From Murder to Dust

ATE - 24 - Desert

I had been Ink's toy for ninety-four years and two months. My brother was trying to rekindle our relationship, at least to the point where I would actually talk to him without Ink having to order me to. I wasn't quite sure what to do, but I knew the one person who would be: Ink. Ink always looked out for me and gave me the best advice, and I knew that he would know exactly how to handle my problem. As for other things, the name "Soul Carver" had been becoming somewhat of a calling card; Ink seemed to like it, and he even made it an official title! Ink said that I would be doing a special job today; I couldn't wait to find out what it was! When I woke up, I found Ink smiling; today looked to be a good day.

"Good morning, Dusty!" Ink greeted.

"Good morning, Ink!" I returned. 

"Did you sleep well?"

"Yep!"

"Hmm..you look like you have something on your mind.."

"I do."

"What is it?"

"My brother..he's been trying to talk to me. He makes it seem like he really cares..I don't know what to do.."

"Well, I don't think it's worth it. Tell him to leave you alone until he stops."

"Thanks, Ink."

"Of course! I can't have my little Soul Carver confused, now can I?" Ink patted my skull; I knew that he was right. "Now, would you like to know what you'll be doing today?"

"I'd love to!"

"You're going to help train a few guards!"

"That sounds fun!"

"It does! You know what to do, right?"

"Of course!"

"You're such a good little Dusty!"

"When do I start?" 

"In an hour, but I want you in the waiting room with the students until then; if you need any help or have any questions, just ask the trainer!"

"Okay! What are you going to be doing? If it isn't too much trouble, of course."

"Wonderful question! I'm going to have a little talk with your brother about your problem; I'm sure that he'll leave you alone after that."

"You're the best, Ink!"

"Thank you! Now, you don't want to be late for the training!"

"Okay, Ink! Bye!" I waved as I made my way to the door.

"Good bye!" Ink returned the wave.

I began to make my way to the training section of the compound. I had been there many times before with Ink; he liked using me as a dummy, but I didn't mind - why would I ever mind? On my way there, I passed my brother in the hallway; I managed to ignore him successfully, though. I didn't understand why he kept trying to talk with me; didn't he understand that I wouldn't fall for his tricks again? Maybe he was just too thickskulled to realize. That frown he wore would have melted my soul in the past; now, it did nothing. When I reached the training section, I noticed that the swapped Sans and Dream were training the new guards today; they were good friends. I took my seat in the waiting room next to a few students; I knew why Ink wanted me to help today: there were many more students than usual, and three instructors could do more work than two. I listened to a few conversations as I waited; one of them was right across from me, and it was undoubtedly the most memorable. One guard was being sent through the routine once more due to improper conduct, and he was telling a new guard about mostly everything.