A Small Problem

Ch. 12 - A Small Chat

Count took a breath. Though the encounter only lasted seconds, it felt like it had been much longer.

He continued to climb the stairs to the top of the display, only a little shaken from the ordeal. For a moment, he was sure he'd be killed. But it hadn't happened. Needless to say, Count was a little confused over it.

Still grateful to not be dust though. Dust can't help Cloak and Dagger out of that back room.

But that also brought up a question; why was Error not quite as he was described to be in the letter? Was the Council wrong, or purposely spreading slightly inaccurate information? With that much LV, his matching name and appearance, and his reaction to Count, it was clear it was the right skeleton, just ... not as advertised.

Standing at the edge of the display, Count took a moment to stare down at the back of the mountainous dark skeleton. His bare feet tapped on the mettle mesh as he thought about it.

His brother's killer. Destroyer of worlds ... frequinter of pet shops and bearer of snacks? There was something missing. There had to be a reason, a ploy - something.

Welp. Standing here doing nothing wasn't going to solve anything.

With a nod to himself, Count decided to try the new ability he had gained as a bitty. Hopefully it would be more informative than the Check had. At least it would be more discreet.

Count read Error's Soul with the new and strange ability, narrowing it down from the multitude of Souls gathered in the store. With how strong it was, it wasn't hard to find.

Count let out a breath as if he had been struck in the sternum.

Error emanated so much ... sadness. Where Kyle was like a tense silence, Error was like a single candle on a cold night. Steady and small. Solitary yet welcoming. But with a flicker that promised an inferno for those unfortunate enough to be on the receiving end of his rage. And there was plenty of rage, sure, but it was contained - slightly disconnected even.

That really didn't match up with the image the Council made of him. Of a mad and mercyless murderer out for total destruction. In fact, Error almost felt ... kind. A little hot headed, but not necessarily evil.

It was certainly some food for thought. It just felt like Error wouldn't do anything without a good reason. But what reason would there be to Destroy AU's? To murder people? ... Were their deaths not just the cause of a mad man, but one with purpose?

Welp. The only way to know would be to ask ... and hope it wouldn't get him killed for being mistaken. It would be a chance, but Count was too curious to just let it sit.

Count deactivated the Soul Reading ability to avoid being overwhelmed with the numerous other Souls in the area.

Finally coming to terms with the fact that Error didn't seem to want him dead yet, Count shortcut to the ground. He'd see just how far he could push his luck. He's made it this far.

As soon as his bare feet hit the ground, he caught sight of a blue blur in his peripheral vision. He dodged - only to cause Kid to faceplant, having missed his chance at a surprise hug. Oops. But when it comes to the unknown, it's best to dodge. Especially with Counts history.

"OOF." Kid said, face plastered into the colored foam mat.

Candy looked amused as he walked up at a more leisurely pace. Though Count could also see the underlying inquisitiveness about Count and Error's situation. Candy was clearly not the only one interested either, if the occasional glances from the rest were any indicator.