Karma gets better and even gets more shinies

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Human DreamSwap

Karma was feeling cautiously happy in his time in this Multiverse. He had a tentative theory why he could eat and he fully blamed it on his new fleshy body. While he never wished to be in one again, it was processing physical food much better than what he was used to. It was like he was a newborn again with the joy he had eating. He wasn't holding much hope it would stay like that when if he changed back to normal, so he would enjoy it while he could.

He had also spent time each morning seeing what different expressions on his face looked like. He was not happy when he saw he was much easier to read but it did help him learn a bit more, what others were feeling as a human.

One good thing that had happened this past few weeks was being able to walk by himself again! He wasn't allowed to do it for long but he adored having some independence back.

Karma was also a bit worried where this Dream had gone and what it could mean for his stay. After being dropped off with Blue that first day, the other seemed to have vanished into thin air.

He still heard about him from the guards and maids but nothing that reassured his worries. He was also disappointed that Blue didn't come over as much after the first week. Where were they all going?

He was usually stuck with Ink who didn't really talk much or emote. The other felt more like a shadow than a living being. He often checked their SOUL to make sure they hadn't died, due to how quiet they were being.

Today he decided he wanted to do something other than stay in his room or travel to the dining room for food. When he was picked up for lunch he stayed quite as usual and ate more than he could ever remember eating before. He was still stuck on a simple diet but with how delicious it tasted, he saw no issues with that.

When the maids took their plates away he stared at Ink, waiting for the other to notice.

"Can I have something to read, Ink?"

The usual unreadable expression changed to thoughtfulness. His hope rose when they nodded and carried him towards a door that Karma had never entered. As soon as it was pushed open he chirped in glee at the number of books available to him. His head swivelled from one side to the other, unsure where to even start.

He wriggled to be let down and as his feet touched the ground, he sped off to all the different sections. He could only grab two books before he felt his arms struggle under the weight. He glared at them in irritation, at denying him even more books to take with him. The weight in his arms disappeared and he spotted Ink walk away, then grabbing all the books he had shown an interest in from the shelves.

He was kind of surprised as he never knew he was being observed so closely. He was unsure if he should feel pleased or if this was just the other making sure he didn't get into trouble. He decided to follow Ink, while browsing the books he passed.

He might not like his new body but its small size was helpful. He had learned so many things due to it and had no idea why others equated small to blind, deaf and dumb. The maids were especially helpful to him discovering more about this world.

The rumours of how Ink was a blank doll, that only followed Dreams' will or the 'traitor' that was Dreams counterpart. Not much was said about Blue strangely, as if others feared the kind looking human. He was right in classifying Blue as a threat it seemed, his experience was working well for him this time.

Looking away from the numerous bookshelves he searched for a place to sit and spotted one by the windows. Skipping over he sat in the red armchair and accepted a book Ink placed in his hands. He stayed there the rest of the day, absorbing all the information he could.

This was a new routine Ink added to his day and it settled an itch he didn't notice he had. Now that this request was accepted he tried again a week later, for something new.

"Ink, can I go outside?"

He was tense, prepared for rejection but it seems he didn't need to worry. Ink said as long as he stayed next to him they could go anywhere Karma wanted; as long as he wore a cloak to hide the wings. He fully understood the reasoning and found no issue with this condition.

His wings quivered in glee and he sprinted towards his bedroom, disregarding the shouts from the guards to be careful. As soon as he got to his room he looked through his wardrobe, deciding to wear a dark red cloak that had no other designs. He was kind of weirded out how most of his items had little yellow birds on it and looking at Ink for answers was a wasted effort. He suspected Blue had something to do with it, as Swap Sans were surprisingly sneaky.

He was prepared to run to the entrance when Ink scooped him up in their arms, placing him on his hip. His wings started to spread in excitement at going outside but Ink hand on his back reminded him of the reason he wore a cloak.

His hood was placed over his head and he was held closer to Ink's chest. They went towards a strange pad and as soon as Ink stepped on it he felt magic build up around them.

As soon as it reached a peak it stopped and they ended up in a new location. Looking at the ground he spotted magical symbols and wondered if he could learn more about them. He was sure he spotted a book about them in the library, he would make sure to check out later if that was the case.

While the SOULS around him were numerous, he was intrigued at the many shops and items being laid out on the stalls.

"You may go down as long as you keep a hold of my hand"

"Yes!"

As soon as he was free of Inks arms he grabbed their hand, dragging them between the many stalls. He swore he heard a quiet laugh from Ink but when he glanced back there was no visible expression. Pouting at the strange Ink he was with he continued to wander between stalls, lingering on the glittering jewels and soft toys.

Having the golden bird toy made him remember how much he used to love sleeping in a pile of animal plushies. There was something comforting about the different textures and shapes they could come in. His excitement steadily declined as his mind wandered.

Requesting to have a day out also had an ulterior motive. He was hoping it would be a good enough distraction, at how wrong his body still felt to him.

He was proud how quick he had adapted to it but its limitations and size were rather cumbersome. His reach was much more limited and he missed seeing his pure white bones instead of this squidgy skin. He hated how it made him feel so disconnected from everything, making him want to scratch at his body till it went away.

He mentally understood that this was normal for this Multiverse but his SOUL still cried in distress at the changes that were forced upon its vessel. Karma felt himself start to flinch at the pain from his core, no longer wanting to stay outside. Removing his hand from Ink he covered his mouth with his scarf, then he lifted both arms up, wanting to be picked up.

"Can we go now?"

He whispered his question, no longer satisfied that his request was granted. He kept his face hidden in Inks neck on the way home and refused to let go of Ink, even when they went to his room. He knew it was futile as he was no match for Ink, who easily pushed his arms away and tilted his head to look at him. He startled when their finger wiped under his eyes, not sure when he had started crying.

"It's ok, baby phoenix. Let it all out. I will guard you till you're ready"

The gentle touch and the uncharacteristic soft voice from Ink, helped Karma let out all these conflicting new feelings. It must be the human brain's fault for how emotional he was getting lately. He clutched Inks clothes, glad they let him cry in silence.

"W-why am i-i a p-phoenix?"

"They are a sign or rebirth and this is a new start for you, is it not?"

Karma snorted at how close the other was to the truth. On a lighter note he hoped he met a real one one day. There must be a multiverse with one he could visit one day.

-

Human DreamSwa̶̧͙̞̰̫͖̖̾̿̎̾̐̊́͝p̴̜̼͔̗̦͔̫͙̿̈́͂̐̇̒̇

The next day started oddly as before he was taken to breakfast, Ink said he wanted to show him something. Following the other they ended up in Dream office, shocked that he sensed Dream. Looking around his eyes landed on a pile of items that he was sure were not there last time. He stared at Dream, waiting for a hint about what was happening.

"Hello, little apple. I'm sorry I haven't been around but i got you a few things as an apology. Ink said they caught your interest"

Inks arm pushed him to the small table and he cooed in delight at the gifts. These were all the things he had fallen in love with yesterday and that were begging to join his hoard. He was tempted to throw them straight into his inventory but hadn't seen that magic used in front of him just yet.

He was also sure that humans his age were not supposed to know how to perform magic. He didn't want to tip them off about his strangeness just yet, as he wasn't strong enough to live alone, if they kicked him out.

He really needed to learn how to make his portals more consistent, as he would rather not land in an even more hostile area in an emergency.

The rest of the day was the same routine he had grown used to except Dream joined him in his activities. He was sure the other had better things to do than follow him around, which he made sure to say. The scrunched up eyes he received was a new expression and he was unsure how to react.

"I just wanted to spend some time with you, little apple"

-

Dream didn't just spend one day with him but the following ones as well. He even took him out on trips and they always got a new item. He would have insisted it wasn't needed, if his magic didn't insist on adding it to his collection.

Karma knew he was starting to lean into his instincts more to try and settle how restricted his magic was feeling. He had started putting more magic in his wings, to try and drain his building reserves but knew it was only a matter of time before something drastic occured. His skeleton body was built to utilise his Death magic at all times, unlike his current one.

Another odd thing was Dreams insistence he wear strange golden items on his wings. He stared at them in puzzlement at what they did and how you wore them. He had never needed to add things to his wings before, as his multiverse didn't really cater to winged beings.

Dream helpfully informed him that they helped protect the main joints of his wings and had a bonus hidden feature. He was sure if he was a normal being they would be useful, but his Godly status made him hardier than most. On the other hand he had been around God tire monsters a lot lately, so having an extra defence was most likely beneficial.

Dream helped him put them on and he admired how they seeemd to look like they were a natural part of his wings. He paused in his gaze and was sure his feathers were slightly glowing. He hadn't put that much magic into them, so what was happening? No one had made any comments about it, so perhaps he could only see it?

Focusing on the new additions he thought they looked rather decorative and covered the top joints of wings , with chains connecting them. When Dream added magic to them he saw blades appear. Dream promised to show him how to do this himself and he refused to admit he already could.

His feathers could become quite sharp by themselves, if he wanted them to but an extra defence was always welcome. He was a bit worried if all children were supposed to be given weapons but perhaps this world's culture was more different then he first thought?

~~~~~~

Karma: Do you have any books i can read?

*shown massive library*

Karma:....I'm in love ❤️
-
Dream: *offers discreet armour for wings*

Karma: I don't need th-

*sees it is shiny*

Karma: *throws it on* Protection is very important you know!