Sorry to bother, but, I've had so many, what if scenarios, circling in my mind as of late. So, I'm just gonna lay it all on the table now:
1. During Chapter 27 in IMYM, titled "I Can Fix Him: Ribbon", Error tries to fix Ribbon which ends up failing due to Nightmare. But what if, Error actually managed to fix Ink? I'm not sure how he would do that, but my mind's been sticking to this what if like glue. 😣
2. During Chapter 35 in IMYM, titled "Heart Made Of Lead: Nightmare", Error tries to have Ribbon help him, so what if, Error somehow did manage to sway Ribbon, what would've happened? I know this scenario is pretty much impossible, due to Ribbon's conditioning and overall mental state, but it's an interesting what if, right? 😅
3. This one is also about Chapter 35. What if Error didn't die? I know he died for plot reasons, but c'mon wouldn't it be cool if maybe Error had lived? (I'm sorry this one's really just because I like Error, and his death saddened me 🥲)
Alright, that's currently all of them, sorry for rambling on about all these what ifs. I love your work, so thank you for all you do! 😘 Byeeeeeee (PS I love your art style!)
No bother at all! I like answering asks, even if it takes me a minute to draw for them lol.
If Error was successful, Ink's healing process would've been a lot sooner. Error would've kept him in the Anti-Void, somewhere far away from his main area so Nightmare couldn't easily find him. Once he knows Ink isn't a threat, he'd drop him off at the Star Sanses' clubhouse to Dream and Blue's shock. Ink is too traumatized, ashamed, and guilty from everything that's happen to do much more than hide in his bedroom. Meanwhile, Nightmare is beyond pissed that he lost his beloved Ribbon and he and Error would have multiple fights over it. Dream uses his magic (then isn't weak from sleep deprivation) to create a positivitiy shield to protect Ink from his attacks.
2. It would be near impossible since Ribbon believes Nightmare is doing what's best for him, and he's too scared to speak up and defy his orders. But hypothetically, he'd realize how badly Error was getting hurt and beg Nightmare to let him go. Nightmare finally lets him go after enough begging, but only on the condition that Error will be good and he can treat him however he wants. He uses Error like a pet only for Ribbon's entertainment, but Ribbon doesn't mind, he looks happier then when he was melting and he has two friends now! Ribbon worries over Error too since he seems so scared and bitter all the time.
This would also unfortuantely mean Core Frisk would be the next best canidate for the replacement soul. Dust experiments on them and their soul to get it in a stable enough condiiton for Nightmare's satisifcation and Ribbon's safety. Their soul would be torn apart and Core would either die from the injuries or be left in a catonic state. if Ribbon never got a new soul, he'd only have 2-4 years to live because of a mortal body not being able to handle the extreme changes from his doll tranformation. I'm not sure if he'd end up rapidly aging too, but maybe that'd add onto it.
3. If Error didn't die, two different things would've happened. If he managed to survive the spell and remained partially melted or intact, Nightmare would've kept him locked up in the dungeon. When the rest of the Stars + Epic and Cross were sent to the labryninth, Error stays because Nightmare still needs to find a way to extract his soul. If Error managed to escape, he would've ran and hid in the Anti-Void until he recovered from his physical and mental trauma. Then he'd go searching for Blue to take back to the Anti-Void with him and snap him out of Nightmare's spell. He doesn't care as much for rescuing everyone else, but he would prepare to murder Nightmare in cold blood with Blue's help.
Thank you! It means a lot and glad you enjoyed the art! Again, no need to be sorry for things like this. :)