Error stirred slightly, feeling like he was in more pain than he'd been before he fell asleep. He tried opening his eyes, but it was all dark. Fearing he'd gone blind, Error turned his head in every direction until his eyelights landed on something. A glowing... thing, seemed to be approaching him, and he stared at it in amazement.

"Hello, Error."

He flinched. The voice was a female's voice, from what he could tell, and she sounded gentle and friendly. He relaxed slightly, and studied the glowing form more closely. He could make out the small form of a female humanoid, and he tilted his head in curiosity.

"It's nice to finally greet you."

The being came closer, the glow growing dimmer as she did so. Error squinted at the humanoid, trying to decide whether she was a threat or not.

"My name is Fate."

Error's eyesockets widened. This was the being responsible for all his suffering! She had been behind it all along! He growled, trying to feel intimidating despite being utterly defenseless. Fate sighed at his display of aggression.

"I know what you're thinking. 'Fate's the bad guy,' and whatnot. But, I am here to help. You see, the plan was to get you and Inky to make up and stop the endless fighting, but Fresh got in the way. Believe me, if I had wanted to make your life miserable, I wouldn't have followed Destiny's plan. I would've probably kept you imprisoned on your path, and none of this would've happened. You and Inky would not have been friends, and the multiverse would stay locked in a constant cycle of create and destroy.

"What I'm gonna do, though, is send you somewhere to recover. You look like you need it, especially with what that stupid parasite did to you. Oh, I know it wasn't actually him, but it may as well have been. You need rest, Error. And while I could understand if you hated me for the rest of your existence, please know I have your best interests at heart, now. I hate seeing Inky suffering, and his suffering is practically tied to your own. It might sound... selfish, but I'd do anything to keep Inky happy."

Error looked down. He didn't want to leave Ink. If this being really did have his best interests at heart, they wouldn't be trying to tear him away from Ink. He was about to tell them that, but Fate spoke again.

"We don't have much time now, Error. Those wounds won't heal themselves, and the fate of the multiverse I'm sending you to will be altered slightly when you arrive. Just keep in mind that I will guide you back, but it might take awhile. Destiny and I sure have our work cut out for us, huh?"

Error could faintly see a smile on Fate's face, and he sighed. He nodded, signalling that he was ready to face whatever he had to to see Inky again. Fate nodded back to him, and raised her hands. Rainbow magic swirled around her fingertips, and Error felt a stab of nervousness. The magic engulfed him, and he shut his eyes tightly, feeling the magic shift and bend through his body. It started to make him woozy, and before he passed out, Fate issued a last warning.

"One more thing: you'll be in another multiverse. You might see some familiar faces, but don't worry. They'll never suspect a thing."

... ... ...

Error groaned slightly as he woke up. He tried to stand up only to fall back down. He looked down at his arm, and for seemingly no reason at all, it was furry.

Again.

'Well, that's just great,' He thought, getting onto his paws. He was back in the body of a teacup Yorkie, but at least his wounds were healed. He wondered now if it had been Fate who'd turned him into a dog the first time. Sci would never have willingly turned Error into a dog, right?

Error took a look around him. He was on the side of a dirt road, surrounded by woodlands bright with autumn colors. It was sparse enough he could see between the trees easily, and the shade the trees provided kept the path cool and comfortable to walk on. Which is what Error was doing, now. He trotted down the lane, feeling it was smarter to follow this road to wherever it led rather than staying in one place and hoping somebody would find him.

After a few minutes, he heard humming. Someone else must be on this road. Error quickly hid in the bushes and watched for the traveller. He didn't have to wait long, because someone came up the path rather quickly. A map hid their face, and Error guessed they had been travelling a long time if that dusty backpack indicated anything of their journey. He scooted a little further into his hiding place as the traveller passed him, but his little heart stopped when he caught a glimpse of the traveller's face as they lowered their map.

"Ugh," Encre groaned, scratching his head in frustration. "I thought for sure I'd be there by now! I must've taken a wrong turn by that sign."

He turned around to look back down the road, and decided against retracing his steps. It would take too long, and with sunset approaching fast, he didn't want to risk it. He doubted there was anything to fear in these woods, but he didn't really feel like walking through them at night, anyway. He was about to continue forward when he heard something in the bushes. He turned to the bushes curiously, drawing a silver dagger from his belt. He approached the bush carefully, preparing for combat.

What jumped out was not what he expected at all. A small dog, no big than the dagger in his hand, popped out with its tail wagging like crazy. He laughed and put the dagger away, kneeling down to the dog and petting it.

"Hello there, little one. Are you lost, too?"

Error was ecstatic! It was Ink! He couldn't believe Ink was really here! But, he swiftly reminded himself this wasn't his Ink, and backed off a little from the familiar skeleton.

"Hmm," Encre thought a moment before standing up. "I'd better get going. You're welcome to join me if you like. I'm trying to get back home after years of travelling, and I fear I may have taken a wrong turn, somewhere. Heh heh, I don't suppose you know the way to Underville, do you?"

The dog looked up at him expectantly, and Encre shook his head. Oh well. Should probably see where this road leads. He began walking, checking every so often to see if that small dog was still following him. It was, and he smiled softly. It was nice to have a companion, even for a short while.

They continued on their way for a long while, and the sun was beginning to set. They finally reached a small town, and Encre smiled gleefully.

"Finally! I was beginning to worry we wouldn't make it!"

Error followed Encre through the streets, keeping close to him as he did. This place looks like it was made by Renaissance cosplayers or something. It was thanks to Blueberry that he knew what those were, and he felt a bit homesick. He wondered how long it would be before he'd see this multiverse's version of Blueberry, if such a person exists.

Encre stopped at a house a few blocks from the town square. He went through his pockets and brought out a key, unlocking the door to his old house. He opened it and went inside, gesturing for Error to follow.

"Ahhh!" he breathed out, collapsing on his couch. "Feels good to be home! Doesn't it, little one?"

He took off his backpack and set it next to the couch, starting for the kitchen. He rummaged through the cupboards, huffing in annoyance when nothing of interest caught his eye. Looks like he's going shopping, tomorrow!

Error looked around the room. It was a bit messy and disorganized. There were paintbrushes and paint cans everywhere, paint splotches on the walls, canvases stacked in every available spot out of the way, and a few sketch pads lying about. Kinda reminded Error of Ink's art studio in a way.

He wandered into the kitchen, where Encre was running some water into a basin from a water pump. Error watched him, marvelling at the strange device. Encre wiped his brow, and looked down at Error.

"There! Now we'll have some water to drink for the night. Here, I'll get you some." He went to a cupboard and took out a bowl, then dipped it into the basin. He set the full bowl of water on the floor, and Error went up to it. He drank some of the water, thankful he still remembered some things about being a dog. When he was done, Encre gave him a strip of bacon he'd kept in his backpack.

"Here you go. It's all I have for tonight."

Error accepted it, gobbling it down quickly. He was grateful there was at least something, as he hadn't eaten in quite awhile. Finally, Encre sat on the couch, taking out an apple he'd picked and polishing it with his shirt. He took a bite, humming at the sweet taste of a crisp, fall apple, and laid back contentedly. Error jumped up on the couch and snuggled close to him, and Encre softly petted his head.

"Heh, you sure are friendly, aren't you?"

... ... ...

Ink sighed shakily as he curled up on his bed. It had been a whole day since the incident, but it still hurt like rubbing salt into an open wound. He hadn't left his room all day, not even to eat Blueberry's tacos. Blueberry and Dream had tried getting him out of his room, but he refused.

"Just let me die in here," he muttered when they came to check on him. Blueberry gasped, and Dream closed his eyesockets in pain. "You guys are better off without me causing more trouble...."

Dream shook his head and went up to him. Sitting down on the edge of the bed, he placed a hand on Ink's shoulder.
"C'mon, Ink. I'm sure Error wouldn't have wanted you to sit in here and sulk all day. Why don't we go and do something fun? Go to a movie, take a walk at the beach, bake some desserts-"

"No."

Dream winced at Ink's tone. The creator was uncharacteristically cold and indifferent, and he seriously hoped this didn't last. At length, Dream sighed.

"Please, Ink? I think it could do you some good to get out of the house."
He got no answer, so he tried again.
"Ink? Please, I'm trying to make you feel better-"

"Just leave me alone."

Dream sighed. This is bad. If Ink tried creating again....

"Let's go, Dream," Blueberry said softly. "Ink can join us, later!"

Dream reluctantly stood up and left the room. Ink sighed heavily. Maybe they were right. He could use some time away from this room. He hadn't been able to tear his eyelights away from where Fresh had thrown Error in a last attempt at taking revenge. Well, he has his revenge, alright. Ink was miserable without Error, and he could practically see that disgusting parasite's amused smirk at Ink's pain. He wanted to cry again when he thought back to what he'd done. Error was gone, and Ink would never see him, again. He never got to tell him he still loved him, and Error probably died believing Ink hated him. That everybody hated him.

Ink took a shaky breath. How he longed to take it all back! He wanted to go back to that first night that he'd kissed Error. The first time their skeletal lips met, he never wanted to let go. He wanted them to stay like that, and he would gladly have given up everything just to get one more kiss from the glitchy skeleton. His glitchy skeleton. He wanted to go back. Please, please, let him go back!

Suddenly, a breeze flew through his room. He sat up quickly, his soul pounding in his chest. Could his wish be coming to life?

"Hello, Ink."

He whirled around, hoping with all his soul that it was who he thought it was, but he was deeply disappointed. And curious.

"I am Destiny."

Ink tilted his head at the glowing form of a humanoid, wondering what they wanted.

"You must be wondering why I am here. I'm sure you are still saddened by the loss of Error, but cheer up. I have good news. Error is alive."

Ink's soul quickened its frantic beating, and he stood up.
"Wh-where can I find him?"

"Calm down. There's no rush."

"No rush?!" Ink cried, almost getting angry with this being for trying to keep him from finding Error.
"What do you mean there's no rush?!"

"I mean, you can't get to him that quickly, anyway. Listen to me carefully, Ink. Error has been put somewhere safe to recover from Fresh's incivility. I'll let you find a way to him, yourself."

"Wait! Why can't you just take me to him?"

Destiny sighed.
"Because I can't send people to different multiverses. Only Fate can. And she will not send you where Error is no matter how much you plead with her. It's... a one-way trip, so to speak, and she isn't willing to risk losing you to a multiverse she has no control over. She wants you to be patient and think of a way to get there without breaking your ties with this multiverse, ok?"

Ink looked down in silence. After a moment, he met the deity's gaze.
"Why can't you give me a solution, then? Wouldn't that be easier?"

"I could. But without the components to complete it, it's useless to you."

"What is the solution?"

Destiny remained quiet for a bit. Ink almost told him to forget it, and he would figure it out on his own, but Destiny sighed.

"The solution is to make a device that can teleport one to another's general location. It shouldn't be too difficult, right?"

Ink nodded and smiled for the first time in weeks. He was bubbling over with relief, joy, and excitement, and he couldn't wait to get started. Before he could, though, Destiny spoke.

"Just remember, Ink. Take your time. Fate is keeping watch over Error, as I will with you. We will keep you both safe to the best of our ability. I promise."

"Thank you," Ink said, tears beginning to stream down his cheeks. "Thank you so much."

Destiny smiled.
"Of course."

The glowing deity vanished, and Ink immediately ran downstairs. Dream and Blueberry bolted out of their seats on the couch when they saw him.

"Ink-?"

"No time to explain, guys," Ink said breathlessly, wiping some tears away. "I know how to get Error back."

Dream exchanged a look with Blueberry, and put a hand on Ink's shoulder.
"Ink, I know you're still grieving, but this us taking it too far."

Ink shook Dream's hand off and stepped back.
"I know he's alive, Dream. And if you won't help me find him, then I'll find someone who will."

"Ink, wait!" But it was too late. Ink jumped into a portal, leaving Dream to shake his head in pity. Blueberry slipped his hand in Dream's, squeezing it slightly.

"WE HAD BETTER GO KEEP AN EYESOCKET ON HIM, DEAR DREAM. I HATE TO SAY IT, BUT INK MIGHT'VE GONE MAD WITH GRIEF, AND HE MIGHT HURT SOMEONE OR HIMSELF IF HE GOES TOO FAR."

Dream nodded grimly.
"Yeah. I just hope he'll know when to stop."

They hopped into a portal, intending to keep their friend out of trouble.

Meanwhile, in UnderTale....

Ink knocked on the door to the skelebros' house and waited. The door was soon answered by Captain, UnderTale Papyrus. He beamed brightly, stepping aside for Ink to enter.

"WHY HELLO! WHAT BRINGS YOU TO OUR HUMBLE ABODE, INK?"

Ink laughed softly and walked in.
"Just came to see Classic about something. Where is he?"

Captain tapped a finger to his chin.
"I BELIEVE HE WAS IN THE SHED LAST I CHECKED. AND HE SHOULD STILL BE IN THERE! THE GREAT PAPYRUS IS NEVER WRONG! FOLLOW ME!"

They headed out to the shed, and Captain knocked on the door. A low voice came from the other side.

"Who's there?"

"IT IS I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS!!!"

"It is I the great Papyrus who?"

"I HAVE COME TO SEE YOU, BROTHER! NOW QUIT WITH THE JOKES!"

Classic chuckled as he unlocked the door, but stopped when he saw Ink. Ink waved at him, and he narrowed his eyesockets in suspicion.

"H-hey there, Classic," Ink said sheepishly. "I came to discuss something with you."

Classic glanced at Captain, then waved Ink inside. Captain tried to follow, but Classic held up a hand to stop him.

"Ah, not so fast, Paps. Meeting's in session."

Captain pouted as Classic shut the door, and he marched back into the house. How typical of Sans! Won't let his really cool brother listen to his boring meetings! The nerve!

Once Classic was sure Captain had left, he turned to Ink. The creator was busy studying the blueprints on the worktable, but he turned his attention to Classic.

"So," Classic said, sticking his hands in his pockets. "What didja need?"

Ink sighed. "You know how... I keep saying I'll stop Error, one day?"

Classic nodded. "Yeah. You say you hope we won't see him again at every meeting, but he pops right back up every time."

Ink nodded, lowering his eyelights.
"Well.... I did. I did stop him. It didn't last, though. And it's all Fresh's fault. That damn parasite is gone for good, but he tried to take Error down with him. He had been... forcing Error to destroy for weeks now, and I only discovered this yesterday. Problem is, Error got thrown into a portal somewhere, and I need something to track him down. Blueberry and Dream informed me that... Sci is dead, so I need your help."

Classic's expression turned shocked and fearful.
"Sci is dead?! That destroyer is targeting originals now?!"

"That's not what I said!" Ink snapped, getting defensive of Error. "Fresh is the one who killed him, not Error. And Error isn't the enemy. I really need to find him, so could you help me?"

Classic sighed harshly. Ink was starting to sound crazy, but Classic should've seen this coming. He's had a good many encounters with Fresh, and each time was more unsettling than the last. It occurred to him that Fresh might've been gaining EXP, which is what was setting him off, but without a soul, Classic couldn't sense how much the parasite had. Now, he debated his options. If he helped Ink find Error, the destroyer could go back to destroying. On the other hand, Ink didn't lie to people, especially not about something as serious as finding Error. Finally, Classic nodded.

"Ok, fine. I'll help you. But I'll need something with Error's magic signature to pinpoint his exact location."

Ink clapped his hands excitedly.
"Oh, thank you, Classic! Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

He opened a portal and hopped through, leaving Classic alone in his shed.

'I really hope he knows what he's doing,' he thought. 'Otherwise, the whole multiverse is in for a bad time.'

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

Ok, long, boring chapter, whoosh-

Wow, two chapters within a day of each other. Am I actually staying consistent? Hmm, nah, but I wanted to get this part done and outta the way. And I did, thank the stars.

Also, I wanna establish something about Encre: He's just a medieval Ink. So, if his personality starts to blend too much with Ink's, it's because they are technically the same person, just from different eras. I dislike when he's portrayed as some sort of "damsel in distress," cuz like, he's a guy from a section of history that prides itself on masculinity and social status. If a guy doesn't act like a man, then he's a coward, and deserves to be picked on and ostracized by people for being such. But, giving him a cocky attitude is more fun to write, which is my main motivation for doing so.

Now, begone, random ramblings! And cya in the next chapter!