Chap 23 – One Step Back
After an indeterminate amount of time, since hours and minutes meant nothing here, Killer and Shattered finally arrived in a safe zone, thus separating from Toriel. She disappeared as quickly as she had appeared.
- Okay, this guy you mentioned before who can open portals to other multiverses, what can you tell me about him? - Killer asked as he observed the scene around him.
From what he had seen so far, the environments where the residents of the Zero Infinity inhabited did not have a standard structure, and this new cluster where they were was no different. Currently they were in a region similar to a large city, with buildings and establishments, but one didn't have to walk far to notice drastic changes in this strange place.
- Unfortunately I don't have much information about him, only that he is an Asgore and that he has turned this ability into a business. This bastard asks for items or favors in exchange for his services.
Killer was about to ask him what he intended to give in return for this favor or if they could simply beat the bastard into submission. However, something interrupted him when the space was distorted not many meters from where they were standing. Any Sans would recognize this ability anywhere, teleportation. Which wouldn't be impressive at all if it wasn't impossible to use magic in Zero Infinity.
Two monsters appeared near the pair, these being one Ink and one Blue, both casually waved to each other by way of farewell and left. Ink walked in one direction while Blue simply used his power once again and disappeared from everyone's view.
- What the fuck was that? I thought doing things like that were impossible in this hellish place! - Extending his hand, Killer tried to summon various types of attacks, but all failed.
- You really are new around here, I thought the pink octopus explained things to you better. What you saw was a Wayfarer, individuals who have "gone a step beyond" and gained unique abilities. These powers range from the simplest to the most complex, such as from moving through space and time to swallowing whole multiverses.
- That thing is a Wayfarer?! Can I become one too? - A slight excitement rose in Killer's chest. Without his magic, new sources of power would always be welcome.
- I know as much as you do, who knows if that guy was once a normal Sans or if he was always something more than that, but it doesn't matter to us anyway. - Looking at his surroundings, Shattered Dream assessed a certain direction and started walking together with Killer towards it. - Answering your second question, it is not impossible for you to become a Wayfarer, but if you choose to do so, you will never leave Zero Infinity, for then you will be eternally bound to this place by an invisible chain. Or that's what they say at least.
- So it's not worth it. - The quick response to dismiss such a chance to become more powerful surprised Dream a little at first. At least until he remembered the fanaticism for his brother.
- You see, I didn't have the opportunity to enjoy much time with the boys my brother looked after. Back when I was an ignoramus, I saw them only as a bunch of crazy dogs, but it was only after living with them that I realized that they were actually puppies abandoned by the world, and Nightmare rescued them. - Facing his companion, Dream asked. - Do you feel you owe it to your boss or something to want to go back to him so badly? Even now that you have won your freedom? - Somewhat surprised by the sudden deep question, Killer then just smiled before answering.
- Be honest, what do you think someone like me would do if he was released in the middle of the city? - Killer asked as he looked at his surroundings. And then added immediately afterwards. - With my powers, of course.
- Your face would be all over the news. - Dream answered calmly without even taking a moment to formulate an answer.
- Exactly, the reason is because... I am empty. After what happened between me and the human, I can't go back to the way I was before. The judge who fought against that demon to protect his friends and family no longer exists, and the one who could fill me with something was my king. I still kill and enjoy myself, but at least there is a reason, a purpose behind it. If I stay alone, I'll just get into more trouble until I end up dying like a mutt in a dark alley.
- So you would rather die than not serve him?
- Don't ask what you already know. Now you're going to tell me why you decide to say these things that make things awkward between us?
- Just thinking... if there's one thing this damn place gives you, it's time to think about what you could have done differently to avoid being here. - This was the second time Killer noticed a sad face on this unusual version of the guardian of positivity, but as before, it was quickly hidden by a different expression. - But enough talk, if they didn't lie to me then he must be here. - In front of the pair was a building with a sign that read "Librarby". - Some things never change, anyway, let's see if we can get him a Nightmare that can "fill you up". - Feeling what it was like to be on the other side of stupid jokes, this time it was Killer's turn to roll his eyes.
As they entered the library, a voice greeted them.
- Welcome, please make yourselves at home and choose a book that suits you. We have a large collection of various genres.
The place was almost empty, occupied by only a group of three individuals at one of the tables, plus the standard attendant of this type of place. It took only one look at him to realize that he was a bot who greeted them in a robotic way as if he were a machine instead of a living being.
Killer, out of sheer curiosity and a little sadism, stuck his knife in the monster's ear and saw it sticking out of the other side of his skull. When he removed it, the wound healed quickly and the bot just repeated the welcome message.
- Welcome, please make yourselves at home and choose a book that suits you. We have a large collection of various genres.
- Sinister. - Whispered Killer
- Jerk. - Whispered back Dream.
As they got closer to the trio, they noticed that on one side of the table were an Asgore and an Undyne. The monster they were looking for was seated in clothing originating from UnderFell, and possessed eyes that seemed to see into the soul of a being. While his companion and apparently guard standing beside him wore a crown of bones and possessed sharp teeth, in her hand a crude piece of rusty metal served as a spear.
In front of the creepy duo stood a seemingly DanceTale Sans, but unlike the casual smiling, friendly and gentle dancing skeleton, this version possessed a look that would be recognized by any judge who was a victim of a genocidal route. Regardless of the events leading up to this point, it was clear that life had been hard on him.
- I did what you asked, will you keep your end of the bargain? - Although he did his best to hide the nervousness in his voice, it was not hard to see the anxiety and fear in his tone.
- There are few things I respect in life, a commercial exchange is one of them. Despite all that has happened, I always give my people what they want as long as they prove themselves worthy, and you have proven yourself to be. - With a steely gaze, the Sans in front of him felt as if all his secrets were being revealed to the boss-like monster in front of him. - Is this really what you want? Because once you get to the other side, there is no way back. - After his question, there was a silence for a few seconds before the answer was given.
- Yes.
- Very well, you have made your choice. - With a gesture of his hand, a portal opened to an unknown multiverse. - Enjoy your new life.
After getting up and standing in front of the view before his eyes, this Sans took a deep breath before stepping inside. His past, choices, and future destiny were unknown to Killer and Shattered Dream, yet the pair simply had all their attention focused solely on the power this Asgore possessed. Knowing now that their journey was not in vain, they soon took the seat of the previous Sans.
- Well, how can I help you? I assume that you also want to rescue your former lives. - This former king had seen his share of King of Nightmares and their servants, but seeing one of the good guys corrupted caught his attention.
- We are here for the only service you can offer, we want access to multiverses that... - Dream's speech was cut off by his annoying partner.
- In the absence of magic we have to improvise, don't we, sister, I understand you. But couldn't you come up with a better weapon? This thing doesn't even have a sharp point. - Said Killer without an ounce of consideration in reading the atmosphere of the situation.
- May I, my king? - Asked Undyne as she locked her gaze on her new target.
- Permission granted. - Said Asgore calmly, as if this wasn't the first time someone had tried to mess with him for trivial reasons.
With a swift leap, the former queen of the underground jumped on the table and tried to kick the cheeky skeleton, but the kick was blocked and before anyone noticed, a fight broke out that started to mess up the whole place.
- I assume that since you are also royalty, I can expect better behavior from you?
- I ask forgiveness on behalf of my colleague. - Crossing his legs, Dream continued. - Normally I would say that this place has driven him crazy, but the truth is that he already arrived here being a retard. Anyway, let's talk about the payment for your services first. - Holding out my hands, a sphere of dreams appeared. - You know what this is right, I can give you as many as you want in exchange for two portals. I imagine that covers the fares.
- I imagined that you would share the same destination.
- Me? With that idiot? - Dream asked, pointing his finger at the fight going on backstage.
- Welcome, please make yourselves at home and... - Said the library attendant before his head was separated from his body by a blow from Killer that missed its target. The head in question was back in place not long after. - Choose a book that suits you. We have a large collection of various genres.
- Sinister. - Killer commented as he briefly paused the fight.
- Wondrous. - Undyne said as she saw the bizarre scene that had happened.
An awkward silence was born and died after three seconds between the two of them as they battled back.
Seeing the scene that unfolded, the fallen guardian cast a strange look at the former king.
- Understandable, I share your pain. - Asgore sighed before pondering the payment for his powers. - Your offer is not bad, our bodies don't get tired here, but our minds do. And because we can't sleep, there are many miserable souls out there who would commit atrocities for this. - Imagining the possibilities that opened up, an evil smile appeared on his lips, showing that what this Asgore does is not out of kindness, but out of greed. - Six, three apiece should be enough.
With a look of focus and concentration, six golden spheres appeared on the table from Dream's hands.
- The idiot and I already know what kind of multiverses we want, but can you open a portal there immediately or do you need to go by elimination?
- The second option unfortunately, I can't know what happens in a multiverse without first opening a portal. So I need to see if it meets your requirements, if not I will open another one until we find what you need. This may take some time, but I believe that time is not a problem for us.
- This power... to open portals to multiverses, not even Error's can do that here. How is that possible?
- Now now, it is not very polite to ask the secrets of someone like that, former Guardian.
- In fact, I apologize for my insensitive question. About the place I wish to go, I want a standard multiverse where I am dead and my brother is the standard Nightmare type.
- A typical request, many want their old life back to correct their past mistakes. - Although superficial, it was possible to notice a tone of debauchery in his voice. But Asgore noticed his mistake when a tentacle grabbed his neck and lifted him a few inches off his seat.
- Careful, former king, do not mistake my apology as a sign of weakness, but out of respect for your abilities, but I will not tolerate disrespect. You seem to have spent too much time away from politics to know that such moves are not very smart when dealing with someone stronger than you.
- My king! - Shouted Undyne as she pushed Killer away with a kick and ran towards Asgore. But she stopped when he raised an arm and gestured for her not to interfere.
- Indeed, it was impolite of me, in a negotiation there should be no personal feelings. To show my sincerity I will vaguely answer the questioning from before. - Hearing this, Shattered released Asgore from his grip. - To obtain unique abilities, one must "go one step beyond" and become a Wayfarer, but then he will be a permanent inhabitant of the Zero Infinity. To then gain access to multiverses and escape, one must "take a step back." What these terms mean, I imagine that someone shrewd like you must come to understand eventually.
The words of this Asgore from UnderFell generated certain thoughts in Dream's mind, but his train of thought was cut off when the idiot of the group opened his mouth.
- Step beyond, step back, is that a fucking dance? The guy who specializes in this is already gone, damn it. - Cursed Killer already out of patience with the enigmas of this dimension.
- I'm glad to know that I'll never see you again. Tell me what kind of multiverse you are looking for and then shut up. - Dream said, sitting back down, knowing that the search for multiverses would take a long time.
- I want a multiverse with a Nightmare for me to follow.
- What kind of Nightmare are we talking about exactly? - Asgore asked, already preparing to do his work.
- I don't know.
- What do you mean you don't know?
- I don't know, just open some windows there until I see something I like.
- How have you put up with this fool until now? - To Asgore's question, Dream had only one kind of answer.
- Like this. -A blow with his tentacles at full force hit the maniacal skeleton, knocking him off the ground.
- Welcome, please make yourselves at home and choose a book that... - And once again the library attendant's speech was interrupted when a flying body hit him.