Ink finds the new P.E teacher rather strange but that is the least of his worries in the end.

——-

NeRd & JoCk Multiverse

Ink was tired but still got up when his alarm went off. He reached across the bed but paused, feeling his face scrunch up in misery. He still had days when he forgot that Error no longer lived here, even if he knew how it was mutual to split. He sat on the bed and sighed, wishing life was easier to deal with.

"THATS MINE! GIVE IT BACK, PJ!"

"I found it first!"

"I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!"

..at least life wasn't dull with his children here but his chronic headache spiked at the noise. He reached for the painkillers he started to keep by the bed and sighed in relief once he took them.

He should probably get up before Gradient snaps. They were so quiet in public, that it was always a shock to others when they saw them open up.

"NOT THE FACE! SPARE MY BEAUTY!"

"I'M DOING THE WORLD A FAVOUR! NOW STAY STILL!"

"KIDS! Please don't kill each other. Gradient? Aren't you meeting your friends today at the park"

Ink heard a thump fooled by rapid footsteps heading upstairs.

"FUNK! Thanks dad!"

"Why are you copying Fresh?..is he your boyfrien-"

"Like you can talk!"

Ink started to get changed. It was the first day back and he needed to be in early. He hated that meetings were at such an early hour but Reaper had gone on about 'improved health' and then made a stupid joke about 'the early bird catches the worm'. God, how Geno hadn't killed him yet was a mystery to all.

He looked at his watch and cursed at the time.

"I'm off! Don't set the house on fire"

"That was one time!"

"It was at least five, PJ. No need to lie"

Ink snorted in amusement and headed for his car to head off to work. Now don't get him wrong, he loved teaching but today would be just going through the usual boring schedules and making sure they had everything prepared for the first day of school. Sometimes he wondered why he ever thought teaching teenagers was a good thing.

He was so thankful there was no traffic and walked into the school, waving at Geno who was darkly cursing Reaper's organisational skills...he should probably leave them alone for now. He did not want to be caught in the crossfire!

He took his time getting to the meeting room, surprised it had been ten years since he had started this job. So much had changed but thankfully not all of it was bad. He pushed the door open, greeting the room but heading straight for the coffee. It might be the cheap stuff but it is what kept him going most days.

"How are you doing, Ink?"

He startled at Nightmare's voice and just managed to save his coffee. He wouldn't say he was friends with them but they got along well enough. It was times like this he saw how they could be twins with Dream, due to their rather empathic traits.

He gave a shaky grin and tried to avoid looking over at Error and rubbed his skull in pain. Today was just not a good day.

"That rough? I'm pretty sure something is going around. Dream was complaining of headaches and you know how they like to downplay illness...If it helps there are treats on the table. Reaper finally agreed to increase the budget..though i think Geno had more to do with it then anything"

Ink snorted into his drink but readily agreed. He was pretty sure this place would burn to the ground without Geno here. He made a mental note to buy some more painkillers later, pretty sure he had just run out. His luck was just terrible today.

"How are you and Muffet doing?"

"It's n-none of your b-business!"

Ink smirked at the blushing monster but let it be, glad the subject change had lightened the mood.

"Everyone settle down. We have a lot to go through and i know we would all rather do this as quickly as possible"

Murmurs went around in agreement as Dream spoke up and they all settled down. Ink usually enjoyed listening to Dreams' voice but the subject matter was so dull he wasn't ashamed to admit he zoned out, looking at the bottom of his mug mournfully.

"-twenty new kids this term. So I expect that we wil-"

Hmm, could he manage to refill the coffee sneakily or not? His skull snapped to attention when Nightmare nudged him, pointing to the next point of news. He didn't get why they had to be here when they all received emails for this but he looked at the sheet of paper, surprised they were getting a new teacher.

"What happened to Asgore? I thought he had a few more years until he retired"

He whispered to Nightmare, trying to avoid Dreams glare, even as they continued the meeting.

"Not sure. Reaper just got a message one day saying they quit and considering how close it was to term they were in a rush to fill the spot"

Ink briefly knew the P.E teacher but he didnt think this was like them at all. He was pretty sure they didn't know how to use a phone the last time they spoke! Why did he keep looking at Error when thinking about this? He was distracted by the picture of the new staff member and felt a sudden rush of nerves. He was adopted and had never met his biological parents but this monster looked far too like him to be a mere coincidence.

It was odd that there was no last name but there was a brief note mentioned that it was due to their culture. Maybe he would ask when they got here? He noticed Dream pause as they all heard footsteps coming towards them, just hearing the end of a conversation.

"-me chocolate? It's your favourite"

He felt his jaw drop at how similar they looked to him, looking over their features in curiosity. He jolted as Error spoke, just realising they were holding a child. Just how out of it was he?

"Wow. You really do look like Ink...are you sure you two aren't related?"

He was glad it wasn't just him seeing things but he stared in bafflement at the babybones. They were tiny but it was the wings which caught him off guard. They were rare in monsters, more of a pretty feature than a functional appendage anymore and not often passed onto any offspring. Reaper often complained how long it took him to groom his own feathers without any practical reward.

Ink saw Error flinch at the pink eyelights stare at him and couldn't help but agree. They were quite distinctive and the expressionless face was a tad chilling...he didn't look like that did he?

"I am not related to Ink. Just my child"

Ink felt a shiver at the possessiveness but that soon gave way to jealousy, at how easily they took care of their child and occupied them with pencils and paper.

"Oh..they look nothing like you".

Ink felt himself blanch, realising he had spoken out loud. He thought he had gotten better at that and hunched over at Dreams scolding.

"Ink! That was incredibly rude!"

"They are adopted. Their parents were deemed unfit caretakers, so they were removed from their care"

Ink felt sympathy grow in him and felt his opinion of the other rise. Feeling his shame grow.

"I see. We apologise for our rude behaviour, this was just a surprise and we were only told last week about a new teacher. Let me make introductions as the Principal is running late..again"

Ink was glad Pale didn't look offended and leaned back in his chair, getting a sympathetic look from Nightmare. The usual introductions were done and he waved at his turn but felt his eyelights drift back to the babybones in curiosity. They were silent throughout and seemed in their own world.

"Are these all my duties?"

Ink looked over, wondering why they looked so unhappy...if the slight crinkling of their sockets counted. They were so hard to read!

"Yes...is there an issue, Pale?". Dream spoke up.

"This will take me away from my child. I was told I could keep them beside me at all times"

"These are recent additions made by the Principal. Do you not have anyone who can care for your child?"

Ink briefly panicked and looked through his own list, relieved nothing had changed since last week. He hated when Reaper added extra tasks. It would have been fine if they didn't give them so little time to adjust!

"-may devlop Pixelation syndrome, due to his biological parents"

Ink frowned at the thought. He knew Error had struggled with that condition all his life but he was so proud how far they had come. They dealt with touch so much better than before and even their voice was smoother.

Sadly the rest of the meeting was far less exciting and before he could even try to get to know the new guy they bolted for the door, making him stare in disbelief. Just how fast were they?!

"Sorry sorry! I didn't mean to be late but i had so many pap-"

"The meeting just ended, Principal "

"There is no need to be so scary, Dream! You know I didn't mean it!"

"Of course not, Principal. Let me show you all you have missed. Sit down, we shall be a while"

"..have you been taking lessons from, Geno? As you are rather frightening"

"Thank you!"

Ink shivered at the saccharine tone and headed for the door. He was no longer needed so he left Reaper to his fate. He wished them luck.

-

Weeks passed and he was getting rather alarmed how Pale ever managed to get a teaching licence. He had triple checked with Reaper but the records confirmed they did, with some rather flattering references from past places they had worked. Just watching the current 'lesson' he was certain that the monsters who wrote the recommendations had never witnessed any of Pales' classes.

"Dodge or die"

"M-Mr Pale? You are joking..right?"

Their expressionless state did not help clarify things, nor did the way they held the red ball as if it was a weapon.

Before Pale could open their mouth he saw their babybones tug on their leg, making the monster crouch down. He couldn't hear from here but whatever they said made Pale look less tense.

"Of course I am. It's a 'joke'. I would never kill anyone.. where my child could see "

A shiver ran through the room, most unsure if they meant to say that part out loud or if it was another 'joke'. Why hadn't Reaper fired them yet?!

Ignoring their rather alarming behaviour he did enjoy spending time with the little one.

Ink would often be sitting down, marking some pieces the students made, before a babybones was suddenly placed on his desk with Pale saying 'they would be back'. The first time it had happened he had stared in disbelief, as they just left him alone with their kid with no warning but he grew used to their rather weird behaviour.

Now he had a pile of art supplies ready and had found a table and chair set, small enough for Karma to sit on. He did have to be careful to be louder than usual, as Karma seems to get rather startled around them. He had seen them pale when someone came up from behind them, as if they only just noticed them when they were within reach. It was odd but Ink thought the kid might just be shy and was perhaps just more introverted than most.

When he looked after Karma, he also had the unexpected surprise of Error dropping off more often to see Karma. He adored how they acted around the babybones, treating them as if they were a precious crystal. it was bittersweet witnessing this but no longer as painful as it used to be.

Having Pale teach also had the weird benefit of his students acting much better in his class. He only needed to turn to face them and they stayed still. He was almost worried they weren't breathing and it was unsettling how well behaved they were, but after seeing Pale 'teach' he wasn't surprised.

All of these list of offences he could easily forget, as when he saw Pale interact with his child they looked like a different monster. They were so soft and smiles came easily....They were so confusing!

He thought they had an amiable working relationship, so of course the Principal just had to ruin things. He was showing Karma what he would be teaching today when Reaper barged in, before starting to spout utter nonsense.

He sighed in annoyance and tried to calm the energetic monster, wishing not for the first time that Geno just took over.

"He hates me! I swear he is planning to kill me!'

"..Geno? This isn't new, Reap-"

"No! Pale. I swear he watches me and I feel eyes on me nearly all the time. I have been having terrible luck but I swear they are doing it! It must be magic!"

"..Reaper. You know magic like that isn't possible for monsters anymore, right?..please tell me you do know that"

"My dreams are filled with their pink eyed stare and a strange black boned monster! Nowhere is safe to hide!"

"Are you sure you aren't just having weird dreams about Error?..When was the last time you slept?"

"Sleep?! That is when he will pounce. I won't make myself that easy!"

Ink nodded soothingly while leading them out the door, before slamming it shut. He sent a quick message to Geno before pausing at noticing something wrong. Where was Karma? They had been sitting right there, so how had they gotten past him? He was right by the door!

Before he could panic his worst fears came true as Pale came in.

"..where is Karma?"

"Now y-you see the t-thing i-"

"That should not be a hard question, Ink. I just asked you where my child is"

Ink took a step back, feeling an unsettling pressure start to build. His back hit the wall and he soon found Pales face far too close to his own. He thought he was taller than them, but their presence made him feel insignificant.

"Ink. Did you know I consider this multiverse a waste of space? A mere speck in the Omniverse. It's so very new that no one would miss it if it just 'disappeared'"

Ink was confused about what they were talking about. He had briefly read about the multiverse but was unsure what this had to do with this conversation. He didn't dare to speak aloud though, feeling as if he was being watched by a predator for weakness.

"Did you also know that without Karma here, I would happily eat it in a second. So let's try this again. Do you know where my child is?"

Ink thought the worst thing is that their tone hardly changed throughout, even if their sockets seemed to get brighter but his fear was blinding. He tried to stutter out some words but nothing came out. It felt like he was facing death and he was completely helpless. When he saw them raise their hand he stilled in preparation for the end and flinched in surprise when a voice rang out.

"Pale!"

He just managed to catch himself on the wall, greedily sucking in air. He felt shivers all over and looked over at the door to see one of his children, with Karma now being held by Pale.

"I'm sorry! I got lost and I was u-unsure where-"

"It's ok, my child. I am not angry. I am just glad that you are safe"

He felt sick at the reunion, where usually he would rejoice. That wasn't a monster but a Demon! Someone clearly insane who should not be allowed near any children. Looking over at Karma he couldn't believe such an innocent knew the truth. He needed to separate them before it was too late!

-

NeR̸̡͈̎̍d̶̬̊̕ & Joć̸̖̙̟K̷̻͐̏ Multiverse

"Dad? I know Mr Pale can be rather eccentric but isn't this going a bit too far?"

"Of course not! Now be good for your cousins, ok? I'll see you both as soon as i can"

Ink waved as his children got on the train, relieved that they were far away from their school.

Ink had to keep them away while he kept a closer eye on Pale, if that was even their real name. His classes were easily covered but he was annoyed (yet secretly relieved) that Pale no longer dropped Karma off to him. In fact they stopped leaving Karma alone with anyone. It was suspicious, which didn't help when he heard Plum go on about how 'sweet and kind' Pale was with their child.

What did Pale have planned and why did they take the babybones to the nurse in the first place? Did he miss something? Why were his headaches getting worse?

His nerves persisted and he felt alarmed when he could no longer get in contact with Reaper. Trying to discreetly ask Geno didn't help, as they seemed to think nothing was wrong. How was he the only one seeing these things?

He bumped into Dream and smiled, even though he wanted to run past them. He needed to find Pale and make sure they weren't doing anything wrong!

"Ink, how is your neighbour doing?

"Who?

"..you know. The one who is obsessed with their garden. You were telling me about this last month...are you ok Ink? You look rather pale"

"I'm f-fine. I have to go"

Ink winced at the sudden pain in his skull and pushed past them but was puzzled at the conversation, as he didn't even have a neighbour! What was wrong with everyone!

He found his chance when he saw Karma alone outside, which was rather usual. Where was everyone? He walked towards them but paused as they turned around, looking mournful and resigned.

"Karma? What's wrong?"

He crouched next to them and pulled them into a hug, feeling them take shaky breaths with their hands holding onto him tightly.

"..did Pale do something? I can help you get away"

He was growing more alarmed by the silence and when he pulled back he was surprised by their blank expression.

"I really did like colouring with you, Mr Ink. Have a good rest. Maybe we will meet again someday"

"Wha-"

Pain flooded his senses and he felt a burning sensation throughout his body. He couldn't breathe! His headache spiked and he had no idea what was going on....Where had Karma gone?

"..bye"

A heavy pressure started to fill the air and felt himself start to

b

l

a

c

k

o

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...he hoped his kids would be ok...

...where were his kids?...

...who was he?...

~~~~~

Ink: I will try and be friendly to the new teacher. They must be nervous starting a new job

*Pale turns up, blank faced and radiating sheer apathy for their presence*

Ink:..or i could leave them alone. That is good idea too!
-
*Ink watching Pale 'teach'*

Ink: How have you not been fired yet?!

Pale: *Deadpanned* Due to my winning personality of course
-
*Pale seeing Karma shiver in Reapers presence 'once'*

Pale: Well, i guess its time to make their life hell
-
*Pale threatening to eat Inks multiverse*

Ink: Oh god, he is crazy! I"m dealing with an insane monster!