Reborn as Error

29 - Meeting

Myself and Dust were standing in front of Nightmare, Killer, Cross, and Scoundrel. A small hand was clutching on the end of my scarf and attached was the young skeleton slightly shielding themselves behind me. I don't blame them.

Despite Nightmare not being all that bad he still had a huge presence that takes some getting use to. Killer wasn't too bad either along with the other but they all had their weapons out having just returned from their tasks not that long ago. The only thing lowering the intimidation factor was that they all had a look of shock on their faces.

"...."

Ok seems like no one was going to talk so I'll go first.

"This is Gradient, they're my kid. If you have an issue with that then I would suggest saying something now while I'm still calm and in no mood to raise my voice." I didn't want to scare Gradient anymore than they were.

"Yours huh? So whos-" Killer started before getting their words stuck in their throat as I darkly glared at him. I knew exactly what he was going to ask but I'd rather not talk about that with everyone. Eventually I will and Gradient will get curious but for now that information is for me.

"Ok I'll bite," Scoundrel said before removing the shocked expression he had. "Did you just find out about them or has this been a little secret of yours?"

"This was a recent discovery."

"They're right," Dust said. "You should've seen their reaction. They had no idea."

"Not one of my best moments," I muttered a bit upset that when Gradient saw me for the first time it was when I crashed.

"I see..." Nightmare finally spoke which made me nervous. His eye looked down at Gradient and I couldn't tell what he was feeling or thinking.

"Is the kid staying here?" Cross asked sensing things getting tense again.

"Only temporarily. I want to catch up a bit and wouldn't mind him staying but he's too young. He would be much happier where he was originally. I'm not going to trap him here." There was definite talking me and Gradient had to do but I knew I couldn't watch him like a normal parent could. I still believe I'm going to screw up something.

Plus him stay in a large castle with dangerous individuals, no way. Not happening.

"...Error, my office. Alone." Nightmare said before dissappearing into the ground. 

I let out a sigh before feeling a suddenly quick tap on my shoulder and saw it was Dust. 

"I'll watch over the kid, don't want to keep the boss waiting. It'll be ok." He was very good at reassuring me but I still wasn't sure about the other. It was evident with the way I looked at them.

"We're not gonna lay a bone on the kid Error, relax," Killer said which didn't help.

"If I hear him cry, see a bruise, or crack of any kind on his body I will throw you to the Anti-Void and make sure you can't do a single thing but stare into the white abyss. I will make you lose the last of your sanities am I clear?" 

Killer and Cross went stiff having been in the Anti-Void before and both nodded furiously. Scoundrel only looked confused before nodding as well. I looked at Gradient and gave them a pat on his hood. 

"Stay with Dust, I'll be back."

"...ok." 

I hummed satisfied with the agreement and nodded to Dust before I made my way to Nightmare's office. 

It didn't take long but the heavy weight on my shoulders made it feel like forever. Was he mad? Was he upset? I didn't know. I soon found myself in front of his office hesitating to knock.