Corruption
Corruption is a natural phenomenon. All universes are bound to corrupt at one point or another. It occurs sporadically, triggered by actions that generate a lot of inputs inside the code. Normally, the universe itself has ways of stopping the malfunctioning. But corruption can also spread from AU to AU, from character to character and sometimes it is too much to control.
Melody still remembered when the Multiverse was much smaller. When his tasks weren’t as boring or as tedious. When he was alone, sitting in the Matrix waiting for something to happen. The cold and dark space still managed to make him uncomfortable, the constant feeling of floating above water, even silence seemed like screams in that place, no space for thoughts.
He still remembered encountering corruption for the first time, the damage and helplessness that he felt, even now. The suffering managed to mark his hands permanently. Destruction is necessary for progression, Melody tried to remember that, but seeing others in such agony managed to make him act impulsively.
So he started testing the limits of the “Code”. It was small actions at first. Getting out of the Matrix, interacting with other universes, developing hobbies. The “Code” didn’t flinch, so he tried more extreme measures. He started messing with the corruption, messing with the destruction and creation of universes, maybe there was something that could make it act furiously.
It didn’t.
It only cared about maintaining a balance and keeping UNDERTALE safe, although it always leaned on the negative side, so when Melody started saving AUs that were meant to be destroyed, the “Code” responded with more corruption.
That was the moment where Melody realized that the problem came from within. It was a natural phenomenon that could be triggered if the “Code” wanted it. But the Programmer had too much sympathy for those unfortunate individuals.
Melody started to do everything in his power to avoid having the “Code” resulting in using corruption. It appeared to catch on to Melody’s actions, but didn’t make a move, accepting the Programmer’s intrusion as long as everything was in order.
“Home” then, was made to be a sanctuary for corruption. A hidden universe from everyone, even the attentive eyes of the “Code”. In it, Melody managed to study corruption on a deeper level. He started collecting the remains of universes that were supposed to be deleted by him. And that included characters.
His first one was Dadster. He could’ve made a way out, all Gasters were incredibly talented when it came to cheating the system, but he stayed. Melody hated to admit it, but Dadster was extremely helpful when it came to research. With him, the Programmer managed to save a lot of souls from dying in corruption. He also didn’t need to worry for them, the Caretaker saw them as his children, which was problematic when it came to experiments but Melody could trust him to keep them safe.
The main problem of bringing other souls that weren’t corrupted into “Home”, was that there existed a high possibility of them catching it. Corrupted souls could only take three paths: death, indifference or destruction. Error was the main example of two of them. So it was risky letting others that weren’t tainted into the AU.
Despite their brutal nature, none of the Bad Sans, except Nightmare, were corrupted. Flare was getting real close to it though, outcodes were more susceptible to it. So trying to accommodate them into Melody’s AU was going to be a tough challenge.
- Absolutely not
- Dadster!
- They would not only cause chaos here, they will spread it everywhere as well!
- I have an idea
- No offense Melody, but you suck at proposing good ideas
- No offense taken
Convincing Dadster was the main objective right now. With him on his side, they could invent a way to make harmony with corruption possible.
- They need it - pleaded Melody
- You want to kill yourself helping others, but not everyone needs help
- …I can feel it…their pain… it’s screaming…
Those words managed to make Dadster focus his attention on Melody.
- They strayed from their path - said the Programmer in a serious tone - The Multiverse is changing, I need to know why and I need the less amount of trouble I can get
- Is it the only reason?
- That and the fact that their suffering is really loud in my head
Dadster let out an incredibly loud sigh.
- …If we create a containment zone and do regular check-ups, it is probable that they could live here
- There you go! Two brains better than one
- More like one brain and a peanut
- I will ignore that you say that for the sake of this partnership
Saying it was easier than actually doing it, but Melody liked working himself to death with the excuse that it was for the best interest of the multiverse.
They had experimented with the possibility of corruption not expanding to healthy individuals. Four of their test subjects could leave “Home” without dying instantly and their interactions with their environment seemed normal. However, that was on a smaller base, for the Bad Sans to coexist with the rest of the inhabitants, they would need a stronger immunity.
For now, it was better to keep them in a secluded place.
- I know that this is not a lot - said Melody with an apologetic smile - But Dadster and I are doing our best for you to get out of this bubble soon!
Not that the group cared about what Melody was saying. “Not a lot” was actually ten times bigger than the space they had back at Nightmare’s castle. A manor stood in the middle of their containment zone, from the outside it looked just like a big blue bubble.
- This will do - murmured Dust, being carried bridal style by Horror
- Horror thinks it’s pretty!
- It is pretty but it’s also giving me uncanny valley feelings - mustered Killer
It all appeared normal but it was blatantly obvious that the AU was missing some key details. There was no grass or clouds, no flowers or even wildlife. Melody laughed nervously, scratching the back of his head and focusing his attention everywhere except the group.
- I’m a programmer not an artist. Ink is the one that can make all the pretty looks in an AU. But I can guarantee you that everything works alright! - after a brief pause, he regained his composure - I coded this place so that you can’t get out of here, as a precaution. Dadster and four of my subjects will try to make you feel at home
- Subjects?
- Ah… I mean, three monsters and a human. They are very nice, so I trust that they will cause you no trouble!
Another laugh wanted to escape Melody’s mouth, but a sudden urge to cough interrupted him. For a moment, he felt like air was missing from his nonexistent lungs. The group looked at him, all confused from the sudden change in the Programmer. Before they could mention something, Melody played it off, focusing everyone's attention back at the manor.
This was just getting more troublesome.