Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Blue lies on his bed, head spinning. 

It has been a week since he vowed to not support The Creators’ horrible commands for their creation. A week since he denied their desires. A week since he stood up against them.

In that week, they’ve been requesting more and more horrible ideas. Of course, he has denied them.

Denying them, always. Because who wouldn’t?

It’s always horrible ideas. Never anything good. No happy universes, peaceful universes, or anything.

And always, they end up trying to do it on their own.

And after, he is left to clean up their mess.

He said he wouldn't have a repeat of this. What a joke. It’s near impossible to control things like them.

Ink couldn't. So how could he?

But still, like his predecessor in a way, he tries. Unlike him, however, he’s not fighting for something selfish.

He’s fighting for something that's right.

Ink… He can't tell if he misses him or not. And Error… he doesn't miss him at all. Nobody does.

Who would? Even though he was fighting for justice, at least some of his time alive, his actions were horrible. 

Nearly nobody knows about their demise. They still think they're alive! 

Is that a good thing? To be ignorant?

His head hurts.

The Creators scream in his mind.

He has his CD player on, next to his motorcycle bed. It blasts music, to shut out their voices. 

He hasn't told many people about them. Dream, that one Sans, Nightmare… That's it.

Should he tell someone else? It feels like there's someone he knows that should know, but doesn't.

Who…

Ow. Headache.

He’s hurting his skull over this. But it feels important.

Like he’s forgetting someone.

Who are the other outcodes he knows?

Ink and Error are gone, so not them. Dream he’s already told. Nightmare already knew, but forced the information out of him anyway. Who…

Oh.

Shit.

Frisk! Core Frisk! Stars above, why did he forget the only person that wasn't a near copy of himself?

How does he get in contact with them again? Uh… 

Dream would know, right? But he doesn't want to bother him, especially now! He needs to rest, not to worry about something like this.

Ugh…

He hasn't seen Frisk much. And to top it all off, he knows Frisk even less! 

This is just annoying.

How did he get to the Omega Timeline last time? Dream led them there through…

Right! Doors! You get there through doors!

How did he forget? That was their whole back-up plan when… 

When they launched the attack on Error. The failed-but-succeeded attack on Error.

But they said they wouldn’t ever want anything to do with them if the attack failed. And failed-but-succeeded is still failed. 

Hell, do they even know that it succeeded in a way? Do they even know the consequences of it he’s having to deal with?

He should be more upset than them. Sure, people got scared and probably retraumatized, but nobody from the Omega Timeline was killed! Nobody was kidnapped, hurt, or…

Made into something like him.

Something like him.

He sits up, head pounding. It hurts, but he is going to have to talk eventually.

Standing up, he turns the radio off and is overcome by a flood of voices.

“Blue, listen!”

“Blue, we need your help!”

“Blue, you can't just deny this forever!”

“Blue!”

“Blue!”

“Blue!”

“Bl-”

“Shut up!!!” He shouts. “I need to talk with someone, so I’d appreciate it if you'd just be quiet!!!”

Some of the voices stop, but most don't.

Of course they don't stop. He grabs his head, it pounding still. It hurts like hell, and they're just making it worse.

At least a few of them stopped.

He rushes to his door, thinking. Please, he needs to talk to them. Please, just let him in.

The door opens…

To just a regular old hallway.

No. No, no. 

Ugh! Why is he even so worried about telling them, anyways? Sure, it’d be nice for them to know, but…

He closes the door.

And opens it again.

Still, nothing. 

He shuts it.

Open, shut. Open, shut. Open-

“Blue.”

A voice from behind. Specifically…

Core Frisk’s voice.

They’re sitting on his bed, staring at him intently. Even though their eyes are empty, it’s like they’re staring daggers through him.

They look upset. Upset, at him.

He turns around, looking back at them. “Frisk. We need to talk.”

“Yes, we do, don't we?” They gesture at the spot next to them, telling him to take it.

Blue walks over, and does. “A lot has happened since we last met. I don't know where to even start.”

“You talk like we know each other well. We don't.” Frisk states.

“I know that.” He says, already stressed. “Where do you want to start?”

They make a face, thinking. There's so many things. So many things they want to say.

There's some feelings they have in their chest. Some suspicions that they assume right. 

Start with those, perhaps?

“Universes have died since we’ve last met, and not of natural causes.” They start, causing Blue to look to the side nervously. “I have a feeling that it was not Error who destroyed them, for multiple reasons.”

He sweats, head still pounding. They don't know yet, but he doesn't know how to tell them. He should just let them talk.

“Those being?” Blue questions.

“It did not appear that anyone attacked from inside the universe, which is Error’s normal way of doing so.” They look at him, suspicious. “ That means that the attack had to come from the outside. A place he doesn't have access to.”

“What are you implying?” His nervousness grows, questioning whether they're saying what he thinks they're saying.

“You. He turned you into the same thing he is. And I have a feeling that it was you who destroyed these universes .” Brows furrowed, they glare at him. “Why?”

They did know? They knew that, of all things? So why do they think those two are still alive? A look of shock covers his face. 

A look of shock, that gives it all away.

“So it was you.” Anger fills their expression, fists balled. “Why? Why did you destroy those universes? And how? How were you able to do it in that way? Did Ink let you go to the doodlesphere? People lived there, people died there, I thought you'd-”

“I do. ” He interrupts their upset voice. “Trust me, I know more than anyone! My home is dead, remember?”

“I know, and that's what confuses me. Why would you do something like that? You, out of all people?” They ask.

“I’m…” He sighs, realizing how dumb he’s about to sound. But he’s experienced this firsthand.

Explain himself, the best he can. And the best he can is start from where they left off.

“How much have you seen?” He asks.

They place a hand on their head, clearly stressed. “I have avoided watching. Seeing you two after what has happened is too much for me to bear.”

He gives them a weird look. “Then how did you-”

“How did I know you wanted to come see me?” They finish. “Because I have been keeping an ear out. I told Dream I would let you two contact me, and I am not one to break a promise.”

Okay, so they haven't seen much. If at all. If that is good for him, he doesn't know.

His head pounds with The Creators' voices.

Scratch that, the more talking he does the harder it will hurt.

This is going to be a long conversation.

Better start with the hardest stuff.

He breathes in, and out.

The hardest stuff…

“Ink and Error… You don't -” His throat tightens at the thought of what had happened. “You don't know what had happened to them, don't you?”

“You talk in past tense. Why?” Concern fills their voice with the question.

“I- I-” He covers his mouth, not knowing how to say it. This is still so hard to deal with.

Hard to even say.

“What happened to them?” Frisk demands.

He moves his hands to his eyes, trying not to cry.

Strong. He has to be strong.

“Error pulled Ink int o the void . B- Both of them , they'r e gone. ” He manages to finally say. “They're gone , and I… I watched them go. I couldn't save Ink in time. Error stopped me.”

The look of anger, the look of concern, vanished from Core Frisk’s face. Their eyes widen, horrified.

“W- What…” They breathe. “I- Is that why…”

“Why what?” He responds.

Why they could still see them. Why they knew they were somewhere. Why, despite that, they didn't know where.

Puzzle pieces are put together in their mind, painting a terrible picture.

“I knew… I knew they were somewhere.” They admit, voice shaking. “But- But I didn't…”

It sounds odd, to hear their usually firm voice sound like… this. For once, their voice reflects like they appear.

Like a child.

Blue moves his hands from his eyes, looking back at them. They look so scared.

And they haven't even heard the worst of it.

To comfort them, he goes to pat their back. Gently, he tries to calm them down. 

He looks down at them. Stars, they look so small. “I’m sorry. I know this is my fault, but-” 

“No. It- I can tell. This isn't your fault.” They look up at him. “You tried to save him, didn't you?”

“I … Yes , I did.” He admits. “But that 's not the point . I failed, and they 're both gone.”

They tug at their sweater, a habit they do under stress. “Then why are universes still dying? Why did you do that to them, even after all of this?”

Blue looks away in shame, taking his hand back. “I didn't… I didn't have a choice. But I- I- I didn't want to, I swear.”

“L- Like how Error didn't want to?” They ask.

Stars, how is he going to tell them that that's exactly the case?

“Y- Yeah… Like how Error didn’t want to.” He pauses. “You were right, you know.”

“Right about what?” Tears fill their eyes, melting from those empty, hollow sockets.

“Ink.” He shakes his head. “Ink was wrong. He lied to us, and… and I don't know how to feel about it.”

They stare at him, dumbfounded. “E- Explain.”

He inhales, then exhales.

Somehow, he has to tell them.

“I found out when Nightmare kidnapped me. Ink… He wasn't here to protect this place, so he was able to get in.” Blue says.

“Was Dream not able to stop him in time? ” They ask.

He looks down. “I don't know. But… I don't blame him, either. He wasn't doing well when I got to see him again, so it's not his fault.”

“O- Oh.”

“A- Anyways…” He continues. “When I woke up, I was in Nightmare’s dungeon. I heard voices in my head, and what they said… I couldn't believe it.”

The Creators chatter at the mention of themselves.

“Hey! Don't say anything bad about us!”

“He won't. Right, Blue?”

“Considering his current behavior, I’m not sure…”

“Ugh…” He presses a hand up to his head. “Even now, I hear them. If I didn't know better, I’d think I was going insane.”

“Do you need a doctor? I can take you to a doctor, if you’re willing.” They respond.

He looks down at them, questioningly. “No, no , it's- it's fine. They won't be able to help with this, anyways.”

“Oh…” They sigh. “S- Still, what did they say? How do you know you're not going insane?”

Blue doesn't want to talk about this, but he has to. “Because everything they said… About Ink being wrong and Error being right, and me having both of their powers-”

“Repeat that for me, i- if you’d please.”

Oh, right. They knew about one of those, but not… “I- I have both their powers now. Error’s and Ink’s. The Creators, they were right. I destroyed the cell Nightmare was keeping me in myself.”

“And that's how you got out, correct?” They respond.

He nods, not wanting to talk about the other details. “Things happened after that, but that's the gist of it. We found out something about Nightmare, but…”

They furrow their eyebrows. “But…”

Blue shakes his head. “I don't think it's going to lead to anything. Dream wants it to, but I just- just don't trust his brother enough.”

“I get that…” They frown. “But how does that lead to you destroying universes? If Ink is gone, and Error was right, surely there would be no need to-”

“Because I created something . And…” He rubs his eye socket. “An d they didn't like it.”

“The universe was not bad, was it? You don't seem like the type to make a place full of suffering.” They comment.

“You're right, it was, ugh… ” His head hurts just from thinking about this. About them. “...It was a positive AU. Dream wasn't doing well, but they didn't and still don't seem to care about that.”

“Why?” 

Why? The answer is stupid.

“He’s going to talk bad about us.”

“He is talking bad about us.”

“But it's true.”

“Framing, guys. The way he’s framing us isn't-”

“HUSH.” He commands, receiving a surprised look from Frisk. “I- I’m sorry, it's just… I have to deal with them talking every single day of the week, hour of the day, minute of the hour, second of the minute!”

His tone increases as he goes on and on, and Frisk notices. Wanting to calm him down, like he did to them, they place a hand on his shoulder.

He looks down at them, at their worried gaze. “Hey. Do you need to-”

Suddenly, the door creaks open.

“Blue, are you oka-” Dream peeks in, freezing at the sight of Core Frisk. “Oh stars.”

Silence ensues as the three of them stare at each other. 

At least, silence for Frisk and Dream. Blue sighs. The Creators don't really give him that luxury, nowadays.

How did Ink deal with this? Hell, how did Error deal with this?

Did they even deal with this at all? 

He recalls Ink overworking himself, not ever stopping to take a break as he created. Him overworking himself, as Error destroys in an insane rage.

Was that, at least a part of it, because of them?

He will never know.

Not even the people that knew them well know.

That's not fair.

Dream is in front of him, staring directly into his soul.

He shouldn't have to deal with him and his messy, messy emotions.

He should keep it together.

But it's so hard! So, so hard!

He can't-

Suddenly, Dream pulls him into a hug.

“Hey. Shh… Breathe with me.” He says, stroking his back.

Blue wraps his arms around him, and buries his head into his chest.

“In… Out… In… Out…” Dream says with each breath. 

He follows his lead.

“What were you two talking about, anyways?” He can hear Dream ask.

Frisk responds. “Catching me up, I suppose. I am just curious as to why I was not informed sooner.”

“We’ve been busy.” He says.

“So I have been told.” Blue can't see it, but they squint at Dream.

“Do you want me to finish off this conversation, Berry?” He asks him.

Blue lets go, now calmer than before. “A- Are you sure?”

“Yes, or else I wouldn't be offering.” Dream replies, moving to take the spot next to Blue.

The bed is almost full now, but it's long enough for each person to have enough wiggle room. 

“Blue was just telling me about when he made an AU for you… and the failure that soon followed. ” If Frisk had eyes, they’d be focused directly at him. “Do you happen to know anything about that?”

“I…” He looks to Blue, and the other nods. “Yes, I do. I woke up one day, around a week or so ago, and found a portal open in front of the couch.”

“It was Blue’s, wasn't it?” They ask.

They look at Blue, and he nods.

“I see.” A look to Dream, from them. “You went in, didn't you? What did you see?”

“I saw…” Dream sighs, looking at Blue again for confirmation. He nods, so he keeps going. “I saw the doodlesphere. It looked different than Ink described, but…”

“It’s because of me.” Blue butts in. “I- I’m the new god of creation, so it reflects me instead of him.”

“Ah. I assume that does make sense, doesn't it?” Frisk says.

“Mmm…” Dream shakes his head, getting himself together. “When I came in I saw Blue destroying something. I- I didn't know what to think at first, but he quickly explained it to me after.”

“I told him everything I knew .” Blue says. “I told him about what The Creators said, what they thought , and… and we just talked.”

“We also talked about Nightmare. Eventually, we’re going to try and save him, when we feel ready enough.” He continues.

“And that's where we are no w.” He sighs. “There's a lot of stuff that's happened recently, and… it’s a lot. I get it if you're up set.”

Blue leaves out the part about how The Creators are trying to force him to create these horrible, horrible things. Just thinking about it makes him want to throw up.

He can't let Dream know about it. He can't let Frisk know about it.

Hell, he can't let any other outcode know about it.

There's only one other person who knows, and…

He hopes he doesn't tell anyone else.

“I- I’ll have to think about this.” Frisk says. “Should we tell everyone else?”

Blue looks at them. “They deserve to know, after everything.”

He’s being a hypocrite, considering how he's hiding some of his suffering, but…

This is more important information than that.

“It’s not as easy as just telling them, though.” They sigh. “If they knew, then they wouldn't trust me. So they’d riot. Then that would cause more people to get hurt, and I don't want that.”

“Frisk is right, unfortunately…” Dream looks down. “From the little time I spent there after, things seemed tense. I don't think we’d want to make it worse.”

The Creators chatter in his head with various objections. For once, Blue finds himself agreeing with them.

“They deserve to know . Isn't that enough of a point to tell them?” Blue asks.

Dream places his hand on Blue’s shoulder, and looks at him. 

Blue looks back, upset.

“Hey. I know you want everyone to know, but it's not going to help anyone.” He looks to Frisk, and then back to Blue. “Right, Frisk?”

“Right.” They confirm. “I don't want anyone getting hurt because of this, and I don't want people to stop trusting each other either.”

“Ugh…” Blue’s head pounds. “I don't agree with this, but we’ve already been talking long enough. I need to rest.”

“I see. I also have other things to do, now that I know this information. ” Frisk says, beginning to get off the bed.

Dream gets up as well, as if wanting to tell them something. He gets off as well, following them to the bedroom door.

Blue looks at the both of them, a bit suspicious, but just sighs in defeat.

He’s too tired for this. It’s too loud for this.

They're too loud for this.

So, as he watches Dream and Frisk converse, not paying attention to any of their words, he gets up and turns the radio back on to full blast.

Ignoring the both of their concerned glances, he lays back down and tries to relax.

Shutting his eyes, the radio tunes out everything.

He can feel eyes on him disappear, muffled noises turning into nothing.

Eventually, he can feel himself falling asleep.

Stars, he needs to do so much.

Hopefully he remembers to talk to Frisk about all this later.

Frisk originally had plans to do something else, something more important.

But that could wait.

Dream had told them that there was someone that could possibly help them. 

Maybe he told them because he could feel how they felt. That being, not very well.

They saw how Blue was breaking down. After they found out everything, it was a bit hard to be mad at him.

Before everything, Blue was a mortal. After everything, Blue is a god.

They’ve been through something similar, they suppose.

It was hard, they know for a fact. 

Blue had lost more than they did, though… 

So they decided not to show how they really felt.

They are upset. A bit of that was shown, but not all. 

It’s to the point where they want to scream. Yell, cry, ask why.

But that would be placing too much of a burden on everyone else, especially Blue.

Stars, they regret snapping at him. Maybe they could apologize later?

Hopefully.

Though, despite their efforts, they couldn't hide their feelings from Dream. Dream, an empath.

So, he pulled them aside and told them to go here. 

The person here, the resident Sans, had apparently helped Blue before. So why not have him help them?

He knew Error, apparently. That would help get more information on him. 

Stars know they need it.

But Sans wasn't in his house when they got here. That's okay, they can just check Grillby’s. 

But he wasn't there either.

Maybe one of his sentry posts? That wouldn't make sense, considering this is a post-pacifist timeline, but they have to try.

After checking every single one, they come to find that their assumption was right.

So where would he be, then?

They roam a bit, asking around. Some people say that around this hour, Sans isn't really anywhere to be found.

A sigh escapes their mouth. Stars, this is awful. If only Dream gave them a hint.

Eventually, they come across a clearing. Looking up, this place seems like the perfect place to stargaze.

Something tells them Sans is nearby. They can just feel it. So, they continue walking.

Step by step, soon they see a figure in the distance. They quicken their pace, walking towards it.

“Hey.” They say, grabbing his attention.

He jolts up, looking right at them. “Hello? Who are you?”

“I…” They sigh, walking close until they’re a few feet away from him. “I was told to come here by Dream. My name is Core Frisk, but I usually go by Frisk.”

“Oh.” His brows furrow. “I… I wasn't expecting any visitors today. Or, in general.”

Oh, how do they start this conversation? 

“I- I am here to talk about Error, along with other things.” They say. “I hope you do not mind.”

He looks at them, patting the spot next to him. “Sit, if you really want to talk. I need to know more about you before I talk about this.”

“Okay…” They do, receiving a bad feeling about this.

“So, who are you?” He asks. “I’m not very interesting, but you? I… I’ve seen someone like you before.”

“You have?” They tilt their head.

“Not telling you willingly.” He says. “I don't really trust people from the multiverse, considering everything that happened.”

Everything that…? 

Oh, Dream said this person knew Error. How close was he to him?

And why?

“I am Core Frisk, as stated before. I run the Omega Timeline, a safe haven for all.” They say.

Sans pauses, thinking. He looks… frustrated? Why?

“Safe haven for all?” He repeats.

They nod.

“Who all is included in the ‘all’ part?” Sans asks.

They… they did not expect this kind of reaction from him.

Was Dream wrong? Did Dream accidentally lead him to the wrong Outertale timeline, the wrong Outertale timeline stuck on its planet in a post-pacifist timeline?

“Mostly everyone.” They say. “We even have a section on the island, completely separated from everywhere else, for the more dangerous people.”

Sans laughs.

Laughs? Why is he laughing?

“How dangerous is ‘more dangerous’?” He asks, tone sharp.

It’s a tone shift from how he was acting before, but one that came gradually.

Still, they don't like where this is going.

They flinch. “W- We usually don't allow mass murderers or the like there, but that is usually it.”

“So he was too dangerous for you.” Sans says, almost immediately.

He?

Who is he…?

“Who do you mean?” Frisk asks, confused.

“You should know, don't you?” He asks. “If you're coming to me of all people, you should know.”

What…?

“I still do not understand, who do you mean-”

“I mean Error, of course.” He interrupts.

Error? Their face turns shocked. Why would Dream lead him here, if…

“I- I…” They trail off.

“Why are you surprised?” He asks. “Even though I let Dream here, let Blue here… I’m only letting them here because I feel like I owe it to them, and because they seem to show remorse. But you?”

“Me?” They ask.

“You had the possibility to keep him safe, but you didn't. Why?” Sans demands.

“H- He was hurting people. We don't let those kinds of people there. Especially considering…” They look to the side. “Considering most people there got hurt by him.”

“Do you even understand what you did wrong?” He asks.

They shake their head no.

“You could have kept him safe, kept him hidden. Dream and Blue had a reason behind trusting Ink. I’ve heard from Error himself how close they seemed.” He pauses. “But I never heard anything about you.”

“I- I’m sorry, but-” Frisk tries to say, but is interrupted yet again.

“Sorry?” He asks. “If you were sorry, then you would have helped him.”

They nod. “I… You're right. That attack… It was a horrible idea. I should’ve just told him no, but-”

“‘That attack’? What do you mean by that? Is there more you’ve done that I need to know?” He demands.

“I…”

“Say it.”

“Dream and I… We planned an attack on Error. We-” They try to say.

“Is that how they got all those people? From your safe haven?” He butts in.

They flinch, and nod yet again. “Yes, but-”

“But what?”

“It was Dream’s idea!” They exclaim. “Dream convinced me and everyone else it was a good idea, but I didn't want to, honest!”

“Dream…” He growls, fists balled. “Dream… I didn't…”

“Did he not tell you?” Frisk asks.

“Apparently there's some things I don't know. Some things I should know.” He says. “I swear, the next time I see him, I-”

Stars… They don't know how to deal with this.

They don't know how to deal with everything.

Guilt gnaws at their stomach.

“I have to go.” They say.

They have to see Error. They have to see Ink. 

They have to be anywhere but here.

In a blink of an eye, they're gone.

Tears run down their face as they head there. There, into the void.

Frisk was lucky that they could enter and go freely. Most people didn't have that luxury.

Gasters especially had it bad, stuck in this place, forever scattered across space and time.

Could a god survive such a place as this? Are they different from those previously mentioned?

They hope so, but the chance isn't likely.

So, they walk. If they focus, they can find him.

At first, they wanted to find Ink before Error. Now, the reverse is true.

Stars, they just want to see him. They have so many questions.

And they still need to figure out what to do, whether to tell anyone or not about the reality of their situation.

They just feel so bad, to have been deceived like that. They had a feeling Ink wasn't the best, but this is much worse than they thought.

Ink had been creating, without the consent of these ‘creators’. Not even telling anyone they existed, he kept everything hidden from everyone else.

They know everything now, know Blue and Dream were being honest based on this feeling in their chest.

It’s like a curse, sometimes. It’s never strong enough, but still capable enough for them to should have known.

Can Error even answer those questions that they have? They’ve talked to others in the void before, but…

They shakily sigh. It never went well.

Anyone who has contact with this place was affected, one way or another. They were even affected.

Now they know too much. But it's never enough.

Error and Ink, who have been here for a good amount of time now, will probably be worse for wear. 

Are they even conscious, fully? The answer is most likely not, but they can hope. 

That Outertale Sans… he had said that he had seen someone like them before. Who was it?

They don't have the time to think on that. They're getting close, so they have to be prepared.

Inhale… exhale…

They can do this.

Eyes open, and close.

They see him now.

Something is next to him, but they pay it no mind.

That gap, those cracks… 

They aren't important as this.

“Error?” They say, hoping for a response.

Thankfully or not, they get one. Error’s voice echoes through the expanse.

“I didn't think anyone here cared enough to come see me.” He says, back facing toward them.

They take a few steps closer. “I- I would like to talk, if you can?”

Can he? They don't know.

“I don't get it. Nobody cared before. Why now?” He asks.

They look up at him. Standing at over six feet tall, his presence was always threatening.

“We…” Frisk sighs. “We didn't know what we knew now. Even now, I struggle to understand it. I just need to have some questions of mine answered.”

He responds, but not to their request. “They hurt me. Ink, Dream, Blue, Nightmare, and anyone else who saw the opportunity. I don't get it.”

“...I know. This feels wrong, to talk and pity you, but deep down I know it's right.” They look up at him. “I’m sorry.”

It’s like they aren't there to him. Disconnected from reality, Error speaks.

“Ink placed the blame on me. Dream and Blue didn't have the eyes to see what was right. And Nightmare…” Despite his dissociation, the mere mention of whatever Nightmare did seems to cause him pain.

“Nightmare…” What did he do to him?

“I hated everyone, at one point. I just wanted to see the world burn, because of what they did to me. But I only proved their point further.” He turns to Frisk, staring right through them.

“I-” They try to say something back, anything, but fail.

Is this their fault? 

No. Even though they could've done something, it was too dangerous…

Right?

“Why is it that whenever I do something, anything, it backfires?” Step by step, he starts to approach them.

Frisk can't even muster the courage or strength to step back.

Error is getting closer, now. 

“I try to talk to Ink about it, but he refuses.” Silent footsteps come closer. “I offer up a solution, but they refuse.”

Ink and who…?

Blue mentioned some beings called The Creators, so is he talking about them too?

“He tricked them all. If only he wasn't so stubborn, then maybe things would've gone different. And Nightmare…” His brows furrow, body flowing more and more.

They stare in horror as Error towers over them. Whatever he’s going to do, they don't know.

He glares at them. “Everyone hurt me. I couldn't trust anyone, not for a second. And whoever you are…”

Error picks Frisk up by the collar of their sweater. They shake, horrified.

He can't do anything to them, can't kill them, but stars they're scared .

“You hurt me too, didn't you?” He accuses. “You were on their side, right? Everyone was. Everyone hated me. So why would you be any different?”

Breaths shaky, and tears pouring from the hollow sockets that make up their eyes, they sob.

“I- I am sorry- If things were different I would have trusted my instincts and protected you and I- I regret helping plan the attack on you- I-” They tremble with each word, hanging in his grip.

All other words seem to pass him by, other than the mention of the attack. “Attack…? So you did hurt me .”

“You hurt me.” He adjusts his grip, moving from collar to neck. “You hurt me. Everyone did. Everyone hurt me. Everyone hurt me. Everyone hurt-”

He repeats the last word, over and over, like a computer stuck in an audio loop. With every loop, his grip grows tighter and tighter.

It hurts. 

It’s funny, isn't it?

He’s hurting them, like they did to him.

They struggle, to no avail. Hands going to move his fingers from their throat, they flail helplessly.

Out. They need to go, now. Even though they can't die, this doesn't feel good. 

They struggle for a breath.

They need to leave, exit, go. Get away from him, now. They can't stay here, they need to go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go,g o,go, g o, g-

GO-

Frisk inhales sharply, collapsing onto the floor.

They're here, still.

Stars, they should’ve expected that.

But… But that Sans, he had said…

He knew him, didn't he? Error… he wasn't always like that.

Then it hits them.

The nature of this place, the void. It shatters whatever it touches. 

Scattered into a million pieces.

A person has many attributes to them. Many thoughts and memories. Sadness, joy, love, disgust…

Anger.

They met that part of him, didn't they?

Error’s anger.

Of course they would. The only part of him that would ever want to see them would be the part that wants to lash out at them.

Stars know that Error doesn't love them.

They need to find Ink.

Even if he doesn't respond, even if he doesn't acknowledge them, they just…

Something inside of them is screaming for them to find him.

They're angry. Just like how Error was angry.

Ink… They should have trusted their gut about him. Maybe then they could have avoided, at the very least, some of this.

This day has been long.

Longer than the days of calming everyone’s stress in the Omega Timeline, viewing fearful faces of people grappling with their trauma.

Trauma caused by a person that didn't even desire to inflict it.

A face stuck in these people’s minds that should be someone else's.

With the affirmation to find him in this place, they start walking.

And with nothing much to do, they start thinking.

Thinking specifically about this place, the void.

They knew how to navigate it, mostly. Having been affected by it themselves, most knowledge about it came naturally. Like they’ve known it since birth.

It was strange, at first. And overwhelming. All the people from all the multiverses scattered across here, they could feel them. 

They were always shifting locations. Some had places they prefered to stay, places close to universes they held dear. 

On that topic, most people stayed near their universe of origin. Others who felt no attachment to their homes, or worse, hated their homes with every fiber of their being, flowed through different areas of this place.

It took them a bit to get used to it. Even in the outside world, they could feel traces of them.

Traces, ebbing and flowing.

The part of Error they met was close to an empty spot, where a universe was previously held. 

Deep, dark cracks were covering that place, right next to them. They didn't pull their full attention to it before, but could that have been a place where a universe collided with another?

Maybe he held that place close to him.

Though thinking about it, they felt other pieces of Error as well. But those pieces, like they thought before, didn't want to see them.

So they decided to go to the piece that did, to very upsetting results.

And thinking about Ink…

He’s shattered between two places, each in a billion different pieces.

An Underswap, and a place that held no universe at all. An eerily empty place, like something was meant to be there but wasn't.

…Something tells them that place was Dreamtale. At least, formerly. Dream did mention that his universe was dead, like theirs.

It was weird, though. Ink didn't seem to desire them to go to either place.

They're realizing that Ink didn't seem to desire anything at all.

So, they just headed towards the Underswap section.

Speaking of, they're almost there.

When they teleport in the void, they tend to at least get somewhere close to their destination.

It used to not be this way. They used to be bad at it, overwhelmed and unsure of where to go.

But they're better now. Mostly.

They can't arrive spot on, but still close.

Somehow, they feel like it's better like this.

It gives them time to think.

They sigh, looking forward. Spotting Ink in the distance, they move forward.

Step by step, they get closer and closer.

His scarf flows, ink stained and liquefied. His sockets are empty, and expression flat.

He doesn't say anything, but that's to be expected.

It’s common for things like them not to say a word, depending on what piece of them they’re meeting.

“Ink.” They say, a single word filled with as much emotion as they can muster.

He doesn't respond.

But they can't really stand saying nothing. As calm as they usually are, they just…

Are just too overwhelmed with emotion.

With anger.

“You have caused so many issues for us. For everyone. I had always struggled to understand why I felt uneasy about you, but now I know.” They say, staring him down.

Ink still doesn't respond. 

Not a blink, not a shift in his stance, not a flinch at their words, not even a word from himself.

From an eccentric person like him, this is strange.

But Frisk still has things to say. And this isn't the moment for questions.

This is the moment for them to get their words out.

“You caused disruption across the multiverse.” They say, balling their fists. “You caused disruption in my haven.”

Nothing.

He just stares right through them.

They look up at him. “I do not get you. I don't know your reasons, or anything of that sort.”

Silence.

“What part of you am I looking at?” They ask, finally a question. “Is this your anger? Happiness? Disgust? Sadness? Apathy? Which section, emotion are you?”

No. Word. At. All.

“Speak to me. Just say something, anything.” They demand, growing uneasy at his lack of response, lack of anything at all.

Even the most apathetic people speak. Say things about how they don't care, and the reasons why.

Frisk doesn't care if he doesn't see them. 

They just want him to say something.

This is the place where people and their intentions, emotions, and everything are laid the most bare. Because when you become like this, what else do you have?

Scattered across space and time, you’re left with fragments of yourself. If that's all you have, then that's all you’ll speak of.

Something is off.

What fragment of Ink is this?

“Say something. Everyone ends up saying something.” Tears drip from their face. “You hurt so many people, only to say silent? What kind of monster are you?”

Nothing.

He looks so hollow.

Emotionless.

Frisk collapses to their knees.

“I don't get it. You made everything happen. Error always talked about compromise between you and your Creators, so why?” They shake their head. “Just because you were stubborn, everything fell apart. I don't get you.”

They really don't… To be so stubborn as to not give up, even when the multiverse is at risk, they don't-

They…

T h e y . . .

Oh.

He was just like them, in a way.

Just like their past self that they hate.

They’ve learnt that they have to give up. They had years to do so. But him…

He had longer. They don't know how long, but he had much, much longer.

But he never gave up.

Did he ever doubt himself? Did he ever reflect on himself, and ask why he was trying so hard?

Fighting back against gods more powerful than your own self?

They would have given up. Because sometimes you have to.

But he never did, and now…

They look up at him.

He hasn't moved an inch.

“What do you want? What… What did you want?” They ask, a question they’ll never know the answer to.

A question nobody will ever know the answer to.

Because he was murdered. More than murdered.

A fate worse than death. A fate they narrowly avoided, in a way.

A fate of being stuck here, in the void.

Forever, shattered into a billion pieces.

And for Ink, right now, it seems this left him worse for wear.

Nobody deserves this.

Not even him.

But that won't change anything, will it?

If they had known this would have happened, they wouldn't have made that plan.

If they had known how much pain could've been avoided, if they had just looked further into things, then maybe they could have stopped it.

But they didn't.

And now things are like this.

They bury their head in their hands, and sob.