Euphoria [Hiatus, Being Remade]

9

"No. Though, I have to ask ya somethin'"

Well, that was simple. You continued to eye the paintbrush wielding skeleton with curiosity. His eyelights transitioned through different shapes and colors every time he blinked. It was honestly an incredible sight to see. It was also fun playing a guessing game. Predicting what colors and shapes may fill his eye sockets next. Speaking of his eyes, they met with yours. It made you a little uneasy. Despite his unusually calm, yet stern expression, his eyes held no emotion. It's like first moving into a new house. It's empty. His eye lights shifted away from you, now focused on the tall skeleton holding you captive in his bear-like grasp. He cocked his head to the side, seemingly waiting for Horror to state why he came here in the first place. Not going to lie, you too are quite curious. Your [E/C] gaze trailed up to catch his. His fiery stare was set firmly on the new skeleton.

"Protect 'er for me."

Thanks for no context, Horror. You thought to yourself. You were set gently on the white ground as Horror's large skeletal hand nudged you towards where the ink-stained skeleton stood. He was... very short, to say the least. He has to look up to you and Horror, though, you're rather tall for a woman. You stand at 5'10, and that is without wearing shoes of any sort. Your head tilted down to stare at the smaller skeleton. Shyly, and almost hesitantly, you started forward, walking to stand by the short skeleton's side. He glanced at you from  the side withe a smile, then faced Horror with a more serious expression. It kind of scares you how this skeleton can change attitudes so quickly. You almost commented on it, but you decide that keeping the thought to yourself would be a smart decision. His left eye light became a red question mark, while his left changed into a red exclamation point.

"I don't understand.."

He began to speak, glancing in between you and Horror with sceptical eyelights.

"Why do you want me to protect her? Who do you want me to protect her from? Horror, I need more context. You can't just demand me to do something out of the blue-"

Horror cut him off with a loud, almost fatal sounding cough. It seemed like he didn't want this skeleton to continue rambling either.

"Protect 'er from Nightmare... Error... They're comin' after 'er... and me.. can't keep 'er safe myself. Must protect.."

He gave a tug at his hollow socket. The sight made you unknowingly cringe, almost as if feeling it happen to yourself. The midget of a skeleton standing next to you released a sigh, his eye light turning back to.. you don't even know if you can call it normal, since they constantly change.

"Fine, I'll protect your little human, but only because it's my job as a-"

He got cut off once more by Horror teleporting away almost immediately. After a few passing moments of awkward silence, he turned his body to face you fully. He had to look up a lot. He seemed to be taking in your facial features. He smiled, skeletal eyes closing kindly, and it somehow scared the shit out of you...

"Heya, new pal! The name's Ink, and I guess I'm your protector for a while. What's your name?"

You eyed him for a second before your lips curled into a miniature smile.

"[Y/N].."

Your vision became a blur of shiny white, and a small but strong force held you tightly by the collar of your silky [S/C] shirt. Once the fatigue began to drift away, you pieced together your surroundings once more. You were currently face to face with the small skeletal monster, which you now know goes by the name of Ink. You being you, of course, didn't know how to react, so you just let it slide, though, now you're plotting to randomly trip him later as a fuck- thank you. Your nose scrunched up in disgust at the closeness and you moved your head back as far as it could go. Does he respect personal space? Probably not, you assume.

"[Y/N], how are you still alive?"

That question had you stumped. What could he possibly mean? You don't remember almost dying. Hell, you don't remember anything! Your confusion must've been visible, because he sighed before saying something you thought you'd never hear.

"[Y/N], you died 4 years ago."

What? Hold on, this was too much to put on your mind. You? Died? 4 years ago? Your head began to ache in pain and you pushed Ink away, rubbing your temples gently. Your eyes snapped shut.

"What the hell do you mean? I'm alive now, aren't I?"

You do have a point, Ink could give that to you. But you were supposed to be dead. The news of a horrific crash resulting in your sudden disappearance spread throughout the multiverse. He wondered if you'd even remember your past life.. wait! Maybe you're a ghost! If XChara could survive like that.. wait a minute...

Bingo! What if he could help you remember your past! An artist helping a ghost! Oh joy!

"Hey, [Y/N] would you like to know more about your past life?"

Are you really ready to remember your past life? Do you even WANT to? Did you even have a life? If you forgot it, why would you want to remember it? How did you forget it in the first place? Rhetorical questions...

Your [E/C] eyes opened, staring at him with an expression that shows your thinking. He smiled awkwardly, beginning to slowly rock back and forth on his bare heels. You thought about his question for a little longer than you should've before releasing a defeated sigh. You laughed a little bit, half of your brain claiming to you that you've made the wrong choice. You chose to ignore it, however, because curiosity always wins.

And it's curiosity that kills the cat.