Nobody Asks to be a god

[nobodyaskstobeagod]

Nobody asks to be a god bonus content #53 - Stargazing

The original plot of NBATBAG (like, two years ago, just bare concepts) was that Dream and Ink find a way to trap Nightmare and Co in the castle’s Au, and Error still falls in there, injured. It's more of an enemies to lovers thing, as the two gods are forced to coexist. Killer’s transition was still planned, but it was a much shorter concept. I’m glad i decided against making that any more than a concept, honestly.

The voidlings are a spin off of my original voidling concepts (the ‘origin world’ they have mentioned) which I will talk about at some point, but not today. My understanding of aus is well, not much better than it was back then, but I've learned how to be a much better writer. Honestly my art skills probably haven’t really improved in that time period, other than my ability to draw skeletons through practice.

[nobodyaskstobeagod]

Nobody asks to be a god bonus content #52 - Tech illiterate

I didn’t have time to make art this week (mostly because I couldn't figure out how to draw Error predating the cake), so I figured I’d share a piece of the group I commissioned the lovely Nadircatt for a while back.

Nadircatt's Commissions

Commissions Open! Click to see Nadircatt's commission menu.

Despite the fact that technology has existed in most aus for as long as Nightmare has been around, he never figured out how to use it, for the most part. He can understand the basics of television, and how the custom group phones he had made work, but beyond that, doesn’t see the point in learning. You can’t exactly email someone in another dimension, and he prefers to write with paper and quill. Pens are inferior, in his opinion. For notes he needs to give the group, he has an old typewriter, and Killer (and honestly Error too) can’t read his fancy handwriting.

[nobodyaskstobeagod]

Nobody asks to be a god bonus content #51 - This is fine

I’m running out of end note ideas, so have another author’s note. I write Ink as an interesting mix of unhinged, and childish, for a couple reasons. Ink’s inability to feel emotion prevents him from truly understanding how relationships of any kind work, which makes him act like a petulant child, at times, in a different way than Error does. For this exact reason, he doesn’t take things as seriously as he should, though that one is partially because of his memory. He doesn’t remember things going badly, so he does it again. When it comes to his friendships/whatever he and Dream are, It is incredibly easy to take advantage of Ink.

Dream doesn’t trick Ink into doing things on purpose, and doesn’t mean any harm (like usual, but he causes it anyway) but he doesn’t really understand how dangerous Ink can be either. To him, Ink is goofy, and a bit of a failure of a god, though he loves him anyway. He doesn’t quite process how much of a threat to the multiverse Ink poses, because in his ever optimistic mind, he genuinely believes that Ink will do the right thing, and won’t go too far. He doesn’t understand that Ink is incapable of remembering what ‘too far’ looks like. He doesn’t really grasp how close Ink came to killing Error, and Ink has since forgotten that he’s able to.

Vengeance, on the other hand, absolutely means harm. Not necessarily to Ink, as he’s valuable to them, but to the rest of the multiverse. Ink doesn’t question the fucked up things they do, and take their assurance that they mean no harm, despite showing their true colors several times. He believes they are his friend. It's deliberately meant to be a bit like Papyrus and Flowey, but also like a child doing what a bad intentioned relative wants. Like a small child, he doesn't understand enough about the world to know he’s being tricked, and his emotionlessness renders him unable to comprehend moral standings beyond the basics of what he’s told is good or evil. Bottom line, Ink is incredibly easy to manipulate, and acts so unpredictable anyway, that it's hard to tell when he’s possessed. For Dream, at least.

[nobodyaskstobeagod]

Nobody asks to be a god bonus content #50 - Moonlight Confession

To my honest to gods surprise, I don’t feel like this chapter sucked lol. I actually like how this turned out.

“DoEs iT boTheR yOu tO bE bAcK iN DrEamTalE?” Nightmare shook his head, picking up a handful of gravel and letting it fall between his fingers absentmindedly. An old habit, he supposed. “Not as much as I thought it would. The time I brought the Trio here was a lot harder, and not just because Dream showed up. But this time.. Call it an override, I suppose.” “ElAboRate.” “I used to come to this stream, well, it was a river back then, a lot when I was a kid. I would skip stones with my only friend, or just lay down and watch the stars, for the good memories at least. Multiple people tried to drown me on multiple occasions here, as well.” “I sudDeNly tAke eVen mOre jOy iN thE gRuEsoMe wAy I kiLlEd tHe villAgEr rEpliCAs.” Nightmare laughed a little bit. Error being protective was adorable. “I somewhat regret not being present enough to watch that, but I digress. With any luck, when I think of this place in the future, I’ll remember asking you to be my partner, instead of the drownings.” Error rolled his eyes, snickering as well. “ThAt iS eQuAl pArtS sWeEt, aNd inCreDibLy fUckEd uP.” “It really is, isn’t it?” That was true of a lot of things. Honestly, he wouldn’t have it any other way.

[nobodyaskstobeagod]

Nobody asks to be a god bonus content #49 - Author notes and new cat

If it’s not apparent by now, angst, hurt/comfort, and all things suffering is my specialty, with intermingled humour and fluff. I am TERRIBLE at writing the ‘getting together’ part. I can do in a relationship okay, and pre-relationship, of course, but the next chapter is probably going to kinda suck. Sorry in advance!

Also, cat details

I got Artemis over the weekend from one of my local humane societies. She turns six near the end of may/early june, and is a total lovebug.

[nobodyaskstobeagod]

Nobody asks to be a god bonus content #48 - Voidling ref sheet

First things first, apologies about the cliffhanger! I wanted to write the rest of that part with Nightmare’s internal dialog, so it felt like it would work better to do it in the next chapter. 

Now about the voidling designs, briefly. I can’t remember if i’ve stated this, but voidlings aren’t grown until they’re ten thousand years old, and kind of go from child to adult, hence why, at over 8000, Curiosity appears to be a small child. For the voidlings’ shadow designs (how they look IN the void, and when they don’t plan to stick around long enough to take mortal form), i based it off of the Mystery Man sprite, (I could have a whole talk about why i disagree with the common headcanons about Gaster but i choose not to post normal undertale content specifically because I don’t want to pick this fight with the internet) with the floating hands and lack of arms. Alternatively, Kinger, if you watch TDAC. Determination’s face in particular is meant to somewhat resemble demon Chara’s uncanny smile. The jack-o-lantern thing is again, for the uncanny factor. Curiosity isn’t based on any monster in specific, unlike the others. Determination is some au’s version of a female Grillby, (never actually seen a genderswap au but i’m sure they exist) but with some color changes to make her more lava-like. Order is based on a grown Asriel, but not the hyperdeath version. I personally give the goat monsters long, unicorn-like tails, I dunno why, I just like it. Wandering is, I suppose, based on a ‘Red Bird’, who I envision as a cardinal. Vengeance just felt right to make as an Undyne, given their.. Personality. 

I’ve had this art done for a while but I was never sure where to put it, as showing what some of their mortal forms look like (namely Curiosity and Vengeance) spoiled some things. I won’t elaborate what, but it’s probably not challenging to find.

[nobodyaskstobeagod]

Nobody asks to be a god bonus content #47 - Who knew a mental breakdown could be so gay

As is likely apparent, we have entered the actual Errormare arc of the story. Since I am not sure what people are expecting it to be, I'm going to talk about their dynamic. This is not one of those fics where getting together solves everything, and they are a perfect couple. No, these are two emotionally distant, incredibly traumatized gods that don’t quite know how to socialize, especially Error, on that last one. They are nothing like the train wreck that’s Dream and Ink, but they certainly aren't going to be all that healthy, especially off the bat. Nightmare has a shit ton of trust issues, and Error is gods-awful at handling most emotions, running from something he doesn't want to confront, or choosing to pick a fight, instead. There will certainly be ups, and fluff, but there will also be downs. Regardless, I hope you all enjoy what’s to come!

[nobodyaskstobeagod]

Nobody asks to be a god bonus content #46 - Hypocrite

Blue had no idea that Nightmare had so many allied worlds! He had always assumed the guardian had a few, and had this confirmed by the mention of an off-world water reservoir, but this was a lot more than he expected. “I know this is a bit of a rude question, but if you and the trio primarily attack worlds, how come you have so many allies?” Nightmare wasn’t offended by the question, closing the portal he had opened to the next world. “No offence taken. It is not a bad time to ask, actually. I do not believe I have informed Error of the reason either.” “YoU hAvE nOt.” Nightmare motioned for them both to sit, before explaining. “In my first few centuries of godhood, I showed little mercy to mortals, taking anything and everything that I thought should be mine. Once the balance tipped too far into negativity, I realized that I could not afford to be careless. I had begun to make allies only within the last century, offering only ‘protection’ at first, but later exchanging supplies with them, particularly once Killer joined the-” 

Nightmare went silent, as if hearing something. Blue and Error both looked around, but neither of them saw anything. “Error, finish giving Blue a tour, and remain in the library afterwards. I need to take care of something.” His tone was dead serious, almost growling. When he left, Error shrugged, finishing the tour as instructed. Their dynamic was interesting. Error was the older, and arguably more powerful god, but even as equals, Nightmare was ultimately the one in charge. His guess was the arrow incident. Error learned what it was like to be in charge of the trio, and wanted no part of it in the future. Blue wasn’t sure though, and he didn’t want to ask. There were a lot of things about the glitchy god that he didn’t think he would be able to process the answer to, especially after the talk Error had with him and Horror about their pasts, and homeworlds. He did not envy the idea of being a god. It sounded like hell.

[nobodyaskstobeagod]

Nobody asks to be a god bonus content #45 - God of Positivity

Nightmare gave his analysis of Dream’s eldritch form, but I figured I'd give the thought process behind it. Also, an explanation of Error’s. 

Dream’s eldritch design was always going to be akin to an angel, with the six seraphim wings. Initial planning involved a more phoenix-like design, (which is kind of acknowledged in the chapter) but I opted against it. Mainly because Dream doesn’t embody rebirth, not at all. Yes, he technically was reborn from stone, but by that logic, Adult Nightmare was also reborn. Dream believes he is doing the right thing, believes he is helping people. But really, he’s hurting them. The multiverse has finally started to understand that fact. Also, the whole apple thing made it kind of funny. Thus, Dream’s eldritch form parodying Lucifer was born. [I am not a cristian, and I apologize if I accidentally offended anyone. It was definitely not the intention.] Originally, Eldritch Dream wasn’t going to be mouthless, but I couldn’t get one to look good with the rest of the face.

Error’s form was also always going to be what it was. I can’t remember if he was originally going to have wings. My inspiration for him was this one undertale comic, I don’t remember what it was called, where the gaster blaster formed themselves as animals, the head being the blaster. It was also inspired by the horror aspect of the titan in ‘Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind’ by Studio Ghibli.  I didn’t think about the personality aspect at the time, but it’s a bit funny. Error is very dragonlike, (western dragons) in a lot of ways. He is quick to anger, and hoards what he considers his treasures. Theft of said treasures is a grave offence, and he WILL seek revenge. 

And yes, Nightmare does have an eldritch form mostly planned out, we will see it in part nine. It involves an owl, and the concept of a chimera. That is all I will say on it, for now.

[nobodyaskstobeagod]

Nobody asks to be a god bonus content #44 - Pride art #2

Because it will probably never be mentioned again, NBATBAG Nightmare has some control over water and liquid elements, because of the tarry nature of his being. Similarly, Dream can refract certain kinds of light.

Also, note about the pride art(s), I made these back in mid-late 2025, but wasn’t sure when to put them in the fic. Originally, it was somewhere at the end, but it worked well here, when I didn't have art ideas for the chapters. Error telling a story wouldn’t be interesting, and I am too lazy (and not talented enough) to draw the full cast with a ton of bones showing lol. 

I forgot to write an end note until it was monday, so uh.. Short one.

[nobodyaskstobeagod]

Nobody asks to be a god bonus content #43 - Pride art #1

“Our home universe works differently from any you have ever seen, but we have tried to replicate some similarities. Skeletons, for example. Every single universe code we have pulled gives them a slightly different biology, which simply would not do. Though a god such as yourself cannot bear offspring, I assume you have seen a soul fusion before?” Error nodded, Order sighing. “A literal union, born of love, to create a new life. Beautiful, in a way that.. Other methods.. are not.” For an ancient being, they still looked down on the human process with disdain. It was kind of funny. 

“You have lived for almost a century now, Error. I envision you have come across the missing code in most worlds?” “ThE sciEntIst?” “Indeed. Just as with biology, no two codes were the same, and our own was incompatible. As such, we merely left a gap. A mystery, if you will. It worked better.” Error wondered if that was how Ink worked. A soulless being, able to exist because of a technicality, a ‘gap’ in the code. He was pretty sure that’s how Fresh worked, the menace. Either way, he doubted he would get an answer, at least not any time soon.

[nobodyaskstobeagod]

Nobody asks to be a god bonus content #42 - Life, the universe, and ravens

Error’s favorite color is magenta pink, but since in his opinion, it clashes with his bone colors, he doesn’t wear it often.

Killer’s room is decorated with multiple cat condos, and wall perches, alongside a drawer full of nothing but lint rollers.

Ink is terrible with animals, primarily because he’s so forgetful. Dream mostly takes care of Sunny.

Dust insists on hand-washing his/his brother’s scarf, unwilling to allow it with the other laundry.

Horror owns 23 cookbooks, 8 of which are falling apart, but he refuses to get rid of or replace them.

Nightmare has a feather collection in his office, from various birds. It includes a feather from his late owl, Shadow.

Dream is really bad at math. Like, really bad. He has a hard time understanding anything beyond 4th grade level.

Blue is a big fan of wax paints, the ones you have to heat up to paint with. He finds the challenge to be exciting.

[nobodyaskstobeagod]

Nobody asks to be a god bonus content #41 - Shitty Map 3

Now that I think about it, today wasn’t the first time I've seen one of the greats. Just like this time, they had killed someone then, too. I don’t think that they knew I saw them, and at the time, I didn’t know what I had seen, just that they were a force of immense power, and they had just killed one of the villagers. I don’t really know why one of them was in Dreamtale, or why they killed someone, but they did.

It was a rainy day, and one of the villagers, a teenager, had gone missing. Right off the bat, people were blaming Nightmare. I knew he didn’t do it, because I saw what did, but I just.. Couldn't believe what I saw. I asked him if he killed the canine, and of course, he said he didn’t. I should have believed him, he’s my brother! ..And I should have told the village what I saw. But no matter how much they loved me, I didn't know if they would believe me, it was just too strange. As for what I saw..

I was helping look for the missing monster, and I saw giant hoofprints in the forest. Bigger than any creature I had ever heard of, so I followed them. Deep in the woods, a deep gray, feline-esq creature (but with hooves and two tails), had trapped Tom, the missing guy, in place, the glowing eyes that covered its entire body all staring at it, like some kind of dark angel. Before I could react, it unhinged its jaw and ate him alive, the only indicator that he had ever existed being a thin trail of dust and blood dripping from its maw.

I ran, not knowing what else to do. I never saw it again. At this point in time, I think it was one of the greats, like I said, but I don’t know why they did that. Why they killed someone for no apparent reason..

[nobodyaskstobeagod]

Nobody asks to be a god bonus content #40 - Anxious Hug

Comparisons 2. Birthdays (Feat Dust and Ink)

Killer, perpetually snooping around, went through my notebooks, and found my birthday in there the first month of my joining the team. I didn’t then, and still don’t now, think it’s necessary to celebrate since with our home worlds dead, we don’t age, but that’s beside the point. Her, him at the time, and Horror got the boss to make a deal with Error, who was neutral to the team’s existence, at that point, to clear out a surface world in our territory, without taking out the code. Horror got a giant sushi bar up and running by himself. It was impressive, really. Much as I think it was a waste of their time to do this for me, the gesture was still.. Sweet. ..Even if Splish stole half of the raw fish.

When Dream mentioned that it was his and Nightmare’s birthday, the first year of our team, I evidently took him to see outertale for the first time, this later becoming the location of our first ‘official date’, according to him at least. I don’t remember any of this. Anywho, he always gets mopey when the end of winter rolls around. I wonder if Nightmare cares about their shared birthday. I doubt it. 

[nobodyaskstobeagod]

Nobody asks to be a god bonus content #39 - Perspective is hard

I grow ever more impatient with the incompetence of Order’s creations. They have practically taken Error as their child, which as pathetic as it is, I can live with. But Nightmare.. Nightmare is nothing like what he’s supposed to be. He has far too much care, too much capacity for love. Ironically, he lacks a desirable level of capacity for LOVE. I cannot fix him, but I can make a better one. I already have ideas. The Dreamtale canine monster that Curiosity killed all those years ago will make an excellent test subject..

[nobodyaskstobeagod]

Nobody asks to be a god bonus content #

1. Introductions (ft Nightmare and Dream)

Killer was well, Killer, and needed little adjustment. Horror and Dust, however.. Both of them were terrified, especially Horror. The first week, he wouldn’t leave his room, and didn’t trust anything offered to him. Although it would have been better to let him adjust at his own pace, he was dangerously starved, even for a horrortale variant. I needed to get him to accept food. What ended up working was to give him access to the kitchen, and keep Killer away. If he made the meals himself, he trusted it. In the long run, this ended up working wonderfully, as he is now our cook. (You can only get takeout so many times before the screaming and fleeing in panic ruins a nice dinner.) Killer managed to have enough respect for once in her life that he got used to her chaos, and eventually trusted the both of us. I will never forget the look on his face the first time he made a celebratory meal for the full team (prior to Dust, but still). He looked so incredibly proud, in a way I hadn’t seen since Dream and I’s childhood, or rather, the first time Dream made the village truly pleased. A story for another time, I suppose.

When Ink and I found Blue in the antivoid, he was more than a little damaged by the solitude. Perhaps due to this, he was eager to talk, and eager to help out. Anything not to be alone. With a bit of magic, it was easy enough to fix the issues caused by the antivoid, and Blue quickly became a valuable member of the team, between his healing abilities and his blue attacks. Why Error pulled him into the antivoid when he destroyed the Au, which he isn’t supposed to destroy originals unless they are corrupted (ie Killer or Dust’s, as there was no one left after Nightmare took them), i don’t know. But I'm glad to have Blue on the team, and he adjusted quickly enough, although I do feel a bit bad for how much tampering with his memory was needed to make him functional.

[nobodyaskstobeagod]

Nobody asks to be a god bonus content #37 - My ability to draw art for this chapter and the art i want to see is the opposite of a venn diagram

So uh, here have crappy Error that i drew with a mouse as a tattoo in the sims because i don't have anything else

As soon as the portal closed, Ink tried even harder to fight Dream off, biting down on the taller god’s arm. “YoU aLl gOt oUt rAtheR qUickLy-” Error shut up, letting go of the Au Code and looking between the two of them. “WheRe iS yOur miNion?” Ink drank the red vial while Dream was distracted with disabling the code termination, and leapt at the guardian.

“Ink, what are you-” “You asshole! You.. Hehehe.. I didn’t think you had it in you, but I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.” Ink felt a deeper rage than the paint should have caused. Like a flame engulfing his non-existent soul. Or maybe a shadow. “After all, it’s not the first time you abandon the people you care about for the greater good. If you hadn't, then maybe there wouldn’t be an evil team! Error would be the only threat!” 

Dream’s eyelights shrank, the guardian stepping back. “You’re one to talk! You pretend to care, only to turn around and tell people they don’t matter! I’m saving lives, but you.. What are you doing? You create worlds that bring nothing but suffering, experiment for the sake of curiosity!” A creepy look came over Ink’s face, and Error took his cue to leave. “And you never had the spine to say no.”