In the dimly lit lair of the Nightmare, a hushed atmosphere prevailed. The air was heavy with the lingering scent of negativity, as if it were a tangible entity that clung to the walls and seeped into every crevice. Nightmare, his body draped in shadows, sat pensively beside Zinn, who lay motionless on a makeshift cot. His long, sinuous tentacles, the embodiment of his dark powers, had left their mark on the visitor.

Zinn's body, now soaked in the essence of negativity, seemed to be struggling against an unseen force. It took a full half-hour before the machine finally flickered back to life, its mechanical systems slowly rebooting. Nightmare, growing increasingly anxious, couldn't help but mutter to himself, "Oh bother, what have I done?"

With Zinn's revival, the room seemed to hold its breath. As Zinn's blank gaze swept over the surroundings, Nightmare's expression shifted from concern to sternness. "Zinn, can you hear me?" he asked, his voice tinged with a hint of urgency.

Zinn's face, a canvas of neutrality, displayed a fleeting hint of discomfort. The corners of his mouth twitched, an awkward smile struggling to form. "I'm... back," he managed, still processing the unfamiliar environment.

Nightmare's eyes narrowed. "This... This is the base of the Underswap crew, my companions." He watched Zinn closely, waiting for a reaction.

Zinn's monotone voice echoed through the room. "I know." His gaze drifted towards the closed door, a signal for another arrival.

Startled, Nightmare blurted, "You knew all along?!"

The door creaked open, and Killer, clad in his signature black attire, hesitantly entered. Upon catching sight of his leader's reproachful gaze, he quickly straightened, his scythe clicking softly against the floor.

Nightmare, a mix of surprise and irritation, quipped, "You live in this mess?!" His words hung in the air, a testament to the disarray that littered the room.

Zinn, clearly puzzled by the sudden change in topic, tilted his head slightly, his processors still catching up.

Nightmare sighed, realizing his oversight. "What I mean is, since you're part of the team now, you'll be staying here. But, well, we need to tidy this place up first."

Zinn's eyes widened in understanding, his gears finally clicking into place. A faint glimmer of amusement flashed across his screen.

Nightmare, feeling a touch of embarrassment, chuckled nervously. "Right! How could I forget?" He shook his head, a silent admission of his own oversight. The room, once filled with tension, now held a hint of camaraderie as the two began to settle into their newfound partnership.