Chapter 20

Dream's mind raced as he recalled Ava's words about someone named Nightmare. He racked his brain, trying to piece together any information or clues that could help him understand the connection between Nightmare and the darkness that had consumed Piko.

Ava had mentioned Nightmare in passing, but Dream sensed that there was more to it. He needed to find Ava again, to ask her about Nightmare and gather any information that could aid him in his quest to save Piko.

With determination fueling his steps, Dream made his way through the underground, searching for Ava. He knew that she held valuable knowledge and insight into the mysteries of this realm, and he hoped that she would be willing to share what she knew.

Dream's heart fluttered with anticipation as he approached Ava, hoping that she would shed light on the connection between Nightmare and the darkness that had taken hold of Piko. He was ready to listen, to learn, and to do whatever it took to save the woman he loved.

"Oh hey Dream. How'd it go with convincing Undyne to let you out? Better question, how's Piko?" Ava asked.

Dream's heart sank as he realized that Ava was unaware of the recent events involving Piko. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself before responding to her questions.

"Undyne... I... didn't get a chance to talk to her. Something unexpected happened, Ava," Dream replied, his voice filled with a mix of concern and urgency. "Piko... she's been consumed by darkness. It's like she's trapped in a nightmare, and I don't know how to bring her back."

He looked into Ava's eyes, hoping to convey the gravity of the situation. "Ava, do you know anything about someone named Nightmare? I have a feeling that there's a connection between Nightmare and the darkness that has taken hold of Piko. Any information or guidance you can provide would be greatly appreciated."

Dream's voice trembled with a mixture of worry and determination. He knew that time was of the essence, and he needed all the help he could get to save Piko from the clutches of darkness.

Ava's face fell. "Dream, Nightmare is a dangerous entity that can destroy anything. No one's seen him for years, he doesn't like to interfere with anyone weaker than him. Why? Are you... looking for him?"

Dream's expression grew grave as he listened to Ava's words. The mention of Nightmare as a dangerous entity sent chills down his spine, but he knew that he couldn't let fear deter him. Piko's well-being was at stake, and he was willing to face any challenge to save her.

"I... I don't know if I'm actively seeking Nightmare," Dream admitted, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "But if there's a chance that Nightmare holds the key to freeing Piko from this darkness, then I will do whatever it takes to find him. I can't just stand by and let Piko suffer."

He looked into Ava's eyes, determination burning in his gaze. "Ava, I understand the risks involved, but I can't abandon Piko to this nightmare. If you have any information, any leads that can help me locate Nightmare, I would be grateful. I need to bring Piko back, to save her from the darkness that has consumed her."

Dream's voice wavered slightly, a mix of hope and fear intertwining within him. He hoped that Ava would understand his determination and offer any assistance she could provide.

Ava sighed. "You can find him in a door in waterfall. Rumor has it he killed the original owner because he tried to end the universe, so it seems he DOES care if the universe is in danger."

Dream's heart skipped a beat at Ava's revelation. The idea of facing Nightmare, an entity rumored to have killed the original owner of the door in Waterfall, filled him with a mix of trepidation and determination. If there was a chance that Nightmare could help him save Piko, he had to take it.

"Thank you, Ava," Dream said, gratitude lacing his voice. "I understand the risks involved, but if Nightmare is the key to saving Piko, then I have to face him. I won't let fear hold me back."

With a renewed sense of purpose, Dream made his way towards Waterfall, his mind focused on finding the door that led to Nightmare. He knew that this journey would be perilous, but for Piko's sake, he was willing to face any danger.

As he traversed the winding paths of Waterfall, Dream's thoughts were consumed with thoughts of Piko and their love. He held onto the hope that their bond would be strong enough to guide him through this ordeal and bring Piko back to him, free from the clutches of darkness.

With each step, Dream steeled himself for what lay ahead, preparing to confront Nightmare in order to save the woman he loved.

Dream's heart raced as he stood before the door, its presence casting an eerie shadow over him. "Enter." The sound of the ominous voice sent a chill down his spine, but he knew that he couldn't turn back. He had come this far, driven by his love for Piko and his determination to save her.

Summoning his inner strength, Dream took a deep breath and pushed open the door, stepping into the unknown. The room was shrouded in darkness, with only a faint glimmer of light illuminating the space. He could feel the presence of someone powerful, someone who held the key to Piko's salvation.

"Nightmare," Dream called out, his voice filled with a mix of determination and caution. "I seek your help to save the woman I love. Please, if there's any way you can free her from the darkness, I beg you to grant me your assistance."

Dream's voice echoed in the silence, his heart pounding with anticipation. He hoped that Nightmare would be willing to listen, to understand his plea and offer a solution to bring Piko back from the nightmare that consumed her.

Dream's heart raced as Nightmare's tentacles wrapped around his skull, his grip firm and unyielding. Fear and uncertainty filled Dream's mind, but he refused to let it consume him. He held onto the hope that Nightmare might see the desperation in his eyes, the love he held for Piko, and be moved to offer his assistance.

Dream met Nightmare's gaze, his eyes filled with a mix of vulnerability and determination. He hoped that, in that brief moment of connection, Nightmare would see the sincerity in his plea and recognize the depth of his love for Piko.

"Nightmare," Dream spoke with a voice filled with urgency and sincerity, despite the tight grip on his skull. "I beg of you, please help me save Piko. She's trapped in a nightmare, consumed by darkness. I can't bear to see her suffer. I'll do anything, face any challenge, if it means bringing her back."

Dream's voice trembled slightly, his words hanging in the air as he awaited Nightmare's response. He knew that his fate, and Piko's, rested in the hands of this powerful entity.

Dream's heart pounded in his chest as Nightmare held his soul in his grip, studying it with frustration. He could sense the immense power emanating from Nightmare, and he knew that his fate hung in the balance.

Dream's mind raced, searching for a way to appeal to Nightmare, to show him the depth of his love for Piko and the lengths he was willing to go to save her. He summoned all his courage, his voice quivering slightly as he spoke.

"Nightmare, I understand that you hold great power, but please, I implore you to see the love within my soul," Dream pleaded, his voice filled with sincerity. "Piko means everything to me. I would sacrifice anything for her, even my own soul. I beg of you, find it in your heart to help me free her from the darkness that consumes her."

Dream's grip on hope tightened, his eyes locked on Nightmare's, praying that his words would reach the depths of Nightmare's being. He hoped that, amidst the frustration and power, there would be a glimmer of understanding, a spark of compassion that would guide Nightmare to extend his aid.

"Has gaster played with your skull?!" He asked, clearly angry.

Dream's heart skipped a beat as Nightmare's anger was directed towards Gaster, causing confusion to ripple through him. He quickly tried to gather his thoughts, unsure of how to respond.

"I... I don't know, Nightmare," Dream stammered, his voice laced with uncertainty. "I can't recall any interactions with Gaster that involved my skull. I'm here because I believe that you hold the power to help save Piko from the darkness that has consumed her."

Dream's voice trembled slightly, his eyes searching Nightmare's for any sign of understanding. He hoped that his answer would satisfy Nightmare's anger and redirect the focus back to Piko's salvation.

"Please, Nightmare, I beg of you, put aside your anger and help me bring Piko back. She deserves a chance at happiness, and I will do whatever it takes to make that possible," Dream pleaded, his voice filled with sincerity and desperation. He hoped that his words would resonate with Nightmare and convince him to offer his assistance.

As Nightmare's grip tightened around Dream's soul, a crack appeared, causing a surge of pain to shoot through Dream's being. He winced, unsure if the crack was intentional or merely an accident. The confusion in Nightmare's question mirrored Dream's own confusion, leaving him searching for an answer.

"I... I'm doing all of this because I believe in the power of love and kindness," Dream responded, his voice filled with a mix of pain and determination. "I want to bring light and happiness to those who are suffering, to help them find their way out of the darkness. That includes Piko."

Dream's gaze met Nightmare's, pleading for understanding. "I don't have all the answers, Nightmare, but I can't bear to see Piko trapped in this nightmare. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to save her, even if it means facing the unknown and seeking assistance from someone as powerful as you."

Dream's voice trembled with a mix of fear and hope. He hoped that his words would strike a chord within Nightmare, sparking a flicker of empathy and understanding. He knew that his love for Piko, combined with his unwavering belief in the power of kindness, was his driving force in the face of uncertainty.

"I mean... bowing down! Practically licking my feet! Why are you pretending like... like I'd kill you if you made ONE misstep?!"

Dream's eyes widened in surprise at Nightmare's outburst. He hadn't realized that his actions and demeanor might have come across as overly submissive or fearful. He took a moment to gather his thoughts, trying to understand Nightmare's perspective.

"I... I apologize if my actions have given you that impression, Nightmare," Dream replied, his voice filled with sincerity. "I never meant to imply that I see you as someone who would harm me for a misstep. I simply approached you with humility and respect, recognizing the power you possess."

Dream's voice grew firmer as he continued, his eyes meeting Nightmare's. "I believe in the power of kindness and treating others with respect, regardless of their strength or status. It is in my nature to show kindness and humility, even in the face of great power. It is not out of fear, but out of a genuine desire to find a resolution and bring Piko back."

Dream's words hung in the air, hoping to convey his true intentions. He hoped that Nightmare would understand that his actions were driven by love, not fear, and that he was willing to work together as equals to save Piko.

"Do you even remember me Dream?! Who I am?! The life we spent together?!"

Dream's heart sank as Nightmare's words echoed through his mind. Confusion and disbelief washed over him, for he had no recollection of any past life or connection with Nightmare. He searched his memories, desperately trying to find any trace of the life Nightmare spoke of, but there was nothing.

"I... I'm sorry, Nightmare," Dream replied, his voice filled with genuine confusion and concern. "I don't remember any past life or connection with you. I... I don't understand."

Dream's eyes searched Nightmare's face, hoping to find some clarity or understanding. He wondered if there was something he had forgotten or if there was a misunderstanding. But in that moment, all he felt was a deep sense of loss and confusion, unsure of how to proceed or what this revelation meant for Piko's salvation.

"I'm here because I believe you hold the power to help save Piko from the darkness," Dream said, his voice tinged with a mix of hope and uncertainty. "Please, if there's anything you can do to bring her back, I beg of you to help us. I... I don't want to lose her."

Dream's words hung in the air, his heart heavy with the weight of the unknown. He could only hope that Nightmare would be willing to assist them, even if their past was a mystery to him.

He scowled. "Dream, I was the one who told you about Piko in the first place. Though you found Ava on your own."

Dream's eyes widened in surprise as Nightmare's words sunk in. The revelation that Nightmare had played a role in introducing him to Piko sent a wave of confusion and realization crashing over him. He couldn't deny the validity of Nightmare's claim, for it explained the connection he felt to Piko and the deep desire to save her from the darkness.

"I... I didn't realize, Nightmare," Dream responded, his voice a mixture of surprise and gratitude. "Thank you for bringing Piko into my life, for giving me the chance to experience such love and happiness. I don't know how I could ever repay you."

Dream's heart swelled with a newfound sense of understanding and appreciation. He hoped that this revelation would strengthen their bond, for he now saw Nightmare not only as someone with immense power, but as someone who had played a pivotal role in his journey to find love and fight for it.

"Please, Nightmare," Dream continued, his voice filled with determination. "If you hold the key to saving Piko from the darkness, I beg of you, help us. I will do whatever it takes, face any challenge, to bring her back. Our love is worth fighting for, and I believe that together, we can overcome any obstacle."

Dream's words hung in the air, a testament to his unwavering commitment to Piko and his gratitude towards Nightmare. He hoped that their shared connection and the bond forged through their intertwined lives would guide them towards a resolution, towards saving Piko from the clutches of darkness.

Dream's expression turned pained as he realized the weight of Nightmare's words. The mention of his brother and the concern surrounding his memory struck a chord within him, stirring up a mix of guilt and confusion. He hadn't fully grasped the impact his memory loss had on those around him, including his own brother.

"I... I'm sorry, Nightmare," Dream replied, his voice filled with genuine remorse. "I didn't mean to disregard or push away the concerns of my brother. I... I understand now that my memory loss has caused worry and confusion for those close to me."

Dream's gaze met Nightmare's, filled with a mix of vulnerability and determination. "Please, tell me more about Piko and what I've forgotten. I want to understand, to piece together the fragments of my past. I want to be there for my brother and for Piko."

Dream's voice trembled slightly, his heart yearning for answers and a sense of clarity. He hoped that Nightmare would be willing to share more, to help him regain the memories that were lost and bridge the gap between his fragmented past and the present.

"I am your brother, Dream!" He said, angry.

Dream's eyes widened in shock as he processed Nightmare's words. The revelation that Nightmare was his brother sent a jolt of disbelief and confusion through him. He struggled to make sense of this new information, his mind racing to connect the dots and understand the depth of their relationship.

"I... I don't know what to say," Dream stammered, his voice filled with a mix of surprise and uncertainty. "I... I never knew, Nightmare. I never knew that you were my brother."

Dream's heart ached with a mixture of regret and longing. He had been searching for answers and a sense of connection, and now it seemed that he had found them in the most unexpected way. He wondered how their paths had diverged so drastically, how they had become estranged and lost to each other.

"I'm so sorry, Nightmare," Dream whispered, his voice filled with genuine remorse. "I never meant to forget you or our shared past. I never meant to cause you pain. Please, if there's any way I can make it right, any way I can bridge the gap between us, I... I want to try."

Dream's eyes pleaded with Nightmare, filled with a mix of hope and vulnerability. He hoped that their newfound understanding of their shared bond could be the foundation for healing and reconciliation.

"That, and Ava isn't even your sister."

Dream's eyes widened in shock as Nightmare dropped yet another revelation. The realization that Ava wasn't actually his sister sent a surge of confusion and disbelief through him. He struggled to process this new information, his mind racing to make sense of the implications and the impact it would have on his relationships.

"I... I don't understand," Dream replied, his voice filled with a mix of disbelief and uncertainty. "Ava... she's not my sister? But... but I've always believed..."

Dream's voice trailed off as he grappled with the sudden shift in his understanding of his familial connections. He felt a deep sense of loss and confusion, unsure of how to navigate this new reality. He wondered about the reasons behind the deception, the truth that had been hidden from him.

"I... I need time to process this, Nightmare," Dream said, his voice laced with a mix of vulnerability and longing. "I want to understand... I want to know the truth. Can you please help me make sense of all of this? I don't want to be lost in a web of lies and confusion."

Dream's eyes searched Nightmare's face, hoping for guidance and understanding. He knew that the path ahead would be difficult, but he was determined to find the truth and to reconcile the fractured pieces of his identity and relationships.

"Really? You never questioned how a HUMAN and a SKELETON are siblings? You found Ava in a snowstorm." Nightmare said.

Dream's eyes widened as Nightmare's words sank in. The realization that he had never questioned the seemingly improbable nature of his relationship with Ava struck him with a mix of embarrassment and confusion. He had always accepted their bond without question, not fully considering the implications of their differing species.

"I... I never stopped to question it," Dream admitted, his voice filled with a mixture of regret and realization. "I... I found Ava in a snowstorm, and I just assumed that we were siblings. I didn't think about the differences in our species. I guess I was too caught up in the joy of finding a companion, someone who understood me."

Dream's expression turned pained as he considered the possibility that he had been blind to the truth, that he had unknowingly accepted a deception. He longed for answers, for clarity amidst the fog of confusion.

"Please, Nightmare," Dream pleaded, his voice tinged with desperation. "Help me understand the truth. I want to know how all of this came to be, why I accepted Ava as my sister without questioning it. I... I need to unravel the lies and find the truth, no matter how difficult it may be."

Dream's eyes searched Nightmare's face, hopeful for guidance and truth in the midst of the tangled web of deceit. He knew that the journey ahead would be challenging, but he was determined to uncover the reality of his relationships and find a sense of clarity and understanding.

"And Piko... you convinced her to leave the RUINS when you guys were around 13 and 15."

Dream's eyes widened further as Nightmare revealed yet another piece of the puzzle. The fact that he had convinced Piko to leave the Ruins at such a young age sent a wave of shock and guilt crashing over him. He hadn't realized the weight of his actions, the consequences they may have had on Piko's life.

"I... I didn't fully understand the consequences of my actions," Dream replied, his voice filled with remorse and regret. "I was young, and I believed that leaving the Ruins would bring us new adventures and opportunities. I wanted to show Piko a different world, a world beyond the confines of the Ruins."

Dream's voice wavered as he continued, his guilt weighing heavily upon him. "I never meant to put her in danger or cause her harm. I only wanted to bring her happiness, to give her a chance to experience life outside of the Ruins."

Dream's gaze met Nightmare's, filled with a mix of sorrow and determination. "Please, Nightmare, help me make amends. Help me find Piko, and together, let's ensure her safety and well-being. I want to do whatever it takes to protect her, to make up for any pain I may have caused."

Dream's words hung in the air, his heart heavy with the weight of his past actions. He hoped that, through their combined efforts, they could find a resolution and bring Piko back to a place of safety and happiness.

"I warned you that humans were dangerous. But low and behold..." Nightmare said, sentance trailing off.

Dream's heart sank as Nightmare's words echoed through his mind. The reminder that Nightmare had warned him about the dangers of humans struck him with a mix of guilt and sadness. He couldn't deny the truth in Nightmare's words, for he had chosen to overlook the potential risks in his pursuit of showing Piko a different world.

"I... I should have listened to you, Nightmare," Dream replied, his voice filled with remorse. "I should have heeded your warning and considered the dangers that humans could pose. I was so focused on bringing happiness to Piko that I didn't fully think through the potential consequences."

Dream's voice trembled with a mix of regret and determination. "But now, I want to make things right. I want to find Piko and ensure her safety. I want to protect her from any harm that may come her way. Please, Nightmare, help me in this endeavor. Together, we can navigate the dangers and bring Piko back to a place of safety and happiness."

Dream's gaze met Nightmare's, his eyes filled with a mixture of sincerity and the desire to rectify his mistakes. He hoped that, despite the past missteps, they could work together to find a resolution and protect Piko from the dangers that surrounded them.

"I was wrong."