The Stage is Set

Chapter 16: A Hero's desires control over my memories

House of Memories - Panic! At the Disco
Control - Halsey

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Blue bares his teeth as he holds Dream close to him. He doesn't need to tell anyone what's happening to Dream, they all saw. He scoots away from the screen, worried that he'll have his code taken as well. Bani gets their hand through the screen to try and grab Blue. Before Ink could react, a shiny knife makes its way into Bani's arm. Bani screeches in pain before drawing their arm back. They glare at Liam who spits out blood as they sway. Liam staggers to stand up tall before glaring at Bani. The chains crawl up their legs as Liam points their knife at Bani.

"Don't even try it. You have the doll, you don't need his code." Bani moves away from the screen before Liam is pulled down further by the chains. Liam turns to Ink. "Help's coming. Sent Hunter a message, bringing help." Bani growls before stomping their feet.

Ink blinks in relief. "Thanks."

Liam nods before collapsing back on the ground, losing grip on their magic. Leo, Sage, Green, and Grillby suddenly escape from their plushy prison with gasps. They look around, unaware of what's happened. Leo stands up with his spear ready at the sight of Bani before looking around. Sage gasps before hurrying over to Dream. Sage glances at the stone bits before trying to heal them, it doesn't work. Green looks around as well, wondering what happened. Grillby quickly stands up as well before holding Leo close to him. They all stare at Bani, knowing that they had a part of this before trying to protect Liam.

Bani scoffs. "Like that would do anything. Anyways, Blue." They turn to Blue who just holds Dream closer to him, praying that Bani won't take him away. "Don't you want to be a hero? Get all the praise you desire. Have all the friends you want? Don't you want to be able to have whoever you desire?"

Blue growls. "Why would I want to be a hero like that scum?! He's not a hero, nor will I ever be if it means having to stoop to his level." He levels his glare. "I want none of that! I only want Dream to be safe in my arms forever!"

Dream's sockets widen as a light yellow blush covers his cheekbones. Ink's sockets widen at the realization. That's what the smaller rewrite was. It was rewriting relationships, and with that realization, Ink holds onto his three tighter. He wonders who Dust is now with, or Cross.

Bani coos. "While that's sweet, that's not the point, Blueberry." Blue flinches from the name. "You're going to be a hero to all. A hero to one. A hero to none."

"I don't care, I'm going to be Blue and I'm going to do what I want. And if that's growing with Dream and being with him then," Blue stops talking to kiss Dream, he pulls away to show a bright yellow face of Dream. His cheekbones are slightly blue. Nightmare wants to punch Blue before noticing how the stone slowly starts to retract away from Dream's face. "That's what I'll do. I'll never hurt my friends to be some sort of 'hero.'" And I will never hurt Dream.

"Are you sure? Let me show you what you're missing." The glass fogs over as Blue growls at Bani. Grillby holds Green, Sage, and Leo tightly. All four of them are confused about what's happening, and Liam is passed out on the floor.

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Everyone watches as Yani, without his visible corruption, sits up in his bed. He growls as he slams his fist onto the bed frame. He holds his skull in his hands as he groans. He quickly gets out of bed and dressed for the day in his personal hell. He walks outside to see his brother standing there, waiting for him. He barely smiles at him as he walks past. This is his 835th time waking to this day; 835 times of doing the same thing over and over again; just hoping for a different ending. The screen flashes forward and they see Yani standing over a pile of dust by the ruin doors. The lonely moments just get lonelier.