Communication is lacking leading to confusion all around. Goth does not like the surprises that keep happening

—-

Goth had no idea what was going on. His body felt heavy and his magic was sluggish in responding to him. He could not even find the energy to open his eyes, so tried to burrow closer to the warmth near him. He heard noises but had no idea what they were saying. Why did he feel so bad? He thought he was with the Guardisans at the library and was unsure where he was. Magic entered his system and he pounced upon it, feeling absolutely starved. It was a nice distraction to the aches in his body and lulled him back to sleep. Maybe the world would make more sense when he woke up next.

Ink would have laughed at Goth nudging him, like a needy cat for affection, but the situation was too dire for that. He sent a steady stream of magic to the other and was pleased it was easily accepted. It had been a close call last night, with Goths magic going haywire with the lost bond. Dream had managed to fall asleep but his panic kept him vigilant for the night. He also realised he would need to go to Error about what to do with Reaper. Even if it was tempting they couldn't dust the other, they were too vital for the multiverse for now .

Standing up he grabbed a blanket and wrapped Goth in it. They would need to stay around him all day to let the bond settle, but he sadly still had things to do outside. Opening a inky portal he trembled at where he was having to go. Going to the Antivoid was just as bad as he remembered but sadly the monster he needed loved it.

"Error! You here? It's about Goth"

" What's wrong now?! Didn't Reaper do enough! "

It was weird seeing the Destroyer show such care for Goth and he always felt wary of the others intentions. Forcibly calming himself down he quietly admitted what had happened. He highly suspected the other alway ready knew but allowed him the benefit of the doubt.

" Why tell me squid? "

"They will need more magic from the other bond. I know it's you Error"

The Destroyer might have tried to evade stating it directly but it was obvious. Forming the bond with Goth only confirmed his suspicions.

" I shouldn't have stayed away. I just wanted to help ".

This was a conversation he was not qualified for! What could he even say? 'Of course you failed, look at the state of your child?' Even he wasn't that dense. Dreams' lessons on emotions had been very helpful in reducing the number of angry monsters with him.

"You can't kill Reaper. We still need him. I might find a solution though".

He ignored the suspicious look the other gave him and refused to elaborate. He needed it to look like it was an accident after all. Dream might kill him though so he prayed no one ever found out.

-

Goth was freaking out and he wasn't afraid to show it. Everyone was being so nice to him....it was creepy. He got an 'anonymous' donation of chocolate every week that Ink had looked at in disgust. He refused to touch it and Ink was pleased to dispose of it for him. The cackling he heard with the large fire out back was avoided for his remaining sanity.

This new 'family' was weird. They had meals together and Dream and Ink even asked how he was feeling everyday. He could have responded better than trying to run away, but he panicked! Even auntie wasn't as suffocating with her affection.

He wasn't even sure what brought this all on as no one was telling him anything. He could do nothing alone and if he was away for longer than an hour Error tracked him down and kept him in the Antivoid. When he had asked Palette the other had only cried then held him tight. He was getting a headache from all the unusual behaviour and just wanted things to return to normal. He was much better at dealing with scorn and annoyance than whatever this was.

He then had a brilliant idea. He could hide in the Doodle Sphere. After becoming Inks 'child' the other had bounced around dragging him around the multiverse. He then said he was allowed to explore the Doodle Sphere, whenever he pleased. This was odd as he was sure the Cretaor was protective of what he considered his. He had seen the other go feral when Nightmare had touched one of his drawings, let alone a universe.

He thanked Lady Luck he had managed to teleport to his destination. He wasn't sure why but his magic felt lighter recently. It could be due to all the magic he was being given by his 'parents'. Looking around he paused to see if anyone was nearby. He did not sense any SOULS but you could never be too careful. He let out a breath and started looking around the colourful space. He liked looking at the hanging papers that were actually AU's. It amused him that something that was seen as fragile could house so much power.

It was calming walking between the 'papers' and sometimes he felt one drift closer to him, as if in a breeze. This life was weird and he did not expect it to make any more sense as time went on.

When he heard his phone ring he grimaced and saw it was Dream calling. He felt no guilt in picking a random AU and throwing the object in. That should buy him some time for freedom. Walking deeper into the space he was intrigued when he saw a red door that was standing by itself. He circled it and didn't see anything unusual about it.

Hearing voices nearby he decided to take his chance and opened it. A black Void greeted him and his SOUL fluttered in hope. Was this freedom like he wished? He jumped in never noticing that as the door shut it disappeared, as if it was never there in the first place.

-

New Multiverse

This was very different to what he was expecting. He knew he wasn't dead, as it didn't feel the same, but he was falling in the dark for quite some time. He was tempted to take a nap when he noticed some colour and realised he was heading straight for it. 'This is so going to hurt'. He braced for a collision but surprisingly he floated gently to the ground. Opening his eyes he was baffled at where he was. It looked just like the meeting room he had been in before but he was sure there wasn't a gathering planned today.

He was fine sitting on the floor gawking at how he got here, when a squeal distracted him. Ink saw him and picked him up like a stuffed toy and started cooing at him. This wasn't unusual behaviour but he was sure Ink wasn't this tall. Looking around he faltered at seeing Geno. He thought the other was dead? Looking further he saw an adult him? The wings and outfit looked the same apart from the others' lack of stripes.

A blue glint caught his eyes so looking up he saw the Destroyer, hanging by his strings. Why was he up there? He knew the other did not like others but this seemed a bit excessive. Did this prove that Reaper cheated and was finally admitting it. He never knew he had a brother though. Some memory begged for his attention but he was too frazzled to pay it any mind. 'Funk my life'.

-

Reaper was bored and wanted to go home. This whole 'truce' thing was great and made his work much easier, but did Ink really need to talk about everything? Having Geno and Goth here made it more tolerable but he could only stand so much. When a portal opened up in the ceiling he was more intrigued than worried. Maybe they could leave early if it was dangerous?

While his hope crashed and burned, it was interesting what came out. A small being was caught by Error's strings and slowly lowered down and released. This was strange and even Error seemed confused by his seemiling 'kind' behaviour. When the little monster looked up, all breath left his body. It looked like a tiny Goth! He restrained himself from jumping towards the other but it seemed Ink had no such issues. The other grabbed and started cooing at the monster.

He wasn't surprised by this happening as they had many multiversal travellers before. The Creator kept 'odd' things in his space and forgot about them soon after. Error was sorting through it all but it was a slow progress.

He watched those around him gawk at the spectacle and decided to get closer. Floating closer he couldn't help but feel nostalgic at a babybones Goth. It had been years since his child was that small and he just wanted to squeeze the other close.

"Do you want help being released from Ink?"

"NO. He is mine now, no take backs"

Being this close he admired the distain in the others eyelight and the puffed out wings in displeasure. He looked just like Geno! This day kept getting better. While the Creator's behaviour was odd it wasn't out of character. Who knew what the empty husk thought was happening. He kept the smile on his face even with being this close to the Creator.

"Hey. I'm Reaper and it seems like you are far from home. We have a Goth here, unless you go by a differnt name?"

"Call me Karma. It fits in with my 'parents' i suppose".

Reaper wasn't liking where this was going and would have been happy to ignore that if Dream didn't chime in.

"Who are your parents, little one? Aren't they Reaper and Geno?"

This seeemd to perk up everyone's interest and even Ink stopped his incessitant cooing to listen in.

"They are Ink and Error of course. Unless yours are not the Creator and Destroyer?"

Now that it was mentioned he wondered why he didn't feel a bond with the babybones. While it wouldn't feel like a full parental bond, he should have noticed a twinge of magic connecting him to the other. Ink eyelights flashed through many symbols, unsure what to settle on. Reaper felt a bit of pity for the other as it was unexpected news but the other had somehow managed to raise Palette.

"Do you want to stay with us? My magic still seems to be compatible with yours"

"No thanks. I don't like you at all and seeing Geno again is creepy. I much prefer Ink and Dream".

The puzzle just seemed to keep going. Glancing at Geno even he seemed confused at what the Karma meant. Ink and Dream looked the most shocked in the room. Everyone knew that Palette was an accident due to Ink weird magic. It's how he also had kids with Error, even though they both could not stand each other. While Ink tried to bond with his kids his memory never helped and he seemed to lose interest way too quickly. This was before the truce though, so it could be better.

" You know Ink will most likely forget you exist right? I can can barely stand the other abominations that are from my magic either "

The Destroyer had lowered himself and managed to creep up on the group gathered around Karma. The presence of a fearsome monster did not seem to dissuade Karma nor did the harsh truth. Perhaps Ink wasn't as bad as Error claimed but he wasn't the best at child care.

"That would be perfect! If its too much trouble i can just leave. An abandoned AU must be available for me to stay in".

Dream was unsure how to react to this proclamation. He could feel the truth in what the other said but did not want to leave a child alone. Ink looked to be holding the other even tighter, so he was sure that wouldn't happen. Seeing no one else doing anything Dream announced the meeting over and went over to Ink who looked to be in deep thought.

When he stepped near Ink a puddle of ink appeared. The Creator jumped in dragging Dream along. Dream enjoyed visiting the Doodle Sphere but not the way Ink liked to travel.

The house located here wasn't big but it was perfect for Inks needs. Dream had tried dating the other when Palette came along but realised they were better as friends. He often visited but liked to stay somewhere else. Going into the kitchen Ink placed Karma onto a stool and offered food.

"No thanks. I don't need to eat food"

That felt like a truth and lie to Dream but he didn't want to push anything.

"How about magic directly?"

He knew it was unfair of him but Dream could not help but be shocked, every time Ink suggested anything helpful. He was worried this may push a boundary, as it could be very invasive eating raw magic but Karma looked pleased. Without a word Ink hand was grabbed and they pushed onto the couch. Karma proceeded to sit on the other, as if it was his personal throne. He had to keep himself from laughing when the babybones let out sounds of irritation at the lack of magic being fed to him.

Dream watched and was happy the process went smoothly. When Karma started purring his smile fell but thankfully Ink didn't notice. The Creator tried to copy it, with his stilted purr, but Karma didn't seem to mind.

Dream was unsure when the last time a monster purred around the Creator. It might sound like a purr but it was actually the SOUL itself vibrating in a skeletons chest that made this sound. You had to feel calm or safe with the one near you to even possibly do it. Even Inks' other 'children' found the others' lack of SOUL another creepy thing about them.

He could tell it hurt Ink but he never spoke about it. Maybe Karma's presence would be helpful for Ink to focus his attention on. The truce had stopped most battles and creation was limited. This had to be the most exciting thing that happened in a while for everyone.

Ink might not show it but Dream saw the loneliness, now things had calmed down. Dream had been busy trying to bond with his brother again and Blue was enjoying going in most AU's, without being attacked. Dream felt guilty at realising they had abandoned Ink in his time of need. No wonder he focused on the other so soon.

-

The next day Dream invited Palette over to show him the guest that would be staying over. Only Palette out of Inks children willingly stayed here, so he would rather there not be any surprises.

The meeting went well even if Karma kept squinting at the other, as if they were too bright. Dream blamed his magic for that as Palette still struggled to control his. He was impressed at the lack of affects this had emotionally on the babybones and it seemed even Palette noticed.

"Mom. Can i take Karma over to Goths house? I think they have a day planned out?"

Dream saw no issue with this and hid a smile at the pleading expression on Karma's face to save him. He wasn't worried about them being alone as his son had gotten strong over the years.

-

Karma was hating everything. He was hoping to be kept in the house till they could send him to the multiverse but instead he had to visit these weird look-alikes. Also the fact there were multiple multiverses sounded like hell. He better not keep reincarnating in the same place over and over. He might not like waking up but some variety was how he kept sane.

The trip was thankfully quick and looking at Reapers house it looked similar to when he was smaller. He had stopped living in this house when Geno left, so he wasn't sure what to feel about coming back. He observed Palette open the door to be greeted by big him. When their eyes changed to heart shapes he struggled to keep his face impassive. Iis this a new personal hell? Watching older him flirt with his friend look alike?'. He was drained and the day had only just started.

He stood at the door unsure what he was supposed to do. It seemed plans had already been made as Reaper and Geno came out holding a basket. Maybe he could leave now that he knew they were busy? He could probably teleport to the Doodle Sphere alone and would much prefer it to the loudness of these strangers.

He had little choice as Palette grabbed his hand, taking him through another portal. He hated that he was being dragged about with no one telling him anything. He wasn't a mind reader! His gaze strayed from the others and he basked in nature surrounding him. It was quiet and they were the only SOULS in the area. His wings fluffed up in glee but he guessed this was mainly for Reaper. That is if they also can't touch most monsters.

Geno set the food out and invited everyone to dig in. He was happy to sit in the shade apart from them but it seemed Geno did not agree. He was given a plate of food which he grimaced at in distaste.

"So Karma, what do you do in your day back home?"

This made much more sense now. It was information gathering time. Maybe they thought a different environment would make it less suspicious. He untensed from the thought that they had wanted to 'bond' with him. He had enough of that weirdness back home. He poked at the food before replying.

"I help Reaper in his job but my main role is the Balancer of SOULS"

"That's...impressive but i meant what you do day to day"

"That is my daily routine. Everyone else is too busy so i make sure not to get in their way"

He wasn't sure what Genos' face was trying to convey but it looked like he sucked a lemon. Did the food go down wrong?

"How old are you, Karma?"

Why was their breath shaking? Are they ill? The red slash mark wasn't exactly a promising sign but they looked used to it. Also what did age have to do with anything?

"I'm 510 years old"

It took him a moment to remember as he sometimes felt his past lives shoved to the forefront of his mind. It was getting easier to remember as he had never lived this long before. Hopefully he would not again but he had said that in life 11 and look where he is now.

"B-but you're tiny! E-even your m-magic is telling me you are y-young".

Monsters had some useful abilities. He would kind of miss it when he died. He never knew his magic was projecting that. It was annoying having to always play catch up on 'known' facts. Maybe he was lacking some instinct due to being dragged back to life many times? He had no idea who he would even trust to ask these things to. His Reaper had gotten bored with him and he didn't want to annoy his 'parents' with annoying questions. They were already letting him stay and feeding him, no need to push it.

"Yeah, Geno left when I was young and Reaper never wanted a kid. Not enough magic when I was younger means I'm most likely stuck at this age. It's great"

"Karma...."

He looked directly at Geno as he was unsure what their tone meant. Was this reprimand for not wanting to grow up? Being small was great and he loved being easily carried around. He saw Reaper's wings looking ruffled and his hands shaking. Probably low on magic, he knew that feeling.

Watching his supposed variant he could not help the twinge of jealousy at seeing how happy they looked. They didn't look weighed down by all the horrors in the world and looked content around other beings. Was this what he would look like if he was a real person? It was a nice fantasy but that is all it would be. He knew he was not a monster but a true Monster. The dead should stay dead after all.

~~~~~~

Everyone: *trying to show love and affection*

Goth: STAY BACK FOUL DEMONS!! WHAT DO YOU WANT?!