Papa Nightmare? [Nightkiller] [English Version]

CHAP 57

Cross's POV:

It had been a while since the last Bad Guys reunion. Today we had met to discuss possible alternate universes that we could attack. Nightmare was leading the conversation as always, his commanding presence filling the meeting room as he talked about the best strategies for getting a lot of negativity in the process. It was not unusual for the boss to make such meticulous plans; after all, his goal was always chaos, and negativity was his main source of power.

At the end of the meeting, Nightmare summoned me to his office. He said he had something important to discuss with me in private. His tone was serious, but when wasn't it? Despite the years I had worked for him, it was still difficult to know what was going through his mind. I accepted his order with a reluctant nod and headed towards his office.

As I walked through the corridors of the castle, I wandered in my thoughts. As I passed through a window, I saw a scene that caught my attention. There, in one of the training yards, Killer was teaching the boss's son how to catch moving knives. The little boy seemed focused as Killer threw the blades with precision.

I stopped for a moment to observe, remembering the strange event from a few weeks ago. Crescent, or at least I think that's his name, had called Killer "Mom" in the middle of a meeting. Since that day, the killer had remained in the castle, and everyone said that the little boy had just become too fond of him.

Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if Crescent actually convinced Nightmare to order Killer to stay regardless of his opinion. After all, he is the boss's son, and if he wanted Killer to act as he pleases, he would get it without hesitation. There was something about the way Crescent interacted with Killer that seemed strange to me, the younger one was too clingy with the killer. Maybe the dwarf only saw in Killer a possible servant, someone who would do what he ordered, just as his father did with all of us. Could it be that the little guy was following in Nightmare's footsteps? Only time would tell.

I continued on my way, lost in thought. From time to time, my mind wandered to Dream. It had been a while since I had contact with him. I missed him, although no one else knew that I was on friendly terms with him.

Dream, the beautiful, cheerful, adorable, charismatic dreamer, had been avoiding me. He didn't do it directly, but I noticed it. Every time our paths crossed, he seemed reluctant to interact with me. That distance hurt me more than it should. I was angry, but not at him, but at myself for feeling that way. For being so tied to someone who belonged to the opposite side, to the side of the light.

I shook my head, trying to focus on my current mission. I was almost at Nightmare's office, and any distraction could cost me dearly. When I finally arrived, I knocked on the door. Nightmare's deep voice gave me permission to enter. When I opened the door, I found him sitting in his armchair, with his typical cold and calculating expression. His pupils gave the impression of having the power to see through everything, as if they were trying to read my every thought before I even uttered a word.

The silence lasted for a few minutes. Tense. I stood there, waiting for him to decide to speak first. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Nightmare spoke.

''You will have new training from now on'' he said with a firm voice, leaving no room for objections.

His words took me by surprise. It wasn't unusual for Nightmare to assign us tasks or training, but something in his tone indicated that this was different. I frowned, confused, and asked:

''... Excuse me?''

Nightmare, without showing any sign of impatience, repeated:

''You are going to have special training. From now on, Killer-'' Immediately, my mind began to imagine what kind of training he was talking about. Killer was skilled with his knives, and I used a full-sized knife, so I assumed he wanted to improve my hand-to-hand combat skills, maybe teach me how to handle my weapon better. It wouldn't be a bad idea, although I won't admit it in front of him "and Crescent will be your teachers" Nightmare continued, as if what he had just said was the most natural thing in the world.

My thoughts came to a screeching halt, unable to process what I had just heard. My facial bones must have reflected my confusion because Nightmare stared at me, as if waiting for a reaction.

Crescent? The kid? Was that little guy going to be my teacher?

I couldn't help but feel like an idiot for not knowing how to react. I stared at Nightmare, waiting for some kind of explanation.

Finally, Nightmare continued speaking, clarifying my doubts.

''Crescent can help you learn something you lack right now. This will be training that will help you in the future'' he said smiling.

I stayed silent, trying to assimilate what he was telling me.

'Crescent, that little boy who had barely begun to understand the world around him, is he going to be my teacher?' I thought.

Something didn't make sense. What kind of training could I receive from him?

Nightmare stood up from his chair, approaching me with his imposing figure. I felt his presence even stronger as he got closer, but I stood my ground. I wouldn't show weakness in front of him.

''Don't underestimate him, Cross'' he warned me ''Crescent is more than he seems, and if I want him to be your teacher, it's for a reason. This training will take you to the limit, and you better take it seriously'' He warned me again. ''You'll start early tomorrow, your room is already ready for you to use.''

I nodded, although I still had many questions in my mind. Nightmare never did anything for no reason, so if he had decided this, there must be something else behind it all.

When I left his office, my mind was still mulling over the idea. Crescent and Killer, my new teachers. Something about that combination didn't fit, but if Nightmare ordered it, I had no choice. I had to trust that all of this had a purpose, even if I didn't fully understand it at the time.

The castle, with its shadows and echoes, seemed larger and emptier as I walked through the halls. And as I headed back to my chambers, I couldn't help but think about what was to come.

______________________________________

That's it for today's chapter, hoping you liked it!

What did you think of today's CHAP?

What do you think the training that Crescent will give Cross will be?

This is the fourth chapter of this second marathon to celebrate 2 years since the original book was started. Now we return to the main plot, from here time will pass a little faster.

Tomorrow, at this same time, I will publish the fifth chapter.

I will continue waiting for you with these final chapters of ''Papa Nightmare?'' 😃.

Thank you for reading, voting and commenting in this book.

I want to remind you that English is not my first language and I use the translator and what i know about the language to make this version of my original book that is on my profile in Spanish, if you have been interested in the book and know how to read Spanish feel free to check it out.

Even though this is a translated version, I read each of your comments and take them into account. Remember, language is not a barrier, if you have any questions or concerns you can write to me privately and I will respond as quickly as I can.

With nothing more to say

Bye~

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