Ask box is always open Together: A prequel story: https://archiveofourown.org/works/21667774 DystopianTale: https://archiveofourown.org/works/23604037 DystopianTale Asides: https://archiveofourown.org/works/30489198
Everything is well, but I have been quiet because I've been doing behind the scenes stuff with DystopianTale.
To make a long story short, I realized the reason I was struggling to write this story is bc im no longer happy with it. I still love DystopianTale, but this is a story I started when I was... 16, and im now 20. My writing, my ideas, they've all changed, matured to some degree. There was things I would do differently...
And, bc this is still a project I love dearly, I've made the decision to scrap the current story and start over. All of the characters will remain, but may change, slightly or dramatically. I appreciate everyone's support, and I know many will be sad at this decision, but it's something I need to do for my own mind, and I hope you'll all stick around to see the new DystopianTale :)
In regards to that, here is the first batch of new characters, and one of the first changes: Chara is no longer a dreemurr... but killer's "sort of" little sibling
I'm not ready to post the next dt chapter (the recent election really. Threw me for a loop, and I needed time to cope, without working on my uh... au with an evil dictator ruler.) BUT to make up for it,,, here's a small section from the next chapter:
Guns were not at all necessary for monsters to own. For any situation, be it hunting or protection, they were redundant since a monster’s magic could do the exact same task, if not do it more efficiently.
Still, having one during this shit show made Error feel safer in an odd way. Perhaps it was the physicality of the thing, having something solid to grip, to use, something that couldn’t be shattered if struck right.
Or maybe it was the fact that he knew, deep down, he was scared to trust himself. To rely solely on his abilities, on his magic, on himself. How could he, when he’d always found a way to disappoint himself, disappoint people around him, all his life?
His jaw tensed, a dull ache forming behind his teeth. He set down the last piece of his pistol, now wiped down and clean, dropping his hands into his lap. The old cloth gripped between his fingers felt somewhat coarse, the corner frayed from age, loose threads hanging from the hole, weaved between the individual bones of his fingers.
The Dreemurr’s kitchen was thankfully quiet, besides the pattering of rain outside and Error’s own breathing, though that was probably because it was 4 in the goddamn morning. An ungodly hour Error would much prefer to be spending in bed, next to his husband, fast asleep and warm under their covers.
But instead here he was, sitting on one of the wooden dining chairs, his gun pulled apart and resting spread out on towels on the table in front of him. His mind too active, practically generating full length feature films of all the things that could go wrong. Thunder rumbled outside, low and rolling, and a minute later there was a flash behind the kitchen blinds.
In three days, this would be over. One way or another.
Error hissed, squeezing his eyes shut. He can’t think like that, he just couldn’t. He had kids now, a family, he had to make it back. He would.
He slowly exhaled, unclenching his fist and tossing the cloth onto the chair next to him. He moved closer to the table, the chair legs dragging across the tile. His hands worked mindlessly, putting the pistol back together, checking for anything out of the ordinary. He set it down on the table, then moved to fold up the towels. He knew he should go back to his and Ink’s room, and try to get some sleep. As soon as everyone was up and fed, his day would be filled with plan making. Maps, and strategies, and an endless amount of what ifs to consider. Already he could feel the exhaustion seeping into his bones, a headache beginning to pulse behind his temple.
He was so sick of headaches.
He ran a hand over his skull, another rumble echoing outdoors. There was a deep gnawing in his chest, uncertainty making him feel nauseous, like he was sitting on a rocking, swaying, boat. He had agreed to this, to this plan. He had agreed to ending this. But what else was he supposed to do? When Dream was practically begging Error, his magic fighting against his body, how was error supposed to say no? Not to mention that Cross knew this shit, was trained for battle like this, and Error had relied on him for guidance on what to do next.
His gut was screaming, clawing at the inside of his bones, begging Error to not do this. To retract, to change the plan and push the attack date out, to run, but how could he trust it when the brains of this operation was saying that was a bad idea? Didn’t he trust dream, or at least Cross? His future kings?
“You’re up early.”
Error jerked up, his chair clattering to the ground from how fast he stood up. The sound seemed to echo around them in the quiet air of the house, amplified. Sans stood behind him, leaning against the entryway of the dining room. There were circles under his eyes, his body seeming to sag under his weight.
His eyelights flickered down, the corners of his smile twitching downward. Error followed his gaze, his soul sinking like an anchor.
He released his gun, dropping his hands to his sides.
Thunder shook the cabin, so low it felt like it came from below their feet, clawing up from the depths of the planet.
Hello friends, in light of recent events, the next chapter may not come out until the 17. I am still going to aim to post on the 10th, but I don't know if I will be able to.
I've made a more official response on my Instagram, but please take care of yourselves right now. We will survive this
Helllooo everyone! I'm sorry for (again) disappearing. I've talked before about how I've been very stressed about writing and I'm in an odd place with that now. The Tldr is that I WANT to write, but I need to be go easy with myself and not expect me to spit out an entire 12 page chapter in three days. Idk if that means anything for all of you, but for me it means my work flow is changing. So chapters will probably be a month, if not two months, apart. I'll try my best to post sooner than that, but I want to avoid getting so burned out again. I have a bit more free time now, and summers are always kinda hard and low energy for me... so now that that's over I should be able to be more productive writing wise!
With that said, I WILL be working on the next chapter and posting it before the end of October if all things go well. There will be some differences though, so I don't get burned out again...
Firstly, im not doing covers for every chapter anymore. As much as I love doing them, as I approve with my art and learn more about drawing backgrounds, art takes me longer now than it used to. And I just... don't have time for the write a chapter and then make a cover and still work on my other projects I have in the works. I will still post a piece of art with each chapter however, and maybe a full piece when I get the inspiration to do so... but it may be primarily sketches from now on. I apologize for any disappointment that may cause.
And second! If you're in my discord server, you may remember a fun little thing called character Friday. I'm going to be bringing those back, except they will be after a new chapter is posted instead of every other week. This is to again help me avoid burnout, and I think it will be more interesting for all you<3 I am also thinking of streaming myself drawing the drawings I make for each chapter, so if you're interested in that, check out the discord server!
Im excited to get back into this story, and I hope you all too!
Are you doing okay? Not trying to pester you, just checking in. <3
Thank you, it's very kind to check in..
Admittedly, when it comes to writing I'm not doing so hot. It's been really hard for me for me to focus, and when I do want to write I get very in my head about it, feeling it's not good enough and that sort of thing.
Im working on it, though! I will update dt when I can finally get my shit together, thank you all for being patient <3
Heya! I recently found your fic and I just wanna say… WOAH. There is obviously so much love and dedication going into this story! The covers for each chapter too????? LEMMIE TELL YOU. I. LOVE. THEM. AAAHSJAKKSKSLLA
AAAND I LOVE THE WAY YOU WRITE THE SHIPS!! The established relationships like Error and Ink feel so natural!!! And the new ones don’t feel rushed either, wich is unfortunately common.
overall a 10/10 story, and deserves WAAAAAY more attention and I will be recommending this for anyone looking for a good juicy undertale fanfic!
Aaaaaa thank you so much!! I'm sure many of you know that I've... really been struggling with my writing recently. I'll talk about it when the next chapter comes out (WHICH IS SOON I PROMISE) but it comes done to me being very hard on myself.
And to be honest I've just had... kinda a shit day today, so seeing this.. really made the day better again, so thank you. I truly appreciate how much you all enjoy my work,, <3<3
New chapter will be out soon... I'm almost done, promise y'all. In the mean time... here's a small part of the upcoming chapter. A sneak peak with you will. Unedited it, so beware.
Read bellow vvv <3
Inky black hands were clawing their way up his legs.
They ripped his clothing, dug their nails into his bones, leaving beads of blood in their wake. He flailed, trying to shake them off to no avail, the inky black hands only gripped tighter.
They were nearing his chest.
They were going for his soul.
Suddenly, the hands melted into him, seeping into his very bones. He could feel them around his soul, gripping and tearing and shredding him apart. His insides were on fire, the marrow and magic inside him turning to lava as he was destroyed both inside and out.
He choked out a name, the name of the one he trusted. The one he loved, had always loved. His words came out gargled as his own searing blood filled his throat.
“I…Ink…”
The man’s small form materialised out of the darkness, stepping towards him, Ink’s expression was uncharacteristically blank. Cold. Empty like the space around them.
He opened his mouth, but all he could manage was a pathetic gurgling noise.
Ink’s face hardened, his mouth pulling into a disgusted scowl, and Ink took a step back. His body was sinking now, and he couldn't tell if it was because his bones had succumbed to the molten liquid coursing through him, or if the surrounding darkness was simply swallowing him whole.
“I never should have trusted you.” Ink’s words cut into him, sharp as a knife. He felt his soul finally snap, the pain piercing him, but his scream was drowned out but the blood that was choking him. “You could never have kept me safe. You're pathetic.”
His vision darkened as Ink turned on his heel, walking away from him as he collapsed. Everything was hazy and darkening, his body disintegrating into dust, he could feel himself crumble. With the last of his strength, he raised his hand, reaching for Ink just as he was engulfed in the blackness and…
Everything…
Went…
Dark.
Error gasped, his “lungs” desperately dragging in oxygen as he blinked away the fog of sleep. He stared up at the popcorn ceiling, feeling dizzy with disorientation as he watched the shadows twist and coil in the darkness, reaching out to him like hands.
Hands…
Error squeezed his eyes shut, counting to ten inside his skull, focusing on Ink’s warm form pressed against his side, slowly rising and falling with his breaths. Just a nightmare.
When Error opened his sockets again, the hands reaching for him from the dark had vanished, leaving just a normal looking ceiling and normal shadows. Of course, that's all it was - really, Error, you're too old to be getting scared of boogeymen hiding in the dark of night.
He turned his skull, resting his cheek against the soft pillow beneath him, and his gaze dropped to Ink. He was curled against Error, one hand underneath his own cheek and the other on Error’s chest. The small monster’s bones seemed to glow in the hazy moonlight that filtered in through the crack in the blinds, making Ink look angeletic. His features were soft, so relaxed, his mouth slightly parted as he took in slow, measured breaths.
Error smiled tenderly, before slowly manoeuvring himself out of Ink’s hold, sitting up in the dark. The handmade sheets and quilts pooled around his waist, the night air cool on his bare arms. It was a nice chill, working as a shock to his system that grounded him. But it wasn't enough, the tendrils of his nightmare were still hanging on to him, leaving him with a knot in his stomach.
The room was bathed in a soft white light from the moon outside of the window, giving everything a hazy, dreamlike glow. The house was completely silent, aside from the occasional sound of the cottage creaking as old houses do, and the ever present tick…tock…tick…tock… of the old clock in the guest room. The wind rattled softly against the houses outside walls, bringing bits of other monsters’ conversations along with it. Guess not everyone was asleep at this late hour.
Ink murmured Error’s name, his eye sockets slowly opening, though the action seemed to be a struggle for the skeleton, his lids weighed down by sleep.
“Go back to sleep, sweetie.” Error whispered, stroking Ink’s cheek. His husband’s eyes fluttered close at the gentle touch, and he leaned into Error’s hand.
“What are you doing…?” Ink’s breath tickled his palm, words slurring together.
“Getting some water.” It was only a white lie, yet Error still felt guilty saying it. It was for the best, though. Ink shouldn’t have to worry about anything right now, he should be relaxing, taking it easy. Taken care of. “I'll be right back, promise.”
The reason seemed to be enough to satisfy the smaller monster. He mumbled something under his breath as he drifted off, his breath once again evening out. Error’s smile twitched with affection and amusement. He leaned down and kissed his partner’s temple before standing up, pausing briefly to stretch out his spine.
In the dark, his eyelight found the crib on the other side of the room, and, careful not to make too much noise and wake Ink again, he moved to its side. Within the crib, the twins laid side by side, pressed against one another and their little skulls practically touching. Did they snuggle close like that purposely, feeling a connection to their twin? The idea of asking Dream and Nightmare if they felt more connected because of their twin status briefly passed his thoughts, but he disregarded the idea. He didn't know either man well enough to ask that without it coming off as awkward.
He watched the two small babies for a moment, love making his cold bones warm. He still couldn't believe they were really here, he was really a father.
He had a responsibility to protect these two little souls, and he fully intended to take that responsibility very seriously.
Error frowned to himself, pulling PJ and Gradient’s blanket higher so that it was property covering them - he didn't want them to get cold and uncomfortable. Eventually, Error was able to pull himself away from his sons and out of the room, leaving the door ajar behind him.
The Dreemurr’s home was eerily quiet at night, in a way that deeply unsettled Error. It was the type of house that just felt like it was supposed to be bustling with life, the very walls and foundation alive with all the activity, the halls always filled with the sounds of joy. But in the dead of night, as it was now, the house no longer held warmth, it was no longer alive with all that positive energy.
It was cold, empty, and unwelcoming.
Error felt a rush of relief when he stepped outside, escaping the oppressive wrong feeling inside, and immediately being hit in the face with the cold night air.
Hi everyone,, no chapter update tonight for uh,, personal reasons. I'll post either Tuesday or Wednesday, promise. I'll also post a little sneak peak here tomorrow, so stay tuned <3
Long story short tonight was ROUGH for me... so uh. Still aiming for the next chapter to be out Sunday but... it might come out Monday or Tuesday instead
Hi everyone!! I hope you've all had a great holiday!!
DystopianTale update! I am once again debating no longer doing chapter covers, so I can get more chapters out quicker.. I've decided to ask for all your guys' opinions <3
I'm going to be taking all of December to write the next chapter and draw the cover, to chapter 42 will be out in January. I apologize for the wait but with finals and other holiday themed projects I want to work on... I simply don't have time to put all my effort into dt without losing sleep. But I want to give you all something well made so! I apologize for the long wait, but I promise it will be worth it
I will still do a little something for dt for the holidays though! So I will not be completely absent during December I promise!
I want to start this by apologizing for being so absent since Halloween!! I didn't mean to go silent, but, well, I'm still very busy! All of the time!
Secondly, I want to say that chapter 42 is coming!! Originally I wanted it to be out early December, but then I remembered I have final projects and finals coming up and... the stress of needing to get it done by then was really impacting my ability to write so... the new target release date is the second week of December! (This is mainly bc I need to make the cover for the next chapter but... I know you guys like those and I like drawing them so... I hope you all understand <3)
I also really want to post something for Christmas this year! Either a short like I did for Halloween or some sketches of the DT characters,, lemme know which you'd prefer so I can start planning that early!
Holly Jolly
Sketches!!
Short story!!
Voting ended onNov 28, 2023
Again, thank you all for being so understanding. Your support means so much to me, and I'm glad you're all sticking around to read my silly story about my silly guys
