Reborn as Error

Swap eventually returned with the rope. Ink was quick to volunteer his help in getting the other versions of out out of the hole. I wasn't really paying attention to them though as my gaze was raking our surroundings.

I was on edge, something was really off to me. The things I already noticed was odd enough. But adding that unsure feeling I've recently been having on top of it, it wasn't good.

I was listening for anything that I could consider a threat but there was nothing.

I felt a small tap and looked over at Gradient, who had one of his green screens opened. I was unsure of what he wanted since he wasn't saying anything. I would've asked him to close the screen so he could focus on the situation at hand but I realized pretty quick that he was just staring at his screen. A stepped a bit closer to look at it as well since I figured there was a reason he wanted my attention without saying anything.

There were different dots located in different areas. Each dot represented some kind of entity last I remembered from earlier. The first set were four dots bunched close. That would have to be Swap, Ink, and the other versions of us by the hole. Two other dots were bunched a bit further from the four. Myself and Gradient. And finally there was one dot much further but relatively close. An unknown entity.

Based on the map and our positioning I could tell the lone dot was somewhere to our left, behind us. It wasn't moving, much. It wasn't trying to leave but it definitely wasn't trying to get closer. I resisted the urge to look back to see if I can find whoever was out there.

I took a moment to pat Gradient's head.

"Good. Be alert," I said quietly to him before walking to the others. I wanted to see if they needed assistance with the dead weight and possibly get some answers.

Usually that would be an insult but with one the Inks not being conscious it seemed like an accurate thought.

I did end up helping and could see the other he's shock as Swap looked over the unconscious Ink. I raised my hand to stop him from speaking.

"Yes I know. We look like you and him but we're not you and him. Don't worry about that smaller one back there, we need answers. Like what the hell happened?"

"Error! Come on, he just came out of a hole. You could act a bit nicer," Ink said and I rolled my eyelights.

"We don't have time-" I started to see before Ink cut me off, walking a bit closer to us.

"He's probably confused and needs time to process-" This time I cut him off.

"We don't have time for that." Ink just crossed his arms looking unimpressed with either what I said or with my current attitude.

"Of course we do. Look, I'm Ink and that's Error-" Ink started to introduce us before I scoffed.

"Yeah, no shit," I muttered. Ink heard it easily though.

"I'm just explaining, Error." He had a bit of attitude as he said my name and my gaze narrowed slightly at him.

"Well I already told him that, Ink." I replied back with the same attitude he gave me.

"Telling isn't the same as introducing you know." He said in a 'matter of fact' kind of tone.

"...are you serious right now?" I asked slowly loosing my patience with him.

"Yes! Introductions are important." I groaned and rubbed my face hearing his response.

"I'm starting to think that I should've just push you into the hole instead."