Chap 24 - Liberation

A curiosity that Dream and Killer discovered, was that Asgore could open portals to the multiverse showing not only the present, but also the past. Therefore it was possible to witness previous events that would be important for the choice they would make.

The multiverse that Shattered Dream chose showed a guardian of positivity blinded by his convictions, but after an epiphany something changed and this resulted in his death at the hands of his brother. And after seeing Nightmare's reaction to what happened, this time he promised that he would do things the right way and not fail in his duty to his family.

As for Killer, there was a contradiction in his choice compared to everything he had said so far.

- Let me get this straight, you kept pestering me about how magnificent and powerful your boss was and you wanted an equal, and now you choose... a weak version of him?

Shattered pointed to the portal in front of the group that showed a Dream who got what almost all of his other versions wanted. This pair of brothers had returned to being guardians of the golden and black apples under the tree in DreamTale, in other words, the guardian of positivity had managed to convince Nightmare to return to his original form and abandon his path of evil that caused so much suffering in the multiverse.

- He needs help. - Whispered Killer. - He is lost, just as I was before he found me. He needs to be rescued, to be reminded of who he is. I will do it, I can do it. I will save him just as he saved me. - With a stare at the portal images in front of him, Shattered simply raised his hands in surrender.

- All right, I'm not your mom, you make your own choices. - Nodding his head to Asgore, the fallen guardian indicated that they were both ready. - I won't say that I will miss you, but it was fun to remember what it was like to be with one of my brother's boys. - This time, Shattered spoke facing Killer, but Killer did not turn to face him.

- I think that not all twinkle twinkle little star are insufferable and deserve to die. Thanks for making me see that. - The voice came out as a whisper because his attention was still focused mostly on the portal he had chosen, but his words were heard by everyone. This brought a smile to Dream's face, perhaps the first genuine smile he had given in a long time.

- Very well, you have made your choices. - Asgore said as he directed the respective portals in front of each of you. - Enjoy your new lives.

Without hesitation, the duo stepped forward and disappeared as the portals closed. On this day Zero Infinity lost two inhabitants and two multiverses would have their histories shaken.

SHATTERED DREAM

Shattered Dream's hatred for Ink had not diminished one bit since the day his brother was killed, as well as his anger at himself for never giving the true value his only family deserved. But his eyes were opened thanks to the corrupted positivity that was now a part of him.

Stepping foot in a random AU in the Snowdin area, Dream could feel his magic coming back to him, so he prepared to make his way to the artist's house in the Doodle Sphere.

- I can't kill you, but that doesn't mean there aren't other ways around it. - With a wicked smile and lost in thought, Dream barely noticed the approach of a local inhabitant. As he turned towards it, he could not believe what was in front of him, which resulted in a wild laugh. - Ice Wolf, one of the most pathetic monsters ever made by the creators with one of the most stupid functions. The first victim of my powers in my multiverse and... - With one of its tentacles, its victim was trapped and immobilized before it even had time to process what was happening. - My first victim in my new multiverse. Fate must really not like you, sonny.

Feeling nostalgic, Dream performed the same procedure as he had done once before, when he put his hand in contact with his victim and released a surge of energy, the latter began to laugh at first as if he were happy, then as if he were a maniac, and finally as if he were a lunatic lost in his own euphoria. Until his body ceased to exist when he could no longer withstand all the energy and died.

- By the stars, I missed that... that idiot would love to see this. - Turning his thoughts away from a certain nasty skeleton, Shattered used his own black goo as a portal and disappeared from that AU.

At the King of Nightmares castle, Nightmare had been locked in his room for several days, refusing to see any of his subordinates and ignoring any of his duties as leader.

Considerable time had passed since the event that shook the entire multiverse, the guardian of positivity had been murdered by his own brother. To many this was horrible news, but what no one was knew about was that even the culprit was not happy about what had happened.

The guardians of emotion disagreed on almost everything and argued all the time, in the same way that the artist and the destroyer fought, but neither dared to strike the final blow due to a strange relationship that had developed over a long period of time. Nightmare and Dream were also always facing each other, but never had the courage to finish their opponent.

- Why... why didn't you dodge? Why did you let me kill you? What happened to you? - Lying on his bed, the guardian of negativity was looking at a painting he made a long time ago of himself and his brother when they were still children and things were much simpler.

But he abruptly got up from bed when he felt a strong presence entering his universe, or more specifically, right behind his bedroom door. The door was violently knocked down.

Nightmare didn't even have time to say anything because a body without arms and legs was thrown in his direction. This body belonged to the guardian of the AU's in his most deplorable state.

- This Ink was much weaker than mine, I took him by surprise, but still. Anyway, did you miss me brother? - With his arms open as if to give him a hug, Shattered entered the room. And as expected, Nightmare was completely unresponsive. - What's the matter, have you seen a ghost?

In front of the unknown and facing such a strange situation, Nightmare had no other reaction than the one his survival instinct warned him of. Attack.

- Who are you? - Shouted the King of Nightmares as four tentacles flew towards the invader. - Whoever you are, you'll regret tarnishing his memory!

- Tarnish the memory of that fool? I am the improved version. - With frightening ease, Nightmare's tentacles were reflected by the fallen guardian's own. - I know you have many questions, and I will answer them. But for now, believe me, it's me, Dream. And before you say that's impossible, watch. - Although it was to his displeasure, Shattered Dream returned to his original form, thus gathering the power of the black apple that rested within him.

- But... that doesn't make sense... how you? - Before Nightmare knew it, Dream had approached and embraced him.

- I saw everything so I know what happened. - Patting his head as he hugged him, Dream explained. - Your brother was like me in the past, he believed that the happiness of others should be above his own, and that included his family as well. But one day he realized, he realized that it's not worth protecting those who don't deserve to be protected, he finally understood that he was wrong about you, he was wrong not to have slaughtered every single bastard who dared to hurt you throughout your life. - At this point, both guardians were crying. - But he couldn't live with this burden, of having fought for a lost cause all his life and feeling that he could never make up for his mistakes, so he took the easy way out. - Holding Nightmare's head with both hands, Shattered stared at him. - He let you kill him. Because it was easier than rewarding you for all the wrongs he had done, because he didn't know what to do, he was depressed, lonely and hopeless..., but fate smiled on us brother, for now we have the chance to make things right. I lost my Nightmare because of my ignorance, but I won't lose you because of that, be sure of that. Just as I also know that your Dream would like me to compensate you for his mistakes. - Again, Shattered began to stroke Nightmare's head. - So at least for now, don't ask any questions, I promise I'll explain everything to you later, for now just... enjoy the moment. - As if accepting these words, Nightmare closed his eyes and lost himself in the embrace of the one in front of him. In a way, even if these words were a lie, it didn't matter now, because he just wanted to feel the warmth of his family back.

But after finishing his speech, a groan of pain came from beside the duo, but specifically from Ink who was trying to use his ink power to regenerate his limbs. But his attempt was thwarted when a kick to the head stopped him.

- I almost forgot about you, thanks for ruining the mood. By the way brother, consider this a gift of goodwill. - Commented Dream as he returned to his corrupted form. - Don't worry artist, you will still continue to do your job, but you will do it by obeying my rules.

At this moment two figures appeared in the place where before there was a door, Killer and Horror were both with weapons in hand ready to attack the source of the noise from earlier. But upon seeing a shadowy version of the deceased guardian of positivity, Killer dropped his knife and jumped into Horror's arms.

- The evil ghost is back to take revenge on the boss! - Shouted Killer in fear of the impossible before him.

- I swear, your stupidity must be multiversal. - Said Shattered Dream in a voice of irritation as he prepared to attack, but was stopped by another hug from Nightmare. At that moment the guardian of negativity became a small child again, a sight Dream never thought he would see again. - I am home.

KILLER

In the dank caverns of WaterFall at a random AU, a disturbed presence emerged with a knife in hand. Making a few quick attacks, Killer confirmed that his magic was finally back, as was his ring's ability to open portals to move between universes.

- I know exactly who to visit first. - With a wave of his hand, Killer entered another AU in search of a single specific monster. Himself.

Upon seeing a monster with the same clothes, weapon, black eyes and distorted soul in his chest, the native Killer of this multiverse was paralyzed trying to understand what was happening, but his line of reasoning was interrupted when sharp bones emerged from the ground and almost impaled him, but he was quick enough to dodge them with a teleportation.

- Who the hell are you? - His answer came in the most confusing way he could have hoped for.

- You failed him. You had a job, to serve him, to protect him, to make sure he got to the top. And what did you do? You allowed him to be tainted with your past weakness.

With new attacks, the native Killer of this place started to counterattack, but the best he could do was a draw. Still not understanding what was happening, he questioned again.

- Who are you crazy? Who are you talking about?

- He who gave you a purpose. He who protected you. He who rescued you. Nightmare, your king, and you turned your back on him. Traitor. - Increasing the pace of the battle, both began to have wounds on their bodies, but the more fanatical of the pair didn't seem to mind. - It's crazy to think that there is a version of Dream that is more worthy to stand beside him than a version of me.

- Nightmare? He made a choice, he left this life because he didn't want it anymore, simple as that. And I respected his decision. If there is any traitor here it is you for not respecting the...

- SHUT UP! - With a giant Gaster Blaster, a shot was fired that did great damage to the more lucid Killer among the two. Since he did not have enough LOVE to unlock this ability, he believed that such a thing was not even possible due to his self-inflicted injury long ago. - You don't know anything! You don't know him like I do! He needs me! Not you! - Managing to immobilize his blue-boned target on the ground, a final stab decided the winner. - I will do what you should have done, fix him.

In DreamTale, Nightmare in his passive form lay in the shade of a tree while reading one of his poetry books, one of his favorite genres that in his view didn't get the attention it deserved.

But for a moment, he put down the book in hand and observed the surroundings, still finding it hard to believe along with the combined efforts of Dream, Ink and himself, it was possible to restore the ambiance of this AU. Although its inhabitants were still dead, the beautiful scenery had returned.

But even more difficult to believe was the fact that he had accepted his brother's offer to give up his ambitions, to not only give up his revenge, but also to forgive him. However, his reveries stopped when two subjects approached, and the sight of them made him drop his book and run towards them in panic.

- Killer! What are you doing? Let him go now! - Nightmare shouted when he saw a Killer with the craziest expression he had ever seen, holding a knife to his brother's neck.

- Boss... I missed you. It's hard to explain, if I hadn't experienced it myself, I certainly wouldn't believe it. But know that everything will be fine, I will help you just like you helped me. - Killer then tightened the grip of the knife on Dream's neck, making him let out a groan of pain. - First I need you to do something, and then everything will become clearer, you'll understand everything. So first eat this. - With one hand Killer was holding a hostage, and with the other there was a black apple extended towards Nightmare.

- Killer where... where did you get this? We already talked about it, you agreed! Hell, you even supported me in this decision! Then what are you...

- No! It wasn't me, that was just a failed copy of me, I'm not that Killer. I know it's confusing, but I came from another multiverse, but that's not important right now, what's important is that you eat this. You will be strong again, you will be great again. Don't run away from who you are.

- Another multiverse? - Although this Nightmare didn't know of the existence of Zero Infinity or other multiverses, he quickly accepted this idea because he had known his Killer long enough to know that his friend who understood him and supported him in making this choice would never do something like this. - All right, all right, calm down. Let's talk about it, but first please let go of my brother. You don't have to hurt him.

- He is the source of evil! He must have tricked you into being like this! It's because of him that you are small and weak, but I will help you just like you helped me.

- Listen to me! That's an order! - With a shout in a way that was very reminiscent of his former self, Nightmare figured he would need to act like this to convince this even crazier version of his friend. - Like it or not, he is my family. So let him go now if you want me to use this power again.

Feeling the sensation of seeing his king back even in his passive form was enough to convince Killer that he was in an extremely delicate mental state.

- At your orders. - Finally releasing his hostage, Dream ran into his brother's arms.

- Are you all right?" - Nightmare checked the bruises on Dream's body. He was not captured without a fight.

- I will survive. - Dream replied in a frightened voice still processing what had happened. Turning to his until then attacker, the guardian asked. - I received Killer's blessing when Night decided to come back, if you're not him, then where is he?

- Dead, I killed him.

- You what? - With a cold voice and murderous intent in his gaze, Nightmare just didn't have his corrupted form active, but his behavior was the same.

- He was weak, it was his duty to support you when you fell into temptation to go back to who you were. My king... he was betrayed by a knight, he was used by a bishop and rooks because they were opportunists, and the one who was once his queen wants to kill him. But the game only ends when the king falls, and I as his pawn was his shield and sword for all threats. I eliminated his enemies, expelled the traitors, and supported him until the end. That is the duty of your right-hand man, any version of me that cannot do this does not deserve to exist.

At this point, Dream's fear was replaced by pity, just as Nightmare's anger was calmed and he now saw him with new eyes. Both guardians had never seen someone so broken and with such messed up feelings as this one.

- Child... what happened to you? - Moving closer, Nightmare stroked Killer's face.

- I am fine, it is you who are not, eat this and you will get better, we can start again, this time we don't need to kill those responsible for the balance of the scales, just trapping them should be enough to stop Nothing from destroying everything again. We can... - At this moment the guardian of negative feelings embraced him, resulting in the black apple falling to the ground.

- Don't talk anymore child, just rest. Regardless of what happened to you, it's over, it's gone, you don't need to continue in that life anymore. - But to his surprise, he was pushed backwards hard.

- No! It shouldn't be like this! I didn't choose this multiverse to have this outcome! I... - To everyone's surprise, now it was Dream's turn to stroke his face. Due to his extremely disturbed state, he didn't even notice the approach.

- I can feel it, there is so much pain and anguish in you. Your Nightmare and Dream chose war, and this was the end result, but here there is a chance for a new beginning, you just have to give us a chance, and we will show you that life can be more than just an endless cycle of violence. - Holding out his hand, Killer could see in the guardian's eyes that his words were genuine. But at these merciful words, he laughed.

- Can't save a soul that's already gone. Can't mend a mind that's already broken. Can't dry tears from an eternal abyss. Can't survive a KILLER driven by a need of apathy.

With one swift movement, his knife was directed at Dream's pulsing soul in his chest, from such a short distance, he would not be able to dodge it. However a black tentacle stopped him by grabbing him by the arm.

Looking up in amazement, a Nightmare was seen still in his passive form, but with only a small part of his back that had transformed, showing that he still possessed the power of the black apple within, he just chose not to use it.

- Forgive me. - It was the only thing Nightmare could say as he removed the knife from Killer's hand and plunged it into his chest, right where his twisted soul lay. - I have failed you... forgive me. - Slowly, tears began to well up.

Falling to the ground, the mad Sans could feel his body slowly becoming lighter as the dust began to rise.

- Don't cry my king, if that is your will, I will gladly embrace you. - In a weak voice, a strange smile of acceptance came over his face.

- I'm sorry... I'm sorry... it's my fault this happened to you. - Holding his already almost completely broken body gently in his hands, Dream tried to give as much comfort as possible to this troubled soul as his eyes also filled with tears.

Looking at those pupils that glowed due to their radiant color, Killer uttered his last words before he passed away.

- I really hate the golden color. - Then his body completely turned to dust, leaving only his clothes and trusty weapon behind.

Notes 1:

For those who don't know, the concept of Zero Infinity was created by Sariko and translated into English by TheGrinningKitten at archiveofourown with the name "His Story". I recommend reading it for those who are interested