The idea was originally found in A_Bored_Reader Undertale ideas for stories that hit me like the brick called Reborn! I asked permission to use it. Read the original if you're interested, but it contains quite a few spoilers for this story.
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Warnings: Ship that may not be to everyone's liking.]
The gang has retreated after the deaths of their leader and the Destroyer. After all, they had given their word that they would live a happy life and not do Fate's dirty work anymore. Despite the crumbling state of the world, none of them had any doubts that the protective magic left behind by Error and Nightmare would protect them from the destruction of the Multiverse. After all, Error used the Soul Strings that transcend death, mostly used to seal relationships, to keep them safe.
The gang didn't know how Nightmare's protection magic was still active after his death. But their leader was clever and knew many secret ancient magics. The members often joked that Nightmare protected everything that belonged to him even after his death. His allies have looked up to their once feared yet admired leader with gratitude ever since.
Dust came home late at night from the patrol, upon entering the castle he was greeted by his brother.
– How was your day? – Phantom (Dusttale Papyrus) floating with a ghostly smile on his face.
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– It was good – Dust answered with a smile, playing with a bone. Phantom (Dusttale Papyrus) welcomed the news with a hearty laugh. – Cupcake? – he asked with a slight blush on his face.
– In the kitchen – Phantom (Dusttale Papyrus) starts floating in the direction.
– He waited again, even though I told him to sleep – Dust's raspy voice beamed with glee as he followed his magic-created brother. Compared to his old self, Phantom now was more like the shadow warriors Nightmare created. It was no longer Dust's insanity that gave him personality, Phantom become a separate magical entity that both Nightmare and Error helped create and stabilize. The reason they kept it, aside from Dust's attachment, was because of how useful it was in fights.
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Moving through the corridors, Dust notices a thump. His body immediately tenses up and he begins to sneak in the direction of the sound, ready to corner the intruder. Phantom notices the change in direction and follows him to the door of Killer's room. Dust goes into protective mode out of habit as soon as he opens the door.
