Chapter 10

Piko stood silently, her gaze fixed on the pile of dust that was once Sans. There was a strange look in her eyes, a mix of disbelief and satisfaction.

In the hushed silence of the judgement hall, Dream watched her, his heart heavy. The sight of Piko, standing victorious after such a deadly fight, was a stark contrast to the gentle, caring friend he once knew.

After what felt like an eternity, Piko finally moved. She turned away from the dust, her steps echoing in the silent hall as she walked towards the throne room. Dream could only watch as she disappeared from view, leaving him alone with his thoughts.

As he stood there, staring at the empty hall, Dream couldn't help but feel a sense of profound loss. Piko and Sans were both gone, their friendship lost in the chaos of their battle. He was left with the haunting memory of their fight, their determination leading them down a path of violence and betrayal.

Dream took one last look at the dust before turning away. He had lost two friends today, but he wouldn't let their actions define them. They were more than the monsters they had become. They were Piko and Sans, his friends. And he would remember them as such, no matter what.

As Dream stood alone in the empty hall, a chilling thought crossed his mind. Piko had killed Undyne. That meant she had acquired enough human souls to pass through the barrier. And if she could pass through the barrier, she could reach the human world.

A sense of dread washed over Dream. Piko was powerful, ruthless, and seemingly unstoppable. If she reached the human world, there was no telling how much damage she could cause. She was driven by a single-minded determination to win, no matter the cost.

Dream shuddered at the thought. He couldn't let that happen. He couldn't let Piko hurt innocent people. He had to stop her.

But how? He was no match for Piko's power. He had seen her fight, had seen the deadly precision with which she wielded her knife. He was no warrior, no fighter. He was just Dream, the kind and humble soul who wanted nothing more than to help his friends.

But he couldn't just stand by and let Piko destroy everything. He had to try. He had to do something. With a newfound determination, Dream set off after Piko, hoping against hope that he could somehow stop her before it was too late.

Dream arrived just in time to see Piko, her hand glowing with the energy of a soul. In front of her, a small, shivering flower was pleading for its life.

"S-see? I-I was on your side since day one! So there's no... no r-reason t-to..." The flower's voice trembled, its petals quivering with fear. "P-please. Don't kill me."

But Piko was unmoved. With a swift, merciless slash, she ended the flower's plea mid-sentence. A shrill scream echoed through the room, and then the flower was gone, reduced to nothing but dust.

Piko turned, her gaze landing on Dream. Her eyes were cold, her voice devoid of any emotion. "This is the neutral route, Dream. Be lucky you were spared."

A chilling silence filled the room as Dream stared at Piko, her words echoing in his mind. This was the neutral route. This was the path Piko had chosen. And she was willing to do whatever it took to see it through, regardless of who stood in her way.

Dream took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come. He had to stop Piko, had to prevent her from causing any more harm. He didn't know how he was going to manage it, but he knew that he had to try. For the sake of their friends, for the sake of the Multiverse, he had to stop Piko.

"So. Don't you have something to say?"

Dream took a moment to gather his thoughts, his heart pounding in his chest. He looked at Piko, his eyes full of sadness and determination.

"Piko," he began, his voice steady despite his fear. "I just want you to remember who you were... who you still are. You are not this... this monster who is willing to harm others for your own ends. You are kind, generous, and humble. You are my friend."

He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he was about to say next. "Piko, I won't stand by and let you continue down this path of destruction. I won't let you hurt anyone else. If it means fighting you... then so be it. But I want you to remember, Piko... no matter what happens, I still believe in you."

Dream's words echoed in the silent room, a stark contrast to the cold, emotionless gaze of Piko. He didn't know if his words would reach her, but he had to try. He had to believe that there was still a part of the old Piko left within her, a part that could still be saved.

"What makes you think that Piko cares?"

Dream sighed, his gaze never leaving Piko. "Because I know her. I know the real Piko. The one who laughed and cried with us. The one who fought by our side. The one who would never hurt an innocent soul."

He paused, swallowing hard. "The Piko I know wouldn't stand by and let others suffer. She would fight for what's right, even if it meant putting herself in danger. She wouldn't hesitate to help a friend in need."

Dream took a step forward, his gaze steady. "I believe in that Piko. I believe in her kindness, her courage, her determination. And I believe that she's still in there, somewhere. That's why I'm not giving up on her. Not yet."

He took a deep breath, preparing himself for whatever was to come. "So, Piko, if you're still in there... if you can still hear me... I'm not going to fight you. I'm going to save you."

Piko stared at Dream. "Well then your a fool. Piko never cared about you." Piko said, yet Dream spotted something trailing down Piko's face.

Piko's harsh words echoed in the quiet, but Dream didn't flinch. He knew this was not the Piko he knew. However, something caught his attention. Despite the harshness in her voice, there was a single tear trailing down Piko's cheek.

"Maybe that's true," Dream said, his voice steady, "Maybe Piko never cared about me, but it doesn't change the fact that I care about her. And that's why I won't give up on her."

He looked at Piko, his eyes filled with determination. "Piko, I know you're still in there. You may not believe me, you may not even want me to save you... But I'm going to try anyway. Because that's what friends do."

Dream knew he was taking a risk. He was standing against a powerful adversary, trying to reach out to a friend who might no longer exist. But he didn't care about the danger. He had to try. For Piko, for their friends, and for himself.

Dream watched as Piko lifted her hand, wiping away the solitary tear. She regarded it with confusion, as if unsure of its source. But then, she growled, her gaze shifting back to Dream.

He could see it in her eyes, the very thing that was controlling her. The whites of her eyes were no longer white but filled with a black, inky substance. It was a chilling sight, a stark contrast to the Piko he once knew.

Dream's heart clenched as he realized that this was the real enemy, not Piko. The black liquid, whatever it was, had taken control of her, twisting her into this ruthless killer.

But even so, Dream didn't waver. He knew that Piko was still in there, somewhere. And he was going to do everything he could to save her, no matter what it took.

"Piko," he said, his voice filled with determination, "I don't know what has taken control of you, but I won't let it destroy you. I won't let it take you away from us. I'm going to fight it, and I'm going to save you."

He didn't know if his words reached her, didn't know if they could break through the darkness that had consumed her, but he had to try. For Piko, and for the hope that she could still be saved.

Dream watched in horror as Piko reached up to her eyes, the black liquid spreading onto her fingers. She smeared it onto her other hand, then onto her chest. Soon, her entire body was covered in the inky darkness, completely obscuring the Piko he knew.

Then, she pulled out a red sword. Its blade glowed ominously in the dim light, a stark contrast to the blackness that now consumed Piko. Dream could feel the power emanating from it, a palpable sense of danger that sent chills down his spine.

But even as fear gripped him, Dream didn't back down. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the fight ahead. He didn't know if he could defeat this darkness, didn't know if he could save Piko. But he had to try.

"Piko," he said, his voice loud and clear, "I won't let this darkness control you. I won't let it turn you into something you're not. No matter what happens, I will fight for you. I will fight to save you."

With that, Dream prepared himself for the battle ahead. He didn't know what would happen, didn't know if he would win. But he knew that he had to try. For Piko, for his friends, and for the Multiverse.

The entity controlling Piko was strong, its movements swift and merciless. In a blink of an eye, it had Dream pinned to the ground, its weight pressing down on his chest. Dream gasped for air, struggling against the pressure. The entity raised its sword, poised for a deadly strike.

But just as Dream braced himself for the end, he noticed something behind the entity. A figure, towering over them. It was Chara.

Chara, who had been a friend, a companion, and now, potentially, a savior. She stood tall, her eyes blazing with determination, her presence an imposing contrast to the entity controlling Piko.

Chara's sudden appearance seemed to surprise the entity. It turned to face her, momentarily forgetting about Dream. This was his chance. He had to take advantage of this distraction. He had to fight back.

With a surge of adrenaline, Dream pushed against the entity, trying to dislodge it. He knew he was at a disadvantage, but he had to try. For himself, for Piko, and for Chara. He had to fight.

Dream watched in horror as the entity's smile widened, its blade descending towards him. But before it could strike, red tendrils emerged from nowhere, wrapping around the entity and yanking it back into the shadows.

The darkness consuming Piko began to retract, peeling away from her like a second skin. It was as if the darkness was being forcibly ripped from her body. Piko's scream echoed throughout the room, a chilling sound that made Dream's blood run cold.

Then, just as suddenly as it had begun, it was over. The darkness was gone, pulled back into the shadows from whence it came. Piko was nowhere to be seen, her scream still echoing in Dream's ears.

Dream lay there for a moment, panting heavily. His body ached from the fight, his mind reeling from what had just happened. Piko was gone, taken by the darkness. But he couldn't give up on her. He wouldn't.

With a newfound determination, Dream pushed himself up from the ground. He had to find Piko, had to save her from the darkness. No matter what it took, he would bring her back. For Piko, for their friends, and for the Multiverse.

Everything faded to black, the world around him disappearing in an instant. When Dream opened his eyes again, he was in his bed. The comfort of the sheets, the familiar surroundings of his room, it was as if everything that had transpired was just a dream.

But as Dream sat up, he knew that it wasn't. The ache in his body, the fear still lingering in his heart, it was all too real. He quickly got up, rushing downstairs to find Ava in the kitchen. She was cooking breakfast, but her face was pale, her eyes wide with terror.

"Ava," Dream called out, his voice filled with concern. "What's wrong?"

His mind was racing. Was it about Piko? Did she know what had happened? Did she know where Piko was? Dream had to find out. He had to find Piko. He had to save her.

"Well... considering what just happened...." She said.

"Well... considering what just happened...." Ava trailed off, her eyes filled with fear and uncertainty. It was clear that she was shaken, which only served to heighten Dream's worry.

"What happened, Ava?" Dream asked, his voice steady despite the unease he felt. "Is it Piko? Do you know where she is?"

Ava remained silent for a moment, taking a deep breath before she spoke. Whatever had happened, it was clear that it wasn't good. Dream braced himself for the worst, his heart pounding in his chest as he waited for Ava to speak.

"She went out to see the barrier." Ava said.

Dream felt a pang in his chest at Ava's words. Piko had gone to see the barrier, the same barrier that had been the source of so many of their problems. The barrier that had swallowed her up in his dream.

He swallowed hard, trying to steady his nerves. "Did...did she say why she wanted to see the barrier?" Dream asked, hoping for some clue as to what Piko might be thinking.

Ava shook her head, her eyes filled with worry. "No, she didn't say anything. She just left."

Dream nodded, his mind racing. He needed to find Piko, to make sure she was okay. He thanked Ava and headed for the door. He had to find Piko, to save her from whatever danger she might be facing. He wouldn't let his dream become a reality.

"But she did say for me to tell you in case you wanted to talk. You going?" Ava asked.

Dream paused at the door, turning back to look at Ava. Piko had left a message for him, an invitation to talk. It was a glimmer of hope, a sign that the Piko he knew and cared about was still there, somewhere beneath the darkness.

"Yes," Dream replied, determination in his voice. "I am going. And I won't come back until I've found Piko and made sure she's safe."

With that, he left the house, stepping out into the morning light. He didn't know what he would find at the barrier, didn't know what state Piko would be in. But he knew he had to go. He had to save his friend.

"Oh, hey, Dream. Hand this to her when you get there."

Ava's voice stopped Dream. He turned back to see her holding out two plates, each filled with toast and eggs.

"Thanks, Ava," Dream said, managing a small smile as he took the plates. "I'll make sure she gets it."

With the plates in his hands and resolve in his heart, Dream headed towards the barrier. He didn't know what awaited him there, but he was ready. For Piko, for their friendship, and for the hope that he could help her, he would face whatever came his way.

As Dream approached the barrier, he saw Piko. She was sitting cross-legged, her gaze fixed on the barrier. The moonlight spilled through the barrier, casting an ethereal glow on her. She looked... serene, almost at peace. It was a stark contrast to the turmoil he had seen in his dream.

"Piko," Dream called out softly, not wanting to startle her. He moved closer, holding out the plate of food Ava had prepared. "Ava sent this for you."

He sat down beside her, his gaze following hers to the barrier. He didn't know what she saw in it, didn't know what thoughts were running through her mind. But he was there for her, ready to listen, ready to help.

"Piko," he began, his voice gentle. "We need to talk."

Dream watched as Piko silently took the plate from him and began to eat. She didn't say a word, her gaze still fixed on the barrier. It was as if she was lost in her own world, oblivious to everything else.

Dream didn't push her to talk, giving her the space she seemed to need. He knew that whatever was happening with Piko, it wasn't something that could be resolved with a few words. She had to come to terms with it on her own.

So, Dream sat with her in silence, watching the barrier alongside her. He didn't know how long they sat there, but he didn't mind. For Piko, he had all the time in the world.

Piko's nod was subtle, but Dream noticed it. It was a silent invitation for him to speak, to break the silence that had settled between them. He took a deep breath, trying to gather his thoughts.

"Piko," Dream began, his voice quiet in the stillness of the night. "I had a dream... a dream where you were consumed by darkness. It was terrifying, and when I woke up, I was so relieved it was just a dream."

He paused, glancing at her to gauge her reaction. She was still eating, her gaze on the barrier, but he could tell she was listening.

"But then Ava told me you'd gone to see the barrier, and I... I was afraid. Afraid that my dream might come true. Piko, I don't know what's happening or how I can help, but I want to. I don't want to lose you to the darkness."

Dream's voice was sincere, his concern for Piko evident in his words. He hoped that his words would reach her, that she would understand that he was there for her, no matter what.

As Piko reached into her backpack, Dream watched her curiously. When she pulled out an instrument and began to play, a sense of recognition washed over him. It was the same tune Piko had sung while fighting Sans, a song filled with determination and hope.

The melody filled the air, echoing off the barrier and into the night. It was a beautiful, haunting tune, one that spoke of struggle and perseverance. Dream listened quietly, letting the music wash over him. It was a rare moment of peace amidst the chaos, a moment he cherished.

He didn't interrupt her, didn't say a word as she played. Instead, he simply sat there, beside her, listening to the tune that seemed to embody Piko's spirit. He didn't know what she was trying to convey with her music, but he was there, ready to listen, ready to understand.

And as the last note of the song faded into the night, Dream turned to Piko, his gaze filled with resolve. "I'm here for you, Piko," he said softly. "Whatever you need, whatever you're going through, I'm here."

Dream's heart seized as Piko's whispered words reached his ears. "It wasn't a dream." The implications of her confession made his blood run cold. His worst fears weren't just fears, they were reality.

"What...what do you mean?" Dream stammered, his mind reeling. "Piko, what are you saying?"

His thoughts were a whirlwind of confusion and fear. Could it be that the darkness he'd seen consuming her in his dream was real? And if so, what did that mean for Piko? For them?

Piko curled up into a ball.

Seeing Piko curl up into a ball, Dream felt his heart clench. She was obviously troubled, her actions speaking volumes about her inner turmoil. He felt a deep urge to comfort her, to assure her that everything would be okay, even as his own fears gnawed at him.

He reached out, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. "Piko," he said softly, "whatever it is, we can face it together. You don't have to go through this alone."

For a moment, they sat there in silence, the only sound being the distant hum of the barrier. Dream didn't know what was to come, didn't know how to fix this. But he knew one thing - he wouldn't leave Piko to face this darkness alone.

Seeing the tear trail down her cheek yet accompanied by a grateful smile, Dream felt a lump in his throat. He returned her smile, albeit weakly, and gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze.

"We'll get through this, Piko," he promised. "You're not alone."

His words hung in the air, a beacon of hope amidst the uncertainty. As they sat there, under the glowing light of the barrier and the soft light of the moon, Dream made a silent vow. He would stand by Piko, helping her face whatever darkness was threatening her, no matter what.

Piko nodded, still unable to speak.

Seeing Piko nod, Dream felt a small sense of relief. She was still silent, seemingly unable to find the words to express whatever she was going through. But the nod, the slightest acknowledgment, meant a lot. It meant she was willing to let him in, to let him help.

"It's okay, Piko," Dream said gently. "Take your time. When you're ready to talk, I'll be here. And until then, I'll stay right here with you."

With that promise, Dream settled himself more comfortably next to her. He was there for the long haul, ready to offer his support, his patience, and his unwavering friendship.

"I... thought.... I had to.... If... pacifist and genocide.... then, what about....neutral? I had to... I.... I can't.... I'm..... so sorry." She whispered.

Dream listened to Piko's broken whispers, his heart aching for her. Her words were fragmented, pain and regret clear in each syllable. It seemed like she was battling with herself, torn between what she felt she had to do and the consequences of her actions.

"Piko," he said softly, his voice full of concern. "You don't have to apologize. You're trying to find a way, trying to do what's right. That's not something you should be sorry for."

He reached out, giving her hand a comforting squeeze. "You're doing your best, Piko. And that's all anyone can ask for. Remember, you are not alone. We're in this together, okay?"

"...There.... I...." Silence fell as Piko stopped. A few moments later, she picked up her ukulele and started to play softly.

Dream listened as Piko's soft strumming filled the silence, a new melody that he hadn't heard before. It was beautiful, soothing, a gentle balm to the turmoil that had been stirred up.

The words 'peace', 'safety', and 'comfort' came to mind as he listened. It felt as though Piko was using her music to communicate, to express the emotions that words couldn't capture.

He closed his eyes, letting the music wash over him. It felt like a reassurance, a promise that despite the struggles, there was still peace to be found. And in that moment, he felt a glimmer of hope. They could face whatever was coming, as long as they faced it together.

"That's beautiful, Piko," he murmured, his words a quiet accompaniment to her music. "Just like you."

"Thanks... it has a story to come with it too..." She said quietly.

Dream turned to look at Piko, his curiosity piqued. "A story?" he asked, his voice soft. "Would you like to share it?"

He was willing to listen, to hear whatever Piko was comfortable sharing. Every piece of herself that she revealed was a gift, and Dream treasured each one. He knew that whatever story came with this piece, it would be deeply personal, a glimpse into Piko's thoughts and emotions.

But he also knew that sharing could be healing. And if Piko was ready to share, Dream was ready to listen.

Dream listened, his heart aching as Piko sang the story of Chara and Asriel. The tale was a tragic one, filled with hope, love, and ultimately, despair. It was a story that had been told many times in their world, a cautionary tale about the dangers of playing God, of trying to manipulate life and death.

Yet, as Piko sang, Dream could hear something else in her voice. There was a sense of understanding, empathy even. As if she could relate to the characters in her song, to their struggles and their choices. He found himself drawn in, captivated by her rendition of the story.

The song came to an end, and Dream was left in silence, the last notes hanging in the air. He turned to look at Piko, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

"That was beautiful, Piko," he said softly. "Thank you for sharing that with me."

"...The idea came before the Reset." Piko said.

Dream nodded, understanding the weight behind her words. "The Reset" wasn't something mentioned lightly. It was a monumental event that had changed everything in their world.

"Your song... it's like a reflection of that time. A reminder of what was lost, but also of the hope that came before," Dream said, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's a beautiful tribute, Piko."

He reached out, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "You have a gift for making people feel with your music. Don't ever forget that."

Seeing Piko smile, even if it was just a small one, filled Dream with a warmth that he hadn't realized he'd been missing. It was a sign that, despite everything they'd been through, she was still there, still fighting. It was a testament to her strength, her resilience.

"That's more like it," he said, returning her smile. "Remember, no matter what happens, you're not alone. We're in this together, Piko."

And as they sat there, under the glow of the barrier and the soft light of the moon, Dream felt a sense of peace. It wasn't perfect, and there were still challenges ahead, but for the moment, they had each other. And that was enough.

Dream nodded, understanding the guilt that was weighing on her. "It's never too late to apologize, Piko," he reassured her. "Everyone makes mistakes. What matters is that we learn from them and try to make amends."

He paused, looking at her earnestly. "But remember, you don't have to do it all at once. Take your time, and start with the ones that matter the most to you. It's not an easy process, but it's an important step towards healing."

He gave her hand another squeeze, hoping to convey his support. "And, Piko? No matter what happens, I'll be here for you."

Dream watched as Piko rose with the sun, her silhouette framed by the soft morning light. It was a new day, a chance to start anew. He got up as well, ready to support Piko in whatever she decided to do next.

"Where to first?" he asked, a gentle smile on his face. It was going to be a long journey, but he was ready to face it with Piko. Together, they could overcome anything.

"Probably the snowman. I got to get him a new carrot." Piko said.

Dream chuckled at Piko's response. It was so typical of her to think of the small kindnesses, even in the midst of chaos and guilt.

"Alright then," he said, his heart feeling lighter at her words. "Let's find the best carrot for our snowman friend."

With that, they set off into the sunrise, ready to start a new day. Despite the challenges they knew they would face, Dream couldn't help but feel hopeful. Because as long as they were together, they could face anything.