Goth's POV

I try to open a portal to flee and get to Palette. I run as I did so, holding my wounds. I could hear E!Gaster yell and taunt as he followed me. I managed to open a portal and leap through. But it seems my wounds and rush screwed up my destination. I shut the portal behind me and look around. I was in some dark forest. It gave off this eerie vibe and I know for a fact I didn't send Palette here. I had to get out of here asap, wherever here may be. I limp through the forest weakly. I then hear noises soon enough. I freeze in my tracks. I hear the noises clearly. They were like footsteps. And they stopped. Right. Behind. Me.

I turn around and come face to face with Palette, though he certainly didn't appear to be the one I know. Then again, I shouldn't jump to conclusions or judge a book by its cover. Maybe Palette was sent here and he simply got a new set of clothes to blend in. He places a hand to my chin, forcing me to look at him. My face lights up.

"P-Palette?"I stutter

"I'm flattered that a villager knows my name. Yet, you don't seem to be a villager. You surely don't look like one. Now would you care to explaun why you're in the vampire forest at this hour?"Palette says with a grin

"V-Vampire Forest?"I repeat, suddenly feeling a chill go down my spine

"Wow, you must be really lost if you don't know that. Yes, you're in the vampire forest, forbidden by villagers. You must be really brave or really stupid."Palette says

Then I see it. A single, pointy, shining vampire tooth in his grin. I feel myself tremble. My wounds were aching. I have to get away from here. From him. He lowers my hood from my head.

"But don't worry, I'll keep ya safe. Just have to do something real quick."V!Palette says, leaning in

I was confused on his intentions but quickly catch on. Oh hell nah! I slap his hand and shove him away. He did not like this. Not at all. I take a step back. I nervously laugh.

"Hehe. Sorry but I ain't interested in your protection at the moment. Bye!"I say, then teleport away.

Once I teleport, I run as fast as I could. Branches and bushes that I ran through, tore and scratched at me, especially at my wounds. I see a portal open. I didn't question it. I run through and fall forward. I hear it shut.

"ArE yOu dOnE nOw?"A voice asks

I look up and tense. It was E!Gaster. He stands in front of me, towering over me. He had this sickening grin on his face. I was silent, not answering.

"I'll take that as a yes."E!Gaster says

He begins to kick and attack me in any way he could. I couldn't move besides teleporting, which didn't last long. I soon see my hp drop to zero. I freeze on the ground, laying there. E!Gaster stops attacking. This was it. This was my end. I did my best. But Palette will be safe at least. I could feel myself turning to dust. I smile, then shut my eyes, tears rolling down.

But then, I was healed. I regained what had been dust. I sit up and look around. There was nobody but E!Gaster. This dude won't even make dying from countless attacks possible! This was gonna be a long battle.

Many hours later.....

E!Gaster was laughing now. I'm struggling to stay conscious again. He has killed and revived me at least seven times now, but of course do not heal my injuries and just hurt me even more. He's thrown me into different AUs, only to pull me out of them when I find safety or am about to die. I couldn't fight. I couldn't escape. I couldn't understand. What does he want from me? Why does he torture me like this? There's got to be a reason he's bringing me back....I sit there and cry. My many wounds were screaming out in pain and I could do nothing to keep them from coming. I was begginning to accept  the fate I may have. Never going home. Never seeing Palette again. Never going to see any of my friends again. I'm doomed.

He soon stops laughing and approached me. I look up at him.

"Why? Why won't you let me die? You attack me and hurt me enough! But why bring me back only to do more? What do you want from me?"I ask

"Oh bEcAuSe iT's fUn! AlsO, I kNoW eXaCtLy wHo yOu aRe. YoU'Re tHe sOn oF ReApEr, DeaTH! A vErY gOod tOol tO hAvE iN tHe pLaN iF tHeY jOiN yOu, dOn'T yA tHiNk? I wAs sImPlY tRyInG tO cOnViNcE yOu."E!Gaster says, hitting me with a bone attack in the face

"Oh, so I'm a tool now? Hah! Me? Join you? Never! I'd never betray my friends! I side with them any day rather than you! And you're convincing strategies need work."I snap at him

"WeLl tHen, I gUeSs I'lL wOrk oN it. BuT yOu wiLl jOin uS, weThEr yOu liKe iT oR NoT."E!Gaster says, pointing at me

"Ya know, for a jerk, you sure know a bunch of jokes."I say, backing away

"We're recording, sir."Renew's voice says

"GoOd. GoT aNyThiNg tO saY tO yOuR fRieNdS? Do iT nOw."E!Gaster says, walking away

I look to my left and see some kind of device hovering, pointed at me. Might as well do as he says. I force a smile.

"H-Hey guys. I hope you're all ok. You all better be staying safe. Don't worry about me. I'll find a way out of this. Palette, you better be keeping that promise. If you're not, I will make sure you don't break it again. Someone please tell Ink not to mix grey with green, it's a bad combo. He also needs more orange in his doodles. There should be some place to get some. Maybe try making it if you can't. By the red and yellow. It's gonna be okay, I'm sure of it. Heh, you guys are great."I say, sending a coded message to Ink.

That caught E!Gaster's attention. He throws a bone attack at the device, destroying it.

"NoW yOu gOt mE cUrIoUs. WhErE aRe tHey? WHat iS thAT pRomIsE? WhAt arE tHeY pLanNinG?"E!Gaster questions

"None of your business, that's what. I dunno."I say

"WeLl mAyBe yOu'lL cHAnGe yPur mInd. I bEt yOu'lL bE sInGinG lIkE a bIrd wiTh nEws aFtEr tHiS!"E!Gaster says

I was tied up by my wrists and ankles. I couldn't move without some injury hurting. E!Gaster and Renew cackle, then open a portal. They went through and it shuts. This left me alone. Trapped. Wounded. Scared.

It felt like hours went by again. A portal opens. I tense. I don't move or speak. The portal grows and grows. I watch. Then, a scythe swings in and frees me. I hit the ground roughly and find the scythe hovering over me. I freeze up. It swings back. My eye light shrinks. It begins to swing down at me. I shut my eyes. Then, I hear it.

"Goth!"A voice yells

I open my eyes to see the scythe had stopped. I fall backwards from pain, relief and shock. I look around.

"Yes?"I say, trying to recognize the voice

"It's you! It really is you! You're ok! You're alive!"The voice cheers

Then, a figure appears in front of me. But this was no stranger to me. Tears come to my eyes. I smile. It was my brother.

"R-Raven? B-But how? You're okay?"I stutter, crying

"Yes, I am. I sensed our world getting destroyed while hanging with Gradient. Luckily, I was not around to be destroyed. Then I sensed you in trouble and came to find you! Now I did! I'm so glad! Goth, you are coming with me! We're gonna have each other's backs!"Raven says, placing his hands on my shoulders

"Oh Raven! That is lucky! I thought you were gone! But may I ask where we are going?"I ask

"Away from here!"Raven states

"But what if they find out? What if they come and attack?"I ask

"Then I'll protect you. Nobody hurts you and gets away with it!"Raven says

He extends a hand out to me.

"You're my brother. I can't leave you. Come on."He says

I was hesitant, but I nod and take his hand. He helps me up and we walk through the portal. We appear on a shore and look around. Raven then let out a groan, feeling his head. He then went silent, a shocked look on his face.

"Oh my stars..."Raven says

"What?"I ask

"Palette just killed someone with your scythe."He says, gesturing ahead.

I run as fast as I could, limping. I stop in my tracks. A few feet away from me was Palette, holding my scythe. He was entering a portal with his back to me. His cap lays on the ground, some dust beside it. I was losing my strength and balance. I could feel myself shake.

"Palette!"I yell to get his attention.

He looks over his shoulder at me. My strength gave out and I hit the ground, my wounds aching and some reopening to bleed again.

"G-Gothy? Gothy!"Palette exclaims

"H-Hey....Keep your promise. I w-was getting worried."I say

"Gothy! I will! I am! But I need yo-"Palette exclaims, but got cut off

The portal had shut. I sigh. So close. Raven comes and hugs me, examining my injuries and the scene. Once he was done, I reach out and hold Palette's hat, only to have a note slip out of it. I read it silently.

Dear Gothy,
I hope you are okay. I'm waiting here to see you come behind me, like you said you would. Ink has other ideas though. I may have to go soon with him. He says we have to get some paints? I hope you are reading this and not someone else. That would mean you're ok and I haven't failed you! (3 If anything ever happened to you, I'd never ever forgive myself for letting it happen by leaving you. Caution, there might be dust by this note since Ink keeps saying we're being watched. I'm sure it's nothing though!
Hope to see you soon,
Palette~❤️"

I noticed Raven read it over my shoulder. I didn't mind it. I tuck the note away. I hug the hat. I smile. I know he's gonna be okay. And I know exactly where he's being taken. Raven taps me on the shoulder. I look at him and he takes the hat from me. I weakly stand and reach for it. He keeps it out of my reach, taunting me and laughing. He knows I can't reach. He's also learning I am not strong enough to fight with him. Still, the hat was special. I do not trust him with it.

"Give it back! Please!"I exclaim

"Aww, what's wrong bro? Can't reach?"He asks teasingly

"I'm shorter than you and you know it!"I snap

"Aww, fine. But since when did he and his hat become so important?"He asks

"He always has been. He's my best friend. His hat just is special since it represents him. Now can I have it?"I reply

"Well, first, let's bandage you up."He says

I jump up and grab the hat as he speaks. I take it and place it on my head. I smile. I feel my face warm at just feeling it on my head. It feels like I'm closer to Palette already. Raven quickly bandages me. He hoists me onto his back and I nervously wrap my arms around him to not fall. I couldn't see anything, he bandaged over my eyes.

"So, where we going bro? Where's our buddies?"He asks

I whisper to him the location, fearing that we're being eavesdropped on or spied on. He nods and I could feel his movement. I feel his head rub against mine as he turns it, probably to look around.

"Ah! One of these worlds! Wait...Do we have to go to school to blend in? Ugh...."He asks

"Mm-mm. We don't. We just have to blend in, live normal, at least this world's normal. I know a place we could go. What do you see? Any street signs?"I say

"35th Street sign I see."He replies

"Go down the street. 3rd house on the right."I tell him

He nods. I feel him run and then he stops. He walks and pushes a door open. He sets me down inside. I feel a cozy bed under me. I lay against it. I place the hat on a nearby table.

"I'm gonna get stuff to help us blend in. Food, clothes, etc. Rest."Raven says

"Okay. Cya."I say

I hear the door shut and lock. I rest my head on the pillow. I shut my eyes, dozing. I soon see Palette in front of me as I do so. I feel my face warm. But then I was out.

Some time passed and I wake up. Raven looks at me, telling me I was asleep for days and that he was starting to worry. He was glad I woke up. I notice I have been hugging my pillow nervously. I remember the dream I had. My face warms up quickly. I check the table and find some clothes laying there. I then feel a satchel-like bag beside it, with Palette's hat in it. I couldn't see but feel. Raven explains this and soon leaves. I change and get something to eat.

Some days later

I finally convince my brother to let me go outside. He doesn't want me to get hurt or taken again. He's been worrying about me. I had to promise him to come back when I finish a lap around the street, nothing further. I also couldn't talk to anyone since he fears that could lead to trouble.I especially couldn't say how he got me to escape. I had gotten my strength back and learned to guide myself. I go outside and simply walk down the street. Everything was going good. I could feel the sun kiss my face goodbye as it went down. I wander about and soon smell fire. I get curious and go towards it. I then begin to hear talking.

"HeY, InkY. GueSs wHo's hOmE! HoW's mY sKiTtLe sHorTiE doInG?"Error's voice asks

"You're early. I'm good, just trying to make some dinner. Have you taken your meds?"Ink's says

"YeP. My eRrOr sIgNs wIlL bE gOnE fOr aNoThEr 6 hOuRs."Error says

"Ah, ok. But have you lost your phobia as well? You've become quite...touchy. Exhibit A, you're hugging me."Ink says

"YoUr cUtEnEsS iS oVeRpOwErInG iT I guEsS."Error says sweetly

"Oh shut up you."Ink snaps

"Oh cOmE oN, yOu'Re sMiLiNg."Error claims

"I have a mask on, how could you know that?"Ink asks

"BeCaUsE I kNow mY InKy. AnD I aM rIgHt, aReN'T I?"Error says confidently

"...Yea."Ink sighs

I lower my bandages over my eyes slightly and see the two. They seemed so loving and happy. They blend in well, but what they said gave hints that it may be the ones I know. Ink seems to be BBQing with an apron and all. It seemed to be made of string, based on the appearance, color and material. Plus I don't think Ink would make a piece of clothing for himself to wear that called him a shortie. He had a mask on, as if to hide the marking on his face that would give him away. Smart move. I guess Error upgraded his works. Error even had his glasses on.

I step forward and a twig snaps underneath me.I freeze, tying the bandages back on. I just keep walking as casually as I could. I then hear Ink.

"Goth? Is that you?"Ink asks

I stop in my tracks. I was caught. I turn to where I heard him and wave.

"Hi, Ink."I say

"It is you! Heh, guess you were right. The message worked out. But how did you escape?"Ink says

"So tHat's wHy yOu gUys wErE taLkIng aBoUt pAinT! InTeReStInG!"Error says

I nod.

"Lets just say I got some help from someone who doesn't wish to be talked about."I say

"Are you ok? Why don't you come inside, it's getting dark out and I doubt you can see with those bandages. I'm making hotdogs. Plus, I know someone that would love to see you."Ink tells me

I shake my head.

"I'm ok. Healing, but ok. Thanks for the offer but I have a task to do. Maybe another time. Besides, if Error can guide himself when error signs cover his eyes, I'm sure bandages can't stop me. I'll be ok."I explain

"KiD hAs a pOiNt."Error says

"...Fine. Just be careful, okay?"Ink sighs

"I will!"I tell him, then wave goodbye

I walk a bit further but then hear the door open. I slightly quicken my pace so that I don't break the promise even more. I feel a tree to my right and duck behind it. I blindly take out my phone and tap it a few times to make it look like I was doing something.

"Welcome back Error. Ink, Blue is wondering if he could help in any way. I heard you talking to someone else, can I ask wh-WOAH!"I hear a familiar voice say

I hear a loud noise from right behind. I look and feel around. I feel a scythe coming through the tree. But that could only mean so few people. I feel a hand on my shoulder. I turn my head nervously but of course could not see.

"H-Hello. Sorry about the scythe, it doesn't usually do that. Are you okay? I'm Palette, who are you?"Palette says

I nod, but was too afraid to speak.

"You'Re kiDdInG mE, rIGhT? YoU dOn'T rEcOgNiZe hIm? PaLeTte!"Error exclaims

Palette releases me from his grip.

"What do you mean?"Palette asks

"Oh mY sTaRS! ThAt iS-!"Error says

I took the chance to run at being freed. I run as fast as I could. I want to keep the promise. And I don't want to meet Palette again, especially when I can't see. Not yet, at least. I soon slow down to catch my breath.Little do I know what I left behind or just ran into. Which was a bad situation. I continue to walk, trying to reach the corner of the street so I can return and claim I fufilled my promise. But things quickly go downhill, starting with a rock to the face. I hear laughing.

"Hah, knew he couldn't see it coming! Blind idiot!"A voice chuckles

I feel my mouth bleed again from the impact. I hit the ground and try to get up. I fail. Someone held me down, punching and beating me mercilessly, all while laughing. The next few moments are a blur of yelling, punching, laughing and struggling. I could hardly fight back and before I knew it, I was out cold.

Palette's POV

I leave the house, heading out for my nightly walk. I smile, enjoying the peace and quiet. I walk down the street casually. It begins to rain, which made it even better. But it also reminds me of a chat I had with Gothy. We were in an AU that always seemed to rain on the surface.

"Aw, it's raining again. Why can't we have some fun sunshine? Rain is no fun."I had said

"Oh come on, Palette! Rainy weather isn't that bad!"Goth told me

"Oh ya? Tell me how."I said

"Well, it's relaxing. It can wash your worries away. And there's plenty to do in the rain. Take strolls, jump in puddles...Even dance in the rain. Plus, it can show you things that you wouldn't have seen in the sunshine. It's fascinating and nice. Come on, I'll show you!"Goth cheers, grabbing my hand

He took me outside in the rain and ran about, having fun. I watched him jump in puddles, stroll about, looking and pointing out truly splendid things. He even danced a bit in the rain, laughing. He was truly happy and he proved his point. That was one of the most fun times I've had with him.

I sigh now, remembering Gothy. I still haven't seen him yet as far as I know. I haven't heard from him either. I only saw him when I was leaving a pirate world but even that was brief and short. I frown. I should've stayed with him. But all I can do is hope he's okay. But that may no longer be the case. I soon hear a commotion down the street. I run to investigate. I find three monsters on top of one, beating and insulting them in laughter. The victim wasn't moving. This made me panic a bit. Nobody deserves that.

"Hey! You get away from them this instant!"I yell

The three look at me and they jump.

"Shoot!"One says

"It's Palette!"A second says

"Scatter!"A third yells

And with that, the three scattered, scrambling from the scene. I see the rain had begun to form puddles. And in one of these puddles laid the victim, wounded and out cold. I come closer and gasp. It was the skeleton from before. I knew for a fact they didn't deserve this. Not something this brutal.

I bend down and scoop him up. I grab the satchel beside him as well. look around and quickly run back to the house. I shift him over my shoulder and open the door. Nobody was inside. I check the clock. It is after midnight. Makes sense. I sneak upstairs and shut the door to my room. I enter the code, locking the room. I lay him on the bed and bandage him. I take the soaking wet ones off of him. Then, I check his pockets for info. Who is he? What was he doing? Why was he under attack? Is there anyone I could contact for him? I find a bright red scarf in his pocket. I recognized it and its material. It was Goth's scarf. Hmm, maybe they just found it. I place it on a nearby table. I check another pocket and find their phone. I turn it on and find a picture of Goth and I as the home screen. That's weird....I enter the phone and search through their contacts. They knew everyone. But, I don't see a contact for Gothy. Maybe they just haven't met him! I see my contact and tap it. I read the description curiously.

"My best friend in the entire multiverse. He's always been there for me and always cheers me up. I want to repay him somehow. Someday. Anyone would love him. But whoever dares hurt him PAYS!"

I was surprised. But then feel guilt. Had I forgotten a friend? One that thought so nice of me and clearly has known me for a while? What kind of friend am I? I shake my head. I set the phone back in the pocket. I climb into the bed, gazing at him. He looks so sweet. I look away with a sigh. What have I gotten myself into? Stupid memory. Stupid me. Stupid! I'm bringing a stranger who supposedly knows me somehow into the house! Huge risk! But...if they can help, it's worth it. They needed help and that's what I give. Gothy....I hope you are okay, wherever you are.

"Palette.....I.....Goth....."The skeleton mutters sleepily, shiftinh closer to me

He smiles, resting on my arm. My soul skips a beat. He knows something. About Gothy! My mind begins to race. Has he met Goth recently? Does he know where Goth is? Could they have helped Gothy? Could he be okay? Could he be here? I sigh, shaking my head. I'm questioning so much. I will ask later. I put Gothy's scarf on and pat his head. I pull the blankets over him, then over me. I notice he has a lot of scars. Yet, his face was warming and he has a peaceful smile. I shut my eyes and smile.