Chapter 17

Dream noticed Piko's expression immediately. Her normal fiery spirit seemed dampened, replaced with a look of discomfort and concern. He moved closer, offering a comforting presence.

"What's wrong, Piko?" he asked, his voice low and full of concern. "You seem...disturbed."

He waited patiently for her to respond, ready to listen and offer support. He knew that whatever was bothering her was likely serious, and he wanted to help in any way he could. Despite his own nervousness about the impending confrontation with Bette Noire, he was determined to be there for his friend.

"Ebott?" Dream furrowed his brows slightly, considering the question. "It's a small town at the base of Mt. Ebott. It's known for its myths and legends, particularly about the mountain itself. Why do you ask, Piko?"

Ebott was a peaceful place, usually quiet with not much happening. It was a bit unusual for Piko to be inquiring about it, especially when they were on their way to confront Bette Noire. Dream wondered what could have prompted such a question. He watched her carefully, waiting for her response.

"I mean Ebott CITY."

"Ah, Ebott City," Dream corrected himself, understanding her question now. "It's much larger than Ebott Town. It's a bustling city, full of life and diversity. There's a mix of magical and non-magical beings living together. It's also known for its strong sense of community. Why do you ask, Piko?"

Dream was growing more curious. Ebott City was a fair distance away from where they were currently. He wondered what connection Piko was making between their current situation and the city. He waited patiently for her to explain, his concern for her evident in his eyes.

"We're in Ebott city, correct?"

"That's correct, Piko," Dream replied, his voice steady. "We're on the outskirts of Ebott City right now. Is there something specific about the city that's bothering you?"

Dream could see the perturbation in Piko's eyes, and it worried him. Whatever was troubling her had to be significant, he thought. The typically fiery and fearless Piko was seldom phased by anything. He waited for her to elaborate, hoping he could offer some reassurance or help in resolving her concerns.

"If we're in a city, where are the people?"

Dream paused at her question, the reality of their situation sinking in. They were indeed in a city, yet it was eerily quiet and devoid of people. The silence was disturbing, the empty streets a stark contrast to what should have been a bustling city.

"You're right, Piko," Dream admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "This isn't normal. Something's wrong."

He looked around at the deserted city, a sense of unease washing over him. The quiet was unsettling, a grim reminder of the danger they were facing.

"We need to be careful," he warned the others. "Bette Noire could be behind this. We should stay alert and proceed with caution."

As they moved forward, Dream couldn't shake off the feeling of dread. The empty city was a chilling sight, a silent testament to the threat that Bette Noire posed. But they wouldn't back down, not when so much was at stake. They would face whatever was to come, for they were a team, and together, they were unstoppable.

"D-do you guys....?" Piko stared at something in the alleyway. It was a pink blob. It turned to her.

Dream followed her gaze, his eyes landing on the strange pink blob in the alleyway. It was unlike anything he had seen before, and it seemed to be aware of their presence, turning towards them.

"I see it, Piko," Dream said quietly, his eyes never leaving the blob. "It's... unusual."

His mind raced, trying to come up with a logical explanation for the creature's existence. Was it a creation of Bette Noire? Or perhaps something else entirely?

He turned to the others, his expression serious. "Stay back," he instructed them. "I'll approach it. We don't know what it can do."

With that, he carefully began to move towards the pink blob, keeping his guard up as he prepared for any possible danger.

"No. WE are approaching it." Piko said, following by his side.

Dream looked at Piko, a hint of surprise in his eyes. But it quickly faded, replaced by a warm sense of camaraderie. Piko was one of the bravest people he knew, and her determination only reinforced his trust in her.

"Alright, Piko," he agreed, giving her a small, reassuring smile. "We'll do this together."

Together, they slowly approached the pink blob. Despite the potential danger, Dream felt a surge of confidence. They were a team, after all, and together, they could face anything. Even a mysterious pink blob in a deserted city.

The pink blob opened it's mouth and a Spear-like tounge shot straight towards Piko. It hit her right in the chest.

"Piko!" Dream shouted in alarm as she was hit. He rushed towards her side, trying to assess the damage. The pink blob had attacked without warning, its spear-like tongue having struck with surprising force.

He quickly moved to support her, his hand pressing against the spot where she'd been hit. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

He glanced back at the blob, his eyes narrowing. They had underestimated its potential for danger. But they wouldn't make that mistake again. Dream was ready to protect his friends, no matter what it took. He turned his gaze back to Piko, waiting anxiously for her response.

She stared at the spear thing impaling her. Her hands hovered around it, wanting to touch it but unable to. The thing retracted it, pulling her soul with it. It chomped down on it. Piko screamed, and them fell to her knees. She fell down on her face, and went limp.

"Piko!" Dream cried out, immediately rushing to her side. His heart pounded in his chest as he watched the pink blob retract the spear, pulling Piko's soul with it. He felt a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach as she fell to the ground, her body going limp.

"No...no, no, no," he muttered, his hands shaking as he reached out to her. He didn't know how to fix this, how to bring her back. He felt a wave of despair wash over him.

But he couldn't afford to lose hope. Not now.

"We need to get her soul back," he said, turning to the others. His voice was firm, determined. "We can't let this...thing take her from us."

With that, he turned his attention back to the pink blob. His eyes were filled with a newfound resolve. He wouldn't let Piko's sacrifice be in vain. They were going to save her, no matter what it took.

The thing inched back, as Dream saw a Pink light shine down to the ground. A HUGE blob, as big as the buildings around them and bigger turned the corner.

Dream's eyes widened as the enormous blob came into view. It was gargantuan, dwarfing the buildings around them. Its size was intimidating, but Dream did not let fear take over. He was fueled by a fierce determination to save Piko.

"Everyone, we need to work together," Dream called out, rallying his friends. "We need to defeat this thing and get Piko's soul back."

Despite the odds, Dream didn't waver. He was ready to fight, ready to do whatever it took to bring Piko back. The blob might have been massive, but they had the power of friendship and determination on their side.

"We can do this," he said firmly, standing tall. His gaze was locked on the blob, his resolve unwavering. "For Piko."

After a long battle, everyone was tired, they'd thrown all they had at this thing. They were bruised and wounded from the buildings it threw. "DREAM! WE HAVE TO TURN BACK!" Alphys yelled.

Dream's heart pounded in his chest, his body aching from the battle. He was just as tired and hurt as the others, but the thought of leaving Piko behind was too much to bear.

"No!" he shouted over the chaos, his voice hoarse. "We can't leave Piko! We have to get her soul back!"

He knew they were all at their limits, that they had given all they had. But he couldn't give up, not when Piko's life was at stake. He looked at Alphys, his eyes pleading.

"We can't abandon her, Alphys," he said, his voice barely audible over the noise. "We have to keep fighting."

With a grim determination, Dream turned back to the blob, ready to continue the battle. He was not going to give up on Piko. Not now, not ever.

"SHE'S GONE DREAM! ONLY MONSTER SOULS CAN BE BROUGHT BACK TO THEIR BODIES!" Alphys shouted.

Dream felt as if he'd been punched in the stomach. He staggered, the weight of Alphys' words hitting him hard. Piko... was gone? She couldn't be brought back?

"No...," he whispered, his voice choked with grief. He fell to his knees, his strength leaving him. He could barely comprehend what Alphys had said. Piko was gone and there was nothing they could do to bring her back.

Tears stung his eyes as he looked at Piko's lifeless body. He felt a deep, profound sorrow, a pain that threatened to consume him. But amidst the grief, he felt a burning anger.

He slowly rose to his feet, his gaze locked on the blob. Piko was gone, but he would not let her death be in vain. He would make sure of it.

"This ends now," he said, his voice filled with a deadly calm. He was ready to end this, for Piko.

A hand grabbed Dream's hand. "Please Dream." He looked up at Papyrus, who was holding Piko's body. "We can't lose anyone else. I know it hurts. It hurt to lose Sans too. Do you think I wanted to leave him?"

Dream looked at Papyrus, his friend's words hitting him like a ton of bricks. Papyrus had lost Sans, he had felt the same pain Dream was feeling now. He wasn't alone in his grief.

"Papyrus..." Dream's voice cracked, his emotions threatening to overwhelm him. He looked at Piko's lifeless body in Papyrus' arms, his heart aching with loss. He felt a hand squeeze his own, offering comfort in the face of despair.

"You're right," Dream admitted, tears welling in his eyes. "We can't lose anyone else. We... we have to leave."

With a final, lingering glance at the blob, Dream turned away. As much as it pained him, he knew they had to retreat. They had to survive, for Piko, for Sans, for everyone they had lost.

"Let's go," he said, his voice barely a whisper. "We have to get out of here."

And with heavy hearts, they left, carrying their grief and the memory of their fallen friend with them.

Life had become a shadow of what it once was. The city, once vibrant and full of life, was now a desolate reminder of the battle they had fought and lost. The underground, once a prison they had longed to escape, was now their only refuge. But amidst the despair and loss, there was a glimmer of hope. They were survivors, and they would continue to fight.

Dream found solace in visiting Piko's grave. It was a quiet place, away from the chaos and heartbreak. He would sit there for hours, lost in memories of their time together. The golden note pendant he'd hung on her gravestone would catch the light, casting a warm glow that seemed to encapsulate Piko's spirit. Every time he played the note, he was reminded of her - her strength, her courage, her unwavering determination.

In the face of their new reality, Dream found himself clinging to these memories. They served as a painful reminder of what they had lost, but also of what they were fighting for. They gave him the strength to carry on, even when everything seemed hopeless. Because as long as they had hope, they could still fight. And Dream was not ready to give up. Not yet.

Ava came out to Dream at Piko's grave with lunch. "Hey bro... Want some sandwiches?" She handed him a plate and sat down next to him.

Dream turned to Ava, his heart aching at the sight of her. She had been strong for all of them, taking on the role of the leader despite the heavy burden it carried.

"Hey, Ava," he greeted, managing a small smile. "Thanks."

He accepted the plate of sandwiches, setting it down between them. He didn't feel much like eating, but he appreciated the gesture. It was these small acts of kindness that helped them get through each day.

"How are you holding up?" he asked, turning his gaze back to Piko's grave. It was a question he found himself asking often, a question they all asked each other. Because in times like these, all they had was each other. And they needed to take care of each other, now more than ever.

"I think you should ask that again, but look in a mirror." She said. "How are YOU holding up?"

Dream was taken aback by Ava's question. He had been so focused on everyone else's wellbeing that he hadn't taken the time to reflect on how he was truly feeling.

"I..." He hesitated, not quite sure what to say. He looked down at his hands, trying to gather his thoughts. "I miss her, Ava. Every day, it feels like a part of me is missing. But I know that we need to keep going, for her and for everyone else we've lost."

He sighed, a deep, weary sigh. "I'm not okay, but I'm trying to be. For all of us."

He looked up at Ava, a small, sad smile on his face. "Thanks for asking, Ava. And thank you for the sandwiches. It means a lot."

Dream blinked at Ava in surprise. "A party?" he echoed, his voice laced with disbelief. "In times like these?"

He looked at her, studying her face for any signs of jest. But she looked serious. A party seemed like a strange idea, especially considering their circumstances. But then again, maybe they needed something to lift their spirits.

"Who's hosting it?" he asked, curious despite himself. The idea of a party felt surreal, but if it could bring a bit of joy to the underground, then maybe it wasn't such a bad idea.

"Well, it's been 1 whole year since Piko broke the barrier. So... we thought you'd want to be there." Ava said. "And I'm hosting it. You need to get out of those funeral clothes." Ava said, motioning to the black clothes Dream had been wearing. He'd kept them clean, but he'd also worn them every day since Piko died.

Dream glanced down at his clothes, realizing for the first time that he'd been wearing the same black attire since Piko's funeral. It was a stark reminder of his grief, a physical manifestation of his loss.

He swallowed hard, looking back up at Ava. "You're right," he said quietly. "Maybe it's time for a change."

He took a deep breath, steeling himself. "I'll be there," he promised. "For Piko."

And for the first time since Piko's death, Dream allowed himself to feel a tiny glimmer of hope. Perhaps this party, this celebration of Piko's life and the barrier she broke, could be a step towards healing.

"You know... I went to the market yesterday. And I went into the stall you did all those years ago. And so..." She held up a necklace. It was the exact same one as Piko's. "Now you guys have matching necklaces. And now you're connected more than ever."

Dream's eyes widened as he took in the necklace Ava held out to him. It was an exact replica of Piko's - the one he had hung on her gravestone. A lump formed in his throat as he reached out to take it, his fingers brushing against the cool metal.

"Thank you, Ava," he said, his voice choked with emotion. He clutched the necklace in his hand, feeling the familiar weight of it. It was a piece of Piko he could keep with him, a reminder of their connection.

He looked up at Ava, grateful for her thoughtfulness. "This... means a lot to me," he said sincerely. He felt a strange sense of comfort knowing he had a piece of Piko with him, a reminder of their shared past and the deep bond they had forged.

As he put on the necklace, he felt a renewed sense of determination. They would get through this. They would survive, and they would honor Piko's memory. Together.

Ava hugged Dream. "Anything for my big brother."

Dream returned the hug, wrapping his arms tightly around Ava. He closed his eyes, taking a moment to just breathe. The gesture was simple, but it meant the world to him. Despite all the losses they had suffered, they still had each other.

"Thank you, Ava," he murmured into her hair. "You're the best little sister anyone could ask for."

In that moment, Dream felt a surge of love for his sister. They had been through so much together, and yet, they were still standing. They had each other, and that was what mattered most.

Pulling back, Dream looked at Ava with a small smile. "Let's go to that party," he said, determination in his voice. "Let's celebrate Piko's life. Together."

Dream looked around at the familiar faces, a small smile playing on his lips. The atmosphere was subdued, a shared understanding of loss and grief hanging heavy in the air. But beneath that, there was a spark of resilience.

People were talking, sharing stories about Piko, about the times they had spent together. The air was filled with laughter and tears, a bitter-sweet symphony of shared memories.

Dream moved to the snack table, pouring himself a cup of punch. The sweet tang of the drink was a comfort, a reminder of simpler times. He listened to the chatter around him, allowing the familiar voices to soothe his weary soul.

For the first time since Piko's death, Dream felt a sense of peace. They were all here, together, celebrating Piko's life. And though the pain of her loss was still raw, Dream knew that they were all healing, slowly but surely. As he looked around at his friends, his family, Dream knew that they would get through this. Together.

A song started to play. It caught Dream off guard as people started to smile at him as it played. It was a cover Piko did on scars to your beautiful.

As the familiar melody filled the room, Dream felt a lump form in his throat. Piko's voice, so full of life and hope, flowed through the speakers and into his heart. Her words, so uplifting and encouraging, resonated with him now more than ever.

He closed his eyes, letting the music wash over him. It was as if Piko was right there with them, singing to them, comforting them. Her voice was a balm to his aching heart, a gentle reminder of the love and kindness she had always radiated.

A single tear slipped down his cheek as he clung onto every word, every note. This was more than just a song - it was a part of Piko, a piece of her soul immortalized in music.

The room was silent, save for the song playing over the speakers. It felt as though time had stopped, as though they were all suspended in this one moment of shared grief and remembrance.

When the song ended, Dream opened his eyes. The room was filled with soft smiles and teary eyes, a testament to the impact Piko had had on all of them.

Despite the pain, Dream found himself smiling. Because in that moment, he felt closer to Piko than he had in months. And for the first time since her death, he felt a sense of peace. Piko was gone, but her spirit lived on - in her music, in their memories, in their hearts. And that was something no one could ever take away.

Another song played, but it was one that Dream hadn't heard before. Which was strange. He was the first one to hear all of Piko's songs.

The first notes of the unfamiliar song sent a chill down Dream's spine. He listened more intently, trying to understand why this song felt so different.

As Piko's voice sang out the lyrics, Dream felt a knot of unease. Each word, each phrase seemed to take on a deeper meaning. The first letters spelling out H-E-L-P. It wasn't a coincidence. It was a message.

Dream felt his heart pounding in his chest. Was Piko trying to tell him something? Was she in trouble?

He looked around the room, his gaze landing on Ava. She was swaying to the music, a peaceful smile on her face. She was oblivious to the hidden message in the song.

He needed to find out what was going on. He needed to figure out this message. Because if Piko was in trouble, he would stop at nothing to help her.

With newfound determination, Dream left the room, his mind racing. He would unravel this mystery, for Piko.

A wave of understanding washed over Dream. Piko wasn't asking for help - she was asking him to send a message. But to whom? And what was the message?

His mind raced as he tried to piece together the clues. Piko had always been clever, always thinking several steps ahead. If she had left a hidden message in her song, it was because she knew he would be able to decipher it.

Determined, Dream set to work. He replayed the song over and over, listening closely to each word, each note. He scribbled down the lyrics, underlining the letters that spelled out 'H-E-L-P' and 'M-E-S-S-A-G-E'.

As he pieced together the puzzle, a plan began to form. He didn't know what was going on, but he knew that Piko was counting on him. And he wouldn't let her down.

With renewed determination, Dream set out to send the message, not knowing where it would lead him but certain that he was doing the right thing. For Piko.

Dream's heart pounded in his chest as the final piece of the puzzle fell into place. The last word, 'M-E', was a clear sign. Piko was trying to tell him something was happening to her.

A chill ran down his spine. What was going on? Was Piko in danger? He felt a surge of fear, but pushed it aside. He couldn't afford to panic. Not now. Piko was counting on him.

His mind raced as he tried to figure out what Piko was trying to tell him. He replayed the song again, listening closely to the lyrics. Was there something he was missing?

Suddenly, it hit him. Piko was not only telling him that she needed help, but that something was happening to her. Something she couldn't handle on her own. She needed him to send a message. But to whom?

The answer was clear. Piko needed him to reach out to their allies, to let them know she was in trouble. She was counting on him to rally their friends, to come to her aid.

Dream felt a surge of determination. He would send the message. He would rally their allies. He would do whatever it took to help Piko.

With a new sense of purpose, Dream set out to fulfill Piko's request. He didn't know what challenges lay ahead, but he was ready to face them.

A sudden realization washed over Dream. All this time, he was overthinking, looking for hidden meanings and codes. But the message was far simpler than he thought. Piko was asking him to message her.

His heart pounded in his chest as he processed this. Piko was alive? He felt a mix of relief and urgency. He needed to reach out to her, to find out where she was and how he could help.

Without wasting any more time, Dream quickly pulled out his phone. His hands were shaking as he typed out a message to Piko:

"Piko, it's Dream. I received your message. Please tell me you're okay. How can I help?"

He held his breath as he hit send, the anticipation nearly suffocating him. Now, all he could do was wait for her response. He hoped to the multiverse she was safe.