Loyal Servant (Crossmare) (Rewrite)

Art of The Deal

Cross couldn't tear his gaze away from the scene, though every attempt to try and move closer still hurt. The damage Fatal Error inflicted seemed to engrave into his very coding, stifling his body's natural healing. He managed to stand, but only with the help of Killer and Horror. He already knew they wouldn't try anything. As much as he hoped they could do something, up against this new god-like monster, it would only result in their deaths. Maybe even a permanent one in Horror's case. So, Cross just watched, his sockets lined with tears from both physical and emotional pain.

Fatal started to squeeze Nightmare's soul, crushing it in the palm of his hand. He looked so thrilled to be doing so. Cross heard it begin to crack, Nightmare being brought to his knees before the corrupted skeleton. The goop which usually protected the king began to slip away as his soul became more and more damaged. I'm supposed to be protecting him. How could I have failed him? He yelled his husband's name, but neither monster seemed to hear his call. Nightmare collapsed, his soul leaking black blood onto Fatal's fingers. "How very unfortunate," Fatal chuckled.

Then his eyes widened. Cross wasn't sure why until an arrow stabbed deep into Fatal's shoulder. He opened his mouth, and a yell sounding like something between a buzz and the whirl of a fan escaped him. He dropped Nightmare's soul, and it immediately shot back into the king's chest. Yet the damage had already been done, and Nightmare completely collapsed onto the floor. Fatal didn't care about him, yanking the golden arrow free from his chest. He studied it then carelessly dropped it alongside Nightmare's half-formed muck. Cross could spot dapples of white and purple beneath the retreating ooze. He's reverting back to his passive form. He'll be even more vulnerable.

Cross looked to where the arrow had been fired. "Step away from my brother, Geno!" Dream yelled as she readied another glistening arrow. Ink and Paperjam stood at her side, giving Fatal the same hard stare.

"My name isn't Geno," Fatal noted. He then chuckled, watching them slowly approach both him and Nightmare. "But by all means, feel free to come and get him," He offered, gesturing down at the king's body. None of them were foolish enough to get that close. "Are you suddenly not interested?" He questioned, tilting his head at an angle that really should have snapped his contorted neck. Dream still didn't respond to his taunt, Ink and Paperjam now starting to slowly circle around Fatal.

Killer left Cross in the hands of Horror as Dust came hurrying over. The pair met with a quick tap of their skulls before Dust looked to Cross. He couldn't really pause to greet his friend, focused on the gods' standoff before them. They need to get Nightmare out of there.

Cross noticed Fell had joined in at long last, while Error simply made a break for it. He retreated into the safety of the anti-void, abandoning the rest of them with the mess he created. Cross mentally cursed him out for it. Karma will bite him back.

The three accepted Fell's cooperation as he placed himself behind Fatal while the others remained both at his sides and in front of him. From the looks of it, Fell hadn't been spotted. If he played his cards right, he could get in a hit without being detected at all. Fatal appeared completely honed in on Dream anyway. He stared at her, captivated.

"Dream, isn't it? Wielder of positivity?" He asked. Dream didn't care to answer, simply holding her head a little higher. Fatal's curiosity at least gave Ink time to line the area around him with paint. Paperjam apparently didn't need such preparations. They were focused on Nightmare, attempting to slowly shuffle their way closer and closer. Fell made his approach as well while Fatal continued to talk. "I really thought you'd be the one to offer a more friendly introduction. Is Ink's presence starting to rub off on you, love?" He asked, glancing towards Ink. He looked quite unhappy with Fatal's words. The dark entity chuckled and slowly waved at him. "Hi, Ink. I haven't seen you since your last attempt to kill Geno."