404- Error Not Found

by scaredy_Cat_11

Summary:

In order to obtain peace one must factor a balance. Two or more forces keeping each other at bay. Stopping either from consuming the rest, preventing it from destroying any equilibrium built.
But what would happen if one side disappeared after a fight and the true cruel nature of the balance was finally discovered as the scales begin to slip.

OR

Error goes missing after sustaining a significant injury and the balance becomes somewhat overrun with creation. The positive council decides they have to find Error, but so does an unforeseen group of negative beings.
However when hes finally found his condition is less than … sub optimal...

Notes:

this is the first fic I've ever posted so it probably wont be great but I've really wanted to share this recently.

to clarify somethings:
-ink in this IS soulless but its a little less complicated
-error is going to be a bit more canonical
-it might turn into slow-burn but as of now there are no relationships
-cross is in nightmares gang
-error is known throughout the multiverse as a crazed monster who destroyed Au's but other than that not much is known about him
-the bad sanses are against the stars
-nightmare will be more fandom that canonical
-everyone else has their standard roles!

there WILL be bad grammar so plz do point out any mistakes !!!
enjoy ?

Chapter 1: unforeseen disconnection

A tight pain blooming in his chest rouses him from his spiralling thoughts, quickly reminding him of his current position, seated on a highly furnished oak chair placed in a room with solid ceilings that arch over a somewhat absurdly long mahogany table. That same table being surrounded by similar chairs filled with his peers and acquaintances. As the pain grounds him back to the real world, Ink’s gaze quickly sifts through the meeting hall, till it lands on someone he'd always regarded to be his best friend. Upon Inks' gaze becoming fixated on him, Dream abruptly turns his head to face the protector from his seat across the table, most likely being able to sense the rising panic and alarm from the guardian. Ink sending him an all too familiar look full of sorrow and worry. Dream quickly understands the situation at hand, gives him a quick nod of affirmation .Ink, receiving the signal, excuses himself from his seat and turns away from the other council members. Pulling forth his magic ,allowing it to drip off his fingertips and pool on the floor . As the droplets connect to form an black puddle ,Ink hears dream apologetically interrupt the current topic being discussed and begin to explain the new situation in a much more stern and collected voice. Dream gives a sparing glace back to Ink as everyone falls into a disorderly panic, only to see a few droplets rise and fall to the floor as an aftermath of the protector jumping in. Sighing at his friend's slightly reckless behaviour, he turns back to attempt to soothe the council which had, to some degree, broken out into mass hysteria.

 

As the world around him came into view, Ink began to scan over the world's code and noted that it was an underswap variant, number 134 to be exact. As he emerged through the ink portal he was immediately met with a view of the destruction caused.

The previously pristine world was now in ruin, vicious gashes displaying code were present in the sky, terrain had been torn down and signature blue strings could be seen entangled in the remaining landscape. And there in the midst of all the chaos stood a glitchy skeleton.

 

Error had always been a nuisance to Ink for as long as he could remember, though he supposes ‘nuisance’ was an understatement, a heavy understatement. Despite Errors’ insane and incredibly unstable psyche, Ink always wanted to befriend Error in a way, to understand the inner workings of his mind. But Ink was never sure if that was a true yearn for friendship or just an obsession … Probably both if he was honest.

Upon hearing a crackling shriek of a blaster powering up, Ink readied broomie at his side and began manoeuvring through various attacks. Weaving around glitching bones that sporadically jerked out from the ground.

After shortening the distance between him and Error, he was finally able to pull the destroyer's focus off the cowering residences of the AU and onto himself.

Seizing the moment he pounced, using his paint to propel himself as he closed the space between him and Error. The destroyer's attention suddenly snapped back to Ink as the protector rushed him aiming to get a good hit in. In retaliation, Error ripped fresh strings from his sockets, flinging them in Ink's direction. Reacting quickly, Ink leapt over the incoming onslaught of strings. However he was quickly stopped when a barricade of glitching bone attacks were summoned above him, forcing him to veer to the left in order to dodge them.

Error’s expression quickly lost the manic grin as his face fell into an enraged glare, his features darkening. The destroyer readied a blaster to attack but was promptly cut off by an inky portal opening far too close behind him. Before he had any time to react, Ink was already lunging for him, broom in hand and face twisted into a snarl that held more despair than hatred.

Error froze. Glitches prickling over his body at the close proximity. An agonising burning sensation enveloped him, rendering him useless to defend himself against Ink's incoming attack. His vision began to be clouded with error signs as he could feel the looming sensation of someone near him.

Suddenly, a sickeningly agonising pain made itself present as an obscure red liquid flowed over his right shoulder girdle, burying deep into his bones as it burned away any fabric covering it. A nauseating sizzle could be heard as the paint seared through Error's shoulder.

The feeling made him regret being able to perceive pain. It made him want to dig his phalanges deep into his skull and cause it to cave in, if only to stop the sensation.

As the paint tore fully through the bone he could feel the exact moment the limb was severed from the connecting socket, limply falling to the ground.

 

In a weak attempt to process the situation, which had all occurred in hardly a second, Error's hazy eye lights looked up from the detached limb to the space in front of him. Only to see the guardian skid to a stop in front of him, eyes glued to the discarded arm.
As Error's eye-lights met Inks. The destroyer's shock was reflected on the protector's face.

Ink hadn't actually expected the paint to hit error! He had thought Error would dodge the abnormal attack and their fight would continue on as usual.

Ink never really intended to hurt Error, at least not that much anyway… Ink wanted to help Error, he wished to acquire some kind of friendship or alliance with the glitch at least. But it always seemed like misplaced hope. Error was feared throughout the multiverse, an urban legend, a God above mortals. Error was quite literally a glitch in a system. No one knew about him or his origins, no one really knew his goals or wishes or even the reason for his destruction.

Ink always wanted to understand him. The only thing known was that Error was insane, unstable and dangerous. A psychopathic monster that wouldn't think twice about mercilessly killing anyone who hindered his ideologies.

 

As Ink stared at Error and Error stared at Ink, the silence stretched on. Both stuck in a state of shock that was only broken when Error stumbled backwards, head moving to gaze at the bloody gash in his shoulder where the limb had been severed.

Dark black marrow with glitching streaks of blue and red dripped from the wound, soon becoming a steady flow as the seconds ticked by.

“I… I'm ..” Ink slowly stuttered out, completely at a loss as he registered his actions.
He knew Error was strong but an injury like this was not only serious, it was painful.
He could tell Error was beginning to exit shock and enter pain as his glitches grew and he began to tremble.

In a poor attempt to help, Ink stepped forward, hoping to console Error or at least convince him to come with him to help him, to make amends.

Error's only response was to mirror Ink's action by taking a step back. The destroyer's fuzzy eye-lights connected back to Inks, a look of disconnection and …fear. Ink never saw Error scared, never cowering or retreating. The destroyer's expression quickly morphed into one of disconnect and derealisation as he took another step back.

Error’s left hand raised while he gained a faraway look in his eyes. He took a few more shaky steps back till he suddenly crumpled down into a portal that had formed just behind him. Ink moved quickly in hopes of stopping the glitches' departure, only halting when he realised Error was already gone. He had made no move to recollect the abandoned limb. Ink, only for a split second, caught a glimpse of the ever white void that Error had withdrawn back into.

The anti-void was well known to be Errors’ domain. He seemed to be the only one who could access it easily, while Ink was able to traverse there, it wasn't easy. Most often Error had it blocked and locked down, making it shockingly hard to enter.

And so, Ink was left in the semi-destroyed Au, the severed limb of the destroyer laying in front of him. Ink hesitantly walked towards it and with his relentlessly shaking hand, reached out and gripped the arm bringing it to his chest in a cradle like hold. one hand wrapped round the limb's wrist and the other clasped tightly near the point of detachment. Unsure and panicked, Ink sought help from his friends.

And so opened a portal back to the council building. Hoping to come up with a reasonable explanation as to why he was currently in possession of the most feared and depraved monster in the multiverse’ right arm…

Chapter 2: Reconnecting to server

Summary:

Ink returns to the council.

Notes:

Got this out after a couple days, wrote half of this in lessons
A somewhat shorter chapter but the next one should be a bit longer and will hopefully be out in the next couple days. :)

Also srry if Sci’s a lil OOC I went for the more morally questionable personality

heres my twitter btw if you wanna check it out, I post some things there <3
@JohnDoe1433261
(Scaredy_Cat_!!!)

enjoy ?

A cautious science had fallen over the council hall, all members riddled with varying amounts of panic and worry as the minutes ticked by and Ink was yet to return.

Normally Ink and Errors fights would last roughly an hour or two and although it had only been around twenty minutes, everyone was awfully jittery and nervous. Error had been getting more vicious lately, destroying several aus in a day. Ink was strong, one of the strongest in the multiverse but Error was stronger. Ink was almost always able to fend him off with minimum damage to a world .Ink was even able to take on all of Nightmare's henchmen on a good day. But as of lately, it felt like the fights were becoming more deadly…

The silence was suddenly broken when an inky portal opened in the far corner of the council room. After a few seconds Ink emerged from the puddle, carrying an item everyone was yet to identify…

Blue and dream instantly leapt up from their seats.
“INK! Are you ok-...” Blue stopped dead in his tracks a few paces away from Ink, After registering what Ink was holding.

 

“Oh my fucking stars….. “

 

All members rose from their seats and instantly rushed over upon noticing blues change in demeanour.

Before them the protector stood, bones shaking as he tightly clutched a glitching severed limb to his chest, the destroyer's severed limb. One of Ink's hands grasped around its wrist and his opposite hand clasped near the point of detachment.

The room fell even more quiet than before Ink was present. Several members dashing out of the room at the display.

 

Dream’s face had lost all its remaining colour as he slowly approached Ink, leaving Blue frozen behind him. Ink never looked up, eyes fixed to the rigid arm in his clutch.

Dream stopped just in front of him, placing a placating hand on Inks shoulder attempting to snap him out of his daze. The last members of the council who were still hanging back began to crowd round to view the situation, with Sci pushing through the gathering to the front.
He came up next to Dream, standing at his shoulder with a glint of fascination in his eyes.

Sci looked to Errors' detached arm, then to Dream and Ink.

The limb had a steady stream of marrow dripping from it, leaking onto Inks hand closest to the break.

The positive guardian tentatively reached down and clasped Inks hands in both of his, pulling the tips of his phalanges up to loosen Inks grip. All while Sci hastily grabbed the destroyer's arm in between Inks two hands.

Carefully with the guidance of Dream, he released the arm into Sci’s hold. Sci then scurried off to his lab, the limb tightly clenched to his chest as he pushed back past the other council members. With Geno scrambling to follow him and stop him from being overly reckless.

 

Ink felt numb, lost, disconnected. He didn't understand how it all happened. Ink only wanted to understand Error. He wanted to have a connection, figure out the reason behind all his destructive ascipates. Know his past and his feelings. Even just hold a conversation with Error.

But, now it felt like he had burnt any and all bridges of connection they had together.

He began to wonder how Error was right now, whether he was in pain or seething in anger.
Did Error hate him now?… Did Error hate him before?

Feeling a light, delicate touch on his shoulder and his fingers being pulled back, Ink was jolted out of his spiralling thoughts. Instantly locking eyes with someone, soft, warm eye-lights looked back into his. Oh, it was just Dream, what was he doing here? Wasn't he back at the council hall?

Coming back to the present, Ink surveyed his surroundings. Realising that he was in the council building, a heavy wave of disorientation came over him.

Noticing a weight being lifted from his arms, Ink focused all his attention back to the golden eye-lights in front of him.

 

Ink still hadn't said a word. The council associates still left in the room (the ones who hadn't run out in disgust) had gone unnaturally silent and pale at the grotesque site.

Dream carefully guided Ink down to his seat, a hand delicately wrapped around Inks forearm and the other still lightly pressed to his shoulder in order to keep him stable. Inks eyes were stuck to Dreams, the small pin pricks switched to a purple swirl and a green square, indicating his disorientation.

“Huh?..” Ink mumbled as he twitched out of his haze.

“Ink? Are you okay ?” Dream patiently asked in a kind, warm voice.

Inks only response was a small fragile nod.

 

“What.. What happened? H-How did that happen?” Blue cut in with a quivering voice, nervously coming closer to Ink and Dream.

Inks gaze looked down to his lap, interlocking his phalanges.

“It was an accident…” Ink uttered in hardly a whisper that anywhere else would be practically impossible to hear. However, due to the crushing silence of the room, Ink was heard perfectly.

The majority of the council turned to look at each other (everyone but Dream and Blue) in a confused shock.

Everyone had always believed Ink to hold malicious intent whenever he fought Error, fighting with the aim to kill. Error was a burden to the multiverse after all, the destroyer of worlds, the slaughterer of thousands. He was the most dangerous monster out there.

Dream and blue knew better than that though, they knew unnecessary violence upset Ink and his caring nature. they knew Ink's main goal was to help Error.

People tended to think that due to Inks lack of a soul and emotions, it made him a cold hearted killer.

But truthfully, Ink never wanted to hurt Error.

Just as Dream was about to console Ink and tell him that it wasn't his fault, Geno all but slammed into the door, swinging it open at full force, no doubt leaving a dent in the opposing wall. His expression was panicked and his eyes were wide.

 

“Y-you need to come see this….Now”

Notes:

dw soon we will get some Nightmares gang content xP
The next chapter will be out soon and should be a bit longer <3

Oh! and heres my TikTok It's a shared account with me and my broski
@shark_spazz
(boy kissers🦈🦑)

BYE!

Chapter 3: Bleeding connection

Summary:

A revulsion is made regarding Error’s condition
Ink makes a choice

WARNING: chapter includes mentions of self harm

Notes:

WOW. I'M A LIAR. it has in fact NOT been a few weeks.
It's been far too long and I'm so sorry, life got swept from under me with school and all the tests.
And unfortunately this chapter isn't quite as long as I hoped, however, I've regained some motivation and hope to get chapters out more frequently soon.
So sorry again, but thanks for all the support.
<3 toodles
Sorry if there are any mistakes I will edit later 😭🙏

Everyone followed Geno down to Sci’s lab in a hurried, stumbling and bumping into one another, with Geno leeding, Dream, Bule, Reaper and a very distressed Ink at the front of the jumble of the council.

After finally descending the steel stairs and weaving through corridors, the members reached Scis lab. A large white room with the feel of a doctors office. Housing surgical tools that's appearances definitely shared less than an ideal similarity to several instruments of torture.

As everyone filtered into the room the first sight they were met with was a very confused and dazed Sci who was stood, hovering over a table at the centre of the sterile room. On the table lay the arm. Surrounded by blue cloth underneath it, a small camera on a manoeuvrable metal rod was placed just above the limb, connecting to a large screen just off to the left of the table.

The screen was currently only displaying black but it was clear that it had recently been turned on, a small green light that was perpetually flashing at the bottom right of the screen revealed that.

As Geno held back and ushered everyone over to the table, Sci jolted and spun on his heels to glare at the others who were keeping their distance, unsure of the current threat or reason for concern.

Very little often shook Sci, it would take a lot to make him this panicked and seemingly nervous. Sci had the tendency to disregard general morals in favour of his research so his experiments were often highly unethical. The majority of those studies causing harm or distress to others.

So with all that considered, seeing Sci so distraught only caused further alarm to break out over the council.

 

Lifting the tense silence, Ink spoke up
“What happened? What did you find??” He inquired somewhat frantically.

In response Sci simply stepped to the side, silently inviting them over to the metal table.

Ink, Dream and Blue hurriedly stood at Scis side with the other members crowding round. Sci grabbed Error’s disconnected hand, slowly turning it over in order to expose the underside of its wrist.

 

Deep lacerations littered the entirety of the arm. Claw-like indents had been engraved deep into the bone, the dark bones having strikingly vibrant red gashes and cuts wrapping round the radius where it connected to the carpal bones of the hand. The ulna still had some of Error's signature blue strings tightly wrapped around it, serving to further prove that the majority of these wounds were self-inflicted. Carved deep into the carpals that made up Errors palms were gaping scrapes, raked in tracks in the bone where Errors talon-like phalanges had dug into them.

The glitch was never known to be self destructive, him mainly spreading distruction to others gave that impression. That and the pride Error seemed to carry himself with, never backing down from an enemy in battle.

 

Time seemed to slow to a halt as everyone absorbed the state of the limb, realising the glitch’s mental state might not be quite as stable as they had previously thought. Error was known to be insane of course but…not like this. People never really stopped to consider Error’s personal life. What Error did besides destroying was a complete mystery. All that was really known was that he resides in the antivoid, and what he did in there was only up for speculation.

Even Ink was never entirely sure and he was the only other known person who was able to access the place. And yet every time he came to see Error, whether that be for another futile attempt at peace or another wasteful offer of friendship, Error was never there.
Very few times had Ink managed to actually find Error ,not in battle. bOnce he found him in the antivoid, curled in on himself in a cardboard box, bleeding profusely. However before he could even offer his help Ink was promptly kicked from the void and then banned as error set up a firewall.

The other time was when he happened to stumble upon Error in outertale, standing worriedly close to the cliff edge, yet this time Ink chose to keep his presence hidden, choosing to not alert Error of his stalking.

Error had stood at that cliff edge for almost two hours, gaze fixed at the stars above before it slowly drifted down to the vast emptiness below him. Every so often he would inch slightly further over the edge, till eventually only Error’s heels were on solid ground. The next time Error attempted to shuffle further is when Ink finally caught on and sent a paint chain to wrap around Error and pull him back from the cliff top. However before it could properly grasp around him, Error had slid to the side straight through one of his freshly summoned portals, without even looking at him. Ink didn't see Error for months after that.

Those two instances caused Ink to realise that there was more to Error. That maybe he wasn't a monster who needed to be apprehended and killed but instead caught and saved.

 

The council looked on with faces twisted with a mix of horror and shock. The arm was completely mutilated. In a state that was in such a gruesome fashion that the wounds would appear to have been torture rather than self inflicted.

The heavily weighted silence that had settled over the group was soon severed by Ink
“I-I never thought he would do this, I didn’t t-hink he was this bad….”

Ink had only ever told Dream about the incident in outertale. And Dream, after some not so careful consideration, chalked it up to Error just having a manic episode or something along those lines and being in such a delirious state that he didn't process his own actions. Truthfully neither of them really believed that, they both realised this was a much bigger issue. But they had both refused to acknowledge it.

No one really seemed to process Ink's words, all far too caught up with their own reeling thoughts. Sci didn't even seem to look deeper into Ink's comment, choosing only to take it as Ink being in shock and just mumbling nonsense as he often did.

“I… I am currently unaware of the circumstance in which these injuries were administered, However I think it would be best to start attempting to observe Error from afar, and take advantage of this potential weakness.” Sci’s distraught tone was quickly masked by his much more technical and monotone voice.

At Sci’s stamemt, almost everyone's heads snapped in his direction
“I'm sorry, are you crazy? Going anywhere near Error is an immediate death sentence, and you want us to observe him?!” Red snapped. Appalled at Sci’s utterly absurd request.

However Ink was much more perturbed by Sci’s lack of mercy.
“What!? We shouldn't take advantage of him like this! This could be an opportunity for a truce!!” Ink protested at Scis cruel suggestion. Opting for a much more merciful and peaceful approach.

In an instance the council broke out into a furious debate at whether to take this as an opportunity at peace or termination. The majority seemed to lean down the more violent route. People like Dream, Ink, Blue and a few others protested against the idea of kicking someone while they were down. While others like Red, Geno, razz and more were all convinced that it was fair play.

As the dispute evolved to full blown argument it was quickly dispersed by Dream’s commanding shout
“Enough! No matter what conclusion we come to, we have to find Error before my brother does. No doubt he'd take advantage of this situation, who knows what he’d do to convince Error to join him…”

As the realisation of that set in, an anxious quiet fell over the group as all the possibilities of Error teaming up with Nightmare and his gang ran through their heads.

“Stars, you're right… we can't let that happen. We’ll just have to get to him first” Blue said, a thoughtful look falling over his face.

“Well now how the fuck are we meant to do that ? Isn't that exactly what we've been doing for years now ?!” red exclaimed, utterly exasperated at the suggestion.

“Well yes, understandably it's still not a positive situation, however we may actually have the slight upper hand here.” Sci chimed in, cutting off red's previous arguments.

“We could use this ‘slight upper hand’ to help him! We've been fighting for years and hardly any good has come from that, so shouldn't we use this as an opportunity for peace!?” Ink expressed after sci’s comment.

“Stars Ink, you're simply far too optimistic. You're being foolish. Attempting to reason with that psycho will cause nothing but more strife. “ Razz added, shooting an unapproving glare at Ink and Dream.

As it became clear that an overwhelming amount of the council was beginning to agree with the idea of violence ,Ink made a choice.

A choice that would alter everything.

 

He grabbed broomie off his back and swept a line of back ink onto the floor in one swift motion. The ink began to expand into a larger puddle that he instantly sank into before anyone could register or prevent the action.

 

He emerged from the puddle, alone, into an old forgotten AU that the inhabitants had abandoned . He gave the grassy field a quick glance to ensure it was empty and pulled up a code screen.

And just as he had hoped, the anti-void was unblocked.

Notes:

SORRY AGAIN ❤️🔥🙏🗣️‼️
Twitter : Scaredy_Cat_!!!
@JohnDoe1433261

Tiktok: @shark_spazz

Chapter 4: self-sufficient anti-virus

Summary:

Ink finds Error. well most of Error.

WARNING:
this chapter does have gore/described injuries, self harm and suicide (?)
please be cautious while reading if any of those things might effect you and please comment if i need to add anymore warnings.
enjoy?

Notes:

This chapter unfortunately wasn't quite as long as I hoped it to be, but I wanted to get at least something out. The next chapter should be out sooner as I have more of an idea for what I want to do with it ! As always , if there are any grammar/spelling mistakes please let me know and thank you for all the support. <3

The anti void had never been a pleasant place, Ink had no idea how Error ever managed to withstand its abrasive atmosphere. The space, having no confines or boundaries, left him feeling far too alone, trapped despite there being no walls. The Anti-void made him feel so alone yet, never once did it feel like the expanse was empty. Despite the fact he had no soul and struggled with emotions, Ink always felt tremendous amounts of dread in this place.

What made the anti-void more eerie however, was the vibrant blue strings that hung from the ceiling. They stretched far beyond what the eye could see. They draped down from the towering “sky” like a web. Entangled in the mass was the occasional soul weaved amongst the strings. It went on for miles.

Ink endured the crushing atmosphere in favour of pushing forward with his journey. As he continued to walk, the blinding white slowly became more inviting, like an overly harsh embrace.

Ink kept his eyes locked on the “ground” finding it almost painful to stare at the trapped souls hung from above. Error's actions were beyond questionable.
He was seen as this malicious entity with an incomprehensible amount of power, but Ink just couldn't help but see more in Error. He refused to believe Error was just that, a moralless monster. He believed there was so much more than that. Ink saw Error as someone mindlessly acting out in agony, someone crying out for help. But maybe that just made him naive, Ink was never sure.

Despite their differences, he felt a bond between them.

 

Amongst the perilous white of the anti-voids’ “floor” a colourful scrap caught his eye. He stopped just before the piece, bending down to inspect it. Ink picked up the cloth, rubbing his phalanges along the ruff fabric. It was a very dark navy blue, appearing to almost be black. This is a part of Error's coat…Ink realised.

Ink trailed his vision upward, what greeted him truly was a horrific site.

Error's limp corpse hung from his own strings. Left arm fully extended outward, pulled taught. His skull was slumped over, his chin touching his sternum. His strings had been repeatedly wrapped together to form a thick noose that strained against Error's neck. His legs remained unbound but you could tell that his right leg was broken to the point the bone appeared to have been shattered. String clung to his torso, leaving his coat and shirt ripped. From the unnatural angle at which his spine was bent, it was clear Error’s vertebrates had been severed in several places, leaving his spine broken. His skull had cracks running all the way throughout it, with almost all of his parietal bone being shattered, leaving a gaping hole with jagged edges. Both his eyelights were distinguished.

He had been completely mangled.

But despite Error’s fatal injuries. His body did not dust.

 

Ink didn’t process what was in front of him.
All he knew was that it scared him.

He stood looking at his “rivals” brutalised corpse. He looked at the sight in front of him with a reserved numbness, feeling the effects of his previously consumed paints drain from him.
And yet he was scared.

He observed Error's expression. His face was almost completely emotionless, totally and utterly disconnected.

It reminded Ink far too much of something he couldn't quite remember…

In that moment, unexpectedly, the entire weight of what he was seeing crashed down on him. He was scared, he was horrified, he was sad, he was disgusted, he was lost. And so , instinctively, he fled to the only comfort he knew.

 

After Ink's sudden departure, the council’s squabbling stopped. A ringing silence replaced the bickering and the only sound that pierced through was Dreams' exasperated sigh. He looked out over the council, a few had the decency to appear apologetic, several stood there sheepishly, most however, gazed around perplexed. Dream took the opportunity to speak now that bickering had ceased. With a dejected sigh, Dream addressed the council.
“Meeting dismissed. We shall request your return upon any further updates. Thank you.”

After several more confused and conflicted glances, accompanied by a sympathetic hand on his shoulder from Geno, everyone began to filter out the room. Leaving just him and blue.

“Do you think we should go find Ink?...” blue asked as him shuffled closer to Dream
“No, I believe he entered the anti-void, we are unable to follow…. I'm sure he will return soon however.” Dream replied, closing his eyes and intaking a deep breath to steel himself.

“Right… Well! Let's head home and wait for him there. I'll make you some of my infamous tacos! “ Blue exclaimed, his voice regaining its usual upbeat cheeriness.
Blue linked his arm through Dreams and pulled him out of the depressing meeting hall.

Dream couldn't help cracking a smile at his friend's antics. Blue’s positivity always uplifted the tired guardian. And after a day full of uncomfortable oddities, Dream appreciated the comfortable familiarity, allowing himself to be pulled back to their hideout.

Notes:

thank you all for the support so far i love reading your comments <3

also slight spoilers for the future but i feel it is important to say that Error will not stay dead so don't worry I didn't just kill him off 😭
anyway hopefully see you soon

my twitter - @JohnDoe1433261
(Scaredy_Cat_!!!)

❤

Chapter 5: dialled-in dial tones

Summary:

dialled-in: (informal) to direct all your effort and attention on.

 

Nightmare reflects on some things and Dust and Killer stumble upon something unexpected.

Notes:

I feel like this chapter is straight ASS 💜 but here we are.
I've sort of given up on getting a timely upload schedule but I'm going to try and get them out quicker than this. As always if there are any spelling/ grammar mistakes please feel free to tell me. Feedback always helps. I've finally got more of an idea for this story and won't be abandoning it 😭 yet...
In other news, I finished my comically large Error cardboard cutout.
I also just want to add that Errors haphephobia will be present in this fic, and as of currently, nobody is aware of Errors crashes (or really anything about his glitching or phobia).

Enjoy (?)

Another day, another failure . Nightmare thought bitterly to himself. He was currently sitting in his office, a dreary and defeated feeling laying over him.He was at his mahogany desk, head in his hands.

For the past few consecutive months, Nightmare had been trying to gather intel on a certain destroyer. However , said destroyer was a near impossible to track entity with an unidentifiable amount of power. No matter how much nightmare had attempted to track him, as soon as Error would display a pattern of visiting a few specific AUs, he would spontaneously disappear for an undisclosed amount of time, only to resurface with a completely different pattern. It frustrated him to no end.

While nightmare understood the sheer amount of power he and his gang held over the multiverse, he found it to simply not be enough. He thought knew positivity still outweighed negativity, the balance between emotions had become more erratic recently, entirely out-of-sorts, seemingly dropping far too heavily into either side. Not enough to tip the scale for that long but long enough to cause a multiverse-wide disturbance.

The recent bother had been greatly troubling the negative guardian. The constant sporadic influx and then rapid decrease in negativity throughout a multitude of AUs has been causing quite a strain on Nightmare. Leaving him weaker and feeling fatigued. Forcing him to stay behind on missions, supply runs and other strenuous tasks.

 

His current predicament however, led to him refocusing on an old desire of his. 

 

Error. 

 

The destroyer had always captivated Nightmare’s attention, ever since his first sighting in the multiverse was reported, he had been enamoured with Error. The spectacle of a being who wields enough power to access and edit a world's very code and then harbour enough insanity to destroy it and all those who resided in it, shifted something in Nightmare’s cruel and corrupt soul. A morbid fascination. At this point however, it had somewhat developed into a problematic obsession . Though he was awfully good at hiding his intrigue. Well, he likes to think he is at least.

He hid the numerous books he had written, full of every minuscule detail and aspect he could gather on Error, away behind a small painting in his study. The folders full of blurry photographs he had taken of the destroyer and rough sketches he had depicted of him, were kept locked away in a drawer in his main desk. Not that he expected anyone from his little rag-tag gang to enter his office, well Killer maybe, but he didn't find it unreasonable to be cautious.

Despite Error’s erratic patterns of visiting AUs, Nightmare noticed that he tended to frequent Outertale. The destroyer seemed to take solace in the starry AU after battles, as he was always injured whenever Nightmare managed to catch a glimpse of him. Though another thing Nightmare noticed was that Error never seemed to be free of injuries, allways sporting broken bones, cracks in his skull, his clothes constantly soaked in blood (his and/or others), new or old wounds always visible. Nightmare didn't feel sympathy for people. He didn't .

 

But…something about seeing the infamous destroyer in such states pulled on his twisted apple heart, the urge to help and heal was always strong when he saw the glitch.

He had spent countless nights scheming plans to recruit Error, however, most of them have proved to be fruitless endeavours thus far. Honestly at this point he was tempted to just outright pick him up and take him, and if he could catch Error at outertale he liked his chances.

 

But, for some unknown reason Nightmare felt he wanted the glitch to trust him. Something about abducting and upsetting him sent a painful pang of hurt through his soul.

 

Something Nightmare thought he had stopped being able to feel a long time ago.

After mulling some of those thoughts over, Nightmare stood from his desk, pushing his chair backwards. His gang was currently out on a simple supply run. He still wasn't sure how he felt sending them out on a mission without him. He knew they were all very capable, but with the unpredictable state of the multiverse right now…he could feel shallow worry seeping into his bones.

---

 

Killer walked further into the snowy forest, Dust trailing behind. Horror and Cross had insisted on him being elsewhere as they made the trades for supplies. Because, according to Cross, Killers ‘ constant crude remarks’ would mess up the trade. And then Horror insisted on coming with him to prevent him from ‘harassing people ’. But Dust assured him he would accompany Killer instead, leaving Horror to deal with counting the food supplies. They knew it would give Horror some peace of mind.

 

The halt of footsteps from behind him shook him out of his recall. Killer turned to address his companion.

“You good, dusty??”

Dust continued to stare ahead, acting as if Killer hadn't spoken. Dust was unnaturally tense, sure he was always tense and on guard...But now he was just freakishly still. 

Like he was scared.

 

Turning to get a good look at what Dust was gaping at, Killer enthusiastically spun on his heels.

 

Killer's face soon mirrored Dusts’.

 

“....?”

 

In the distance, curled at the base of a tree, partially buried in snow, was The Destroyer .

 

…Unconscious and shaking.

Unmoving .

 

Despite being confused at the display and honestly a little terrified to be this close to Error, Killer felt a steady rise of excitement in his twisted soul. This was something new.

 

While Killer wouldn't exactly say the multiverse was boring, it had become repetitive as of late. With Nightmares abnormal levels of instability and the worry that wormed its way into him because of it   things at the castle have been stressful. Everyone was slightly more on edge than usual due to the lack of missions.

 

But this? Not only was it the most unexpected and perplexing thing Killer had seen in a while.

It was an opportunity.

 

Unlike Dust, Killer recovered from his shock quickly and began to approach Error.  Because like hell was he gonna’ miss this chance.

 

Now that he was closer, Killer could see the injuries that the destroyer harboured, the worst of them being a severed right arm and a broken zygomatic bone that stretched to his left eye socket, leaving the edge jagged and bloody. What was more odd than the ,quite frankly, devastating injuries. Was that Error’s eye sockets were full of buzzing glitches that obstructed his eyelights, that and the small bar above his head that read

ERROR.EXE HAS CRASHED

REBOOT 12% COMPLETE

 

The number didn't seem to be moving. And nor did Error.

 

By this point, Killer was crouched in front of Error, leaning on his heels, while Dust slowly shuffled over.

 

And with an absurd lack of caution, that Cross would certainly call moronic. hypocrite . Killer reached out and lightly grazed Error's still intact cheek.

Dust tensed and hunched in on himself, expecting Killer to instantly keel over on the spot and turn to Dust, but …

 

Nothing happened .

 

Killer's already wide grin grew to one of pure unfiltered sinister joy. 

This really is a great opportunity.

The boss is going to be ecstatic.

 

Notes:

I'M SO SORRY FOR HOW 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓴𝔂 I MADE NIGHTMARE IN THIS.
I was going for a slightly more canon gang but that just won't happen.
They all care for each other but won't admit it. Gay asses💜
I was listening to the Midsommar soundtrack while editing this, highly unsettling, anyway, the next chapter will focus some more on Error and the gang and hopefully Ink and the stars, wishful thinking.

Hope to see you soon and stay safe. as always,
-Finn

Chapter 6: Missing variable

Summary:

where is everyone right now ?

Notes:

Happy holidays !!!!-wait… oh .. that's my bad...
Anyways, hope this finds you all well, next chapter has already been planned. And I totally wrote this cause i was stalling for Errors chapter, but that's sorted now so, yippee. Also putting that freshly added dreamberry tag to use.
(On a side note I SWEAR there will be Error/Ink eventually 😭)
This chapped might be a little fast paced but writing is hard when you don't know what ur doing 😞. Anyhow, feel free to point out any spelling/grammar mistakes, it helps a bunch, thanks !

After the council meeting , news of the destroyer's disappearance spread far and wide across the multiverse. People came together. Everyone rejoiced and cheered, celebrating their new found safety.

 

Almost everyone.

 

Somewhere, in a far corner of the multiverse, in the underground of an old pacifist timeline, the protector sat. deep in thought.

 

Ink had wormed his way into a small nook in a cave wall in Waterfall, looking at all the dazzling crystals and the blue flora that crawled their way into the stone.

Normally Ink would have found the tight space suffocating and claustrophobic, but after the events of the past few days, the vast expanse of the multiverse just felt a little too big, like he was in deep water and had nothing to hold onto.

 

So to stop himself from drowning, he had sought out this AU. It was empty, the only sounds being the calm breeze sweeping through the blue echo flowers at the mouth of the cave. That and Ink's own breathing.

The wind didn't carry any dust, the AU was empty but not because everyone was massacred, but because it was an entirely pacifist timeline. Everyone living their lives, just some miles above Ink's current position.

 

It was a comforting idea, that everyone was living happily, much like the cold stone against his back. The feeling stopped his thoughts from turning frantic and the steady drops of water down the cave walls stopped them from stalling completely.

 

Ink didn't know how long he'd been here now, he refused to move. He couldn't stop thinking about the fight. The extreme guilt he had been feeling earlier had run out as he slowly ate -well,drank - away at his paints; the only thing left being his sorrowful, clear, calculating thoughts.

 

He knew logically that Error wasn't a good  person, so harming him was for ‘the greater good’ right?...But Ink didn't want to hurt Error. Sure they had exchanged some harsh blows before but nothing as serious as dismembering one another-

And now, as the multiverse cried in delight at Errors (a real person with feelings and thoughts, someone who was constantly viewed and perceived , someone like him -) disappearance. 

 

Ink couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong .

 

---

 

A loud crash followed by several things shattering, wasn't an unusual thing for Nightmare to hear in his castle, however, the loud obscenity shouted by Horror was a tad odd. At Least it felt like no one was gravely injured.

 

Nonetheless, Nightmare had deemed the commotion strange enough to investigate.

 

Focusing on the Gale that was his mens emotion (Dust-concern and wariness, Horror - panic and rising confusion and …Killer-absolute buzzing excitement( that's probably not a good sign)) and merged into the shadows melting down to join them.

 

Re-merging and reconstructing into the living area did not in fact solve his curiosity but instead, gave him a plethora of new inquiries.

 

The sight that greeted him certainly was quite odd indeed.

Dust stood off to the side, eyes squinted in what was mostly disbelief and regret, face contorted into a wince. Horror was to the left of him, slightly hunched over, eye blown wide with panic, and his arm outstretched as if he had thrown something ? In front of him was an axe embedded into the wall… ah that explained it. And just right of the axe was Killer.

 

Charming   Infuriating smirk still plastered on his smug face, sockets full of pride.

 

Focusing on Killer, Nightmare noticed pretty quickly what the issue was.

 

Laying in killers arms, entirely unresponsive, was Error.

 

….

…

 

Well. This is quite peculiar.

Dream had finally settled back at the star's base with Blue. 

Sat in one of the, quite frankly, comically large sofas, mug in hand.

 

Blue was in the kitchen, assembling the tacos that he insisted would make Dream feel better, Dream always appreciated his friends' efforts.

 

While preparing the food just behind him, Blue continued rambling reassurances that ‘Ink will be here within the hour, I'm sure !’ and that ‘Ink wasn't answering their calls because his phone was probably just dead!’. (The remarks were slightly dampened by the fact Dream could feel the swell of anxiety gnawing at Blue) He knew Ink could take care of himself but it still did not help to quell his worries.

 

Giving into the cosy atmosphere of their base, Dream at least tried to take his friends' words to heart. He sunk into the cushions of the sofa, letting out a heavy sigh, allowing his shoulders to drop despite not losing any tension. He leaned his head back and let his eyes slip shut, letting the warmth of the tea in his hands soothe some of his frayed nerves…

….he really should drink it before it gets cold.

 

Right as he lifted the mug to his teeth, Blue walked in with a tray of nicely put together tacos.

Blue gracefully put the tray down on the small coffee table, a pleased smile forming on his face as he took in Dreams' content expression. He joined Dream on the sofa, sitting next to him, shoulders just barely touching.

Feeling the sofa sink next to him, Dream cracked his eyes open, meeting Blue’s beaming expression. He smiled warmly at his friend, letting his lead loll onto Blues shoulder, his mug now resting in his hands just on his lap.

The pair sat there in companionable silence for a few moments, letting the stresses of the day quell. 

 

Blue shifted his position in order to grab his mug he had left on the table beside his friends, doing his best not to jostle Dream from where he had buried himself into the crook of Blue's neck.

 

This was nice, Blue was here, Blue was safe, Ink would be back soon…They were okay.

He would guard them, keep them safe.

 

Dream's shoulders dropped, almost all tension seeping out. Letting the minutes go by as he finally let himself breathe. Things were okay…They were safe..

 

…But who ever thinks to guard a guardian…?

 

A violent strangled gasp was ripped out of him. Tearing himself away from Blue as he hunched over, forehead touching his knees.

Burning cold had engulfed his soul, snuffing out the warmth. Frigid pain gripped him making him forcibly shake as waves of vehement discomfort racked through his frame.

As soon as Dream let out that shrieked gasp and doubled over, Blue had already grabbed him in a panic, pulling him close, tightening his grip in an attempt to stop Dreams shaking.

Several tense minutes passed, Blue silently fretting over Dream while simultaneously trying not to increase his discomfort. Blue settled for rubbing his hand in a circular motion on Dreams back in an attempt to comfort his friend.

 

Once the tremors had settled down, Dream shifted, turning over so his face was pressed into Blues lower ribs, arms wrapped tightly around his middle. Still trying to calm down and return his breathing back into a steady rhythm.

 

Now that the horrid burning had quelled, he was finally able to identify what had caused the onslaught.

 

From deep within his soul, Dream could recognise the dread that began pooling there, the uncomfortably unnatural emotion. Sickly faux sweetness acting as a thin veil for something sinister. Corrupted cheer.

His brother's happiness.

Something had delighted Nightmare…

And, stars, that can not be good.

 

Addressing the looming threat, Dream reluctantly removed his face from Blues ribs, looking at him as tears pricked at his sockets. The comforting hand that had been circling his upper back stuttered but didn't stop as Blue and Dream met eyes.

With his throat hoarse and scratchy, the only thing Dream choked out was,

“ something is wrong… ” 

Notes:

cause of the mess with TikTok heres my twitter if you wanna check it out, I post some things there <3
@JohnDoe1433261
(Scaredy_Cat_!!!)

Chapter 7: A bug in his system

Summary:

Ink returns to the base, Blues happy to see him. Dreams currently unavailable.

Notes:

I'm tripping over the massive plot holes in this but i swear after Errors chapter it will feel more chronological 😭
Anyway this is kind of the last filler chapter ( maybe ).
Also the grammar and spelling in this might be a bit off, my bad.💔🥀

 

 Something is wrong…

After finally scrounging up enough energy to move from his comfortable nook, find and charge his phone, Ink knew something had happened. He saw the absurd amount of missed calls and unread messages from Blue and instantly his lethargy drained away, replaced by a faint but prominent panic gripping the empty cavity in his chest. Not even returning the calls or reading the messages that had no doubt delved into frantic babbles, Ink was on his feet.

He had spent far too long moping and stressing about everything. Too long ignoring what he'd seen… and what he hadn't… 

Errors’ mangled corpse flashed through his mind, but just like before, he dismissed it. It wasn't real, after all.

 

Pretending the problem didn't happen wont make it go away. 

There was no way Error could have done that to himself.

*It hurt to think about.

In the desolate surface world he was currently in, he let his inky magic pool around his feet, scraping together to form a portal back to their shared base, simultaneously reaching for and uncapping his green vial from his bandolier. Bring the glass lip to his teeth and downing a good mouthful of calm. If something had happened and his help was needed, being calm and prepared was a necessity.

The moment the vial was securely back in its place, Ink let himself be swallowed by his portal. A dizzying rush of weightlessness washed over him for a split second before vibrant colour swam back into his vision, replacing the voids’ unyielding and unbroken black.

 

Pulling himself back together, not wasting a moment, Ink swivelled on the balls of his feet, whipping his head around in search of his friends.

Muffled scrambling could be heard from upstairs, somewhere around the Blues room. Fast pace steps along the corridor, to the top of the staircase.

Ink rushed forward, only getting about seven steps in before meeting a very frazzled looking Blue halfway up.

 

“Ink! Thank the stars you're here!” Blue’s usual bravado and projected confidence had diminished to shaky syllables and swells of uncertainty. Not to mention he looked half dead on his feet.

“Blue! What happened !? I was just in an AU- thinking- when I saw your message- well I didn't see see them because I didn't want to waste time but now I am because I'm asking whathappenedinsteadofhelping- Oh Blue I'm so sorry ! Here ill-” Okay so maybe he hadn't taken enough green. 

Ink continued blabbering, his panic only rising at the feeling of blue igniting in his ribcage as he carried on spluttering and rambling about how this was all his fault-

 

Two heavy hands planted on his shoulders, shaking him out of his growing hysteria.

A pair of brilliant cerulean eye lights met Inks, steady and familiar, though considerably more dull than usual.

“You're Okay Ink. This Wasn't Your Fault. No One Is Upset. It's Okay.” Blues words  seemed to coax the previously ingested green out in Ink. A clear head replacing his previously muddled one. His erratically changing eye lights settled on two green rectangles, a gentle gradient going from bottom to top of the shapes, starting at a darker kelly green and fading to a serene lawn green.

 

A now cool and calculated voice responded “ Okay, I understand, Thank you Blue.”

Genuine gratitude filled him at his friends' consideration. 

Ink took an unnecessary but familiar amount of air to steady himself further, letting his eyes slip shut to prepare for the situation at hand.

 

Meeting Blues exhausted sockets, Ink spoke.

“Okay. What's happened? Where's Dream?”

Blue snapped to attention, his normal energy renewed just a bit.

“Right! Come with me.”

Blues ungloved hand grasped Inks, dragging him up the remaining steps in long strides.

It was… odd to see Blue without his gloves, he was very particular when it came to his uniform. But Ink supposed nothing as of late had been very normal….

 

“Somthings wrong with Dream” Blues voice was quiet, small .

 

But those few words brought all of Ink's attention back to the present, chipping away at some of his green , letting frigid panic hit him. But only for a moment before calm washed over him, dulling the panic to a slightly less prominent but definitely still there, worry.

The small tremor that went through Inks hand, the one Blue was still firmly gripping, was Inks only noticeable response to the statement.

“An Unexpected And Unexplainable Illness Has Hit Dream. We Were Awaiting Your Return When A Sudden Onset of Symptoms Overcame Him. This Was Only Around An Hour Ago. However, He Has Been Feverish And Delirious Since.”

Dreams' state hadn't exactly worsened since the original coughing fit, however it was worrying how out of it he was. Blue was only able to pick out a few words from his incoherent mumbling, but what he did gather was ….. Concerning. Dream had been whispering about his brother, obviously too feverish to understand his current reality.

 

They continued their ascent up the stairs, reaching the recognisable, winding hallway, rounding a few corners on the way to Dream.

 

Ink was not as calm as he hoped to be, hearing that Dream, of all monsters, was ill really threw him off and doubled the panic he had repeatedly pushed down. Much like Ink, Dream was rarely troubled by ailments, he was essentially a God after all.

So the fact that he had been affected by something meant it wasn't a simple sickness, meaning Ink might not be able to fix him- help him. It meant it was most likely a multiversal issue, something to do with the twins’ balance. Something Ink couldn't control directly.

 

While Ink was musing though his thoughts, they had reached Blues room.

Out of all three of them, Blue by far had the best room. While Inks room was uncomfortably cluttered and Dreams was depressingly barren, Blues room was perfectly furnished, a wonderful mix of coziness and cleanliness. So, logically, Blue had decided to bring Dream to his room while in his vulnerable state. There was nothing weird or oddly intimate about that! Just good friends being good friends!..

 

Anyway…

 

Blue reluctantly released his near bone-bruising grip on Inks hand, giving it one last parting squeeze before pulling away entirely. Raising one hand to knock on the door and the other to grip the brass, circular handle. The knock was more of a courtesy thing as Blue doubted Dream would be coherent enough to answer the silent question.

As expected, a few seconds after two short knocks, no reply was given, only the faint rustling of sheets could be heard. Deeming it acceptable, Blue pushed the door open.

 

 

Ink was knocked out of his slowly spiralling state at the sight of an immaculately well kept, familiar, baby blue door, speckled in little golden stars. That and the comforting grip wrapped around his phalanges hesitantly slipping away, leaving his hand empty and cold. Ink wanted to question the disappointment he felt about that, but decided now wasn't the time.

 

They stepped out of the hallway and into the welcoming presence of the room.

Blues room was littered with all types of memorabilia, from comics to trophies to things others had gifted him. Blues room had a rather simple layout, a small, slightly flimsy wooden desk with a dark blue swivel chair pulled up to it. A couple bookcases towering around the space, stifled with action figures and various other items from his various other interests. Blues overhead light gave off a dim, yellow glow, matching the many fairy lights draped around the room. A large sun lamp casted the place a constant sunset, bathing the single bed next to it in a warm and comforting glow. 

 

Said bed was absolutely smothered with pillows of canary yellow and vibrant butterscotch, silk blankets with intricate patterns, an absurd amount of cushions that were practically overflowing from the frame. The sheets were a deep blue, and the duvet was a perfect gold with the same dark blue swirling in spiral patterns throughout the cover. Two pillows at the head of the bed to match. And there, encased in all the lavish fabrics, sprawled out, was a frail looking Dream.

His face was flushed a sickly yellow, his bones slightly more ashen and grey. He writhed around, bunching up the many blankets he was previously wrapped in. A thin sheen of sweat had formed over his skull.

 

A violent wave of blue crashed over Ink. Seeing his friend suffer caused a painful pang of what he hoped was empathy, rather than pity, rang out in his empty chest. It was followed by the faintest sparks of red, who it was directed towards? Ink wasn't sure. He knew it wasn't towards his friends. He knew the Creators didn't have to let this happen .

 

With varying levels of hesitance, not from lack of care, Blue and Ink both entered the room. Ink was kneeled at the bedside in seconds, while Blue approached with uncertainty, unsure whether to wake Dream from his fitful rest. 

Blue stepped up beside Ink, crouching down to the same level. Ink rested his chin on the bed, looking to Blue with wide, nervous eye lights. The left was a sad blue tear while the right was a vivid green square.

 

“This is wrong .” Inks voice was a quiet mumble, so far from his normal, self assured tone.

“I Know, Ink...”

Blues' voice was starting to match Inks, both out of their depth and lacking certainty.

 

The pair looked back up to their friend, who had slowly begun to writhe less and less, now in a more stable sleep.

 

Blue didn't understand. Dream was completely fine one moment and then the next he just … wasn't. It was safe to say Blue was pretty distraught, Dream never got sick, not like this anyway. And nothing he had done was helping! Not the cold rag on his skull, the mountains of blankets, his pathetic attempts to use green magic. He'd begun to feel useless, so he just sat by Dream, holding his hand in a white-knuckle grip. Waiting for Ink to arrive. 

 

However, unlike Blue, Ink did understand. He knew what had caused this sudden bout of sickness. He knew what he had to do.

In one steady motion, Ink stood. Blue looked at him with blurry eyes, bone brows pinched in an unspoken question.

 

“I'm going to fix this.”

 

The words were quiet, bordering on a whisper. But in the silent room, the promise was loud.

 

Ink had to get to Nightmare. 

And to do that.. He had to find Error.

Notes:

"DREAMBERRY WORLD DOMINATION" I scream as I'm dragged into the white room.

Notes:

hopefully i will get another chapter out soon if anyone wants <3