IDENTITY-SWAPPED

chapter 2: nightmares trap

I slowly began to open my eyes again as I heard the crackling of an open fire. But when I opened my eyes, it wasn't a usual golden yellow that greeted me. Instead, it was an unnatural bluish white that radiated a pleasant warmth. The flames similar to a large will-o-the-wisp. I tried to get up but soon Realized that I couldn't move. I looked down to see that strange goo stuff from earlier coating my body like a large blanket. It was surprisingly warm, and comfortable. I looked to my side and saw that it had also formed a pillow for me to sleep on. (Or at least a blob of the stuff for my head to rest on).

Night: "comfortable, brother?"
I looked up across the fire to see nightmare poking at it with a large stick. Although he wasn't directly looking at me, I could feel his intense stair from a mile away. I only then realize that he was waiting for a response.
Dream: "... mhmm."
Nightmare looking up at me with his usual toothy grin. Although with a hint of softness in his eyes that I haven't seen since...
Night: "is that so? Hm. So... what is my dear sweet little brother doing wandering aimlessly through my forest?"
My words caught in my throat as I thought carefully to what exactly I was going to say. Only to realize that I didn't really HAVE a good answer for him one way or the other.
Dream: "I... I came here to find you. I... I need your help."
Night: "with what dreamy?"
Dream: "I... I don't know. I was hoping you could tell me."

Nightmares unnatural smile grew even wider. His sharp teeth showing as his one eye stared directly into my soul. He walked around the fireplace and sat just behind me where I laid. Gently stroking my skull in a way that would almost seem comforting if not for the context of the situation.
Night: "you know you tend to mumble when you're such deep in thought. It was almost funny to watch. Who knew that my own brother would be capable of such negative thoughts about himself. Although I am flattered that you think such highly of me."
My face heated up as I almost crawled deeper into the warm goo. Trying to shield my embarrassment from nightmare. Though his smirk only grew with time.
Night: "buuUut....... if it's your identity that bothers you so much, than perhaps I CAN fix that for you. If it'll make you happy."
I nodded quickly. Giving a nervous smile from where I laid.
Dream: "please. I'll do anything."
Night: "glad we're both on the same page then. Of course, nothing comes for free you know. So you'll have to give me something in return for the favor."
I nodded even quicker this time. I've come so far now that I was willing to give up anything just to have my happiness again... the happiness I had when I was still with my other half.
Night: "good. Then from now on, I own you. That means you stay with me, you do as I say, and you go where I go. Do I make myself clear."
Dream: "yes brother."
Night: "then one more thing..."

He lifted his hand up and the goo that I was laying on brought me up into the air so that I was facing him. In his hands he held a nightmare apple. I instantly knew what he would ask me to do. He took a small bite out of it, then took it from his mouth.
Night: "this... will fix all your problems. Now, say Aaaaa."
I opened my mouth and let the slimy substance in. Although the taste was not what I expected. It was kinda sweet and kinda bitter. Like applesauce and pumpkin spice. But softer. I was surprised to find that it was actually pretty good. And I automatically chewed and swallowed it.
Night: "see, you didn't even need to be told what to do. Now that wasn't so hard now was it?"
I shook my head no, but a little weaker this time. It seems that my little adventure was finally fully catching up to me as I fell asleep. Or perhaps even passed out, but to be honest, I was too tired to tell. I felt my body transforming below me. Although, when I would next wake up, to WHAT would be the biggest surprise of that day. Perhaps the nightmare apples had more powers than even I understood. And maybe they weren't made from nightmares at all.