Night Killer. Life is a slow race.

Part 4 : Can't catch a break

Nightmare had finally managed to get ahead on his paperwork. It's not everyday that he gains some free time; he usually heads to his library for some extra reading time when he does get some. Today is no exception.

Nightmare sits down in the library and grabs the last book he was reading. It's a story of a hero, who does his best to stay out of the light. At least that's what it is so far. He had found this book in an AU he was trying to take over and realized he hadn't yet read it. Naturally of course, he stole it. It's always nice to add to his collection.

Nightmare gets through about half of the page he started before there's a knock on the library door. Annoyed, he contemplates sending them away.

Before he can speak though he gets interrupted, "U-uh Boss." Cross starts. 'Of course it's that dimwit, only he and Killer dare to interrupt me in my library.' Nightmare thinks to himself before bringing his attention back to the presence behind the door. "H-Horror started chasing Dust around with his axe again."

Nightmare Growls as he answers, "Get to the point!"

"HORROR RIPPED UP THE COUCH AND FLOOR IN THE LIVING ROOM!" Cross blurts out fast. He then tenses in preparation for his Boss's response.

Nightmare shuts his book and places it back on the table before standing up. He is seething. He can't get a moment's peace because of the skeletons with amoeba sized brains living in his home. Nightmare swings the door open and Cross falls to the floor.

"WELL, WHERE ARE THE IMBECILES?!" Nightmare practically roars. Cross says nothing helpful in reply, shaking and stumbling over his words in a desperate attempt to find something that won't further agitate his boss. "Your useless." Nightmare states before throwing him to the side using his tendrils. He teleports to the living room to survey the damage and hopefully catch the emotions of the idiots.

His living room is utterly destroyed. All except the TV has been affected by the quarrel. The couch has been completely decimated, the floor covered in breaks and splintering. Nightmare takes a deep breath and focuses. He eliminates Cross's fear and frustration and sets his mind on the only other two presences he can detect by emotion within his home.

First he finds Horror. He teleports to his position, "Hiding in the guest rooms I see."  Nightmare says, standing behind Horror. He can't help but grin at the rise he gets out of Horror. The skeleton jumps and his fear rises. It's delectable.

"Oh Boss! I was just uh looking to see if Killer had left any sharpening materials. My axe has gotten a bit dull." Horror replies as he turns around. Nightmare can sense the guilt, dripping off him. It makes him angry, but it also makes him feel empowered.

Nightmare let's a crazed look take over his face as he tilts his head, feigning curiousity. "Oh, I do so wonder how your axe head could have gotten so dull. Didn't you sharpen it yesterday?" Nightmare asks already knowing the answer.

"W-well I, uhm-" Horror tried to make an excuse before being interrupted.

"SILENCE!" Nightmare orders, shutting Horror up in an instant. "I've already heard of your shortcomings and have seen the damage you've caused to MY property!" He lifts Nightmare up with a tentacle, covering his mouth in the process, "Now. Let's go aquire the other brain damaged, sorry excuse for a skeleton. I've got a special punishment in mind for you two."

Horror stops struggling once Nightmare starts to tighten his grip, almost to the point of breaking his bones. After he's sure Horror has stopped, Nightmare starts walking. Already aware of where Dust has decided to try and escape to, he doesn't waste too much time.

Nightmare can sense Horror's uneasiness spread as they enter the dungeon. 'Dust has made this all to easy' he thinks as he walks straight to the room he's chosen. Opening the door slowly as to saver the chills that spread up Dust's spine, Nightmare enters.

"So. This is where you've been hiding." Nightmare states looking around as if he's never been there before. "Now personally I wouldn't have chosen such a dreary place to hide for my life, but then again, maybe I would." Nightmare looks over to Dust, backed against the wall. He doesn't seem to be listening, too busy staring behind Nightmare. 'Cant blame him for admiring what I've accomplished with Horror. It's always a nice change of scenery to see him scared instead of bloodthirsty.' Nightmare thinks before chiming in on whats caught Dust's eye. "Oh this? Just though I'd take your buddy for a walk to go find you, he was worried." Nightmare said with a hint of sarcastic malace in his voice.

Nightmare waits for a reply but gets none. The longer he waits, the more agitated he becomes. Nightmare walks closer to the silent skeleton, sneering. "You should know by now that you can't hide. No matter where you are, who your with, or precautions you take; I will always find you."

Nightmare picks him up by the throat and pushes him against the wall. "I was in a good mood before you two came through and ruined it." Nightmare let's a smirk cross his face as he listens to the comforting sound of his adversary choking. Dust is clawing at the tendril around his throat, tears at the edge of his sockets.

Right before he seems to give up, Nightmare spares him. Dropping him to the floor he waits and listens to him gasp for breath. "Now then, best to start your punishments." Nightmare states before dragging Dust out by his leg.

Nightmare takes them to the biggest torture room he owns. Making sure there are no weapons he lets them go. "I'm going to leave you here until the day after tomorrow. Horror will not be getting any food." Nightmare explains as he walks towards the door.

"WAIT NO!" Horror exclaims, feeling the weight of his situation deepen.

"Oh Stars." Dust finally chimes in. Now understanding the situation he is in.

Nightmare smiles as he flicks the switch on the outside of the door to block their magic. Horror will be Farrell by tomorrow morning. Locking the door he wastes no time teleporting back to the top of the stairs. 'Finally, I can get back to my book.' Nightmare thinks, relieved he can actually relax for once.

That's until he looks down the hall and sees Killer's empty plate outside his door. Nightmare sighs and clenches his fists as he goes to pick it up. Now that Horror is out of commission for the time being, and Cross can't be trusted to make anything that needs to be prepared, Killer's food is now his job.

Nightmare teleports straight to the kitchen with the plate, at least it gives him a reason to see how he's healing. Looking around he decides his best bet will be to make some rice up. Nothing special, but rice with some sugar and butter is just as good as candy. Nightmare can be nice sometimes.

After about 25 minutes of cooking, the rice is done. Grabbing the bowl and a spoon for Killer he heads up to the wounded's room. Not caring for privacy he simply walks in.

The room is dark, just like Killers ever empty sockets.