An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
He was a Guardian of Positivity made to look like one.
How strange it was to finally see what it was like to fight another version of yourself.
Hello everyone~ Sorry for the long wait!
Oh. That was a long break in between chapters. I kind of did a little summary in this chapter.
I had to be in the right mindset for this one. Rollercoaster of emotions are not fun, but here we are! I'm excited for you all to read this chapter! Please be aware, there is violence and death in this chapter. So, please take care while reading. <3
Characters and their Creators:
Nightmare Sans: Jokublog
Dream Sans: Jokublog
Shattered Dream: galacii
The memories played over and over again as if it was a loop.
She knew they were not her memories, but the one who attacked her; the one who put this spell over her soul that caused her to fall ill.
A tree full of golden fruit stood tall and proud on top of a hill; at the base were two young skeleton monsters. One with a smile that was as bright as the sun while the other frowned with nervousness. The villagers were once again asking for a share of the delicious Golden Apples; “We can’t let you have the fruit.” The meek skeleton explained. “It is our duty to protect the tree and her fruit.”
The villagers were unhappy with this, but the brighter skeleton chirped with eagerness that he could aid them. If they couldn’t have the fruit, they would just have to do with the help of one of the Guardians.
Soon enough it became clear the villagers’ greed got to them and they planned to take the tree whether the Guardians liked it or not. It was a terrible fate; the Negative Guardian was beaten and very near killed. He ate from the tree, an apple that immediately rotten and corrupted as he took a bite. His body breaking as the corruption filled and swallowed his body whole.
A being like the one who had hurt her. Yet, this one was different. His cyan eye was cruel as he killed all of the villagers. And when his brother came to stop him, he ate a Golden Apple that turned him to stone- the corrupted brother left him and the Multiverse was filled with such darkness.
Fate was cruel for these two brothers, and it broke her heart to watch.
The moment the Positive Guardian woke from his stone prison, he was overwhelmed with the power of Negativity and knew he had to stop his brother. With little knowledge, the Positive skeleton ventured out into the Multiverse to hunt for his brother. To stop him.
On the way, he met so many monsters and humans who helped him on the way. But, nothing could stop him from making that dreadful decision of living through what his brother had. The Positive one ate from the corrupted Apple and the roles were reversed.
The Positive Guardian became stronger than before, feeding from both Negativity and Positivity. He was angry, yet he wept for the pain his twin brother had faced. From the villagers, the Multiverse, Fate itself. He was angry at his brother for letting him choose this path. He was angry at the villagers for hurting his brother. He would make them pay-
“How unfortunate for you, my dear. You are the only one left alive to pay for your ancestors' crimes against my family.”
It was so long ago, why attack someone who had nothing to do with that incident?
“I wish I had never been born…”
That voice. It was familiar, yet not…
But, it’s true. If I hadn’t been born, this wouldn’t be happening to me.
“That’s exactly what he wants you to think. He wants to tear you down until there is nothing left. Don’t let him win.”
The memories faded and once again Norah was in darkness; yet before her was the sun- no. An angel. His presence was comforting and gave her a taste of peace. The darkness all around flinched but did not scramble away. Black tendrils wrapped around her arms, but they were weak and she could see her angel reach out for her.
“I think it’s time to wake up, Norah. Your family is here with you.”
With the bright light like the sun blocking her view of his face, Norah hadn’t a clue as to who was here saving her. But, she knew he could be trusted. She slowly reached her hand out for his, and when her delicate fingers wrapped around his hand, his closed around hers and he pulled her onto her feet, the tendrils ripping away from her.
The peace that surrounded her was like a fresh breath of air. He pulled her forward as gently as he could, his arms wrapping around her body and embraced her. He was warm. He was so warm. Norah felt herself ease into his embrace, her eyes closing; She felt painless, peaceful. Her delicate arms wrapped around his middle and she rested her head on his chest. For once in the last… Stars knows how long she was able to rest.
“I got you, Norah. I got you.”
Everything was happening too fast; she was surprised she could even remember how to speak.
The Skeleton monster who pulled her from her slumber looks so much like her attacker. But, he lacks the black goop that dribbled down his body. Instead, he was as bright as the sun. Her angel. He looked a lot like that young skeleton monster in the memories she was forced to watch.
You will watch! You will remember what you did to me and my brother!
She remembered how he screamed at her. How angry he was at her- no, not at her. She was sure he saw someone else then. Still, it wasn’t her fault. She wasn’t to blame.
“You.. You’re not the doctor, right?” She asked, she had to be sure. “He can disguise himself.”
The room fell silent, the four humans had to take a moment for that to settle in their minds. Dream tensed, he looked so worried now. “I am not the doctor, Norah. But, the way you describe him… Tell me, have you seen his face?” Norah nodded, and she gestures towards him. “He looks just like you, but with black goo.”
Felix was up on his feet in an instant, his anger returning fast. “You’re the attacker?!” Dream raised his hands to try and calm Felix down. He was so confused; the only one he knew with black goo was his brother. But, he supposed there could be a possibility someone could shapeshift. But with black goo?
“I am not the doctor.” He repeated to Felix. “I do not have the corruption she is talking about either.” He turned his attention to Norah then. “Did he tell you his name?” Norah shook her head at that. She paused and closed her eyes as a dizzy spell hit her after such a small motion. “When he is a doctor, he looks like a normal monster. But, when no one is around, he is back to his black goo body with those tendrils behind him. He wears a crown on his head, or… Not a crown, but a circlet? It looks like two hands reaching for each other in the center- ah, like this.”
Norah demonstrates what she was meaning by bringing her hands together, one with the palm turned up and the other with the palm turned down, both in a cupping motion as if they were reaching to grab onto each other. ((Or to fist bump))
Norah lifted her eyes from her hands to look at Dream and she felt her heart skip a beat before picking up its pace. His face paled and the fearful look he gave wasn’t helping ease her panic. Still, she continued to explain; “His one good eye was golden, like yours. But, he holds no compassion, no happiness in that eye. He said that my ancestors had hurt his family long ago and that I had to pay for their crimes.”
“What the fuck-?!” Felix shouted, Maria snapped at him to not shout or curse in the hospital. Norah ignored Felix’s outburst as she watched Dream slip into his thoughts. She frowned and as she reached her hand out to touch his shoulder to comfort him, the doctor walked in.
“Well, this is quite the surprise.”
Everyone in the room turned their attention to the entryway where the doctor stood. His false smile stretched across his lips as he studied the room. “What a relief, you are awake, Norah-”
“Enough pretending, you prick.” Felix snapped, his anger targeted at the doctor now. “We know you’re the one who hurt Norah. Drop the fucking act.” His tone dripped with venom, he sounded ready to fight. To tear the asshole into pieces.
“I see.” The doctor said gently, his smile falling for a moment, before he grinned cruelly. “What a relief. This play-pretend was getting old.” The six of them watched in horror as the disguise fell away to reveal a skeleton monster; his black goo, the corruption dripped off of his body and the tentacles at his back swayed like a cat’s tail would.
Just as Norah said, the monster looked exactly like Dream, but with the corruption covering his entire body. Dream noted how the damaged eye socket was opposite of his brother’s. “Who are you?” Dream demanded, stepping in between the monster and the small family. He balled his fists at his sides- he wasn’t all alarmed when his weapons didn’t materialize in his grasp. He left them behind, after all.
“Dream~” The monster purred, his grin widening. “I was surprised you showed up here. At first, I thought you came to stop me, but when I noticed the depression and sadness, I knew you were simply following the same path I did.”
“What are you talking about? How do you know about me? Explain yourself!” Dream demanded, panic settling in his soul that he refused to show. However, this monster before him seemed to know exactly what he was hiding. “Do you not get it, yet?” The monster laughed. “I am you. My name is Dream- well, not exactly. See, I used to be like you. Until my last fight with my corrupted brother. After he accused me of not knowing his pain, I ate the black apple, and my soul shattered; I became corrupted myself while my brother was back to normal.
“So, yes. I am Dream, but I go by a different name now; I am called Shattered Dream.”
“Why have you attacked this innocent woman?” Dream asked with a stern frown. He stood tall, a barrier between the human mage, her family, and this monster.
Shattered found it interesting that his variant didn’t summon his weapons; and what’s this? No circlet? His cruel smile widened, his tendrils at his back swayed with amusement. “It is truly unfortunate for her. I have tracked down every family that has ever hurt Nightmare. Each one fell easily, without much pain. I was at least merciful with them. But, with her. Sweet little Norah? Her ancestors were the ones responsible for striking Nightmare down. The ones who lied to my face and used me. Fate was cruel to Norah-”
Surprisingly, Dream kicked off the tiled floor and threw a punch at Shattered. The corrupted Guardian didn’t expect Dream to do such a thing. Dream quickly backed away to take his place between Shattered and the mortals, his stance wider and ready for a fight.
“Heh,” Shattered chuckled as he slowly turned his head to smirk at Dream, he wiped away the little mana that leaked from his wound on his face. “Are you really that angry at me for a mortal you have just met? Dream,” He clicked his tongue in disappointment, his eyes closing as he shook his head. His smirk widened as he looked at Dream with such a wicked gaze. “When will you learn that you gain nothing from helping these fools?”
“Traveling the Multiverse and saving Universes that never repay you? Always take, take, taking! You’ve not changed! It’s the Apple Event all over again!” Shattered exclaimed, his tentacles whipping behind him as he raised his voice to Dream.
Norah cowered on her hospital bed, Felix staying as close to her as she could to protect her. Lily and Kai stepped in front of their mother, keeping her behind them in case things got bad. Maria remained in the back, fearful not for herself, but for everyone. For Dream. Each and every mortal remained silent, fearing what the corrupted monster would do if anyone were to break the silence.
Dream’s stern look dipped into a glare. Sweat was beading at his forehead; he was beating himself up mentally for leaving his weapons behind. He didn’t think anything like this would happen!
“I have retired from my duties as a Guardian, so no. It’s not the Apple Event.” Dream narrows his eyes at Shattered. “What I do with my life is of no concern to you.”
Shattered raised a corrupted brow. “Oh?” He looked amused. “How strange, you broke the loop, then?” Dream kept his glare set on his features, but he was confused. What loop? Sensing his confusion, Shattered dived into Dream’s emotions, pulling out everything he has been feeling these last few weeks- and oh~ How delicious~
Dream gasped when Shattered suddenly teleported behind him, his hands grasping Dream’s shoulders and his tentacles surrounding the Guardian. Dream flinched and attempted to break free, but the tentacles found new purchase elsewhere. “You poor thing. Has Nighty really beaten you down enough to make you think all of that?”
“Shut up! Get off of me!” Dream shoved Shattered away, but he didn’t budge. “Poor Dreamy~ Do you truly believe that you’re so weak?” Shattered laughed. “In this form, you are weak. But you can become stronger! You can defeat your brother and take over the Multiverse!” He leaned in, whispering in Dream’s ear canal all while Dream struggled against him. “We can work together. We can rule the Multiverse! There are many others like us out there, Dream~ Think of the possibilities!”
“I said,” Dream growled and with a burst of magic straight from his soul, he shoved Shattered back and across the room. “Get off!”
Kai was quick to pull his sister and mother out of the way as Shattered flew past them and hit the wall. The impact was strong enough it fractured the thick hospital windows. However, it didn’t hurt Shattered as bad as it did the wall. “Such anger~” He laughs at Dream as his tentacles freed him from the wall and he stood tall, his hands held behind his back as if he wasn’t just thrown across the room. His cruel smirk found its way back on his jaw, he looked pleased. “See? Using that negativity will make you stronger, my dear Dream. If only you had used it against Nighty before, you would have won.”
“Shut up!” Dream snapped at him, his anger finally boiling over. He balled his fists as he confronted his newest enemy. “Anger gets you nowhere! It does not win the fight!” Shattered chuckled and raised a brow. “Oh? So, you plan to lose to me?” Dream’s shoulders relaxed as he inhaled deeply and exhaled. He blinked and tried to focus. “I will stop you, Shattered Dream. But, I will use the magic that was given to me. I will use Positivity to stop you.”
“Even if I can feed on either?”
The startled gasp that Dream released was enough for Shattered to know; Dream didn’t know. Shattered’s smirk widened cruelly and his tentacles shot out from behind him, grabbing Dream and slamming him through the windows until he was shot out from the second floor.
“Dream!” Maria and Lily yelled; Lily and Felix were quick to summon their magic, preparing to fight Shattered. He turned to them and laughed. “How cute, do you honestly believe you can defeat me?”
“Mom! You and Kai take Norah out of here. Get somewhere safe!” Lily barked the orders, her glare fixed on Shattered. Maria hesitated, but knew she had to get Norah out of here. “Come on, Kai.” She said quickly, her son hurrying over to pull the IV and blood pressure cuff from her before scooping her up and hurrying out with his mother.
“Foolish.” Shattered laughed. “I will find her. I will always be able to find her, until she takes her last breath.” He smirks at the couple and opens his arms wide, his tentacles splayed out behind him; their pointed sharp tips directed at them. “Let’s see what you’ve got!”
If Dream wasn’t used to Nightmare tossing him around in their fights, this would have been way worse than it is.
Groaning, Dream slowly pulls himself from the wet bushes that caught his fall. He had scratches and bruises all over his body. The glass had sliced through his sweater and pants. Mana flowed from his wounds as he moved to stand on his feet.
Like an idiot, he left his weapons behind. They were so far away-
He raised his hand and tried to call for them, but nothing happened. “Crap.” He hissed and tried to see where he landed. He didn’t go too far, the glass having stopped him from being shot out across the parking lot of the hospital. Thank the Stars he landed in the bushes.
“Oh no! The others!” He exclaimed in panic and started to make a run for it, but his leg gave out suddenly and he fell with a yelp of pain. Panting hard, he took a moment to let the pain pass before he rolled over onto his bottom and glanced down at his leg. It didn’t look broken, but it could be fractured.. He could feel his magic begin to heal himself, but he didn’t have time to wait-
“Dream! Oh thank heavens!”
Startled, Dream raised his gaze and glanced behind him to find Maria and Kai with Norah. “You made it out!” He blabbered in surprise. “W-Where are the others? Felix and Lily?” Kai nodded his head towards the window the Guardian had fallen out of. “They’re facing off that bastard.” Dream gasped and tried to stand up once more. “They’re going to get killed! I have to stop them! I have to lead Shattered away from here! It’s not safe for everyone!”
“Don’t move, sir!” Dream was surprised to see a few of the nurses come out from the hospital. “We have the authorities on the way. Please, sit down so we can take a look at you!” Dream shook his head. “I can’t do that. I have to stop Shattered Dream before he hurts or kills anyone else.” The nurses weren’t having it either; “Sir, we understand you want to help. But, you fell out of the second floor window. Please let us check you over!” Dream sighed and raised his sweater sleeve to show that he was healing. “I can heal myself. It’s alright, I’ll be okay. Please, let me do my job.”
He gently pushed them out of his way as he limped towards the entrance-
“I see why you’ve retired.”
Dream grew tense as he stopped in place before spinning around to see Shattered had slipped out of the broken window with Felix and Lily caught in his tentacles. “You’ve let them fight your battle and now look at them.”
Felix and Lily were unconscious in Shattered’s hold. Both bleeding and bruised up. They really didn’t stand a chance against him. He carelessly tossed them to the ground in front of Dream, his smirk sharpening ever so slowly as he felt the rage build within Dream.
“Ar-Are they alive?” Maria asked breathlessly as Dream knelt down to check them, his magic immediately soaking into their bodies to begin healing them. “They’re alive, Maria. They’ll be okay.” He sighed in relief before raising his gaze to glare at Shattered. The bastard stood there waiting, watching in amusement. “What are you gaining by hurting these people?” Dream asks.
“I already explained my reasoning.” Shattered said with a shrug of his shoulders. “I’m only here for Norah. The others just got in my way.” His own gaze shifted away from Dream and watched Norah cowarded in Kai’s arms and he grins. “Now, if you don’t mind. I’d like to finish my task and leave. I think you’ll be coming along as well, Dream.” The Guardian hissed at Shattered; “Like hell I will!” Without turning away from Shattered, Dream commanded the nurses to get the two unconscious inside, and for Maria and Kai to get as far away as possible.
He straightened and started to walk towards Shattered, all the while trying to come up with a plan to stop him. Shattered chuckled in amusement and readied his tentacles. “You won’t be able to defeat me like that, I’m afraid. If you can’t summon your weapons, how are you going to stop me?” Dream tightened his fists as he tried not to show Shattered his nervousness- he probably felt it.
Before he could speak, a strange crystal like portal appeared to Dream’s right ((Shattered left)) and a thick boot came through, stomping onto the wet grassy ground. A young woman about Lily’s height ((without the boots)) stepped through and grinned. “What did I miss?”
Her hair was two colors, black and red; her bangs were a blood red while the rest a pitch black. She had many piercings on her ears, her nose- there were too many to count. And let’s not get started on her tattoos… Her outfit was rather revealing- a crop top that showed off her midriff, her bellybutton was pierced too and her shorts were well.. Short. Her boots only stopped above her ankles. Dream averted his eyes quickly from her exposed legs, a yellow flush dusting over his cheekbones.
The woman glanced around the group, taking in the scene before she closes her eyes and nods. “I understand it.” Then, with a sudden burst of rage, she darted forward, a boot raising and slamming hard into Shattered midsection; the corrupted monster choked back a pained sound as he went flying back and hit a parked car, setting the alarm off.
Spinning around, the woman glared at Dream with fire in her eyes. “You’re next, goldie.”
Dream gulped as he backed away slowly, trying to explain that he wasn’t the enemy here-
“Holy fuck, Atara!” Kai snapped, his eyes wide at how powerful that kick was. Norah cried in relief. “Atara!” Her soft voice calmed the enraged woman. “Norah! You’re awake!”
Atara rushed past Dream and hugged Norah, making sure to not hurt her. “Are you alright? I’ve been so worried! When did you wake up?” Norah laughs softly and smiles wide, tears in her eyes. “I just woke up, thanks to Dream.” She points towards Goldie. Atara glanced over and grinned. “Hey, nice work, goldie!”
“G-Goldie??” Dream asked, confused. Everything was happening too fast for his liking.
“What’s the goopy guy’s deal, huh? He hurt my besties?” Atara asks as she crosses her arms and gives a stern glare. Dream glances back towards Shattered who appears to be dazed for the moment, before he moves to stand with the others. “He’s the one hurting Norah and is another version of myself. I need you all to get far away so you won’t get hurt anymore. This is my fight-”
“Like hell it is!” Atara snapped at Dream, making him flinch at her volume. “He hurt my best friend! I’m going to pound him into the ground! He’ll be part of the fucking asphalt when I’m through with him!” She threatens and pounds her fist into her hand. “He’s strong, Felix and Lily weren’t able to stop him.” Kai explained. “That’s okay. I’m strong. I can do it.” Atara grins; Dream couldn’t help but think of Undyne. This woman was too much like her.
Turning around, Atara shakes her arms and stretches out, readying herself for a fight. Her look an excited determined one; “Besides, Red won’t let me go to those underground fights anymore. I’m dying to get some punches in!” She explains. Dream is surprised by the name she dropped- “You mean… Underfell Sans?”
“Yes,” Maria sighs, exasperated. “She is in a relationship with Red. She always says they’re fine, but I worry.” Dream blinks as he looks at her before glancing towards Atara, watching her stomp her way over towards Shattered. ((He was slowly climbing to his feet, anger boiling through his corrupted body))
“You disgusting mortal!” Shattered snapped, his tentacles whipping around from his irritation. “You dare touch me?!” Atara grins eagerly, her fire back in her eyes. “You hurt my friends. I’m just repaying the favor. Come at me, wuss!” With her hands raised, one a fist the other beckoning Shattered to come at her, Atara prepared for a fight.
Panicked, Dream called after her to wait- to get out of harm's way. What happened next, Dream didn’t expect. Angry, jagged tentacles flew at Atara and she deflected them each with a burst of magic. Upon impact, the sound of shattering glass was heard and if you looked very carefully, if you squinted… It looked as if walls of gems were shattering where the tentacles hit.
With sadistic glee, Atara charged forwards and threw a punch at Shattered, missing. She kicked at him, and met a tentacle. She spun around and blasted the goopy skeleton with a burst of her magic. Shards of gems embedded themselves into Shattered, slicing through him and cutting down his tentacles. Of course, more grew immediately after, but Atara was keeping up with him.
“You might have known her mother.” Maria began to speak. “Astraea was a very powerful sorceress. She enchanted crystals and gems and gave them to those in need of their power, as long as it was used for good.” Dream nods, the name is familiar. “The name rings a bell.” He tells Maria. “That is her only child, Atara Sol. She was raised in Underfell, has learned to fight and to be strong. After her mother passed away, she had gone through so much trauma. It has been a few years, but she has finally found her place with those skeleton brothers, Sans, or “Red” as they call him, as her partner.”
“I can sense her strong soul.” Dream nods. “She shouldn’t be fighting, though. I should be fighting Shattered. And you should be leaving.” Dream lectures Maria and gives her a stern look. Maria couldn’t stop herself from laughing softly. “You have a determined spirit, Dream. But, you don’t understand. We’re here to help. You’re not on your own, Dream. Your friends are here to help you.”
Dream glanced at Maria, her bright smile warmed his soul. Her positivity gave him strength.
“Let us help, Dream. It’s the least we can do.” Norah’s soft voice caught his attention and had him turning to look at her. She stood in front of Kai as he helped balance her. She smiled and reached out for his hands, gently taking them in her own and gave them a squeeze. “You get stronger when you feed on Positivity? Let us help keep your strength up, then. Okay?” Her smile was just as bright, even after being asleep for so long. Her eyes sparkled even with the evening sky hovering over them. The parking lot lights were the only lights illuminating them; the clouds above covering the moon and stars.
Dream sighs, his gaze falling to stare at their joined hands and he gives a firm squeeze back. “Okay, but the moment it gets too dangerous, you leave.” He says, looking up and back in her eyes, then to Kai and Maria. “I won’t have anyone getting hurt while I’m here.” The three nods, agreeing. “We will, Dream.” Maria promises.
Tentacles covered the young woman, pointed tips ready to pierce her skin. With a yell, her magic burst forth and cut down the tentacles and a boot met his chest this time. Shattered was ready and used his freshly grown tentacles to roll himself back up right. He was getting angrier by the minute. This woman seemed to not grow tired!
His teeth ground against each other as he used his magic to make copies of himself; one copy on his left, one on his right. “Okay, now it’s getting more interesting!” Atara snarked and readily met the first attack.
She used the tentacles to swing up onto them and ran down the length towards the first copycat, her boot meeting his face. His face separated like liquid before it eased back together around her ankle. Startled, Atara tried to pull her foot out before it was too late; the copy’s face stretched out, morphing into a tentacle and it threw Atara away from it. She hit the ground hard, but was quickly back on her feet. Growling out of frustration, she ran towards the copies and used her magic to tear them apart.
Just like a Hydra, each time she split them in half, more copies appeared and soon she was surrounded. “Fuck!” She growled, having no time to react when tentacles rained down on her and gripped at her body. Holding her in place, they repaid each strike she gave them, and more. When they had their fun, they threw her out of the goopy pit before they returned back to Shattered Dream.
Dream was at Atara’s side first, quickly checking over her wounds. “Are you okay?” He asked her, his magic already seeking out her wounds to heal. “I’m fine- ow.” She groaned when he accidentally touched a tender spot. “Looks like I’m out.” She said with a weak grin. “I’m tagging you in, now. Kick his ass for me, okay?”
He couldn’t help but laugh softly. Even after getting beaten, this young woman could still joke around. “I’ll take care of him. Thank you.” He glanced back at Maria and Kai, both hurrying over with Norah. “Take her into the hospital and don’t come back out.” Maria began to argue; “Now, what did we just agree on-”
“Maria.” With a stern snap of his voice, Dream gave her a serious look. “It’s time to go inside. I will take care of him.” Maria frowned. “Dream, please be safe.” She tells him and he nods. “I will do my best, Maria.”
“Ugh,” Shattered grumbled as he suddenly appeared beside them. “It’s disgusting- why do you care for such lowly mortals, Dream? Look how fragile they are-”
The motion was quick and no one knew it was going to happen.
A tentacle, sharp as a blade, shot between Dream and Atara and plunged deep into Maria’s midsection; the tip poking out from the otherside.
Shock was the first emotion Dream felt from all of the mortals. Then, rage and fear and panic. Screaming was heard, a mixture of Maria’s name and pure rage. Maria was raised high above them and tossed aside as if nothing but garbage.
“Weak. That’s what they are, Dream.” Shattered spat, his grin cruel and sadistic. Blood dripped from the tentacle that pierced the caring mother. Rage filled Dream, he was so angry- “You didn’t have to kill her!” Shattered laughed loudly; “Oh, but I did. To prove my point, Dreamy~”
“Get everyone into the hospital, Kai.” Dream commanded, his voice left no room for arguments. Kai shook as he felt lost; what was he supposed to do? If he left Norah here, she’d die too. But, he couldn’t leave his mother dying on the lawn of the hospital. Then, there was Atara- “Come on, big guy.” Atara’s beaten body was suddenly beside him. “Let’s do what Goldie says. It’s important, let’s do this. For your mother’s sake.”
Kai trembled as he held back his tears, his sobs that wanted to come. He had to be strong. Thankfully, a few staff of the hospital were able to come out to help bring the injured into the hospital. Leaving behind Dream and Shattered Dream.
“You didn’t have to do that.” Dream repeated, his anger now under control, yet his glare remained. “And I told you, I did. You’re acting foolish, Dream. Forget about these mortals. You want to become stronger? Leave them, and come with me. I will make you stronger. You will overcome and defeat your brother.”
Dream remained silent for a moment longer before saying, “My intention isn’t to defeat my brother. It’s to save him. I know he’s in there, waiting to be saved.”
“Dream!” Shattered shouted, his tentacles slapping on the ground in irritation. “He doesn’t want to be saved! Or have you not figured that out yet?” Shattered snapped, his grin long gone and replaced with a scowl. “It’s too late. Your brother is gone. I will show you that. If you come with me, we’ll go see your brother, and I will put an end to all of this nonsense!”
“I don’t want your help.” Dream says. “I want you gone. To stop hurting my friends. You may have given up on your brother, but I haven’t.”
Shattered sighs and rolls his eyes. “Fine. Then you leave me no choice.” Dream was ready this time. The tentacles shot at him, ready to grab him and stab him. He dodged each one as best as he could, receiving more scratches and gashes. But, he carried on. Running towards Shattered, the best he could do for now was blast him with his magic and throw punches.
He miscalculated an attack and was thrown back again, slamming into the ground. He raised his head to glare at his variant, the goopy version of himself raised high with his tentacles as he looked down on him. “Pathetic. You’re weak, Dream. Stop this now.”
Refusing to give up, Dream climbed back onto his feet and got back into a fighting stance. Shattered snorted and rolled his eyes. He shrugged and grinned. “Stubborn boy.” His tentacles shot at Dream once again, ready to knock him down for good.
However, blue strings suddenly wrapped around Shattered, startling the goopy Dream. “What the-?!” His tentacles were caught and strung up, before he was yanked back onto the ground where another goopy version of himself hovered over him.
“How the tables have turned, brother. Looks like it is I who is saving you from bullies.”
