True Infinity

Cross waited in the throne room as Killer and Nightmare entered through a portal with Infinite sleeping in one of the boss' tendrils. "So you're finally back, apparently the mission didn't go to plan. Also, what happened to him?"

"Infinite had a bit of an incident and I had to put him to sleep before he did anything rash." Nightmare responded. Cross raised a non-existent eyebrow at that. Is the boss preventing someone from causing mayhem? That didn't sound like him at all, but it wasn't his place to question him.

"Hey boss, can I have my reward now, pretty please~?" Killer asked sweetly. Nightmare made a look of sheer disgust at that. "If you never do that ever again, then fine."

Killer simply grinned mischievously as Nightmare created a small portal before pulling out a vial filled with bubbling black liquid. "Here is a small vial of negativity, DON'T use it anywhere near me or the others."

Cross stared at Killer in discomfort as the skeleton giggled to himself while cradling the vial like it was his newborn or something. "Oh I am going to have so much fun with this little thing here, hehe~"

Nightmare scowled as Killer ran off to his room to do... unspeakable things. The dark god shuddered at the thought, Killer's obsession with him was disturbing, to say the least. "Anyway now that that's over with, Cross, take Infinite to his room to rest. I'll be in my study, don't bother me."

Cross nodded as he grabbed Infinite and carried him toward the room in question before laying him on his bed. He sort of wondered why the boss even bothered to keep him around if he screwed up his first mission this badly.

"Makes you wonder why the 'great' king of negativity even bothers with this stupid jackal if he fainted on his first mission, doesn't it Cross?"

Cross simply huffed as his ghostly companion, X-Chara, floated smugly above Infinite. "Hey don't ignore me, I know you can hear me. Besides I know you're curious why the boss is so interested in him, we share the same soul after all."

"Just drop it Chara, the boss' reasons are his own. It's not my place to question why or how he does things, only to follow orders when given that's all." Cross stated while leaving the room.

Chara grunted annoyance at the statement but chose to keep quiet as they retired for the evening? Probably evening, it's not like the sun ever shone in this world so it was kind of hard to tell.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(The next day)

Infinite groaned as he woke up. He took off his mask before holding his head in pain. What had happened exactly? When he thought back to it his memory of the final parts of his mission was a bit fuzzy, clouded by intense emotions that didn't feel entirely his own.

Yet at the same time, they felt like his, but they were stronger than they should have been. It wasn't like him to just snap like that. Yes, he had been angered by what that god had been saying but the way he acted. You'd think Dream had been the one to kill his family and mock him for not having one.

Speaking of that, now that Infinite had the time to think about everything and a reason to do so, he couldn't help but feel angered and deeply disappointed. He had many justified reasons to hate Shadow and Eggman but Sonic and Silver on the other hand. He'd never have thought he'd despise them as much as he did the other two.

Especially Sonic. He was supposed to be the Hero of Mobius/Earth. The one who had fought gods, machines, and eldritch abominations with a smile on his face even despite knowing he could very likely die. He had admired and respected the hero greatly, truth be told if it weren't for him Infinite would have given up on life entirely.

He had been a failure of an older brother after all. His siblings hadn't exactly been the picture of mental health; most of them would probably be diagnosed as clinically insane. Growing up having to steal and kill others to survive would do that to someone he supposed.

But at the time he believed he had instilled as much of a moral compass as he was willing to impart for them to be at least semi-sane if nothing else. He knew they'd probably always have a few screws loose, but DAMNIT one of his brothers was feral to the point of barely being able to speak. He was a total failure, in the end, he was too weak to even keep them safe from themselves much less anyone else.

Infinite breathed in slightly to calm himself down. As if that wasn't bad enough he had screwed up on their last proper mission together. It was supposed to be a quick and easy job, raid an Eggman base with bare basic defenses and get out. Well it wasn't easy, that's for damn sure.

Sure at first the robots were felled like wheat, every swing of his blade destroyed a dozen of them. Even his siblings had zero trouble with them at all, but a new type of robot with a glow he was now intimately familiar with appeared. That's when everything started to go wrong.

At first, it wasn't a problem, his siblings had to put in effort to trash them but every time they did the robots would just get back up like nothing happened. They were also stronger every single time that happened. It got to the point where he was forced to use his blade, a cursed magical sword, to destroy them.

It wasn't easy but in the end, besides those three hedgehogs, no one on the planet was stronger than him even back then. He hadn't been called the Ultimate Mercenary for no reason, Eggman even recognized him on-site. He wished he hadn't, death would have been preferable to what came next.

Seeing the doctor come out of his base with more of those robots he had decided to cut the head off the snake. He had always believed the doctor should have been killed a long time ago. He tore through his precious robots only to be stopped by The Phantom Ruby held in the egomaniac's hand.

What he had seen had been a world in utter ruins, it had shocked him, to say the least. In that brief moment of surprise, however, the doctor had taken his siblings as hostages. Barter chips to be used against him should he act out of line. The doctor thought that vision had been his deepest desire. What a load of crap. Sure he didn't like the world much or how it was run by corrupt officials at the top. But that didn't mean he wanted it destroyed.

Saying that though would have gotten both him and his family killed, so he went along with the doctor's delusions. But the doctor, despite his arrogance, was a genius beyond compare. He had his siblings chipped with a device that at any moment could be used to detonate a microscopic explosive that would kill them stone dead.

Then came the 'mission' to deal with Shadow. All they had to do was stall him, that was it, the doctor was already transferring his main research materials to another base anyway. He thought they could handle it, he had seen many videos of Shadow and Sonic's abilities. He had trained to be able to match at least one of them in a fight.

But his siblings hadn't, sure collectively they could hold him off for a while. However, those damn fools split up instead of combining their strengths. They never had a chance, Shadow massacred every last one of them. When he finally confronted that damn hedgehog, he had no idea what he had done.

The fight lasted a bit over a minute or two. Eventually, Shadow was forced to take his limiters off. Something he hadn't expected him to do. It was over pretty much instantly after that. As for everything after, he didn't remember much nor did he want to.

Infinite sighed as he wiped away the small tears gathering around his eyes. A sign of weakness, something he couldn't afford to be ever again. Then there was Sonic, that fucking bastard. He was almost as bad as Eggman.

All this time he thought of him as a selfless hero who never gave up. When in reality he was little more than a glory-hog who cared nothing about the people he saved. It had been a shock when he suddenly gained a degree of lucidity during his final fight against Sonic.

He hadn't been able to speak or control his body at all. But his mind had briefly been his own even if only for a short while. He had believed Sonic had come to break him out of the doctor's control. Finally, after what had felt like years of ebbing in and out of consciousness, only vaguely aware of the atrocities he had committed, he would be saved from that living hell.

Instead, he was mocked for his loneliness and grief, something that had been caused by the one the hero called a friend. He couldn't understand, Sonic had dealt with similar situations countless times before. How could he not know? His friends had access to G.U.N.'s database, which he knew firsthand possessed a very detailed file on his abilities and personality.

So even if he didn't know, his friends would be able to tell him his actions didn't line up with years of G.U.N. observations. The answer was obvious at that point, Sonic did know he just didn't care. The fury and despair he had felt at that point had been all-consuming and any semblance of control he had gained was completely lost.

As for that time traveler though, now that he had time to reflect he had changed his mind about him. Silver's perspective on the world was far too detached and different from everyone else's to punish him for it. Despite the psychic telling him to forget about his family and to move on, it honestly wasn't entirely his fault.

As a time traveler, he had likely never truly lost anything in his entire life. After all, even when he did lose something he could always just go back in time to prevent the loss from ever happening in the first place.

Instead Infinite believed he would simply discipline the wayward psychic time traveler instead of torturing and killing him. Maybe, he wasn't sure just yet to be honest. If he was a fake hero like Sonic however, he would do exactly that.

The jackal got up as he finished his self-reflection, grabbing his mask. He wasn't stupid, he knew that getting revenge wouldn't fill the hole in his heart. But what else was he supposed to do? He had nothing left. Everything he had once possessed had been stolen from him. However, he wouldn't take his anger out on his world. That would be foolish, he wasn't some immature angsty edge lord like someone else he could think of.

It's not like anyone could ever forgive him for what he had done during the war anyway. No, he was committed, nothing would get in his way to punish those responsible. Even if he had to become a monster to do so he would have his just revenge. Perhaps then he could finally allow himself to be at peace, forever.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Nightmare's study room)

Nightmare was currently reading one of his many books as he savored the negativity he could feel coming from Infinite. He was likely wallowing in his thoughts regarding what his foolish brother had said to him.

Not that it mattered, he had already seen what kind of person Infinite was. Besides they had made a contract, one that wouldn't be broken so easily. Though he didn't doubt that the ruby had the power to accomplish such. Whether Infinite realized that or not however was another matter entirely.

Nightmare smirked as the doors to his study opened and the jackal in question entered. The single visible eye stared with laser focus through his mask. Infinite approached the dark god as he felt the same feeling of dread, however its effect was less potent on him compared to the first time he felt it.

"I believe you have something you wish to discuss. Why don't you have a seat, Infinite?" Nightmare stated smugly. Infinite scowled as he sat while the dark god stared in amusement.

"Before we begin, tell me what kind of reward do you want. I have access to a great many things so I can fulfill any request you desire. Within reason of course." Nightmare said as he set his book down.

Infinite shook his head before responding. "If you have any books on color magic I'd appreciate them. Now I want you to answer some questions and I won't take no for an answer."

Nightmare smirked in amusement, as if the jackal had any power here whatsoever but he'd humor him. "Yes, I'm aware that my brother's statements to you have caused a bit of introspection on your part. I'm glad, getting all your thoughts and emotions in order will make you more decisive when completing my tasks. However; I doubt you came here to inform me of that, no?"

Infinite nodded as he continued. "I wanted to ask you about me snapping at Dream. Tell me, did you affect my mind to make me act like that?"

"No. I can't affect your mind Infinite, at least not directly. Let me explain, a person's mind acts as the bridge between their body and soul, so to affect a person's mind would require you to affect either their body or their soul. However, in your case, the body you possess is just a construct made by the phantom ruby." Nightmare explained while getting up and walking around.

"As for your soul, it's stored within the Phantom Ruby itself. Which makes affecting it very difficult or outright impossible for most beings. As such affecting your mind would ordinarily be impossible for me. However I don't affect a being's mind, I affect their emotions instead. The negativity you feel and cause, not even that gem of yours can prevent me from sensing it. And if I can sense it, I can control it. You understand the implications, yes?" Nightmare stated smugly.

Infinite growled at the god. "So what you're telling me is you amplified the feelings I was already experiencing to make them more than I could control?"

"Precisely, if you had noticed or been aware of it you could have at least resisted it. But you didn't, so you blew up at Dream and tried to kill him." Nightmare confirmed, indifferent to the jackal's hackles being raised.

Infinite squeezed his fists before calming himself down. "I see, fine then I'll just have to be more careful about that. Next question then, how did you know about my past?"

"Well, the answer to that question is more simple. I looked into your dreams, of course, well more nightmares. Heh. But if you want an actual explanation, I suppose I can give you one." Nightmare responded as he sat back down.

"What you must understand is that me and Dream don't truly possess souls, at least not in the sense that every other being in the multiverse does. We are the embodiments of all negativity and positivity in the multiverse, which comes with both benefits and consequences. While the apples we consumed as children essentially function as our souls, they are little more than stand-ins for the true thing. My true essence of being is in actuality, all the negativity in the multiverse." Nightmare explained to Infinite's shock.

Nightmare continued onward, uncaring about the jackal's concerns. "This of course means that as long as negativity exists somewhere in the multiverse, destroying me isn't possible. Not Error or even The Lord could change that. Naturally, as all negativity is already a part of my being it allows me to bypass any attempts to block me out from using that against them. But certain restrictions by The King prevent me from taking full advantage of this, which is why I need that ruby of yours."

"Finally, we get to the reason why I can enter your dreams. To put it simply your soul's and thus by extension, the ruby's barriers are at their weakest when you're asleep. Allowing me to easily enter your mindscape to view your dreams. But don't worry I can't mess with anything while in there otherwise, the ruby would most certainly kick me out." Nightmare finished, amused by Infinite's sudden tenseness.

Infinite sighed a bit in relief before responding. "But why do that at all? What's the point, what do you get out of it?"

"Information mainly but also a way of ensuring my subordinates don't step out of line. Blackmail is a very useful tool for ensuring loyalty after all. Of course, I can only see what memories your mind is currently dreaming about. In your case, the ones mentioned are the ones I saw. I know very little about this Super Sonic, but I admit it does interest me. But if you're quite finished, I believe you have something else to do?" Nightmare stated while picking his book back up and continuing where he left off.

Infinite gritted his teeth in frustration at the complete dismissal. He had been trying to keep calm to prevent himself from doing something reckless. But this bastard had outright admitted to messing with his head and didn't even bother to care at all. He wasn't some damn pup who could just be ordered around, even by a god.

"Though I must admit if it weren't for the Phantom Ruby fusing with your soul, I would have just ripped it out of your chest and left you to rot." Nightmare muttered to himself but unknown to the dark god Infinite had heard that.

Nightmare's eyes narrowed as he felt Infinite's emotions shift. He wouldn't dare. Nightmare disappeared as an energy slash crashed into where he just was. He would, okay then he'd have to show this little upstart who was really in control here.

Infinite scowled as the god avoided the attack, he knew this was beyond foolish but he wouldn't allow himself to be walked all over. He wasn't some pushover. Before the jackal could even react he was slammed into the ground by a large tentacle. Infinite groaned in pain as Nightmare pinned him to the ground.

"Honestly I really should've expected this. None of my subordinates ever did appreciate realizing their place beneath me. But I had hoped you would be smarter than to defy me like the others did. Oh well." Nightmare grinned as Infinite struggled against the tentacles binding him.

"You seem to be under the impression that I care about your opinion. Well, guess what? You don't matter, your desires don't matter. You don't even begin to register as a threat to me. So before you even think about trying this again, I want you to think long and hard about what you want. And just how much you're willing to sacrifice to get it, understand?" Nightmare demanded. Infinite growled in defiance at the god despite his helplessness.

"I said, do you understand?" Nightmare stated calmly as Infinite screamed, several bones in his body broke from the sudden intense pressure forced upon it.

Infinite breathed heavily in pain. "C-crystal... clear."

"Good, now leave." Nightmare said while getting off Infinite who groaned in pain. Nightmare smirked at Infinite's pain but quickly frowned as he saw the spark of defiance hadn't faded at all. If anything it had only grown, however for now Infinite wouldn't be doing anything so foolish again.

Infinite scowled at the god, he wouldn't allow himself to be used like this. Now he fully understood exactly what kind of person Nightmare truly was, Evil Incarnate. Who knows what might happen to him if he allowed himself to be under his thumb for too long? But that was a risk he would have to take, both because of the contract he had made and for the power only the dark god could provide.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Several days later)

Infinite was surprised when he found several books relating to color magic placed on his bed. After what he had done he expected to be punished. None of the others were surprised by that, stating that the boss deliberately goaded all of them into attacking him at least once.

Infinite couldn't help but feel irritated that even his act of defiance had been another manipulation on Nightmare's part. Despite that however, he had chosen to use the means given so that he may be able to get out from under the god's thumb.

So he began to train more fiercely and read the book's contents while attempting to replicate the magic shown. After about three days of repeating the same thing he had imbued one of his energy beams with red magic. That had surprised Dust quite a bit when it pierced straight through the bone barrier he had erected.

It had been roughly 5 days since then and for some reason, Nightmare had elected to watch his training session with both Killer and Dust. The dark god was well aware of why Infinite had chosen to ramp up his training and as such had chosen to observe for multiple undisclosed reasons.

Infinite gritted his teeth as he blocked a strike from Dust's trident while simultaneously firing several red beams at Killer who deflected them with his red knife. Using red magic was tiring since the magic of this multiverse used the energy of the soul. Infinite was quite unused to it which made it awkward for him to use it in a fight.

But the jackal ignored the exhaustion, he had been through far worse after all. Infinite dashed away while creating dozens of red spears that sprouted from the ground which both skeletons teleported away from.

Infinite spun around unleashing a wave of red energy, just before Dust could run him through. A large red slash barely missed the jackal as he ducked before kicking Killer's legs from under him.

One thing Infinite noted is that he had greater physical ability than these two possessed, though they still outclassed him in raw power. He swung his blade downward which Killer barely dodged by flipping backward before unleashing a flurry of red slashes, none of which connected.

Infinite flipped backward as a large blast of purple flame nearly hit him. Upon which he slammed his sword downward, tip first, onto Dust's trident. Dust frowned as his arms buckled from the force of the strike. Honestly, Infinite's physical ability was almost absurd, he could probably provide a slight challenge to Horror now.

Dust covered his trident in flame as Infinite jumped to prevent being burned, Dust swung his weapon creating a large wave of purple flame. Killer, at the same moment, created dozens of red knives that fell upon Infinite like rain.

Infinite created a large beam of red energy which split the wave of fire while deflecting all the knives simultaneously. Killer whistled at the display of skill, Infinite's swordsmanship was one of the best he'd ever seen. He could give even Cross a run for his money, he might even be as good as Dream or at least close to it.

Infinite panted in exhaustion despite not using very much power, he felt as if he had been running a marathon for hours on end. There was a strange weight in his chest that didn't feel quite... present. So this is what spiritual exhaustion feels like, it wasn't very pleasant.

Killer chuckled at Infinite's exhaustion. "What already worn out? I expected you to at least have a bit more fight left."

Infinite scowled at that while Dust observed the jackal. He was surprised Infinite could already use multiple red attacks in quick succession like that. Sure they weren't very powerful but he had only just figured out how to even use color magic or magic in general to be honest. 'He really is some kind of prodigy, isn't he? '

While Killer acted nonchalantly, truthfully he was shocked. Infinite had learned how to use color magic in just under a week by being given a few books on the stuff. That was frankly absurd to think about honestly. 'But he still has a long way to go before he's able to use it as well as I can. Once that happens though, we'll have loads of fun together~ '

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nightmare stared at the little skirmish between his subordinates. He had been curious about what type of training Infinite would put himself through to foolishly attempt to gain the power to break the contract they had made. 'It would seem that he has realized exactly the type of person I am. But honestly, if this is the best he can do, then I'm not very impressed. '

For now though, he had something else to do. "Core, I wish to speak to you immediately."

As Nightmare said that, the fabric of space seemed to warp in front of him before a small monochrome child appeared in front of him. Core!Frisk looked very unhappy. "I thought I told you to stop calling me that. It's Frisk, not Core."

Nightmare just scoffed at that. "Fine, 'Frisk'. There's something I want you to do for me. I don't know as much about Infinite as I would like and you're one of the only beings in the multiverse that can travel to others beyond our own. I would like you to go to his multiverse and find out as much as possible. Then relay the information to me."

Core!Frisk huffed at that in annoyance. "While it's true I could do that for you, why would I? You might not know this but going to another multiverse isn't exactly easy for me. It takes a lot of focus and diverts much of my attention away from the AU's, which could leave the Omega Timeline vulnerable."

"I am aware of that, however, I am also aware that Error got rather close to figuring out your realm's location. In exchange for you doing this for me, I promise to help improve your timeline's defenses and obscure its location." Nightmare stated smugly.

Core!Frisk frowned at that. It was true that Error had gotten pretty close to discovering their timeline which worried them. Sure the Omega Timeline had many powerful individuals within it, enough that if Error attacked they'd be able to force him away. However, the damage caused would result in many being killed and the timeline becoming unstable.

"Fine, I'll accept that but don't think you can trick me or use some sort of loophole to manipulate me." Core!Frisk stated.

Nightmare grinned. "Splendid. I want you to prioritize all information relating to the Phantom Ruby in particular, everything else is secondary. Also, do you think I'm so foolish as to try to trick you? Everyone knows your nigh-omnipresent, tricking or manipulating you is essentially impossible."

Core!Frisk shook their head before disappearing, they couldn't understand why Nightmare wanted this information. Sure the Phantom Ruby could warp reality, but surely not to the extent that Nightmare should feel threatened by its wielder.

Nightmare continued to observe Infinite's progress, for now he would have to wait for Core's return. Indeed Infinite was not a threat to him at all right now, however he most certainly could become one. Knowledge is power and the God of Darkness had every intention of ensuring as much power as possible over that wild card.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Somewhere else)

Core!Frisk traveled through The Void before entering a new multiverse. There they quickly found the universe Infinite came from. What surprised them was that the universe in question was the Original Universe of that multiverse.

This multiverse had a shockingly high number of high-level entities, several of which could threaten the gods of their multiverse. This concerned Core!Frisk, how was this multiverse still stable despite all the god-like beings it possessed?

No matter, that wasn't their priority anyway. Core!Frisk approached the universe before viewing its timestream, no need to interact with the natives here. They viewed various past events that interested them, Super forms, Various deities, and Chaos Emeralds.

The most recent event intrigued them the most. The event in question was related to one Doctor Ivo Robotnik, also known as Eggman.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eggman had currently been running numerous experiments and scans across Mobius/Earth both as a means to keep those incorrigible rodents off his back and to find the object that allowed him to take over the world for once.

Annoyingly before it disappeared, the Phantom Ruby undid all his accomplishments. All his incredible machines and advancements were undone, and even worse that annoyance G.U.N. was returned from the grave.

How irritating, all the hard work he had put in to finally get rid of that useless organization only for it to be brought back like nothing ever happened. But it was precisely because of that power that he needed the Phantom Ruby so much.

However that wasn't the only reason, despite his unmatchable intellect he had never been able to figure out how the blasted thing even worked. He'd never admit it, but he had no idea how to control or use the Phantom Ruby at all. Even how it made those inferior copies was confusing.

There was no rhyme or reason to it, no underlying laws or rules it abided by. Even the Chaos Emeralds still conformed to the laws of reality in their own unique ways. But that gem didn't do so at all, even the so-called 'energy' it possessed was little more than a projection it didn't need.

From what little he had been able to discover of its functions, its abilities revolved around metaphysical concepts or ideas. Its powers worked simply because they did for absolutely no reason at all, at least none that he could find.

But he was the great Doctor Eggman, there was nothing his genius could not solve. This was little more than a challenge of intellect for him. If he could uncover how the ruby truly functioned, he could gain its true power rather than the tiny sliver used during his conquest of the planet.

Yet there was a problem, despite all his scans throughout this world and many others he couldn't find it all. There was no trace whatsoever, he had even looked into other dimensions and timelines but still nothing.

Eggman banged on the monitor panel as various holograms floated about. "How could this be? I've scoured every corner of our universe and yet there's no sign of it anywhere, not even a trace of its existence. Even if it ended up in another universe there would at least be a trace of it somewhere, but there isn't even that much."

"Not to mention that Sonic and his little friends have been relentless in hunting me ever since they got their precious planet back. Hmm, perhaps it left the multiverse entirely somehow? But then where would it have ended up and more to the point why? The ruby possesses some level of sapience, that much was clear from the very start." Eggman stroked his mustache in consideration.

However before he could continue that line of inquiry, alarms blared across the underground facility as various warnings were shown on the central monitor. Eggman gritted his teeth at that. Those blasted annoyances again, this time it was Team Dark who had found him. He had just lost his precious empire, couldn't they at least give him time to breathe?

No matter, he was just about to leave anyway. But he was starting to get a bit concerned. Most of his hidden bases had been destroyed at this point, he'd have to start considering using one of his old contingencies at this rate. The doctor thought to himself as he got into his prized egg-mobile before rocketing off as the base's defenses struggled to keep the intruders at bay.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Core!Frisk had found that event to be most interesting, the doctor was very clever. Perhaps if given the time he might even be able to figure out how to get to their multiverse. The tear formed by the ruby's departure was still present after all, though it was minuscule and almost undetectable.

Core!Frisk shook their head, they had seen everything they needed to. Besides their presence in this multiverse was starting to attract attention, the wrong kind of attention. So they decided to leave before something unfortunate happened.

As the monochrome child disappeared, they couldn't help but feel a shiver go down their spine. Core!Frisk breathed a sigh of relief; that had almost been too close, that feeling of malevolence reminded them of Error during one of his rampages.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(The Doodle-Sphere)

Ink was currently drawing while thinking up an idea for a new AU. After Error escaped and went back to the Anti-Void, he had gotten some inspiration for a new type of AU. He was pretty excited but he needed to think about how to implement the ideas.

Maybe if he added some more magic to the Au with a bit more complexity as well. Ooh maybe he could give the humans magic too, he usually didn't do that because human magic can get pretty powerful and he thought it was a bit unfair for the monsters.

But if he did that he'd have to even the playing field somewhat. Maybe soul traits for some more powerful monsters and humans with magic being rare? Then he could add some magical objects and creatures too. Oh, how exciting, a full-on fantasy AU. He's never made anything like that before, or at least he doesn't think he has.

As Ink laughed giddily to himself, Dream appeared through a shining golden portal. The light god couldn't help but smile as he saw The Doodle-Sphere, The Heart of The Multiverse. The various floating islands with ornate doors on them each represented an AU, there were far too many to count.

It was his duty as one of the Star Sanses to protect the AU's and ensure their happiness and stability. Speaking of the Star Sanses though he hadn't seen Blue in a while, he'd have to go check up on him. If he remembers correctly, Blue went to the Omega Timeline to talk to Abyss and Seraphim about something.

Dream sighed as he thought about that, for now though he had something else he had to do. "Ink there's something I need to discuss with you. It's about my brother and Infinite."

Ink started to hum to himself as he began painting his vision into the space around him. Dream coughed slightly. "Hmm, definitely need a lot of blue and purple. Some green and yellow, maybe some cyan and turquoise. What about magenta or orange?"

"INK!"

Ink turned around as Dream shouted at him. "Oh heya there Dream, sorry I didn't notice you. What's up? You got anything to report or do?"

Dream sighed, Ink was as scatter-brained as ever. "No nothing to report, but there is something I want your help with. It's to do with Infinite, I want your help to free Infinite from my brother's control."

Ink hummed as he continued to paint. "Really? I'm not so sure, he made the deal with Nightmare on his own, right? Also, he snapped pretty hard at you."

"That is true, but I very much doubt that my brother gave him much of a choice. Besides I already promised both myself and him that I would do my best to free him of his hate and desire for vengeance." Dream stated while rubbing his hands together.

Ink chuckled at that. "Seriously? Don't you think that's a bit ambitious? Besides, why would you even care? He's not even from our multiverse. Though I suppose him being a True Anomaly is pretty interesting or at least should have been. But man he is kinda boring."

Dream was shocked at Ink's lack of concern. "You can't be serious Ink. Is his nature and abilities the only thing you care about? Our priority should be getting him back to his multiverse. You know what will happen if he stays here too long, even with his powers it's too dangerous for him."

Ink hummed in acknowledgment as he continued to paint/create his ideas into being. "I suppose that's true, but there's always a chance he could adapt you know? Besides, what are the chances of him being unable to conform to our multiverse's rules? He's not exactly powerful enough to resist them after all, I bet he's already considered a part of it now."

"Ink, he isn't just an outsider he's a True Anomaly. I don't know why but my aura had very little effect on him despite my proximity. If he were as subject to the multiverse's rules as you're suggesting that wouldn't have happened." Dream stated in slight worry.

"Really? Huh, I guess if that happened he must have something special I didn't see, cool. But if your aura still affected him, then that means he's still being integrated into the multiverse. So you don't need to worry, so if you're done could you leave? I'm kinda busy thinking up another AU, I think this one will be great." Ink stated in disinterest which quickly turned to excitement.

"Ink please, the fact that he resisted it at all in the first place only proves that it's unlikely. Especially considering the power he displayed against Error. In just a bit under a month, the power Infinite possesses compared to when we first met has increased several dozen times over. If that level of power increase continues, he'll be powerful enough to resist integration." Dream asked in a bit of desperation, hoping the creator would see reason.

Ink stopped upon hearing that. "Did he grow in power that much? That's really fast. I don't think anyone's gained that much power that quickly before. How exciting, maybe he's interesting after all!"

Dream felt conflicted upon seeing Ink turn towards him with one of his eye-lights turning into a yellow star. On one hand, he was happy Ink wasn't just dismissing him, but on the other he was upset that Ink only cared about the entertainment Infinite could provide.

"Ink please this is serious. I can't get him away from my brother without help. And you're the only person I know who's both willing and powerful enough to help me with that. Besides I doubt Nightmare cares about the danger Infinite's in just by being here. He'll use him until there's nothing left of him." The light god said in sadness and regret.

"I guess that is a bit of a problem. But why should we get involved? It'll resolve itself soon anyway. He's been here for about a month now and at his level of power it'll probably be about a week or two before the decay begins. Since he's with Nightmare we don't even have to worry about an AU or AT being damaged." Ink remarked before going back to his drawing.

Dream was appalled at such a cold and cruel response. "You cannot be serious, Ink! Do you not understand just how much pain he would be in? Not to mention whatever ramifications his erasure could have for his home. Don't tell me you don't care at all. I know your emotions are fake but they're still near-perfect replications of the true thing."

Dream flinched slightly as Ink turned towards him, his eye-lights were an unnerving hollow white. "Why should I care? I'm the protector of this multiverse and its beings. Not any other, I have zero obligation to help him at all. Besides, he isn't exactly innocent Dream. Shouldn't you be punishing him for what he did, instead of trying to save him? Don't act like you care, we both know why you're doing this."

Dream gritted his teeth in frustration. He wouldn't back down, not from this. "I don't care what his similarities are to him or my failure to help him. I'm doing this because it's the right thing to do, not because of any ulterior motive. I'm the God of Light, The Embodiment of All Positivity. It's my purpose to ensure the happiness and safety of others, no matter who or what they are. His origins or actions have nothing to do with it, nor will they ever decide who deserves to be happy."

Ink was shocked at both Dream's conviction and the sudden burst of nearly blinding light emanating from him. " So you're that determined, huh? Even if I say no, you're probably still going to go charging in to help him before it's too late. Even though it would mean you'd almost certainly die in the process."

"Yes, I would give my life happily and without hesitation, if it meant the happiness of others was ensured. There isn't any room for doubt, not anymore." Dream stated with unwavering resolve.

Ink just smiled at that. Dream had come a long way since the small meek kid he had released all those years ago. Ink sighed as he drank from the yellow vial attached to his vest. "Guess I don't have much choice, do I? After all, I can't let my best friend get himself killed by going on a suicide mission. So what the heck, let's go save that edgy bastard. We are heroes, aren't we?"

Dream nodded smiling, as he got through to his friend. It was true that Ink didn't possess a soul, which meant all the emotions he did have were fake. But even though his emotions weren't real, he still tried to help people. He still wished to be the hero people could look up to and admire. Soul or not, emotions real or fake. Ink was a good person, he just had a hard time showing it is all.

Ink grinned as both of his eye-lights turned into stars. "This is going to be so exciting! I can't wait!"

Dream nodded as he created a portal of shining gold. The two protector gods of the multiverse, one of light and the other of creation stepped through.