Ink woke up early like he had most mornings since coming to live with Nightmare and quickly bounced out of his bed. He threw his closet open and tugged his favorite dark green hoodie with a cyan stripe down from its hanger before slipping out of his pajamas. Once dressed in his hoodie, he scurried out the door and down the hall heading for Nightmare's office. It was rare that his guardian ever slept in his room and if he did he was always awake before Ink anyway.
Ink smiled as he hurried down the hall and turned to head towards the entrance to the castle which had Nightmare's office just off the main hall. He practically threw the door open as he reached it and grinned as he spotted Killer in there as well. The other skeleton had been here a couple days now, but Nightmare had been keeping him busy sending him out on assignments. Ink didn't know what those assignments were, but Nightmare said that Killer was helping him fulfill his duties as Guardian so he didn't have to leave Ink alone as often in the future. It certainly eased Ink's worries.
Retrieving Killer had been the first time Nightmare had had to leave Ink alone, but with how often Nightmare was sending Killer out he could only imagine how often he'd be alone if Nightmare didn't have Killer.
"Morning!" He greeted happily, as both other occupants turned their attention to him. Killer visibly tensed and fought what was probably a reflex to attack.
"Good morning, Ink. How did you sleep?" Nightmare greeted in turn.
Ink hurried up to the front of the desk and stood on his tip toes, much to Killer's amusement, to see Nightmare.
"I slept good. What's for breakfast?" Ink responded, grinning as Nightmare gave him an amused look at his antics.
"What would you like?" Nightmare asked, standing from his desk and stepping around to head for the door.
One of his tentacles scooped Ink up off the floor making him giggle openly as they headed for the kitchen.
"Can we do those fluffy round things?" Ink asked, giggling as he felt Killer poke him as he followed.
"Pancakes, Ink, they are called pancakes." Nightmare corrected, easily.
"Yeah, pancakes!" Ink exclaimed.
Nightmare chuckled as he entered into the kitchen and used his tentacles to collect the different items needed to make pancakes. Ink was set on the counter while he watched and Killer leaned against the doorway silently.
"Continue with your report Killer." Nightmare said as he went about making the food. Killer nodded but remained in the doorway.
"It appears the AU needs food supplies more than anything, though the Undyne that is in charge there is a real piece of work. From what I was able to gather the Sans of the AU has a hole through his skull because of her." Killer explained, folding his arms across his chest as he spoke, "To top it off something wonky went wrong with the whole things code structure and if anything happens to their core the people will fall into cannibalistic tendencies."
"Hmmm. That explains the level of negativity coming from what is essentially a neutral timeline." Nightmare said thoughtfully, plating several pancakes as he took in the information, "Who do you think would be a better option to approach in order to make an alliance with?"
Killer tilted his head as he thought it over for a moment.
"The Sans of the AU is probably the best option, while cautious if this could help his Paps and his AU as a whole I think he would be the best one willing to negotiate and work with. Queen Undyne is too unpredictable especially with their Alphys now dead, not sure what happened there it seemed to be after the Human left." Killer answered carefully, moving over to Ink as Nightmare finished the food.
Ink easily allowed the other to pick him up and carry him over to the table while Nightmare gathered cups, syrup and milk to put on the table with the plates. Even though it had only been a few days since Killer had joined them, he had picked up quickly on how and where to assist with Ink while they were all together.
"I'll have to make a trip there then to speak with him." Nightmare said thoughtfully, setting a plate in front of Ink.
"You have to leave again?" Ink asked nervously, receiving both the older monster's attentions.
"It will be just like when I got Killer Ink. I won't be gone forever, just a couple hours." Nightmare assured him, sitting down as he gave Killer his own plate.
Ink pouted at the thought, but nodded nonetheless as he poured syrup over his pancakes. Killer was pouring a glass of milk for him while Nightmare made sure he didn't use too much syrup.
"Can I keep the circlet again?" Ink asked after a moment. Nightmare seemed to freeze at the question and Ink shrunk down slightly thinking he'd upset his guardian.
"Yeah, when we are done with breakfast I will give it to you to hold on to." Nightmare agreed after a moment.
Ink beamed at the agreement and dug into his pancakes as Killer continued giving a few more details of the AU he'd investigated.
After Nightmare had moved the dishes to the sink and returned the milk to the fridge, he led the way back to his office, Ink scurrying after him readily while Killer leisurely followed. Once inside, Nightmare went to his desk and opened the drawer where he kept his circlet and paused for a moment at the sight of it. It was still hard to see the reminder of his past even after all this time, but nonetheless he brushed the feelings it brought aside and picked it up.
Ink was peeking over the edge of his desk at him again, making Nightmare chuckle. It was still concerning how small Ink was in comparison to other monster children, even other child Sans', but it made it hard to not find him just a tad adorable even for hardened beings such as himself and Killer. He held the circlet out to the child and smiled softly as Ink beamed and took it carefully.
"Don't climb the library shelves while we are gone and stay within the castle." Nightmare instructed, as he moved over to Killer.
"Yes, Boss!" Ink chirped, making Killer laugh.
Ever since Killer joined them and started referring to him as Boss, Ink had picked up on it and taken to calling him that as well when given any kind of instructions. It made Nightmare give Ink a playful glare, of which the child simply giggled, before opening a portal and stepping through with Killer. They appeared in the forest just outside of the AU's Snowdin. Nightmare allowed the portal to close as soon as Killer was through, his attention mostly taking in the surroundings, but vaguely clocking the spike of anxiety that he felt coming from Ink. The baby bones honestly handled him leaving again so soon very well all things considered.
Turning his attention to Killer, he waved for the other to lead the way and he did so. The story of this AU was finished so them being here wouldn't be a problem even with it being an In-Code world. They made it to the edge of Snowdin and observed the town silently. Eventually they spotted this world's Sans stepping out of town most likely off towards his Sentry post. Nightmare was taken by surprise at the height of the other Sans. While some such as the Gaster!Sans of Underpatch or Echotale were on the taller end of Sans, most Sans with no combination or experimentation were the average height of 5'0" or so. This Sans however, was over six feet tall and had an open hole in his skull above his left eye.
They followed him out to his Sentry Post, Nightmare observing silently and assessing the mix of anxiety and anger that simmered under the surface of this Sans emotions. They would have to wrap this up soon, they had already hit an hour mark for being away from observing and he could feel Ink's growing nervousness even amongst this AU. Deciding to move this along, Nightmare stepped out and signaled Killer to stay hidden. The Sans immediately noticed him and stood with an axe appearing in one of his hands.
"Who are you?" The Sans growled.
It was then that Nightmare realized that the eyelight in his left eye was red, unusual for any Sans that had no determination. His right socket was completely empty though whether that was because he deemed Nightmare a threat or didn't have one was debatable.
"My name is Nightmare, Guardian of Negativity." Nightmare introduced, eyeing the axe the other held as he tightened his hold.
"What do you want?" The Sans asked cautiously, not relaxing his stance.
"I wish to make an alliance with your Timeline. In exchange for resources such as food, your timeline will be under my dominion." Nightmare replied, glancing around but keeping his attention centered on the other.
"What would that imply and why are you talking to me instead of our illustrious leader?"
"From what information I have been given about your leader I have no desire to negotiate with a hothead I would have to kill within five minutes. As for what an alliance would entail. I would provide resources and protection from corruption, while your Timeline would be a source of negative emotions for me to feed upon. I do not expect the Timeline to be miserable all of the time, but if it were to fall more towards the Positive side of things I would pull my protection and resources as a result. Negativity is my domain and any Positive AUs fall under another's."
Silence followed his explanation, allowing Nightmare to silently observe the other. It appeared he was actually considering things which worked in Nightmare's favor. If he could get something set up, it would give an AU that actually had a large quantity of beings within it to provide him with boosts of negativity.
"Who would be in charge of ensuring the resources made it here?" The Sans asked, pulling Nightmare's full attention back to him.
"I would arrange things with my contacts and have periodic drop offs of the resources. My Second in Command would most likely be the one to do so." Nightmare replied.
He'd named Killer his SIC almost as soon as he'd joined him. The other skeleton was loyal and didn't have a single emotion that showed any deception in his vow of fealty. Not that it was hard to be his SIC when the only other possible choice was a five-year-old.
"No, I'll do it or no deal." The Sans growled, immediately pulling a glare from Nightmare.
In order to allow him to do the drop offs, Nightmare would have to take him back to the castle with them. His mind immediately went to the fact that this Timeline had a tendency for Cannibalism as Killer had said and he sure as hell did not want someone like that around Ink.
Killer was one thing, the other had learned quickly his limits with putting up with Ink's antics and for the most part left the child to Nightmare. This one however, was completely different. Having him in the castle would put the risk of someone unpredictable and who was only loyal through what Nightmare provided around his young charge and he wasn't sure if he was comfortable with that.
"I will have to consider this first, perhaps you should speak to your brother before agreeing as well." Nightmare suggested, turning to head towards Killer.
He didn't like the idea of letting this Sans into his home and near his charge but he'd have to think it through thoroughly before saying no. Having a whole AU under his allegiance was a pro, but there could be many cons as well with how the deal was. Perhaps he should consider a different place.
"I will return in two days." He called as Killer stepped out to him and they both looked at the other before disappearing through one of his portals.
They both reappeared in the entrance hall of his castle, the sound of pattering feet soon following their return.
"You're back!" Ink exclaimed as he came into view and scurried down the stairs.
"Of course we are squirt!" Killer replied as Nightmare shot a tentacle out to catch the child when he tripped on the last step.
"Did you make your deal?" Ink asked, holding out the circlet to Nightmare.
"Not quite, there's a few things I have to consider before we make any official deal. I will have to leave with Killer again in a couple days." Nightmare replied, taking the circlet as Ink pouted.
"So soon?"
It really was hard to act like the heartless being he'd been for so long with those eyelights giving him such a watery look.
"Unfortunately yes, but we will be back just like today." Nightmare replied, taking him from his tentacle and letting him cuddle close for comfort. He really needed to figure out a secondary caretaker for Ink and soon. While he didn't need to leave his castle very often, there were times that things he needed to deal with took several days instead of just a couple hours. He'd been lucky so far, but he wouldn't be forever.
"Can't I go with?" Ink asked, reaching for Killer as they headed for the library.
"Absolutely not. The AUs we go to are too dangerous for you even with us being with you." Nightmare replied immediately, not wavering when Ink pouted at him.
"He's right kiddo. The AUs are too dangerous for a baby bones like you." Killer agreed readily, gaining an approving glance from Nightmare.
Ink pouted further and huffed grumpily at their steadfast stance.
"Maybe one day you can join us, Ink, but for now it's too dangerous." Nightmare said softly, nuzzling his skull against the child's.
"Fine." Ink huffed unhappily and cuddled even closer. Nightmare smiled at his behavior and allowed him to continue pouting. He'd think over the pros and cons of this deal later when Ink was in bed, for now reassuring Ink took priority.
A couple days later, Nightmare once more found himself stepping into the AU known as Horrortale. It was a fitting name for the absolutely horrific things that had happened in this AU. Killer stepped out behind him and assured that the portal closed without interference before turning to his Boss.
They were near Horrortale!Sans' Sentry Post and were both unsurprised to find him standing there waiting for them.
"My stance still stands, either I am the one to be the one to handle these drop offs and oversee them or no deal." The Sans said as soon as his red eye landed on them.
"Yes, I remember. I am willing to allow this, however, do anything that results in the harm of those under my protection will result in an immediate pull of resources and this deal will end." Nightmare replied.
He had thought it over hard the last couple days and while he was nervous about having such an unpredictable person around Ink, there were far more pros to having this deal even with this Sans in his castle.
"Understood." He grumbled out and held out his hand. Nightmare simply stared at him and waved Killer forward.
"This is my SIC, Killer as you can see he is a version of you from a different timeline. As such you will have to decide on a name that will be unique to yourself while amongst my employ." Nightmare said as Killer stepped forward and shook the other Sans' hand.
"Horror might work for you since your Timeline is called Horrortale." Killer suggested as he dropped the other's hand and stepped back beside Nightmare.
"It will work." He grumbled, looking at Nightmare.
"How long will you need to gather things to join us?" Nightmare enquired.
Horror thought it over for a second before responding.
"I just have to go back and let Pap know."
"Then do so, any longer than an hour and I will send Killer to retrieve you tomorrow." Nightmare instructed, receiving a nod before the other shortcutted away.
"Are you sure it's safe to take him back with us Boss?" Killer asked quietly, pulling a glare from Nightmare that he didn't flinch at.
"This alliance is good, it will give me a source of Negative Emotions and in turn that will feed my power. While I don't like the idea of having him around my charge, until I can find a regular caretaker for him, I will just have to be vigilant." Nightmare responded.
"If you say so Boss."
They fell silent as they waited for Nightmare's new recruit to return. When he did within a half hour with a bag on his back, Nightmare turned and opened a portal for them. He allowed Killer through first being sure that he was there to intercept Ink before he came through with the new recruit.
"After you." He instructed, waving to the portal.
Horror hesitated before stepping through. Nightmare followed him through and closed the portal as he did.
Horror looked around the castle he found himself in with a cautious eye. He didn't see any other "employee's" as Nightmare implied, but the sound of giggling had him turning to see that Killer was near the top of the entrance stairs holding a small skeleton child at arm's length from himself. Horror tensed at the sight of the child in the hands of a person who had been nicknamed Killer and it was only the child's giggling actions as he lightly patted Killer's face that stopped him from retrieving the child.
"Easy squirt, you'll poke an eye out." Killer joked, making the child giggle harder.
"That is Ink, if you do anything to him it will result in me throwing Horrortale into darkness and making you watch as everyone including your brother suffers."
Nightmare's voice behind him instantly had Horror tensing and he glanced over his shoulder at his new Boss. Despite the size difference between the two of them it was clear the threat was more of a promise than anything. Horror did not doubt he would hold to it. He nodded his skull and looked back to where Killer was now struggling to hold the child as it appeared Ink had spotted the two of them. The baby bones was waving what appeared to be a circlet in one hand as he waved at Nightmare excitedly.
"Nightmare! Nightmare! Can we do steaks for dinner!? I read about them in a book today and they sound so good!" Ink said excitedly, receiving a chuckle from the goopy skeleton.
"I'm afraid, I'm not well versed in making steaks Ink, perhaps we can try them another time." Nightmare responded as he headed up the stairs.
Horror watched as his new Boss tensed at the sight of the child drooping at his response and Killer showed immediate distress as he held him as far away from himself as possible at the clearly now upset little one.
"I can make steaks." Horror said, causing both older skeletons to snap their heads to him.
"You can?" Killer asked in surprise.
"We had to cook food for a while after the Core went out, I picked up a few tricks." He responded, looking at Nightmare for the okay.
"Please, Nightmare!" Ink begged as his Boss stared back.
"I suppose it doesn't hurt to let him try." Nightmare agreed, turning and finishing making his way up the stairs.
Horror followed at a slower pace, taking note of how Killer took up an almost defensive stance behind their Boss after Nightmare had taken Ink.
"Killer go to an AU and get some steaks, we most likely don't have any since it's not a common food we make." Nightmare instructed as a portal opened beside him. Killer clearly hesitated for a moment before heading through without a word. Once the portal was closed, Nightmare waved for Horror to follow him through the castle.
Nightmare led him through and into what appeared to be the kitchen, settling Ink at the dining table there.
"Once Killer returns we'll see how well you do in the kitchen. If it's impressive enough I may request you do so often for Ink." Nightmare explained sitting beside the child as he played with one of his tentacles.
"What has he been eating until now?" Horror inquired, smiling at Ink when the five-year-old looked at him.
"Whatever I can make really. He's not been picky, but Killer isn't a cook and I know only simple foods." Nightmare replied easily, softening a bit as his gaze fell on Ink who grinned at him when he noticed his guardian's attention was on him.
"I can start making him more balanced meals. He's pretty small for a kid." Horror suggested, looking at the tiny skeleton with a bit of concern.
Nightmare frowned, but it seemed to be more due to his own concern over his charge rather than anger at Horror's suggestion. Before his Boss could respond, he turned his attention to the side and opened a portal allowing Killer to step through into the kitchen with a bag full of what appeared to be more than steaks.
"I figured stocking up on a few other food items wouldn't hurt any Boss." Killer said as explanation before walking over and setting the couple of bags he had on a counter.
"I'll send you on a full stock run tomorrow while I'm getting resources together for Horrortale." Nightmare answered in turn, nodding for Horror to do what he liked with the supplies Killer brought.
Horror stepped up to the bags as Killer stepped away and made his way over to the table. Horror caught the other skeleton running one of his hands over Ink's skull before he took a seat. It appeared both older skeleton's were the quiet type like Horror himself as neither started a conversation. Ink on the other hand was a clear chatterbox as the child immediately filled the silence with things he'd read in books that day as well as all the wings he'd explored in. Killer would occasionally ask a question, but beyond that Ink filled the quiet of the kitchen while Horror cooked.
Eventually halfway through dinner, Ink turned his chattering towards Horror, asking questions that were typical of a curious child. Horror glanced at Nightmare for permission before answering Ink as he cooked. He did take note that when Ink tried to get up to get closer to Horror to see how he was cooking, that Nightmare made a point to pick the child up with a tentacle and place him back in his seat. Horror would've felt insulted, but he understood that the child was most likely Nightmare's reason for hesitation in letting him stay in the castle.
He finished up dinner and plated steaks, potatoes and broccoli onto plates before bringing them over to the table. Nightmare's tentacles collected glasses and juice from the fridge so that Horror didn't have to hunt for them and easily took the plate he was given. Once everyone was settled at the table they began eating, Ink being the most eager to dig into the steak. Horror had made sure to cut the steak up for the child understanding that he wouldn't know how to.
"Not bad." Killer commented as he took a bite of the potatoes.
"It's really good!" Ink exclaimed happily.
"Well done. If you are alright with it, meals for Ink will be your main chore around the castle." Nightmare suggested.
Horror nodded and silently started planning some meals that would be good for the baby bones. He also started thinking about possible meals the other two would enjoy. He wouldn't know much until he was able to pick up on preferences, but he would keep it in mind when they would eat meals from now on.