#dreamtale not found fic

[capricioussun]

2am post jumpscare

[undertale-fic-librarby]

I really love the concept of the bad sanses found family & Dadmare is there any fanfic of that?

Howdy, thanks for asking! Here are some fics that might fit what you're looking for!

A Little Problem by Clichely (Teen And Up, Incomplete)

Nightmare's gang have turned into children..and Ink's there, too, I guess.

Nightmare and his baby gang by Ehawee (Not Rated, Incomplete)

Today was a good day, their raid went perfectly fine and they got everything they needed without the Stars sanses coming to annoy them, he even had some quiet time when they got home. Why did it have to end like that seriously, Nightmare could really have appreciated that the good day lasted, at least until the rest of the damn day.

walk into my mystery, step inside and hold on for dear life by Ghosts_Multiversal_Mindsoup (Teen And Up, Complete)

Nightmare knows there's something in his castle, he knows. He catches glimpses of shadows in the corner of his eyelight. He sees blurs of motion that disappear when he turns to look. Nightmare knows there's something in his castle. But he can't find it. He can't find them. Or: how Nightmare adopted Killer into the bad guy gang. Oh, and found a better alternative to using the stairs. (Title from: I Am All of Me by Crush 40)

Melodic by artsycloudysleepy (General Audiences, Incomplete)

The DreamTale twins can sing people to sleep using their magic. Nightmare does this to the others seven times, and one time a certain someone returned the favour. (AKA a 7+1 fic!) (Old writing made during my writing block! Publishing so I can work through it, but I'm not 100% happy with how it turned out. If it's varying in quality, you know why.)

A Sweet Mistake Was Made by Vlixo (General Audiences, Complete)

Horror got sent to Candytale and came back with an absurd amount of candy and a soft sugar rush.

[dreemurr-skelememer]

@olisa-iwannasleep replied to your post “Kia plz.... I want to hear the Dreamtale rant...”:

By "undertale style" do you mean it should have undeltale-ish structure? Like, ruins, hotland, etc? I agree that it should be more diverse, bc of how different the monsters can be, but as far as I know, Dreamtale isn't an AU. It's a separate place, but still a piece of the multiverse, like doodle sphere, anti-void, omega timeline, those kinda places. So it could be more interesting, but it shouldn't follow the underground structure, I would say

yes but also no! i could go in-depth more about it by drawing out the actual map i have drafted in my mind, but what i basically meant is that instead of just having the tree and the village, there could be more potential in setting up a proper map with structure. for example, the omega timeline (if i remember right, it's been like 7 years since i did a thorough research on its functions) has different areas in it as well.

the center of the au could be the tree, and surrounding the tree could be different areas. it offers more areas of story potential and helps logicize how their world works and how they would go about doing daily tasks, their culture, what they're doing there and for what, how, and why. world building is such a forgotten part of writing and i'm not saying i'm GOOD at it, but it's really important!

the classic undertale (and other classic-centric AU) structures are too linear, and it's built that way for story reasons and RPG reasons. so it won't be literally like undertale

i was talking more about in terms of how undertale and the underground as a whole is a well-made place. the world building was presented so well that it felt like a real place that could be found and explored.

if you are going to make an AU that is somewhat realistic (villages existing in dreamtale), you need to consider where the places are and why they're there and how they're there. it's definitely a part of the in-between (as i'd call it, just non-classic-centric) but it's still bound within realistic expectations such as having a village with residents just living their lives and not anything meta related (reiterating)

how do the villagers get food? do they hunt in a forest or do they farm in a field? how do they get water? is there a river or a lake nearby?

the first chapter of dreamtale is way too vague to work with so creating places that seem insignificant can help writers and artists so much. i've read so many dreamtale fics where there's conflicting and varying versions of where the tree, the village, and their area is. sometimes they're surrounded by a forest, sometimes they're next to a river, sometimes there's a beach nearby. it's really interesting.

[badsansandstarsansticklestuff]

Aaaaalright tickle fic again

Requested by: @alex1010155

Characters: Dream & Nightmare (not a ship)

Context: Dream wanders in their old AU, reminiscing the past once again, Nightmare joins him short after that and sees his brother being sad, he decides to do something about it using a method from when they were kids

□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□

The sun was high in the blue sky, Dreamtale had regained its beauty without the overflowing negativity. The tree was still cut down, of course, it wasn't a regular tree after all, but flowers were blooming again and the grass was green for the first time in years.

Dream was walking by the forest, heading to what was left of his mother, if he could even call her that, for she had never been present for him or his brother. She brought them to life and left them figure out the rest by themselves. But still he felt nostalgic looking at the stump.

Him and Nightmare have made great progress in their relationship since the truce had been established, they still had a lot of work ahead of them but they could now appreciate each other's presence and joke together.

Dream sat on the remains of the tree, it felt weird to be back in here, where everything started, where his life took a tragic and drastic turn. As he was absorbed in his thoughts he didn't notice Nightmare's magic entering the universe.

They were supposed to meet in Ccino's AU, they regularly met in different universes in order to talk, but today Dream was really late, which was strange since he usually was the first to arrive, so Nightmare decided to follow his magic signature and found himself in their birth place, not surprised.

It didn't take long for him to find his brother looking at the abandoned village ahead of the hill. He went to sit next to him on the stump, making Dream flinch.

- Oh, I didn't see you arrive, sorry..

Dream apologized.

- It's okay, you didn't come to Ccino's so I wanted to make sure you were doing okay.

- It was today ? I'm sorry, I didn't see the date..

Nightmare simply raised his hand, showing his brother he wasn't mad at him for forgetting. He could see he wasn't in the bestest of moods, even without checking his feelings. Dream lowered his gaze to the ground, he felt bad for forgetting their meeting, they were so important for him, for both of them, and he forgot it, he felt horrible...

Nightmare looked at him, it wasn't in his intention to make him feel bad.

- Come on, it's not that big of a deal, we can always organize something another day..

He tried.

- Yeah...

A short answer, Dream was playing with his fingers, he often did that, even when he was a kid, when he felt guilty about something. Nightmare knew that.

- Come on, am I going to have to force a smile out of you ?

Dream looked up at him, quite confused, not because Nightmare was being nice to him but because he didn't see how he planned on doing so. It was only when he felt something poking at his side that he realized what his brother intended by "forcing a smile out of him". He quickly got up.

- Oh no you f#cking won't !

Nightmare chuckled, he always found it amusing to hear the positive guardian swear.

- Of course I will, I'm not gonna let my dear brother be so sad !

And before Dream could say anything he used a tentacle to grad his brother by the waist and force him to sit on the grass, using one more tentacle to hold his wrists together as Dream was struggling to free himself.

- Let me go !

- I don't think I will, no.

Nightmare laid down on the tree stump, on his stomach, his head resting on his crossed arms as he looked down at Dream, a mischievous look in his eye and his two remaining tentacles wagging in the air.

- Nightmare I swear to God if you- AH !

He was cut in his sentence by a third tentacle poking at his side again.

- Stop pretending to be mad, I know you like it ~

Nightmare teased watching his brother kicking the air to no avail, trying not to laugh from the scratching on his side, his cheeks blushing a bright golden color. Soon the fourth tentacle joined and digged between the guardian's ribs, this time making him burst into a laughing mess. It seemed that even after all these centuries Nightmare still remembered his worst spots.

- FUHUHUHUCK OHOHOHOFF !!

He yelled into deaf ears. He felt so vulnerable like that, pinned to the ground with his arms above his head, Nightmare looking down at him, clearly amused... he would be so mad if he wasn't having so damn much fun right now. He knew he liked it, deep down he had always liked being tickled to pieces, but he would never admit it, especially to Nightmare.

- That's not an appropriate language for a guardian of positivity you know.

- I DOHOHOHN'T CAHAHAHRE !!!

He was almost hysterical as the two tentacles digged and scribbled all over his ribs, his very ticklish ribs. What was worse was that Nightmare could feel the positivity radiating from him, he knew he was having fun right now, even if Dream was saying otherwise.

- Didn't expect you to still be as ticklish as when you were a kid ~

The teasing was very cruel tho, and the tentacles were so skilled, Nightmare moved them with such ease and precision, it made the whole thing even worse because no matter how much Dream was moving the tentacles always followed his movements, almost as if they were glued to him.

It was when he felt the tip of the tentacle that was holding his waist start to brush and circle against his tummy that he began to really curse his brother. Two tentacles on his ribs was already torture, but now he added the tummy as well ? His second worst spot ? He really wanted Dream to die of laughter.

- GOHO TO HEHEHEHEHELL !!

- Naah I don't want to.

Tears were forming in Dream's eye sockets, he had already given up in fighting back and trying to escape, his was now praying for his brother to have mercy. And thankfully, he did, after five long minutes but he did. He let him go, retracting his tentacles behind his back and letting his poor brother catch his breath.

Dream curled up, waiting for the phantom tickles to dissappear. It took a little time for him to breath normally again and when it was done he sat up.

- Feel better now ?

Nightmare asked. He earned a very pissed look from his brother, because even if he did have fun it was still a bit embarrassing.

- I'm gonna f#cking get you.

- Yeah I know, that's why I'm gonna leave now.

He answered as he got up from the tree stump.

- Oh no you won't !

And before Nightmare could even take a step away he got body slammed to the ground by his very thirsty for vengeance brother, and he too remembered where his worst spots were...

Needless to say, they didn't go to Ccino's this day, but they still had a good laugh !

[yournaothings]

Still Here

He dreams of his brother.

A peaceful memory, where he was able to relax with his brother.

A silly one shot that was inspired by the song; "Still Here" by Digital Daggers.

It's a very short fic, and probably sucky. But, I wanted to show the pain Dream is still dealing with while in his new home.

(Takes place shortly after Dream moves into his new apartment in the hybrid AU.)

Dreamtale Dream and Nightmare belong to Jokublog.

--->

The park was beautiful. 

Dream felt at peace when he entered the park and started towards the garden of flowers, trees bordering the garden to give plenty of shade, but far enough away that the sun could reach the flowers. He paused at the flower beds and leaned down to smell the refreshing fragrance of the flowers. He smiled and sighed contently and quietly made his way towards a tree he started to favor since coming here. 

It wasn’t as big as his tree from home, nor the one he always found himself sitting under with Core!Frisk or Epic. This one had a smaller trunk, yet it seemed so perfect just for him. It dipped in enough that he fit against it perfectly as he sat down and made himself comfortable. 

The children were at play, running around and playing pretend. Giggling and playful screams were far enough away from him that it didn’t bother him much. He smiled and leaned back against the tree, letting his sockets close and he felt himself drift off into his thoughts. 

The wind was gentle as it flew between the trees, playing with the loose fabric of his clothing. He breathed in the fresh air and released another peaceful sigh as his mind faded into a favored memory. 

Another beautiful sunny day. 

Usually he would already be in the village to play with his friends, but he had decided to stay with Nighty. He missed him. 

Beside him, he couldn’t hear his brother reading aloud anymore; Dream peeked open an eye light to look at his brother only to find him lost in thought. Nighty’s focus was somewhere in the distance, his bone brow dipping down and a frown had chased away his brilliant smile. 

“What’s wrong?” Dream asked, startling his brother out of his thoughts. Nightmare turned his startled eye lights to look at his brother, surprised; “I thought you were asleep.” Dream laughed softly and shook his head. “I wasn’t! I was only resting my eyes!” 

Nighty laughed and rolled his eyes. “You were sleeping.” He awkwardly teased Dream. The bright and positive brother poked him in the side, earning him a yelp of surprise. “I was not! I was listening to your story!” 

“Yeah? Then, what was the last sentence I read?” Nightmare challenged his brother with his own grin. Dream’s embarrassed blush on his cheekbones and his stuttering reply was answer enough. “See? You were asleep.” Nighty said and closed his book before setting it aside. 

Frowning, Dream leaned closer hugging his brother close, startling him; “I’m sorry, Nighty! I won’t fall asleep again! I wanna hear the story!” Nightmare laughed and rolled his eyes once more. “Alright, but don’t fall asleep again!” With a cute chuckle, Dream nodded. “I promise that I won’t!” 

Dream did fall asleep once more. 

-

“Did you fall asleep again?”

Dream slowly opened his eyes and turned to look at his side; Nightmare was no longer at his side. His innocent, wonderfully smart brother of his, with his beautiful violet eye lights that matched his outfit- he was no longer at Dream’s side. No longer looking at him with his happy smile. His eyes crinkled with delight after receiving a new book to read. Eating his favorite snack. Reading to his brother. 

Nightmare was gone, along with his voice. 

Tears burned at his eye sockets and Dream reached up to wipe the stray tears that he couldn’t hold back. His soul ached from the memory. When times were better. When Nighty was happy, and normal. When he wasn’t hurt by the villagers. 

Before Dream accidentally hurt him by choosing to stay with the villagers and not at Nighty’s side. Protecting mother. 

It really was his fault, wasn’t it? All of it. His mother’s death. Nighty being hurt and forced to eat the apples. His transformation. 

Stars, how he missed his brother… 

He pulled his phone out from his pocket to check the time; he had been here long enough. Now, with a sad sigh, Dream pulled himself up and dusted himself off before making his way back home. 

It was best to leave all of that in the past. He would keep his brother where he belonged; in his memories. 

Hidden companion, phantom, be still in my heart. Make me a promise that time won’t erase us, that we were not lost from the start.

I’d die to be where you are. I tried to be where you are. 

Every night, I dream you’re still here. The ghost by my side, so perfectly clear. When I awake, you’ll disappear, back to the shadows with all I hold dear, I dream you’re still here.

[sticks-stones-and-bittybones]

Alternate Fic Ideas

Remember those alternate fics I said I'd write over the break? Well I started! I just finished the first chapter of the Dreamtale inspired one. Gonna start of the Horrortale Surface one now. And because I decided I wasn't up for the task of a reverse harem fic, sorry to all those who were interested, I've come up with a few replacements I'd like your thoughts on.

A Naga/Lamia inspired fic. I was recently inspired by Cold Blood, Warm Heart by Kassykins on AO3. If you haven't read it I'd recommend even if it's not finished. But basically you're an employee at a zoo with Giant Lamias and Sirens. The focus was on the three lamias and the reader's growing relationship with them. Reader slowly learns they're more intelligent than the mere beast everyone says they are. The Zoo director is of course up to no good, yada yada. It ends at such a climatic point in the story , but it was written so well i feel it's still worth the read. Anyway I'd write my own story inspired by that one, with 2-3 lamias as well. Two of which would be horror and fell because they my boys, other possible one would be classic sans or maybe someone else if y'all have requests.

Second idea is another bitty fic, it'd be more found family then relationship focused. It'd be inspired by this other fic I read but unfortunately forgot them name of. I looked, I did but I couldn't find it. Anyway it was about reader's house being invaded by a group of three edgies (yes i have a problem i know) and each one was a different stereotypical representation of fell. One was the overly nervous one that got pushed around, another was the unrelenting asshole who fights first ask questions later, and the last one was the gruff but caring older brother. I thought it was a really fun idea and would be interested to do my own spin on it.

The last two are my own AUs I've been thinking of so not sure how many would be interested but I thought I'd put the options out there.

3. Slumberfell AU story. Slumberfell is a fell AU (kinda loosy at this point) inspired by Slumbertale (A fucking amazing comic right here on Tumblr by rainingskeletons). The story would revolve around Sans and his younger brother Papyrus (he's a child here) and their struggles surviving in the realm of Dreams that entraps monster kind. With the lack of Hope and rise in violence in the Realm of Dreams, more and more of the Dreams that make up the monster's prisons are turning into nightmares. But what's worse than the nightmares that surround the monsters is the Night Terrors, the warped minds and bodies of the fallen monsters. For you see falling down does not mean an endless slumber for the monsters, but and endless restlessness. With Sans meager 1hp, he is one such monster at risk of changing into one of these Night Terrors. However a desperate escape for the two's life may have brought them to their salvation, as they quite literally fall into the only dream that has been seen in ages, Frisk's dream. (Frisk is a child and there will be no Frans ship) Can Frisk's hope help Sans? Can Sans help them stay Determined despite the bleak reality Frisk has to wake to? Can Papyrus keep the peace between the two? Can the Three of them finally help monster kind as a whole? And why is Papyrus a child?

4. An Error alternate named Artifact. Once Sans, then Geno, now...someone else, the Skeleton lays waiting on the floor of the anti void for something, anything to happen. They'd KILL for a noise, a smell, a sensation of anything besides the nothing. And after what had to be an eternity that wish is finally granted. A colorful Skeleton by the name of Ink appears, offering to take them elsewhere. Butn being shown the multiverse ends up being a bit too much for Artifact's fractured mind, and instead of getting the idea they need to destroy everything like Error did, Artifact gets it in their head that they need to fix/improve everything. Getting into an altercation with Ink they end up stealing Ink's bandolier of paint and fleeing. Once alone they learn what they can about the paints of creativity, experimenting and using them to craft their new outfit and tools. But when it runs out they are left with a dilemma. having no creativity of their own and not knowing where the source of Ink's powers resides, they do the only other thing they can think of. Stringing together code in their best recreation of the paints, they make artificial creativity. But it's wrong and twisted, a poor emulation of the real thing, but it works. And that's all Artifacts needs to start their journey to 'fix' the multiverse. (Admittedly I'm unsure of how I'd end the story, probably something open-ended, but since Artifact is an allegory for AI Art/Artist they aren't a good person (you can fight me on this if you want AI art is bad for real artists like myself who thrive off the need for creativity in society) but at the same time while they aren't a good person, AI art isn't going away any time soon so neither is Artifact. I don't know if I want to give them a redemption arch and how that'd turn out if it did. Perhaps finding the true source of creation and finding real inspiration to create and also appreciate the beauty that is held in the differences of the varying worlds.

Anyways, those are my other fic ideas. give me your thoughts on which one you think I should write a chapter for.

[stargazeraldroth]

iam so fond of errorink being pseudo-parents/guardians to dream and nightmare 😞 after i read that one winged nightmare and dream fic, and your balanceswap au, my head's been running in circles about parental errorink

especially if they're gods or god-like, and dream and night are demigods/divine-adjacent. like, these old, ancient figures taking in budding power. iam just so interested in how the dynamics could be played....... like, in a comparatively more lighthearted au, if it still had dream and night's conflict then it becomes two old gods supervising two new ones, not interfering because one.) it's entertaining, two.) they gotta grow themselves and all that, you know?

and like, what if dream found out later the specifics of ink's feelings on the entire thing— it'd be interesting! i'm still very much into them being friends with the same-ish/equal power within their relationship, but i have parental issues and found family dynamics are The Good Stuff

REALEST I love Errorink-adopts-Dreamtale dynamics. It's one of my favorite things to use in AUs. They're just so silly. Like they're not perfect parents but considering the fact that Nim's an absent mother (both physically and emotionally lmao), the twins don't have many complaints. The bit about Error and Ink taking in the twins like budding power or demigods reminds me of this one writing prompt, I forget where I saw it, but it was basically the villain adopting the teenage heroine after realizing the gods sent a literal child to save the world. Idk it just gives me those vibes. Kinda like "Nim, you created two babies to protect the Tree of Feelings, the literal source of ALL emotion in the Multiverse!?"

I think it could also be funny if Error and Ink just view the twins as perma-kids. Like, it doesn't matter how old the twins get, these two will always be like "You're such kids compared to us". Regardless of maturity (because tbh I always picture Nightmare being the most mature of the four, like I cannot picture Error being more mature than Nightmare). It's like an "You'll always be our babies" thing. At the same time the situation could literally just be Error and Ink seeing the twins, picking them up, and going "You're ours now"

Ink's soullessness would probably cause some issues in the dynamic, but I think they'd find a way to work around it. He takes those paints for a reason, let me have my happy found family dynamic. I have too many AUs with this dynamic to count.

[cas-spirit]

AGDHDJKD- I just discovered your fic with Error and it’s AMAZING!!! I’m absolutely eating up the potential found family that’s brewing!!! And Error is such a tsundere/j

It’s such a cool idea and I love Dreamtale fics like this so much!! You’re such a creative writer istg!!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA TYYYYY! It's been very fun to write and hide small details in. And Error is 100% one of those initially reluctant caretakers frfr.

I'm glad you're enjoying so far!!!! I just write self indulgent shit and figure that if I want to read it, someone else probably does too ^_^

[foxyofford]

why is this not common?

So I found this fic on A03 and one of the tags was DreamTale Sans | Dream Needs Therapy and then I found out it’s not an actual official tag on A03, considering the fact Dream 100% need therapy why the hell isn’t this in official tag better yet why isn’t it? A commonly used tag

So I’m going to take the steps to fix this in the next fanfiction I make and upload to A03 is 100% going to have the tag DreamTale Sans | Dream Needs Therapy (Undertale)

[anfie-in-the-box]

Dreamtale_Not_Found

Notes

Remember this thing I wrote out of the blue for Aftermare Week by @bluepalleteuniverse? Well, now the story truly begins!

Warnings: depression; a bit of manipulation, guilt-tripping, and an overall mean attitude of a random villager towards both Nightmare and Dream; not a panic attack, exactly, but definitely something similar.

Do tell me if there's anything I missed!

。。。

A negligible shift

Nightmare is done. He needs a change. Something. Anything. Please.

He sits between the roots of the Tree, hugging himself with both hands, chin on the knees. The position gets awkward, uncomfortable, but he doesn't have it in himself to move. He's drained.

He's fearful, uneasy with the deepest pain that never ends, but he's also empty. That's how it feels, at least. It's a void that nothing can fill, not even anxiety and doubts that have Nightmare in their cruel cold claws. The way misery blooms in the emptiness of his being is so alluring though, so mesmerising. Nightmare lets himself drown in the feeling. Nightmare never fights it, like he never fought the villagers, neither verbally nor physically. He's weak, isn't he?

But he isn’t evil. He's not. Can't be.

Right?

These thoughts break him more than any of the villagers ever could. Nightmare doesn’t know who he is anymore, and that makes it so much more frightening. He can't bear it. He's not brave, and he's not strong.

His hands are trembling. His whole body is trembling, Nightmare notices belatedly. His vision is blurred, too; he's crying again. He can't help it, useless even against his own tears.

Nightmare hugs himself tighter, so tight it almost hurts.

Can it be that the villagers are right? Were right all along?

No, no, no. Please, no. He doesn't want to be evil. He doesn't want to be a freak. It's supposed to count, right? He tries, he really does. It must count.

If only Nightmare could find a way to prove himself. Abruptly, he stops hugging himself, both hands limp by his sides. Does he even deserve this poor attempt of comfort? Is he really what the villagers say, a useless, stupid, good for nothing villain?

No!

The tears keep flowing down his cheekbones. He doesn't hiccup, doesn't sob, doesn't tremble anymore.

He's drained. Done.

He really, really needs to change something. Or something to change — and wouldn't that be perfect?

Too good to be true.

His fingers touch the grass beneath him, and the trunk of the Tree is solid as ever, always there to rely on.

Nightmare tilts his head back. Just then, he sees the apples. Black, but also some golden.

Maybe... Just maybe, but...

He'd need to stay alone for that though. Dream consistently declines any help requests from the villagers, seemingly determined to never leave, but he’s just too kind, there’s bound to be someone he can’t say no to. It’s a matter of time. And waiting is fine by Nightmare, now that he has a plan. He’s not wasting his time anymore; instead, he’s being patient, ready to take the first chance he gets. It’s a smart move. Besides, the reward will be worth it.

Tired, Nightmare wipes the tears with his sleeve and makes himself as comfortable as possible, resting beside the Tree’s rough trunk. If he’s lucky, he’ll even drowse and nap a little.

。。。

Ironically, an opportunity comes up later that day.

Nightmare doesn’t remember falling asleep, but he must have at some point since some noise wakes him up. When his head gets clearer, Nightmare realises it’s two voices, one his brother’s and the other only distantly familiar. A villager, then.

“Please, don’t talk so loudly,” Dream pleads in a small voice. “Nightmare is sleeping.”

How Dream always manages to be so caring and gentle is beyond Nightmare’s understanding. His little brother doesn’t deserve all that. Luckily, Nightmare knows what to do. Currently, he just has to keep listening intently, and it’ll be better if they think he’s still asleep. So no movement or sound. Nightmare’s good at that, he likes to think.

“Of course that useless garbage is sleeping in the middle of the day. But who cares!” the villager says, clearly irritated. They do lower their voice, though, if only to please Dream a little. “We need your help, and you can’t sit this one out!”

Dream sounds tired and somewhat hurt when he replies, “I’m so sorry if my brother upset you, but please, don’t talk about him that way.” Only when the villager mutters a “Yeah, whatever” that Nightmare barely hears from his position on the other side of the Tree, Dream continues. “Can you tell me what’s so important you think I need to leave the Tree?”

“Took you long enough to ask! Some guardian you are!” the villager huffs. “Just so you know, Ava is so sick she’s dying, it’s getting worse, and we’ve tried everything, but nothing helps! There’s no cure but the golden apples. It’s our last hope.” They insist, not giving Dream a moment to hesitate, “Come on! Do you really want us to lose Ava just because you decided to be stubborn?”

Nightmare tenses. He knows exactly how much of a bleeding heart his brother is. No chance he’s turning this one down; not when it’s a matter of life and death. He’s coming to the aid if only this one time. Meanwhile, Nightmare can set his plan in motion — prove himself worthy and good. Everything’s going to be fine. Everything’s going to get better. Finally.

Despite himself, Nightmare smiles. However, he keeps his sockets shut, just in case Dream decides to check on him before going to the village. He will go, without a doubt.

And indeed, Dream gasps, terrified, “Oh my gosh! I’m so sorry to hear it! Of course, I’ll help poor Ava!” Then, there are steps and rustling, quiet huffs, and at last, this specific sound of a fruit being picked from the Tree. Nightmare knows that sound, although he’s never done it himself. Nobody asked for a black apple, after all. Nobody wanted it.

Nobody wanted him.

But now, that’s alright. He’ll just show everyone that he can take care of the golden apples, too. Everyone loves them, and they will love him as well. It’s so easy, Nightmare just cannot fathom how he hadn’t come up with it before.

For a few seconds, there’s a pause.

“What are you waiting for? You got the apple, now let’s go!” the villager hurries. Suddenly, the steps sound much closer to Nightmare, and he’s been ready for that, it’s exactly the reason why he never opened his eyes, then why does he jerk?

Luckily, it doesn’t give his act away. Dream sighs and whispers, ever so softly, “I’ll be right back, brother. Sleep tight.” He goes away and says a bit louder, worry evident in his voice, “Let’s go. I really hope we’ll arrive in time...”

If the villager replies, Nightmare doesn’t hear it. He counts to a hundred five times, just to be sure, and gets up only after that.

This is his chance to make the tables turn.

。。。

For a minute, he simply stands there, looking at the Tree, his chest heavy with anticipation. His gaze is fixed on a single golden apple, the nearest to him. The one he’s going to pick and keep from harm all by himself.

While Nightmare stares at the apple, a strange feeling arises in his entire being. It’s light and unobtrusive, but also comprehensive. He’d try to identify it if he had more time, he thinks. As it is, he can’t quite put a finger on it right away and so just lets it be.

It’s getting late, Nightmare notices. The sky darkens steadily, the sun already gone. Pinks and purples linger on the horizon, and for the first time in a while, Nightmare finds himself appreciating the view. It’s been so long since he last enjoyed... anything, really. Everything except for misery and pain has become dull, faded. Being able to drink in the sight now, suddenly thrilled by that fleeting moment between day and night, relishing in the cool breeze...

Nightmare forces himself to look away. He has a plan to execute, and Dream might come back any minute. His brother is nice, but... he doesn’t understand. He wouldn’t even if Nightmare explained. So he has to do this alone.

Not like it’s the first time anyway.

Deepest sadness and utter hopelessness creep back into Nightmare’s mind and heart, but before they take hold of him, little guardian decisively comes closer to the Tree and reaches for a golden apple, the one he’d chosen before.

A moment stretches to what seems a tiny eternity. That’s what it feels like to Nightmare, who freezes, terrified. His hand trembles. The apple is so close, one slight movement and he’ll have it, feel its surface. Is it warm or cool? Nightmare wonders, distantly. Is it soft or hard?

After a long, long pause — one that lasts barely a minute, Nightmare’s mind knows, but his heart doesn’t believe it, — his hand withdraws. He holds it with his other hand against his chest, aching all of a sudden.

What’s wrong with him? Why can’t he do this? He’s a guardian just like Dream, who’s done this plenty of times! It’s so simple! It should be simple.

But his body refuses to cooperate. He’s shuddering, so anxious and afraid it’s suffocating. No wonder his chest hurts.

Tears prick the corners of Nightmare’s sockets.

Come on! Why can’t he move? Just why?

It’s not fair. This might be his only chance. Dream made an exception today, sure, but it’s not every day someone is on the verge of dying. He’s going to come back, and stay beside the Tree like a good guardian he is, and nothing’s going to change.

Filled with despair and fear, Nightmare tries one last time, putting all effort he can into stretching out his hand.

It doesn’t work. His body doesn’t work, not properly, anyway.

What’s even happening?

Just then, Nightmare hears familiar footsteps from behind. The sound makes something in him snap. The pain in his chest, the tension in his body, the feelings in his heart, and the thoughts in his mind — everything dissipates, leaving him tired and empty.

And — oh.

Nightmare sees now. That light feeling was hope. And it’s gone.

“Nightmare!” Dream calls out, not quite close yet but already explaining himself. “Sorry I left when you were sleeping, I hope you weren’t too worried when you woke up all alone... I didn’t mean to take so long or to take any time at all, but it was urgent and you don’t sleep much, so I...”

Utterly exhausted, Nightmare shrugs his brother off with a quiet “It’s fine” and, when Dream abruptly stops talking, goes away to the other side of the Tree.

Leave it up to him to not do a single thing right.

Of course, it’s all in vain. Pointless and futile.

He’ll just sleep.

。。。

Only that night, Nightmare tosses and turns restlessly.

As energy beings, they don’t exactly need sleep, so for Nightmare, it’s more of a way to escape than anything. Being awake means thinking and feeling, while sleep, although it seems to last just for a moment without dreams Nightmare’s only read about, gifts him a blessing of unconsciousness. When he sleeps, it’s almost like time and space cease to exist.

Almost like he ceases to exist.

It’s sweet and alluring. It’s also terrifying.

But none of this matters anymore, because, after that incident, even light sleep just won’t come. It’s called insomnia, Nightmare thinks.

Something did change after all. For the worse, that is.

It really could have been funny, but after a week of long, long days and nights Nightmare’s forced to spend wallowing in his misery, he can’t find it in himself to laugh.

Tired.

He’s so very tired.

。。。

Credits:

Undertale © Toby Fox

Dreamtale © jokublog

Read English version on ao3

Read Russian version on ficbook or fanficus (to be added)

。。。

Notes

This story is canon compliant, which means Nightmare is six years old at the moment of the (absence of the) Apple incident. But because he never got corrupted, he has a chance to grow up, and that he will do. His meeting with Geno will happen years later, when Nightmare is an adult.

It will become obvious as the story progresses, but I felt the need to clarify right now. Maybe I'll remove this part of the notes later.

Also, since we don't know about Dreamtale as much as I'd like, I'm trying to fill in the gaps. All places and characters mentioned are my version of Dreamtale, except for Dream, Nightmare, Nim/the Tree of Feelings, and Neil. That makes Ava just a random name to make the dialogue feel personal.

Feel free to let me know what you think if you'd like!

。。。

Navigation

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[undertale-fic-librarby]

Do you have any fics centred around the dreamtale brothers? I don’t have any specifics in mind other than Dream not being the villain.

Howdy, thanks for asking! Here are some fics that might fit what you're looking for!

Pull the Strings (Mine or Yours) by writing_biting (Mature, Incomplete)

The Guardian and Protector of Positivity, Dream, is a simple sort of spirit who just wants to keep people alive, safe and happy. When his brother and fellow Guardian, Nightmare, is corrupted by the magic of the Tree of Feelings, things begin to be a little more complicated. They are forced to flee the village they spent their entire lives in and learn that the world is far more immense than they ever could have imagined. When a kind (and vaguely suspicious) stranger opens their doors to them, the twins find themselves apart of something much bigger than themselves, a puppet show where everyone is trying to pull the strings. After all, the only thing that matters is that the audience is entertained.

Time never erases the secrets of our Souls by Sinaxia_KaerellWennSemeilh (Mature, Incomplete)

History repeats itself but does not follow itself. Dream had never eaten a single fruit from the Tree of Emotions while Nightmare ate them all to the last one. Nightmare has disowned this name from the start, and now seeks to reconnect with the missing twin. But Dream ceased to be Dream centuries ago … In a seemingly calm Multiverse, something sinister is brewing in the shadows … and no one is prepared for it.

Between Curses and Alliances by Cassia156 (General Audiences, Incomplete)

The story follows Nightmare, a young skeleton, who runs away from his parents' castle after being locked in his room by a curse. Desperate and lonely, he is found and rescued and taken to a new castle where other skeletons live. In the castle, Nightmare finds comfort and support that welcomes him and promises him freedom and safety there. Despite the trauma and pain he still carries, Nightmare begins to feel like he can finally find a home and heal among the new friends he has made. Or: This is about when I was watching Barbie Magic of Pegasus, and I thought, what if it was Dream Annika and Nightmare Brietta and this came to my head and I ended up writing, here is the result.

A Curious Case of Possession, Ghouls, and How Nightmares Can Come True by Mutatedbunnies (Mature, Incomplete)

Once upon a time, in a sleepy village on the outskirts of a dreary forest, lived a man and his family. The man grieved the death of his wife, so much so that he began to lose his sanity. In his despair he decided to conjure a demon to bring her back to life. Little did he know, demons can’t bring the dead back. Almost two hundred years later, two young twins learn of their own powers and of the extensive network of other worldly beings alive and well in the modern day. With the help of a family friend, Nightmare and Dream start their own business as ghost experts, called to all things paranormal since they were children. However, they are young and inexperienced... But HE is not.

Healing by BubblesLeFishe (Not Rated, Complete)

Dream is utterly exhausted to say the least. He works his metaphorical ass off every waking day of his miserable life just to be rewarded with Ink forgetting him in an extremely negative AU where he passes out to Nightmares mercy. Once Nightmare throws Dream into a cell where the weakened guardian will possibly cross paths with death, will Nightmare finally give in to his conflicted emotions and hear his brother's side of the story that fateful night in Dreamtale?

[the-kk-crow]

my different Nightmare AUs lol

Ghost Timeline / Castle Fic

[cafe-sugar-skull]

Time for Papyrus to finally meet Nightmare, guys~ \o\

[wyrm-in-the-apple]

Uh, hi people who might’ve checked out this blog from the back-and-forth commentary! Dunno if you exist, but that’s something I do, so!

Anyway, I and my co-writers are writing a series using pre-incident Dreamtale as a jumping-off point to explore ideas of community-wide abuse, isolation, the value of negativity, puberty, morality, intimacy, and tree skeletons! It uses the storybook but not really any other aspects of the AU, because it is the dynamic displayed in the storybook that we found most interesting. So if you’re really into Dreamtale Lore(TM) it probably won’t appeal to you, but otherwise...

So like I said in the discussion, I believe that a fundamental flaw of the original Dreamtale is its lack of exploration of the good aspects of negativity, and how that leads to the accidental reading that morphs the ‘balance between positivity and negativity’ into a ‘balance between good and evil’. (I mean, I also fundamentally believe that if the story described the good aspects of negativity it wouldn’t need to rely on this cosmic ‘balance’, but I digress...)

Anyway, I might even have another fic in the works that's specifically interrogating this misconception^. Keep your eyes peeled!

[paintedkinzy-88]

(1) For the Father Dragon version, I imagine Error's shock when, after years of unsuccessfully showing and offering NM various things, he returns home with one of the broken versions of OG Sans, announcing that he has found his hoard. After that it's just a matter of time for NM to start bringing more and more Sanses in tricky situations (aka Bad Sanses) to AntiVoid. In this version, Error is what becomes the "tired father" of the Bad Sanses.

I have a whole ass idea on how bb Noot’s has his Hoard Realization Moment that I’ll get around to at some point, whether that’s a comic or a fic idfk. But yes, eventually Error just takes in all these skeletons with little to no complaints because they are his son’s.

I love the idea that he also hoards them though! Some extra protection, and I’m sure Noot appreciates the help. He doesn’t exactly know how this all works. XD It’d be like a part of the deal. Come with us, let Dad own your soul, play with/protect the kiddos, and you’ll never suffer in your shitty worlds ever again.

… Probably takes a while to convince Dust and Killer, especially Dust, but Night’s persistent when he wants to be. He be getting his confidence back slowly but surely.

And hey, honestly, they probably live in Dreamtale. Drag Ink in to make them some kind of house (or mansion, or castle—) by the Tree, and they be set. XD

[glitching-time-bomb]

I got the fic that I was talking about posted! You can find it here:

https://archiveofourown.org/works/32969482?view_full_work=true

The prologue and the first chapter are posted so far, and I'm working on writing the second chapter now :)

I'll put all the info about it under the cut, so check there if you want to!

Fandom: Undertale (Video Game)

Relationships: Sans (undertale)/reader, Nightmare sans/reader, Killer/reader, Killer sans/reader, Dust Sans/reader, Dust/reader, Horror/reader, Horror Sans/reader

Characters: Reader, Nightmare!Sans, Killer!Sans, Dust!Sans, Horror!Sans, More to be added as time goes on

Aditional Tags: Reader Insert, Reader is not frisk or chara (undertale), Slow Burn, Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - Horrortale (Undertale), Alternate Universe - Dreamtale (Undertale), Alternate Universe - Dusttale (Undertale), Alternate Universe - Killertale (Undertale), reader's au was destroyed by error, reader isn't afraid to set boundaries, bad sanses are mean to reader at first, but they eventually warm up to them, Nightmre hires reader to babysit the murder time trio, Chaos Ensues, reader uses gender neutral pronouns and terms, axe is a sweetheart, dust threatens to kill reader multiple times, but he doesn't succeed on any of them, more tags to be added, i don't want to spoil anything, i don't know how to tag

Summary: Cold. It was all you feel, and the only thing you remember ever feeling. It was endless, much like the black abyss you found yourself caught in. You couldn't remember anything from before, only the pitch black and freezing temperatures surrounding you.

That is, until something, or rather someone, grabs your arm and pulls you out. Your memories come flooding back to you of the past few hours, blue strings wrapping themselves around everything in sight, tearing them to shreds. Everything was destroyed around you, all the people. Everyone and everything, except you.

You're introduced to a skeletal god of negativity, who hires you to babysit his crew, in exchange for giving you a place to stay. What do you say, (Y/n)?

Will you agree to work for him, and risk your life trying to stop a group of rambunctious skeletons from killing each other? Or will you wait forever in an endless black void?