Chapter Text
It was the sound that hit him first. Washing over him like a tidal wave threatening to knock him from his feet. He put his hands to his skull, but it barely helped.
The second thing to hit him was the colors. So bright and vibrant. Filling the space everywhere. It hurt his eyelights to stare at them.
Maybe this was a mistake. He was starting to think he should go back. He didn't mind the silence and he was used to the endless white. All this was just too much for him to handle.
“Hey, Error. Are you okay?” He heard Dream ask. His voice sounded muffled, like he was far away.
Error fell to his knees. It felt like someone was trying to saw his skull open. Slowly and painfully dragging the blade back and forth over his skull.
“Wow, what a loser.” Snickered a voice in his mind.
Error gritted his teeth. He did not need them chiming in right now. There was enough noise as is.
“Error, it's okay. I'll just- I'm sorry.” Huh? What was Dream apologizing for?
Suddenly he felt a hand grab him. And then it was nothing but silence. Then as quickly as it had grabbed him, the hand let him go. He realized Dream must have grabbed him. Error hated how he was already shaking just from that small amount of touch.
Dream knelt before him. A look of concern on his face. “I'm sorry. I should have guessed the city would be too much for you. I should have took you here from the start.”
Error blinked, there were less colors here. They seemed to be somewhere else entirely now. No busy city streets. Just a room with no one else around. Just him and Dream.
“Oh, did Dream somehow transport me here?” Error thought. He guessed that's why he grabbed him earlier.
Slowly he stood up. The pain in his skull was subsiding a little now that he wasn't being bombarded from all sides.
“No need to apologize. You couldn't have known.” He said. After all, Error hadn't even thought how the outside would affect him after all that time. It was unfair to expect Dream to know either.
Despite his words, Dream still looked down. A look of guilt on his face.
“Are you feeling better than?” He quickly changed the subject.
Error nodded. “Yeah. Thanks for helping me just now and, well, back there too.”
He felt a blush covering his face. Only now did he realize he hadn't even properly thanked the guy for saving him from that place. How much of a jerk he must seem.
Dream looked up at him. His expression was unreadable as he stared at Error. “No need for that. I'm just doing my duty, is all.”
His duty? Oh, so saving Error was some sort of job. It kinda hurt to know that his rescue wasn't because Dream actually cared.
“Idiot, why else would someone go through the trouble of rescuing you from that place.” He thought bitterly.
Yet, all he's done so far is cause the guy trouble. He lasted only a couple seconds before he had a breakdown and needed rescuing again. Poor Dream, he was probably making his job much harder than it had to be.
Error looked at the floor. “Sorry for causing you so much trouble.”
Dream shook his head. “It was no trouble at all. As I said earlier, I should have started you out somewhere less overwhelming.”
Error sighed and looked up at him. “I'll try to do better next time.”
Dream frowned. “It's alright, Error. You are still getting used to things. Besides, I don't mind helping you.”
Error met his eyelights. “Really?”
He had a hard time believing that. Dream was probably just being nice.
Dream gave him a smile. It was warm and bright. “Yes. Really, Error. I promise you aren't all that troublesome in comparison to others I had to work with.”
Error sighed, he'd accept that. He just hoped he didn't cause Dream anymore trouble. He rather not be a nuisance to the guy who saved him.
Standing, Error inspected the room. It looked like some sort of living room. There was a couch and across from it sat a television. It definitely looked lived in.
“Uh, where exactly did you take us? Like should we get out of here before someone yells at us being in their home?” Error asked. He'd rather not get arrested for breaking and entering.
Dream laughed, it sounded light and musical. “No worries. This is my place.”
“Oh.” Error felt his face growing hotter.
“Idiot. You should learn to keep your big stupid mouth shut.” He furiously berated himself mentally. Of course this wasn't just some random person's home. How stupid of him to think so. Dream probably thought he was the biggest idiot to ever exist.
“Aww, look at him. He's so embarrassed.” “So cute.”
Chimed in more voices.
“Shut up.” He hissed under his breath.
“What?” Dream asked, looking perplexed by his sudden outburst.
“Nothing. Anyways, this is your place. That's cool.” Error forced himself to smile, hoping Dream didn't notice how fake it was.
Luckily, Dream didn't seem to notice as he smiled back. “Thanks. It's not much, but it's home.”
“Mind showing me around the place?” The question had slipped out before he could stop it. Dream gave him a quizzical look.
“Idiot, don't just ask some random guy you just met to show you his home. He's going to think you're so weird." Error screamed at himself in his mind.
Dream looked amused as he said. “Maybe later. I still have to take you to meet Core.”
“Uh, Core?” Error asked. He hadn't mentioned them before. Were they the one who hired Dream to save Error. And if that was the case, why? Why go through the trouble? And how did they know he was even there to begin with? Did they know him in the past? No, surely Dream would have mentioned it. He had so many questions.
“This is their domain. They like to meet all new residents themselves. If you want, I could request they come here. That way you don't have to risk having another episode.” Dream explained.
Error flinched and looked away. Dream was already writing him off. Well fine, he'd show him. He could handle some dumb noise and stupid colors. Easy peasy.
“Actually, I think I feel a lot better. I can go out and see them.” He plastered a confident grin on his face.
Dream studied him. Once more he felt like Dream saw right through him.
Dream sighed. “Fine if that's what you want. Just prepare yourself okay?” He then walked over to the door.
“No need. I'm all ready to go.” Error said, following behind him.
Dream paused, his hand hovering over the door knob. “If it starts to get too much, just tell me and I'll take us back here, okay?”
“Will do.” Error said, trying to sound cheery. Like hell he'd do that. He was going to tough it out. He refused to be beaten by some colors and noise.
Dream nodded. “Alright.”
He then opened the door and stepped out. Error followed after him. It all hit him again, like a punch to the gut. So many sounds and colors all swarmed around him.
No, he refused to give up. Taking deep breathes, he forced himself to smile. “See nothing to worry about.”
Dream looked completely unconvinced, but said nothing as he locked the door.
“Try not to fall too far behind. I wouldn't want to lose you in the crowd.” He said, walking past Error.
“Crowd?” Error thought, as he felt a shiver run over his bones.
Dream stopped. “You don't have to do this.”
“I'm fine. Nothing I can't handle.” Error assured him.
He could do it. Walk through a crowd. Having people touch and bump into him. Their bodies pressing in around him. At the thought, Error felt like he was going to throw up.
“C- come on, w- what's the hold up? Let's get g- going.” He said, hating the small shake that entered his voice.
Dream sighed and walked forward, with Error quickly following after him. All around were buildings. Mostly houses, all nestled together in neat little rows. Some had flowers and plants in pots sitting outside them. It looked pretty cozy.
Error winced as some kids ran by, their laughter and yells like knives stabbing into his skull.
“Hi Dream.” They called out with a wave, as they stopped before Dream. Dream smiled at them and waved back.
“Who's this?” One asked curiously as they stopped near Error and pointed at him.
Error jumped away from their outstretched hand. He saw a flash of a knife, only to blink and see it was only a stick.
Dream chuckled at the sight. “Don't mind him. This is our new resident. Be sure to be very nice to him. His name is Error.”
The kids’ eyes lit up at that, as all crowded around Error. Excitedly bouncing on their feet.
“It's nice to meet ya, Error.” They all said, smiling up at him.
Error glared at them. For some reason the group of kids put him on edge, though he couldn't understand why. Great, can't handle the smallest of touches and scared of little children, how pathetic could he get.
“Nice to meet you too.” He said, trying to keep the harshness from his voice.
“Well we have to get going now. Bye Dream. Bye Error.” The kids waved to both and ran off.
Dream chuckled. “Not a kid person, I'm guessing.”
Error glared at him and crossed his arms. “I just don't care much for tiny brats.” He said, already feeling embarrassed.
Dream chuckled. “Well, we should hurry. Core is probably waiting.”
“Right.”
They started walking once more. Sighing Error looked up to the sky, only to see pure white.
“What?” He froze.
Oh god, this wasn't real. All of this was an illusion. He was still in that place. He started to shiver, taking short shaking breaths. None of this was real.
“Error. Hey. Are you alright? What's wrong?” Dream asked, running up to him.
“This isn't real.” Error said.
Dream shook his head. “Error, this is real. What would make you think that it isn't?”
“You can't trick me. You can do all the crazy illusions you want, but the sky is as blank as ever. I never left.” Error snarled.
Dream froze. “Oh. Oh no. Error, I'm so sorry. I should have known that it would scare you.”
Error's hands formed into firsts. “I'm not fucking scared. I'm pissed!” He shouted, his voice crackling and breaking.
Dream winced. Slowly he held up his hands as if to placate him. Like dealing with a wild fearful animal.
“It's okay, Error. This is real. There is no sky here. That's because this place is in a similar space as to where I found you. A pocket of blank space. Core and I found it centuries ago and made this city on it. You aren't trapped and you are not hallucinating. This is real.” He said.
Yeah right, as if he'd just believe that. How stupid did this place think he was.
“Prove it.” He said, glaring at Dream.
Dream looked like he was having an internal fight within himself. Only to finally look at Error. “Alright, if that's what you want.”
He looked Error directly in the eyelights. “Error, can I touch you?”
Error quickly stepped back.
Dream frowned at him. “If I'm not real than me touching you should have no actual effect right?”
“You already touched me earlier! That doesn't prove anything.” Error snarled.
Dream took a step forward. “Small interactions are easy for the mind to fake. The longer the illusion has to hold, the more you start to notice what's wrong with it. So let me prove it to you. That I am real.”
Error hesitated. He really didn't want anyone touching him, but then again if this was in his head then why did it matter.
“Fine, do it.” He couldn't stop his voice from shaking.
Dream stepped forward, closing the distance between them, and slowly moved his hand towards Error. It took everything in Error not to leap back.
Gently he reached up and cupped Error's face. Immediately Error had to fight to not pull away. Being touched felt like death. Like he couldn't breathe.
After a moment, Dream moved his hand down to the crook of his neck. Then his chest, right over his soul.
“Does this feel like an illusion to you?” He softly asked.
Error's sight started to go dark around the corners. His whole body was shaking. He felt sick.
“Stop. Please stop.” He pleaded weakly. If this continued he was sure he was going to pass out.
Dream quickly removed his hand and Error felt like a horrible weight was suddenly lifted from him. He gasped as he bent over, placing his hands on his knees. Dream was right, that was definitely real.
“I'm sorry.” Dream said, hanging his head.
Still breathing heavily, Error shook his head. “Nah, all good. I asked you to do it.”
He stood straight and looked down at Dream. He met his eyelights, a look of worry clearly painted on his face.
“That wasn't too much for you, was it? Do you need to take a break?” He asked.
Error shook his head. “Why would it be too much? It was just a little touch, nothing to get worked up about.”
Dream grimaced. “You don't have to force yourself. Everyone has things that bother them.”
Error forced a grin on his face. He hated to see Dream looking so upset. “As I said, it was no bother. Really, not like physical contact makes me sick to my nonexistent stomach.”
“Smooth, Error. Real smooth.” Cut in a voice. He ignored them.
Dream sighed. “Alright then.” He then turned away and began walking again.
Error trailed after him. Shooting another glance up at the sky as he asked. “So what exactly is this place? I realized I actually have no idea where you took me.”
He had been too focused on escaping that place, he hadn't thought too much on where he was escaping to.
“This place is called the Omega Timeline. It's a safe haven for those seeking shelter from their endless torment. Core and me, we find people in need and take them here so they have a second chance at life.” He explained.
“Like me?” Error asked.
Dream nodded. “Yes, like you. Though, you are a bit of a special case. Anyways, we work to help better people's lives.”
Dream gritted his teeth. He almost looked mad. “Actual help. Instead of forcing others to conform to what we think is best for them.”
Error didn't know what that meant. Did they have some sort of business rival? Oh well, wasn't his problem.
“So you help people? That's pretty cool. You're like some sort of hero.” Error said.
Dream smiled at that. “Thanks. We try our best, but we can't save everyone.”
A look of pain crossed over his face and quickly disappeared. Error wondered if Dream has lost someone before.
Forcing a smile, Dream continued. “As I said before, this place is another blank space, like the one I found you in. Though yours is a bit different. It's more aggressive. Alive, in a sense. We call it the Anti Void.”
“Anti Void. At least I know what to call that place now.” Error thought. It was odd to now have the name of the place that had acted as his prison for so long.
“The Anti Void is what took away your memories and changed you into what you are now.” Dream explained.
Error paused. “Wait, how did you know I lost my memories?” He was sure he hadn't mentioned that to Dream.
Dream froze, his back still to Error. “I guessed that was the case, since you said to call you Error. Most don't have to think of their names, unless they're lying or have forgotten.”
He looked back, his eyelights meeting Error's. “And I don't take you for a liar.”
Error nodded. It made sense. “Well you're right. I did lose my memory. I'm actually hoping to maybe get it back. I'm sure there are people who miss me and such. And places I should go back to.”
Dream turned away. “Of course. I'll try to help you as best I can.”
Error grinned. “Thanks. I appreciate it.”
Dream started to walk again. Their journey went on without any more interruptions.
Within a few minutes they were outside the residential area and back amongst the crowded cityscape. Dream paused to let Error gather himself. At least it wasn't as bad now that he had accumulated to the outside a little.
Once ready, he gave Dream a thumbs up and they continued through the city streets. Luckily, they were less crowded now. Must have been getting late. Though Error wondered how that worked with no sun or nighttime. Whatever, he was sure he'd find out eventually.
He followed Dream to a large building. Dream halted just before its entrance.
“This is the council hall. Core should be inside their office right now.” He said and walked in. Error quickly followed after him.
“Man, this place was huge.” Error thought, as he craned his neck to look at the ceiling high above.
He followed Dream until they came to a large door. A series of patterns was carved into the wood.
Dream looked back at him. “Ready?” He asked.
Error nodded. “Ready.”
It was time to finally meet Core.