Dream walked for little bit, running into each au such as outertale or underfell. While some looked thrilled to see him okay, others were wondering what to do. As much as he wanted to spill, he made sure not to give away the plan. If the others disagreed with the plan, they could interfere. Especially the fells.

Each of the au's went in a separate direction in Waterfall, some heading back to Snowdin of further to the Hotlands. A lingering aura struck Dream suddenly. It was empty, sad, and confused. Definitely Nightmare's aura, Dream started cutting corners. Less of the sparkling rocks lit the walls as he got himself lost. His brother would probably come out to confront him when he's alone, cornered but not scared.

Finally, in the darkest part of waterfall, Dream waited for the aura. It became closer, more intense and sharp. It was a bit suffocating. Out of the corner of his eye, Dream saw the silhouette of a tendril slithering across the wall.

"You can come out now. I know you're here." Like a snake, the black skeleton appeared in front of him. For the first time he didn't look angry, but more surprised.

Never thought you could detect my presence like that.

"I got better at training, just so I can fight you." Nightmare laughed a little.

Really? To me, you just look like you got a new look.

Play along. Dream concentrated, and his positive aura flaring to life. A bright light reflected off the walls, blinding the black skeleton. His tendrils recoiled slightly from the intensity of the light. Dream's bow was considerably larger, and the arrows were blinding. "Told you I got better."

You weren't this strong a couple weeks ago. Did you become stronger just to protect everyone that depends on you?

"I did it to turn you back to normal."

Wha- A arrow hits him directly in the face, turning into a puddle. Ack!

Just get him slightly hurt. Come on guys, get here soon! Dream continually shot the arrows at Nightmare, hitting him in the weak points. Shooting the kneecaps, aiming for parts of the neck, even shooting at the area in the back where the tendrils sprout out did the arrows plunge into his bones. With every hit, Nightmare yelled in pain, trying to pull the arrows out but failed when another one hit. He shoots two of his tendrils for Dream, but he instead leapt over them and stabbing an arrow into the other.

AAGH!! How the hell are you-! Stay still! Dream, this really hurts! What are you planning?! Dream could faintly hear his big brother groaning in pain, taking all his will not to stop the plan. Over each hit, Nightmare's movements gradually slowed. Even for his difference in power, these arrows were painful. And not the typical little sting like their previous battles, these ones BURNED LIKE FIRE!! Nightmare tried swinging his tendrils like blades, aiming for the throat, but Dream would just keep dodging and hitting him again.

"Kneel down! Kneel down!" Dream started to yell at nothing. Nightmare actually started to slow down, the arrows burrowing deeper into his 'skin'. Brother, please stop! This hurts!!

Finally, Nightmare leaped out of the way and grabbed him by the leg. He no longer angry, he looked enraged and hurt. Okay...now you really...made a huge mistake. However, he was shocked by the smile Dream gave back.

"Nope. All part of the plan. NOW!!!" Suddenly, familiar fire and long vines struck Nightmare hard, sending him into the water. Dream was caught in the arms of a relieved Quetz. Lanny looked more determined than ever. "Are you okay?" Quetz asked, Dream nodded.

"I'm fine." Lanny summoned more magic surrounding her.

"Let us deal with the rest."

"Okay!" Just a little longer...

After a minute, a black hand shot out of the water, and a shocked Nightmare coughs and slumps over the edge. Ow...I know that fire. He stares down Lanny and Quetz, but his expression was more confused than actual anger. Who are you people, and how are associated with Dream? Dream slightly stepped back at the mention of his name. He barely ever heard his name coming that form of Nightmare. It was honestly...unsettling. Lanny whipped him with fire on the cheek, making him yell in pain.

"Name's Lanny Nightmare. Now, I'm asking once, surrender now and we'll make this quick."

I don't know you at all, and I don't think I ever did any pain to you. Get out of my way. Lanny started attacking the black skeleton, catching him off guard. Soon, Quetz joined in wrapping his vines around the arms and legs to prevent him from further fighting. Dream say his brother repeatedly getting pushed, burned, and slashed by all types of magic, some forms he didn't recognize. Nightmare's movements kept getting slower and slower, starting to slouch over from the pain in his body. Vines wrapped around his wrists and legs, pulling him to the floor. Lanny and Quetz stared over him, and for the first time in forever, Nightmare looked scared.

How did you-? I can't...What are you going to do to me? He asked slightly shaking in pain. Dream spoke up a little. "We're going to help you Nightmare. No one will suffer in pain anymore." The elder brother glanced at Dream, his blue pupil dilated a little. Dream swore he saw the hope inside him for that brief moment. He exchanged a smile, only to be horrified by the sound of his brother screaming. Fire hit him hard in the ribs.

"Agreed. No one will suffer if you're GONE." Lanny fired one more fireball, the skeleton screaming in agony. Quetz pushed her away, anger and confusion burning in his eyes.

"What are you doing Lanny?!" The fury was also burning in her eyes.

"I'm getting rid of the creature that has been responsible for so many deaths!! You've seen what he's done, it deserves to know what pain it created!"

"That 'thing' is Dream's brother! That is our NEPHEW you're burning to death!!"

"Please! He killed Nim, our SISTER Quetz! And he did it in cold blood and laughed! That is no nephew of mine, all I see is a killer! And I'm not going to stand here and let him get away again!!" She fired ice magic into his arms oncemore, and his expression was a mixture of things like Dream in that moment.

Dream was horrified to see his family attacking Nightmare with a desire to kill him, tears welling in his eyes. He couldn't move, he was frozen on the spot. Nightmare, on the other hand, was broken inside. Through his eyes, he saw what could've been his own redemption being taken away from him. His brother tricked him. His friends wanted to kill him. His family saw him as a monster. They didn't see how much he suffered, how he even got here. Why is he always "the bad guy"? Why can't people just love him? Why must he be alone?!

The arguing was silenced by the sound of screaming. Not painful screaming, angry screaming. Nightmare was quickly breaking out of the bonds screaming like he never screamed before. And the rage was burning hotter than ever in him.