Dream's POV three months later

Aaaand send! I hope she replies soon. It's been a while since I saw Evelyn so hanging out with her would be nice again. And I don't want her getting hurt because Fate's plan with her didn't work out...Now that's done, what do I have to do? Ah yes, gardening.

I tuck my phone away and grab a pair of clippers, trimming the bushes that grew around the house and smile at the sight of the tree that has grown big and strong from the sapling it once was. I start watering the plants when I hear footsteps coming closer. I turn around, seeing another version of myself with another Ink. I can tell that they're different since their clothes look more like uniforms and more buttoned-up than me or Ink's clothes.

"So you're the one that stole our four-year old son. We demand him back."The other version of me says sternly

I quickly realize who they mean and frown.

"You're claiming to be Palette's parents?"I ask, crossing my arms.

"Claiming?"They snap, sounding offended by my wording.

"Yes, claiming to be. I say that because I've seen what real parents are and aren't. You can tell that a kid was raised by actual parents when it's reflected in their behavior. And what was reflected in Palette's behavior when I took him into my home was not reflecting the care of actual parents. He was seven when I got him and he's now eleven so it's either you're snapping at the wrong person or you really don't know your kid to the point that you don't remember his age. And how long did it take for you to notice his absence when he has grown up in your absence?"I say

"What do you mean, reflected in his behavior?"The Ink asks

"Well, let me think. He was very quiet and spoke softly as if not wanting to scare any company away, showing a lack of security. He knew enough about both of you to tell his friends that you haven't checked on him in months, showing a lack of care or you prioritizing him. Leaving him vulnerable to dangers and facing problems himself. When I met him, his main hope was not to be left alone again and he was scared of being alone again. To be clear, I met him because Reaper brought me to him. Reaper told me that Palette's name was on his abandoned soul list and wanted to resolve that so for your son to end up on that list should say plenty about your parenting. Let's see...what else..."I say, counting the reasons on my fingers.

They glance at each other, seeming shocked. Then they return to glaring at me.

"So you replaced us?"

"Oh please, give your son more credit. He knew right away that I wasn't you and that I must not be the parents that won't visit him. At that time I was getting more of a work-life balance and when he was told this, ya know what his words were? Guess I'm not worth the effort. He felt that you viewed him as not good enough to make changes for or include in your life. No real parent makes their kid feel that way. I corrected him on that negative view of himself and tried to keep him from degrading his value because of you both. He was used to resting in the empty space Ink keeps him in or whatever AU you leave him in. I offered my home to him as a secure place to rest and he quickly asked for the catch. He assumed that he'd have to pay something to get proper care. I denied that and he came to stay with me, never seeming happier. It took me weeks to gradually chip away at the negative habits that you both allowed to run rampant in his mind or caused through your neglect. I got him on a healthier meal routine compared to the nonexistent routine you gave him. I provided him clothes and supplies for any hobby he took up and also comforted him with any nightmares he had or when his mind overwhelmed him with insecurities. I gave him a home where he could eat, sleep and play in peace and know that he had a group of people looking after him that care for him and are ready to listen. I've given him everything you never bothered to provide him so let that fact sink in for a moment."I explain to them as I shake my head

I pause, watching my words sink into them and how it shocked them. I see guilt flash on their faces and the other version of me looks regretful.

"He grew to make this home and stay longer. We made it official a few months ago when we signed papers for him to be adopted into my custody. I can show you it if you truly insist on debating this. But I must ask you this: Why should I, after seeing his growth into a healthier and happier person, return him to the parents that made him feel like he was nothing? When he has a place to feel safe and enjoy stability, why should I let you return him to a life of instability? You didn't even notice or care for him until he was gone so as far as I can see, you have no right to be making demands now. You don't know what you had until it's gone, and the minor life you had with him is gone. The pain that you caused him is not something you can take back nor is it something I can risk just because you are upset and want him back now. You may claim to love him and be better now, but there's no guarantee that it'll stay that way for long before he's forgotten and abandoned again. I cannot believe another version of me would cause this sort of pain to him but I'm certainly not going to step aside and enable the pattern of behavior that I despise. But go on, try to tell me why you deserve him back. I'm just making it clear that I'm not easily convinced with this."

They look at each other and don't say a word. They glance at me, seeming hopeless. The other version of me already looks defeated and accepting of my reasons, recognizing that this is a mistake that cannot be undone. Yet he couldn't even bring himself to apologize. No, he said something far worse.

"We didn't consider how this would affect him. I was more focused on the balance and the messes my ex-husband here causes. I never expected it to hurt him so deeply."

Ah, so they're divorced. Their broken bond and split could explain the absence or lack of attention but it's still no excuse for forgetting your child amidst the conflict.

"How can you expect anything when you don't even consider him? It's quite obvious if you give him two seconds of acknowledgment in your head! And that lazy excuse doesn't make it any better! What do you mean when you say you didn't consider your own son? I don't know how new you are to this concept called parenting, but a very basic part of being a good parent or a parent at all is that you consider them! You bring them into this multiverse, you're responsible for them! And what do you mean you didn't realize that it would hurt him this badly? Oh wow, being abandoned causes painful feelings! Shocker! Wow, you learned that being neglected isn't fun? No kidding! He is a child and was your child! No child would feel good about their parents suddenly disappearing without explanation and forgetting about them! Parents are a child's foundation in life who guide, care, protect, and love them! They're the first and only people they learn to rely on! Losing that or never feeling that from your own family is going to hurt! You of all people should know that losing family hurts when we both lose our brothers who were the only family connections we had! So don't tell me that you didn't know this would hurt him because you know the pain that family can cause! You just never accepted the responsibility or treated him like family and that's just more reason for me not to give him to you! If that's all you have to say to explain yourself, get off my property."I snap at them.

I see the other version of me step back and his eyes shrink, my words seeming to sting. Yet he nods in agreement, knowing that I was right. Nobody knows the pain of losing family more than us so how could he cause that pain in another? This Ink sees him giving in and clenches his fists.

"We're trying to be polite here by asking. We could do this the easy way or take him back with force. It would be easy to win since we know all your moves. Especially my ex here, an alternate version of you."

Hearing that threat, I unfold my wings and summon my spear, pointing it at Ink and making him jump in surprise. I narrow my eyes at him.

"I can assure you that much like our vastly different parenting abilities, you will find that our combat skills are much different. You don't know my moves based off of your ex. There's that special word, alternative, in front of your claim for a reason. Not exactly the kind of claim you want to bet on winning with. You really want to test my ability to protect Palette?"

He gets dragged away before he could answer and I watch as they disappear from my sight. I grin, dismissing my spear and going back to gardening. Then I recall that I should probably go get groceries since we're getting low on food here. I teleport to a grocery store with a list in my head and wander through the aisles with a basket from the entrance in my hand. I browse through the aisles, picking a few items that I know Palette or Obscuro would enjoy. Then I hear footsteps coming closer to me and then a cold hand on my shoulder. I frown, not letting myself tense up or give this person any indication that I'm unsettled. I glance up, seeing that this is the same aisle that Nightmare threatened me in before he went on his redemption path.

Seems like this aisle is just bad luck.

I turn around, seeing a glitching Gaster behind me. I carefully remove his hand from my shoulder, gripping my basket of food tightly.

"Can I help you?"I ask

"Are you DreAm?"

"Yes, that would be me."

"MeAnInG yOu'rE tHe fOoL fAlLinG iN lOvE wiTh mY s0n?"

Since when was Gaster the parent? Sure in other AUs he is but I didn't expect an...him...E!Gaster to be one. Error and Blip don't mention him. Error seems to see his mentor 404 as more of a fatherly figure or someone to look up to. They seem much closer than this Gaster who I've never seen before. And what kind of question is that?

"Error is quite deserving of love. As is his brother Blip. It is not foolish to love them, for different reasons of course. Blip is a nice friend and Error is...well...wonderful..."I say, smiling proudly of my feelings.

He presses a finger into my chest, narrowing his eyes.

"What mAkEs yOu dEsErViNg oF loVe?"

"Excuse me?"I say, brushing his hand off of me.

He puts it right back, pushing his finger even harder this time as he seems to glare at me.

"WhAt mAkEs yOu fOoLisH eNoUgH tO fAlL fOr hIm aNd tHinK yOu dEsErVe hIs lOvE? He is a GOD of DeStrUcTioN, OnE oF thE most mAgNiFicEnTlY pOweRfUl fiGurEs iN thE mUlTivErSe. AnD yOu? YoU'rE sOmE wEiRd lOvE cHilD bEtWeEn CUPID and SANDMAN. YoU dOn't even amount to half of him and it's insulting to see you force yourself into his life and distract him from the greatness he's meant for. And his strings on your wings? Quite obscene and childish symbols to be REm0v3d."

I frown, feeling his words sting with the intentions and implications they hold. He clearly doesn't think I'm good enough for Error but then I remember Error's words to me. He loves me and I make him happy. I'm good enough for him and I'm usually the one reminding him that he's good enough. I'm sure he wouldn't like me believing a word of this Gaster and doubting my worth because then that would be doubting Error and his love that he has made so clear to me. And this "father" seems to only care about the power and role that Error has, the very things that get on his nerves at times or get limited by. There's so much more to him and my appreciation of this is something that makes him happier with me while this Gaster's view would probably infuriate him.

"Sir, keep your hands off of me. You're quite late to be making these debates now. I don't have to explain anything to someone who insults me like you and couldn't care to be around and see for yourself the answers you seek. I certainly don't have to debate my worth when my loved ones have already proved it to me. Error hates it when I debate my worth so I'm not going to start that again with you. I'm worthy of love just like anyone else and these strings you call childish were not put on my wings by me. Error put them there and I don't plan on removing them. Why don't you go ask him these questions if you're so curious?"

He frowns, shaking a fist at me and seeming furious that I wasn't listening.

"You listen to me right now! Leave my S0n$ oUt oF tHiS! Y0u f&$%1Ng ^*€£#!"He snaps, seeming to glitch out more the angrier he got.

"Oh, sorry I didn't get that last part but don't want to hear it either. I'm sorry that you're so frustrated, Sir, but I have no reason to obey a stranger's orders. You're quite late to the party and even if you were to make these demands sooner, Error is his own person with the power to make his own decisions. You can't control his life or who he connects with and how he views them, including me. He sees worth in me and we're close to each other. I make him happy and he does the same for me while we keep each other safe. I think that should be enough to satisfy any parent. But you can't just march in with your judgments and demands  thrown in my face and expect them to be obeyed when they go against Error's wishes. You want answers? Get involved or interact with your sons so that you actually know them. Be present for once and I'm sure you'll see why and not just appreciate their roles."

"YoU'Re jUsT a ChiLd cOmpArEd tO hIm!"

"Sir, I'm over 500 years old. Nothing near to a child. Otherwise there must be weird age ranges in your mind if 500 counts as a kid to you. I'm sure a 500 year old kid raising a 12 year old boy is even stranger to you in your mind but that should be a sign that you're wrong. I'm an adult and I know what a child really is. I have a good kid living with me right now so don't think that I'm clueless to real age ranges after being stuck in stone. And the implications of that statement is gross so keep those to yourself please. We're in a grocery store and there are families that don't near to hear that sort of crap. Can I go back to shopping?"

"Why do yoU eVeN eXisT oThEr thAN tO AgGriVatE mE aNd fLaUnT tHat poIntLeSs aUrA?"

I frown, catching onto the implications of that question. Without my aura, I'm nothing to him. I shake my head at him calling it pointless too.

"Not answering that dumb question. Clearly someone hasn't been keeping up with multiverse events and balance keepers."I say, rolling my eyes.

"I---FiNe. I'Ll b3 prEsENt. BuT uNtiL i s3e s0m3tHiNg iN y0u tHaT iNdiCaTeS tHaT y0u'r3 woRtH kEePiNg aRoUnd mY s0nS, i d0n't wAnT y0u n3aR tH3m. d0n'T tRy t0 c0ntaCt tHeM, iT w0n't w0rk."He says before quickly marching away.

I shake my head and continue shopping. When I got to the checkout, I saw that he was completely gone and started paying for my things. I was walking out of the store when my phone started ringing with Nightmare's ringtone. I pick it up, holding it against my head with my shoulder as I carry the bags away and teleport home.

"Hello, Brother! How are you doing? I just finished getting groceries and I'm unpacking it now. Is there anything I need to bring to you?"I ask, setting the bags on the counter.

"You sound way too happy given what I was just told."He says

"Why? What's wrong, Nightmare?"I ask, pausing my unpacking process.

"Did you get in a fight with Error or something? Did he do something to upset you because he hasn't been able to reach you for the last hour and his attempts tell him that he's blocked."He says

I check Error's contact, seeing that my settings haven't changed to block him. Meaning that there's something else blocking the communication...Wait....

"Ugggh....Nightmare, that's probably the code of the unofficial restraining or no-contact order against me..."

"What are you talking about?"

"Well, you know that aisle in the grocery store that you once confronted me in? I swear that one is bad luck because this time I had a confrontation with an E!Gaster claiming to be Error's dad. He doesn't like me distracting him from his role and doesn't think I deserve to be near Error...Called me useless kid with a pointless aura so I'm guessing he isn't fully aware of my role in the multiverse. He also isn't aware that we're dating and made it clear that he wouldn't think that I am good enough for Error. So, until he is convinced of my worth, he said that I'm basically cut off from his sons. I'm not even surprised at this point..."

"What? Dear stars, what an idiot!"

"HEY!"I hear Error snap

"Not you, Error! Quick question, do you think my brother is worthy of your love?"

"He kNoWs tHe aNsWeR iS yEs!"

"Well then you have to convince your dad of this apparently. He found Dream and doesn't think he's good enough for you. That fool basically insulted him and is causing the blocked communication."

I hear glitched grumbling so low in the background that I couldn't make any words out.

"Aaand he stormed off. I wonder if we will get funeral invites...."

"Nightmare!"

"What? I'd be shocked if he gets any funeral given how angry Error seemed. I don't sense any love to this father from him either. It seems 404 gets that honor. What do you plan on doing now?"

A portal opens and I sense a strong aura on the other side. I quickly recognize it and sigh.

"I'm going to finish unpacking groceries but it seems like it's been decided that I do more training next."I say, putting the groceries away

"What do you mean?"

A hand reaches through the portal and signals for me to come through. After dealing with this multiple times already, I know this is Destiny. I finish putting things away and grin.

"Destiny wants to see me again so I'll have to call you back."

"Okay, be careful."

I hang up and step through, surprised that I didn't lose my vision this time. I watch as the hand shrinks down until Destiny is my size. Destiny has four eyes and arms with long robes on their body. This is probably just one of the forms that Destiny decided to use today.

"Hello again, Positivity. I apologize for not calling you here for good news. It is urgent that you know the current circumstances. Fate has used rare tools that cannot stop once set in motion and seems determined to get their way with them. Your good days have become numbered before trouble strikes again because of Fate's pettiness. We're trying to fix things in your favor but not much can be done without costing you all something."

"What do you mean? It must be serious if you're giving me the ability to see in this realm."I say

"Well, it won't be long until you join this realm so this talk will be your introduction to things here."

"What? Does that mean I've failed? I've done my best to use the training you gave me."

"No, this is far beyond your control. You've done wonderful with your training and using it to keep them safe but this is an attack that can't be prevented with spears and arrows. I'm trying to maintain your ability to design your own paths, but Fate's methods limit the options. We did not predict Fate striking like this in your training so this is not your fault. Come along, I will explain."

I nod, following Destiny as they lead me deeper into the realm. Destiny pushes a door open and I see words carved into a wall. When winged fear becomes winged strength, barriers shall break. When Chaos and Negativity fall, so shall the brother of Destruction. Only then will the Golden Ascension occur, making the vessel of Rebellious Goodness fracture into stone pieces and welcoming in a new era never seen before.

"This space is meant for prophecies and each deity in this realm is only allowed to use it once every millennia since it takes so long for the walls to erase the previous ones. And if we had multiple prophecies enabled then it would be a mess for your realm. We tried to warn you by having it appear outside your home a little while ago but your brother, Chaos, saw it instead and warned Negativity. They've been working to prevent it but this is far beyond their control. We've edited this version of the prophecy to give you a better chance...you don't want to know what Fate actually wrote here. This Golden Ascension is our loophole for you."

I stare at it, horrified. It mentions what my brothers are called here....When they fall....Their fate is to get hurt? Fate determined more suffering? And Blip? Reading through it and eliminating the Golden Ascension part, I can figure out what was meant to happen to me...I was meant to die and break apart as stone....The new era won't be as good if it goes as Fate wanted...Having this loophole is definitely better...My brothers knew about it? It has been months but they haven't said a word about it...

"How can I keep my loved ones from getting hurt?"I ask, pointing to the first line.

"Ah, as usual, your concern is fixed on them. Have you accepted your training that much?"

"I live for them. I can't live without my brothers and loved ones. And you taught me that living for someone makes me prepared to die for them. I fight for them and I will keep them safe."

Destiny smiles at my answer.

"I see...Well, your ascension into our ranks will mean you die in that realm. You will become one of us where you can make more of a difference to keep them safe. You could have the power here to change things in your favor and diminish Fate's influence on your multiverse. We hope that your time among us is only temporary and we can find a way to return you to your life, but right now we must work with the prophecy written and any loopholes we can. You can help decide what new era will start and if it will be good or bad. Come along, I need to show you the next tool enabled."

I gaze at the prophecy carved into the wall one last time as I process what Destiny said. I frown, knowing that joining their ranks won't be pleasant. Leaving all my loved ones behind isn't something I desire and I'm sure it will hurt them to endure but it's worth it if I can keep them from worse forms of suffering. I hope to have the power Destiny says I will have among their ranks. The power to take control and make more direct forms of resistance against Fate to change things for the better does sound appealing. If it means I can make a better life for my loved ones than Fate intends and hopefully a better life for me to join them in someday where we could be happy sounds like it's worth the risks. It's worth it if I can keep them safe and make a positive difference.

I follow behind Destiny, entering another space with large tapestries hanging high depicting scenes or different figures. Each are labeled and almost takes shape like a hierarchical flow chart with different threads connecting some of them. Fate's tapestry is mainly made with red strings and see them connect to the tapestries for Ink, Error, and Nightmare, each of theirs labeled by their roles. I admire their tapestries for a few moments because of the details making them look beautiful yet frown when I notice that Fate's red thread depicts them as miserable. Error looks powerful yet it focuses on his tears as his source of power. Nightmare's has an apple core replacing his mouth to hint at how he got the power from eating it and shows cracks in his skull and golden crown, reminding me how painful his transformation was. I frown at how his form is depicted as more beast with sharp tentacles than a person with a voice, specifically silencing him by removing his mouth from the image. I gaze at the other tapestries, seeing the names of different deities or higher beings, yet none connected to as many tapestries as Fate's red thread did. Mom's tapestry was only connected to Obscuro's which showed a child-like depiction of him laughing as he is surrounded by twisted lands almost like broken glass. Yet I don't see the one meant for me hanging up or Positivity at all.

"This is the space where all the tapestries are made as you can see. Each tapestry seals the story of each soul it depicts and like the prophecy walls, we can only activate this space once a millennium. Each event once made cannot be undone or prevented from occurring. We can add our threads to them while they're made and each thread influences what it truly depicts or the outcome of the events as each thread carries our deepest intentions and desires, helping it predict the vision better. After Fate abused it when your universe was made to connect their tapestry to three of the souls and balance-keepers, we made a rule that each deity could only connect their threads to two souls in your realm. In response, Fate made the rule that we cannot have close connections to the souls we claim which is why your mother couldn't claim you and Negativity. The close connection is defined as more than a week's amount of interactions and physical presence in the soul's life prior to the deity's selection. It's to prevent bias from the decisions, which is ironic coming from Fate who is the most biased. But I can advise you to keep distant from Destruction and your brothers for the next month to meet the requirements if you wish to choose them once you join our ranks. For us, selecting souls is like choosing someone to root for or guide and increases our chances of influencing the path they take. Any soul chosen is given the ability to come here with a special sigil to teleport them here...unless they are chosen Fate who is not the figure anyone would want to interact with....Selecting a soul gives us a lot of control over them and their experiences."Destiny explains to me.

Interesting rules....that I'll have to keep in mind...I guess E!Gaster's ban works in my favor. What was activated here by Fate?

I see Destiny scan me carefully, seeming to want to ask a question but finding the wording.

"Are you dating Destruction yet? Fate has complained a lot on how they want to prevent your relationship from growing before it blooms into something closer. Fate frequently checks to see if we know about your relationship advancing but we haven't seen any indications. Fate thinks if you do start a more intimate relationship, that will eliminate any remaining hopes for things to go their way."

So none of them know about our relationship....I guess that's good...And with E!Gaster cutting off my contact with Error, it would seem more believable that we're not together...That could work in my favor, especially when it comes to choosing who to influence.

"No, I haven't exactly earned his father's approval yet so Fate would be happy to know that I'm blocked from taking any steps forward. I am forbidden from seeing him until I earn his father's approval and his code seems set on making that happen even if Destruction disapproves."I say

"Hopefully after this mess is handled that can change. You both deserve a happy future."

Then I see two tapestries being crafted in a weaving loom, multiple threads intertwining and working themselves to create detailed patterns. My soul gets summoned and I see a golden thread get pulled from it, splitting into two threads that twist around Destiny's fingers. Then she sends them to the looms and I glance at her curiously.

"Your tapestry is being remade after Fate tore it. The loom on the left was activated by Fate to seal the prophecy they made but we've adjusted it. With you here, we can change it and use your thread to reshape them."

I glance at the loom on the left as it weaves a tapestry rapidly. The picture taking shape is still incomplete but I see Error with a blade through his wings and skull as he lays beside a wounded depiction of Blip. Nightmare and Obscuro are also depicted to be terribly wounded on the ground and two broken silver crowns on their heads. Then I glance to the one on the right, seeing the title POSITIVITY take shape at the bottom and notice there's a lot of grey being used in the tapestry as it starts to make the image of a statue. Destiny sends the threads from my soul to the tapestry and they quickly weave through the edges and become golden stitches tightly tied into the details. The tapestries glow and rapidly reshape themselves. Now the prophecy's tapestry depicts Nightmare and Obscuro with their silver crowns intact and standing triumphantly. They along with Error and Blip are wounded but not as severely. In return, my body is frozen in stone at the cost of their victory and survival. I smile, easily able to accept these terms instead of the graphic depictions of suffering and loss that were shown moments prior. Maybe if I change some of the key details shown in this tapestry, I can improve the circumstances even more. I have an idea of where to start too....

I glance at my tapestry and my eyes shrink at the difference that is already evident. Instead of a statue, it's depicting someone definitely fitting the image of a higher being with four glowing eyes and an extra set of arms stretched out in front of my wings. It seems to radiate with an aura of power and suddenly I feel much smaller than any reputation placed on me prior to this. This could really happen...

"Your influence has already improved it significantly. Come along, I will introduce you to the basics of how things work around here."Destiny says, walking out of the room.

I glance at the tapestries depicting my loved ones and frown. It's only Fate's thread that makes their tapestry such a miserable image that focuses on their suffering and pain. Then it hits me that I can do the one thing I wished I could always do and remove their pain from them if I join this realm's ranks. If I choose them, I can have the power to remove the voices that torment Error and keep Nightmare from ever suffering again. Mom already has her thread in Obscuro's tapestry so he could be protected. But if I want to create those changes, their tapestries have to be incomplete....completed tapestries seal their fate from what Destiny says and cannot be unchanged. I notice a loose pair of threads in the two tapestries, one specifically being Fate's red thread. I grin, then quickly hide my idea with an innocently clueless expression. I pretend to feel the tapestry to admire the details before "accidentally" pulling the loose threads, causing the entire pair of tapestries to fall apart. Whoops, I guess they have to start from scratch now.

That should let me select them or buy me time to do so soon...

I quickly follow behind Destiny, listening to any advice and information they share. After a few hours of being led around and taking notes of anything I'm told, Destiny picks me up and opens a portal. I get tossed quickly through it, colliding with someone else before my eyes can adjust to the change. I rub my head, seeing the portal shut, then feel my body get knocked to the side and sit up, seeing a barrier rise in front of me. On the other side is Error who gets back up to his feet and fixes his gaze on me. He smiles, reaching for me but his hand can't get through the barrier.

"YoU'v3 g0t t0 b3 fUckiNg kidDiNg mE."He groans

I feel my body tremble as the weight of what I learned hits me. Everything finally hits me and I try to keep my hands from shaking or showing fear as he flaps his wings which are broken to pieces in the tapestry that is burned into my mind. He quickly notices and frowns.

"Dr3aMy? Ar3 y0u 0kAy? You'Re sHak1nG. Y0u l0oK pAl3, eVeN aS A sk3let0n."

I can't let him get hurt...But then it hits me that the days of being beside him to see his smile, hear his laugh, or call for an UnderNovela marathon. E!Gaster already put a barrier that will limit my contact with him, but as soon as that tapestry is completed, it could be put completely on hold. Those higher beings watch us right? Hopefully, I get access to that as well but it may be tough to see his happiness as distantly as that when I used to be by his side in those moments...I'll miss it but if he's kept safe...Maybe E!Gaster is doing him a favor putting some distance between us...I have to keep moving forward and do what I can to prevent the issues. I have to tell my brothers that I know what they know and see what they've been up to. This has been a long day.

"DrEaM!"Error shouts, snapping me out of my thoughts as he pounds on the barrier.

I glance up at him and realize that I haven't answered him and he looks even more concerned. His wings hang low, the strings of beads I adorned them with still sparkling among his feathers. I frown, considering how my gift could easily get tangled and mess with his ability to fly and cost him dearly...

"Error...I want to put something more fitting on your wings than that so can you take them off until I can?"I ask, knowing that he can't just de-summon his wings.

I don't want him to think I don't like him with his wings either.

"WhY d0 y0u l0oK s0 sCaReD?"He asks, looking hurt by the question leaving his mouth.

I get up, placing my hand on the same place his hand is against the barrier.

"Destiny took me for another visit you could say...I saw some things that I don't think I can share out here...Fate's getting desperate and that's making them more dangerous...I...Maybe your father is taking the right action to keep you safe..."

"WhAt aRe y0u sAyiNG?"

"I saw a vision that leads to suffering...We're beside each other in that vision. Maybe if things change...it won't happen. I can make the difference."

"DrEaM, i aM g0iNg t0 gEt h1m t0 liFt tHiS dUmB bArRieR 0r bReAk iT d0wN mYsElF! St0p tAlKiNg liKe tHiS!"

I see his fists clench and frown, seeing that I'm upsetting him.

"Error...I-"I begin, getting cut off when the barrier shatters.

He leaps through the opening, knocking me down in a hug as his glitching increases. Then he presses his skull against mine, kissing me. I jolt in surprise. We've gone on dates and spent plenty of time together but this is our first direct kiss. I never looked for more since I didn't want to push his boundaries with his phobia or make him feel that he needed to push himself past his boundaries. I tried to kiss him on the cheek a few times but that usually led to him crashing. He pulls back from the kiss, his face burning and a desperately pleading look in his eyes.

"I d0n'T wAnT To lOsE yOu, DrEaM. PlEaSe sToP tAlKiNg liKe tHaT!"He pleas

I quickly wrap my wings around him as he does the same with me, hiding ourselves from sight. My face burns up, feeling him squeeze me closer and I can see the love radiating off of his soul. I gently cup his cheek and he leans into my touch. I smile, finding him adorable and wanting to appreciate this moment in all its bittersweetness. Then my mind flashes with the image of what would happen if I don't take action. After all, it was the string from my soul that changed the outcome so that must mean I do something to change it, right? I feel Error's cheek gently, trying to smile at him and find the right words.

"I don't want to lose you either...But that's what has me talking like this...I'm sorry...I just want us to get through what's ahead and I don't want it to be what I was shown...I want to keep you safe..."

He rests his head on my shoulder with a hmph, seeming defiant against everything I told him.

"I sEe a fUtUrE cUdDliNg yOu aNd I aM gOinG tO mAkE iT hApPeN."He says with a pouty voice.

I sigh, able to hear his bitter rejection of what I told him.

"JuSt Be strAiGhT w1th m3, DrEaM."

"I don't think that's possible for either of us, Error. I think that goes against the nature of our relationship."I attempt to joke to lighten the mood.

He glances at me and for a moment looks confused, and then his face burns a bit after realizing what I meant.

"YoU kNoW THAt WaSn't WhAt i WaS rEfErRiNg t0!"He snaps, making me laugh as he pouts.

He glares at me, then grins like an idea sparks in his mind.

"I tHiNk iT's cl3aR h0w i f3eL f0r y0u.~ I d0n't ThInK iT'D cHaNgE EvEn iF wE g0 sTrAiGhT...EvEn iF y0u bEcAmE a w0mAn, i'D stiLl b3 iNt0 y0u.~"

My face burns up as he smiles at me warmly, leaning closer.

"I b3t y0u'd b3 b3auTifUL.~"He coos

My face burns even more and he presses a kiss on my head, then on my cheeks.

"Error!"

He chuckles with a grin.

"NoW wiLl yOu tELl mE wHaT iS wR0nG?"

I sigh, nodding.

"Fate...made some prophecies take shape...Destiny showed me them...You and Blip aren't safe, nor are my brothers...Destiny says they've been finding loopholes to avoid that outcome and well...the alternative means you all survive what Fate has planned."

"WhAt aBoUt yOu?"

"They've definitely improved my circumstances but I doubt you'd like it either way...Fate wanted me gone and replaced...I don't think I can say much about it but they basically added onto the prophecy so that I'm not...dead. It will just put more distance between us than that barrier ever could. They don't know about us, which actually works in our favor. All I can say is that if my body gets turned back into stone anytime soon, you don't have to worry about me."

"WHAT?"

"Ya know what? Let's find my brothers. Apparently they've known about it and haven't told us. I think that will work better."

He nods, getting off of me and opening a portal.

We step through, finding his gang and my brothers gathered around the table and holding a meeting. Even Blip was there. Their heads turn to us in shock like they just got busted.

"Ah, I see you convinced him to drop the barrier?"Nightmare asks

"No, I bRoKe iT. WHaT's gOiNg oN hErE?"

"Just discussing a few things."

"Anything related to a prophecy?"I ask

"How'd you know?"Obscuro asks

"Destiny showed me a few things and informed me that you've known about it for a while now. Wait a minute..."I say

I glance around, then focus some energy in my hands before releasing it into the room. It glows yellow for a moment and little sparks land on each of their heads. I feel the walls and grin, seeing how they ripple like the surface of a puddle. They look confusedly at me and I smile at them.

"Okay, now we can talk about this."

"What was that?"Horror asks

"Well, I've been practicing my skills and getting more training has helped me learn more possibilities. I've gained control over my dream-hopping ability to the point that it can extend to others if I let them. Now, to Fate and any outsiders, it looks like I knocked everyone in this room out while we share this dreamscape to talk. None of them can see into it but me. Trust me, they've tested it. We're safe to talk about it without getting caught now."I explain

"Cool!"Obscuro cheers

"Now, Brothers, tell us why you kept such a dangerous prophecy as secret knowledge?"

"Shit..."Obscuro says, his smile fading.

TBC