"Dream I need you down here now!" The radio hooked to my chest came to life with Ink's panicked shout.

Pressing a button on the radio, I replied even though I had no idea where he was, "On my way! Hang in there!" Skidding past a corner in a large abandoned building I bolted down another hallway.

No reply came back so I assumed Ink was ether caught or in the process of hiding.

This wasn't good.

We were sent on this job because the description said only one criminal was in the building. Not six hostile individuals that wanted nothing more then to be rid of us. Who are more notably known as 'Melted Souls'.

These specific criminals the police force knew well. Or well enough that when we saw them, we would ether attempt to arrest them or bolt since they've wanted our heads for a while now.

When we first got here we escaped one but lost Blue in the process, Ink following soon after. I was alone now and I didn't like it.

Glancing behind me, I saw no one. The sight of an empty hall filling my soul with hope that I would find my friends/coworkers. Looking back in front of me I slammed into another body knocking me off my feet as I landed on my rump.

Biting back a curse, I looked up at the monster I had run into. It was one of our most wanted criminals, Killer. Reaching for my gun, I panicked slightly when I felt it wasn't in its holder. Cursing the world I glanced away from Killer only to look back at him when he spoke,

"Looking for this Dreamy?~" Killer had my gun in his hand while his other hand held his favorite knife. No matter how clean that knife looks it was still stained with the blood and dust of innocent people and monsters.

I slowly got up as Killer chuckled darkly, "Killer why?" My voice soft as I kept my boney hands in front of me incase I needed to dodge something. 'Or bolt off.' I thought stiffly.

Killer cocked his head to the side, his smile always present, "What do you mean by why?" He asked playfully.

'He's playing with me.' I thought bitterly as I took a slow step back, "Why are you like this? What's your motive this time." My voice continued in its soft tone.

Killer chucked my gun behind him, licking his teeth as if he was going to inhale something sweet, "My motive? I forgot." He shrugged nonchalantly, his stance relaxed but knife poised.

Pausing mid step backward, my teeth clenched as I watched him like a hawk, "Wait, you have no motive?" I asked, slight anger lacing my tone.

Killer shook his head grin spreading wider then I thought possible as he bolted towards me. He went to strike me with his knife but I dodged and kicked his feet out. Tumbling to the floor, Killer dragged me with him despite my best effort to escape his hold.

I ended up landing on the knife with a wail as the right side of my ribcage flared up in pain. Flinging myself away from the murderer was the worst possible idea. Only making panicked whimpers slip from my lips as the knife dig deeper into my rib cage.

My radio crackled to life with Inks drain voice on the other end, his breathing heavy, "Dream I found Blue and got us both out. Where are you?" A moment past and when I didn't answer Ink radioed again, "D-Dream?" His voice cracked.

Rolling on my back, I looked down to see the handle jutting out. Coughing into my hand, crimson liquid splattered into the ligament and trickled down my chin. 'This is the best day ever.' I thought bitterly. My vision blurred as the last moments of my conscious was focused on Killer's hand, reaching towards me. I could have sworn it was actually shaking. 'Why is he shaking? Is he going to finish me off?...' My thoughts trailed off as I blacked out.

~

I woke to a dark room, a breathing mask around my face. 'What?' Confusion and speculation whirled around in my head as to what happened. A steady beeping sounded next to me as I craned my head to my left where a beeping monitor was set up.

Going to sit up I instantly regretted the action since pain flared up my right side. Laying back down I settled for staring at the ceiling while wondering where I am.

Not much later did I hear voices in the hall.

"Never thought Killer could get so freaked out." A voice stated.

"Me ether. It freaked us all out when Killer came in with Dreamy stabbed and bleeding out like that. Even Night was a little worried if you paid close enough attention. Our leader's never been worried about a cop, let alone his own brother before." Another voice stated.

I tensed. 'A-Am I in their base?' Fear pricking at my soul but was quickly swallowed in confusion. 'Nightmare was worried? My brother?' Why? Was the only question crossing my mind.

The door to the room I was in slowly opened and quickly closed. My breathing picked up as fear swallowed me. 'One of them is in here.' My thought process scattering in different places.

The lights suddenly turned on, my sockets snapping shut at the lights intensity. My attention was distracted for the moment as I groaned and hissed at the offending light. I moved my arm to my closed sockets to try and block out some of its brightness.

Whoever was in the room with me jumped. The clattering of a clip board echoed  against the walls as silence soon enveloped the room. That was until I heard the door open again with someone's shout, "HE'S AWAKE!" I flinched, 'Is that sci?' He sounds familiar to me.

Footsteps beat against the ground as people filtered into the room.

"Dream...?" That was nightmares voice. A hand touched my arm and I flinched away my breathing picking up from the contact.

"Night don't touch him." 'Yup definitely Sci.' I gulped, my throat dry.

"He's my brother." Nightmare snarled.

I whimpered at his angry tone as fear consumed me. Curling up as I laid on my side, my good side, my arms enveloping my head. The regret I felt in an instant as pain returned with a vengeance to my right side, but my fear overrode my pain tolerance, somehow.

"And your scaring him! Nightmare, he probably has no idea what happened after he passed out or why he's even here. Let me talk to him, alone." Sci explained irritation lacing his tone while emphasizing the alone part.

Silence followed until Nighty spoke with a growled tone, "Fine." Nighty hissed as I heard the door open and people filter out.

"Dream?" Sci called as I felt the bed sink a little. I peeked a socket opened to see Sci's worried expression, "It's alright Dream. No one is going to hurt you here."

Uncurling my arms from my head I removed the breathing mask and set it next to me, "Why am I here?" I croaked.

"You were dying Dream."

"Didn't your group want us dead to begin with?"

Sci chuckled, "No Dream, we didn't- don't want any of you dead." He handed me a plastic cup of water. Gingerly taking it, I gulped it down while hoping nobody poisoned it. You never knew which these criminals.

Eyeing him with suspicion I uncurled my legs from my chest, "Then why..." I trailed off seeing Sci gain a small smirk.

"They like messing with you cops, Dream. It's funny." Sci explained then a frown replaced his smirk, "You weren't supposed to get stabbed."

I just stared at Sci in disbelief as one of my hands went to cup my stabbed side. The plastic cup still in my other hand.

"You weren't supposed to pass out for a week." Sci's voice quiets.

'I've been out for a week?' The realization of my situation hits me. 'I've been with them for a week. What must Ink and Blue think?'

"You know, Nightmare along with everyone else has come to visit you." Sci states quietly, "But every time they'd try to touch you, you'd flinch away. It always made them sad especially Nightmare." No sympathy rose within me at that comment.

Laying on my back again, I stare at the ceiling, "Why was I brought here? Where is this place? What is this place?" I wanted to ask so many things like, 'Why did they come to see me.' Or 'Why were they even worried?' But I decided to ask- what I thought where -the most important ones first. My questions go unanswered for a time. Uncaring wether or not Sci said anything else or why they even cared. They are murderers!

"Nightmare would be the best one to talk too. It seems he still has a sliver of a heart for you." He replied.

"What about Ink and Blue?" I questioned further.

Sci sighed, "Ink and Blue are fine although they've been looking for you everywhere." He states while getting up, "I'll send Night in so you can talk to him."

"I-I don't want to talk to anyone." I stuttered. Not that I don't enjoy talking to people. I just don't want to talk to these criminals.

Sci crosses his arms with a boney brow raised, "Dream, I know you're afraid but we only want to talk."

My mind scattering again as Sci noticed my panicked state. My body shaking, trembling.

Sci quickly knelt down in front of my shaking form, "Dream, look at me." He pleaded.

I couldn't look at him. I was afraid, terrified even.

"Dream." Sci called out to me quietly as his touched my shoulder. I flinched away from him and he frowned.

"L-Let me leave." I stuttered as I quickly sat up while trying to ignore the pain in my side. It hurt. The pain almost unbearable as I moved- tried to move at a fast pace.

"Dream you can't leave yet!" Sci panicked, attempting to touch me but I kept flinching away from his hold. It was obvious he didn't want to hurt me more then I already was.

I was so focused on trying to get away that I didn't even notice Nightmare enter the room. He reacted faster then I could, restraining me with his tendrils.

"L-Let me go!" I cried out in a panic. My eye sockets wide with fear as I thrashed around. Hurting myself more then intended in my fear ridden state.

I was then pulled into Nightmare's embrace, "Dream, you're ok. Shhhhh. It's alright. No ones going to hurt you right now." I stilled at his calming almost broken sounding voice.

Right now. That's right. It's only temporary. Resting my head on Nightmare's shoulder I took a few heavy breaths in an attempt to calm myself. I'm unsure if my brother did anything, but I soon felt calmness envelope me. I, relaxed against him despite what I would've done if I wasn't injured.

Sometimes I forget how tall Nighty is. I'm only up to his chest.

Feeling my 'relaxed' state Nighty slowly released me but I hadn't been on my feet in a week so he had to catch me. He chuckled when he saw my wide panicked lights from almost hitting the floor, "Don't worry Dreamy. I won't let you fall." His tendrils circled below me, pushing me up into the air.

I squeaked while feeling Nighty rumble with laughter. A rare occurrence I believe because Sci was staring at Nightmare in disbelief.

Glaring at at my brother, I crossed my arms. Wincing because of my ribcage, "Put me down." My flushed cheeks puffed out.

He put me down, just not gently. I ended up landing on my bad side.

Groaning in pain, I hugged my ribcage. Nighty rolled his blue eye light as he started speaking, "You Dream, are here as our hostage. Unless the police force pays us for your release, we'll, let's just say you will be staying with us for the time being." He stated, a wide malicious grin spreading across his gooey face.

Just noticing I was in an actual hospital gown. I quickly scrambled under the warm covers of the bed. Peeking out from the covers, "Since I'm your, 'prisoner', am I just suppose to sit here?"

Nighty seemed amused by the question, "No Dreamy, you will be supervised by Killer while he orders you to do simple jobs." Nighty explained vaguely.

I huffed in irritation, "What would these jobs include?"

Nighty shrugged, "Killer will order you to do whatever he feels like. He's the one that brought you in anyways, so he babysits."

"And if I don't follow orders?" I raised a boney brow at Nighty.

"The basement and chains are what await you if you refuse the kind gesture I have given you." Nighty glared at my cowering form.

How was I supposed to respond to that? I know they have slaves here. Why don't they treat me similar to everyone else they capture? They always confuse the police force with their weird behavior.

~

It's been five weeks from my capture and three weeks since I was deemed 'ready to work'. Killer has put me through the wringer with all these 'jobs' that aren't even jobs! They're chores that I normally do at home. 'Lazy imps.'

Killer normally points and I get to work. 'Yes, just give me more CHORSE to do. I can handle it.'

"Dream." Killers voice took me from my thoughts as I continued drying the already dried plate in my hands.

"Yes Killer?" I hissed at him. He tried getting me to call him 'master' or 'sir' two weeks ago but quickly gave up on that idea.

Killer's sitting on the counter next to the sink, "Are you done drying that plate yet?"

My face flushed gold as I muttered curses under my breath while putting the plate down on all the other clean kitchen ware. Going to grab another dirty plate, I ended up brushing my hand against his since he made it almost impossible to get a inch or two between us. Quickly pulling my hand back I shyly look up at his face. I try to ignore my fickle emotions.

He's leaned in close a smirk plastered on his face, "So Dreamy, are you done with that 'job'?" He questioned.

Nodding mutely, I back up from him a little and put the towel I was holding- with a death grip -on the counter. The bastard knew how much he affected me and was relishing in my misery.

Killer hopped off the counter, motioning me to follow.

I hated this. Being watched and 'lugged' around everyday as if I was a burden or another body they could order around. Spending time with the monster that stabbed me wasn't all too bad since there are times when Killer is tolerable to be around. Nightly was true to his word when saying that these were simple jobs, extremely simple jobs.

Killer dropped me off at my room without a word which confused me. Normally he would try something flirty or try to get into my room for a 'fun time'. At first I made a face at him but soon got used to his unruly behavior. Eventually he grew on me, wiggling the false hope of him actually liking me into my head. I hope he never notices how much I've fallen for him. Stars help me.

Entering my room, I closed the door. This room was deemed mine since I had spent the most time in it. Within the little time I've been here, it's become a sort of safe zone away from them. It has some of my personal items not to mention the clothes Nighty had gone out to get me. He knew I would need clothes so it wasn't really a bother.

Without realizing it I had become 'fond' of this group in a strange way. I've seen some of the slaves here, their honestly in better condition then others I've seen in the past from other convicts. If anything, the people this group have here are content with staying. 'At least I know Nighty isn't that heartless.' Then again I don't really know my brother anymore. He's so different that's it's actually unnerving.

Walking over, I flop on my bed. My face buried in the soft pillow with Killer now dominating my thoughts.

The murdery skeleton is absolutely infuriating! Someone I shouldn't like at ALL but somehow I do. Although he still terrifies me with that knife of his. At least Dust, Horror, Nightmare, Fresh, and Error I can somewhat deal with.

They don't try to pull any moves on me! Especially my brother because that would be weird.

Thinking back, their kindness was strange, confusing, and most of all, out of character. I found myself second guessing if they were the criminals we were looking for. I was even given a new phone!

Are we even sure they're criminals? No, they have to be criminals. Slavery is banned, illegal, and outdated.

Flipping myself on my back, I felt the new phone- That somehow couldn't be tracked. I had called Ink earlier in the week wanting to test it. -vibrate. Taking it out the called ID said it was Ink.

Putting the phone to my ear, I answered it. An ear full of apologies being bombarded through the mic, "Dream I'm so sorry! We have no idea where you are! No matter how much we search or how much we try and track you down it just doesn't seem to work. We have no choice but to pay the money they want to get you released." He sputters out dejectedly.

I sighed, also disappointed, "It's fine Ink just get me out as quick as you can before one of them kills me." Wincing since none of them have tried to even harm me except for the one time I didn't want to do their house chores. In my defense, I wasn't feeling all too well and had thrown up earlier that morning.

I've almost had Horrors axe imbedded in my skull because Dust thought it would be funny to pick on the yellow blushing idiot. Because I sometimes turn a cheesy yellow color! Yellow to Dust apparently makes a target for extremely run down jokes. It also apparently makes me cheese as Horror so lovely pointed out.

"Just hang in there Dream." Ink sighs out. Atleast he doesn't call me Dreamy anymore like these guys do.

Hanging up the phone a knock sounds at my door. Hesitantly getting up, I walk over to the nice looking wooden object and crack it open to see Killer with a concerned expression standing right outside. Raising a boney brow, I opened my door fully, "Yes Killer?" Not like he hasn't had that kind of face before but it's unnerving that he's concerned at this hour.

"We, uh, need you down stairs for a few hours." Shifting nervously on his feet, he gestures for me to come out.

"Okay..." I trail off as I step out not even bothering to close my door.

~

Going downstairs was interesting. I could hear profanities being shouted at the top of someone's lungs.

A voice I didn't recognize.

Well, this'll be interesting.

I listened as we got closer, while glancing at Killers broad back, "...says he doesn't give a fuck what yer doin. Just do it." Whoever it was didn't seem happy about the answer they received.

"Well I wouldn't mind doing it if he was more specific." Nighty snapped.

"Calm down you two. Reality go blow off some steam if you have too." If this Reality person spoke I couldn't hear him but I did hear a door slam shut, "Wish you talk to Nightmare. I'll go sort out Reality." I heard as a door- probably the same one -shut softly.

As Killer and I entered the room everyone was in, I could tell everyone was tense. I could see emotions were flying everywhere since I'd tapped into my magic. Glancing around the room my eye lights landed on a yellow boned skeleton who was turned towards the door.

My jaw dropped.

Killer leaned in next to my ear, "If you keep your mouth opened like that, you might catch more then just flies." He was actually being serious this time but my face still exploded in yellow as my mouth clamped shut.

The fact of this skeleton having yellow bones blew everything I know about skeleton monsters out the window. Not that I haven't seen a skeleton with different colored bones before. That skeletons bones where a lot paler compared to the one I'm faced with now. That other skeleton also smoked a lot which most likely contributed to his pale yellow colored bones. But this skeleton has such a saturated yellow on his bones and I don't believe it's from smoking.

Of course he is facing away from me but still.

I was so in tuned to this new skeleton that I didn't even notice Killer wrap an arm around my waist. Or that he even pulled me against his side.

The skeleton named Wish turned towards the group, glancing at every single one of them. Including myself. My jaw almost dropped again from how his mouth and eyes were shaped.

His eyes, rounded just enough to display a child like innocence, are difficult to describe. Not circles like everyone else's but not far off. They're more of a triangle like shape rounded at the points. The top point was at an angle, towards his outer skull parallel to the other side. His mouth shaped like a 'w' with the points at the bottom rounded to make an actual mouth. He looks so strange.

Wish regards me for a moment before turning to Nightmare, "Is he your new toy?" He questions with a raised brow.

Nightmare sputters a cough looking quite offended as he turns to me and Killer, "That toy as you're referring to him as, is my brother. Killer let Dreamy go before I slam you into the nearest wall." He grounds out as he glares at Killer.

Just now realizing Killers very very close presence, I squeaked kicking his shin. He yelps in pain, releasing me as I scramble away. My face burning yellow as I actually found comfort next to my brother.

Wish stares in surprise at me, a sadistic grin worming it's way onto his face as he glances at Killer whose now hopping one leg, "Now, Donavan wants your little group to distract the town you normally go to's police force. We have a few lose ends we need to clean up. Shouldn't be too hard right?" He questions the grin still ever present but different now, as if it's a silent message saying, 'If you refuse, your groups dead'.

I gulp as Nightmare speaks, "We understand. Tell him he can count on us." I just barely notice the shake in his voice. Who exactly is this skeleton? Where exactly did Nightmare meet this fellow.

"We would've asked Fallacy's group if he wasn't being such stick about everything while bringing Encre into shit he doesn't belong in. I feel bad for the artist, truly. Zolomin's people are way too violent. And Novella is out of town doing stars knows what with her assassins." Wish explains as I shudder. Novella. The leader of ten assassin nests. The police force has been trying to catch her for years but has been unsuccessful.

I shake my head as my thoughts drift too Killer. My main objective is to get out of here. But I can't help but wonder what Killer will think when I'm gone. Will he come after me like before? Will he still be a criminal- no he will still be a criminal when I'm let go.

Shaking my head again I look at the skeleton in front of me. I examine his cloths. His grey beanie, baby blue bandana around his neck, orange sweatshirt, blue jeans, and black sneakers. Not to mention his blue magic fueled tail and floating blue cat ears. Wish was a very strange skeleton.

I glance at Killer while Wish and Nightmare are still talking. His empty eye sockets giving me a chill while his hands reside in his pockets. He's staring at Wish and I can practically see the tension. As if he's waiting to bolt if Wish does something.

After a while Wish stopped mid sentence.

The tension that had gone down was back with a vengeance.

"You remember Cross, right Nightmare?" Wish stared incuriously at Nightmare, tone dry.

Waves of grief and sadness etched into my brothers own emotions drowned out every other emotion in the room.

Everyone was deathly silent. While Nighty, despite just hearing the name, remained as stoic as he'd been in front of everyone. His glare however, was menacing, "As if I could forget my pets name."

But his tone towards the end suggested that this Cross wasn't just my brothers pet. With this information in mind I actually took a good look at my brother, a long hard look.

Nightmare looked fine but his aura screamed that he was tired. So tired. Whoever this Cross was, seemed like a very important person. Someone invaluable to my brother. Whatever happened had hurt brother deeply and in a way, I could sympathize.

My divorce from Ink shook the ground from beneath my feet. When he tore Palette out of my arms it tore a hole in my soul. But we have to be happy for the small mercies. I'm still able to see my son and Ink is still my 'friend'.

"Well," Wish's big yellow eye lights flickered from me to my brother, understanding crossing his features, "Cross has, retired, from Donavan's settlement. He now lives very, very far away in a remote town on a ranch." He even gave Cross's whereabouts, "He can't be alone Nightmare." It was a warning. Something was wrong with this Cross fellow but Nightmare's emotions exploded in relief and happiness. Something I haven't seen in quite a- never. I've never seen Nightmare shine so bright.

The two skeletons quickly got back to whatever they were talking about. My mind was too focused on who Cross could be to my brother.

~

After Wish left I questioned the gang as to who exactly Wish was. All they really replied with was, "He's apart of a gang." or "He's a piece of shit." Stars, even Horror and Dust didn't want to talk about him. Which is odd because they would normally brag about their connections.

I wanted to ask about Cross too but, Nightmare didn't look in the mood for answering any questions. So I returned to my room with Killer on my heels, "So, we got your release money." He spouts randomly.

My instant thought, 'Oh stars yes!' Before my shocked expression turns a little sad.

Killer, noticing my dampened mood, steps closer to me. A small hopeful smirk playing on his lips, "Don't you want to go Dreamy? Your cop friends will be waiting for you.~" He coos as he hesitantly places a hand on my cheek.

'Oh hell no.'

Flushing yellow, I scramble away from him into my room. I go to slam the door only for him to place his foot in the way. Squeaking I tumble away from the door as Killer pushes my door open. 'Why is he so strong!' My mental hisses went unanswered as I watched Killer with wide eyes. Of all emotions, excitement and jolts of anticipation slight clouded my judgment.

He closes it behind him with a soft click of the lock, "Dreamy, I at least want something from the monster I babysat for five weeks.~" licking his lips, a lustful grin spreads on his face as he stalks towards me, "And something tells me, you want this to happen."

Flushing a deeper yellow I scramble to get up only to have Killer gather me in his arms despite my feeble protests as he chucks me onto my bed. Bouncing twice, my soul thunders against my chest as Killer leans over me.

"Don't you Dreamy?" Killer asks as he glares down at me with passion filled sockets.

'Is he actually asking me?' I thought, my mind a little hazy from the adrenaline running through my bones, "N-" I squeak as Killers lips crash into mine with a possessiveness and dominance I've never felt before. 'NO! This- This feels...' All rational though left me as the kiss completely clouded my judgement.

He left my lips as he trailed kisses over my jaw and down my vertebrae. A soft breathy sigh escaping my lips as he pulled my body closer to his. Nipping at my neck he pulled my shirt over my head, throwing it to the floor as his lips returned to mine in another heated kiss.

That night I almost didn't want to return home ever again.

-

Oh hey! I just extended this for no reason! Honest!

I've had this obsession with reading a whole bunch of stuff on Wattpad lately. Honesty distracted me for a bit.

The Bite series is my favorite out of everything right now. LEVI IS BEST ADOPTIVE DAD!! Now I just wanna re-read the series all over again. Things happened and I cried. Rip my emotions.

Thanks for reading!