Living the Dream: Battle End
The real next chapter; "Mercy" is considered a deleted scene.
@bored-animator a new chapter.
Characters and their Creators:
Killer Sans: Rahafwabas
Dust Sans: Ask-Dusttale
Horror Sans: Sour-Apple-Studios
Nightmare Sans: Jokublog
XTale Sans(Cross): Jael Peñaloza/Jakei
Error Sans: Lover of Piggies/Crayon Queen
Ink Sans: Comyet
Underswap Sans (Blue): popcornpr1nce
Dream Sans: Jokublog
Shattered Dream and his brother: galacii
Underfell Sans (Red): Vic the Underfella
Atara: cactobutt (tumblr)
Leaving the once familiar castle wasn’t a hard thing to do.
He never looked back as he teleported into the closest AU to Shattered Dream’s castle; a dark and desolate Universe where those still alive were struggling to survive.
Killer teleported away, finding that one AU that remained neutral; a place where his previous boss enjoyed to visit on his days off.
Brew Beginnings came into view once Killer stepped through his shortcut.
It was raining today. A terrible and gloomy day with thunder rumbling above. Killer tipped his head back to watch the rain pour down, washing away the black ichor that stained his face. Lightning struck in the distance and thunder shook his bones.
He couldn’t feel emotions any longer but if he did, Killer figured guilt would be gnawing on his soul right about now. He was so stupid to leave his boss for that silly wannabe. Shattered demanded to hunt down every monster and human who dared insult and hurt Nightmare– it was boooring. There was no fun! No killing!
Most of his time was spent back at the castle babysitting Shattered’s pathetic human. He was done being used in such a way; So was Horror and Dust. Killer wasn’t sure where they planned to go, but he wasn’t worried.
“Are you going to continue standing out in the rain or come inside?”
The soft voice of Brew Beginnings owner opens the door and calls out for him. Killer lowers his head and meets Latte’s warm eye lights before the owner smiles kindly, eyes closing. “Come inside, Killer. I have your hot chocolate ready.”
Latte steps back into the shop, the door closing behind him. Killer stares at the open sign as it blinks brightly. Unblinkingly, Killer takes a step closer towards the entrance, slipping inside without a noise.
The coffee shop wasn’t very busy at this time and it surprised Killer. None of the customers seemed bothered by Killer’s presence, allowing Killer to walk towards his usual spot, his shoes squeaking and water squishing in his shoes with each step he took. Before he sat down, Latte came to Killer’s side with a warm towel.
“Here you are, Killer.” Latte smiles as he wraps the towel around Killer’s shoulders and the murderous skeleton sits down in his seat. His usual mug is placed in front of him, hot and steaming. He doesn’t thank the Ccino variant and dared take a sip of the steaming drink. Latte smiles and sits across from him and tilts his head to the side, regarding him curiously.
“How are you doing, Killer?” Latte asks, recognizing when Killer was having one of his episodes. Killer remains quiet while nursing his drink, his silence doesn’t bother Latte one bit. He waits for Killer to be ready to speak, however; Latte had an idea of why Killer was here.
It nears noon when the customers begin to leave, thanking Latte as before they leave. Latte slips behind the counter to clean up a bit, leaving Killer alone in his booth. The rain hasn’t let up at all but the thunder faded long ago. He watches the puddles ripple from the rain pouring from the sky.
Someone slowly makes their way down the stairs of the coffee shop, leaving the upstairs living quarters. Killer doesn’t bother to turn and look, knowing well enough who descended those stairs. The music plays softly from the speakers above, the calming incense fills the coffee shop. A soft sigh breaks the comfortable silence and those soft steps drew closer until the monster slipped into the booth across from Killer.
The voice adds to the comfort in the coffee shop for Killer and his shoulders relax. His gaze breaks from the view outside and he turns to look upon his former boss, Nightmare.
No longer covered in corruption, Killer can see Nightmare’s white, white bones. They don’t look healthy enough but after that day he lost his corruption to Dream… He looks much better. There’s a medical patch over his damaged eye socket, hiding the gnarly wound from all. Nightmare’s now purple eye light studies Killer closely and he frowns– his teeth shifting into that dip catches Killer’s attention and he grins, tilting his head slightly to the side.
“Really, boss? I came all the way here–”
“Don’t lie to me, Killer.” Nightmare snaps with a small glare. “Did my brother send you?” Killer snorted and rolled his faint eye lights, the reaction startling Nightmare. “That asshole has abandoned us, so I left.”
Nightmare remained quiet as he tossed these words in his mind before asking, “Is he searching for me?” Killer shook his head and took the last gulp of his now cold chocolate drink, he glanced out the window looking bored. “He’s going after all those who’ve hurt you in the past. He’s been gone for months.” Nightmare rolled his eye and sighed.
Latte silently walks over to set Nightmare’s coffee in front of him and retrieves Killer’s mug to refill it for him. Nightmare quietly picks up his mug and takes a healthy gulp of it. He doesn’t speak until half of his coffee is gone.
When Latte returns, he brings not only Killer’s drink, but a fresh pot of coffee for Nightmare– he could tell the Nightmare variant was going to need it. Nightmare nods his thanks to the kind host before he walks back behind the counter, leaving the two alone again.
“He will come find you.” Nightmare warns Killer finally and the skeleton huffs a humorless laugh and shakes his head. “He won’t.”
“Are you sure?” Nightmare asks, not at all believing that. “I am, he’s more concerned with his stupid plans. I thought about killing that dumb human of his but he wouldn’t know about it until he returned– if he returned.”
“He had us babysitting the damn whining thing, so I left.” Killer explained and he turned his gaze back to Nightmare. “I… Missed being near you.” Nightmare looks down as he refills his mug again, his smile a humorless one as he says, “I’m nothing like I used to be.” I’m weak now.
“The only thing that’s different is you don’t smell.” Killer grinned wickedly and Nightmare sent a glare at him. “Heh, and you actually look like a skeleton monster now. Other than that, you’re still you.”
Nightmare’s eye widens as he raises it to look at Killer in surprise, a pretty purple blush painting his cheekbones. Killer’s eyes looked down at the pretty coloring before raising them back to meet Nightmare’s eye and he grinned. “I think I like that color a lot better than the cyan.”
If it didn’t hurt Killer, Nightmare would have spilled his hot coffee on Killer for that comment– he was so flustered now!
“Heh,” Killer laughed and finally relaxed further. “I hope you don’t mind but I’d like to stick by your side from now on.” I missed you. Nightmare seemed to relax and he sighed. “Where will you stay–?” Killer blinks at him and feigns innocence when he says, “I was hoping to stay with you~” Nightmare rolls his eye and sighs. “I’m living with Latte currently. I don’t want to ask more of him after everything he’s done for me so far.”
Killer could imagine that Latte personally healed Nightmare, nursing him back to health since his fall. “I’m sure he wouldn’t mind.” Killer says anyway and Nightmare shoots a small glare at him. “I will not–”
“Sorry, I heard everything.” Latte’s voice startles Nightmare as he suddenly was at his side, smiling apologetically. With their booth being so close to the counter, of course Latte heard everything they discussed. “I am fine with housing Killer as well. But, when Presso returns…”
His brother, his Paps. Nightmare must be staying in Latte’s brother’s room right now and he comes home after his adventures to rest and spend time with Latte. Then he leaves for more adventures once more.
“Latte,” Nightmare sighed, ready to decline his offer. “Killer needs a place to stay as well. I can offer a roof over his head for a little while.” Nightmare shook his head, heaving another sigh once again. Latte was just too kind.
“If it makes you feel better, I can help you find a living space of your own.” Latte offers, again to Nightmare who nods in agreement. He was getting tired of being a burden to his friend. “Thank you, Latte.” The host nodded with a hum before he went back to work.
“If you are staying here, I suggest that once you’ve finished that drink, you head upstairs to get cleaned up. You look and smell like a wet dog.” If Nightmare had a nose, it would have been scrunched up in disgust. Killer wasn’t offended and just laughed. “Sure, Nighty.”
“Don’t call me that.” Nightmare grumbled softly before drinking his coffee, hoping to hide that pretty blush of his behind the mug.
In the neutral AU, with the help of Latte, Nightmare and Killer found a cozy little apartment nearby. A two bedroom apartment, perfectly sized for the two of them. The kitchen was a bit small, with both of them working in the kitchen, they easily bumped into each other. Killer always making perverted jokes every time they did.
The dining space was much larger, the table that was provided could seat at least four all together. “We can invite the big guy and Dusty soon!” Killer suggested and Nightmare had to turn away to hide his smile at the suggestion.
The living room was twice the size of the dining space, a tv mounted on the wall helped give more space. The sofa they managed to get was plush and perfect for lazy afternoon naps~ Nightmare always found Killer sprawled out over the piece of furniture, snoring away before he threw a pillow at him to wake the snoozing skeleton.
One bathroom to share; the two skeletons didn’t need to use the toilet– unless they got sick. The tub, however, was used quite a bit. Nightmare enjoyed soaking in a hot bath, and a guilty pleasure? He would add bubbles to his baths. He would dip lower to hide his blushing face whenever Killer teased him about it.
“I didn’t know you liked bubble baths, boss!”
There were two bedrooms. Both with their own small closets.
Killer shared the master bedroom with his boss, something Nightmare wasn’t very happy with at the time, but grew to enjoy his presence. Especially during the nights where his night terrors came to torment him… Killer was always there to pull Nightmare into his embrace and scare away those awful nightmares.
After accepting Killer being moved into his bedroom, Killer cooed about how the second bedroom could be for Horror and Dusty when they came to visit.
Nightmare agreed to that with a smile, one he didn’t hide from Killer this time.
Word eventually came to Nightmare about what his brother was doing.
Presso came home to visit his brother one day. Post showed up with him, handing out mail to Latte and Nightmare. A beautifully written letter from Shattered Dream himself.
Killer and Nightmare could only imagine the poor Postman being harassed by his dumb brother to deliver the letter. “Did he ask you where I am?” Nightmare asked, feeling a little nervous at the answer. Post’s answer soothes him slightly when he shakes his head. “He only wished for me to deliver this straight to your hands only.” Post explained and Nightmare nodded.
“What’s it say~?” Killer asks, peering over Nightmare’s shoulder as he opens the envelope and pulls out the sheet of paper.
He reads it silently, frowning. Killer snorts and plops back down in his seat beside Nightmare. “That’s not at all surprising.” He sighs, sounding bored. Latte and Presso raised a bone brow in question, Post minding his own business. Being the Multiverse’s postman was exhausting.
“Dream is bragging about what he’s done for me.” Nightmare rolls his eyes. “However,” He says quietly, but catches their attention aside from Post. “He says that the True Dream has shown up in the AU he’s in and they are currently battling.”
“What will you do?” Latte asks softly, nursing his own drink. Nightmare sets the letter on the table and sighs. “His foolishness has gone on for far too long.” He says as he closes his eye as he lets himself think. The silence lingers while Nightmare thinks, Killer begins tapping his phalange against the table, boredly.
“We shall go to him and put a stop to his stupid plans.” Nightmare finally says and he looks at Latte with a frown. Latte knew Nightmare didn’t want to see his brother again, he only wanted to live peacefully and away from his brother. Latte frowned and looked at him with worry. “Will you be alright?”
“I will,” Nightmare said with a nod before grunting when Killer knocks into him, an arm wrapping around Nightmare’s shoulders. “I’ll go with you~” He grinned wide with excitement. “Gotta thank the asshole for all he’s not done for me~” Nightmare rolls his eyes. “You will behave. I wish to stop him from his foolishness; with his variant there, perhaps he will find his own peace as well.”
“Do you mean that?” Killer asks curiously and Nightmare nodded before glaring down at the letter. “As long as it’s far, far away from me.”
Fear and anxiety gripped everyone tightly as they watched Error throw strings at Shattered, who dodged and reached to grab Error’s leg– strings wrapped around Shattered’s wrist, Error yanked his own hand back and tossed Shattered away from him. The strings were cut and Shattered flipped through the air and landed on his feet.
All amusement was gone now, Shattered was clearly over this battle. Out-numbered, weakened, and exhausted. Shattered didn’t have a lot of choices now, but running away wasn’t something he wished to do; now when word would spread of how he ran away from his variant and his brother’s variant.
“Are you finished?!” Dream called, his twin blades in hands as he glared sternly at his variant. “Are you?” Shattered asked and he grinned. “Getting tired, variant?” Dream mirrored his grin and repeated, “No, are you?”
Nightmare rolled his eye before his tentacles buried down into the ground behind him and suddenly burst out from underneath Shattered. The wannabe jumped out of the way, only getting hit in the leg–
“Gah!” Shattered shouted in pain as he fell to his knees. That hit hurt. Shattered growled as his corruption moved to cover the wound, his magic beginning to heal it. However, it was enough time worrying about the wound for his opponents to attack.
Surprise painted his features when a large paintbrush flipped in the air and was caught in its owner’s hands. Ink grinned as he opened a portal and allowed for Dream to slip through the portal. Shattered was quick to bring his tentacles around to block the blades from slashing down on him. The positive blades sliced right through his tentacles. Dream moved to slash at him again but Shattered kicked out his foot and kicked Dream in his middle and sent him flying back.
Error picked up where Dream had left off, lashing out with his strings and binding the asshole up before he tossed him back and forth, slamming him into the ground below again and again. Nightmare picked up right after Error’s attack and wrapped his tentacles tightly around Shattered’s body and squeezed. He grunted and choked as Nightmare squeezed the air from Shattered’s faux chest.
“Give up.” Nightmare growled and Shattered glared before he grinned. “N-Never.”
Sharp blades sliced through Nightmare’s tentacles and dropped and released Shattered who fell to his knees. Both corrupted Guardians looked shocked, their singular eyes turning to see an open portal and before it…
Killer teleports back to his Nightmare’s side, grinning and spinning his blade on a finger. “Sup, Dreamy~” Shattered glared, his teeth dropping into a frown. “Aren’t you supposed to be at the castle, underling?” Shattered’s brother glares and he steps forward. “You’ve done enough, Dream. Stop this mess right this instant and go home.”
Shattered tilted his head to the side, his eye focused on Killer instead of his brother. “Killer, what is the meaning of this!” Killer grinned wickedly and he stepped up beside Nightmare and leaned his arm on his shoulder. “I got bored! So, I left! Nighty was always better company than you.” Shattered glared before snarling, “Where are they?” A dark, sinister look fell over Killer’s features and dread gripped Shattered’s corrupted soul. “Oh~ They’re still back at the castle. Don’t know if they’re still alive because no one is there to care for them any longer~”
Panic shot through Shattered before anger took over, his glare darkening. “You insolent fool!”
Error’s strings wrapped around Shattered’s body and he tightened the strings, earning him a yelp from the corrupted Dream. “Fi-i-inall-ll-y!” Error laughed maniacally as he continued to tighten those strings. “Somethi-i-ing to ho-o-old over your head!” He continued to laugh– until Shattered’s own brother nodded towards the strings and Killer jumped at the command.
The strings were cut and Killer returned back to his boss’ side. “Don’t kill him, Error.” The uncorrupted Nightmare told the glitch, who wasn’t very happy with the change of things. “Sh-h-hut up! I wi-i--ill do what I want!” He snapped and stomped his foot against the ground. Nightmare rolled his purple eye. “Enough of your tantrums, I’m doing you a favor and ending this battle.”
Shattered’s surprised eye meets his brother’s and he flinches. After all this time, his brother finally shows himself. To do what exactly? “Why have you come, brother?” And his brother rolled his eye light, cursing at having to repeat himself again. “I’m ending this battle now.” He glares sternly at Shattered and continues; “Killer has explained everything to me. You must return to your human, or I fear they will die.”
If what he was saying was true, then his human was indeed all alone. “How long have you been gone from the castle?” Shattered asked Killer and that dark grin returned. “I’ve been gone for a while, but the others?” He shrugs and hums a chuckle. “Who knows how long they’ve been away~”
It was embarrassing to admit it, Shattered had forgotten his human at home, too consumed with his goal of purging the Multiverse of his brother’s bullies– perhaps… Perhaps it is time to go home.
Shattered turned his gaze towards the humans several feet away, to the woman who watched on with such fear that increased when she met his own wicked eye.
The Guardian of Positivity; the original Dream stepped in his line of sight and Shattered, still on his knees, peered up at the Dream before him. “You’ve done enough, Shattered. Listen to your brother and go home.”
“It will never be enough.” Shattered admits and his brother speaks. “I never asked you to purge the worlds of all who’ve hurt me, Dream. I never wanted this.” Shattered peered over at his brother and snapped with a growl. “Then what do you want?!” Nightmare heaved a sigh, he hated repeating himself… “I want peace. Haven’t we been through enough already? Why continue to fight such foolish battles when we can stop and retire? Our variants do enough fighting as is. Dream, please.. Go home.” Your human needs you.
He didn’t have to say it aloud for Shattered to understand. “You truly did not appreciate anything I did for you?” Shattered asked, irritation evident in the dark look he sent his brother; Nightmare sighed and tilted his head, tired of hearing this same shit. “I never asked for any of this, Dream.” He repeats with a growl. “You’ve only given me a headache each time I hear of your stupidity.” Shattered gnashed his teeth and he snarled angrily. “You truly don’t care?” He snarled. “I killed for you!”
“A waste of time. Enough of this game, brother.” Nightmare spat before turning around and started for his portal when–
He paused and turned to look at his brother, kneeling there and gripping at his clothes in desperation. Tears poured from his eye socket and his voice trembled as he held back his sobs. “I did all of this for you, my brother!” He choked on his words. “You truly did not care?”
Everything he did, from eating the corrupted apple to killing all who… And in the end his brother never cared?
Nightmare huffed a sigh. He forgot how stubborn his brother was. “I only cared about revenge but even after you consumed the apple I realized how foolish that was. You suffered just as much as I did. In the end, I wished to be done with our foolish fighting and just rest. Will you not do the same? You have a human to care for now, they rely on you to survive now. Without you there, they will fall. Go home, Dream. Let’s be done with all this fighting.”
Exhaustion settles in his soul and he wilts, his tentacles falling limp behind him. He looks up at him, to everyone around with defeat. Dream, Nightmare, Error and Ink stand near him, watching with anticipation. Holding their breath as they wait to hear Shattered speak his defeat. Those mortals far back, keeping the mortal woman safe from Shattered still.
He supposed it was time to wave the white flag. Lowering his head, Shattered admits defeat, however… “I will return and I will defeat you, Dream.” He threatened and his variant only offered a confident grin. “I’ll be waiting, Shattered. And I will still kick your ass.” Shattered grinned right back and tilt his head in amusement. “My, using such foul language?” Dream huffed a laugh.
Shattered turned his gaze towards his brother and Killer. Nightmare turned away and stepped through the portal with Killer following after; the portal disappeared as soon as they slipped through. Shattered sighed, disappointed he didn’t get a farewell, but perhaps he too will see his brother again.
Giving one final look at everyone, Shattered met Norah’s nervous eyes and he grinned. He enjoyed the flinch of fear one last time before he opened his own portal below him and fell through..
Nightmare opened his own portal and his boys jumped through and returned home. It was time to recover– while the boys didn’t do much fighting, they knew their boss was going to need time to recover.
Cross paused, ever the loyal soldier, he waited for Nightmare to be ready to leave.
“So,” Dream said nervously, his soul racing with anxiety. “You… You said you’d like to make peace, right?” Nightmare sighed heavily, just like his variant, Nightmare hated to repeat himself. “Yes. There is a quaint coffee shop in a neutral AU. Both of us will be comfortable there without any restrictions. The host is kind and will provide safety while we discuss the terms.” Dream smiled, his eyes sparkling with joy at hearing this. Nightmare narrowed his gaze and stepped away; his positivity burning at his corruption. Dream laughed nervously and apologized.
“We will discuss a time and day later. Let’s return home and recover.” Dream nodded, agreeing with his brother. “I look forward to meeting you again, brother. Thank you.” Nightmare turned away with a huff, a cyan coloring on his cheekbones. “Until we meet again, brother.” He bid his brother farewell and slipped through the portal with Cross at his side.
Blue cheered as he met Dream halfway, he wrapped his arms around Dream’s middle and spun him around. “You did a great job, Dream!” He cheered and Dream laughed brightly, happy. He wraps his arms around Blue and embraces him back. Ink swooped in and with surprising strength lifted both skeletons up and spun him around.
Red picked at his teeth, looking away boredly. Atara turned her attention to her friends, making sure Norah could stand on her own. Thanks to Blue, she was feeling a bit better.
“Dream!” Maria called out, catching Dream’s attention after being released. He smiled and accepted the hug she gave him. “You’ve saved everyone!” Dream laughed. “Not just me, my friends and brother helped.” He nodded, before pulling away and giving her a stern look. “You all are just as stubborn as my friends.” He gestured towards Ink and Blue. “I told you to stay away.”
“It’s a good thing we showed up!” Lily told him as she stood and left Norah’s side, who fell into a tight embrace from her brother. Dream felt his soul throb with relief, watching as the step siblings cried. Felix was so relieved to have his sister back and alive.
“I appreciate it, but please be careful next time. Shattered was strong, he could have killed you all.” Dream lectured lightly. Maria smiled, but promised to listen better next time.
“So, you made new friends, huh?” Ink asked Dream as he folded his arms behind his head and eyed each person. “Wow, such a colorful bunch– oh!” Ink’s gasp caught Dream’s attention and he glanced towards him.
“You’re friends with XChara’s son?!”
Silence stretched out around them, before Dream spoke, confused. “What did you say?”
Everyone glanced at Ink’s pointing finger and followed it right to Felix, who looked just as confused. Blinking a few times, Felix asks, “You knew my father?” Ink grinned wide and with a burst of excitement said, “I sure did!”
“Wait, you can remember XChara’s son but nothing else?” Blue asked, surprised. Ink shrugged. “It must be the similarities in the face. I wonder why Cross didn’t notice.”
Maria steps in between everyone. “As much as I would love to hear about this, I think we should head home. I’ll make some dinner while those who are injured get fixed up.” Dream smiled, liking that decision. “I’d like that a lot–” He perks up and grins at his friends; Ink and Blue. “Maria is a great cook! I’m sure you’ll love her meals!”
The group continued to chatter on while they headed back to Maria’s house.
Cross did in fact notice Felix and how he looked a lot like XChara. That's something he wasn't ready to mess around with.
Phew! Shattered Dream has been defeated! We also got to see how his brother was doing.
Just like in the deleted scene chapter; be on a look out for Shattered Dream's story with his human. ((Shattered Dream x Reader)) ;3))
