Loyal Servant (Crossmare) (Rewrite)

The End of The War

The moonlight seemed to illuminate every surface it struck, revealing the softest shades of hidden colors. The edges of the rooftop's shingles all gleamed with silver. Cross rested upon an arch of them, the only audible sound being the gentle flap of the banners hung on the castle wall below. He basked in the hidden wonder of the endless night, hoping it would leave him with a prolonged sense of peace.

He turned his gaze to the sky, watching the way the stars glittered like little crystals along the blanketing sea of black. Their silent flickers always seemed to catch his eye, causing his pinpricks to dart everywhere until they fell upon the ever full moon. He took a deep breath as he studied its cratered surface.

To his right, the shadows cast by the Crypt's watchtower darkened. Nightmare loomed, and Cross didn't have to look over to know it. A blue eye opened from within the gloom, watching him considerably. "It's been many years since you've crept your way up onto the rooftops," Nightmare told him as his tendrils coiled into view. "You thought you could hide from everyone up here, me included. I liked letting you believe I wasn't aware. I imagined it helped to ease your mind," He continued on. He let out a low hum. "But since I've never shared that piece of information, I assume you're trying to hide from me again... What's wrong, Cross?"

Cross gave a light chuckle. "Don't worry, my love. I'm not up here to avoid you," He assured him. Nightmare eyed him suspiciously, as if he'd ever knowingly lie to his king. "If my intentions were to keep you away, I'd conceal my emotions better," He pointed out.

"That's true. I sense plenty from you," Nightmare realized, stepping out from the shadows. He stopped close to Cross's side, his hands still comfortably within his pockets as he balanced on the curved rooftop. "But my question still stands. What's wrong, Cross?" He asked again.

"I'm stressed, love. And I don't mean the usual kind of stress. I mean the 'I can't keep my mind from reeling and trying to solve problems that don't exist' kind of stress," He tried his best to explain. Nightmare didn't say a word, but Cross knew he was listening. Cross shifted his knees up further, feeling the weight of his concealed weapon within his coat. Not any blade, but the book. "I love this book, funny enough, but all the chaos it's magic causes... That part is a living nightma-" He cut himself off, blinking at his king who raised a brow in return. Cross cleared his throat. "My apologies. I'm just talking now."

"That's fine. Talk all you'd like. I'm not going to lash out. At least, not at you," Nightmare replied, taking a seat at his side. One of his tendrils rested around Cross's hip. He may not have sounded overtly gentle, but Cross could sense the care in his words.

Cross hummed. I'd like that. Just talking. He drew in a long breath, returning his gaze to the wondrous sight above. "Your- Our world is so beautiful, Nightmare," He told him, which had the king looking up as well. "I loved to come up here to calm down. I mean, I could forever get lost in naming the sparkling stars and counting how many shoot across the sky, trailing white fire in their wake," Cross said, raising a hand and gesturing to the entire horizon. Nightmare watched him and smiled, looking almost captivated by his words. Cross tilted his head at him. "Ah, right there! In the reflection of your black coating. I saw a shooting star," He said, trailing a finger along Nightmare's chest where he had noticed the streak of light.

"How subtle, you flirt," Nightmare muttered, which had Cross suppressing a smirk. "But yes, it is beautiful. I'd say it far surpasses any sunlit sky," He told him. Then he shivered. The sight of his shudder had Cross's blood running cold, a sudden fear grappling his chest. He shuddered. Like he had when Error took control. "My only complaint is the moon doesn't exactly provide all that much warm-" Nightmare paused, probably because he sensed Cross's visceral reaction. He gave him a confused look, one which left Cross conflicted. "What is it? Why are you startled?"