeting you two unharmed.”
A deal…?
Both of their eyes widen. Is that person his brother…?
Blue looks at Dream worried. Why would he want them unharmed?
His partner has a look of hope on his face. It’s not safe yet, though. He hopes he realizes that.
“Oh, different reactions from the both of you? It seems like you know who I’m talking about.”
They're at the top. Dream tries to take a breath, but Blue continues walking.
Both of them slowly walk through the green colored carpet. Eternal moonlight covers them both, reflected from the window above the throne.
The path leading towards it is long. Not as long as the stairs, but still long.
They keep moving.
“I wonder how you’ll react to meeting him?” Blue can see Nightmare ask, now.
They're right in front of him.
The god of negativity stands up, taller than the both of them.
He grins, full of malice.
“But I want to talk first.” He states. “Because we haven't seen each other in a while, haven't we?”
Blue glares, gripping his hammer tightly. Nightmare laughs at his action.
He doesn't want to talk, he just wants to get this over with.
But Dream seems like he does, so…
“You’re just like your predecessor in a way, Blue…” He smiles deviously. “Do you want to know how?”
He scowls at him.
Just like them, huh? He’s nowhere near close to how they were.
“I’d rather not.” Blue responds.
Nightmare laughs. How can a person like this ever be good?
“Oh, really?” He says. “It doesn't seem like you believe me, even. Why not?”
Why not?
“Because I know I’m not.” He growls, answering the question.
Laughter.
“Then why do you seem so violent?” He shakes his head. “No, no… Why are you so violent, if you aren't like him at all?”
Blue grips his hammer.
He’s just using all of this against you.
Don't let it get to your head.
“B- Blue is nothing like him!” Dream says, letting go of him and taking a step towards Nightmare. “He’s better than that!”
Nightmare puts his hand on his chin, as if in deep thought.
“Hmm… Is that so?” He asks.
Blue holds Dream’s hand to stop him from walking further.
Instinct tells him to summon his other hammer in that hand instead. But he doesn't want to prove Nightmare right, so he forces himself not to.
“Then why was he ready to kill me?” He smiles crossing his arms disapprovingly. “He said it himself, and I wouldn't put it past him. It wouldn't be the first murder he has committed, after all.”
He tenses.
What does he…?
Oh.
The destruction that he played a part in.
That's different. He knows that was different.
He didn't have a choice to do that.
That wasn't his fault, it was theirs!
And he knows that, doesn't he? If he knows it about Error, then he knows it about him.
But does he?
He couldn't hear The Creators' arguments, forcing him to destroy those AUs he made. He doesn't know why those sketches of universes were like that, only that they were there and unstable.
He just knows that he murdered people! Just like him! Just like Error!
The thought of someone, anyone, thinking of him as a murderer, especially when they have a reason to-
He doesn't like that. He doesn't like that at all.
Nightmare’s thoughts on him shouldn't affect him this way, but for a situation like this?
It would hurt him if anyone had an opinion on him like this.
“You-”
“Oh, coming up with excuses, now?” He smirks. “That sounds really familiar, doesn't it?”
He lets go of Dream's hand.
And summons his other hammer in it.
“Just as I thought.” He says.
Shut up.
“You really are like him, aren't you?” He smirks.
Shut up. Shut up. Shut-
Dream looks at him, concerned.
“N- No, Blue. He’s wrong. Focus.” He says.
Focus.
That's right, he…
He needs to focus.
Blue glares at Nightmare, hammers in hand.
“You don't know anything about that.” He growls. “So stop acting like you do.”
Nightmare rolls his eye.
“Hmph.” He sighs. “You sound so much like him when you say that...”
Nightmare... He knows that Blue could never truly be like Error, that's true.
But he's come close.
He’d never desire to dance with him, to break his limp and already broken body as they move.
But oh well.
“Dream… I do wonder why you stay with him.” He says, and the former stares back at his partner. “It’s a shame, I think he could do great things without you.”
“I- I’m not… I don't hold him back!” Dream stutters as a response.
Nightmare taps his foot.
“Oh, did I ever say that?” He shakes his head. “No, I believe it was your partner who said that instead. And it's true, isn't it, Blue?”
Blue flinches.
No… No, he didn't mean that!
Stop it. He’s just trying to get to you.
It’s working. But he can fight back.
“If you say one more word like that…” He glares. “...then we are fighting right now, no matter what you say.”
Nightmare claps his hands together joyously, and Dream flinches at the sound.
“Oh, how fun!” He smiles. “But…”
He moves his hand, looking at a watch that doesn't exist.
A few moments pass, Blue and Dream glancing at each other. Nightmare mutters a few words to himself, and sighs.
“Unfortunately, it looks like my time is up!” He smiles. “I hope you both have fun facing him. I know I sure will!”
Suddenly, Nightmare’s form melts into a lighter color. His clothes turn back into their natural color, as he slides off his worn jacket.
His expression shifts, a different one than before. As if it belongs to a different person altogether.
That face he wears glares directly at him- no- at Dream. The colors on his body continue to shift, into a soft grey.
Dream’s eyes widen, realizing just who this is. Blue grips his weapons tightly, realizing it all the same.
“N- Nightma- I mean, brother???” He stutters.
He glares right at him. His tentacles thrash, as if they have nobody controlling them.
“Don't.” He says, in a different tone of voice.
“D- Don't what?” Dream nervously asks, reaching out to him.
“Don't call me by that name.” He says…
And before either of them can react…
He rushes towards him, and…
He…?
He strikes.
