Papa Nightmare? [Nightkiller] [English Version]

CHAP 64

Narrator:

~A few days later~

The courtyard of Nightmare's castle was more lively than usual. The members of the Bad Guys, far from their typical get-togethers, were deep in an unexpected conversation. Cross, who rarely led discussions, had taken control of the main topic: finding the perfect partner for their boss and future brother-in-law, Nightmare.

"Listen up, you bunch of idiots," Cross began, leaning back against the castle wall as everyone present watched him curiously. "I think it's time we found a partner for our grumpy boss."

"Find him a partner?" Horror asked, chewing on something, as usual.

"Exactly. Someone who can handle his negativity and, I don't know, maybe... Someone who can calm him down? Maybe that'll stop him from wanting to rip our skulls off every time someone makes a mistake."

Dust sighed. "And why are we even talking about this? Shouldn't he be the one deciding whether he wants a partner or not?"

"Nightmare won't decide anything. Didn't you see how confident he was when he said he had to get married first so I could marry Dream? He's definitely planning on staying single for life," Cross replied authoritatively. "He's more likely to annihilate us for even suggesting he find someone. But if we find someone who complements him... well, who knows?"

The others exchanged glances. Although the idea seemed absurd, and they knew Cross was suggesting this more out of his own whims, they couldn't deny that Nightmare's temper had always been difficult to manage. Having someone they could use as a shield when they angered him would be a good thing.

"So," Cross continued, gently snapping his fingers to get everyone's attention, "what qualities do you think the boss's partner should have?"

"Hmm... I think that person should be someone with a lot of patience," Horror replied thoughtfully. "Otherwise, they wouldn't last a day with Nightmare."

"And also someone who isn't afraid of him," Dust added, crossing his arms with a bored expression. "The boss can be terrifying, everyone knows that. He needs someone who isn't intimidated by his aura."

"Perhaps someone who knows how to challenge him," Fellswap suggested casually. "If it's someone who bows down too much to him, Nightmare will get bored quickly. He needs someone to keep him in check."

"Also, someone who shares his goals," Fell chimed in from a corner. "Nightmare isn't just looking for power, but also intelligence and understanding... even if he won't admit it."

The comments piled up quickly, each Bad Guy adding his perspective. The list grew longer and longer: brave, patient, defiant, understanding, strong, loyal, and smart enough not to provoke his anger without reason.

After a long debate, Horror leaned back against a tree, sighing deeply. "Well, congratulations. We've just described someone who doesn't exist."

"S0m3one l1ke th@t couLd b3 bey0nd th1s w0rld" Error agreed with a wry smile, despite knowing more than the others in this situation. 

But Cross had an idea in mind. His barely perceptible smile revealed that he knew something the others didn't.

"Are you sure about that?" he asked calmly, letting his words resonate.

They all looked at him, confused.

"What are you trying to say, Cross?" Dust asked, frowning.

"Think about everything we've said. All those qualities... Doesn't it remind you of someone?"

Silence filled the room as everyone tried to process his words. It was Hate who, tired of waiting, broke the tension. "We don't have time for games, Cross. If you have someone in mind, say so."