Palette's POV

"So here are some opening questions that I plan to open with. Do you see your parents and recognize them here?"He asks

"Hmm, depends. Do they recognize me?"I reply

Both of their faces pale when I give that response.

"Hmm, well do you have any memories of your childhood?"He asks

"Vast emptiness and being alone. Waiting for endless amounts of time for my so-called parents to return. Hmm, having to remind them who I was and that they had to care for me....Being lectured and criticized for feeling since it hurt them when I was upset....Being dragged around and told to not bother them since they claimed to be doing me a favor."I say

"Hmm, what do the records show about this? Gaster, show me the time from Palette's birth to the time that he arrived in our AU."Gerson says

"G-Gerson, I don't quite see the-"Gaster begins

"Gaster. This is a case about his life and being cared for. I need to know that they can handle the responsibilites of providing a consistent life for the boy and meet his needs to a healthy extent. If they cannot do this in the past, then it hints to their current abilities. Show it to me."Gerson cuts him off

Gaster hesitantly nods, having an orb appear in front of Gerson. It replayed my life from my birth to when I figured out how to get here. It essentially showed him everything that I described. He waves it away with a hand, frowning. He looks sternly down at the two of them.

"Well, is there a home for you now?"He asks

"Yes, I made it myself in a forest to be safe. I live there with my two brothers, cousin, and bird buddy Pakeekee."I reply

"Is your family here today?"He asks

"Yes, just recovering."I say

"From what?"He asks

"There was a false report that they were criminals in my home and the officers abused them....Much like a couple I know."I say

Both Dream and Gerson caught my tone at the last bit. Dream flinches with a hint of regret, as if hoping that I wouldn't bring it up while Gerson takes note of it.

"Can you point to them for me?"He asks

"PJ and Gradient are my brothers. Radier is my cousin. I work two jobs to provide them, one at the library with Mr. Geno and at a diner."I say, pointing to my relatives at thier mention

I smile at them and they smile back up at me. Shino is busy glaring Gaster down.

"You have a routine? Are your needs met?"Gerson asks

"Yes, much more than Dream and Ink have done for me. I have school, friends, work where I feel fulfilled, and a home with loved ones that consistently care or connect with me. They take care of me as much as I care for them in any form. In mental, emotional, or physical aspects, all are cared for. Feels like a real family."I say

He catches onto my word or name choice.

"Is there anything provided to you?"He asks

I nod.

"This flower crown is given to me by Shino. The cape clipped on me is made by Radier and Gradient to protect me. Then the necklace and the flower on my shirt are given to me by Goth."I say

"Anything from your parents?"He asks

"Only frustration, memories, and trouble in more than one way."I say

"Have they ever protected you? Have they made a home reasonable or sturdy with consistence to care for you?"He asks

SLAM!

"Hello? Are we late?"A voice shouts

"Oh there's the idiots!"I hear another shout

I glance over, seeing Raven running in with his parents following.

"Welcome, you three."Gerson says

Then he looks to me for an answer.

"Hmm, let me think on that. Oh, right. They let me get kidnapped by my abusive uncle where I nearly died if it wasn't for Goth finding me. He healed me and all they did was stalk or harass him. Then when they saw me happy, safe and healthy once returning from that hell, they decide that's the time to scold me for running away for this new life and tried to take me away to be with them despite not giving any reason to ensure that they'd treat me better.Oh and this was after the dignified GOD of Balance tried to abduct me for experiments since he deemed me a mistake that he was curious about."I explain

"Anyone that could prove this?"He asks, though glares at Gaster when hearing this

Dream bows his head with Gaster as I retold that.

"My son rushed home and informed me about it as well as my husband. This uncle is Nightmare of all people, yet as we worked to find and bring Palette home we lacked any word or sights of his parents. Not a sign of them, even through my travels that would hint at their concern or prioritizing a search for their child."Mr. Reaper says

"I got a call from Palette where he gave me a code phrase alerting me that he was in trouble. I arrived to find Dream snapping at Palette and putting his hands on him to tear him from Goth. I intervened and sent the boys away while I deal with him. And I had a stern talking with Gaster."Asgore informs

"And the current home conditions they have?"Gerson asks

"More like a dungeon. A golden cage to lock up. As good as it looks, they used it to kidnap my brothers and cousin before abusing them and chaining them, holding them hostage there just because they didn't like that I grew close to those they don't like as family. Just because they're neglected or connected to people they don't like. Oh and while they were at that, they sent a lunatic after Goth to do who knows what just because he wouldn't side with them. He only ended up being turned into a bird, but the threat was still there. I could go on."I explain

"Do you wish to go on?"Gerson asks

"Do I have to? It only continues from there and doesn't improve. Tresspassing, harassment with phone calls or even entering my dreams to scold me and break me down, never giving me any space...Making me feel like it was wrong to feel or pursue a happy life because it's what they don't want...Just look at the records from the event of my abduction to now. It will show their interactions with me weren't out of love, but possession. Wanting to have me, control me, and isolate me to their liking. Forget about their mistakes, they have a right to do whatever they wish with me as they see it. No matter what it results in..."I tell him with a frown

"They treat him like a toy until they're bored with him and leave him again. They only seek to take from him."PJ says with a shake of his head

"Not fun anymore? Ink will leave and forget about him."Gradient says

"Not producing enough positive emotion for Dream to consume? Not allowed. Disappointment and makes him a problem or burden since it hurts Dream. No concern for why he is hurting, just pressuring for him to get over it already and be happy without help. Just abandons him until he has enough positivity to sap out of him like a parasite. And then there's my uncle if he doesn't produce enough negative emotions to absorb...He had more violent methods but neither of them would prevent it. Hid like cowards until the trouble passes. Nightmare could abduct him, torture and kill him and they'd still be hiding in bushes or with their heads in the sand."Radier says, growing angrier and growling the words at Dream and Ink

Gerson strokes his beard, the orb returning to show him the events. I glare down at Dream and Ink, noticing that the family that I've grown to have and know do the same. Gothy is gazing up unlike them, gripping his scarf and his eye pleaing with hope.

"I have come to my decision. You three please stand."Gerson says after a few moments

The three accusers stood up. Gerson summons some scrolls, writing carefully on each one. Once he does so, each floated over to hover over their heads.

"Those are restraining orders for each of you to stay away from Palette, his home, and those that he considers family. Break the conditions set and you'll be punished. The only one that has hope of redemption is Dream with proper training in parenting and reason. But you'll have to prove yourself on a long path to improvement. I revoke your parenting rights altogether and give the young lad custody to himself and his loved ones. He has proven that he has a support system and can look after himself. It would be pointless to rip him out of this life for a miserable life that you provide. This case is done."He declares, clapping his hands

The high seating lowers and we both step down. I smile, seeing the shock on their faces. My loved ones are cheering though.

"In your face, douchebags!"Raven shouts

"Hey, that's my line! Who is the neglected one now, you two? NOT HIM! How is that dust tasting? Cause he left you in it for the better and you can't stop him! That's my brother!"PJ cheers

PJ and Raven look at each other, smile with a nod, and continue to just shout in proud triumph at their loss. Mr. Geno stands with them, making Ink tremble under his gaze. Gradient smiles, cleaning his glasses with a sigh of relief. Shino is hugging Radier while hopping with glee. Mr. Reaper and Asgore are thanking Gerson while dropping comments aimed at Gaster that he could hear in their discussion that made him tremble with shame.

"Palette! You're staying!"Gothy cheers, hugging me happily

He squeezes me close to him and I smile at him, kissing him gently on the head.

"I told you that there was nothing to worry about, Gothy. Everything is okay."I tell him

His face burns a bit. His gaze lowers and he gives a shy smile.

"S-So...I k-know a go-good diner nearby. Do you want to go there to celebrate?"He asks, his voice growing softer

Is he asking me out? He's so adorable.

"Sure, Gothy. I'd love that."I say

"Let's go play at the park, Radier!"Shino cheers as she runs past us with Radier holding her hand

I hear them giggle and smile. Then I feel a hand on my shoulder. I turn to see Mr. Geno standing there with a smile at me. Now Mr. Reaper is watching over Raven and PJ as they continue to shout and mess with the defeated, speechless accusing trio. Gothy walks ahead, following Asgore and Gerson as they chat with Gradient on the way out.

"We will take the kids to the park to hang out so this chaos doesn't get between you and Goth. With a chaotic gremlin like those two with my silly husband, you'd get nowhere peacefully."He says

I smile, nodding in understanding. He caught on to us and knows his son very well. He glances at the Juliet rose in my shirt pocket.

"That is quite beautiful. Where'd you get it?"He asks

"Gothy gave it to me...During the box time."I say

He smiles.

"Right. And I assume the crown is from my daughter?"He says

I nod.

"Interesting. Well don't let me keep you. I hope you two have fun."He chuckles

I nod, going outside to follow after Gothy. I smile, my soul feeling full of warmth and beating happier than I've ever been. The stars are finally lining up. Everything is going great. I'm finally free and can keep this life without fearing for my family's safety from Gaster or my former parents.

But then I hear the familiar sound of a bow getting stretched by an arrow.

"Dream, buddy, please! I don't think this is the best course of action! And if I'm saying it, you know it's a bad idea! I don't want to face his wrath!"I hear Ink plea

I glance over, seeing the two of them rushing out behind us. Ink was close on Dream's heels as he rushes ahead, aiming his bow and arrow ahead. Something was different about this arrow though. It didn't glow or radiate brightly with positivity. It is tinted a darker shade and seems dimmer. I look for where he is aiming and see that the arrow is aiming right at Gothy, who has his back turned as he walks ahead. His wings twitch and Pakeekee lands on his arm.

"So, you going on a date?"Pakeekee chirps

Gothy responds with a giggle.

Thwump! Hisssss!

My soul stops beating as I hear the arrow get released and it zip by. I quickly run, putting my hands out.

"Gothy! Look out!"I shout, shoving him away

Crrraaacck!

My body goes stiff and rigid, freezing in place. I see the arrow piercing through my chest by my ribs. My body starts trembling as everything starts ringing. I could see golden lines forming in my bones, loudly echoed with cracking noises and the gold gets washed out by a darker color. I can't feel anything anymore. My legs give out and I start dropping as my vision darkens.

"Palette!"Gothy shouts

TBC