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“Hey Dream, do you know what I was supposed to be doing tonight?” The skeleton with the colorful eyelights asked the one with golden eyes.
“No? We don’t have any missions or meetings until next week. You said this is supposed to be an off weekend, remember?” Dream replied, confused.
Ink paced around the house, doing his best to find out what he was missing. His memory hadn’t always been this bad. He knew that in his nonexistent soul. He knew there was once a time where he was happy, healthy, and a normal monster. He knew he had family, but he couldn’t remember their names or faces.
His family. Right. Ink was supposed to be doing something with his family. But where?
“We need to go somewhere.” Ink spoke. To dream, this was normal. Ink always forgot something, and always needed to go or see something to reignite his memory. Yes, it was random. But it wasn’t a surprise.
“Are we bringing Blue?”
“No. No this is supposed to be just me. But I think you can come too, I remember someone else being there and they agreed to let you make an appearance next time.” They always brought Blue. Dream doesn’t remember a time since Blue joined the Star Sans’ that they hadn’t brought Blue with them wherever the two immortals went.
The duo walked out and around the house, far enough into the woods that Dream started to get suspicious. He had explored all of the surrounding forest around their house, he knew there was nothing left aside from a few ponds and cliffs. There were no more houses, no connecting portals that he could find. Dream wondered if Ink had forgotten what he was doing, and just picked a direction to walk.
Wouldn’t be the first time.
“Are you ready?” Ink asked, suddenly stopping next to a large oak tree and faced Dream.
“For?” He questioned.
“You just have to trust me on this. We are going somewhere. I don’t really remember where, but I know I will when I see it.”
Dream took a sigh and built up his courage before nodding. Jumping through a portal without a set place in mind was dangerous. Doing so with ink was even worse. His portals were ink splats on the ground, and they always made Dream nauseous. No matter how many times the duo traveled together.
Ink took his hand as the two dropped into the floor. A few disorienting movements later, and they were in a Snowdin. They arrived deep into the forest, the cold chill biting at Dream’s exposed bones before his magic negated the feeling. Ink looked around a bit, still holding onto Dream's hand, and muttered about whatever he was looking for not being here. They sank into a puddle again, popping up in an Outertale’s version of waterfall.
“Not here either. One more try, it’s close. I know it is.” Ink stated, half to himself and half to Dream.
“Ink, wait.” Dream started, dragging Inks attention back to him. “Where are we going? What are we looking for?”
“I don’t know.” Ink answered honestly. Dream looked exasperated. He began to speak but Ink cut him off. “But! But. I know what it feels like. It’s important, Dream. We have to move before the creators come back. We can’t look for this again until next year, so we have to do it now. While there’s still time.”
“Alright. Last try though, Ink. I’m starting to get sick from all the AU jumping. Then, I want to go home. You can keep at it until you find it, or we could split up.” That made Ink smile. It was a soft smile, one that Dream didn’t get to see often. It was a smile that brought warmth to Dream's soul, either from his own positivity or from whatever faint emotions Dream could feel from ink, he didn’t know.
As they fell into a puddle once again, Ink felt it. It was a beacon of power and pain. It was familiar yet Ink had no memory of it. It led him out of the AU and into the void in between. There was a certain spot, he couldn’t see it but he could feel the shimmer of magic. A platform, his mind supplied. The landing spot.
Ink threw both himself and Dream at that spot. They two suffered a small sting of pain as they flew through the void before landing. It wouldn’t be enough to cause any damage, Ink’s family made sure of that.
As the duo materialized, Dream felt two things at once. The first was the overwhelming need to puke. He was standing on something solid he could not see, giving him a sense of vertigo and confusion. He had traveled through Ink’s teleporting system which was hardly ever fun. And he was just thrown through the void, scarring Dream. This was the problem with teleporting without a destination, you end up in the between. He looked towards Ink, wanting to confirm the two were not dead and Ink had a way to get them out of here.
That was when Dream felt the second thing. Happiness. Immense joy emanating from the one person who shouldn’t be able to feel anything aside from faint emotions. Ink turned towards Dream, a large and genuine smile on his face.
“Welcome, Dream. Welcome to the one place you can be yourself.” The two locked eyes for a moment while Dream was in shock before Ink’s smile turned mischievous. And didn't that just add to his shock, Ink was feeling multiple emotions at once. He never even glanced at his paints as his emotions changed.
Ink started to run, yanking Dream along with him since the two never let go of each other. Dream didn’t know where they were going. He couldn’t see anything but the inky black of the void. Ink shifted his weight, carrying Dream’s momentum as he all but shoved Dream forwards.
“Ink!” Dream cried, fearing a deadly drop further into the void. Instead, he felt magic envelope him and the surroundings change color. The black that once felt suffocating turned into a more open and homey blur of colors. Likely because it looked like a house. Dream could see a couch, a TV, a colorful rug in between the two, and so much more.
“That was so rude.” A glitching voice spoke as Dream heard Ink laugh non-stop.
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry! It was too funny to pass up!” Ink replied. The comforting magic around Dream dropped, letting Dream hit the floor with a soft thud. Dream looked to the magic user to thank them for their help, and what he saw made his soul freeze in place. Not only were Ink and Dream here, but so was Nightmare and Error. Behind Error, Dream could see who he believed was named Fresh, Geno, and even Death himself.
“Ah yes, Just throw my brother to the ground. Break his bones, why don’t you?” He heard the sarcasm in Nightmare’s voice. If Dream wasn’t on guard and confused before, he definitely was now. Two enemies and three neutrals all in the same room as him, joking around with each other as if they were best buddies. Not even including the fact that Nightmare openly and willingly called Dream his brother. Something Dream had wanted for centuries, yet was always denied. Nightmare held out a hand to Dream, wanting to help him up. Dream was too suspicious to take it, and Nightmare rolled his eyes before grabbing and forcing Dream up anyway.
“Did you not explain anything to him?” Nightmare deadpanned at Ink.
“Uhm- well. No? Sorry. You know my memory went to shit all those years ago. You can’t blame me.” He deflected.
“It’s dandy, my little yellow broski.” Fresh pipped up as he teleported beside Dream. “Night-man here will hand ya the deets, yea?”
“Yes, I will inform my brother.” Nightmare sighed, somehow understanding what Fresh was talking about. Nightmare began to walk towards the couch, Dream followed soon after. As Dream sat somewhat near Nightmare, he noticed the others in the room get into a small group to talk about whatever.
“There’s no easy way to explain this. So I’ll be blunt and start at the beginning. This is an area that Ink and Error created.”
“Together?” Dream interrupted, shocked the two could even be near each other right now. Just yesterday the two acted as if they hated the other. Just yesterday, Nightmare acted as if he hated Dream. Nightmare gave him an annoyed glare before continuing.
“Yes, together. Back then, before either of us were born, Ink actually had a soul and a great memory.”
“But wait-” Dream started, causing Nightmare to sigh. This was going to be a long explanation. “Ink told me he was created without a soul?”
“Do you really think he could remember if he did or not with how spotty his memory is now?” He asked, not waiting for a response before continuing. “Ink’s Mother, Fate, had begun to force both Error and Ink to do things they didn’t like. Ink created worlds filled with nothing but pain, and Error killed innocent monsters. They created this small piece of land in the void to get away from Fate.”
Dream tried to ask another question, to ask if Nightmare could clarify some things. How can fate have a child? Wasn’t fate just a thing, not an actual person? How does one be able to move about in and be sane in a void long enough to create a stable house? The void was painful, it tore at the soul until it was scattered all about. How come fate couldn’t reach them here, what was so special about the void? Did it have powers Dream wasn’t aware of?
“Save your questions for after I explain the story.” Night said before anything could leave Dream’s mouth. “Now, since the two were, and honestly still are, constantly under Fate’s watch, they could only meet every now and again. Once a week became once a month, which soon turned into once a year as Fate put even more pressure onto the two. Somewhere in between the yearly meetings and the current tentative schedule, Fate took Ink’s soul as punishment. Now, Ink hardly remembers to come here, it’s usually just Error and his brothers. Death and I have only been joining for less than a century.”
“Brothers? Fresh and Geno are Error’s brothers? I thought they all came from different AU’s?” Dream said. He had a bunch more questions, but those were the most pressing.
“Yes, brothers. By blood and magic, actual brothers. I was shocked too, don’t worry. Essentially, Fate messed with all of their minds and souls. Error’s brothers forgot they were related at all, forgot all of their memories. It took a long while for Ink and Error to find the other two, even longer to get them to remember what happened.”
Dream had so many burning questions. But he knew his brother wouldn’t be happy if he kept interrupting. Dream wished he had a pen and paper to write all of his questions on, but a quick glance told Dream that Ink was busy with the rest of the monsters.
“When we were born, Ink had already begun to lose his memories and emotions. His slip on reality caused Fate to have enough leeway and influence our story. It’s why I am the way I am, it’s why we fight. I don’t want to fight, brother. But I am forced to just like Error and Ink.” Nightmare confessed. Dream could feel some guilt and shame bubbling past Nightmares usually calm composure.
Sudden and loud music broke the tension between the brothers. The three gods and Error’s brothers had begun to sing and dance
“Sleep tonight, we will talk more then. I’ll explain whatever questions you have. For now, let's have some fun.” Said Nightmare, those words not being something Dream had ever thought would come out of his mouth. What dream expected even less was for all of the negativity and goop that covered his brother to fall off and disappear. Underneath was his brother, almost just as he remembered. Nightmare was taller and more fit than before. But he wore the same shade of purple clothing. One of his eyes held that same sickly teal color, that part of his skull still being covered by the goop, and the other was his old lavender eye color. Nightmare reached into a portal and grabbed his shiny, golden crown. Dream had to keep himself from tearing up. He thought his brother had broken it a long time ago.
The brothers joined the group, and for the next while the odd mixture of monsters partied. At some point, wine was being passed around in a circle. Everyone let loose, ignoring what side of the war they were each on. They ignored their past traumas in favor of living in the moment. Dream saw a side of everyone he never knew existed, didn’t think he would if not for Ink inviting him.
When the vibes started to calm, Dream realized he was tired. He went to sit on the couch only to be grabbed by Nightmare. A questioning glance and an eye flicker to Death and the three backed away from the others.
“Just wait, and you’ll see something cool.” Death spoke as they stood together. Error and Ink shared a look, grinned, and snapped their fingers. The once homey room became something more like a club. It was as if everyone was teleported to a new location, but Dream couldn’t feel any leftover magic lingering on his soul. That must mean the surroundings were changed to however the godly duo liked.
Death led the trio to an open booth so they could sit. The other four got up onto a stage and music began to play. It was familiar to Dream, yet it held a sad tone. It only got worse when Dream listened to the lyrics.
“He says, ‘Ink, I believe this is killing me’ as a smile ran down his face” The others on stage quieted down as Error sang. He changed the name to Ink’s but held the same meaning. Dream could feel how Error put his full soul into the words, how it meant something to them. “Well, I’m sure I could be a movie star, if I could get out of this place” He sang, looking up to the ceiling. Yes, Dream was sure. This song held more than just emotions. It held a past the four shared. Error was the main person singing this song, backed up by the others.
A moment after the song ended, the next started. This song held a very different tune. It seemed as sad as the first, but this one didn’t seem to hide the pain like how the other did. This song seemed to be based more for Fresh, while lyrics that stood out this time came from the chorus, which everyone sang.
“My shadow's the only one that walks beside me.” Sang Geno, and he looked over to Death. Dream could feel a sense of love in those words, as well as sorrow.
“My shallow heart’s the only thing that’s beating.” Sang Fresh as he gripped his eye socket. It confused Dream to no end, yet Fresh had always been odd like that.
“Sometimes, I wish someone out there will find me.” Sang Error. Dream was picking up how Error wanted nothing more than to not be here, wherever here was. Maybe he meant his job?
“‘Til then, I walk alone.” Finished Ink. It reminded Dream of how alone Ink must have been as he forgot his memories, as he lost his mind. And as he eventually couldn’t connect with the others anymore.
The third was full of rage. Geno sang it, and it fit the skeleton surprisingly well. Whatever happened to these four, they held resentment.
“We’ll never get free, lamb to the slaughter. What you gon’ do when there’s blood in the water?” Geno sang with the beat. The anger in the room only grew as the song progressed. Nightmare must have noticed it start to get too much for Dream since he began to absorb it and give Dream a few concerned glances. “The price of your greed is your son and your nephews. What you gon’ do when there’s blood in the water?” Geno finished, changing the lyrics like Error did.
Dream put a few things together. That must be why Error and Ink were so close at the start of their lives. They were cousins, close ones too. Dream was sure now, what happened was bad. It was bad enough that it caused even Fresh to let out his anger and drop his ‘radtastic’ composure he naturally held.
Not too soon after the third song started the fourth. This one was more for Ink, although like all the rest, Dream could see how the others would fit it too. The main chorus wasn’t the area that held the most emotion, oddly enough. Although that was where the song picked up the most and where everyone sang together. Rather, it was a verse.
“I found my mind, I’m feeling sane. It’s been a while, but I’m findin’ my faith.” Ink sang alone. Nightmare chuckled at something beside him, something Dream didn’t understand. “If everything’s good and it’s great, why do I sit and wait ‘til it’s gone? Oh I’ll tell ya, I know I’ve got enough. I’ve got peace, and I’ve got love.” He swung to the song. “But I’m up at night thinking I just might lose it all!” He gripped at his skull as if he was about to go into a panic attack as he spoke the last few lyrics.
There was a fifth song, and Dream wondered just how much these four needed to get off their chest. The fifth wasn’t for anyone in particular, yet it was for them all. Unlike the others, the whole song held immense emotion for the four on the stage.
“As a child, you would wait and watch from far away. But you always knew that you’d be the one to work while they all play.” Fresh and Geno started the song together, singing in harmony as they directed the words to Ink and Error. Their emotions were different, yet so similar. Both singers held guilt in their souls, just for different reasons.
The four sang the chorus together, all emotions clashing and syncing.
“The time will come when you’ll have to rise above the rest and prove yourself, your spirit never dies.” Ink and Error picked up together. “Farewell, I’ve gone to take my throne above. But don’t weep for me, ‘cause this will be the labor of my love.” Dream was hit with pain and sorrow once again. That must be why The other two felt guilt, because Error and Ink took the fall for whatever happened. The others could only watch. Dream was learning a lot about his other multiverse inhabitants, and he was learning a lot he didn’t know before. A lot no one will ever know, not until the small family could be free.
The chorus played twice more. He was physically knocked back by the magic pouring out. As they sang, their bodies began to change simultaneously.
Ink’s eyes was the first thing Dream noticed. They calmed down, no longer changing shape and color every time he blinked. His eyelights turned a beautiful mix between gold and red. Not mix as in literal, his eyes weren’t orange. But more like a red base with specks of pure gold nestled inside. His ink splotch on his cheek grew and changed, turning gold as it did so. It peeked out from under his clothes, leaving a few similar colored splotches dotting his body.
Error’s eyes changed too. The multicolored and different sized eyelights evened out and turned a dark purple with the same golden specks inside. His red and yellow tipped fingers became a golden to black gradient starting at his fingertips. The blue tracks under his eyes disappeared completely, a golden design taking its place and trailing down his neck under his clothes. The glitches surrounding his body lessened considerably.
Next was Geno. His eyelights shifted to become the same as Error. Where Error’s glitches subsided, Geno’s grew. It never looked unbearable, and it was still less than Error’s used to be. But it was more than Dream had ever seen Geno have. As the glitches came and went, Dream could see pure golden bone, as if the glitches were a hole in some type of illusion magic, showing Geno’s true form.
Fresh was the last Dream focused on in the short span of time. From the little bit of uncovered bone Dream could see, it looked as if Fresh had multiple tattoos spanning across his body, each glowing in the same golden color all the skeletons held. When Error took Fresh’s glasses, Dream could see that his eyes had also changed to match with Error and Geno.
Nightmare laughed at Dream as he saw the look on his face. Death looked over before snorting too.
“Beautiful, right?” The deadly skeleton asked.
“I don’t think that word could even describe them right now.” Dream answered.
“Etheral.” Nightmare said after a beat. The other two on the booth could only agree.
The next song was a drastic change of tone. It was much happier, and Dream soon saw why. It was more of a love song, and the three on the booth were forced into the dance by Fresh. Rather literally. Fresh grabbed each of them and shoved them towards the three left on the stage, as he took a seat on the booth. For the rest of the night, Dream was surrounded by laughter and excitement.
Eventually, Dream knew he would have to leave. He figured Ink would become forgetful and emotionless once again, and wouldn’t remember this night until the next time he joined the others in this area of the void. Dream also knew he had so many questions he needed to ask Nightmare later that night. But for now, he would enjoy himself and get lost in the emotion-filled room.