Error Survivor

"Welcome to the Multiverse..." Ink dropped Y/n's hand, her eyes opened wide to the scene in front of her. Sheets of paper floated lazily around them, each had a unique drawing, all colorful. It was hard to take them all in at once, knowing each was a different universe. Ink stood by chuckling as she spun around in circles, awed. Y/n tore herself away from the pages to meet Ink's amused gaze.

"Amazing isn't it?" She nodded slowly, unable to form words. He motioned for her to follow him, slowly they exited the tornado of paper. The sheets avoided them with ease, continuing to spin in a circle. Outside it was just as amazing, splatters of paint littered the white floor making it all shades of color. Some ways from the Multiverse was a uncovered mattress, beside it was a large paintbrush. Ink was walking in its direction.

"Ink... Do you live here?" Y/n asked, scanning the white horizon and rainbow splattered ground. It seemed very lonely and quiet here. The only sound coming from the papers and Ink's echoing footsteps.

"I sleep here at night. But I don't stay here very often, usually I'm in some universe." Ink picked up the brush, carrying it back to where Y/n stood. She looked at it curiously. The wood handle had a red tint to it, the metal holding the dark bristles was glistening gold, a tan shoulder strap was attached to both ends.

"What's this for?" The brush looked brand new.

"Remember when we first met. You asked if there was any way you could help. Well, I'm giving you a way to help. This brush appeared with mine, I can't use it. My theory is that it was for a second Protector, which I now believe is you." Ink held out the brush for her to take.

Y/n hesitated, not sure she agreed with Ink. Slowly, she wrapped her fingers around the mahogany handle. Her hands shook a bit. Ink let go, the whole void exploded with sound.

"A new Protector has been found."

Hundreds of voices clambered over each other, making it hard to make out just one. Each were filled with emotion, some pictures came to mind as they faded. The voices had seemed to be all different individuals. Different in their own way.

"Can she handle it?"

Y/n didn't realized she had closed her eyes until she opened them again. Her breath came in rapid gasps, clutching her new brush to her chest. Ink stood in front of her, mildly confused before his face broke into a huge grin.

"You okay?" He knew what had happened but didn't want to say anything. Let her meet them. Y/n nodded, catching her breath. "Good, time to show you how these things work." Ink pulled out his brush. He taught her each color of paint's attack and purpose. It took few times of repeating before she was able to get them all right. 

"Okay, how about some training now?" Ink helped her stand from the floor where they had been sitting. Y/n stared at him, surprised for a second.

"Alright, I guess." She hesitantly agreed as Ink walked a few paces away from her. She had some fighting experience from sparing with her siblings and occasionally Sans. She wasn't very confident in her abilities.   

" Let's see how you hold up." Y/n's soul appeared over her chest. The battle began. She was curious about Ink's style of fighting. Was he more like Sans, throwing his most powerful attacks first? Surely his style was different, considering his brush.

There was a small stare down between them. Y/n wanted to see his first attack. Ink flicked his brush, a wave of black paint was sent her way. She was easily able to dodge it. Should've figured he go easy, at first. A simple black paint attack caused only minor damage.

"Oh, so you do know a few tricks. Surfacetale Sans did teach you some things." Ink teased causing Y/n to blink.

"Wha- Oh!" She laughed. "No! Undyne taught me how to dodge!" She side stepped another of Ink's attacks. She had closed the gap between them slightly. "Sans taught me how to attack!" She swung her brush at Ink, causing her own paint attack. Ink was light on his feet, he dodged it easily even at the close proximity.  Swinging the brush had caused Y/n to lose her footing, it was a surprisingly hard thing to control.

"We'll need to work on your balance when attacking." Ink stated from beside her, sliding his brush back into its place. He rubbed the back of his skull thoughtfully. Y/n's soul disappeared as she regained her composure. Turning to Ink she huffed and smiled, clutching her brush.

"That was fun! Though I'm disappointed you went easy on me!" She swung her brush onto her back, pouting in Ink's direction. He eyed her like she was crazy.

"Don't worry, it'll get harder for you. You haven't seen anything yet." He gave her an evil grin. "Anyways, we should get back to the Omega Timeline. It should be getting late by now.... Wanna try making a portal?"

"Yes!"

~~~~~~~~~

"Hey Blueberry? Is Ink still around?"

"Yeah! I believe he's sitting on the roof!"

"Okay, thanks!" Y/n climbed a ladder she had found on the back of the Sans' house. Peeking her head up, she could make out the shadowy shape of Ink. It was night in the Omega Timeline, the fake stars shined in the pitch black ceiling. She climbed up onto the tiled roof and over to Ink's lounging shape.

"Oh, hey partner." Ink greeted Y/n, looking up at her with a smile.

"Partner?"

"Yeah, we're partners now. We work together."

"I like friend better."

"How about comrade then?"

"Companion." Y/n stated crossing her arms stubbornly.

"Ally?" Ink suggested, unfazed.

"Buddy."

"Colleague?"

Y/n thought for a second, trying to come up with another. Huffing, she gave up. A silence slid between them as they stared at the makeshift stars. Ink started to hum quietly.

"Ya know what? You're right, friends sounds so much better..."

Word Count: 1018