#errorxoc

Ruby was quiet as she followed behind her new master, treading cautiously as he led her through the woods.

She wanted to speak, to break what to her was an uncomfortable silence, but she didn’t dare.

The mercenary she’d been handed over to as a reward didn’t seem to be the chatty type… and she had a feeling that he was looking for a reason to get rid of her.

But what if he gets annoyed at my silence? But then, if I speak, I might anger him, or if I-

Unfortunately, she was so caught up in her thoughts, she failed to realize that he’d stopped walking and she abruptly ran into his back, giving a disgruntled yelp. As she did, she felt strange, as if electricity was zapping through her fur and she noticed his body shift strangely, as if he wasn’t all there.

Jerking back, she lost her balance and fell over, landing squarely on her butt. For a felinoid, she’d always been clumsy and now was no exception.

He gave a pained grunt, whirling on her as his form became solid once more. The full mask he wore hid his expression from her, but she knew he was angry.

“I-I-I told you n-not to t-t-t-touch me!” The strange cadence of his voice was terrifying, especially with his enraged tone.

Ruby cowered, feeling her monster soul pulse in terror. Would he dust her right here and now?

“I- I’m sorry! Please don’t kill me, I won’t do it again-”

“You’d b-better no-not.” He growled, red light flashing from the visor of his mask while his words skipped and reverberated strangely.

 “Keep up, or-r-r-r I’ll lea-leave you to the-to the-t o  t h e  w o l v e s.”

Ruby nodded, biting her tongue as he turned without another word, scrambling to her feet, she plucked at her skirts, bowing her head low as she followed meekly.

This was all her fault. If she hadn’t angered the new king so, perhaps she’d be home, tending to her duties as a lady-in-waiting for the princess. 

But no. She hadn’t been able to keep her emotions under control. She’d been insubordinate… and now, she was suffering the consequences.

The King had handed her over to the mercenary so callously, giving a sneer as he added, “Do with her what you will as a bonus for your excellent services.”

The mercenary had said nothing in return, simply beckoned her to follow.

And Ruby had gone, knowing that her life was forfeit anyways. There was nothing anyone could do for her. 

Not anymore.

Hot liquid pooled at her eyes, but she dashed them away. There was no time for that now.

Unconsciously, she found herself thinking of the handsome mage, Ink. She yearned to see him again, if only to know that he was alright. He’d been missing since the twisted, powerful King of the Darklands had taken over the Princess' tiny kingdom. She shivered, wondering what became of him. Did he flee? Abandon the Kingdom he'd sworn to aid? Or... was he...

Please be alive, Ink

8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8~

They were still traveling at dusk, but Ruby thought she could hear the sounds of a town close by.

“This way.” The mercenary growled as he turned to the main road. 

She saw the lights of the town up ahead and squealed as he paused abruptly. He turned towards her and she shrank in on herself.

“Stay close to me. Don’t speak to anyone, even if they speak to you first. And if you think of running… Don’t.”

“Yes, milord.” She whispered.

He snorted and turned scornfully away from her.

“Don’t call me that.”

“Then, what should I call you?” Ruby asked with a knitted brow.

He paused, as if thinking.

“You may call me Error.”

Error continued onto the path through the woods and Ruby hurried after him, rolling his name through her head.

It was a strange name… was it the one he’d been born with?

She found herself shuddering. How awful if that was the case, to be called a mistake.

But if it was a name he chose-

They approached the gate to the town, and Error knocked. The guard saw him, paled, and quickly opened the door.

“Do you know him?” Ruby kicked herself for blurting the question.

“He knows me.” Was all Error said as the gate was opened and the guard let them pass.

Ruby huddled as close as she dared without touching the skeleton in front of her. All around, she felt as if she could feel the stares of the people, both monsters and humans alike.

I probably look bedraggled, like a stray.

She ruefully looked down at her dress, dirty and torn from the long hike.

Luckily, she had no need for shoes, but her bare feet were very sore.

Inside, there were bolts of plain-looking cloth, along with pre-made clothing; all sorts of robes and traveler’s garb were lined up against the walls-

Error drew his cloak tighter around his body before making his way boldly towards what looked like a shop. Ruby hurried after him, surprised when he held the door open. 

“... Thank you.” she murmured, ducking under his arm.

A tall, spindly-looking automaton emerged from the back, looking a little worse for wear.

“Oh? And what do you want, Error? Finally ready to replace those tattered rags?” They spoke with a much more posh voice than Ruby expected.

“She needs new clothes.” Error replied flatly, pointing a clawed hand at Ruby.

The automaton turned to look at Ruby with a critical eye. 

Ruby blinked in shock as she risked a glance at Error.

“Clothes for me? You- Why?”

Error didn’t speak. 

He didn’t have to, because the Automaton gave a metallic huff of impatience.

“Darling, isn’t it obvious? Your clothes draw far too much attention to you! You’re not quite royalty, but these rich fabrics, however stained and soiled, are clearly from the western kingdom. Are you, perhaps, a concubine? Or a lady in waiting?” The automaton sniffed.

Ruby sputtered at the word ‘concubine’. 

“I, uh-”

“No need to reply, dear. All we need to do is get you measured.” The automaton looked at Error.

“Any particulars?”

“I think you already know what I want.” Error replied harshly. Ruby swallowed as he suddenly approached her, leaning down. His mask hovered inches from her face.

“I’m going to grab suppli-ies. You’d  b e t t e r  be here wh-when I get back-ack. There’s no-nowhere you can run that I won’t find-ind you.”

Ruby nodded emphatically, her paws clutching nervously together as if in prayer. His distorted threat felt demonic and she knew she wouldn't dare to escape here where he seemed quite familiar with the area and people.

“I won’t. I promise.” Ruby swore.

Error stayed hunched over her a few seconds longer before grunting, “Good.” With that, he tossed a bag of coins on the shop’s counter.

“Get her a damn cloak too, ‘Toni.”

He slammed the door behind him and the Automaton groaned.

“What an arsehole, eh?” 

Ruby flinched and the Automaton, Toni, tsk’ed.

“Poor kitty-cat. I won’t ask how you got tangled with the Destroyer. Come along, let’s get you to the back. No doubt he wants you dressed in… inconspicuous garb.”

“Th- The Destroyer?”

“Oh yes, dear. Huh, you’re really not from around here.”

“No... but why is he buying me clothes? I didn’t, uh, think he cared all that much about me.”

“Oh, don’t mistake this for kindness, dear. As you are now, you’re a beacon of attention, which I doubt is good for his line of work as a mercenary. If I were you, I’d do my best to learn to become invisible. You’ll live longer that way.”

Ruby bit her lip as she walked to the fitting room, stepping onto a stool while the Automaton grabbed a measuring tape.

“What’s your name, dear?”

“It’s Ruby.”

“A lovely name. You can call me Toni, like everyone else. Now, don’t be embarrassed, but I need you to strip.”

Ruby winced. Oh good. Just great.

“C-can’t you just measure over the clothes?”

“I could, if you wanted your clothes to be baggy and frumpish, dear. But that’s just my humble opinion.”

Ruby grimaced before doing as she was told, slowly unlacing her bodice and pushing her sleeves away from her torso. She removed the silver brooch she wore with great reluctance, keeping it in her palm as she pushed away her garments.

Toni made no comment on her thick body as they carefully took her measurements. 

“Perfect. Now, hold still, darling, while I work my magic~”

Toni grabbed a bolt of dark grey cloth and Ruby watched in amazement as the metallic palms of their hand sucked in the cloth. She didn’t see what happened, but the insides of Toni’s body did something to process the cloth, because it came out of Toni's other palm, perfectly tailored. Toni grabbed a few more bolts, tailoring them the same way.

Trousers, a long shift, a dark bodice and a long cloak were quickly assembled in this manner, and the automaton grinned saucily as they handed her the new clothes.

“Change into these and you’re all set. Oh! Wait, one more thing.”

They grabbed her old dress, took a bit of the cloth and folded it into a small satchel.

“May I?”

Toni reached for the brooch and Ruby gave it, watching anxiously. The robot placed Ruby’s jeweled brooch inside the satchel and sealed it shut.

“On the house, dear. You can’t take your old dress with you, but it’d be a shame if you lost everything.”

Ruby felt tears spring to her eyes as she quickly put on the custom-made trousers, slipping her fluffy tail through the slit in the seat, and then shrugging the shift and bodice on.

Everything fit astonishingly well.

“Toni, this is incredible. Thank you.” She tied the satchel at her bodice before putting the cloak around her shoulders.

“Now you look far less like a kidnapped noble and more like… well, everyone else in this miserable city.” Toni chuckled. 

“Your work is so good, why… why do you live here?” Ruby blurted, before slapping a paw over her mouth.

“I’m sorry, that was rude of me. It’s not my business. I can’t thank you enough-”

“Don’t thank me, dear. After all, that’s what The Destroyer paid for. And what he wants, he gets. You can go wait for him in the shop-front. I’m sure he’ll be back soon to pick you up.”

Ruby nodded, stepping off the pedestal, she noticed how much better the new clothes fit. They felt light too, and incredibly easy to move in.

To her surprise, Error was waiting for her. 

“Good, you’re all set. Now c’mon.” He said in a flat tone.

Ruby felt her heart sink as she turned a backwards glance at the shop, catching sight of Toni, who simply gave her a small wave.

Interacting with the automaton had given her some semblance of normal, and now, she was back to being reminded that she was no longer in a friendly environment…Stuck with someone who she knew for a fact wouldn’t think twice about killing her or worse...

The town was dark by now, with lanterns lit up along the streets and in houses.

“... are we staying here for the night?” Ruby hesitantly spoke up.

Error didn’t reply, turning towards what looked like a tavern instead.

Ruby kicked herself as they walked in, and she put the hood of her cloak up over her head, keeping herself as small as possible while following after Error.

Instead of going to the bar or sitting at a table, Error led her upstairs, the floor above, where undoubtedly there were rooms to sleep in. Now Ruby began to sweat. Where was she going to sleep? Was he going to make her sleep in the same bed with him?

…Was sleep all that he would be doing?

Her heart began to pound out of rhythm with her breathing, and she felt her fur bristling with fright. It had to be fright, what else could she be feeling in this moment?

The words of the King echoed in her mind.

“Do with her what you will as a bonus…”

Time seemed to stretch as she followed him down the hallway to the very last door. A window hung there and the moon streamed in with eerie light.

Error unlocked the door on the left and pushed it open, gesturing for her to go in.

Ruby quietly obeyed, and the smell of food aroused her hunger.

“There’s a bowl of stew, and bread, if you’re hungry.” Error told her as he shrugged out of his cloak and walked over to the bed.

Even without his cloak, he was massive, and she shivered, feeling small and helpless. 

Ruby went to the table, distracting herself from the threat in the room. The smell of food grew more tempting, and her stomach growled loudly. Without waiting for permission, she grabbed one of the bowls of stew and began to wolf it down as if it was the first meal she’d had today.

Which, to be fair, it was.

“Oh, so, so good.” she moaned, juices dripping down her chin. She was well aware that her manners at this moment were horrendous, but she didn’t care. Her stomach demanded more and who was she to deny it what it wanted?

All the while, Error watched her from behind his mask, silent and contemplating.

She didn’t even notice when he shifted his mask aside to eat from his own bowl.

As soon as she’d finished, she took a long drink from the pitcher of ale that was set on the table and sighed happily.

She caught sight of Error facing her, and froze, wondering if he was actually watching her, or maybe he’d fallen asleep-

“Done eating?” his voice was low and husky, and Ruby swallowed, her nerves jumping.

“Y-yes.”

“... Come here.” 

Ruby froze. Her fear had returned full-force, and she clenched her fists.

“What are you going to-”

He sat up, and the movement startled her into leaping back, her fur puffing around her neck and tail.

“Please, don’t!” Ruby whimpered. “I… I don’t, I can’t-”

Sapphire strings wrapped around her, clamping her arms to her body and rendering her helpless.

“I won’t ask again.”  Error growled.

Ruby swallowed before reluctantly stepping forward. What else could she do?

She was standing at the bedside when she heard him make some kind of noise. Was it disgust? Frustration? Or?-

“Let me make one thing very, very clear to you.”

Ruby trembled as he sat up completely, drawing her almost between his knees. 

“You belong to me. I own you, and I can do whatever the hell I want to you." It sounded like he was smirking, a low chuckle vibrating through his mask. "I thought about killing you and leaving you behind several times on our way here…”

Ruby felt her tears overwhelm her eyelids, even as she struggled to hold them back, a feeling of nausea sweeping over her.

“However, it wouldn’t look good if I wasted the generous gift of the new Western King.” Error tilted his head back, giving a slight chuckle. “Not that he’d care about your pathetic life.”

Ruby flinched as he suddenly reached out, touching the side of her face with a feather-light touch.  “So tell me, kitten... why should I keep you around?”

“I um,” Ruby thought furiously. “I can use magic to prepare foods, I’m q-quick on my feet, and-”

“Does your food restore HP?”

“Yes.”

“Nothing out of the ordinary, but that’s practical at least. I had expected you to be a little more prissy,” he sneered. “What else? Are you any good with weapons?”

“I’ve done some archery, but nothing worth boasting about.”  Ruby wilted.

Error muttered something under his breath that Ruby didn’t quite catch before leaning away from her.

“Tell me. Are you familiar with a mage name Ink?” Ruby stiffened at the name and her mouth went dry.  Error grinned at her reaction and she cowered as he loomed over her. There was a smug arrogance radiating from his voice.

“I see. So, what’s your relationship with him? C’mon, don’t be shy.”

Ruby swallowed before answering truthfully (but not too truthfully).

“I um, I saw him quite often at court. He stopped by often, and performed tasks for the royal families and others.”

Error leaned closer, and she swore she could feel the heat of his hidden gaze.

“If he saw you, would he be friendly to you?”

“I um, I don’t know. He was always kind of... aloof.” Ruby said quietly.

Error hummed. 

“Interesting.” He suddenly stood and Ruby flinched, quaking as he dwarfed her entirely.

“This is what I expect of you,” as he spoke, his fingers brushed against the bottom of his mask, and sapphire strings dripped down, attached to his fingertips.

“You will make healing items for me when I need them, and when I camp, you’ll help prepare the fire, mix potions and whatever else I tell you to do. And when I hunt my quarry, you will help me. Understand?”

All while he was talking, his fingers flashed in a quick motion, until a blue hammock was bunched in his arms, which he hung up on the ceiling.

“Yes.” Ruby felt confusion wash over her as he stood up and walked past her, sliding himself into the hammock he’d just made.

“Good girl. Get some sleep. We have a long way to travel tomorrow.” 

“... You, um… you’re not going to-” Ruby faltered.

 “I’m not going to what?” his voice became a warning as he glowered at her.

“N-nothing!... Good night, Error.” Ruby swallowed, climbing into the bed, she pulled the covers up over her chin.

In spite of how on edge she was, her body was exhausted, and she found herself drifting off fitfully.

Old faces flashed before her eyes, and she clutched her satchel in her arms, feeling the brooch hidden inside as she squeezed her eyes shut.

“Princess… Ink… Blue… I miss you. If you could see where I am now… what would you think of me?”

Shame rocked through Ruby. She’d never considered herself to be particularly brave… but she’d never felt like such a coward as she did right then.