#ghosts&mediumau

Cross looks anxious as he wrings his hands "I am not... sure.... I didn't even know divine magic could do this type of damage?! Well I knew but I never thought I would need to treat it!"

Nightmare, who is still laying on his front on the couch chuckles "I do supose your church would want to make people believe that. That divine energy is not able to hurt those with good souls." He hisses as he rolls his shoulder.

A bit more blood drips off the wing.

Another clear show of evidence that Nightmare is still very much an angel. His blood? It is a beautiful shining gold. It is even gleaming and reflecting light as diamonds...

Dust has never heard of anyone or anything else that has that type of blood. the only creature coming close to having such clear divine blood are unicorns and their blood tends to be a neutral grey that gleams as metal.

Dust frowns as he inches closer. Carefully moving around one of the many wings that now take up all the space in his small apartment, even with everything having been pushed to the side. His apartment isn't even big enough to fit the wingspans of Nightmare. But it isn't like they can go anywhere else.

Dust ends up on the table as he frowns.

Cross is searching his own notes, probably from his church training, as he speaks "Is there anything we can even do?! Would healing magic work on you?"

Ngihtmare doens't move his shoulders as he just raises a brow at Cross "Normally, yes. But not on my wings... The divine... well. You see what they did to them." He turns his face back to the couch. Groaning slightly as a breeze of the wind makes one of the feathers move. "You do not need to panic and should rest yourself. You hit your skull harshly." Dust glances at Cross as Cross rubs his skull where the bandage is located. Dust tried to treat the other but doubts it is as good as Cross himself could have done. But Cross had been more worried about the metal angel wings.

Dust thinks they are metal at least, the feathers that is. He didn't touch them and he is happy he didn't. It is clear it is highly painful for Nightmare already and he is an angel. No wonder he never summoned them...

It was... a sight however... Seeing his tentacles form together before spreading out into the shape of wings before seemingly solidifying... The black goop made way for sharp and beautiful metal feathers. gleaming in the light.

Nightmare had used those wings to form a shield and made the magic spell they had used to hurt Killer immediantly useless.

Sadly using the wings seem to have done more damage to Nightmare himself than anything they could ahve done to them combined...

But as they are all fragile... Much weaker than the angel could ever be. They had needed protection.

Dust frowns as he gets up silently. Cross is still speaking with Nightmare about what he would need to heal, which Nightmare just says rest as his wings will heal and once they are healed he can desummon them, before reminding Cross that he should be resting himself. Dust makes sure to check on Killer but Killer is still laying in that rolled up blanket. Perfectly comfortable as he rests and slowly recovers his own energy. Horror is nearby to keep a sharp eye on him and Horror nods to him.

Dust nods back and glances back to him "Mind keeping watch? Need to get something."

Horror tilts his head but nods "No problem. Stay safe?"

Dust nods and raises his invisibilty charm. It will hide him completely. He just never uses it as it can't hide Ash or any of the others. And when he uses it they all can't see him either, which causes them to get worried.

Horror nods and concentrates back on his fellow spirit, who is still loopy as he snuggles into the blanket muttering about it smelling nice.

Dust will not let himself think about that as it is his blanket.

Instead he goes to Ash and while Ash is unhappy his brother accepts him going alone as soon as he sees which charm he is taking with him.

Good.

Because Dust thinks there is one person who may have an idea on how to help Ngihtmare.

But he is going to need something special for that.

-------------

Dust returns not too long after that. A box in his hands. He goes towards his fridge and moves some of the empty shelves in it around to create more space. With that done he takes one of the items out before putting the rest in the fridge.

He waves the other curious looks off as he goes towards his bedroom.

Error is staring at the small TV and doesn't bother to look up "Hello Priest. I am busy."

Dust moves until he is next to the old beat up TV "What is the deal with Ngihtmare's wings?"

Error snorts "He is a Fallen. Obviously."

Dust nods "What can be done to help with those?"

Error laughs as he shoots him an amused look "Just because you are my Priest doens't mean I will tell you something that sensitive. Ask Nightmare himself"

Dust hums "He isn't telling."

Error grins "Shame. Then you won't get your answer."

Dust makes a show of sighing "I see... Then i guess I will have to give Cross the chocolate I got as payment for answers." He turns towards the door and he takes half a step.

"What kind?"

Dust slowly raises his arm holding the bar. Making sure to show it to Error. The god will be able to see it from a distance clearly anyway.

A long silence.

"Is... That...?"

Dust grins a tiny bit "Dark chocolate, 90% cacao. With cinnamon stripes and hot pepper flakes..." He turns back and waits. The chocolate was expensive and burned through more money than he is usually comfortable with spending but this is necessary.

Error's eyes have gone from the normal slit like eye light to full blown saucers as he stares at the chocolate.

Error glances at him and huffs "It isn't often an... angel falls... the divine doens't like to make them fall as it reflects badly to them. Why would an angel betray them after all! So it is a rather extreme measurement... Falling pretty much means that their ability for flight is taken away but as you saw. Nightmare? Very much still an angel and divine in nature. They can't change that. What they do. Is change their wings into something that harms them when they are out. They change the normal soft and light feathers into these sharp divine weapons."

Dust frowns "So his wings under those feathers is still his normal wings... but divine weapons can harm anything, including divine beings..." which is why it is cutting his own limbs apart!

Error nods.

Dust frowns "Is there a way to fix it?"

Error looks annoyed "It is one bar!"

Dust raises a brow "I got a full box of these. Twenty in total. And a smaller box wiht a few experimental flavours, ten differnet options." as he mentioned before, it was expensive.

Error eyes the door before crossing his legs. He stares at him. Dust raises a his phone and shows the picture of the box he got for this specific moment.

Error huffs "Angels usually take a lot of pride in their wings. They show how much magic and energy they have. Two wings are actually normal for angels to have. four is rare. Six? Lets say that Nightmare spend a lot of time and effort on his divine magic, energy, power and his wings. It is part of how they relax. When angels are stressed they will groom their wings. To bond? They groom their wings." he looks at his own claws "The problem is. Those new feathers? When Nightmare is agitated they will flare outwards. Making them sharp, which means they will cut Nightmare, which in turn will just make his wings stressed and agitated, which will cause the feathers to flare again." he makes a motion with his hand "Rince and repeat. You have angels who had their wings as biggest pride and joy and the ability to fly taken from them and instead get wings they can't even groom safely anymore."

Error must see Dust's confused look as Error explains "The angels are divine. They use their own fingers to clean those feathers. Now it would be like you trying to clean your knives with your bare hands and nothing else."

Dust frowns "and because he can't groom them they don't calm down and relax..." which is why they were as sharp as they were.

Error nods "You want help him? Try finding a way to make those wings relax. Now. Where is the chocolate?"

Dust rolls his eyes "Fridge obviously."

Error grins "Such a good priest." and he is gone.

Dust frowns as he thinks it over. He eyes his laptop and joins the other in the living room. He opens the search engine and starts to type.

'what to do if your bird can't groom its wings anymore?'

The first option is a vet giving answers about what to do when a bird has a broken wing and he opens the link.

The first thing it says to do is to call a vet for help...

Yeah... Dust doubts he can show up with Nightmare at a vet's place... Foremost Nightmare would be so insulted, or maybe amused? and he doubts a vet would know what to do with an angel...

He continues to search.

He eventually finds a few pages and he reads through them. Taking notes on each site before checking the different lists he got and what they have in common. It is best to have multiple sources after all.

It takes a while but he writes everything useful he reads down.

~~~~~~~

Washing/grooming the wings

Lurk warm water is a must.

Misting for cleaning?

Precise feather trimming -> Work out details later .

Air drying without any direct sunlight or any fans. Can cause irritation <- Which would just agitate the wings and cause more of those feathers to flare up. Going to have to make sure the curtains are closed. After air drying use a soft towel to clean with firm strokes.

Soft bristle brush, this is for normal birds. Stronger one for the metal wings?

Only clean the wings after trimming the wings!

Before trimming going to need to remove the old feathers, if there are any and if Nightmare is molting (can Angels molt?) Check for new feathers just in case.

Feather Trimming!!

Cleaning the wings.

Styptic powder to help disinfect the wounds. Maybe combining those with healing powder for Nightmare's injuries?

Metal wings. No normal scissors will do the work. Metal cutting scissors will be needed. Needs to be sharp to make sure it is fast and there is no pulling or tugging on the wings.

Take note of feather type. For different trimming is necessary. -Primary feathers are for flight -secondary are for lift -tail feathers are for balance (Does Nightmare have tail feathers? He should but no tail... Maybe hidden along his wings? Make note if he has those and where. Make sure they are even across his wings on both side for balance.)

Healthy feathers are smooth and glossy. (Probably still shining and reflecting okay? Smooth edges and no sharp edge? Look for dull feathers and edges. That is probably bad. Look for spots with the most blood as that is where it hurts him and is going wrong. Healthy feathers should not hurt. Look for spots without blood for the healthy/correct feather position. Note down differences.)

Clip both wings for balance. There is no way I can do all six wings at the same time. Normally done to enable bird to keep flying. Nightmare is already taking it easy. Hopefully he won't mind me doing one at the time or not doing it mirrored on both sides.

COVERT FEATHERS HELP FEATHERS REGROW!! These!! Take priotity! Find these first and make sure those are healthy!! hopefully this way new feathers will be growing in healthy and give better chances for him in the future! (if there are no covert feathers it probably means no regrow. Still check for those little pin feathers. If those are there but no covert feathers there may be something more that heaven did to hurt him. This is the first step before any maintainance and grooming.)

If there are new feathers. DON'T CLIP!! There is more blood vessels. Should be obvious by the black and pinlike shaft with blue at the base (probably won't be blue but goldish? Look for ones with different base)

~~~~~~~

Dust stares at his notes and nods as he looks up the anatomy of wings and starts to make a few very quick sketches. Then he looks up the anatomy of the different feathers and how to spot the differences. And just to be sure he looks up those blood quills compared to the normal adult feathers.

By the time it is evening his notes cover multiple pages and his web-history is going to ruin the webs advertisements for the next few months for him.

He taps his notes and rereads them just to be sure. He is going to need something to trim those feathers and make sure he can clean them. He has no idea if anything is stuck underneath and hidden.

Worse is that he needs protection as he works with metal and-

Dust blinks and just searches up about metal working gloves. And as he expected. Those are many... He would have to either enchant them to be able to channel divine energy or...

Dust looks up and sees Cross... Maybe Cross can bless them? That should work?

Dust starts to place a few orders at the hardware store. Maybe this won't be so bad?

He is happy he still has his small emergancy-fund. It isn't a lot but he hopes it is enough if he is careful.

--------

Dust left his bed early that morning. Early enough to be at the shop right when it opened to pick up his order. All his orders in matter of fact.

After that he spend time in his van to prepare the tools. Best to have everything ready when he offers his idea to Nightmare. After everything he put his items into a crate and carried it back to his place.

And now he is standing before the others as he waits for their reaction to his idea.

Nightmare looks most shocked "Grooming?"

Dust nods "Seems that wings are stressed. Being stressed causes pain as they spread out. Getting hurt causes stress..."

Cross, thank the stars he is in his own body as he may be able to help him bless stuff as he works now, looks hopeful "And you hope by trying to get the wings to relax they will not do that! So. Grooming!"

Dust nods "Error said that helps angels relax."

Nightmare's socket narrows as he glances over the couch "Did he now?"

Error looks like a dear in headlights as he has a bite of his bribe in his mouth ".... I plead the fifth." and he is invisible.

Nightmare glares.

Dust frowns "If you... don't want to that is okay... It just... Maybe it helps your wings heal faster?"

Nightmare frowns.

Dust rubs his arm "I get they are hurt and well... vulnerable... and it is cultural a like social thing?" he doesn't want to push.

Nightmare's frown disappears as he shoots him a look that... Dust still doesn't quite know the meaning of. Nightmare sighs "That isn't the problem. The feathers are sharp. What if you hurt yourself touching them?"

Dust very slowly raises the metal working gloves. And after that the welting gloves. "I charmed them... and enchanted them. And I was going to ask Cross to bless them as well."

Nightmare stares before chuckling, which causes him to hiss in pain and freeze "Just... careful. You hurt yourself you stop."

Dust nods as he takes his crate closer. He sets things ready as Cross gets to work on blessing the tools. Dust feels nervous "I am going to try and clip the bad parts ot the feathers. Like any bad and too sharp edges. I... I am not sure... If i mess up."

Nightmare chuckles sadly "I can't fly as they are either way. It can not get much worse. At least if they are clipped they are less likely to cut each other and my wings."

Dust is still unsure about it but nods. He puts the gloves on and starts to study the wings and feathers first. Making notes on how they are turned and located and trying to see if he sees different shapes of feathers. It is hard to see as the feathers are seemingly just small sheets of pure metal and packed very closely together but as he looks closer and watches the way the light reflects off of the feathers it seems like there is a certain curve and shape to them. Sligthly different between certain feathers.

It is... difficult. But Dust already trained himself to have an eye for detail for his rituals and runes.

Good news!

It seems that Nightmare is growing new feathers! These feathers are still easy to see as these seemed less one sheet but still obviously have different little barbs like normal feathers! Wait does that mean the others just have so many barbs he can't see it?

With that in mind he carefully tests one of the older, adult, feathers with a covered finger. Touching the underside and following the direction towards the feather tip to see how the feather reacts.

It still has different barbs! Just many more and so tightly packed it looks like a sheet of metal!

Dust nods as he searches where the new feathers are and if old feathers seem to be in the way.

He spots one of the feathers that look like it is a bad one. There are new ones growing all around it. The metal seems dull and the edges are sharp. When he tests to see the different barbs it seems all melted together and one piece. He nudges the base and has to give it a tug but the feather plops off!

There is a long silence.

Dust's throat feels tight "Did... did that hurt?"

Nightmare is still laying with his skull on the couch and is facing away from him "The tugging on some feathers did. As you said you were looking closer to the base of the wing. But after that nothing aside from the usual discomfort."

Dust nods as he looks at the feather in his hand "I... I think I just pulled one of the bad ones out." he hands it carefully to Nightmare and watches in slight shock as Nightmare moves and twists it around without once cutting his own hands. The skill and confidence... It... it is obvious he had tried to groom these wings before... Maybe he was even successful for a little while before the wounds to his hands from the feathers got too much?

Nightmare hums "I am unsure myself. As I never quite managed to have the time to familiarise myself with these feathers... but... It seems to have a similar behaviour as my old feathers did. When those feathers needed to be plucked and removed they would melt near the edges. As wax or molten gold." He hands the feather back.

Dust can't help but grin. That means! Stuff that is melted needs to be removed for new feathers! Stuff that is just dull but still functioning may just need a small trim to give it room to move!

Dust notes down these observation and Cross reads over his shoulder "That... that seems logical? It is about flying after all. Melting wings you can't fly with and stuff that is dull is like hair that grows too long or nails that grow too long and start to hurt..."

Killer hums and nods "Like claws that need trimming." he waves his own slightly clawed hand "I don't need it anymore obviously but when it gets too long you need to trim them or they risk hurting yourself."

Dust nods "Yes." He gets to work on searching for any melting feathers first, and making sure to disinfect the spots where he pulls the feathers from. Maybe overly cautious of him but better safe than sorry.

He decides he will start with one wing but even that may seem too ambitious for him. He is slow and it is hard to spot the differences between feathers that are melted or just oversharp. It takes so much time and effort and the hours slip away as the feathers never seem to end.

But the amount of melted feathers he removes. The way they are always near the worst bloody spots. The way Nightmare seems to shiver and shake sometimes before sighing a sigh of relieve as Dust gets a very stubborn one out.

It is well worth the effort.

Dust had been working near the base of the wing, slowly making his way outwards. It takes almost the whole day to remove all the melted feathers. Than it is time to carefully trim the too far grown feathers. And if Dust thought finding the melting feathers had been a pain it is nothing compared to trying to find every feather that needs to be trimmed. The feathers seem perfectly camouflaged between the others and after he manages to trim one he needs to be careful to actually remove the piece that was clipped off before it could disappear between the others and still cut Nightmare.

Seems like the original idea of getting maybe two wings done was very ambitious. At this point getting one propperly trimmed already seems too much.

He hears the clocktower in the distance and by the counts it is three in the night now. But he can proudly say he thinks he managed to finish one wing.

He is exhausted. His spine aches from sitting in the same spot for this long. His hands ache from the repeated movements and how difficult it is to clip the wings.

Dust glances around and sees that Cross is passed at the table. Dust's backup gloves by his side as he had been working on enchanting and blessing them for the fifth time.

Dust has had to switch between the different gloves many times as the protective charms and the divine protection of both wore off as Dust worked on the wings.

Dust glances around and sees Horror watching over Cross. Killer is by his side and seems enchanted by the box that is now full of metallic feathers.

Dust sighs "Sorry it takes so long... but I think I am done with your lower left wing. I may need to recheck it tomorrow- euh, later in the morning with more light in case i missed anything but that is one. How does it feel?" He is terrified. What if he made it worse somehow? These wings are important for angels...

Nightmare is silent. He shifts the lower left wing and seems to freeze. His whole body still as he just stares at the wall. At an angle which makes Dust unable to read his face.

Oh no. He made it worse. Why did he think he could do anything good? He always makes things worse or uses bad magic or curses and-

"It feels... better... lighter. Thank you." Nightmare's voice is still very monotone. He keeps staring at the wall.

Dust feels his throat lock up as he rubs his arms "Oh. that... is good?" maybe? "If you want... I can try to work on another one tomorrow?" Now that Nightmare actually experienced it. Maybe he hates it? Dust wants to give him an out. Just in case.

"I would. Appreciate that... a lot... Thank you..." his voice grows more silent near the end of his sentence.

Dust nods and smiles "That is good. I will... clean this up tomorrow." he moves his tools back to his crate and rises to stand up, his spine gives a few pops as he stretches with a groan. Next to picks up his tools crate and just, moves it to the kitchen and sink. There. That is fine. Next he walks to Cross's side and nudges him "You shouldn't sleep here."

Cross just mumbles and hugs the glove he is using as a plushy closer.

Dust manages to drag Cross's arm over his shoulder and groans. He looks back to Nightmare, who is watching them from the corner of his socket, his face is still unreadable "I will jsut drag Cross to bed. He can't sleep at the table." with the couch being used to let Nightmare rest Cross had actually been sleeping, with permission this time, in Dust's bed with him.

Fuck his place is way too small.

Nightmare gives a small nod and wishes them good night.

Dust returns it before adding "Take it easy okay? Maybe tomorrow I can make more progress on your wings." he drags Cross with him to bed. Dude is exhausted.

Probably the skull injury combined with using so much magic to cast divine magic, even lower levels of the divinity is exhausting to use.

Dust lays in bed and finally lets himself smile as he closes his eyes. He actually managed to help Nightmare. Grooming wings is still a large task but Dust has a game plan and knows much more now. He can hopefully finish at least the grooming part by the end of the week, then he can ask Nightmare how it is cleaned and work on doing together with the fallen angel.

Dust frowns as he looks up at the door again. It is still closed and locked. Just as Nightmare left it about three hours ago, Dust glances at the small clock on his laptop, three and a half hours actually.

Things had been... weird. Well weirder. Dust had honestly thought his life had already hit the limit of weird shit but than he aparently freed a god.

Which. Is a thing he can do?! Somehow? Dust isn't even sure how he did that. Sure he knows his magic is... explosive but he never thought it was strong enough to affect divine magic!

The type of magic that is usually only affected by other divine magic.

Dust sighs as he looks up from the forums he had been stalking. Still no changes.

Ever since the kidnaping the guys had been very tense about Dust leaving his home. And Dust will admit, at first it was nice. He had wanted to lay in bed rolled up in blankets and not do anything. After that was the whole thing with Error and making a small altar for him. It had been nice to just not worry about going out or doing things for a bit.

Now it is mostly annoying.

He wants to go out and get his own things, wants to go out and scout some haunted places and do some jobs. Not have to discuss with four different people about the risks and if he can handle it.

Dust groans as he closes the laptop before stretching out.

"Is something wrong?" Horror sounds calm from where he floats.

Dust sighs "They have been gone for a while."

Horror hums as he glances at the door "True. Unlike Killer to want to stay out so long."

Which is putting it mildly. Killer had been... clingier than usual since the whole cult thing. Dust... can't really find it in himself to mind too much.

Dust crosses his legs "It is weird."

A snort from the kitchen "They are all weird."

Horror shoots Error a disapproving glance while Dust frowns at him "Yeah... but this is weird for them. They don't stay out longer than they need to." None of them had liked the idea of staying out a lot. Nightmare had even started talking to him about looking for better houses and more space. Dust had just reminded Nightmare that he did not have the money for that and if they wanted to move Dust would have to work a whole lot more.

Error tilts his skull at him, turning it just a tat too far for it to look normal, "Well. If it is so strange why not go look for them?"

Ash gasps "No! Dust is remaining home and safe!"

Error continues to tilt his skull, going much futher than is possible "Wasn't he kidnaped from his home? Or the basement at that?"

Ash glares as Dust groans "Okay. Enough." he rises from the couch and grabs his shoes. He hops on one foot as he puts one on and does the same for the other.

"Dust?!" Ash sounds panicked.

Dust walks towards the door "I am going to look for them-"

"Finally some action!" Error pushes himself off the table and floats over to his side.

Ash glares at the god before looking at Dust with big eyes "Dust. Please. Lets just wait."

Dsut shakes his skull as he frowns. He can't explain it, but something is wrong. He is sure. He looks back at his brother "I need to check." Ash frowns before unhappily moving aside.

Dust unlocks his apartment and leads the small group out before locking it again.

They make their way down quickly and follow the sidewalk. It is fine. They just went to get groceries. That is only a fifteen minute walk away. Dust will just go there, probably meet them on the way, and then they will yell at him and rush him back home.

It is fine...

His soul spins uneasily and he rushes his steps.

It is fine.

They make it all the way to the store without seeing anyone of the shopping crew. Dust frowns as he looks around and Horror offers that they are maybe still inside.

Dust doubts it but still searches the store, after finding no one he goes to the little help area and asks if they saw his friends. Two skeletons.

The clerk mentions they saw someone like that a while ago.

Dust leaves the store as he glances around. Officially uneasy.

Error hums as he stands with his hands in his pockets "Seems like your instincts were right priest. Something is amiss."

Dust ignores the title as he tries to feel out with his magic. It isn't stuff he has tried in a while, usually he only uses it to pinpoint ghosts in a more secure area. Now he is looking all around him.

Horror and Ash both give pings back to him. Near him and both very active.

Error, surprisingly, also pings. It feels different than the normal spirit pings but it is there.

There are smaller pings. Traces of weak spirits all around the old city.

A larger one. One that is much stronger, even if it isn't quite the one for the presence of a spirit.

Dust doesn't say a word as he turns around and starts walking. It is away from the direction of the apartment. Why would Killer go that way? Unless... unless he didn't want to lead someone, or something, back.

They rush down the different streets when they see the first marks. Slashes with burned bricks and concrete. All around the street they just walked into.

Dust breaks out into a run as he continues after the stronger signal of a familiar energy and-

A loud groan of pain. Dust doesn't think as he turns the corner and thrusts out his hands. His magic doesn't have a shape or curse to guide it but it reacts well enough. A wave of it pushes outwards and hits the strange cloaked person.

Dust really is starting to dislike cloaked people.

"Dusty?! What are you doing here?!" Killer sounds panicked as his being flickers slightly.

Dust frowns "What am I doing here?! You guys took forever." He continues moving closer all while keeping an eye on the other person. Who just, seems to be watching them?

Creepy fucker.

Killer groans again as his form, and the bulleye soul, both flicker madly. Dust frowns as he reaches out with a bit of mana in his hand. Maybe just a quick boost over just the slow refill.

"Stop that."

Dust frowns as he glances back to the figure. He slowly raises a brow and reaches his hand closer to Killer.

"Civilian stop."

Dust manages to get right by Killer and it is just a want before it happens. A small spark and Killer's vision gets stronger and brighter. His soul becomes stable once more and he is no longer breathing heavily.

A loud sigh "Foolish mortal. Don't interfere with the punishment."

Dust frowns "What are you even talking about?"

"It is a guardian. Something that the gods of the afterlife, you mortals often call it heaven and hell, send to restore order." Error sounds downright bored as he leans against the wall.

The guardian freezes and turns to Error. Then it backs away as they just stare at Error. Dust figures it is horror but he can't see their face.

Horror floats closer to his fellow spirit "Where are Nightmare and Cross?"

Killer shrugs "No idea. We were on our way back when this magic bullshit happened. I was searching for them when mister asshole showed up and started blasting me with this white as fuck light."

Dust frowns as he glances at the other. Divine magic then?

Error sighs "You know. When I said others would come looking for me I expected. I dunno. People who actually know their shit? Who are a threat?" he sighs as he snaps his fingers and... the other person just... falls apart. There is no scream or crying. Just a silent turning to dust.

Error hums as he turns "Lets find those idiots."

Dust stares at the back of the god before giving a slow nod. Is this just because Dust is his priest? Or is this because Nightmare and him go way back?

Why... why does it bother him? To think a god who wanted to do nothing suddenly is willing to help? He should be happy and relieved...

They continue walking but Error is seemingly much more efficient at sensing where Nightmare and Cross are. Dust frowns as it feels complicated again. He should be happy, he should he relieved Error can find them quicker.

He isn't.

They turn around a corner and come across a scene where Cross slams into a wall as Nightmare uses his usually hidden tendrils to stop arrows.

Dust manages to get to Cross's side as Cross just lays out cold against the wall. Shit. Guess even Cross isn't strong enough to withstand a direct hit to the skull from a brick wall.

"You will stop resisting and come with us to answer for your crimes." one of those guardians, or maybe warriors is a better name, holds up a long spear aimed at Nightmare.

Nightmare glances back at them before glaring at the people in front of him. "Actually. I think i will resist a bit more." Nightmare uses a swipe of his tendril to disbalance quite a few people.

Dust takes the time to rush to Cross's side and put an arm over his shoulder as he tries to pull him upright. Dust groans "Fuck Cross what are you made of? Solid steel over bones?" it takes a lot of effort but he manages to stands upright and pull Cross up with him. His legs shake.

Horror and Killer both float nearby as they check Cross. Ash keeps glancing around nervously as more people come near.

Dust groans but starts to move away from the alleyway. This is a mess. What the fuck is even his life and-

"Halt civilian."

Dust groans "Oh for fucks sake." he glares as the cloaked figure aims a spear.

"It is unsafe. you are not meant to be here."

Dust is this close to hitting his own skull against the wall and joining Cross in time out. "Yeah. I am wokring on that. We are on our way away." He pulls Cross a bit higher.

The warrior guy aims the spear and motions towards a even further away street "That way."

Then Error shouts "Hey! hands of my priest!"

The warrior guy pauses and seems to fully focus in on him.

Oh for fucks sake Error! WHY?!

Dust gulps as he glances to the side "Not sure what he means... I will just... drag my friend away and leave you all to your jobs and get out of your way."

The spear is now aimed at him. There is a loud hiss as Killer tackles the guard from the side. Both of them falling as the warrior person groans and Killer starts stabbing the guy with his knife.

"Don't you fucking dare to aim that shit at Dusty!"

Dust sees the other take out a small knife with golden light. It happens before Dust can say a word as Killer's form gets slashed and he flickers madly again. Dust can feel the other's energy levels deplete quickly.

Horror is the one who reacts fast enough. He grabs Killer and pulls him back wtih him. Killer flickers madly but Horror gets him back to their side.

The person of before gets up and raises his spear again.

Dust curses his inability to fight. He knows how to deal with spirits but... he doesn't have a weapon. He still doesn't. Kilelr is hurt and Cross hasn't moved. Neither Horror nor Ash are strong enough to gain a physical form for long enough to do anything.

Damnit why couldn't he had been strong enough to at least drag Cross away and-

A hand grabs the other's shoulder and the guy with the spear goes flying as Nightmare stands before them. His face is unlike anything Dsut has ever seen before.

It is a snarl. Those eyes seem to be burning as he stares the others down.

Error groans as he rips more chains apart "Stop that. It isn't going to work and is annoying." he waves a hand and the chains seem to melt into liquid gold which drip to the street.

One of the cloaked figures slams his staff against the ground. A goldne light ring appears and tiny stars appear in the air around them. These sharpen and aim right towards their group.

Nightmare glances back at them, the little bolts of light are launched in their direction. Nightmare spreads out his arms for a moment before bringing them together. His tendrils move and... flatten. The ends seem to sharpen into individual points as more and more split into tiny seperate sharp sheets. the black thins out and becomes a dark grey which reflects ever little light of the bolts.

The... the newly made wings flare out for a moment before curving inwards, around Nightmare himself but forming a shield.

Ever bolt hits the wings but get pulverised at contact.

Nightmare remains standing before the wings flare out again. Spread wide and proud as he stands before the others. Then Nightmare launches himself and rushes the other quickly and- slices the other right through the middle. Into two seperate parts. The upper part slowly slides off the lower part before both just fall to the ground with a loud thud.

Nightmare lets the wing which is not marked with blood flick it off. Drops of the red liquid splash against the ground in a curious pattern.

Nightmare looks downright bored "I don't approve of those who threaten what is mine."

A darker chuckle "Have to agree with him on that." and the last two cloacked people are turned into dust which fall to the ground. Error huffs as he looks annoyed at the dirt covering his feet.

Dust blinks before looking at Nightmare "That... was awesome." it is out in the world before he can stop it.

Nightmare blinks as he looks back at him for a moment. A smile on his face "They are rather... obvious." There is a tension on his face. His smile seems forced.

Dust frowns as his eyes follow the curve of the large wings. There... there is gold on them... Gold drops that slowly drip down and...

Oh...

Nightmare groans as he grabs a shoulder and kneels on the ground.

Error glances around the apartment as he crosses his arms "Honestly? Not the worst temple I have had. I can make it work."

Killer glares at him from within Cross's body but Cross groans "Killer just ignore him. And give me my body back."

Killer huffs as he remains right behind Dust, who has just to look up and stnads rather shaky on his two feet.

Cross glares at Killer "Killer. I am serious. I am trained in first aid and got taught healing magic back at the church. Let. Me." and he glares down at the spirit psosessing his body.

Killer... hesitates. He glances uncertain at Dust before he just, leaves the bdoy. Cross's body crumbles to the floor for a moment but Cross is quick to take it over once more.

Cross immediantly turns to Dust "Dust? Come. Lets get you cleaned up and let me help you wiht your injuries... please."

Dust doesn't really look up, or say anything. Cross however just waits. Hands hovering nearby just in case but never making the first move.

In the end Dust just shrugs, a tiny movement of one shoulder, but that is enough to make cross smile.

"We will just go to your bathroom okay?" he turns to Ash "Ash? Could you please come with? I don't know where Dust keeps all his stuff and I am sure you being there will be a comfort."

Ash huffs but Nightmare feels he is a little bit pleased. Ash easily agrees and they leave the livingroom to go towards the small bathroom.

Ngihtmare watches them for a moment before glancing at Killer. Killer just hovers there, staring wishfully at where they left but not making a move to follow them.

It had hoenstly surprised Nightmare. To realise that Killer didn't just feel attraction to Dust, but true honest affection and care. It had started small but Nightmare could feel that Killer truly did care and love Dust.

Nightmare glances at Horror next, the large gentle spirit feels helpless and worried. He seems unsure what to do as he just haunts around the living space. Trying to remain calm.

Nightmare himself glances at the door where Cross and Dust left through. He hadn't meant to hurt him wiht his words. He had tried to nudge Dust into thinking about what he felt, what those feelings meant for him. Nightmare had thought he could tease the other. As Killer had done so often. As Ash and dust did to each other with jokes.

But he had been hurt. Dust had felt hurt and betrayed. Nightmare never meant to do that. It was suposed to have been something to playfully familiarise each other with. Never hurt.

Nightmare doens't hurt those who are his.

He had wanted to apologise. The moment he realised his blunder he tried to make it right, only for the phone to ring.

And Dust got taken.

Nightmare can still feel the echo from the bathroom. Humiliation. Shame. Miserable. Those are the strongest still. At least the hurt and fear that had mixed those feelings back in that damned room with the cult had lessened.

Lessened. But not gone. But Nightmare can not help him at the moment. Nightmare may have been able locate him and help make sure he is back with them. But at the moment Dust would not welcome his presence, at least not until he apologised for his rude behaviour.

A loud sigh as Error lays on the couch "Comfy shit though. Yeah this will work just fine."

Killer glares "This is not your home. Leave!"

There however is something he can do now.

Nightmare walks over towards the couch where Error is lounging and Killer is hovering. He smiles "Error. It is good to see you again and see you free."

Error grins and gives a two fingered salute as he remains lounged.

Nihgtmare continues "There is however a small... situation. Mostly about your claim that Dust is your priest."

Error nods as he continues to grin, looking every bit as smug as he feels, "Yeah my priest. We will talk later about getting a temple and stuff." he looks relaxed.

Nightmare ignore sKiller growling beside him as he speaks "About that. You have to understand that Dust did not summon you." He gives Error a look "If you wish to have your summoner as your priest you will sadly be out of luck. The ritual killed your summoner." There.

Error raises a brow and looks amused "Nah. I am right. He is the summoner, not whoever lead the ritual." he seems very unconcerned.

Horror frowns "But Dust didn't lead the ritual?" he glances at Ngihtmare.

Ngihtmare nods "correct. Dust was a prisoner. He had no say about the ritual."

Error's grin falls and he just stares at Nightmare for a moment "Can't believe I forgot how much of a possessive bastard you can be."

Nightmare makes sure to look disapproving "Just stating facts."

Error groans annoyed as he moves aorund until he is laying on his front. His form still changing and shifting slightly as his being settles back into this reality.

Error just stares at them "You think others didn't try? To open the fucking door to my prison? No. They tried." he gives a casual wave "And they failed." He chuckles "It would surprise you how often people tried to break me out to then try and control me with a vessel trap." Error looks smug as he looks at his claws "Not that they would be able to control me obviously. They are much too confident in their weak magical abilities to withstand and control the power of a god."

Nightmare frowns "What does that have to do with forcing Dust to be your priest?"

Error leans on his hand and grins "Everything." he seems to think for a moment "How to explain so you understand and let me get my priest..." he grins as he sits up.

"You can imagine my prison as a cave. A deep cave that stretched for miles and miles. Unending tunnels without any light. No way to see what is in front of me or where I am going.

"Not only that but the enterance and exit is locked as well. completely blocked off with stones. I could hear and see waht was going on outside the cave jsut fine. But there was no way for me to interact with anyone of to get those boulders out of the way.

"What the group did, was not make a door. Instead. they turned on a light. A weak one that would lead the way towards the exit. Making it easier for me to find where the exit should be. But. They did not remove the boulders. They never unlocked the door so to speak. I had an easier path to it, but it was still locked for me."

Then Error looks delighted as he stis up "My priest's, Dust you said, magic didn't just open the door. It punched a hole right into the moutain. Not the weaker boulders, but straight through a reinforced part of the cave as it were!" he looks so delighted as he throws his arms out "That! That is why he is my priest!"

Nightmare suddenly realises that this new issue will be a lot harder than he originally thought.

Horror however looks interested "Is it strange for monsters to have such strong magic?"

Error nods "Very. seeing as the prison was made entirely out of divine magic. oh!" he turns to Ngihtmare "It will be a matter of time before they come looking and searching. There is no way they did not notice the prison being broken into."

Nightmare frowns as he taps his arm "I see..." If the divine will attack... It is best to keep Error as an ally. Not that it matters now. There is no way that Error will leave Dust alone now.

Dust already managed to survive a direct hit, if not more, of a Banshee's breath... What else can he do? If he magic was strong enough to break Error out without any prepartions on his end...

Nightmare rubs his face as he thinks "Dust is still a mortal. Dust is still someone who already has responsibilities and has his own plans. I am not sure waht you will expect from him as a priest but you have to understand Dust won't have time for too much." Maybe he can limit things for him?

Error frowns as he tilts his head "Like what?"

Nightmare starts to grin a little bit "You have heard of mortal jobs correct?"

Error nods slowly "Heard of the concept. They work. They complete tasks. They get paid?"

Nightmare nods "As Dust was no willing participend to your summoning it would be unfair to expect him to perform the full list of duties that a priest may or may not complete. Instead, as Dust was very much a victim of the cult, it would be more fair if you set up certain 'workhours' and 'responsibilities' that are compatible with your own ideas." He smiles "It is a give and take."

Error sulks as he leans on his hand "And what would that include?"

Nightmare smiles as he takes a seat. He grabs a notebook as he writes a few things out. Mortal needs to begin with. How much time they need for sleeping. For eating. For personal time to relax and how important socialising is for a mortal. Then how much work there is and how busy Dust is because he needs gold to live.

"In short. Unless you find a way to pay Dust for his duties as priest you may have to accept with only an hour or two a week." Nightmare smiles as Error looks like he bit into a lemon.

It is the start. and Nightmare knows Error will keep discussing this until he truly reaches his limit.

But Nightmare is prepared. It helps that he can feel that Dust has been starting to relax and giving into his exhaustion.

Hopefully tomorrow he will feel well enough for Nightmare to apologise.

His skull hurts. It hurts a lot. His joints ache as his bones feel much heavier than they should.

Ugh. What hit him? His sleep never feels like this. Even a hungover doesn't make him feel this miserable.

"Ah! I see our last guest of honor is awake at last!"

Wait. Isn't that?

Dust groans as he tries to open his sockets. They ache. He goes to rub his sockets when he realises his limb doesn't just feel heavy. He can't move them.

His sockets open fully but his sight is hazy at best. There is a lot of noise and the lights are bright. It smells like sweat, food and a lot of perfume. The rich people perfume which coats and sticks to everything.

His skull aches as he struggles to get his sight working. Only to see a human right before him, much too close for his own comfort. The man grins brightly at him as Dust wrecks his brain to recognise this man. That is when it hits him. It is the man that tried to fucking hire him for! well... fucking!!? The same guy that had the ring with the cult symbol and had been in his basement after... Dust... became... unwell..

Oh no.

He looks around but a hand grabs him by the chin and Dust tries to twist free but his bdoy isn't moving the way he wants to!

The man hushes him "Now now. No need for such an overreaction. You took your sweet time waking back up. Now. We are on a tight schedule." and he grins "I would have loved to have abit more fun but I supose i will make the needed sacrifice." he shakes his head and sighs loudly "It could have been an amazing experience and fun for us all, if only that other skeleton hadn't been so possessive of you."

Okay. Creep levels are rising. Dust continues to glare even as he feels the unease rise. He is exposed. where is his hoody? Why isn't he wearing his shirt?! His pants?! Panic is slowly overtaking him as he struggles to reach his magic. Anything to get out!

His wrists sting and he can't help but flinch at the unexpected pain.

The man looks disapproving "Now now. We can't have you using that special magic. We need that." he chuckles as he stands back upright and... And Dust is on the floor. His arms tied to a pole? As the man walks away Dust takes a moment to look around.

He is in a large room. No windows. The sides of the room is packed with people, most of them in the cult robes and some very rich looking individuals. All are wearing masks however, probably to not have their faces seen?

There are tables with drinks and food along the walls as well.

But the center is all free. Dust looks down and stares as he knows his eye lights must have shrunk with his shock. That is a summoning circle. One bigger and more complex than Dust has ever seen before. Different colours and materials. Multiple circles intersecting and crossing over.

Dust himself is sitting in a smaller circle which has the angle of a large triagle in it. Dust looks for any clues and thinks he sees both runes and latin meaning the word Magic.

He looks around and sees two more people in the circle with him, on the other angles of the large triagle. One is a human, maybe female? She is struggling at her own tied spots. She has the same exposed issue as Dust is having and he feels bad for her. Humans are usually very unhappy about being nude, from what Dust has heard women especially feel exposed.

The other corner holds another monster, a earth elemental. They look large and have multiple chains holding them down. Dust never met them before but that isn't that big of a surprise with how big the city is even if the monster community is generally close. Though Dust thinks he may have seen posters with this monster on it? Or someone of the same elemental subspecies.

The man who kidnaped him, bows to someone in robes before he rushes to the side. Grabbing his own cloak and mask as he disappears between the others. Who all start to move in unison and form a circle around them.

The only cult member with a different looking cloak walks over and stands in the middle of the circle "My brothers and sisters! The day of the end has arrived! Today. We shall complete our purpose! We shall finally summon the End-Bringer!" they open their arms wide "May we search into the void itself and beyond! Free the one the heavens locked away! Free the one the gods themselves fear! Free the one! Who shall unmake the world!"

They all cheer and Dust looks around. he has nothing. Nothing he can use. He looks up at his own wrists and realises it are silver layered wires! No wonder trying to use his necromancy magic hurt like fuck! Okay. That is bad. Euh. Other magic. Does he have anything else that is useful? He doesn't have his stuff to curse people, that takes more preparations and set up. Necromancy is a no because of the silver. He can't sense any ghosts nearby so he can't convince one of them to help...

They... They aren't here? Where is Ash? Where are his friends?

Do... Did they even realise yet he was taken? Ash knows Tuff. He would know that Tuff is harmless and so not worry until time passes...

He is alone in this... isn't he? He is alone and there is no out...

The leader in the middle holds up a hand before waving towards the other monster "First! We must offer the body! A body which will be worthy!" mumbles and nods "A boss monster body! Made to be able to hold magic of any kind! A monster body, made off magic, able to be reshapen to our god's liking!" cheers are heard.

The leader nods and waves towards the human "A soul! Made of determination and focus! Made to withstand horrors and thrieve above it!" mroe cheers.

The leader waves to him next- wait what? and they speak "Lastly magic and mana to fuel the new vessel! Magic in tune with the nature of spirits and strong to withstand the Banshee's Breath!"

The leader brings their hands back together "together. these parts will form a vessel. A vessel to chain the World-Ender to our needs and wishes. Let us move towards the future. Lets end this world and start the perfect one!"

People cheer as the leader grabs a large knife. It is carved and has something engraved on it, Dust can't see it from this distance.

They walk over towards the human first. She struggles and screams for help. She screams at them all being terrible and horrible and more curse words.

The Leader grabs her by the neck and brings the knife down into her chest. Her screams become chokes and whimpers.

The knife lights up bright red for a moment before turning a dark blue. The leader removes the knife and at the very end sticks a bright red soul.

Dust immedinatly looks away. A soul is one's most intimate part of themselves. To just... showcase it. To just steal it?! To touch it without consent?! It is a disgusting and horifying thing. The very action makes Dust sick to his gut and being. The need to vomit rises and a glance at the, aparentyl, boss monster shows that they agree with Dust. They have their own eyes downcast themselves to give the poor human some of her dignity back.

A whimper and a duff thuck as something falls over.

A shift in lighting and Dust can't help it anymore. He glances and feels sick all over again. The bright red soul is in the middle of the circle, stuck in the air in the same silver strings that hold dust stuck. Made to be stuck by pins in the ceiling and floor. The man who stole the soul seems to check the strings and evne pokes the soul again?!

Dust needs to look away as he gasps for air. Trying to keep his own soul calm at the horrifying sight.

The leader walks over towards the elemental. They raise that knife again, now covered in blood.

The elemental stares at them "You are a disgrace and fell further than most. Your soul itself had turned foul and I pray that the stars will have mercy on those you make your victim."

The leder doesn't flinch as they raise the knife "The body is next. May the dust form the vessel to hold the Great One." and he stabs the elemental. But it isn't just a stab. He slowly drags the knife down as the other monster groans. It is slow. The other is in clear agony.

the knife itself is something... bad... The wound it leaves behind seems to immedinatly fester. It seems to start to get infected and show signs of it immediantly.

Once the first insertion is made the leader staps away and grabs one of the arms. Which with a single swipe they remove from the monster's body. Another cult member is there with more silve wire and wraps the arm and brings it to the middle.

That seems to ahve been a mistake however. As the monster is now less secure and the elemental immediantly throws their shoulder agianst the leader. Making them stagger backwards and drop the knife.

More cult members jump forwards as they grab the boss monster. Holding them down but clearly struggling.

The leader staggers and is clearly troubled as they get back to their feet. Dust spots it then. A bit of fur peaking out from between the glove and the sleeve.

It is a monster?

That means that they are going against their own soul traits maybe? Or they are struggling with the LV they gained from these acts.

That means... It is a battle of wills? The longer they need to struggle to more chance there is they will fall into dispair and give up!

the leader grabs the knife again and seems to grow stronger as soon as they hold it. They stroke the knife almost lovingly and whispers something to it. The knife pulses with magic. stronger than before. A relic not of the destroyer but one of corruption itself? Soemthign that feeds into whatever it eneds to cause the wielder to use acts of violence? All while it feeds on their instability?

Dust read up on a relic like that before. And from what Dust remembers the knife does look like the describtion it held.

The elemental is stuck again adn the leader continues to cut them up. Bit by bit. Until they are completely in pieces all held with that same silver wire.

They should be dust... they should ahve fallen apart...

This wire is more than just silver. It has to be! Otherwise it couldn't stop the dusting progress of a monster!

The leader turns towards him and walks over slowly as they speak "With the soul and body secure. all we need now is magic strong enough to breech into the prison. To pull our God to our world from beyond the void! Once here they will shape their body." They point the knife out at Dust "And once that is done. The magic will bind the Ending fully to its new body! Binding them to us!"

More cheers.

The leader raises his knife and Dust doens't think. He focuses and forces the other into an encounter.

It is old school magic. stuff that is outdated and not used anymore. It is old and slow. Which is why Dust uses it.

They are in a stand still. The air heavy and dark as the other struggles. Their own soul very sensitive to this type of magic.

Dust pants as he grins a little bit "Good luck doing anything when it isn't your turn dipshit." he leans against the pole as he focuses on not doing anything. It is rough. It isn't natural to keep your turn going so to speak. It is rough on the soul and takes magic. But anything to buy him more time.

Maybe the body will eventually turn to dust. Maybe the soul will burn through the wires holding it.

Losing either part of the vessel will force them to abort the ritual right? Sure he would still be captured but at least he isn't going to be executed.

The leader is furious. The battle making their state and being obvious to him. the encounter makes the other easier to read. Which... oh... They probbaly now know that Dust is just trying to wait them out. Woops.

There is a reason this type of magic is outdated and not used anymore.

The leader looks back to the others "I told you to make sure that they couldn't use magic!" the others and muttering and looking for something to use.

Dust however has adifferent issue. It is clear the other is actively trying to end the encounter. And normally this wouldn't work because that isn't how encounter magic works. The problem is that Dust is also testing the magic at play by not playing by the rules. By making his turn last too long. Forcing the encounter to go stagement when it should be about acting.

This is bad.

The encounter area is getting weaker. Shit Dust really hasn't been maintaining his other magic has he? He was so focused on Ash and then the spirits and then Ngihtmare and...

He is going to die here...

There is a flicker and it is gone. Dust pants as the magic snaps back and causes his already hurt body to ache more. At least the leader also staggers for a moment. They shake their head and take antoher step forwards and-

"Keep your filthy hands away from him freak!"

Next Dust sees the body of Cross tackle the leader, but the words make it obvious Killer is still very much in control of the body as he starts punching the body now under him.

Ash is floating in front of him "Dusty! Dust we are here!" his eyes are anxious as he studies his form.

Nightmare ends next to him and claps his hands together before throwing both hands out. A wave of pure energy exists him. It passes harmlessly over him but Dust cna see other people not just be pushed away but thrown back! Some people even leave dents and cracks in the walls.

Nightmare huffs and kneels down to work on the wires on the pole "I apologise we took so long. We should ahve realised sooner soemthign was amiss." the wires shoot lose and Nightmare pulls his own long jacket off which he wraps around his own shoulders.

Dust can't help but glance to the side "It is a relic. Killer can't get hit."

Nightmare looks around immediantly and dust sees when it happens. He sees a tendril shoot out and wrap around Cross's middle and pull the spirit possessed body away from the swipe of the knife.

People are gasping and muttering even as Nightmare looks so damn calm. As if he hadn't just dropped his disguise or at least part of it.

Killer looks at Nightmar epissed "What the hell I had that dirty piece of trash!"

Nightmare looks calm "Dust said it was a relic. I know some can be rather deadly."

Killer frowns but as soon as Nightmare says that he turns to Dust himself "Dusty!" he hugs him close and ksises his face.

Dust looks around anxiously "Cross and Horror?"

Ngihtmare speaks "We saw a lot of traps for spirits. wIth both of them new to being spirits or having a spirit form it seemed foolish to bring them." Dust points to Ash. Nightmare just smiles "You must be aware that there is no way Ash would first, listen to me. and second, not go after you."

Ash nods "lets get you out of here..." he keeps glancing at the soul and monster parts stuck. His form is flickering with distress. Yeah. Dust feels the same.

Nightmare helps him up as he keeps looking at him worried "You look... unwell."

Dust does. He feels awful. Also mortified they saw him like this. This sucks. today sucks. he is going to have nightmares featuring these people and that damnit knife and-

A glowing wall appears. It is bright and burns his already sensitive sockets.

The cult leader is standing on shaking legs. Holding that knife tightly "No. No i have come too close. I am not going to lose it now!" The knife is pulsing fast. Impatient. Dust can almost feel it himself. Do it. Do it. Act. Get it done.

Nightmare moves Dust behind him and the eye contact he had wiht the weapon breaks. Nightmare covers Cross's, well Killer's, face as well "Don't look at it. It is made to entice you. To pull you in. Once it has you it won't let go until it has a new host."

It wants the god locked in the vessel. Once it is bound to the vessel it is as good as mortal, just with the god's original powers. It wants that as host!

Dust tries to mention it but his skull feels light as he leans against Nightmare. He is sturdy. unmoving. It is nice. angels are immune or at least resistant to most types of magic... of course he wouldn't get harmed by this...

Dark purple lines hits them as Dust yelps as they are dragged apart and tied. The monster is holding out an arm. Purple magic... Made to contain and control.

They rush him and Dsut barely manage to roll out of the way. It is hard to dodge when he can't look at the weapon.

A tendril grabs him and manages to get him further back as another one holds Killer out of harms way. Even as Killer is clawing at the tendril holding him. The now empty sockets of Cross thanks to Killer staring at him. Never looking away.

A tendril blocks the knife attack and it sounds as if two things made of metal hit each other.

As soon as that happens the leader looks back at Nightmare "Divine..."

Nightmare just stares him down as Dust feels himself be moved back behind Ngihtmare. Killer grabs him and pulls him close.

Nightmare is fighting with a disaventage. He is protecting them both and eneds to make sure they aren't hit or affected by the knife. All while he is stuck in a small area.

The cult leader twists their ring "Luckily. We have little somethings for that."

A loud ringing and Dust groans but the way Nightmare snaps both hands over the side of his skull explains what the goal was. Killer spasmes and shakes uncontrolably.

Dust looks around and spots it. In the floor is a speaker. The tendrils grows lacks and drop both Killer and him. Dust grabs Killer's knife. He steps free and rushes the speaker as the leader moves towards their small group. He dashing across the area to reach it. He slides to the spot in the floor and stabs it right downwards.

A spark of electricity but the noise dies with a sputter. Dust grins.

"Dust!" "Behind you!"

Dust turns to see the leader jumping towards him. Dust raises the knife he is still holding and closes his eyes.

Silence.

Dust opens his sockets and sees the wide, empty, eyes of the other through they mask.

Dust looks to the side and sees the knife on the ground, even as he feels a very painful stinging in his shoulder... did he... hit him? Not fully at least?

Dust doens't think and kick the other off of him as he backs away.

The other shudders and... purple...purple mana and magic starts bleeding into the ground.

Dust looks down adn stares "Oh no."

They are right in the circle he had been originally...

Then a drop of his own mana drips down into the circle as well and-

A blinding light. a flash before a vortex appears. Hanging above the circle right in the middle.

Then the vortex reshapes around the soul. Dust watches as the soul shudders and reshapes before his eyes. it loses its red shine as the determination bleeds into the black form. All that is left is a white soul, upsidedown heart style, moster style, before the dark shallows it whole. The limbs float as the silver wires snap as if it was nothing. the limbs turn to dust and the silvery powder floats around the shape. solidifying it and taking a humanoid shape but without details.

The thing's arm and hand rise and seems to flex. All the wires from all around the circle fly up and shoot towards the being. as soon as it touches it they circle the dark humanoid shape. Parts grow tighter and more detailed and Dust realises real quick he sees a skeleton shape before him.

Next the magic seems to flow over the ground towards the being, until there is a puddle under them. Then it drips upwards. The purple seems to seperate into dark blue and red. The red goes straight towards those same red lines, veins, of before. While the dark blue goes towards the silver wires and colours the silver wires into blue strings.

The being slowly floats down and stands in the circle.

They study their hand, now detailed skeleton, as they make a fist and turn their wrist around. They roll their shoulders and neck before looking at him.

Dust is... Dust has never seen anyone like this before. Least of all a skeleton. Their proprotions are slightly off from what Dust is used to from skeletons. Something almost uncanny valley like.

their skull is black, but most of their bones are that angry red from the determination trait. Only some bones on the hands differ with going black and yellow again and the ribcage itself being yellow as well?! Where had yellow come from? The sockets themselves are red as well. With the eye light being multi coloured. A yellow outer ring with a dark blue ring in that and a black eye light in the very middle. There are dark blue tear tracks down their face and the teeth are yellow. Not the yellow of unhealtyh uncared for teeth. but the yellow of magic.

They stare before laughing loudly "It is good to be back!!" they voice is scratchy. It makes him think of the ringing that the cult had played.

The being throws out an arm and Dust stares as the air itself seems to... glithc?! there is a rip with something like grey and white pixels? Then the being pulls a long coat out of the rip which they put on.

They turns to Dust and grins "Well then mortal. Seems like you ahve the greatest honor ot not just meeting me! But with having opened the doorway for me to enter you are now my priest!"

Wait what?!

Something grabs him and he is pulled right back behind Nightmare.

Ngihtmare looks calm and has a smile on his face?!

"Hello Error. There seems to be a small misunderstanding. It is good to see you again."

The other being, Error aparently, tilts their skull "Nightmare? Weren't you stuck in one of the prison dimentions?"

Nightmare chuckles "It is a tale. I was not aware you were aware of that matter?"

Error shrugs "Euh. I was locked up, not locked out. They need something much more powerful to stop me or my powers completely. Now. Please release ym priest." he waves casually.

Dust holds tighter unto Nightmare as he feels Killer hold unto him. Killer is growling loudly. Ash is hissing as well. Having been locked out before by the barrier but now back to his side.

Nightmare just smiles pleasantly "Lets talk first." Nightmare glances back at him and the smile... changes? Something in his look changes. soemthing Dust doens't want to acknowledge fully.

Ngihtamre looks back at Error "In short? Dust had not meant to summon you and was taken against his will. I first want to make sure he is alright and comfortable."

Error raises a brow as he crosses his arms. Looking rather amused "You were always a possessive bastard. But sure. I would prefer a full outfit myself. Lead the way Angel."

Nightmare doens't seem bothered by the title "But of course. God of Destruction."

Nightmare watches as Dust's frowns into his bag. Searching the small side pockets. Nightmare can sense the others annoyance as he searches for his key.

"You know." Nightmare offers with a small wave "You could just yell loud enough and I am sure Killer will rush over to assist you." he grins.

Dust freezes before tugging his head even lower as he mutters about not wanting to deal with that.

Ngihtmare thinks it is amusing. How Dust is denying his own feelings concerning the ghost. It isn't as if Killer would reject him. In matter of fact the flirty poltergeist would be overjoyed to learn that Dust has had a msall change of heart concerning him.

Nightmare had been using it himself a lot as well. To push him down against the bed and hold him for a moment before releasing him. To casually lift stuff out of the way for him or carry Dust past obstacles. At first the left over injury and drain from the Banshee had been a perfect excuse. After that it was about effeciency.

The truth is that his embarrassment is delicious. One of the emotions he truly enjoys the taste of even if the energy he gets from that emotion is limited.

For now Nightmare will just let him search his bag and wait. He is not in a hurry either way and is honestly surprised none of the spirits demanded to go along with Dust and him doing some light shopping. Though that may have been because Dust had been getting annoyed with all their hovering, his words not Nightmare's, and he didn't want to deal with more than one person joining him!

Nightmare in the end won out for a few reasons. One, he had a physical body and was actually able to help him carry Dust back in case he fainted again. and Two Killer was in Cross's body this time and it would take a few more days before Cross would get his control back. And seeing as Ash has pretty much forbidden Killer from being alone with Dust it only made for one true option.

nightmare wonders if Ash noticed Dust's new feelings as well. The older brother had been much quicker to feel annoyed after all. Though it may also be becuase how bad the Banshee situation had gone...

Ngihtmare doubts the phantom will amuse him and sate his curiousity.

"A-ha!" Dust raises his key wiht triumph as he grins at him.

Nightmare can't help but just watch one of his mortals. It is rare for Dust to truly let anyone see what he feels or thinks but it is clear he has been getting more comfortable with all of them. He has been less guarded... more open...

It is a treat...

Another one is to see that bright magic in his sockets. Brightly coloured and vibrant with the strenght of his magic and almost shifitng slightly with his mana. Almost like a flame or moving water. nightmare hasn't quite foudn the right comparison yet.

Dust keeps grinning at him as they just stand there for a moment before he blinks and goes to turn towards the door.

"Excuse me!"

Dust blinks and looks around himself first before turning towards the person who spoke. Dust feels slightly confused but Ngihtmare can see his face turn completely neutral as he just points towards himself.

The other person, a monster by the looks of it, part dragon and rather large stops before them "Hello! I have been trying to find a way to contact you for a while! You live here right? Guy who always wears a hood? Seen with one or two guys near him?"

Dust tilts his skull slightly "Maybe... who are you?"

The other person grins adn thrusts out his hand "Drake!" Nightmare barely keeps a sigh inside, hoenstly how are parents THIS unoriginal nowadays?

Dust nods as he motions towards himself "Name is Dust." he doesn't make a move to touch the hand.

Drake slowly lowers his hand "Right right... So I was wondering if... You know.. .You could... If I could... Order your services?"

Dust tils his skull but seems much more intrigued. Well Nightmare thinks he clearly is. Nightmare suposed that to others he would still look desinterested.

Dust hums "Depends. How many?"

The guy seems shocked before grinning "I mean... It depends when you know? Soon just one but if I can call some people it could be up to like... four? Maybe five?"

Dust frowns and Nightmare understands why. It is rare for anytype of spirit to stay in large groups. Their little group is very much a rarity and is only possible as Dust makes enough dorment energy to feed the spirits passively without anyone being bothered. Is this somekind of nest? A mass murder with newly shaped spirits? Is that why it would be at a later date? As it would mean the murder still has to take place? interesting that they would try to get secure a way to get rit of the spirits.

Dust shoots him a look and Dust must be able to read on his face that Nightmare also finds it curious. Nightmare still nods a tiny bit. To show he agrees with it being curious.

Dust still takes out a small notebook. He opens it to a page and starts writing "And if the finishing of the first is done would that lead to a slower number for the next apointment?" he taps the page as he waits.

Drake laughs as he rubs his neck, strange he feels slightly flustered, "hah! Depends on how good your work is!"

Dust pauses for a moment too long. Nightmare can feel how displeased Dust feels. He does not enjoy people doubting his work or abilities.

Dust huffs and mutters "My work is perfect."

Ngihtmare chuckles and nods "Indeed. From what I have heard all his clients were very satisfied with his work." Dust shoots him a look, clearly unamused with his assistance. Ngihtmare just smiles back.

Drake looks curiously between them for a moment before speaking "So... it is possible?"

Dust nods and speaks "When?"

Drake grins as he gives some dates and Dust checks notes down the times and dates. He asks the where next and the man speaks about an apartment in the city.

Dust frowns again and clearly thinks for a moment before asking if they need specific protection. Drake blinks and says that depends on if Dust wants those.

nightmare is still stuck up about the location... strange. because from what he learned of this city and the maps that area is all newly build. At most ten years old. In the upstart part of the area. Meaning people move there as a first home situation or an inbetween one before they invest in a bigger forever home. It is a rather strange place to have a group of spirits wandering about.

Dust and Drake are talking about the prices and Dsut says it depends on what is required to deal with the situation and marks.

Darka laughs as he rubs his name "Dude. don't call it a situation. You make it seem so serious."

Dust is clearly unamused "It is work."

Nightmare nods "He does take his work very seriously." Dust shoots him another glare and Nightmare can't help but tease "am I wrong dear?"

Dust looks slightly embarrassed as he tugs his hood tighter around his face.

Drake nods "Okay. Well. Glad we managed to make an appointment at least. We will discuss stuff when we are at my place price wise. Euh. Befroe I go. Who brings the condoms?"

Silence as Dust freezes.

Nightmare blinks as well. Condoms? He knows what they are of course, Nightmare makes a point of being informed on basic things, especailly with Killer being very interested in sex with dust, Ngihtamre decided to educate himself on the subject.

Why would they need condoms?

Dust asks the same "What would we need condoms for?" the shock is clear on his face. He is just as, if not even more, surprsied than Nightmare.

Drake frowns "You mentioned we needing protection? I just kinda ssumed... Oh wait! Are you on like any pregnancy medicine? I know that is a thing but I figured it would be too expensive?"

Dust acutally sputters as his face lgiths up purple "No?! Why would you?! Why even ask that?! What does that have to do wiht anything we just spoke about?!"

Drake looks insulted "Of course I ask?! I am trying to book you to fuck after all?!"

Dust actually freezes. Pure shock.

Nightmare is shocked himself. He had thought.

Dust manages to shake himself out of it "what?! No?! Why?! Why woud you even think I do that?!"

Drake looks confused and angry "BEcause everyone knows?! You walk in with him and that guy in white very often! People hear like moaning sounds from your area and shit!! It is very obvious!"

nightamre blinks.. He suposes that... the air and magic of spirits from a distance and through a wall or three could sound like moaning in that sense... or maybe someone called it spirit moaning and people assumed it was the different type?

Dust sputters "No?! I am not a hooker!"

Drake glares at him "Then who is that guy?!"

Dust looks at him and seems to be unsure how to answer it. Nightmare blinks and asnwers the question "Dust and I work together. We have an agreed upon contract where I pay for services that Dust provides." Dust looks even more horrified and Nightmare realises what it sounded like.

Oh... Oops.

Drake seems to look up "Wait like a fucking sugar daddy- Oh! It is like a pimp situation? In that case... Like when can I hire him?" Drake points at Dust over his shoulder and Dsut looks beyond furious.

Nightmare doens't like this mortal. This mortal implies he will just take one of Nightmare's mortals? WIhtout their say so? No. Absolutely not.

Nightmare makes sure to keep his voice cold "You ahve already proven yourself unrespectful and unworthy. Leave before I make you leave."

Drake sputters but Nightmare can dealw ith that easily. He focusses on the other and makes him experience fear. Deep rooted fear. The other monster stops and shudders before making some excuses and running off. Muttering about not wanting to deal with a possessive pimp and a probably much too high price rating.

They are left standing awkwardly by the enterance to the apartment complex.

Dust is blushing and looks down at the ground.

nightmare coughs to clear his throat before he speaks "I supose... We will have to tell the others about this... in case they are asked."

Dust groans loudly as he just leans with his head against the door.

Ngihtmare watches him froa moment beofre joining his side and leaning a bit closer "And if I may ask... What is a sugar daddy?"

Dust just groans much louder.

--------

Cross stands by Dust's van as he searches it. Nightmare is by his side as the spirits float around. They just finished a mission and are on their way back to Dust's.... home.

Cross is happy to be in his own body again! It has beena week since he last had the chance nad it feels great to stretch his body!

Nightmare chuckles "Excited to move your bdoy again?"

Cross shoots the fallen angel a look "You don't need to be so smug about it."

Nightmare chuckles "Oh it is alright. isn't there a whole chapter of learning in your church about patience? And how one must learn to wait to be able to truly appreciate things?"

Cross huffs as he crosses his arms "Well!! Yeah!! But it shouldn't have to be focussed on something that is mine!" like his own fucking bdoy!

Nightmare nods "At least you will be able to exercise again."

Cross sighs "yes finally!" He groans slightly at the idea of a good working. Some strength trianing and track to get energy out and train his body "It will feel so good to be able to-"

"I am sorry... I don't mean to interrupt."

Cross stops midsentence to see a rather posh man standing by them. Human by the looks of it. Holding a briefcase and everything.

Nightmare raises a brow "And yet you did interrupt us."

The man looks at Nightmare and nods "I am here for business. I have heard I need to speak to you?"

Nightmare looks intrigued before a small knowing look appears on his face "I suppose I could humour you."

The man nods as he starts to list times and places and people and numbers and how much he calculate that would be worth it and how much the payment would be.

That is when Cross remembers. This man!! This fucker!!

Nightmare however is calm and hums "I see what you are offering but sadly that will not work. You see, the schedule is already full."

The man glances at Cross and hums "Oh I see. You booked every slot didn't you? Rich boy born wiht a silver spoon in his mouth thanks to XGaster and using church money for your own needs."

Cross sputters and feels his whole face warm up "I didn't!! I wouldn't!! I would never!!" He would never! "I would never!! Pay someont to have sex with me?!" Especially not with XGaster's blood money- Wait!! No!! "I mean!!"

Nightmare sighs and looks annoyed at the human in the suite "You broke him. Now I will have to deal with that. Leave." the human mutters some curses but leaves.

Cross is hiding his face as Nightmare hums.

Horror speaks from behind them "that was a dumpster fire."

Cross turns around to see Dust look horrified and the spirits all looking shocked or mad themselves. Cross catches Dust's face and now he can't help but thinking about Dust like that and oh no he is still staring and just end him now!!

Nightmare looks rather amused "Curious how bold they are."

Dust sputters "Stop encouraging them!!"

Nightmare chuckles "I am actually sending them away each time." and he smiles.

Dust sputters and waves his hands "Tehy think you are acutally my pimp!! that isn't helping!!"

Nightmare tilts his skull still looking amused "Would you prefer they keep botherng you with these questions?"

Dust groans and just throws his hands up before thrusting a bag into Cross's arms- oh huh?

Dust walks by "Ritual stuff. Take it inside." and he walks back into his van to grab anything else.

At least Dust doesn't blame cross for this mess... He likes that Dsut never judged him...

----------

Kiler glares at another person shooting them a look. They are walking down the street now. Trying to get some info from other wandering shades and phantoms. They don't actually dare come close to them.

Whihc Killer thinks is just insulting?! Dusty is the best!!

Though it does mean Killer doens't have to share him with even more people!!

Killer hangs over his shoulder "Dusty!! I am bored!! I wanne go back and have some fun!"

Dust shrugs him off and mutters about needing intell. Killer however is still grinning! Dust didn't hit him or anything to get him off!! clearly he didn't actually minded the close contact!

This is great!

He grins as he skips after Dust, ignoring Cross begging him to act dignified with his body.

Killer snorts "How can i be focused and serious after we slept togehter?" they had cuddled into the night! Look the fact that dust had already been asleep doesn't discount the fact tehy cuddled!

Dust sputters and looks at him with his beautiful blush on his face as he hisses "Don't say that so loudly! people will start even more rumours!" he glances around anxiously and tugs the hood closer around his skull. Killer glances around himself and glares at the people staring. He flips them off.

Dust groans as he tugs his hood even closer and Killer can't help but coo "Oh you are so cute! i can just eat you up!" and he can't help but pick Dust up and spin him around. The small yelp is adorable and the blush just makes his freckles stand out even more and he looks so cute!!

Three people walk over and Killer glares at them "Don't fucking start. The answer is no. You all are idiots for thinking my mate will be disloyal to amuse simple fucks like you lot!"

Dust makes a nervous little noise as Killer pulls him closer. Nightmare looks amused from where he has been walking and just letting them do their thing.

Ngihtmare turns towards the three and smiles "See? I have told many people before that Dust is busy and not open for these type of appointments."

Killer sees them pull out more bills of money and other things but Nightmar ejust shakes his head and shoos them away. Killer huffs as he checks in with his dear mate and sees Dust hiding his face. Mutteing about this being a fucking disaster.

Killer thinks it went rather well actually!!

------------

They are outside a building. Almost a month after the first idiot tried to suggest that his brother would amuse them like!! Like!! THAT!!

Ash is honestly insulted!

How dare they to think they are worthy of his brother like that?! His brother is too perfect and pure for heathens like THOSE to dirty his dear brother!

Ash is this close to snapping.

Dust is studying the marks left behind on the side of the building. marks of the cult they had been tracking. Dust thinks they are using grafiti and other marks to communicate. A way to not leave an actual paper trail or a trace on the internet.

One person walks over and ash does not like it. People ahve been approaching his poor brother for a full month now!! Yes! Ash knows his brother is cute and perfect and of coruse people would desire him but don't look at him!! Stay away from him!

As always Nightmare speaks with the person but it isn't fast enough.

Ash notices the weakend link of Cross to his body.. he is at his time limit.

Ash doens't think. He uses his limited energy to push Cross out. Cross's spirit leave shis bdoy with a yelp and Ash is in it instantly.

"-Look. I am just saying that I got the gold and the time! just a quicky-"

Ash growls "Stop trying to fuck my brother!"

Ash glares and huffs as the other looks shocked. a woman this time. looking strong. Then the woman looks considered "brothers? like... step brothers?"

Ash pauses and realises what he jsut did... He glances at Dust and sees his horrified look. Oh no.

Oh no oh no!

Dust sputters "We!! I am NOT Cross's brohter!!"

The woman fucking lights up "Oh you do roleplay!!" she smirks and twirls her hair "I can be a very good mommy for a good boy-"

Ash doens't think and punches her in the face. It feels good. It feels amazing to be able to get one off those fuckers to back the fuck away from his brother. He does make sure to keep his mouth shut.

The woman glares "Possessive little fucker aren't you?" she looks at Nightmare "May want to teach that little priest a lesson soon. He seems rather possessive of your little bitch."

Nightmare stops him from hitting the woman again as he speaks calmly "If you hold no respect for us it is best you leave. We have no interest in doing business with those who hold no resepct."

The woman huffs as she walks away "You don't work with anyone. But i am sure someone will be able to outbid you priest boy! And then you will see that this love and fucking you get? It is just about the money!" and she is gone.

Ash immediantly leaves the body, causing Cross's body to crumble. Cross yelps and rushes back in before looking up horrified "You told them we were brothers?!"

Ash sputters "I was mad!! I am used to people just knowing!!"

Dsut whines as he hides his face "This just makes things worse!!"

----------------

Horror calmly fills the basket wiht fresh fruit. Dust is still at home. sTressed after his reputation took a nose dive and he had to do damage control with his fellow mediums.

horror asked Cross to leave his bdoy for a moment so Horror could do some grocery shopping for Dust and make him a good meal. Cross had been unsure but Horror swore that after that he would return his body to Cross.

Cross agreed on that promise.

Talking about Cross...

Cross frowns at the different fruits "So... what are you going to make?"

Horror hums as he checks the potatoes and decides to grab sweet potatoes to go with the bell peppers he already picked out "A roast." he also grabs some fresh citrus and lemon. He gets to the herbs and gets some basics. Just to bring out the roast taste even better.

They walk by the tomatoes and Horror grabs some of the small ones that pack a nice flavour. He wants to roast those with the potatoes to get them nice and crunchy. Horror has noticed that Dust adores a good crunch even if he never asks for it. He also much prefers fresh flavours whihc is why he is doubling on the citrus.

Cross stops floating by the lemongrass "Oh can you grab this as well? I can use any spice really for the warmth tea and I think Dust will prefer this taste over the cinnamon!"

Horror walks over and grabs some of it. As well as a bit of a dried version to store for later cups. Tonight it is time for Dust to just relax.

Horror gets to the butcher area of the store and studies the differnet pieces of meat. mmmh... red meat would be best for the recipe he had planned and there seems some options. He could also go towards teh actual butcher two streets over.

He makes sure no one is around before he asks Cross "Would you mind us going towards the butcher as well? The cuts are decent but not the best."

Cross blinks and looks shcoked before laughing "Thanks for asking. and sure! LEts get Dust a good meal!! he deserves it with all the extra stress."

Horror nods and walks towards the check out. He wants to make sure to get to the butchers before it gets around four. that is when those stores tend to get busy from his memory and he wants to take his time to pick out the prefect cut.

Some man waves at him but at Cross's confused look it is clear Cross doesn't know him. Which means Horror jsut ignores him.

He gets to the check out and pays for the groceries. He nods and wishes them a good day before walking towards the exit. Bag in his arms with their first part of the groceries.

Running steps and someone rushes in front of him "Hey! I was trying to get your attention!"

Horror blinks as he stares at the man. Cross still looks confused and so horror asks one question "Do I know you?"

The other laughs and shakes his head "Nah. But!! I know about you! Adn well! You know. the hooker you fuck? We were wondering what prices and rates and- hey! hey!! where are you going! you can'tjust walk-" and horror lets the door fall shut behind him.

Cross floats next to him dumbfounded "You just... walked away?!"

Horror nods "correct." and he keeps walking.

He turns the corner and goes towards teh butcher. He thinks a good piece of beef would be nice. It is rich and it will go nicely wiht the things he got. It is also not too adventures for Dust. Who most likely never had the chance to taste many different dishes.

With time Horror can maybe try some more dishes later. When Dust is more comfortable again.

Thoguths for later. Now he has a roast to prepare.

-----------

Dust glances around the corner and checks both sides of the street. Okay. No one nearby. He doens't think anyone saw him go inside here... Maybe he can do this?

Nightmare chuckles "Interested in meeting new friends?"

Dsut glares "You know damn well i am not!" but it seems fine... He slowly goes towards the corner and crawls into the warehouse he had been scouting out for days now. He searches the basement and grins when he finds the ring.

It is a small artifact. Weak compared to others but it is an artifact! One meant to strenghten holy bonds and divine energy! It isn't one of the large relics Ngihtmare needs but this should count right? Something to at least tie a bit of the depbt he still owned over.

He crawls back out through the window and yelps as Ngihtmare just pulls him out easily. Holding him up wiht one arm.

His soul is acting stupid again as it pulses so fast.

Ngihtmare has that stupid, charming, smug, stupid- wait he siad that already?, knowing grin on his face. He holds him fro a moment before putting him down at a cuddle. Nightmare leans closer to the side of his skull "That is a lovely colour on you."

Dust feels the warmth on his face gets worse even as Killer yells at nightmare fro daring to flirt with his mate. Celarly killer doesn't realise yet that nihgmtare truly only does it to get a raise out of both of them...

Dust tries to calm his stupid soul... it is nothing. he means nothing wiht it... jsut wants you to feel embarrassed and flustered as he straight up admitted that is tasty to him.

Dust just thrusts his arm out "Here."

Ngihtmare takes the ring and chuckles "Oh my how forwards of you..." he puts it on his left ring finger-NO!

Dust sputters "No! It is to repay my debt! or part of it! Nothing else!"

"I could help with that."

Ngihtamre and Dust both blink and turn. there is a man there.. dUst knows right away who it is. It is one of the people in the council who control this province. Rich guy who throws money away as if he has a secret stash.

Dust blinks "Waht?"

the man smiles "I have a deal for you."

Dust knows where ti is going and feels annoyed "No i am not open to be hired to fuck anyone. leave me alone." he goes to turn towards the exit but the man is in the way. At least Nightamre joins his side.

The man laughs and holds up his hands "Hold on hold on. I am aware some people have been rather... disrespectful and pushy. But! I can assure you! My deal is well worth to be considered."

Dust doens't want to consider anything. He is already sick of this man. Nightmare puts his hand on his shoulder "Lets just hear him out and we will go about our day as planned alright?"

Dust shoots him a glance. Nightmare is smiling but he looks calm. He must know that Dust is beyond done with this. Nightmare will probably just fancy talk their way out of this conversation again...

Dust huffs "fine." and he crosses his arms.

The man smiles "Perfect! Now. I am holding a party in three weeks. And for that party we are in desperate need of entertainment. Now. Do not worry. It is all rather tasteful. We need pleasant people to serve drinks and snacks. Some pretty people to act interested in those speaking. A few to share the night with and one or two for a very special honour." he grins "I think your little treasure there fits the bail for all of them." He holds up a cheque "I will write you whatever amount you want. What does the little pretty own you? I will triple it."

Dust feels himself choke. Triple it?! Who the hell triples a debt that he doesn't even know the price of?!

Nightmare keeps smiling charming "As tempting as that offer is. It is much more worthwhile to keep him by my side." and he grins.

The man frowns. athoughtful look "One night... is already too much... curious..." He rubs his ring.

Dust traces his sight downwards and feels himself freeze. That is the cult symbol...

What... oh no...

The man glances around "A medium and a priest... interesting company you keep... interesting people you have a debt of..."

Nightmare smiles "What can I say. I like being a mystery. Now. If that was all." Ngihtmar epulls lightly on his arm and steers Dust out... Dust can'thelp but notices that Nightmare keeps himself between dust and the cultist. his invissible tendrils are lashing... almost making defensive manouvers.

Dust goes to glance back but a tendril keeps his face aimed forwards. Nightmare whispers just under his breath "Don't... he has dark magic active. keep. moving."

Cross rushes after them as well but doesn't ask questions. No doubt also noticed something.

The cult knows about him.

It doens't matter they know about him for the wrong reasons.

Tehy know he is in this city. It will be a matter of time before they realise he is the same medium that survived the Banshee.

Shit...

He fucking knew this mess was going to come back to bite him.

Dust looks over the rim of his cup of coffee as Cross tries to reason Killer out of his body.

Killer however does not wish to leave said body as he is trying to make his way across the room to get all up in Dust's business again.

Dust knows there must be something seriously wrong with him that he doesn't mind the idea anymore.

Worse is that Ash has learned this and is loudly very disapproving of everything related to it.

It... Dust isn't sure how to feel about this. It is all just confusing and he isn't sure why he even feels like this. He knows he shouldn't. Killer is dead for crying out loud. It doesn't matter that he is funny and easy to hang out with. How it isn't hard to talk to him or that he seems to listen. Killer jokes and teases a lot and sure he pushes but he never hurt him. In any way. Which he easily can do aparently as he is insanely strong?! but he is still dead! There... There can't be anything! Dust doens't know anything about relationships, not really, but he is pretty sure a body is necessary? And the only reason he sometimes has a body is becuase of Cross.

Thinking about Cross just gives his soul more confusing feelings. Cross is... his friend. His only friend honestly. A friend Dust never thought he would gain. All because Cross had wanted to help him, save him, way back then. When Cross realised that Ash was 'haunting' Dust. but as Cross tried to convince him to let Ash go and move on they spend more and more time together. Dust would just explore places and Cross would come with. Yet... Cross just... He is different now. he isn't that awkward scared teen anymore. The one who was older than Dust but more afraid and hesitant and seemed to be clueless on the word of spirits... Dust remembers teaching Cross about curses when Cross's adoptive asshole father would be rude again. But now? Now he is just... different. He is taller than Dust, well he was always taller but now he feels taller. He is respectable and tries his best. It is strange to have someone watch his back the whole time. To look out for him. Well aside from Ash of course... It doesn't help that... Cross is warm and strong and the few times he would wake up in his arms as Cross was still asleep? Dust isn't sure how to react to that. How to feel about it.

Dust watches as Horror gets between the fray and starts to calm the others down.

Horror is another person who Dust isn't sure how to feel about. He is calm and quiet. He is still new to being a spirit but is very stable and doesn't seem to lose energy as quickly as others would. Meaning that with the energy he gains from being around Dust it means he is growing stronger by the day. Yet he never seems interested in more power of energy. Not even in finding a spot to haunt. He seems content to just be near them and listen more often than not. Except for the days where he asks if he could borrow Cross's body. Which he spends getting groceries before making an amazing meal and cleaning out Dust's shit apartment. Fuck Dust feels so guilty about it each time. Trying to tell him it is fine. No need to clean. But Horror just says it is no trouble. He just wants to make sure he is okay and ate good food. Dust also has not forgotten about horror jsut casually admitting he is interested in Dust?! Which... Why?! Dust wasn't even the one who invited Horror along! that was Killer! Wouldn't it make sense for Horror to like him?!

Nightmare joins his side as he leans against the table Dust is seated on. Watching the spirits argue as he hums "No wonder your neighbors hear interesting sounds." He looks highly amused.

Dust glares at him before pulling his coffee closer as he feels his warm starting to grow warmer "They are stupid." He focuses away from the spirits and stares at the walls. They used to be yellow, he thinks, the paint is flaking off and there is a horrible ugly brownish white under the colour. Dust never really spend a lot of time at his home... Not until all the spirits appeared and it just got better to remain in one place. Use his apartment as a base to get the things he needed for nightmare and the spirits.

Nghtamre chuckles and nods "Indeed. But not every mortal cna be intelligent as you."

Dust's face grows a lot warmer as he pulls hismelf deeper into his hoody "Not smart..."

Nightmare looks amused "I supose we still disagree on that fact." and he turns back to watch the spirits.

Dust finds himself watching the fallen angel from the corner of his eyes. He is still strange to look at. Dust knows other mortals see nightmare as a skeleton. From what others said and how the incubus and succubus reacted? A very attractive one at that. But that isn't the form Dust sees. He sees this dark sludge covering Nightmare. These dark tentacles. Dust would watch the slime like sustance and notice that Nightmare did not leave any traces of it on anything. It doesn't even sink into his clothes. The few times they touched, when Nightmare would pick him up or move him out of the way or even just hold him for a moment -which happens more often than Dust thinks is normal but it probbaly is normal what does he know about angels-, anyway, whenever they happen to touch the goop is cool to the touch but it doesn't actually feel wet and while it clings slightly to his own limbs it doesn't feel sticky or mess up any surfaces or clothes. It is so strange.

The two forms seem to overlap. The only time when it doesn't is when Nightmare dismisses his disguise and the gooped over form becomes visible. Killer had once asked the angel if all angels are goopy. Ngihtmare had been amused and casually mentioned that it was because of his fall. that his fall altered him.

Dust... thinks nightmare seemed a bit too casual about soemthing that Dust would think would be traumatic. But Dust doesn't want to mention it... if nightmare doens't mention it he probbaly doesn't want to focus on it...

The problem is... Nightmare can feel him emotions. and now each time Dust feels those confusing feelings Nightmare will glance at him and smile smugly. Sometimes this is when Nightmare does that tight embrace think and whisper a question. Always something like "Feeling alright?" or "do you wish to explore some feelings?"

It is insane. It is driving him mad!!

Dust never wants it to stop.

Which... He knows they will eventually leave.

Nightmare will leave once he has those artifacts and energy.

Horror will eventually grow strong enough to find his place in this world.

Cross will leave once he has regained full control of his body.

And Killer? Killer will leave once he realises there is no future for them...

and those thoughts hurt.

nightmare suddenly looks at him with a frown "Is something wrong?"

Dust grabs his hood and tugs it tighter around his face "Stop feeling my emotions."

Nightmare answers quickly "I can not stop that." he studies him as a hand nudges his forhead and feels the temperature. Dust freezes.

"mmh... You aren't cold. So it should not be some after effects from the Banshee's Breath." Nihtmare checks his neck and Dust still is afraid to move "You are a bit warmer than usual but not feverish." Nightmare sounds thoughtful before shooting him a knowing grin as his own eye glances at the arguing spirits "something distracting you?"

Dust pulls his head away and glares at Nightmare. Feeling mad and confused and thorn. Mostly just... hurt...

Nightmare frowns immediantly "Dust-"

The phone rings.

Dust is quick to use the escape as he goes towards the wall holding the apartment phone. Soemthign that comes with each unit. It is a landline but mostly used by the apartment manager for important updates or emergencies. Or is a tendant wants to complain.

Dust picks it up and mutters "808."

The line is always bad and today is no different. It cracks and creeks as static comes through. The apartment owner's voice comes through "You are late on rent."

Dust frowns "What? No I paid like two weeks ago." He knows as he used some of the old cult payment to make sure of it! Because he wants this exact situation to not happen?!

"Not according to my files."

Dust frowns as he looks towards his pile of books and papers "Wait I know i did. I will search my stuff for the payment confirmation-"

"I want that money. You pay either by the end of the week or you come by today with that confirmation." and the other hangs up.

Dust groans as he lays his skull against the wall. What the hell?! He knows he paid!

He glares as he makes his way towards the mess of paper and starts searching. It doesn't take long before he finds it! Dust holds it close and checks it. He was right! it is paid! Two weeks ago for two months!

Nightmare looks ove rhis shoulder "Seems to be fine."

Dust freezes and pulls the piece of paper closer as he nods "Just need to show it." He glances around the apartment but sees no spiders. which is good as he doubts his landlord would want to know all the shenanigans he gets up to "I will go show it to him."

Nighmare nods as he waits by the door.

Dust shoots him an unimpressed look "You aren't on the lease and I don't want him to ask for more cash with you and cross technically living here."

Nightmare nods but still frowns at him "About before."

Dust is already out of his apartment. He walks down the hall and goes to the staircase.

All the way down to the ground floor before going towards the side door next to the staircase. He has to shoulder the door open and his shoulder already feels tender.

See?! This is why he tries to keep his landlord on his good side!

he follows the staircase down as he looks around.

Still no spider in sight.

Weird. Dust can't remember the last time he saw this little spiders around the building. wiht his landlord being a spider monster it is just part of the contract that spiders come and go wherever they want.

He gets to the bottom of the stairs and tries to light. Still out since his last visit it seems.

He looks around as he makes his way deeper into this den.

He still is unsure why the owner of this place wnats the shittest spot for himself. Then again maybe dark and damp places are things that spider monsters prefer? Even if Dust can see the mould growing in the corner.

He steps over discarded maps on the ground. Stuff about who lives where in the building and when the last payments were made.

He glances around "Tuff? I am here with the info?" He glances around again and glances up. he isn't near the ceiling.

Dust has gotten jumped by this guy one to many times. Some predator spider instincts that run high if he is on a bad trip or seomthing. Tuff is always apologetic about it and never actually hurt shim. As soon as Tuff catches someone his instincts calm and he wakes up.

Does't mean Dust enjoys the experience.

It is different!! When the others pick him up and move him around it feels diffferent! When Tuff does it feels... Wrong?

He gets to the back and spots the empty desk. Dust glances around again...

"Tuff-"

Something stabs him in the neck adn he feels his whole body spasm before he starts to fall over. someone starts to drag him out even as his body is still actively shutting down.

Dust struggles to move and glance around when a hand grabs his face and he is forced to look up.

His gaze is starting to grow hazy but he manages to see someone look down at him.

It is that guy! That council person! With the cult ring!!

"Sshh shh. No need to panic. Just a little of a change of plan. You are about to be the honour guest. Isn't that exciting?"

panic? what does? oh... his body is rattling... That isn't good. He thinks he made a noise? It is hard to focus...

He can't see anymore but feels his limp body be moved as the man speaks. his voice comes from far away...

"Don't worry about any left over debt you have little medium. It will all be payed back in full." a moment of silence "mmh?"

Dust struggles and thinks he asked why him. Why this? or maybe he tries.

A chuckle "Having someone able to survive and withstand the Banshee's breath? That is much to rare. You will be very useful very soon."

Dust feels the last of his mind slipping as the voice comes from farther and farther away.