Reborn As A Dust Sans [Undertale Multiverse]

Ch34 - Mission

Ashe’s POV

The morning went by quickly. There was a minor argument between Killer and Dust about whether pancakes or waffles were better, which led to Horror looking surprisingly relieved when you ended up having a bit of waffles and pancakes instead of encouraging their antics. Why choose when you could have both?

Other than that, breakfast had gone relatively smoothly. You all had some time to prepare, but were pretty much ready to go by late morning, all gathered in the living room in preparation for what was soon to come.

“Are you all prepared for today's distraction mission? We will need to occupy the Star Sans’ attention for at least two hours, so if there is anything else you need to do, this is your final chance.”

“NYEH! I ACTUALLY HAD A QUESTION,” your sibling let out. Nightmare rose a brow, to which Spooky seemed to take as a sign to continue speaking. “I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO POSSESS ANOTHER PAPYRUS TYPE. IT WAS FUN TO STABBITY STAB! BUT, ER, LAST TIME, YOU SAID THAT IT WAS BURNING OUT OUR SHARED MAGIC…”

“As Ashe has had appropriate healing and rest, and their HP has recovered, it should not be so dangerous. However, until you better understand your own limits, only possess others if it is absolutely necessary. Today is not the time to experiment - you can do that when sparring in the safety of this domain.”

‘Speaking of, this place doesn't seem like a normal timeline. It was easy enough to teleport out of, but I get the feeling we won't be able to get back here without help,’ you signed, realising it might later become an issue if not addressed.

“I typically portal us home, so that will not be an issue. Cross is also capable of inter-timeline travel and can bring you here if needs be,” he explained. “Is that all?”

There was silence at that. It seemed the others were pretty used to these missions, so they didn't really have any questions, or even really anything to add (though Killer had a sly smirk you were pretty sure meant he had the glitter bombs ready to go).

Nightmare's orb narrowed at you. “There is something else you wish to ask,” he let out, tendrils shifting idly in the air. “Do so.” 

A simple command, but not so easy to comply to. ‘If… we're just meant to be a distraction, I don't necessarily have to… kill, do I?’ you signed out rather slowly, uncertain of yourself. Would he be angry at you?

“Awhhh, but killing is the best part!” Killer exclaimed, earning an eye-roll from Dust.

“That is fine. Cross does not kill either. Though I admit it is… surprising… that you would be reluctant to do so, considering your LV.”

You hesitated, uncertain how to answer. ‘I'd probably kill if I had to defend myself or my family, but I don't think I would be willing to kill unprovoked. And I wouldn't attack, like, kids, or defenceless people? I don't know, I didn't really expect to have to think about morality like this,’ you signed truthfully, cringing at the thought. ‘I can help distract though. And I'll obviously defend myself if I get attacked, I don't plan to die.’

“That is fine. If you decide you no longer wish to be involved in fighting alongside us, we can find another role more suitable,” he reassured. "Quite frankly, a lookout is just as useful to us, especially when the entire multiverse is our enemy."

“Yup. Applesauce here doesn't like to kill either. Some fuckin honour Code or something, I dunno. Point is that you'll be fiiiine,” Killer reassured. "I'll kill enough for both of us!"

Cross looked mildly annoyed at Killer, casting him a scolding glare before turning back to you more neutral. “If you don't want to kill, I'd suggest focusing on the Stars like I do. They're decent enough fighters that you won't kill them even if they get injured,” thr soldier reassured.

“And if you… dont want to… kill, then… you could… make sure that… we don't get… surprised by… somebody new… joining the fight,” Horror agreed. "Or you.. could get some... supplies while... everybody is distracted... with us."

Dust nodded along with what everyone said, and whilst he didn't directly contribute, you got the feeling he was agreeing. It seemed they all were okay with the possibility you wouldn't want to kill.

“We will be attacking an underswap timeline variant. Expect retaliation, even if the monsters are typically pacifist in nature,” Nightmare said finally to the group. His magic began to form a portal, ready for you all to slip in and cause havoc. “Do not die, or I'll find a way to throttle you from the afterlife.” Despite the clear threat, you could tell he cared.

You giggled at that. ‘Just don't throttle Spooky, please!’ You signed half jokingly.

The negative guardian's grin perked at that. “Can't promise I won't,” he let out with a toothy grin.

Killer looked surprised. “Fuck yeah, ya got Boss to make a joke! He never does that!”

Nightmare rolled his eyes. “Time to go, you lot. And remember - we're aiming to draw this fight out as long as we can so Error can destroy uninterrupted. As much as I hate to say it, Killer, your… obnoxious mocking and constant dilly-dallying will be useful for once. Don't screw it up.”

Just as Killer went to speak up, planning to say something snarky if his expression was anything to go by, Nightmare quite literally threw him into the portal with a tendril. Everybody else took that as a sign to head through.

You and Nightmare were the last to leave. Just before you went through, his expression became softer and he put a tendril on your shoulder reassuringly. “You will be fine. Have your brother come to me if you get too overwhelmed. There is no shame if you need to go home earlier.”

Nodding at his reassurance, the two of you entered through the portal, ready to cause some chaos. Even if the chaos you were planning was closer to arsonism and glitter-bombing than murder.