Oh That's So Cute (⁠♡⁠ω⁠♡⁠ ⁠)⁠ ⁠~⁠♪

C'est tout les dessins que j'ai fait pour des concours

It’s all the drawings I made for contests

Love or Betrayal chapter 7 are here : Gift (⁠ ⁠╹⁠▽⁠╹⁠ ⁠)

English version

French version

This story belong to @zu-is-here

☄𖤍☄

Killer coughed painfully as he spat blood before losing his balance, his legs unable to support the weight of his entire body. It wasn't long before the ground was stained scarlet. He felt something gently lift his torso and skull. Looking down at what it was, he noticed that it was Cross, his lover, tears of blood and negativity spilling from his eye sockets as he tried to hold them back in vain, as usual.

He always preferred to appear strong and stoic in front of others, and it had taken a long time for him to remove that mask in front of his soulmate, revealing a more anguished but also more caring side.

The tearful man knew that feeling, the feeling of cold and heat mixing together, the feeling of blur and the growing and insistent absence of sensation. His blood was still flowing profusely, as were the former guard's tears that were crushing on his cheekbones, yet he was less and less able to feel their flow, or the metallic taste in his mouth. He was going to die, that was certain.

He looked at his companion before smiling confidently. He was going to die, but that didn't mean he wasn't coming back. Not with all his determination. His tears began to dry up, as did his emotions. He began to see blurred; the sounds no longer came to him with as much intensity. Before his eyes closed and turned to dust, he thought he heard Cross's voice shrouded in a thick, almost impenetrable veil of fog.

When he opened them, he found himself in that jet-black space engulfed in a leaden silence, that space he had not missed at all. The Game Over menu. Two golden buttons were offered to him: Continue or Quit. As always, he pressed the first. As always, he expected the loading to be quick, finding himself in his room in Nightmare's mansion, where he saved every day.

Instead, an error message had appeared before him for the first time. ["lv_stable_manor_nm_xx_xx_xxxx" This item cannot be opened. It may have been moved, renamed or deleted. Do you want to delete this file? He looked incredulously at the screen in front of his eyes. He had never had this message, or any error message. What would happen if he deleted the file? He would surely lose several days, months or years because of this action. He might even lose his relationship with Cross.

[No] He clicked the second button, not wanting to damage the relationship that was so precious to him, the hope and love he felt for him. A new message appeared. [Do you want to continue to the last existing file? ] He couldn't go back to his last save point, which surprised him enormously, but at the same time he couldn't just sit there and wait to understand why this anomaly had occurred.

[Yes] His answer seemed strangely unsuccessful. For what seemed like an eternity, he saw an hourglass spinning over and over on the dark screen. To his surprise, another error message appeared. [The file or directory is damaged and unreadable] Before he could react, numerous error windows appeared filling the entire screen. Killer withdrew his hand before his malware could make contact with him. But he wasn't stupid, he knew that wouldn't fix the problem.

With an expletive, he pressed a new button, brighter than the others: Reset. He preferred never to use it, not knowing where it would take him, too afraid to return to the hell that was his universe. But at the same time, he didn't want to be swallowed up and erased by these things. He wondered if it could even turn him into an Error, and if the situation wouldn't be so critical, he'd probably be in time to laugh as he imagined Cross's reaction or even all the crap he could do in this form.

He pressed on, before the anomalies disappeared one by one, leaving one last message to appear, before his consciousness mysteriously slipped away. [Anomaly removal in progress...]

•°•°•

“I swear I'll do anything to save you.”

Cross spoke these words with all the honesty he could muster. He saw Killer turn to dust without being able to do anything or even know if he had heard him. He couldn't stop thinking about what he was going to do, or rather what the consequences would be. He knew what it felt like to discover that something had been rewritten, even more so when it was himself or someone he cared about. He knew that Killer might be angry at him for finding out, but he'd much rather have him alive and angry at him than dead.

He wiped away his tears, his cheekbones and the bottom of his eye sockets stained ebony and lavender. He had made his decision, and no matter what the consequences, he would get Killer back. He would do anything to be able to see him again, no matter if he had to stand up to Nightmare by rewriting the entire timeline. Nothing mattered as he looked at the pile of dust in front of him, where his lover had been just before, where he looked at him and smiled confidently and playfully, as if death would not mow him down moments later.

The former guard raised himself mechanically, still holding the dusty, bloody jacket of the tearful man in his arms. He brought up the Overwrite button, which had caused him so much pain in the past, and activated it with his dusty hand.

Everything will be fine. Everything will be fine.

He saw many files and folders appear. Some with names he recognised as important moments or people. He moved closer to the one that displayed his lover's name before clicking on it, moving the others away to show many files, all belonging to the dead man. He found many files that he knew, like memories they had had together or even his lover's abilities, but there were also some he didn't know, like the file "lv_stable_manoir_nm_xx_xx_xxxx" for example.

Under other circumstances he would have passed it by and avoided touching it to see what it was, but this file and several others with almost identical names, always beginning with "lv_stable", were condensed where he guessed Killer's source file would be. This file was the one that would allow him to bring it back to life, and these additional files were blocking it, as if they were trying to protect or lock up this code.

The former guard knew that each file was important. They could contain a memory, a way of thinking, an ability, some important object too. And deleting them could have a real consequence on his friend, he had already seen the result with people from his universe becoming radically different afterwards.

He took the file that was bothering him in his hand, resembling a sheet of paper that was slightly luminous and filled with a seemingly random binary sequence. He would only have to concentrate on it a little to find out what it hid, but he preferred not to do anything with it. Everyone had their secrets, memories they didn't want to show or admit to anyone, and Cross preferred to respect this secret garden that his lover would surely not want to show him.

Instead, he shifted his right hand and let go of the glowing piece of paper, letting it fly gracefully into the dark void before stopping quietly, regaining a peaceful stillness. He did the same to the other files that were bothering him, moving through the dense flow of information. He would put these files back in their place when he had finished what he had to do.

He arrived at the object of his research, a sheet brighter than the others, the code of his lover. When he reached for it, he concentrated slightly on it, seeing text appearing little by little. It was a simple sheet, giving basic information, like name, LV, or even birthday. One detail was different though: right next to his name, the words "dead, pending" were written.

Usually the status was either "alive" or "dead". He had never seen the notation "pending" appear. How should he process this information? Should he try to see what the new state meant, or should he rewrite over it and hope that it worked.

Unlike his father, he could not use Overwrite to its full capacity. He could only rewrite one thing from a person's code or environment. If he wanted to change several things about someone, for example, he would have to wait several days before he could transform the code back. He thought of it as water, malleable in a liquid state, that could be changed. But when he did it, it was as if he was changing its state, making it solid. At that point, the slightest change could shatter it, as if it were smashed to the ground.

Gaster was able to directly change its state with the part of the power that was blocked to him. He would be lying if he said that it didn't disgust him to learn that this power was partly blocked to him. Later he had learned another thing the hard way: he could not bring back the dead if their code was inaccessible to him. For that, it was enough that the person was dead after about ten minutes.

The problem was that it had taken him a long time to clear the code, longer than he had anticipated, and he risked not being able to change it if he continued to waste time with questions that were surely useless.

He took a deep breath before starting to modify the code. It seemed to work for a few seconds before the source file glowed with a yellowish glow, blinding him. As his pupils became slightly accustomed to the bright light, he could discern that the yellow colour had been replaced in part by a more purple light. The latter attacked the surrounding files, making them disappear one by one, with an unpleasant buggy noise.

Cross watched in horror as the pieces of paper disintegrated into nothingness. It took him a few seconds before he reacted, trying to use the Overwrite to try and fix everything, but without success. Traitor tears began to appear and he couldn't hide them for long. So that's what happened when it was too late, when he couldn't save him. He had succeeded, he was in time, it had worked. Why did it have to fail suddenly? Why didn't he at least let him have that little victory? So he had to lose all the time... all the time.

A movement to his right drew his attention away from the source file to another file. This one seemed to dance on the spot in a light breeze. He didn't even need to use his power to recognize the memory.

It was a mild, sunny spring day. Killer had taken him to a world he didn't know, to watch a movie at the cinema and eat at a restaurant. He was now holding her hand as he ran quietly along, a happy, eager look on his face. The embarrassment and blush on the monochrome's face made him chuckle, and if he didn't want to get there so badly, he would have stopped to tease him even more.

Instead, he led him through the streets of the small town, attracting the attention of a few passers-by who found them either cute together or annoying running around. Yet despite his looks, neither of them were bothered by them or even cared. One was too focused on his lover, and the other was rushing to finally arrive at his destination.

When they arrived, Cross had seen a huge blue expanse tinged with yellow, pink and purple by the sunset. It shone with bright lines and moved gracefully in the wind, carrying with it the pleasant iodine smell which was almost unknown to him. He watched as the waves formed, coming closer and devouring a small part of the beach, before retreating leaving a small wet trail. They made a soothing sound, like a natural lullaby.

“Happy birthday, Criss-Cross,” exclaimed Killer.

“You've already told me that a dozen times today,” intervened the other skeleton, his cheeks on fire.

“You never say it in access. And the day is not over~”

He kept his lover's hand, dragging him a few steps from the water, before sitting down, forcing him to do the same. He added quietly:

“You told me you'd never seen the sea in your world, and last time you didn't move for like five minutes when you saw it. I thought it would be nice to take you there. Besides, the sand here is soft, look!”

He took some sand in his hand, loosening it to let the grains escape, pushed by the breeze. Cross, for his part, amused himself with his free hand by sweeping them up, letting his hand roll over them as if he were stroking an animal's fur. Killer was right, it was soft but also slightly warm.

“You saw, he's a thousand times softer than you,” taunted the watery one.

“I don't see why you're comparing me to that. Besides, it's not true.”

“Awwwwwww~ My little guard is jealous. If it's really fake, why don't you show me some proof~”

He had reached out, gently grabbing the bottom of his lover's face, before kissing him passionately. It had been a fluffy day and he'd probably never had such a good birthday.

He quickly grabbed the piece of paper. He didn't want it to be deleted, not this, not this kind of file. He didn't want any of it to be deleted. So he copied it, creating an identical file, and then sending it off into the void, hoping it would get far enough away to be safe.

But he had made a mistake. In touching that file, duplicating it, and sending it off, he had forgotten to let go of the original. As the latter was eaten away entirely by the aggressive light, the monochrome code began to change in turn, several data points disappearing into an uncertain eternity.

•°•°•

Cross woke up in this white, empty place. He stood up and looked in every direction to see if anyone was there. He had this empty feeling, as if something or someone was missing. As if nothing was in its place, even in this endless nothingness.

“Chara?”

He got no answer, as he had strangely expected. He'd been stuck here for days with this horrifying kid by his side, and yet he knew he wouldn't see him again, not even being able to put into words why he was so sure or even why he'd suddenly disappeared. Strangely enough, when he thought about it, it wasn't the disappearance of the human that bothered him, it was the disappearance of someone else... But who?

His soul began to glaze over, unable to remember who he had forgotten. He just wanted to find this stranger and protect him to his last breath, without even knowing his name, his appearance or even how and where to find him.

“Hello,” intervened an unknown voice behind him.

When he turned around, he saw a skeleton a little shorter than him, a yellow jacket reaching his knees and fading to a cyan colour. He wore gloves of the same colour as his tunic, partially concealing the black cloth that reached down to his shoulders. A small golden crown adorned his head, bringing out his pupils of the same colour. He smiled gently and said:

“Don't worry, I don't want to hurt you. I'm here to help you.”

•°•°•

“Boss,” a voice called out.

Nightmare looked at his subordinate, stopping to focus on the negative feelings Cross was having. So one of his two skeletons had done something that had reset the timeline, but apparently in addition to being returned to the beginning, they couldn't remember everything that had happened.

“You stop talking all of a sudden. Is something going on?”

A smile stretched the lips of the corrupted being. He couldn't have asked for a better opportunity than this. He replied confidently:

“I felt a lot of negative emotions in one person. But in the end, he will not be useful to me. I'll leave him with his feelings, maybe they'll all get worse on their own.”

☄𖤍☄

Killer toussa douloureusement tout en crachant du sang avant de perdre l'équilibre, ses jambes n'arrivant plus à supporter le poids de son corps entier. Il ne fallut pas longtemps avant que le sol ne soit teinté d'écarlate. Il sentit quelque chose soulevant doucement son torse et son crâne. En regardant ce que c'était, il remarqua que c'était Cross, son amant, des larmes de sang et de négativité débordant de ses orbites, alors qu'il tentait surement de les retenir en vain, comme à son habitude.

Il préférait toujours se montrer fort et stoïque devant les autres, et il avait fallu beaucoup de temps pour qu'il enlève ce masque devant son âme-sœur, révélant une facette plus angoissé mais aussi plus attentionné.

Le larmoyant connaissait cette sensation, celle du froid et chaud se mélangeant, celle du flou et de l'absence de plus en plus importante et insistante de sensation. Son sang coulait toujours abondamment, de même que les larmes de l'ancien garde qui s'écraser sur ses pommettes, pourtant il était de moins en moins capable de ressentir leur écoulement, ou le goût métallique dans sa bouche. Il allait mourir, c'était certain.

Il regarda son compagnon avant de sourire avec assurance. Il allait mourir certes, mais ça ne voulais pas dire qu'il n'allait pas revenir. Pas avec toute sa détermination. Ses larmes commèrent à se tarir, de même que ses émotions. Il commença à voir trouble, les sons ne lui parvenaient plus avec autant d'intensité. Avant de fermer le orbites et de tomber en poussière, il crut entendre la voix de Cross envelopper dans un voile épais et presque imperméable de brouillard.

Lorsqu'il les ouvrit, il se retrouva dans cette espace noir de jais engloutis dans un silence de plomb, cette espace qui ne lui avait pas du tout manquer. Le menu de Game Over. Deux boutons dorés s'offrirent à lui : Continuer ou Quitter. Comme à chaque fois, il appuya sur le premier. Comme à chaque fois, il s'attendait à ce que le chargement se fasse rapidement, se retrouvant dans sa chambre dans le manoir de Nightmare, là où il sauvegardait tous les jours.

Au lieu de ça, un message d'erreur était apparu devant lui pour la première fois. ["lv_stable_manoir_nm_xx_xx_xxxx" Impossible d'ouvrir cet élément. Il peut avoir été déplacé, renommé ou supprimer. Voulez-vous supprimer ce fichier ? ] Il regarda incrédule l'écran devant ses yeux. Jamais il avait eu ce message, ou un quelconque message d'erreur. Que se passerait-il s'il supprimerait le fichier ? Il perdait sûrement plusieurs jours, mois ou année à cause de cette action. Il perdrait peut-être même sa relation avec Cross.

[Non] Il cliqua sur le deuxième bouton, ne voulant pas détériorer cette relation si précieuse pour lui, cet espoir et cette amour qu'il ressentait pour lui. Un nouveau message apparu. [Voulez-vous continuer au dernier fichier existant ? ] Il ne pouvait pas retourner à son dernier point de sauvegarde, se qui l'étonnait énormément, mais en même temps il ne pouvait pas juste rester ici à attendre de comprendre pourquoi cette anomalie avait eu lieu.

[Oui] Sa réponse sembla bizarrement ne pas aboutir. Pendant ce qui lui semblait être une éternité, il voyait un sablier tourné encore et encore sur l'écran sombre. À sa grande surprise, un autre message d'erreur apparu. [Le fichier ou le répertoire est endommagé et illisible] Avant qu'il puisse réagir, de nombreuses fenêtres d'erreurs apparurent remplissant entièrement l'écran. Killer retira sa main avant que ses nuisances rentrent en contact avec lui. Mais il n'était pas idiot, il savait que ça ne réglerait pas le problème.

Dans un juron, il fis apparaitre une nouvelle touche, plus brillante que les autres : le Reset. Il préférait ne jamais l'utiliser, ne sachant pas où cela le ramener, ayant trop peur de retourner dans l'enfer qu'était son univers. Mais en même temps il n'avais pas envi d'être engloutit et effacer par ses choses. Il se demandait même si ça pouvait le transformer en une Erreur, et si la situation ne serait pas aussi critique, il serait sûrement en temps de rire en imaginant la réaction de Cross ou même toute les conneries qu'il pourrait faire sous cette forme.

Il appuya dessus, avant de voir les anomalies disparaitre une par une, laissant un dernier message apparaitre, avant que sa conscience s'échappe mystérieusement. [Suppression des anomalies en cours... ]

•°•°•

— Je te jure que je ferais tout pour te sauver.

Cross prononça ses mots avec toute l’honnêteté donc il pouvait faire preuve. Il vit Killer se transformer en poussière sans qu'il puisse faire quoi que ce soit ou même savoir s'il l'avait entendu. Il ne pouvais pas arrêter de penser à se qu'il allait faire, ou plutôt aux conséquences de ce geste. Il savait ce que ça faisais de découvrir que quelque chose avait été réécrit, encore plus quand c'était soi-même ou une personne à qui on tenait. Il savait que Killer pouvait lui en vouloir en le découvrant, mais il préférait mille fois qu'il soit en vie et en colère contre lui que mort.

Il essuya ses larmes, ses pommettes et le bas de ses orbites taché d'ébène et de lavande. Il avait pris sa décision, et peu lui importer les conséquences, il arriverait à ramener Killer. Il ferait tout pour pouvoir le voir à nouveau, peu importe s'il devait s'opposer à Nightmare en réécrivant la timeline entière. Rien n'avait d'importance quand il regardait le tas de poussière devant lui, là où son amant se trouver juste avant, là où il le regardait et souriait avec assurance et espièglerie, comme si la mort n'allait pas le faucher quelques instants plus tard.

L'ancien garde se releva machinalement, gardant toujours la veste poussiéreuse et ensanglantée du larmoyant dans ses bras. Il fis apparaître le bouton Overwrite, qui lui avait causé tant de douleurs dans le passé, avant de l'activer avec sa main poussiéreuse.

Tout se passera bien. Tous va s'arranger.

Il vit de nombreux fichier et dossiers apparaitre. Certains ayant des noms qu'il reconnaissait comme des moments importants ou des personnes. Il se rapprocha de celui qui affichait le nom de son amant avant de cliquer dessus, éloignant les autres pour montrer de nombreux fichiers, tous appartenant au mort. Il découvrit de nombreux fichiers qui connaissait, comme des souvenirs qu'ils avaient eu ensemble ou même les capacités de son amant, mais il y en avait aussi qu'il ne connaissait pas, comme le fichier "lv_stable_manoir_nm_xx_xx_xxxx" par exemple.

Dans d'autres circonstances, il serait passer à coté en évitant d'y toucher pour voir ce que c'était, mais ce fichier et plusieurs autres qui avaient un nom presque identique, commençant toujours par "lv_stable" se condensaient là où il devinait que le fichier source de Killer se trouver. Ce fichier était celui qui le permettrait de le ramener à la vie, et ces fichiers additionnels le bloquaient, comme s'ils essayaient de protéger ou d'enfermé ce code.

L'ancien garde savait que chaque fichier avait une importance. Ils pouvaient contenir un souvenir, une façon de pensée, une capacité, certains objets important aussi. Et les supprimer pouvait avoir une réelle conséquence sur son ami, il avait déjà vu la suite avec des personnes de son univers devenant radicalement différents après.

Il prit le fichier qui le gêné dans la main, ressemblant à une feuille de papier légèrement lumineuse et rempli de suite binaire aléatoire en apparence. Il n'aurais eu qu'à se concentrer un peu dessus pour découvrir ce que cela cacher, mais il préféra ne rien en faire. Chacun avait ses secrets, des souvenirs qu'on ne voulais montrer ou avouer à personne, et Cross préférait respecter ce jardin secret que son amant ne voudrait sûrement pas lui montrer.

Au lieu de ça, il décala sa main droite en lâchant le bout de papier lumineux, le laissant voler gracieusement dans le vide sombre avant de s’arrêter tranquillement, retrouvant une paisible immobilité. Il fis la même chose aux autres fichiers qui le gêné, avançant dans ce flux dense d'informations. Il remettrait ces fichiers à leur place après avoir fin ce qu'il avait à faire.

Il arriva devant l'objet de ses recherches, une feuille plus brillante que les autres, le code de son amant. Quand il l'attrapa, il se concentra légèrement dessus, voyant du texte apparaître peu à peu. C'était une fiche simple, donnant des informations basiques, comme le nom, le LV, ou même la date d'anniversaire. Un détail était néanmoins différent : juste à coté de son nom, les mots "mort, en attente" étaient inscris.

D'habitude les états inscrits étaient soit "vivant" ou "mort". Jamais il avait vu la notation "en attente" apparaitre. Comment devrait-il traiter cette information ? Devait-il essayer de voir ce que signifier ce nouvel état, ou devait-il plutôt réécrire dessus en espérant que cela fonctionne.

Contrairement à son père, il ne pouvait pas utiliser l'Overwrite dans sa totale capacité. Il ne pouvait réécrire qu'une chose d'un code d'une personne ou d'un environnement. S'il voulait changer plusieurs choses chez quelqu'un par exemple, il devait attendre plusieurs jours pour réussir à retransformer le code. Il se représentait ça comme l'eau, malléable à l'état liquide, pouvant être modifier. Mais lorsque qu'il le faisait, c'était comme s'il la faisait changer d'état, la rendant solide. À ce moment-là, le moindre changement pouvait la briser, comme si on la fracassait au sol.

Gaster arrivait à directement la faire changer d'état grâce à la partie du pouvoir qui lui était bloquer. Il mentirait s'il disait que ça ne l'avais pas dégouté d'apprendre que ce pouvoir lui était en parti bloquer. Plus tard il avait appris une autre chose à ses dépens : il ne pouvait ramener les morts si leur code lui était inaccessibles. Pour ça, il suffisait juste que la personne soit morte après une dizaine de minutes environ.

Le problème étant qu'il avait pris du temps à dégager le code, plus qu'il l'avais prévu, et il risquait de ne plus pouvoir le changer s'il continuer à perdre du temps avec des questions qui étaient sûrement inutiles.

Il pris une profonde inspiration avant de commencer à modifier le code. Ça semblait avoir fonctionner pendant quelques secondes avant que le fichier source brille d'une lueur jaunit, l'aveuglant. Lorsque que ses pupilles s'étaient légèrement habitué à cette vive lumière, il put discerné que la couleur jaune avait laisser place en parti à une lumière plus pourpre. Cette dernière attaqua les fichiers au alentour, les faisant disparaitre un à un, dans un désagréable bruit bugué.

Cross regarda horrifié les morceaux de papiers se désintégré dans le néant. Il lui fallu quelques secondes avant de réagir, essayant d'utiliser l'Overwrite pour essayer de tout arrangé, sans succès. Des larmes traitres commencèrent à apparaître sans qu'il ne puisse les dissimuler bien longtemps. Alors c'est ce qui se passait lorsqu'il est trop tard, lorsqu'il ne pouvait plus le sauver. Il avait réussi, il était dans les temps, ça a avait marché. Pourquoi il a fallu que ça échoue subitement ? Pourquoi ne pas lui avoir au moins laisser cette petite victoire ? Il était donc obliger de toujours perdre... de tous perdre.

Un mouvement à sa droite attira son attention, détournant les yeux du fichier source pour les porter sur un autre fichier. Celui-ci sembla danser sur place dans une légère brise. Il n'avait même pas besoin d'utiliser son pouvoir pour reconnaître ce souvenir.

C'était une journée printanière, douce et ensoleillé. Killer l'avait amener dans un univers qui ne connaissais pas, pour regarder un film au cinéma et manger dans un restaurant. Il lui tenait maintenant la main en courant tranquillement, un air joyeux et impatient sur le visage. La gêne et le rougissement sur le visage du monochrome le faisait glousser, et s'il ne voulait pas autant arrivé à cette endroit, il se serait arrêter pour le charrier encore plus.

Au lieu de ça, il le guidait à travers les rues de la petite ville, attirant l'attention de quelques passants qui les trouvaient soit mignon ensemble ou agaçant à courir partout. Pourtant malgré ses regards, aucun des deux étaient gêné par eux ou même s'en préoccuper. L'un était trop concentré sur son amant, et l'autre se précipitait pour enfin arriver à destination.

Lorsqu'ils arrivèrent, Cross avait vu une immense étendu bleu teinté de jaune, de rose et de violet par le coucher de soleil. Elle brillait de traits lumineux et se mouvait gracieusement eu gré du vent, emportant avec elle l'agréable odeur iodé qui lui était presque inconnu. Il regarda les vaguelettes se formaient, se rapprochant et dévorant une petite parti de la plage, avant de se retirer en laissant une petite trace humide. Ils produisaient un bruit apaisant, comme une berceuse naturelle.

— Joyeux anniversaire, Criss-Cross, s'exclama Killer.

— Tu me l'as déjà dit une bonne dizaine de fois aujourd'hui, intervient l'autre squelette les joues en feu.

— On ne le dit jamais accès. Et la journée n'est pas fini~

Il garda la main de son amant, l'entrainant à quelques pas de l'eau, avant de s’asseoir, l'obligeant à faire de même. Il ajouta tranquillement :

— Tu m'as dit que tu n'avais jamais vu la mer dans ton univers, et la dernière fois tu n'as pas bougé pendant genre cinq minutes en la voyant. Je me suis que ce serait bien de t'y emmener. En plus, le sable ici est doux, regarde !

Il prit du sable dans sa main, la desserrant pour laissant les grains s'échapper, pousser par la brise. Cross, quand à lui, s'amusait avec sa main libre à les balayait, laissant sa main roulait dessus comme s'il caressait le pelage d'un animal. Killer avait raison, il était doux mais aussi légèrement chaud.

— Tu as vu, il est mille fois plus doux que toi, nargua le larmoyant.

— Je ne vois pas pourquoi tu me compare à ça. En plus c'est faux.

— Awwwwwww~ Mon petit garde est jaloux. Si c'est vraiment faux, pourquoi tu ne me montrerait pas une preuve~

Il s'était exécuter, attrapant doucement le bas du visage de son amant, avant de l'embrasser passionnément. Ça avait été une journée duveteuse et il n'avait sûrement jamais passé un aussi bon anniversaire.

Il attrapa rapidement le bout de papier. Il ne voulait pas que ça soit effacer, pas ça, pas ce genre de fichier. Il voulais qu'aucun ne le soit. Alors il le copia, créant un fichier identique, et l'envoyant ensuite se perdre dans le néant, espérant qu'il puisse s'éloigner assez pour être en sécurité.

Mais il avait commis une erreur. En touchant ce fichier, le dupliquant, et le faisant partir, il avait oublié de lâcher l'original. Lorsque ce dernier se fis rongé entièrement par la lumière agressive, le code du monochrome commença à changer à son tour, plusieurs données disparaissant dans une éternité incertaine.

•°•°•

Cross se réveilla dans cette endroit blanc et vide. Il se leva avant de regarder dans chaque direction s'il y avait personne. Il avait cette sensation de vide, comme s'il manquait quelque chose ou quelqu'un. Comme si rien n'était à sa place, même dans ce néant sans fin.

— Chara ?

Il n'eut aucune réponse, comme il s'y attendait étrangement. Ça faisait plusieurs jours qu'il était bloquer ici avec ce gamin horripilant à ses côtés, et pourtant il savait qu'il ne le reverrait plus, sans même pouvoir poser des mots sur les raisons de cette certitude ou même de cette disparition soudaine. Bizarrement lorsqu'il y pensait, ce n'était pas la disparition de l'humain qui le déranger, c'était la disparition de quelqu'un d'autre... Mais qui ?

Son âme commença à se glacer, n'arrivant pas à se souvenir qui il avait oublié. Il avait juste envi de retrouver cet inconnu et de le protéger jusqu'à son dernier souffre, sans même savoir son nom, son apparence ou même comment et où le trouver.

— Bonjour, intervient une voix inconnu derrière lui.

Lorsqu'il se retourna, il vit un squelette un peu plus petit que lui, une veste jaune lui arrivant jusqu'aux genoux en se dégradant d'une couleur cyan. Il portait des gants de la même couleur que sa tunique, dissimulant en parti les tissus noirs qui remettait jusqu'au bas de ses épaules. Une petite couronne dorée ornée sa tête, faisant ressortir ses pupilles de la même couleur. Il souris gentiment en disant :

— Ne t'en fais pas, je ne te veux aucun mal. Je suis là pour t'aider.

•°•°•

— Boss, interpella une voix.

Nightmare regarda son subordonné, arrêtant de se focaliser sur les sentiments négatifs que Cross ressentait. Alors l'un de ses deux squelette avais fais quelque chose qui avait reset la timeline, mais apparemment en plus d'être retourné au début, ils ne se souvenaient plus de tous se qui s'était passer.

— Vous vous arrêtez de parler d'un coup. Il se passe quelque chose ?

Un sourire étira les lèvres de l'être corrompu. Il ne pouvais pas rêvé une meilleure opportunité que celle-là. Il répliqua avec assurance :

— J'ai ressenti beaucoup d'émotions négatives chez une personne. Mais en fin de coup, il ne me sera pas utile. Je vais le laissais avec ses sentiments, peut-être même qu'ils aggraveront tous seul.

Love or Betrayal first chapter is here : Fall (Fool) in Love ヘ(￣ω￣ヘ)

Cover by @zu-is-here

English version

French version

° ->

C'est un dessin assez different. Je trouve qu'il peut y avoir plusieurs interprétation à ce dessin. A vrai dire, quand j'ai fait ce dessin, je pensais à la fuite de temps😊

It’s a rather different drawing. I find that there can be several interpretations to this drawing. Actually, when I drew this picture, I was thinking about time flight

A smile spread across Nuisance's face, his cheeks glistening a powdery green as his eye sockets curved with pleasure. He loved to see Memory's cheeks turn pink, at the same time as an air of satisfaction softened their features even more - something that seemed impossible at first sight.

He noted inwardly that he had to buy lemon cakes again, pressing his hand to his cheek to partially hide his smile.

"You're not taking anything,’ Memory asked gently."

"No, thanks."

He didn't need anything when he saw his lover beaming like him.

Cake testing 🍋🍰

(Nuisance belongs to @egnidres 🎀)

Commission number: 3/3

I really like your story, it's cool to see a new take on Dreamtale (even though I know it's not the original Dreamtale as you said) (ღ˘⌣˘ღ) ♫･*:.｡. .｡.:*･

It's going to be really interesting to see how Shattered turns out, I can't wait to see what happens next ☆*:.｡. o(≧▽≦)o .｡.:*☆

As for your drawings, I don't know if you want to put them on Ao3 (you can leave them off if you don't want to), but when you write your story on Ao3, there are two options: HTML and Rich Text. HTLM is always the default option, but if you click on Rich Text you'll get a bar with lots of extra options. If you click on a moment in your story and then click on the image icon, you'll be able to add an image. Rich Text also lets you bold, strikethrough or even italicise your text ヾ(｡･ω･｡)

I don't know if you'll find this interesting or useful ヾ(^^ゞ)

Have a nice day or night （〃・ω・〃）

Shattered Fates AU: The Beginning [ Chapter 1. ]

Read it on Ao3 ( Edit: fixed the problem )

Or

read it below! [ Exclusive Images Included ]

The battlefield, where it began… adorned with statues of the villagers they knew before, ruined buildings that used to be tall… the stump where their ‘mother’ laid. It was all there, and they were too… the guardians of this world, ending it all again with conflict. Such a cruel fate, these two. Arrows pierced in tar, while on the other side of the field was a skeleton covered in yellow, dripping from their chest and skull, a tendril impaled the being; keeping him still in this. The two souls looked to each other… one hoped that the other would give up, the other had differing intrusive thoughts.

“Again, I win and you… the hero of this story.”

he pulls the drowsy target close, face to face with a grin he then speaks truthfully.

“...you’re dying- certainly not like every other fairy tale huh?”

Coughing erupts from the dreamer, then they glance up to Nightmare

“...you’re right.”

even in their weak state, they smile

“though next time, perhaps this story of ours will have a nicer end.”

“Next time? Ha- you wish.”

the triumphant sneered.

“ I don’t wish, It just happens.. Though I doubt you’d understand.”

Dream then spoke of a distant concept, one believed that only particular humans could possess.

“not this time, not the next… not the four hundredth either… ha, will things ever change?”

“You’re insane… crazy even, you should know that we only have one chance.”

their head disdains, vision starting to get drowned by yellow. A faint whisper left his teeth, silence filled the air.

The entity looms over, it was clear by now it ate his brother entirely in this life too.. It ‘freed’ them from their sadness.

Nightmare brought his hand to Dreams neck, holding it up and softly told them.

his grip loosened, the Dreamers head dropped more. One part of Nightmare felt.. Bad, however it was flooded out by the images which it provided; how Dream was the one to bring this upon himself.. By not helping but instead fighting what he has become.

. . .“Finally kicking the bucket?”

“Maybe things will change... In your next run possibly?~”

The Nightmare commented, after hearing Dreams' continuing silence.

Their grin twisted and contorted, his tone became that of someone making fun of the other.

A thud could be heard in the place where it all began, a vision of Nightmare walking away from the scene… turned to pitch black. The ringing in Dreams head began to vanish, becoming hushed.

Their words haunted dream, next run?... ha. Sure, next run. Then we’ll see what’ll change… surely.

Dream lifts their head with the last of the energy that stayed within their core, something began to break in him… not just his heart. Their sunken eyes, the one not broken hues darkened; tainted by the battle.. Finally went out.

White noise, a quiet place again... pitch black and empty. They saw this so many times, he lost count.

The battlefield, where it began… adorned with statues of the villagers they knew before, ruined buildings that used to be tall… the stump where their ‘mother’ laid. It was all there, and they were too… the guardians of this world, ending it all again with conflict. Such a cruel fate, these two. Arrows pierced in tar, while on the other side of the field was a skeleton covered in yellow, dripping from their chest and skull, a tendril impaled the being; keeping him still in this. The two souls looked to each other… one hoped that the other would give up, the other had differing intrusive thoughts.

“Again, I win and you… the hero of this story.”

he pulls the drowsy target close, face to face with a grin he then speaks truthfully.

“...you’re dying- certainly not like every other fairy tale huh?”

Coughing erupts from the dreamer, then they glance up to Nightmare

“...you’re right.”

even in their weak state, they smile

“though next time, perhaps this story of ours will have a nicer end.”

“Next time? Ha- you wish.”

the triumphant sneered.

“ I don’t wish, It just happens.. Though I doubt you’d understand.”

Dream then spoke of a distant concept, one believed that only particular humans could possess.

“not this time, not the next… not the four hundredth either… ha, will things ever change?”

“You’re insane… crazy even, you should know that we only have one chance.”

their head disdains, vision starting to get drowned by yellow. A faint whisper left his teeth, silence filled the air.

The entity looms over, it was clear by now it ate his brother entirely in this life too.. It ‘freed’ them from their sadness.

Nightmare brought his hand to Dreams neck, holding it up and softly told them.

his grip loosened, the Dreamers head dropped more. One part of Nightmare felt.. Bad, however it was flooded out by the images which it provided; how Dream was the one to bring this upon himself.. By not helping but instead fighting what he has become.

. . .“Finally kicking the bucket?”

“Maybe things will change... In your next run possibly?~”

The Nightmare commented, after hearing Dreams' continuing silence.

Their grin twisted and contorted, his tone became that of someone making fun of the other.

A thud could be heard in the place where it all began, a vision of Nightmare walking away from the scene… turned to pitch black. The ringing in Dreams head began to vanish, becoming hushed.

Their words haunted dream, next run?... ha. Sure, next run. Then we’ll see what’ll change… surely.

Dream lifts their head with the last of the energy that stayed within their core, something began to break in him… not just his heart. Their sunken eyes, the one not broken hues darkened; tainted by the battle.. Finally went out.

White noise, a quiet place again... pitch black and empty. They saw this so many times, he lost count.

The battlefield, where it began… adorned with statues of the villagers they knew before, ruined buildings that used to be tall… the stump where their ‘mother’ laid. It was all there, and they were too… the guardians of this world, ending it all again with conflict. Such a cruel fate, these two. Arrows pierced in tar, while on the other side of the field was a skeleton covered in yellow, dripping from their chest and skull, a tendril impaled the being; keeping him still in this. The two souls looked to each other… one hoped that the other would give up, the other had differing intrusive thoughts.

“Again, I win and you… the hero of this story.”

he pulls the drowsy target close, face to face with a grin he then speaks truthfully.

“...you’re dying- certainly not like every other fairy tale huh?”

Coughing erupts from the dreamer, then they glance up to Nightmare

“...you’re right.”

even in their weak state, they smile

“though next time, perhaps this story of ours will have a nicer end.”

“Next time? Ha- you wish.”

the triumphant sneered.

“ I don’t wish, It just happens.. Though I doubt you’d understand.”

Dream then spoke of a distant concept, one believed that only particular humans could possess.

“not this time, not the next… not the four hundredth either… ha, will things ever change?”

“You’re insane… crazy even, you should know that we only have one chance.”

their head disdains, vision starting to get drowned by yellow. A faint whisper left his teeth, silence filled the air.

The entity looms over, it was clear by now it ate his brother entirely in this life too.. It ‘freed’ them from their sadness.

Nightmare brought his hand to Dreams neck, holding it up and softly told them.

his grip loosened, the Dreamers head dropped more. One part of Nightmare felt.. Bad, however it was flooded out by the images which it provided; how Dream was the one to bring this upon himself.. By not helping but instead fighting what he has become.

. . .“Finally kicking the bucket?”

“Maybe things will change... In your next run possibly?~”

The Nightmare commented, after hearing Dreams' continuing silence.

Their grin twisted and contorted, his tone became that of someone making fun of the other.

A thud could be heard in the place where it all began, a vision of Nightmare walking away from the scene… turned to pitch black. The ringing in Dreams head began to vanish, becoming hushed.

Their words haunted dream, next run?... ha. Sure, next run. Then we’ll see what’ll change… surely.

Dream lifts their head with the last of the energy that stayed within their core, something began to break in him… not just his heart. Their sunken eyes, the one not broken hues darkened; tainted by the battle.. Finally went out.

White noise, a quiet place again... pitch black and empty. They saw this so many times, he lost count.

. . .

[ * You need to live on. ]

[ * Wake up. ]

. . .

. . .

But what’s the point? It’ll repeat once more.

Attempts to prevent their downfall failed, the least the world could do was let him rest once more in this quiet place.

. . .

[ * You don’t have that choice. ]

. . .

[ * I believe that you'll change fate. ]

. . .

The Silence was soon broken, birds began to chirp and the light was starting to invade their resting place, the ray landed on the skeletons- they were both laying on top of a hay pile, dozing away from prying eyes.

they mumbled a bit, struggling to sleep before waking up in a cold sweat, their arms wrapped around themselves before settling on their ribcage. Even after going through this several times the phantom pain still gets to them.

after investigating It was clear that they were staying in a farm shed, a place where he and his brother would stay when they’d get the chance to; better than sleeping in those stone-like beds. Besides the dreamer was their brother, well what they were before the incident… still asleep.

...There was a brief moment where their imagination had gotten rid of it woke up- thinking of that even for a moment sent chills up their spine, what was wrong with them?

Soon after they brought themselves up from the makeshift bed, leaving the other behind. Dream walked to the door, making sure to stay quiet.. Their hands pushed and the rays poured in, waking their brother in the process- suddenly they brought up their hands, trying to combat the sun by blocking it from their face

“mmmgh…”

his expression scrunched up.

“Shut the doooor-”

the response to this was a slight chuckle from Dream, after they spoke

“I’ll let you get back to your beauty sleep Night… though it’d be bad if Mr. Neriah found you hum?..”

The other jumped awake, stumbling up

“Gods no-”

he sighed, placing their hands on their head- saying in a defeated tone

“...I still remember how he made us clean the entire basement-”

a pause came out of their brother... they had caught what their sibling called them, confusingly they said

“Night?? Who- you know my name!-”

they were then cut off with

“-Because we didn’t show up for morning prayer! It’ll surely happen again if we don’t get there soon-”

they grinned a bit

“you’ll get your name out of my mouth once you beat me there yeah?”

Dream rushed to the door, swinging it open.

The door began to shut as one of the Skeletons left. They jumped up and scurried, putting on their worn out jacket

“Wait up!- wait up- I'm getting ready-”

they then followed, making sure the door wouldn’t slam on the way out.

“Jeez, aren’t you up and ready for this!”

they sighed as they finally began to catch up

“You normally avoid it..”

Dream quieted down for a second, thinking of what he'd say back then.

"...Just have a hunch, trust the gut! especially mine!"

The two strolled towards the Village from the farm shed, it was full of life, Humans and Monsters in harmony… working together to make things work, buildings in which they made.. Bakeries and shops galore; but in the very center of it was their ‘mother’. But even in this ‘paradise’ there were still things wrong, they should know this well. As they continued some waved, others looked at them in distaste… the two were used to this treatment, Dreams brother was just glad that group of kids weren’t here. Their brother was starting to notice the glares given to them… To ease tensions growing, Dream then asked.

“Think we should grab something after?”

their brother paused, thinking

“But we don’t have the money- you know this- interrupting the other”

tsk-

“who knows, a miracle could happen!”

The twin looked away slightly, surely if miracles happened it’d be better to hope on something else other than bread.. A real family, maybe?

“...Sure. let's say if one were to happen, who’d get it?”

Their brother jested, Dream beamed, smiled even

“Both of us, Brother.”

he suddenly pressed his finger on his brother's nose, causing them to kind of push Dream away a bit afterwards holding their precious nose

“you should know I wouldn’t leave you behind… or out of things, especially a meal.”

Dream mentioned, even after everything they didn’t exactly want to leave their brother out of the good things which fate provided. Their brother was grateful that he wouldn't be left behind if that were to happen.

“Now since that’s done-”

Dream clapped their hands together, now approaching the church.

“Let's say hi shall we?- haven’t seen everyone in a while.”

the other was confused about that last bit, raising a brow- considering they had just seen the others the day before.

“...We just saw them yesterday?..”

the Dream told them in kind

“Those hours felt like days.”

Now time for their 'grand plan'

They snuck into the establishment, making sure to step on the floor which didn’t creak. Being barefoot has its perks… navigating around the place was easy, they had been there many times.. Dream had even memorized the pattern in which they’d have to go however... their brother wasn’t as fortunate to remember. A sound emerged beneath their feet- fear arose. Silence came after. . . the anticipation of something happening was ruined with the pitter patter of footsteps- not as loud as an adult but it still frightened them.

 . . they stared at where it was coming from, the door at the end of the hall-

They were expecting it to be Mr. Neriah was going to be there at any moment but thankfully they were saved, a monster… one with a burn across their face arrived and greeted the two.

“Never seen you two arrive this early- is it a special occasion???”

they eagerly waited for a response, the rabbit crossed their arms.

“or did you fear that Mr. Neriah would give you that task?...”

Dream spoke up.

“Well, maybe. Just had a hunch something would’ve happened if we were late again!”

Felix commented after the other was done, then glanced to Dreams brother.

"Epiales you need to sneak up your game if you want to avoid it."

Nightmares name before the incident. Dream had almost forgotten it, but with this reminder it brought a weight off his shoulders.

Dream knew that very well… they had repeated this many times, mainly cause one of them couldn't sneak that well.

“Anyways that's fair, you could’ve been cleaning the outhouse next- after all it’s on rotation this week.”

“Whew, looks like we dodged a bullet…”

Epiales seemed a bit stunned at this, relief seemed to wash over him- while Dream acted normal as if they knew that was the outcome.

Dream spoke, un-phased. Felix then began waving them along, urging them to follow.

“Come now- be thankful later things are about to start!”

after investigating It was clear that they were staying in a farm shed, a place where he and his brother would stay when they’d get the chance to; better than sleeping in those stone-like beds. Besides the dreamer was their brother, well what they were before the incident… still asleep.

...There was a brief moment where their imagination had gotten rid of it woke up- thinking of that even for a moment sent chills up their spine, what was wrong with them?

Soon after they brought themselves up from the makeshift bed, leaving the other behind. Dream walked to the door, making sure to stay quiet.. Their hands pushed and the rays poured in, waking their brother in the process- suddenly they brought up their hands, trying to combat the sun by blocking it from their face

“mmmgh…”

his expression scrunched up.

“Shut the doooor-”

the response to this was a slight chuckle from Dream, after they spoke

“I’ll let you get back to your beauty sleep Night… though it’d be bad if Mr. Neriah found you hum?..”

The other jumped awake, stumbling up

“Gods no-”

he sighed, placing their hands on their head- saying in a defeated tone

“...I still remember how he made us clean the entire basement-”

a pause came out of their brother... they had caught what their sibling called them, confusingly they said

“Night?? Who- you know my name!-”

they were then cut off with

“-Because we didn’t show up for morning prayer! It’ll surely happen again if we don’t get there soon-”

they grinned a bit

“you’ll get your name out of my mouth once you beat me there yeah?”

Dream rushed to the door, swinging it open.

The door began to shut as one of the Skeletons left. They jumped up and scurried, putting on their worn out jacket

“Wait up!- wait up- I'm getting ready-”

they then followed, making sure the door wouldn’t slam on the way out.

“Jeez, aren’t you up and ready for this!”

they sighed as they finally began to catch up

“You normally avoid it..”

Dream quieted down for a second, thinking of what he'd say back then.

"...Just have a hunch, trust the gut! especially mine!"

The two strolled towards the Village from the farm shed, it was full of life, Humans and Monsters in harmony… working together to make things work, buildings in which they made.. Bakeries and shops galore; but in the very center of it was their ‘mother’. But even in this ‘paradise’ there were still things wrong, they should know this well. As they continued some waved, others looked at them in distaste… the two were used to this treatment, Dreams brother was just glad that group of kids weren’t here. Their brother was starting to notice the glares given to them… To ease tensions growing, Dream then asked.

“Think we should grab something after?”

their brother paused, thinking

“But we don’t have the money- you know this- interrupting the other”

tsk-

“who knows, a miracle could happen!”

The twin looked away slightly, surely if miracles happened it’d be better to hope on something else other than bread.. A real family, maybe?

“...Sure. let's say if one were to happen, who’d get it?”

Their brother jested, Dream beamed, smiled even

“Both of us, Brother.”

he suddenly pressed his finger on his brother's nose, causing them to kind of push Dream away a bit afterwards holding their precious nose

“you should know I wouldn’t leave you behind… or out of things, especially a meal.”

Dream mentioned, even after everything they didn’t exactly want to leave their brother out of the good things which fate provided. Their brother was grateful that he wouldn't be left behind if that were to happen.

“Now since that’s done-”

Dream clapped their hands together, now approaching the church.

“Let's say hi shall we?- haven’t seen everyone in a while.”

the other was confused about that last bit, raising a brow- considering they had just seen the others the day before.

“...We just saw them yesterday?..”

the Dream told them in kind

“Those hours felt like days.”

Now time for their 'grand plan'

They snuck into the establishment, making sure to step on the floor which didn’t creak. Being barefoot has its perks… navigating around the place was easy, they had been there many times.. Dream had even memorized the pattern in which they’d have to go however... their brother wasn’t as fortunate to remember. A sound emerged beneath their feet- fear arose. Silence came after. . . the anticipation of something happening was ruined with the pitter patter of footsteps- not as loud as an adult but it still frightened them.

 . . they stared at where it was coming from, the door at the end of the hall-

They were expecting it to be Mr. Neriah was going to be there at any moment but thankfully they were saved, a monster… one with a burn across their face arrived and greeted the two.

“Never seen you two arrive this early- is it a special occasion???”

they eagerly waited for a response, the rabbit crossed their arms.

“or did you fear that Mr. Neriah would give you that task?...”

Dream spoke up.

“Well, maybe. Just had a hunch something would’ve happened if we were late again!”

Felix commented after the other was done, then glanced to Dreams brother.

"Epiales you need to sneak up your game if you want to avoid it."

Nightmares name before the incident. Dream had almost forgotten it, but with this reminder it brought a weight off his shoulders.

Dream knew that very well… they had repeated this many times, mainly cause one of them couldn't sneak that well.

“Anyways that's fair, you could’ve been cleaning the outhouse next- after all it’s on rotation this week.”

“Whew, looks like we dodged a bullet…”

Epiales seemed a bit stunned at this, relief seemed to wash over him- while Dream acted normal as if they knew that was the outcome.

Dream spoke, un-phased. Felix then began waving them along, urging them to follow.

“Come now- be thankful later things are about to start!”

They continued down the church hall, entering the foyer where the rabbit resided- following on they were soon gathered with the rest of the orphans. Most were monsters, the others humans… seeing the two enter made a few of them run up to the older siblings. Dream greeted them with ease, while Epiales stood slightly back not wanting too much attention- even with that though there were some they would interact with commonly.. Like the small feline Monster in a dress, their chosen name being Caspera. They showed off their dolls' new dress to Epiales and then he complimented it.

“Gloria’s dress is very nice, did you have Mr. Neriah help you make it?”

the smaller one shook their head- then pointed to themselves exclaiming

“Made it mythelf!”

They were proud of their accomplishment. after they pat their chest a bit and spoke proudly -

“no help thith time!”

The skeleton gave a sound of awe and then he placed their hand on Caspera's head, patting it slightly.

“I can’t wait for you to open up a store, I’m in dire need of new clothes and I love your style.”

He then gestured to their own clothes, Epiales was wearing a worn down jacket- it was handed down to him through someone who had previously been here. He then pointed at Dream and made it clear

“You should too!- your belt is practically falling apart!”

Epiales and Caspera continued their conversation, Dream started his own- with Felix. He sighed, looking at his homemade belt and pulling on it lightly, he really should get something new… maybe around the upcoming festival?.. they then turned to Felix. would there be any point in replacing it knowing what will come tomorrow?

someone, presumably dream hollered back, Epiales snickered a bit.

Caspera’s expression beamed, it was always their dream to be a tailor, to make things that they’d be content with… that their big brothers and sisters would be happy with too!

“...So any luck finding that hidden cache?”

Felix huffed a bit, then expressed

“not here, though I might let you in on what I found afterwards.”

he placed their hands on their hips, and stared at their belt.

“Need the funds from it for a new one don’t ya?-”

Felix teased, Dreams face flushed up in response.

The doors opened once again, a shadow covered the group.. A creepy light swayed back and forth and the children suddenly scattered. But the younger ones recollected by the figure which had entered- a few ‘Mr. Neri’s’ were said… some even said a few 'Papa Neri's'. The priest who ran the church was a Anglerfish monster, and despite their looks they were quite the angel- acknowledging the younger ones with nods and small greetings as they made their way to the pulpit. The priest opened the book, glancing over it and soon after to his kids.

They raised a brow once they saw the twins amongst the crowd- his voice rasped

“Good morning my children…. It seems like everyone is here, that is great- amazing even, we can keep this up… yes?”

Dream and Nightmare laughed nervously knowing it was directed towards them in general. Father Neriah then told the group.

“If things continue, perhaps a reward is in order… who likes the idea of getting a grand feast at the festival. my children?”

small gasps could be heard, clearly these kids were hyped towards the idea- then they all looked to the twins, urging them to keep this up! Stopping the glares, Father Neriah began to say

“Anyways, Now my children… Are we ready to give thanks to our mother Nimeeta?”

Also known as Nim, Nimeeta’s name was shortened due to religious views on speaking her full name. It is only permitted by high ranking priests, ones who hold similar views to the all-mother. neriah brought his hands apart, forming a sort of pose, a prayer pose one which resembled the two emotions coming together in unison.. The right hand represented the positivity in the world, the other Negative emotions both were equal in power and could influence the world. The children followed, a few of the younger ones messed up but were corrected after a few minutes. Neriah found this entertaining, seeing such young souls do their best. Now to what needed to be said.

. . .The prayer began, and Mr. Neriah spoke.

“ Our Mother Nim blessed us with life, giving up her divine form and created the tree of life; it breathed existence into us and our paradise.”

he shifted his arms to flip the emotions, reversing their positions

“Nim, a being of pure emotion, split her essence in two and gave it up for her guardians, her sons and daughters in future generations.”

he took a moment before continuing on

“We are grateful for the guides given to us, the two who protect the tree and the emotions which it holds… which we hold dear.”

Father Neriah then brought up

“ The emotions that were captured by the tree, souls that were given a chance to return to their Mother after their time was up… ”

lastly

“ We hope to find the new guides during this years festival, so that we may see your vision for us Mother.”

he then gives a bow.

“ Thank you mother…”

his hands clasped together, gently forming a connection between their hands

“We all give thanks for you listening to us, may we part with ease.”

he then loosened their grip before parting their hands, representing how Nim had parted their soul.

After all was said and done, the children rose once Mr. Neriah was done with their morning prayer. Dream would normally skip this all together.. It left a sour taste in his mouth, after all it was ‘Nim’ who cursed them with this repeating dream of his.  Dream sighed a bit, it was always hard to get through that-

“Why the long face?-”

Felix asked.

“I- uh it’s nothing, really.”

He that wasn’t the case- so they surprised the other by pinching their cheeks a bit-

“Wh- hey let go!"

Felix narrowed their eyes, countering with

“not until you let me in on whatever's going on-”

they paused then said

“don’t tell me those punks are messing with you and Epi again!?”

Dream shook their head, denying their accusations.

“No, just feeling a bit under the weather I guess?..”

Felix chirped back.

“well… if you’re like that maybe you shouldn’t see what’s in the cache eh?-”

Dream blinked, bringing himself to then say

“Man you really want to know don’t you??”

he huffed a bit. giving in.. but he knew that chance wouldn't come.

“..fine on the condition it happens after the festival.”

Felix thought about it, nodding in agreement- putting their hand after this too

“shake on it?"

Dream rolled their eyes, shaking their hand

"Fine I'll shake on it”

some sort of sorrow showed on his face as he made this ‘deal’... would there ever truly be a day after the festival where they could meet and let secrets be free? It seemed unlikely.

Epiales and Caspera finally brought themselves over to the rest of their little group.

“So what now? Should we go find out what that miracle you mentioned would bring us?”

they didn’t believe such miracles could happen, but were curious none the while. The smaller one commented

“ miracle? I want a miracle! Ariadne can I go pleathe? “

Ariadne, Dream's given name… how ironic how he and his brother would be given these names huh? Dream looked down to Caspera

“If you can keep up, then yes- yes you can Cas”

Caspera jumped a bit in joy, and hugged their doll tight.

“Gloria we're going to the village! we can get all the thweetths!”

Felix turned to Dream and Epiales, smiling.. It’s not everyday that Dream lets Caspera join in. He was always worried that they’d get themselves hurt especially with the bullies which roam around, he’s glad to see the change.

“So what’re we still doing hanging around here- lets go before Mr. Neriah thinks we’re trying to set up a bucket again, yeah?”

the Rabbit mentioned. Dream nodded- Epiales looked at Dream- so they were the reason that water got dumped all over their dad!?- and he got thrown under the bus for it... that's why they cleaned all of that!?- oh he’s so going to get back at Ariadne later. Seeing Epiales reaction, Felix not realizing what he said earlier...

“heh heh- oops?...”

Dream sweated a bit, just feeling their brother's death gaze on him and Felix- grabbing Felix's hand he kind of rushed themselves out of the building.

Dream and Felix went outside and continued on into the village, even if Felix was the best runner it caught him by surprise just seeing how much strength and stamina that Dream held.

“Ha- Why the rush? Your brother isn’t that scary-”

Dream then paused, turning to Felix- his expression was serious but changed to a more calm one.

“..I know, I just fear what he’ll do in the future because of that.”

Felix pushed Dream a bit, not so rough if anything playful

“like what, mark your body with a sharpie?”

A long pause came after.

“...maybe.”

a burst of laughter came from Felix

“Really? That’s what you’re worried about- you scared me for a second.. Thought something more serious would happen.. especially after that look ya gave.”

Dream punched their shoulder, his face full of yellow.

“It is serious!- I can’t show up to anything looking like that-”

footsteps could be heard coming approaching the two.

“Fighting already? It hasn’t even been an hour”

Epiales said as they strided towards them, holding Caspera on their back, the Feline monster was laying their head against Epiales' back comfortably with their doll Gloria in hand..  

“What’s it even about huh?”

Dream focused on Epiales

“Nothing much, just the usual.”

. Felix was about to say something but was stopped when Dream put his hands up to their mouth.

“Everyday matters!”

Dream didn't exactly want to give their brother Felix's ideas. in retaliation… after a minute passed Felix licked their palms- the skeleton shivered, afterwards sliding back- looking at his hands now making a

“eeeww.”

sound.

“That’s what you get!”

Felix blepped. Dream shook their hands, then laid them on their own pants trying to wipe off whatever the Rabbit left.

“Oh I know what you’ll be getting Felix-”

he rolled his sleeves up, the bunny quickly ran off. Epiales snorted at this. Of course Dream followed, needing to get back at that ‘friend’ of his. A distant

"You cannot silence me!"

could be heard. of course this caused Epiales to burst out laughing at the chasing and overall ridiculousness of the situation, this woke Caspera though but he quickly made sure to quiet down and assure them that everything was alright and that they'd get their sweets soon.

[ Time passed,  and it seemed as if that ‘miracle’ happened as Dream described. Someone had dropped their bag of fresh goods. Being the troublemakers they were Felix and Dream quickly took that opportunity to snatch it up… thankfully without notice. As the day began to turn to night, they all returned to the orphanage, sharing their goods. Of course Mr. Neriah had to question just where the various fruits and vegetables came from.. Hearing their explanation they had gotten a slight scolding; but were forgiven slightly due to their kindness amongst the younger souls. Everyone had a nice time, eating the dinner provided and then sharing stories.. Dream’s being the most adventurous, telling of different versions of himself saving the world and sometimes even other versions of himself! Soon after Mr. Neriah ushered the children to the beds, seeing how late it was. Dream and their brother of course snuck out at the peak of midnight, but made sure to give their goodbyes to the ones who were awake still… before they fully had left Epiales left some candy underneath Caspera's pillow, the sweets that they promised to them. The brothers ventured through the silent yet dimly lit village, making it back to the farm house where they had slept before, making themselves at home... at least temporarily. ]

“Ariadne?...”

It took a moment, Dream didn’t realize his brother was talking to him… after all he always went by ‘Dream’ and the other always went by ‘Nightmare’. He brought their hand up to their face- swinging it around to get their attention

“huh- yeah what?”

Epiales hesitated, continuing with

“I’m sorry-”

with a quick response

“For what?-”

the twin spoke up- it quickly turned into a few mutters-

“I’m sorry for not believing you earlier-”

Dream turned over on the hay, putting his hand up to his non-existent ears

“hum- didn’t quite catch that Epi-”

Their brother said aloud

“hmph- keep going like that and I might have to take it back!”

Of course, they were only joking around with each other… having fun.

“Alright alright- I accept your apology.”

Dream then laid down, trying to get into a more comfy position.

“So tomorrow… what do you think about it?”

Epiales spoke up

“The festival?”

a yes was given back

“Well… we might have a nicer life with the Guardians around, they’d whip the villagers into shape- get us all places to call home!”

Dream thought about it then responded

“You really think so?...”

and their brother talked back with a

“I know so… they’re supposed to keep the things in balance, there’s a lot of us who were dealt a bad hand… they’ll make things right.”

Dream looked to the ceiling, his hands resting on his chest. He closed his sockets for a second..

“You’re right, they’ll make things right…”

As Dream talked, Epiales seemed to drift to sleep… as Dream kept looking at the ceiling, their hand then reached to it, he stared at it…

“I’ll make sure of it.”

That sentence ended off with him clenching his fist. The day of the Festival was approaching, Dream didn’t exactly want that day to arrive but his eyes began to shut on their own.  The next day was soon arriving, and so was the beginning of it all.

If I were to die before you, I'd like my soul to stay by your side to protect and comfort you. And when I see that you are happy again, I will be reincarnated to wait for you in my new life, to love and cherish you again as if nothing had happened ~ Cross

Mathi, thank you from the bottom of my heart (⁠✿⁠ ⁠♡ω♡⁠)

They're kissing, they're just kissing and I can't stop smiling ♡o｡(๑๏‿ฺ๏๑)｡o♡

They're so cute and adorable and just perfect (๑ˊ͈ ॢꇴ ˋ͈)〜♡॰ॱ

I love how you've drawn Nuisance, and I'm glad he has someone so lovely and wonderful. My little baby is happy now *ଯ( ॢᵕ꒶̮ᵕ)ॢഒ*♡

I love the fact that he is in Waterfall surrounded by Echo flowers (some will keep little tender words) ٩꒰ಂ❛ ▿❛ಂ꒱۶♡

Thank you so much, your compliments go straight to my heart. You are also a very kind and talented person and I really enjoy talking to you ♡(*´∀｀*)人(*´∀｀*)♡

Happy birthday @egnidres !! ♡

Nuisance — @/egnidres

For the short time we’ve known each other so far it was very fun to listen to your thoughts about them, and I hope there’ll be more moments with these little cuties later on. You’re a very talented and kindhearted person, and I wish you lots of healthy, successful and joyful years to come (>3<) <33