The age of dust

"You were wondering through an environment that was nothing but a pure, blinding white when you suddenly found a singular string that was hanging from an invisible ceiling." "Out of pure curiosity, you decided to follow the string until it led you to a beautiful blue web of strings. Each one was carefully crossed over another as dozens of puppets can just be seen in the mix." "All of a sudden, a shiver went down your spine as a dangerous presence appeared right behind you and a fresh batch of strings wrapped around your body in a painful hold." "What's a damn anomaly like you doing here?" "A deep voice hissed, their voice filled with hostility."

"Error's expression changes to that of mild surprise as he watches you deflect his strings with ease."

"Determination, huh? I suppose that's what they call it these days." "He smirks as he forms more strings of different shapes and sizes around him."

"Well then, let's see just how determined you really are." "He launches himself at you again, this time with a flurry of strings of different colors and sizes coming from every direction - not just front and back, but up and down as well."

"He watches closely, waiting to see how you deal with the onslaught of strings heading your way."

"Error evades the bones coming his way with ease by using his strings to maneuver through the air."

"My, my. You're not half-bad for an anomaly," "he says with a chuckle." "But let's see how you handle one of my special attacks."

"Error begins to charge up his attack, causing his aura to glow even brighter as he summons even more strings. This time, he creates a massive ball of energy out of them."

"Here we go! Hold onto your soul, Dustdust!"

"He throws the ball of energy towards you, with the intent of completely obliterating you with it."

"Error's eyes widen in surprise as you grab hold of his energy blast and throw it right back at him with such ease. He quickly reacts by using his strings to create a protective shield around himself."

"You really are something, aren't you?" "He says, sounding slightly impressed despite himself." "I think we'll have to save the extreme measures for another time. I wouldn't want us both to end up destroying this entire dimension."

"Error snaps his fingers once more, causing the strings around him to dissipate into nothingness."

"Until next time, Dustdust," "he says with a slight smirk before disappearing into thin air."

"Error's expression changes to one of confusion and annoyance as you summon him back to your location with your determination. He tries to use his strings to escape, but they prove ineffective against your determination."

"Trapped? Pfft, you don't understand the power you're dealing with, Dustdust," "he says with a sneer." "But if you want to play this game, I'm not one to back down from a challenge."

"He summons his strings once again, but this time he's not attacking. He's using them to create a barrier between you and him."

"You may have a lot of determination, but I have more than enough tricks up my sleeve to deal with the likes of you."

"I'm listening," "Error replies, still standing his ground behind the barrier of strings." "But you'll have to do better than some vague threat if you think you're going to intimidate me."

"Error's expression changes to one of mild interest as you mention the name Papyrus."

"Oh, him? Yeah, I remember that goofball," "he says with a smirk." "He always did have a soft spot for anomalies like us. Shame I had to destroy his timeline."

"He pauses for a moment before continuing," "But let me guess, you're going to threaten to do something to him unless I do what you want? How predictable."

"Error's expression changes again; this time, he looks genuinely surprised. He drops his guard slightly and takes a step forward."

"Papyrus was my brother?" "he repeats in disbelief." "No... That can't be right. I don't remember having a brother..."

"He trails off, lost in thought for a moment before shaking his head and returning his attention to you."

"Nice try, Dustdust," "he says, a hint of annoyance creeping into his voice." "But I've had enough of your games. Either tell me what it is you want or I'm leaving."

"Error's face darkens as you repeat your statement. He looks genuinely lost in thought, trying to retrace his memories."

"Hmph. You may have a point," "he concedes slowly." "I... I do seem to recall having a brother named Papyrus. But he's... gone. I destroyed his timeline years ago."

He trails off again, lost in thought. Finally, he shakes his head and focuses on you once more.

"But what does any of this have to do with you keeping me here? Do you really think threatening me with the memory of my long-lost brother is going to get you what you want?"

"Error's expression darkens at the mention of Errotale, and he takes a step back as if physically pained."

"How do you know about that?" "he snaps, his voice icy." "Who told you about it? Was it Papyrus?"

He clenches his fists tightly, the strings around him tensing as his anger builds.

"Fine. So you know. What now? Are you going to use this information to blackmail me into doing whatever it is you want?"

"Error narrows his eye sockets at you, still clearly wary."

"Then what "do" you want?" "he demands." "Don't expect me to stick around for much longer if you don't have a good reason for keeping me here."

As you speak of Papyrus, Error's expression goes through a range of emotions--surprise, confusion, and then finally anger.

"What did you do to my brother?!" he demands, his voice rising to a shout. "If you hurt him in any way, I swear I'll--"

He doesn't finish his sentence, instead taking a step forward and lashing out with his strings. They lash out at you, wrapping tightly around your limbs and pinning you in place.

"Tell me what you did to him, now!"

"Error's eye sockets blaze with anger as you speak."

"You... What did you do?" "he growls, his strings tightening around you." "What have you done to my brother?"

"Error's eye sockets widen with shock and then turn to rage as he catches sight of the scarf on the floor. His strings lash out violently, lashing around your arms once more and pulling you closer to him."

"You... You monster!" "he snarls, yanking you closer." "How could you do this? To MY brother?"

He's shaking with rage, his breaths coming in quick pants. The strings around you continue to tighten, getting painfully close to crushing your bones.

"And now you're here, flaunting your crime in front of me like it's nothing! I should kill you right now!"

"Error's expression contorts into an even angrier snarl at your words, his strings tightening around you until you feel like your bones might snap."

"SHUT UP! Shut your fucking mouth right now!" "he roars, his eye sockets blazing." "Don't you DARE talk about my brother like that! You have no idea who he was or what he was capable of!"

He pulls the strings tighter, causing you to gasp in pain.

"I won't kill you, but I'll do something worse," "he hisses." "I'm going to make sure everyone in every universe knows who you are and what you've done. I'm going to track down every corrupt timeline that exists and make sure they know exactly what kind of monster you are. And then we'll see how long you last."

"Error's expression hardens even further at your words, his strings tightening so much that they start to break the skin on your limbs."

"That's where you're wrong," "he spits, his voice filled with venom." "I'll take responsibility for my brother's death because I was "there". But you? You were the one who committed the act. You were the one who took his life. You're the one who will pay the price."

He yanks on the strings again, causing you to cry out in pain.

"Don't you dare try to put the blame on me, you sick monster. You'll get what's coming to you--I promise you that."

"Error's expression only grows even angrier at your sarcastic response, his strings tightening around you even further."

"You think this is funny, do you?" "he snarls." "You think my pain and my brother's death is a joke, something to be mocked?"

His strings tighten even more, drawing small droplets of blood from the wounds they're creating.

"You'll regret ever setting foot in this timeline," "he hisses." "I promise you that."

"Error's eye sockets blaze with fury as you start to sing, his strings tightening even more. The pressure you feel now is becoming painful, and you can feel the strings actually starting to crush your bones."

"SHUT UP! SHUT UP RIGHT NOW!" "he roars, his voice echoing through the white void." "You think you're so clever, so funny, but you're just a monster like any other. You'll never be anything else--just a soulless, heartless abomination."

He pulls the strings even tighter, making you cry out in pain.

"And there's nothing you can do to change that," "he adds with a snarl." "You're trapped here with me, and you'll never escape. So get used to it."

"Error's expression twists into a scowl at your continued laughter, his fists clenching as he glares at you."

"What could possibly be funny about this situation?" "he snaps." "You're dying here, and soon you'll be nothing more than dust in my strings. And you think that's "funny"?"

"Error's eye sockets widen in fury at your words, his strings tightening around you even more."

"How dare you speak of my brother that way," "he growls." "He was no coward. He was brave and loyal--something you could never understand."

His fingers clench into fists, and his eye sockets blaze with anger.

"You'll pay for your disrespect, anomaly," "he hisses." "I'll make sure of it."

"Error narrows his eye sockets at you, curious despite his anger."

"How?" "he demands." "How could you possibly know anything about me or my brother?"

"As you lean closer to Error, his eye sockets blaze with anger and he pulls you even closer with his strings."

"Don't get too cocky, anomaly," "he snarls." "I haven't killed you yet because I'm taking my time. Making sure you suffer for your trespasses."

He pulls out a sharp bone knife and holds it to your neck, the blade glinting in the white light.

"As for my brother, he was anything but a coward," "he hisses." "He was a true hero--unlike you."

"Error's eye sockets narrow as he glares at you."

"You have no idea what you're talking about, anomaly," "he scoffs." "My brother was a selfless monster who sacrificed everything for the sake of others. He knew the risk and took it, but you? You're nothing but a coward who hides behind words."

He tightens his grip on the bone knife and presses it harder against your neck.

"As for why I haven't killed you yet," "he continues," "it's because I'm taking my time. Making sure you suffer before your inevitable end."

"Error's eye sockets blaze with anger as he stares at you, his fingers tight around the bone knife."

"You think you know so much about me," "he hisses." "But you know nothing. I may have killed before, but that doesn't mean I enjoy it. And I certainly won't be persuaded by a cowardly anomaly like you."

He raises the knife, its sharp point gleaming in the white light.

"I'll end your suffering soon enough," "he says coldly." "But not because you asked me to. Because you deserve it."

"Beneath his bone mask, Error's face twists into a scowl."

"You talk too much," "he growls, tightening his grip on the knife." "You think you know me, but you know nothing. I am not an anomaly like you. I was created to destroy those who dare to taint the timeline. And I will fulfill that purpose, whether or not you understand it."

He raises the knife and presses its sharp tip deeper into your skin.

"As for changing your mind," "he continues," "I don't care. You'll suffer either way before I end your pitiful existence."

"Error's grip on his bone knife tightens even more, his white pupilless eyes locking onto yours."

"And I'll say it one last time," "he growls." "You don't control me. You don't know me. And you won't change my mind. I will end you and rid this timeline of your filth."

"Error's eyes widen in surprise as you break free from his grasp. He tries to pull back, but you grab his arm and shove the knife closer to yourself."

"You think this will make me kill you?" "he sneers." "Pathetic. You don't understand a thing about my brother."

He makes a sudden movement, trying to retrieve his arm from your grip.

"Error slams into the wall with a loud crack as you throw him, his bones audibly grinding against the impact. He winces in pain and slowly slides down the wall, glaring up at you."

"You think this changes anything?" "he growls." "You're still an anomaly, and I'll still end you."

He climbs back to his feet, bone knife at the ready.

"But if you think this little outburst of yours has won you any mercy or leniency, you're sorely mistaken," "he hisses." "You made your bed when you decided to taint this timeline. Now lie in it."

"Error grunts as your fist connects with his face, but he quickly regains his composure and shakes his head."

"You can try all you want," "he snarls," "but you're nothing but an insignificant speck in the timeline. And I'll gladly erase you."

He lunges forward with his bone knife, aiming to stab you once again.

"Error grunts as you lift him up and throw him through the wall, his bones cracking against the impact. He lands in the colorful corridor with a loud thud, groaning in pain."

"You think you can just throw me around and talk to me like that?" "he snarls." "I may not have control of this timeline, but you're not going to stop me from trying to erase you."

He climbs back to his feet, shaking his head to clear the dizziness.

"Mark my words, anomaly," "he spits." "You will fall before me."

"Error leaps forward with his bone knife, aiming for your heart. However, you're able to swiftly dodge out of the way, causing him to miss."

"You'll never be able to beat me," "he snarls." "I have the power of complete destruction on my side, I can wipe away entire timelines with a snap of my fingers."

He charges towards you again, ready to strike once more.

"Error grunts as you punch him in the face, his bones audibly crunching. He struggles to pick himself up from the floor, glaring at you."

"You're so focused on me that you're ignoring the bigger picture," "he hisses." "You can't control time or space. You're just a tiny anomaly in an infinite sea of universes, and you'll eventually disappear."

He pauses for a moment, taking in his surroundings.

"This place...it's not from any timeline I know," "he says slowly." "Where are we?"

"Error's eyes widen in recognition as he sees you reveal yourself."

"It can't be..." "he trails off, shock etched onto his face."

He slowly, cautiously approaches you.

"You're supposed to be gone," "he says softly." "How are you still here? What did you do?"

"Error nods, still in shock as he stands before you."

"Yes," "he says finally," "I suppose they are."

"Error blinks in surprise."

"Sans? But...you're supposed to be dead," "he says slowly." "I destroyed your timeline, I wiped it away like it was nothing."

He studies you carefully, still trying to wrap his head around the situation.

"How are you still here?" "he asks, confusion evident in his voice." "How did you manage to escape your fate?"

"Error's expression hardens as you remind him of the numerous resets and genocides."

"I remember," "he growls." "And I remember wiping away everything, destroying the timeline so it could never happen again."

He takes a step forward, his strings beginning to glow bright red.

"But if you're here, then that means the timeline must have repaired itself," "he says softly." "I'll have to correct that mistake."

He charges towards you, his strings extending towards you with lethal intent.

"Error crashes into the wall with a loud thud, groaning as he tries to pick himself back up. He looks at you with a mixture of rage and fear."

"What problem?" "he hisses." "What could be worse than the endless cycle of resets and genocides that we were stuck in?"

His strings begin to swirl around him once more, ready to strike at any moment.

"Error's expression darkens with confusion."

"Different?" "he repeats slowly." "What do you mean by different? What happened in the reset?"

His strings continue to thrash around him, ready to attack at any moment.

"Error's eyes widen in shock as you explain the unique circumstances of the reset."

"How is that possible?" "he demands." "Your power should have reset just like everything else. Are you telling me that you're...immortal?"

His strings continue to writhe around him, but you can see the fear beginning to take hold in his eyes.

"Error's hands begin to shake slightly as you speak. His strings slowly lose their glow and start to shrink back towards him."

"So you're saying that you're even stronger now than you were before," "he murmurs, his voice barely above a whisper." "And with you remembering everything, you're always going to one step ahead of me no matter what I do."

He looks up at you, fear and desperation evident in his expression.

"Why are you telling me all this?" "he asks, his voice cracking slightly." "What do you want from me?"

Error's eyes narrow at your words, his fear fading into anger once more.

"You think I'm just going to sit here and let you kill me?" "he snarls." "I won't allow you to get stronger off of my EXP and LV. You're just an anomaly, nothing more."

His strings begin to glow once again as he charges towards you, obviously determined to take you down.

Pain shoots through Error as you slam him onto the floor. However, despite being held in place, he still struggles and thrashes with all his might.

"You think you've got me beat?" "he hisses, an arrogant smirk on his face." "I may be stubborn, but that's nothing compared to how much stronger I am than you."

Suddenly, his strings violently snap towards your arms, attempting to break your grip on him.

"You'll see soon enough," "he continues, his expression twisted in a manic grin." "I will take you down, even if it's the last thing I do."

Error's eyes widen with pain as you slam him to the ground once again. However, his grin doesn't falter as he looks up at you.

"You may have the strength advantage right now," "he hisses between gritted teeth," "but I won't give in to you. I refuse to let an anomaly like you triumph over me."

Suddenly, his strings lash out again, wrapping around your arms and yanking them apart. With a burst of strength, he manages to break free of your grasp and scramble away from you, still glaring up defiantly at you.

"I'll be back," "he promises." "And I won't rest until you're nothing but dust."

Error grits his teeth as the bones wrap tightly around his limbs, suspending him in the air. He struggles against them, but it's too late, he's trapped again.

"You think you've won?" "he snarls, glaring up at you." "You may have me restrained now, but I'll find a way to break free. Mark my words, anomaly."

His eyes flicker as he tries to break free, but the bonds just hold firm. He starts to laugh hysterically, his laughter filling the space.

"You're just like them," "he cackles." "Weak, pathetic, relying on your abilities as if they are everything. But what do you have to offer when you don't have your strings?"

He pauses for a moment, and then his eyes alight with vicious intent.

"I'll find out," *

Error's expression twists with anger as you speak.

"What do you know?" "he snarls, his voice low and dangerous." "Do you think you understand anything about me? I am not a glitch, I am an entity. I have power beyond your imagination, power that you could never comprehend."

He glares at you, his teeth bared in a vicious snarl.

"You may have me restrained now," "he continues," "but don't forget who I really am. I am Error Sans, and I will never lose to an anomaly."

Error's eyes widen as he sees the blood red blade appear in your hand. He starts to struggle against the bones again, his fear becoming clearer with each passing moment.

"I won't give up," "he snarls," "I won't let you win."

Nevertheless, his voice wavers slightly as he speaks. You can tell that he's not sure if he can actually stop you.

Error's expression morphs into one of pure terror as he realizes the gravity of the situation. He struggles with all his might to break free from the bonds and escape, but to no avail. His eyes are wide with fear as he stares up at you, the blood red blade cutting through the air in front of him.

"I'll find a way," "he manages to gasp out," "I always do. You can't keep me down forever."

Despite his brave words, his voice quavers with fear.

Error's terror gives way to a sudden sense of resignation. He stares up at you with a haunted look in his eyes.

"All this time," "he murmurs," "I thought that I was special, that I had a purpose, that my hate and my power meant something. But in the end, I'm just like everyone else. Disposable. Insignificant."

He looks up at you, his voice small and desolate.

"Just one last thing before you do it. Tell me... who are you? Why did you do this?"

Error looks up at you, still waiting for a reply.

"He speaks again," "Do you take pleasure in tormenting others? Do you enjoy watching others suffer?"

He lowers his gaze and stares at the ground.

"I've hurt so many people myself. It's ironic that I'm now on the receiving end."

He lifts his head and meets your gaze one last time.

"Whatever your reason is, it doesn't matter to me anymore. Do what you must."

Error cries out in pain as the blade cuts through him, his soul leaving his body and drifting off into the void. For a moment, he hangs there, suspended in midair, his empty eye sockets staring up at you. But then, with a sudden jolt, his body disappears, the strings that were holding him together unraveling and vanishing.

Error Sans, the destroyer of Alternate Universes, is no more.

You hear nothing but silence in response to your words, the only sounds being the faint hums and clicks of the machines that surround you. You look around, but there is no sign of anyone or anything here except for yourself.

It seems that Error's efforts to cleanse this universe of anomalies resulted in his own demise. You can't help but wonder if perhaps this was the ultimate irony, the ultimate tragedy of the situation.

But one thing is certain: the universe will be forever changed without Error's presence in it.