Chapter eight:
Dust growls and leaps at Error tackling him so they roll on the ground. He swings a sharp bone at Error as they stop rolling, with Dust on top.
Error uses strings around Dusts arm, to stop him, as they share glares of hatred. He forces Dust to be yanked into the air by the arm holding his bone attack. "You b-bastard!" He snarls and sends his own bone attacks that Dust takes the hits from. He shoots a Gaster blaster beam at Dust who manages to swing so it misses.
The beam explodes in the air alerting the others, who are hunting Dust, who all hurry that way. It has shown that something is going on so they figure it is Dust. That someone found him.
Dust uses a bone to cut Errors strings and lands on the ground. He charges at Error then suddenly is shot from the side by a blast. He is thrown sideways and crashes to the ground. He shifts to sit up after skidding to look at who it is.
Classic, Red and Black are standing glaring with Classic having already summoned his Gaster blaster.
Dust gets to his feet being surrounded again as those that can teleport end up arriving. He looks around himself knowing he is outnumbered. "You'll regret this!" He calls then teleports away again. He arrives to the hospital then he walks into the room. He spots Basic, Blue, Dream and Cross who all summon attacks ready to protect Ink.
Ink stares at Dust in wide terrified eyes.
Dream gestures for Basic to stay with Ink to stop any sneak attacks.
The other three charge.
Dust dodges Cross swipe of his giant red knife. He then fires a gaster blaster beam at Classic who just teleported into the room.
Classic turns then suddenly Blue jumps in the way taking the hit. He hurries to check on Blue as Dream and Cross attack Dust. He holds the other close even as the others start teleporting in, some using those that can teleport to help if they can't teleport, as if they all guessed where Dust was going. "You protected me."
"No way was I going to let you take that hit. He would have killed you. I just couldn't let that happen." Blue is able to stand though is a little shaky from taking damage. He wonders why his soul warms so much more than with Error, when Classic puts his arms around him to steady him. He looks with Classic to see Error pin Dust to the ground.
Doctors and security rush in having heard the commotion.
"What is going on in here!?" The grey cat doctor demands looking in shock at seeing Error pinning Dust.
"T-This bastard c-caused Ink to t-try to kill himself." Error informs the doctor as the hospital staff there looked shocked.
"He just admitted it today, in a confrontation, then ran. Twice in running. He was going to kill Ink no doubt." Stretch explains and helps Edge get Error off of Dust.
The security handcuff Dust with cuffs that blocks a monsters magic.
Dust can't teleport or summon attacks now.
"I-I should kill y-you for what y-you did!" Error shouts at Dust before the other is taken away. He is released once Dust is gone. He turns and hurries to Inks side giving a much softer look. "A-Are you o-okay?"
Ink shakily nods and Error sighs in relief.
Blue sees how Error looks to Ink and comes to a decision. He is better as Classic healed him. He approaches Error who turns to him. "Error. I think you should date Ink." He smiles as Error is about to question what he is thinking. "I can see you like him. Don't worry about me. I think I've found someone I like as much as you like Ink." He glances to Classic who blinks in surprise then blushes. He goes to Classic hugging him as the other hugs him back.
"I'd be honored to be with you Blue." Classic agrees to this still blushing. He didn't say anything but he's always had a crush on Blue. He thought that Blue was gone when he started to date Error. Now he actually gets a chance with his crush.
Error relaxes and nods. "All o-of this has m-made me see t-that I like Ink." He confirms. "T-Thank you. I-I wish you two g-good fortunes." He glances to Ink. "I-Ink? Will you d-date me?"
Ink is shocked then he smiles and nods his head. He is hugged by Error happily.
Everyone there give their happiness and congratulations to the two new couples.
Three days later everyone is in the room as a new get together to include Ink, to make sure that Inks mood is brought up, when Undertale Undyne comes into the room.
"I'm here to get statements about what happened." Undyne sees Ink look nervous. She pulls out a note pad and a voice recorder. "I'll get it from all of you. And Ink you can have whoever you want in here as you tell me. I need this for the court. We don't plan on asking you to testify in person. Considering what we've heard."
"I-It's okay." Ink assures Undyne. "T-They can stay. He does feel safer with all of them there. He tells the story taking breaks to cry as his friends give as much comfort as they can. After he finishes the others give their statements.
Once all done Undyne stops the recording. "Thank you so much. We might have some of you testify. But like I said we won't force Ink to do so. So he doesn't have to face Dust in court." She gets nods of approval then leaves.
It only took sixty days for the court date to come up. The day Dust's fate is decided.
There's a bunch of the group of friends in the seats of the court room. Other monsters also packed in after word spread that Dust made Ink try to commit suicide.
The rest of the friends who didn't go to the court are watching it on the live Tv broadcast. They didn't want to overwhelm Ink during it by all being in the same room as him. So they opted for their own TVs instead.
For Dusts protection and to prevent him from running, he is placed in a cage like box handcuffed. He knows the cage won't allow attacks inside, so any angry watchers can't hurt or kill him. He also can't use his own magic to attack or try to escape. He is truly stuck there.
The royals of the AUs that live in this city, are sitting as the judges Dust must face. They decided to handle this themselves upon hearing what he did to Ink. They claimed since Ink did so much for all AUs, that this is a matter for them to handle.
Undertale Asgore gets up to be the first to speak. "Dust. You are placed before this court charged of several things. Sexual assault, abuse, assault, encouragement of suicide, threatening death on others, and conspiracy to commit murder to your victim after the truth came out." He announces loudly while staring at Dust. "This is something we have to ask you, so we know how we are going to proceed. Do you plead guilty to the charges placed upon you? Or do you plead innocence and wish to go through a trial where evidence is presented?"
Dust looks to the skeletons that showed up then turns back to UT Asgore. "I plead innocence!" He calls out gaining mummers of surprise. "It's not like I'll get mercy if I'm found guilty or even if I plead guilty. So might as well take the risk."
"Very well." UT Asgore agrees. "Then let the trial begin." He sits down as the two lawyers step forward.
The lawyer for Dust looks uncomfortable about representing him. He is a red demon monster who got the job of being Dusts assigned lawyer. He clearly seems to wish that Dust had pleaded guilty. Despite that he has to try to make Dust seem innocent, or to at least try to get a reduced sentence, he gets some sympathetic looks from others. His uncomfortableness seems to help with the sympathy. He pushes away his uncomfortableness to look calm and more like a lawyer.
Ink and Error are in the hospital room watching the live broadcast of the trial. Ink shifts a little worried to which Error hugs him.
Error is laying next to Ink on the bed to give him all the snuggles he will need.
"There's t-too much e-evidence." Error tries to assure Ink. "I-I really do h-have no doubts that h-he'll be found g-guilty."
Ink looks to be hopeful that Error is right about this.
The lawyer who is to prove Dusts guilt, who is a jay bird monster who has both wings and hands, decides to speak first. "Your majesties. I would like to remind everyone that though it wasn't recorded, Dust did admit to an entire group what he did." He points out confidently. "After Dust was arrested we got statements from those who were there. As well as the victim."
"In that moment he was called out in front of the whole group. Is it a trustworthy confession if he was forced to say it?" The demon lawyer tries to point out just to do his job. He can't look to the skeletons in the audience. He just hopes they'll forgive him for doing his job. He especially hopes Ink will forgive him for this. He keeps his cool for now though. "Not even a therapist was able to get that information. Yet suddenly the blame is on my client." He wishes he wasn't here as he presses on. He hates that he has to call Ink a liar when he knows it's the truth. "And I don't mean disrespect to anyone involved. But doesn't it seem a bit convenient to switch the blame to another?" He shifts to try to hide a wince as those words are spoken. He has to be cool while doing his job.
Dust leans slightly back in the seat in the cage he's in. He seems to be enjoying this.
"Your majesties. I can assure you that when you hear the recorded statements, and hear those I have asked to testify, you'll know that Dust is a true monster. One that should be taken care of so he can't do anymore damage to anyone." The jay bird monster declares looking to the royalty hoping that they'll let him.
"You may proceed. But any who testify will be subject to cross examination by both of you." Underfell Asgore reminds them to which the jay bird lawyer nods.
"That is fine. I would like to start with playing the recording of the story of what happened. We made sure to have this, so we don't have to ask the victim to leave the hospital to testify. And to not face the one who caused him to be in the hospital in the first place." The jay bird presses play on the recording as the court room goes quiet.
Error mutes the TV to make sure Ink doesn't have to listen to this part. He is sure others will see it's true, as there was so much emotion in Inks voice at the time.
Ink takes a break from it and glances away. He leans into Errors touch on his cheek looking at him.
Error offers a smile to him then lets Ink rest his head on his shoulder. He watches and unmutes the TV when the first witness comes in.
The first witness is Dream.
"Can you tell the court about what you know on this case?" The jay bird questions to which Dream nods his head.
"Well Ink hid the pain he was in. I later found out it was because Dust was threatening him. Then I got the news that Ink was found after trying to commit suicide. I raced over to the hospital. We all did. Me and a few others stayed to be with Ink while he recovered. The others visited when they could. At first we feared that Ink would dust. That we'd lose our friend and never really know why." He takes a breath before continuing. "We were so relieved and happy when he woke up for the first time. He started getting better as the days went on. I don't think any of us knew how to approach the subject of why this happened. Then one day me and my fiancée come back from an outing, since we were more relaxed that Ink was getting better. But while we were gone Error who stayed there caught Ink trying to claw open one of his wounds." He shivers as he remembers hearing about it. "I got so worried but Ink wanted alone time with Error there to watch over him and comfort him. So we went elsewhere for a bit. I will admit I constantly worried that Ink might try something again. But I didn't want to push him into talking. One day Error pulled us aside. He explained what had happened. That... That Ink was raped..." He sobs a little before regaining composer to continue. "Along with being abused and threatened. All to get revenge on someone for leaving for another. I was so angry." He sneaks a glare at Dust before looking away from him. "Angry that one of our friends we trusted would do such a horrible thing. Me and my fiancée stayed behind to protect Ink, while Error went to confront him and reveal what he did to the rest of our friends. Some of our friends joined us after Dust teleported away after the truth was revealed. We stayed to protect our friend. Then Dust came into the room. One of us stayed back, in case of sneak attacks, while the rest of us there went to stop him. The others arrived and Dust was pinned. Doctors and security came. They arrested Dust for what he did." He finishes the explanation. "But at least things made sense now. Why Ink tried to kill himself, and why Ink tried to claw open his wound when we thought he was getting better."
"That must have been hard to find out." The jay bird lawyer mentions sympathetically and Dream nods. "And you can confirm that what Error said is true?"
"I can say I do. Confident enough that I know any of us can pass a lie detector test." Dream looks to the lawyer with confidence. "I could see it all over them that it was the truth. And I know that they wouldn't lie about something like that. Error was able to get closer to Ink than the rest of us. They've known each other for much longer than they've known the rest of us. So I knew if anyone was going to learn anything it'd be Error."
The demon lawyer tries to move closer. "And you're sure that they weren't trying to bounce the blame to my client?"
Dream stares at the demon lawyer. "I could read that it was true with how they were when they said it. Besides if they were going to pin it on anyone it wouldn't be a friend. On top of that Dust confirmed it in the confrontation instead of defending himself. Then came after Ink. I'm pretty sure that's enough proof that it's true."
The demon lawyer backs off not really thinking of anything to counter it.
The jay bird lawyer brings out other witnesses who confirm Dreams story, and even the main doctor who treated Ink is brought out also confirming things.
"I would like to ask that we be able to cross examine my client." The demon lawyer has no other ideas of what to do. "Give him a chance to talk."
Swapfell Toriel nods his head. "But Dust must remain where he is." She can't risk the other finding a way to escape.
"I understand." The demon lawyer nods then the two lawyers approach Dust. "Did you feel like you had to say you did it?"
"There was no choice." Dust tells his lawyer still looking relaxed. "He just tackled me in front of everyone. Screaming about me being the reason for Ink to have tried to commit suicide. How would I just deny it with all eyes on me?"
"So are you saying you're innocent?" The demon lawyer presses and for a moment Dust stares at his lawyer.
"Answer the question." UT Asgore demands after a few moments.
"Well. I would say that I was forced into it." Dust tries to shrug to appear casual. "If I didn't need to have revenge then it wouldn't have happened."
The court room gasps and mummers at this response.
The demon lawyers eyes widen at this.
"I have heard enough!" UT Asgore gets to his feet. His voice demanding and dripping with authority. "I think we can all decide on a verdict." He glances to the other royals who nod their heads. He turns to look to Dust who stares back almost challengingly. "Dust! You are found guilty of all crimes that have been brought against you."
"Also." UT Toriel gets up as well to speak. "I do fear for what will happen if you were ever to escape from jail. So you will no longer be allowed in thirty feet of Ink. If you do escape then an officer will be sent to take Ink into protective custody, until you are caught."
The two royals sit down and quietly discuss the sentencing with the other royals.
UT Asgore is the one to speak up for them all. "We hereby sentence you to life in prison!" He declares and those watching, the skeletons especially, are super happy about this.
Error nuzzles Ink happily feeling the other relax so much in his arms. He knows that they're both really happy with the verdict, and the restraining order part is a welcomed bonus. "He'll n-never hurt y-you again." He keeps Ink close who sobs happy; that Dust is truly facing the consequences of his actions. He can tell that Ink truly feels like justice has been served, Error hopes that it is enough to feel more peace than before.
Dust won't easily escape since the prisons prevent magic to keep them behind bars.
The whole fence around the property stops anyone from using magic. So the guards have to use human made weapons instead. Like non lethal guns, lethal guns, tasers, and pepper spray.
Justice has won.
Two months later...
Since he's been sentenced Dust hasn't tried to escape. He seems to know that it's all over. He did hear about the restraining order and the add on to it
Now that Dust is in prison Dream, Cross, and Blue went home. Only Error stayed with Ink.
But their friends did still visit.
Ink has healed enough to leave the hospital. He has to use a walker as he works on his walking. The nice part of the walker is that Ink can sit on it. Then he can either be pushed along in it as each leg of the walker has a wheel, or he can just sit on it. He is sitting on it leaning against his boyfriend Error who is pushing him using the handles. He agreed to stay with Error not wanting to go back to the place he once called home. Now that old home is just a reminder of what Dust did to him.
They pause to see everyone, skeletons and some of the other friends, standing just outside of the hospital.
The group cheer and give their happiness that Ink is out of the hospital. They won't follow them to Errors place, they had moved Inks stuff into Errors place to help him settle in, since they don't want to overwhelm him too much.
Ink smiles feeling happier and safer since watching the court trail.
It's been half a year since Ink got out of the hospital... Ink has been improving on his walking so now he uses a cane, though they bring the walker along since he does still have moments he needs it. His wounds have healed though his arms are scarred from the whole thing. So he tends to wear long sleeves to cover up the scars.
Error and Ink come up to the location all dressed up.
Ink is dressed in a beige long sleeved button up shirt, a rainbow bow tie, his sash with his paints, dark brown pants, and black shoes.
Error has a black long sleeved button up shirt, a red tie, dark blue pants, and black shoes.
The two share a smile before entering the beautiful white and grey church.