Chapter Text
“So what you're saying is that you want me to join your team to help bring positivity and good to the people of the entire multiverse and keep everyone and their families safe from the possibility of evil?”
Ghost squinted his eyes with uncertainty, crossing a hand over the other. Ink just nodded, a prideful grin plastered on his face.
“That's pretty much it!”
Ghost nulled over the idea, looking across the room at the positivity drone, as if he'd have the answer written across his body. In return Dream just silently waved and focused his attention back on Ink. The purple skeleton followed in suit. He looked at the table in front of him pondering the question. The job sounded tiring.
“Why do you want me to join you anyway? Isn't there any better people out there, maybe someone more…. Well… not me?” Ghost spat it out plainly. They really weren't as interested as these guardians make him out to be. If anything he didn't know why the duo snatched him up in the first place. He was sure that it had been a kidnapping.
But lo and behold, it's a bunch of protectors looking for a third member of their posse. Which somehow seems worse.
“Well, ever since our last Swap Sans,” Ink clears his throat, “retired… we need a new candidate to fill his place.”
Ghost can only assume what Ink’s definition of “retired” meant. Whatever it did mean was likely to happen to him too. Nevertheless he wasn't going to agree anytime soon so he'd never know. Ghost rose to his feet. He was a good foot or two taller than the artist so he practically towered over him.
“Yeah, no, thanks for the opportunity but I really don't think I can do that… I have some other business to attend to actually.” Ghost replied, placing her hands in her pockets.
“Plus, I'm not really a Swap Sans, pretty far off actually.” he added, making his way to the door, which he was sure led to nowhere.
Ink just rounded the table (which still seemed so out of place) and met Ghost on the other side, blocking the exit. He reached his arms out in a way that reads, “wait.”
“But! But! You kinda also technically are a Swap Sans, which makes me sure you are perfect for the role.” The artist spoke, trying to ground Ghost back. It was clear that he wasn't really the best at being convincing, which for a second made Ghost doubt his abilities as both a protector and physically.
The purple skeleton crossed their arms, sending a glare to the smaller. He really didn't feel like talking to them. He knew they were a bunch of weirdos, ever since he first saw them in passing. Ghost approached Ink, confident that he can just push past him anyway with his size. However, he couldn't even take a step before being stopped again by the yellow beam of positivity.
Ghost straightened the clothes that were abruptly touched by a hand. The yellow protector retracted his gloved hand back and calmly rested it against his sides. He gave a gentle smile.
“We really do insist that you join Ghost, we are scarily low on other options.” He pressured.
Ghost clenched a fist and tore his eyes into a different direction. The yellow bastard was good at that. While he didn't personally like Dream, the guy was strangely good at making him feel bad about it. Something about his smile or maybe his glowing attitude, or just something about him makes him feel a sickly tenderness. In turn it makes him feel guilty about not acting with it.
That's how they convinced him to get here in this situation in the first place. That and he didn't feel like dying in the hands of a glitch at the time.
“I am pretty firmly set on my decision, Dream.” Ghost clenched his eyes tightly closed as if looking at the other would change his mind.
Dream let out a wavered sigh, closing his fist and slowly releasing it again. He muttered a low, “If that's what you wish,” before stepping away from the door and pulling Ink out of the way. Ghost nodded as a way to say thank you and opened the door. Outside wasn't really anything better…
Outside was basically nothing. He wasn't really sure where he was at all (not like he knew many places anyway). Behind him, beyond the door he can hear the muttering of the two protectors. He couldn't care less, he told himself. Why should he? Ghost shrugged it off and walked off into the white void.
He didn't completely master his hazardous art of traveling AUs so it would be a matter of time before he changed universes randomly (as he'd put it). His heels made a satisfying clicking sound against the floor as he walked. However no matter how long or how much he walked it seemed to be just a white void.
The purple skeleton looked behind him again, the out-of-place wood door quite visible among the white of everything. He considered for a second going back and asking for a lift maybe, perhaps to a safe AU. But the idea was immediately brushed off as Ghost declared he didn't need the help. All she needed was to get a hold of her powers and she could leave.
Click.. click… click… His shoes tapped against the ground as he ventured into the nothingness, brain buzzing with a hint of anxiety. It's not that they were worried about never leaving this place, it's just a matter of when. The white of the void was unnerving to say the least. It sent a chill down his spine as it brought back a few suppressed memories. Ghost shook his head as if to shove the thought away before it even bubbled. However this did nothing to ease the fear slowly writhing at their neck.
The clicks came to a halt as Ghost stopped walking. He turned once again, the door almost blending with the white at this point. It was too late to go back now. Ghost sunk to the ground in a sort of anguish. This should be no issue. All they needed to do was calm themselves and focus deeply on his power. That's what he thought at least. Ghost was no good at traveling through universes. The power was still plenty new and she just hadn't gotten a hang of it yet.
But it will kick in soon. He's sure of it.
“Well look what the void dragged in.”
The voice sent chills down Ghost's spine. His hand twitched slightly with fear, unable to move their body any other way. Despite this, they masked the fear the best they could. Slowly, as if any wrong movements would lead directly to his death, he turned. Above him, in stark contrast to the white void, was the destroyer himself.
Ghost, despite the way his bones rattled, plastered a crooked smile on his face. He rose to his feet, even if they felt like jello.
“Interesting… interesting to see you too… Error.” Ghost stuttered. The words felt dry in his throat and he struggled to get them out.
Error just smiled down at the other. It was a sickly smile that held thousands of desires. Ghost knew what he wanted and knew he'd fight for it. It was his life on the line afterall.
The void was silent for a second more as the two kept intense eye contact. Ghost was confused at this; the lack of action wasn't typical when it came to Error. By this moment Error should've already been hunting him down, tearing everything in his path to have him dead. And like usual Ghost would run, he'd maybe crack a joke, but in the end he'd escape. But now, Error did nothing but look at him with an intimidating expression.
Ghost noticed how nothing occurred and within the few seconds he determined it was his turn to act first. Knowing he wasn't the best at dealing with problems fist-first, he chose a different option. He ran. It felt like a spark was set off at this. The moment his legs began moving him farther into the void the destroyer sprung into action, chasing the former.
Ghost was familiar with this. This game of cat and mouse. He'd run and run, but he'd get away. Ghost felt a sense of ease at this realization. If he can't physically get his powers to work on his own, this sure would. He'd be safe in a matter of no time.
The beam of a blaster rained down, to which Ghost avoided as gracefully as a headless chicken. He wasn't the worst at dodging, but that certainly didn't mean he was good at it. Ghost glanced at Error, a smirk unknowingly making it to his face. The destroyer was quick behind him but still trailed a bit farther than usual. Maybe Ghost just got so good at this!
The chase continued a few minutes more, the fight going into circles. Ghost was confused why he was still here. Why the reflexes of his power had not yet kicked in to drive yet. Usually he wouldn't be too concerned. But now? This is weird. It's been too long.
Consumed by thoughts and inner turmoil, Ghost misstepped and came tumbling to the ground. She hit the ground hard, rolling onto her back. He quickly sat up and tried to scramble back to their feet but was forced back down by a few blue strings wrapping around their leg.
Ghost tried their best to jerk away from the hold but it proved futile. He watched as the destroyer approached, their pace slow with a sense of confidence. The reality sinks in on Ghost. He really was gonna die. Here and now was his grave. They felt their body grow colder as the other approached. Error got real close to Ghost, purposely giving an evil look.
Ghost closed his eyes. If he died, he didn't want to see how. However a hiss of pain convinced him to open them again. Upon doing so she was greeted with the sight of the two protectors, seemingly in a fight with Error. Ghost felt weirdly relieved but also a distaste for the two. On one hand he was happy to be saved, on the other it was because of them.
The fight was pretty inactive. There had been a few major attacks but not much to physically harm. Error, seeing as the fight wasn't going anywhere grumbled and opened a portal. The string holding down Ghost's leg was dismissed. Error stared daggers down at Ghost as if saying, “this wasn't the last of him.” Ghost had heard it plenty of times before. However, the glitch hasn't succeeded yet.
“Are you okay?”
Ghost looked up to see a yellow glove extended in front of his face. Dream had a sympathetic, however kind smile on his face. The purple skeleton still wasn't too keen about the guardian so he just ignored the question. However he took the other's hand and was brought back to his feet. Ghost dusted off the imaginary dirt on his clothes and crossed his arms. He looked at Dream, his face struggling to depict the right emotions.
Dream, finally noticing that Ghost was not going to respond, decided to put his attention to Ink (who had been lingering behind.) The two didn't communicate verbally; Dream gave a sort of glare to the other, who in turn disappeared in a puddle of ink. His eyes returned to the purple skeleton in front of him.
“That was a close one wasn't it?” Dream asked, trying to spark up a conversation. His hands rested gently at his sides, but Ghost could see the way they tapped against his sides.
Ghost didn't really feel like dragging this into a conversation, or conversing at all. However it seemed with the two of them here, by themselves, there really isn't a choice. He decided he'd be dry with his answers, hoping to drive the yellow guardian away.
“It was.” Ghost responded, looking off to the side. The void was as bright as ever and almost taunted him in a way.
It was awkwardly silent. Good. Better than talking. Dream shuffled in place, not really knowing how to go about the situation. But he was confident. Sighing, he plastered a smile onto his face.
“You did well… at avoiding him y'know?” Dream spoke, looking off into the white void (one a similar direction Ghost has been looking). Ghost scoffed. He doesn't mean to come off as rude but it's a habit.
“As if. I got caught.” They replied bluntly.
“But! Only because you misstepped.” Ghost raised a non-existent eyebrow confused as to why that would disapprove his point. Dream seeing the confusion continued.
“However… you made a quick recovery. You tried to get to your feet as quickly as possible even with the set back.” He continued.
Ghost squinted his eyes as a frown broke out on his face. “Where is this going?” She questioned.
“We really need you on the team Ghost-”
“No, I already said I wasn't going to.”
“But listen. We can help you!” Dream turned to the other abruptly. Ghost’s mouth snapped shut, his throat turning dry again. They quickly calmed himself. Dream getting no response took that as the initiative to keep speaking.
“We can help you. You'd have a place to live. A safe one at that! So you'd never be at risk of disturbing the AUs or Error finding you. You'd have all the necessities you'd ever need. All we need is you. You are talented, and strong. I know you are.”
Ghost didn't know how to respond. He really didn't want to lead that sort of life, but it'd benefit him so much. That gnawing guilt came back to bite him once again. The way Dream looked at him with all this hope and kindness. It almost made him worried about letting Dream down (which felt startling in itself.)
“I.. I don't… I don't know.” Ghost replied, his voice quiet and wavering. He really didn't know. These protectors say all these big things rely on him and how he's needed. For once he felt worried, worried about what'd happen if he didn't agree. They tell him he's one of few options.
What if she was the only option? What if everyone else was just like him? Rejecting the offer. Ghost felt worse about himself. They felt greedy. He felt greedy since he had all these traits but he does nothing to benefit others. He feels selfish. Ghost couldn't bear to look Dream in the eyes. The yellow pools glimmered with a sense of anticipation that ate him up alive.
Dream could see Ghost's head running through every thought possible in the moment and he could feel as his emotions struggled to settle for one. He didn't know what else he could do to convince Ghost to get on board so he just stood still as the gears ran through the other's head.
Ghost’s brain dug itself into a hole, finding no other option that would ease their worries.
“I think I will do it.” Ghost declared, his voice so steady that it surprised him.
Dream, hearing the news, was delighted. He felt his smile falter with relief.
“That's… that’s great.” He replied, his voice airy with elation.
It grew silent once again, neither having any idea what to say. Ghost just decided to continue avoiding eye contact and kept his eyes on the blankness ahead of him. It was a weird sight. To not see anything at all here. No color, no shadows, no nothing. It felt surreal.
He tore his eyes away when the weight of repressed memories started to settle. He looked to the side, the one where Dream was, just to find that the guardian was looking at him the entire time. Instead of feeling embarrassed about being caught at staring, he just smiled and gave a small wave. Ghost can almost admire that confidence.
“Whatcha lookin at?” Ghost spoke up, his mouth spitting out words before his brain could process them.
“You’re very… unique looking is all.”
“I’m definitely not any Swap you’ve ever seen.” Ghost replied stubbornly. Dream gave a hum of approval. Ghost didn’t let it show that the statement kind of hurt. If Dream noticed he didn’t say anything anyway.
“We’re just waiting for Ink to get back here. Which hopefully should be soon.” Dream explained, sinking to the ground. He patted the ground beside him, signalling to the other.
Ghost, although hesitant, sat beside the guardian. He crossed his legs and placed his arms to the side of their body.
It would be a while before Ink returned to the white void. In the meantime, Dream continuously tried to converse in some sort of way, asking miniscule questions to better know the skeleton. Ghost, both not really in the mood to talk, nor having the mental capacity, gave short responses. Dream was content with that.
Eventually when the artist did show up Ghost was physically so tired and just as emotionally drained. They weren’t completely sure as to why since they didn’t exert themselves that much. Dream talked to Ink, explaining Ghost’s acceptance into the group. The words blurred into the background as Ghost’s thoughts consumed him.
It was short lived however when Ink started talking to her directly.
“Welcome to the group new Swap!” Ink placed a hand on the side of Ghost’s arm, not really having the height to reach his shoulder.
“Don’t call me that.” Ghost retorted, face tainted with a hint of disgust. Ink just waved his words off with a flap of a hand.
“Tomayto, tomahto!”
Ghost just decided to drop the topic, not really feeling all up to arguing. Ink spared one final look before gesturing Dream over to them. Dream approached and the two shared a look, which communicated plenty of words.
Ink, as if with silent understanding, fell behind the guardian.
“We have some things we need to take care of before we allow you to officially join the team. Just stuff Ink and I can handle.” Dream spoke with such rehearsal and fluidity. It made Ghost wonder if the two had rehearsed this beforehand.
“Alright, that’s no problem I guess.” Ghost spoke cautiously. Now that he was (soon to be officially) working with these guys it would be a little mean to bring sarcasm back (even if every inch of his broken bones urged him to).
“We should be able to come get you sometime tomorrow. Until then, you are to be left on your own. Think you can handle that?”
Ghost almost scoffed at the question. He’s survived this long, how is 24 hours going to change that?
“I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
“Great, we’ll be sure to contact you as soon as possible.” Dream reassured. It didn’t ease the tingly of anxiety that suddenly came crawling back.
Ghost just nodded, finding his mouth felt like sandpaper. Dream understood and opened a portal.
“This universe should be safe, as Ink puts it. Just relax for a bit. We’ll be back.”
Ghost looked at the universe beyond. It looked as generic as most of the worlds he travelled to. He gave one glance to the guardian and to the artist (who looked to be in his own world at the moment) before stepping through the portal. The universal doorway immediately snapped close after he made it through.
Ghost fell to the snow below him, feeling his legs give out randomly. She grumbled and stood back up. Looking off, nothing could be seen in the vast amounts of heavy snow that fell down. Ghost wrapped their arms around themself to try and conserve some of their body heat.
Trudging off into no general direction she soon came into contact with a forest. He didn’t feel like travelling anymore so she just sat at the base of one of the barren trees. Using this time he let his thoughts roam again. The words developed in his mind slowly consumed his being.
He thought of the day, how weird it was to him. He thought of his future, how doomed it possibly can be from such a panicked decision. He started to regret this decision.
The drowsiness started to take a toll on him again as his eyes started to flutter close. The cold started to drown out most of his senses, so for once he felt at peace when trying to sleep. It even quieted down his thoughts just a tad bit. Enough for his blank mind to accept slumber like a warm hug.
Before her mind shut blank once and for all he found his eyes drifting around through the snow. How it seemed to build up due to the storm. He shivered lightly, the coolness actually feeling pretty refreshing. Y’know what would be great right about now? A good cup of coffee.
With the last fleeting thought, Ghost was lulled into a relaxing sleep.