Hopelesly devoted to you (Crossmare)

New recruits

Cross watched silently, arms behind back as Nightmare calmly scanned over the new recruits. Ever since he became a moon guard, it was their little tradition to inspect the new recruits that were brought in every moon cycle. It was funny how absolutely terrified some looked.

A voice echoed in his mind. Nightmare's voice.

The god could speak through others' minds, mostly when he wanted to have a one on one conversation about important things. Sometimes though, like now, it was to talk shit about new recruits and try to make Cross break out of his stoic demeanor.Through the years he had yet to break him out of it.

'This is really the best we can come up with? Half of them look like they'd rather lick Horror's ax than look me in the eye. Where do they keep finding these? Error's telenovelas?'

Cross didn't move at all, to the evident frustration of his lord as he glanced over, one of the tentacles fidling a bit.

'I'll find ways to break you yet Cross. One day i'll have you laughing out loud and make you look like a madman in front of these sad excuses for servants.'

He should've found that concerning, especially seeing who it was coming from. But he didn't. Being always by his side, they had developed a friendship. Nightmare trusted him, knowing Cross would never under any circumstances go back on his word to protect him.

Cross gave a little bow of his head, standing up a bit straighter as Nightmare went to stand next to him and address the recruits.

"In the next few days you'll all undergo some tests. These tests will determine your place here in my realm and your usefulness to me. For any assassins among you, please, try. My guard will have you beheaded sooner than you can draw your weapon."

One being among the recruits made a run for it, in Nightmare's direction nonetheless. The dog monster lunged for the king, weapon already drawn.Nightmare gave a little snicker as Cross gave a small sigh, summoning his blade and throwing himself at the assasin, beheading him in one fell swoop.

The body and head dropped in front of Nightmare, but as soon as it dropped to the floor it began to dust. Nightmare gave a small grin at Cross, ignoring the scared and slightly panicked recruits.

'You're getting slow Cross.'

Cross merely gave him a small nod of his head, knowing the king could feel his small spark of annoyance. He knew it was mostly for show, even though it kept him on his feet and alert. One of the king's tentacles flicked his side softly, telling Cross that he had indeed received the spark of annoyance. There were always one or two monsters among the recruits that tried to kill Nightmare. They were fools to think they could harm a god.

Nightmare hummed very quietly. "Anyone else?" When no one else moved or spoke, a slight grin appeared on his face. "Excellent. Now as I was saying before. These tests will decide where in the palace you fit and what role you will play for me. These consist out of testing your fighting skills, your interrogation skills , but also basic survival skills and other ways you can serve me."

As Nightmare rambled on about the tests, Cross examined the batch. There was a great variety of monsters, humanoid or other. There were grillby like fire-monsters, goop monsters, water monsters, anthropomorphic cat and dog monsters, a couple of Alphys's and Undyne's from the lesser known universes, some humans and others that looked human. One of the human-like monsters caught his eye. It was a Sans he could tell that much.

He had a glowing yellow eye, the other black and was taller than him but not by much. The man sported a leather jacket and had facial scars resembling those of a Gaster. Cross frowned. 'This must be Gaster Sans then. One of the neutrals, they don't interfere with our business for good reasons. His appearance in the realm can't mean good news for us.'