At Their Mercy

Chapter 2: Check-ups and a disturbing tale

A/N: I didn't expect to be posting chapters so soon, but I keep getting little ideas in between my daily life. While I don't have a perfect structure of how I'll get there, I do know how I want this whole thing to come to a conclusion, so trust me when I say that this will have an ending that (hopefully) makes sense.

For your reading consideration: The gods and guardians feel beyond gender to me. The usage of "they" and "them" is very much intentional to keep from forming a clear image or gender on them. It is meant to be to the viewer's imagination to decide if one is viewed as more feminine or masculine or neither. Build the world in your mind in whatever way you like.

The incident in the Undertale universe was met with mixed reviews from The Seven. Erratum had expected this, however, and had explained as much as they met with them through their reality shift. Karma, as expected, completely sided with their little protector and their decision to intervene. Time had condemned the other immediately, only letting up the slightest bit after a quick explanation of the seemingly fractured loop the world had been in.

"In the end, it is up to my own judgment to deem what the acceptable measures to be taken are. I refrain from toying with these worlds for the sake of curiosity. I only followed the call for help." Erratum explained, floating within the abyss as The Seven, minus the currently missing Magic, surrounded them. "I find myself suddenly plagued with voices of others within my mind. Sans had called them... what was it? Prayers, that was the word." They felt a twinge of anxiety as the group of guardians exchanged looks with one another. It was difficult to make out any details of these beings, as they retained no real physical being. They were beings of power and magic, not inhabiting any sort of solid vessel.

"That is preposterous. Why would the prayers of the multiverse reach you? Such ability should be accessible to us." Fate remarked with clear disdain. Erratum could not fault them; they had come to the same conclusion the moment they realized what was happening. They agreed they were much more capable of giving answers and wisdom.

"If I may," Karma interrupted, their spectral form once more surrounding Erratum. They always found this comforting, like their entire body was floating in a deprivation tank. "Erratum is just as well one of us, and they are connected to the physical plane that is the multiverse. It would make sense why these thoughts and prayers are only accessible to a deity within that plane. The distance and realities they must travel to reach us is an impossible journey, therefore they travel the shorter distance to Erratum." That... did make sense, in a convoluted way. This whole "god" thing was complex.

"What does it matter if they come here or to them? The important thing is they are being heard!" Faith interjected with audible delight in their words. "Think of all the pleas and wishes that have gone unheard until now. I, for one, welcome this strange new development! Go forth and bring Faith back into the multiverse!"

"Yes! Their Hopes and dreams rest on you!" Hope echoed.

Erratum had never felt more pressure than they did now in their entire life. These guardians, the most powerful beings in existence, weren't even able to help these universes! And they expected them to do it? It seemed like an impossible task.

"You said it yourself; it is up to your own judgment to know when to answer these calls." Ah, they did say that. "We will be watching you, to ensure your success." Karma assured them.

"And to be sure you do not let the power go to your skull." Destiny quipped, their form turned toward Fate in what was most likely a spiteful look. Yes, truly there was no pressure in those words.