Chapter Text
Prologue
The Light of the Fading Star
Oregon,in the United States,in the city of Medford.A city being pretty populated and often visited around the state itself.It is known for the peaceful atmosphere and the people working there.
Many were enjoying their life as they saw fit,whether it was about working,playing with people,or going on vacations,all together.It was your classic everyday like any would go through,from a day to another..
Among all these houses,there’s a modern and classic house that stood among the others:one that is well decorated,in fact:And inside that house was a family who,excited,were preparing for a certain trip.But where,though?That is the question…
Inside the bedroom,there is a child who recently just finished preparing their bag,as they counted with their fingers to see if there wasn’t anything missing.They seemed..really excited.What could be that important to the point of going somewhere?
“Food and water,check.Back-up clothes,check.Toys and games to play with my friends or if I get bored,check.And finally,sleeping bag,check!All done!”
As they took their bag with a happy expression,they would hear their mother’s voice coming from outside the car.
“Friisk!Come on,we’re waiting for you!We don’t want to be kept waiting for too long,after all!” she exclaimed,being impatient for the trip itself.
“Coming,mom!” They respond back as they rush outside and enter the car,before it eventually goes off the road towards it’s own destination.
That’s right,the child’s name was Frisk. The 12 year old child,being the lone one in the family,was someone who looked pretty independent at their age,being able to do some work without being told to do so,not to mention them being pretty friendly and considerate of what others could think,which may be why they got a good share of friends to help them often.Even though they may have their own flaws,they can be someone you can count for.
By appearance,they wear medium brown boots,gray,purposely slightly-torn made jeans,a gray t-shirt with white,medium sleeves with a thin,blue vest and a dark blue bag.They also have slightly long brown hair on the back,with short pointy hair on the front,with blue eyes.
As the car continued it’s path,some chatter often ensued between the two parents,not that Frisk minded to listen,though.Besides,they think there can be something useful to learn from later coming from the two,or just some opinion talking.It was fine for them anyways.
“Whew,finally some change!I was starting to get bored of always going to cities here and there,so going camping will make us relax,and get closer to nature!” said their mom,appreciative of the change of pace.
“Hmhm,it sure does,but..” Their dad smiled,his eyes looking at her before dropping the smile to a slightly concerned expression. “it’s also to take a break from you going on a clothing buying spree.”
"What do you mean,clothing buying spree?I didn’t buy that much clothes!” She denies,raising an eyebrow at that answer.
“..Remember that time when you couldn’t choose which dress or clothing to take at that store,you instead bought them all regardless of the price?And it occurred pretty often,you know…Because of that,it cost us a great deal of our money.”
Their mom looked down a bit.Reminiscing that time,he wasn’t wrong.”..Okay,fair point.” She admits it,before continuing. “Anyways,we’ll be going to Woodfall Forest.” She looked at Frisk,then at the road.”Frisk said it’s getting pretty popular lately,and it’s also a good place to settle in:no long or big hostile animals,it’s safe and clear,and as I said,it gives off a peaceful atmosphere..” She stops for a second,realizing something.”Oh yeah,you’ll also see your cousins and friends,if my memory serves right!It’s been a while since you’ve seen them,so..I hope you still get along well.”
Frisk lifted up their head for a second as they thought.How many years has it been again?Two years?Three?Or maybe only one.They can’t really give an accurate answer as it definitely was a while.Did anything change between them,for better or for worse?They’ll have to find out later.
“..Well,I sure hope so!” They say awkwardly,hopeful for what’s coming for the best,as they rub the back of their hair in hints of doubts.
Their mom nodded happily.Once the conversation was over,and with their parents continuing to talk,Frisk looked over the window of the car,deep in their thoughts.While surely they wanted to go to that forest to have a break from work and school..deep down, there was also another reason on why they wanted to come here.
Thinking of the forest itself..surely,a breath of fresh air surely wouldn’t hurt.All the time they have been to cities and villages,alas all the same,with different decorations and views,and it was often for exploring and discovering a new place,region or culture.But this time,this was different.In that peculiar place,they only have one thing to mind:to discover the secret of this so-called cursed forest.They knew the story being told from their mom.And then hearing about the rumor from some of their classmates, where they’ll never return once going deep enough.They thought it wasn’t too serious at first..Until it had been told,by more and more people they heard by.It never left their mind,and once they thought deeper,from the story and the rumor:they felt it surprisingly connects.But they weren’t too sure,and with this unique chance,now that they’re going there,it’s what they’ll do to make sure of it:to see if it was really true.Even if it could risk their life.
{ Willing to know the truth from all of this..It fills them with Determination. }
Finally,after a while,the car would arrive at it’s destination.This was it,Woodfall Forest.The area whom so many told,yet never known true.And soon enough,it was up to them to crack that mystery.
The family got out of the car,and took out the stuff needed before searching for a place to camp in.And surely they found that place:one where the sun bathed with sunlight while also having cover just a few meters away.And as such,they all prepared and made what was needed for camping,even though the difficulty in making things steady were..not so pleasant.
Once finished,it wouldn’t take long for Frisk to notice their friends and cousins coming from afar:they surely looked different,but hearing their conversation,their personalities didn’t seem to change one bit from what they could remember.There were three people from what they could see:the first,being the same age as Frisk,this was the guy:his name was Melvin.
The second one was a girl,being slightly younger,being 11.Her name was Sarah. And finally,the last one being the youngest;a 8 year old boy named Scott.
Melvin is the first of Frisk’s friends.At first look;he can appear to be a silent and cold guy,but it isn’t really the case.As you know him well,he can be rather cool,always up to listen and help if needed.Long before that,he wasn’t really social either:before eventually meeting Frisk and some other friends that would help him get out of his shell.
Sarah is Frisk’s second friend.Truly,she can be a bit weird when you meet her the first time.She can be touch-it-all on everything,and maybe a little bit annoying,but can bring out something funny to bring up the mood,and eager to cooperate with!Perhaps she may bring you a smile,if you do tolerate her well.
And finally,Scott is Frisk’s cousin.Someone always curious,yet still learning about the world itself.Being a child,it’s no surprise he’s playful and lovable due to his age,barely making any mistakes he had done since today.Surely it’s also expected he can be naive with the possibility of interrupting people’s conversations.But after all,he meant no harm.
As they notice the three,they would immediately start to go over,and greet them.
“Hey guys!” They waved,which would immediately gain the three’s attention,greeting Frisk with varying expressions,but mostly of joy.
“So,it’s been a while since we’ve talked,huh?” said Frisk as they did a slight wave.
“Sure is,man!” Melvin crossed his arms with a friendly expression.”That long since I moved far from my old home.”
Sarah interjected,smirking.”Yeah,especially after you said this place is too lonely and wanted something new,righhht?”
“Says you,having switched schools,but you didn’t have a choice!” He exclaimed.
She took it with a wacky tone,moving a bit weirdly for a second. “Oh noo,what did I even doo?It’s totally not me!” Being both in their own antics,the two laughed. “Anyways..like he said,it was a long time.We’ve all been doing our own stuff as of late..” She tilted her head to the left,slightly disappointed.”Sucks we don’t have any phone to text each other,though..”
Scott would be the last to talk,taking a step. “Why talk about that?It’s the first time I saw a really,really big forest!It’s like,really grassy, someone painted it,and it’s so cool!”
Frisk would lighten a smile as they look at the forest.”It really does,but hey,that’s nature’s work for you.” They then look at Melvin and Sarah.”And about our phones,it’s probably because we’re a bit too young..And I’m pretty sure no one can bring phones here for,well,reasons..”
Melvin nodded.”My parents say I’ve gotta wait until I’ll be 13,which is a long road ahead.” He looked at the other two,and added:”It’s probably the same for Scott,and,Sarah..well,sometimes you can forget your own stuff.”
Sarah retorted.”Hey!It was only a few times!”
He looked at her with a slight deadpan expression.”More like around 20 times.” This led to Sarah pouting.He then turned back to Frisk,asking:”That aside,though,what can we do today?I don’t have a lot of ideas..”
Frisk looked down slightly as they pondered something.They knew about the whole rumor that resided there,and this gave them some slight worry.Should they tell them about the rumors,with the possibility of the three joining them?This was risky.Surely,the three could,and yet,if they do happen to find the source of it,they would leave it to the police.But they didn’t want any sort of problem in the long run.
After pondering in thought,they got an idea,or,some sort of compromise:tell the story they had known and make it seem as if it was a made-up story.Yep,that could work.For now,they’ll just have to wait for night to come,tell the story,and finally,explore the secret of this “cursed” forest alone.That is what they’ll have to do.
But why wait when they can have fun with their friends?Perhaps after a bit,it may pay off.
“We can do all sorts of games for everyone!Like a race,climbing trees,and I can go on and on about that.Though I may have something to talk to you three,but that may be for later.” they exclaimed happily.So,how about we play around for the day?”
The other two nodded in agreement,aside from Scott,who shouted yes as an answer.From here and out,the four would play all sorts of games they would come up with:whether it was made-up,or not.Thankfully,no weather changes such as rain or thunder occured as of today,and as such, it lasted hours and hours until night would dawn,where the four were laid down on a patch of grass,and would watch the stars from afar..It was like a lot of lights shining up at once.
“The stars are so pretty today..” Sarah dreamily sighed as she couldn’t think of a better way to end this day off.What fun it has been.
“Couldn’t have said it better.I wish all the stars would fall so that we can see them closer!Or maybe we could have gone through space..” added Melvin enthusiastically,before he started getting up. “Wow,it’s getting late..” He rubs his eyes,before he turns to Frisk and asks them,wanting to get to the point. “We’ll have to go to sleep in just a bit.But,before we do that,Frisk,you wanted to tell us something,so..whatever it is,now might be the time to say it.”
Ah,right,that time.They may not know if the three do actually know the story,or,the rumor itself,but perhaps giving it a try may do.With a “sure of themselves” expression,they would start.
“..Okay,so..” They start clearing their throat. “While I’m glad to have fun with you three in this forest,there was something I wanted to check out here.Something that has been bugging off my mind for a while now..” They would pause,closing their eyes for a long moment before reopening them.”Have any of you heard about the rumor here?”
Sarah had a confused look.”Um..no?I..don’t get it.” questioned Sarah,not sure on what they could be blabbering about. “From all I know,I don’t think any of us did..”
Scott and Melvin would agree with Sarah with varying,yet neutral expressions.
Frisk slightly smiled as they continued.”None of you did?”Huh.They were surprised.They thought that at least one must have heard about it..”..Okay..But I’ll have to tell you a story before that.A long one too,else it wouldn’t make sense to you three,so..listen to me on this,okay?”
Melvin sighed:”Alright,alright..we’ll listen.I’m particularly not too fond of stories myself,so I hope it will be interesting.”
Scott patted him on the back.”I really think it will be interesting!Now,Frisk,let’s listen to you!”
Frisk went on to do a thumbs up,being lucky their friends are pretty supportive.”If you all are okay with it,then..let’s begin!” They cleared their throat once more,and then started to act in a narrator voice the best they could.
“ This all began a long time ago,in times where it was lovely and joyful.Among the lands,two races ruled Earth: Humans and Monsters. Both of the races coexisted just fine between each other,aside from minor tensions that were easily forgiven.They would share magic,friendship and teamwork,and more of it,for so long.Many have thought this era of peace would last for so long,but.. it wasn’t the case,however,as war broke out between the two races,the reason being forgotten from time.Battles ensued,trust being broken,and a grueling slaughter for many.Even with the monsters having a disadvantage,they all tried to persevere and win the war,but in vain.The humans having won the war,they,with the seven wizards,sealed monsterkind underground for the years to come…With the war coming to an end,many humans were asked to never go towards that mountain,which would be called Mt.Ebott. But with monsterkind no longer being a threat to them,soon enough,there would be no more magic.And as such,the warning became a legend,where those who go to Mt.Ebott never return.” They would stop for a bit,catching their breath after some continuous talking.
Scott was shivering from what he had been told.Perhaps from the cold or the story itself,it doesn’t matter.”Aw,really sucks for them to go through that..” he commented worringly.As for Melvin and Sarah,they were both piqued with interest,wondering if Frisk is finished or if it’s not over. “..And that’s it?Way to put a cliffhanger.So if I understand,you want to go towards that mountain,which is not far away from here,right?” asked Melvin while raising an eyebrow,still with interest.
“Not quite..but,the story doesn’t end there,as there’s still more to come!” Frisk exclaimed with an ominous tone,leading to the three being interested as ever,and as such,the narration pursued.
“Years after monsterkind has been trapped in this mountain,there was a certain child,running wildly towards that mountain.The question is,why though?Was it because of their family?Of curiosity?Or for darker reasons?None but them would ever know.They would fall,and with no sight of them,hours,days,weeks passed,with no response or sight.No one knew if they had anyone who knew them,but it was clear they were gone at this point for many.That would be,until a certain day,where the unexpected happened.” They stopped for a second for dramatic tension. “Most of monsterkind,including their king,came back:for a reason none would know once more.And what you would know..they were filled with rage,their expression filled with revenge for the defeat they suffered.No human would have expected this,and before they would know it,the second war already began.Chaos and destruction ensued once more,but even with their power for revenge,humanity was more advanced than monsterkind,and so the latter returned back to the underground in defeat.Fortunately,the humans gave them pity,and would give monsterkind a chance to right all of their wrongs,but with their own conditions:and perhaps,dissolving the barrier.But the conditions were considered too harsh for them,they refused and threw away that chance when they could have accepted.So,instead of being sealed under a mountain,humanity would send monsterkind far,far away,to a place where they couldn’t bother them.No one but the wizards would know where,the information having not leaked to anyone else.”
They stopped right there,as they went away for a second,searching in their bag to find the book they took from the library a while ago.And they did,returning back to where they were.Opening it,they would scroll over until it shows a page,about a drawing of the humans sending monsterkind to nowhere.This would leave the three,eyes widened,look at it at pure interest and joy.
“For many,this is what just occurred.A very powerful spell that comes with a drawback,where it drains all of the wizard's energies.Surprising,is it?”
Indeed,the drawing itself was multiple wizards doing that type of spell in front of the monsters:with many watching,the particular thing was that a gigantic beam landed on the entirety of monsterkind,no one escaping from it.It certainly would be a turn of events that would bring true peace as it seems.
“I didn’t think that some of us had so much power before,It’s so fascinating!I bet I would be unstoppable at that time!” Sarah exclaims in pure curiosity and enjoyment.
Melvin would wink,pointing at himself. “Well,hey,maybe with someone like me,and many others,I don’t think there would have been any trouble coming for us.”He seemed really confident in his words,but in a way,he may be right after all.What would they be without teamwork?And Scott already was dreaming about..a lot of things concerning magic.
Frisk would chuckle from how the three would act.Magic surely would have been useful,but of course,it has faded away since then.Come to think about it,is there still anyone today who would do the same kind of magic similar to these wizards?It’d be another question they’d brush aside for now.”Alright,alright!I get it’s pretty nice,but we’re getting off-topic.The story is still not over,so let me continue,okay?” they affirmed,before they continued talking.
“ Everyone thought they’d never see monsterkind ever again after what just happened.But it wasn’t the case,as their troubles weren’t over.On a normal day,there would be a big monster,floating in the air,wanting to claim souls for monsterkind’s own gain.No one knew how it escaped from the faraway place,but people knew that it was monsterkind’s final stand,and from humanity’s view,it looked like they never learn from their mistakes.But that monster,who was all alone,still brought fear and worry to them,as it was different from all the monsters they’ve faced.The claws,the unusual robe,the way it was floating.It was like it was out for blood.And that wasn’t the worst of it:on one of it’s shoulders,was a lifeless human who looked like the same child who went to the mountain a long time ago.At first,the monster asked for help about that human,but the people,thinking it spoke full of lies,refused. Because no one would believe someone carrying a corpse,from what they all saw.”
The three were shrieking in fear and shock from what they had just heard.The said monsters who only want revenge at humanity..and then this monster.Right as Frisk found the page of the drawing of said monster itself,and showed it to them,their expression changed in horror from what they all saw.A monster,having a robe with an unknown symbol on the center of it.Long horns that would be defined as piercing,with white fur on most of it’s body:not to mention the long,sharp claws that could tear anyone apart and the eyes,feeling like it’s glaring towards their souls with anger.It was clear that the three would start to have nightmares tonight.
“And in retaliation,they took up their courage to attack with all they have.The monster tried to fight back with it’s own attacks,but yet,it still failed,as it talked with glare and such venom,revealing it’s true colors.Badly damaged,the monster would flee away.The most surprising detail about that,is that it ominously smiled.Perhaps being thankful of death,or something else,but what mattered is that it was gone,for good.”
Since the story was near towards it’s end,Frisk would wrap it up by adding the rumor that had been heard recently.Perhaps it may give an insight on what their intentions are.
“ There would be peace ever since..But,rumors would be heard,in this very forest,some have been going missing.And those people were kids like us!With all the searching and no evidence of why,many would call Woodfall Forest,the “cursed forest” giving the same warning where if you go too deep,you never return from it..A similar way from the legend of the mountain.Security ribbons were implemented from a certain point a while ago.They say that if you dare to cross that line,you could hear faint screams for help and eerie sounds that would come from the children themselves…”
After taking a deep breath,Frisk would look at everyone else as they yawn after talking like this.”And..that would be it..is there a-”
They would get interrupted by Scott,doing a loud “RAAAAAAAAGH!”,freaking Melvin and Sarah out,who were in their scared state, as they both fell on the ground respectively.And as such,he pulled out his tongue in slight amusement. “Haha,didn’t expect that,did you?”
All taking their time to recompose from the fright,Melvin sighed in slight annoyment,yet laughing a bit from this.”Geez,Scott,you’ve scared me.Don’t do that again,really..But seriously,that story was long,yet engaging and really cool to think about.It’s like a rollercoaster of feelings,if you get the point.” He then proceeded to do finger guns.”What I liked the most was the goat-like floating monster,and the wars themselves.It really does make it feel like it happened.”
Sarah would agree wholeheartedly,smiling. “Exactly!You know,all the magic,the events,and the resolve..it’s like it turns the world upside-down,each time!Can’t say I can’t get enough of it!” Her expression would shift to a questionable expression,being not so sure in general.Great,the story was done,but now what about the point of Frisk’s other reason,apart from coming here?It seemed she almost forgot after being invested in the story,and remembering it,she starts bringing it up.”But if I understand it right,does that your other reason being in this forest is..”
Frisk stopped Sarah in her talking,as they took over.”..Yeah,you guessed it..” They started being slightly nervous. “I’m going deep in the forest myself,and understand more about those kids disappearing!It just never made sense to me:I mean,there isn’t some random old house in the middle of a forest that just does the trick.You get what I mean?”
The fact that Frisk had shown to be this willing to go,even with the rumor and history,it would only leave Sarah and Melvin with great concern.What if by going there,they would disappear next?Was the risk even worth taking in her eyes?Should they have at the very least,some help in case the worst happens?After all,it’s only to see where the source of all of this comes from,right..?
“And you’re going to do it?Right here,right now?” Melvin crosses his arms.”If this rumor is completely true,then..we don’t want you to be the next one..All the trouble that would happen next..it wouldn’t be pretty.”
Frisk would try reassuring them,giving a friendly expression. “Hey,it wouldn’t be that long,anyways!Give at least one hour at max,and I’ll be sure to return.It’s not like I’m throwing myself straight in danger..” ..But even so,they weren’t so sure themselves.
Sarah would look towards the forest,and,well,during the night,that place would creep her out.But,knowing Frisk,should she trust them and let them go?They often have been independant,and they’ve been doing well so far!But deep down,after she listened to everything..it could be their last goodbye?Shakily nodding and brushing off the worst,for now,she had at least a solution that would be better than nothing.
She perked up,asking Frisk that solution herself.”Is it possible that we can at least come with you?Together the better!And woosh,no doubt will be on our mind!” she then tried to appear more joyful to top it off.From what she suggested,It better work…
It was convincing,Frisk admits.It makes sense why they’re all concerned..But they made up their mind and wanted to go alone.Plus,there was another reason why they wouldn’t come in as well.
“Okay,you know what,true,you could have joined me if you wanted to!But at this time,I don’t think any of your parents would let you do that.Mine are already sleeping,so I’m good to go.And..yeah.Sorry if I disappointed any of you,but I guess that’s just how it is.”
While Melvin still stayed neutral,both Scott and Sarah were sad to not go in order to give them any sort of protection.But with their parents,there just wasn’t a chance.They probably were still awake and wouldn’t allow it.Sarah sighed,admitting defeat.”Awww,I hate it when you’re right..”
Frisk is glad that their friends would understand,as their expression changes to a lively one as they get up,about to take their bag and looking straight towards the forest.”Well,it’s time for me to go.” They marched forward,giving one last look at the three before going. “So,see you soon!”
Just before they would go,they would get stopped straight in their tracks by Scott,the youngest of the three.Since they were pretty close as cousins,he just couldn’t bear to lose them. “Wait!” He would tug lightly on Frisk’s blue vest,doing the big,sad eyes.”Please promise you’ll come back..It will hurt to know that you’ll be gone the next day!Um,if that happens..”
They would completely agree on their part.But would it be a short-lived promise?Or a promise to uphold.The response would soon be clear.. “..I promise.” They smiled,and with one last wave to their friends and cousin,they would go deep in the forest until they’re out of view, to solve the rumor all by themselves…
With Frisk gone,the three could only look at each other,questioning their choices.
“Do you think we made the right choice by letting them go?” asked Melvin to Sarah.
“I..don’t know.It’s kinda difficult but..” She suddenly jumps multiple times in joy.”Guess we gotta find out in the next morning!” It does seem she was one weird gal,brushing away such concerns.
“..You were always like this,are you?” He slightly smirks,before stretching his arms.”Only time will tell..”
“I mean,they were known to do things,even risky ones,all on their own,so hey!Even if I’m kinda worried about them for a bit,I already said it:there’ll be no problem!”
Hearing what she had to say,Melvin would agree with her statement.”Maybe you’re right,Sarah.Surely,they’ll fend themselves well..”That aside,I’m starting to get sleepy.” He looks at Scott,wanting to come over.”Scott,you’re coming?”
Scott still stayed concerned,looking over the forest multiple times.After a lot of thought,he silently nodded before coming over,and saying one word.”Hmhm..”
With that done and over with,the three would go over to their own respective tents,and call it a night as they all slept the best as they could.Sometimes they would have their dreams that would turn into fantasy,like confronting the floating monster themselves,and fighting them.Or perhaps,even running from them if they had no choice.Or even being part of the wars between the two races in said story.Nevertheless,this surely was a special night for them.
But none of them were prepared enough for what would happen the next day…
Meanwhile,deep further in the middle of the night..
Frisk searched all around for the source of what made the children falling.They searched everything,from left to right,up to down,every direction possible.And for now,they currently haven’t found anything yet,and the night just doesn’t make things any better.At least they were prepared.But still,they are starting to get slightly annoyed by now.Surely,all these disappearances aren’t for nothing..is it?
They would walk straight through the bushes,trying as best as they could. “Come on now,it should be at least somewhere..”
The search would take nearly an hour..but even with all that time,they didn’t want to give up.And amongst the stars,light shone through a small,yet very well hidden passageway,towards a cracked wall,close to a mountain that was unknowingly,Mt.Ebott.Not to mention that would be easy to miss.That passageway was filled with vegetation:vines,bushes and branches covered over it,but could be moved over and let someone pass through easily.
Frisk would get slightly blinded by it,rubbing their eyes. “Huh?Where’s this light coming from?” They slowly turned around to see the light who seemed to be “pointing” towards that direction.Or at least from what they thought.It still leaves them wildly confused,however.Just why of all times did it happen?Was it some sort of hint,perhaps?
“..I guess I’ll just follow and see where this goes..” They shrug in slight confusion,before walking toward the hidden passageway.Next,they would move away a bit all the obstacles in the path,before entering it whole.Even with that,the passageway would still be covered as hidden as it should be..
As they enter,they would arrive in an area unknown to them.This place was a huge patch of grass,with four,old pillars from every direction,with a circle wall being very close to those pillars.However,it felt so..empty,yet this seemed this was calm and peaceful at the same time.They could wonder:what was wrong with it?Why isn’t there anything but a huge patch of grass present?Surely there should have been some trees or other stuff being there,right?
Frisk tilted their head,not sure what to make of it.”This is..weird.Why do I have a bad feeling about this?Is this really the supposed place of disappearance?”
Kinda nervous,they slowly stepped in forward that place as they entered,but unknowingly to them,they would step on a switch,hidden in the grass,which would cause something drastic in the very next moments..
“..Maybe this place is just a fluke- WHOA!” They would get interrupted as all of a sudden,this place would rumble,like if an earthquake just started.Entering in a state of panic,all they had in their mind was to get out of here, fast.
But all of a sudden,they tripped down,falling on the patch of grass which was somehow disappearing in a blink of an eye.Like if it didn’t exist.Whatever was happening,it would be crazy.Was it really what magic sounds like?What if this place was some sort of trap,still functionable long ago?
Sweating a lot,they would manage to get up,rush the best they could and jump just before the “ground” would disappear,and just in time,manage to get a grip on a ledge with their right hand.Hanging on just fine,they would sigh in relief.
“Gosh,that was close..and unexpected,too!What was that,just now?!” Turning their head to see deep down,they would see what was actually a gigantic hole,a deep one where only darkness would be,feeling like it was endless.
..Wait,what’s this?Deep down,they could see a blue portal to top it off.Where though?A complete mystery,as it could lead to horror,mysteries and troubles afoot.They didn’t want to fall in it,that’s for sure.
‘ So this thing..is the source of all those children missing.It feels so different from the story I just told to my friends earlier.That’s great to know,now I’ll just have to tell the rest what I just saw,,and the case will be closed!’ They thought in a confident note,before looking at the ledge they’re hanging on.Now that they found the source,time for them to get up and come back.It would be easy,right?
Oh,how wrong they were.
Just as they started to get up,they started to hear some cracks coming from the ledge.But they won’t fall down easily,just like that.
‘No..not yet..I won’t disappear this time.I won’t disappear like them! ’
Determination was flowing through their veins,and they couldn’t bear to fall just after seeing the truth.She slowly gets up with a greater force that broke their limits,slowly,but surely getting up to safety.But..before they knew it..The ledge cracked,more and more,and despite their best efforts,it would crack down completely, making them fall down towards the portal in pure shock.
As they fall in some sort of slow-motion,flashes and memories would stroll all over in Frisk’s mind.The good memories.Their friends.Their family.And everything else they had fun with.And yet,they left them.All for curiosity and exploring the rumor,which they shouldn’t have.
And after everything..it all came down to this.Perhaps this was fate,after all.
‘ So that’s it?This is..where it ends for me? …Heh,I’m so dumb.I could have avoided this completely,yet here I am,going to nowhere because of my own curiosity.It sucks,it really does.I just hope my friends can handle themselves well without me for a long while..’
they thought,smiling,before saying their last few words to Earth itself.
“..Maybe I shouldn’t have gone there in the first place.”
They smiled one last time,before going straight through the portal,passing through somewhere..and as such,they would land in somewhere unknown,something new.As they fall,they would get hit by a few obstacles before landing safely,yet in an unconscious state.The portal would disappear after Frisk had landed.They wouldn’t know,however,that this strange world would soon change their life.
Frisk’s mom would scream as she woke up,gasping for air,like if she had some sort of nightmare she recently got off to.What happened just now?It’s like she witnessed something terrible,and yet..it was all about their child,Frisk.It was like mother’s instinct,and she couldn’t waste time in seeing if they were okay.Rubbing her eyes and being in slight panic,she would shake her husband so that he could wake up. “Luke!Luke!Wake up!” she pleaded,but in vain.All things considered,Luke was a heavy sleeper.So she would do the ideal trick instead.”There’s a fire surrounding us right now!” She exclaimed.And it did wake him up.
“H-Huh?What..What’s happening,Mia?” Luke slowly turned to her with slightly baggy,half-woken up eyes.
“Listen,I don’t know why,but our child,Frisk..I think they’re in serious trouble..My instincts are going haywire right now!”
Luke squinted.”Are you sure it’s not an aftermath of some nightmare you just had?Or maybe all the food you just ate?”
“Nonono!” she quickly disagreed.”It’s none of that,well sort of..It’s something other than that!Can you check outside to see if there isn’t anything wrong?” she quickly asked,her body slightly shaking with all the stress.
“Well,okay,if that’s what you want..I’ll do it.” He then got up,getting out of the tent,before seeing three kids who were running towards them,with varying expressions.Unfortunately,it was clear it wasn’t good news.
“..Oh,Scott!And you two,you’re Frisk’s friends,right?” He would ask,but would already know the answer.It wouldn’t be too long before he would see their expression.”Hey,what’s the gloomy faces for?Is there something wrong?”
Silence would ensue for a second,with no greetings or anything else just yet..before Scott would break down,telling fully what just happened in sadness;”Frisk..is gooonnneeeee!!”
Luke would be surprised and shocked at the same time from what he’s hearing right now.”I’m sorry,what?”Frisk,being gone?Just like that?It wasn’t like them at all.What made them go somewhere to the point of them being nowhere to be found?”What just happened?Don’t tell me it happened that night..” He crossed his arms,waiting for responses.
“It did.Frisk actually went too deep into the forest and like the rumor has once said,they’re gone..” He would look down,staying calm,yet still having sad thoughts.To think it had come to that point,that rumor being true…It was surely depressing for all of them.
Luke would stay silent,yet starting to have a serious,yet worrying expression as well.He quickly runs back to the tent so that he could tell the matriarch the bad news.”..Well,sweetie,about Frisk..he-” He would get interrupted by Mia.
“No need..I heard it all.All of it.I’m so concerned for them that it makes me want to panic!But on the other hand,it’s not gonna help in getting our Frisk back..” she said with a neutral,yet worried tone.
“They said it’s because of them going deep into that forest..Wait.” He would realize something.That’s right,the rumor of that forest!Both of them paid no mind to it because they knew Frisk wouldn’t have done it for no reason and that it would be fine,and yet..somehow,they did,out of all times.Are the two blaming themselves on all of this?
“..That rumor,do you think they..”
Mia would stand her ground,not wanting to believe it just yet.”No.We’ll just have to wait for a few days and see if they come back.If not..then we’ll have to let the police deal with this.We wouldn’t be in this forest for long,after all..”
She was hopeful.Hopeful that they would come back.Their family relations were close between parents and child,there was barely any problem between them.She couldn’t afford to lose a loved one,a member of the family,just like that.
The laughs,the love and all the understanding..if the worst happens,then she’ll never have to relive them again.
But this was Frisk.They were independent,perhaps clever enough by her view,to come back safely.
After all,what was so bad to the point it’s something they couldn’t handle?
The three children were sitting down,not so far from the road,recollecting everything that had happened from this night and today.Melvin stayed calm but still showed regret nonetheless.Scott was definitely crying for a while now,and Sarah tried to stay as happy as possible,but it was clear it wasn’t really working.All were thinking on how things could have been changed,and also on how the rumor really happened:some children disappeared,and now it was Frisk’s turn.If there wasn’t something to block the path to the area that “eats” people alive,then who could it be next?No matter how long it would take,it could have been anyone.
Melvin would start breaking the silence,in slight anger.”This is stupid.”He facepalmed.”We could have prevented this anytime yesterday,and look where that went to.We all know it,they’re gone.Maybe there could have been a way to change their mind,if it was possible.”
Sarah would punch a tree in response.”Yeah,we know!I thought things would have gone fine,but they didn’t come back!We could have done that.. like you said,Melvin..” She stopped for a second,getting another idea in her head.”Or we could have followed them,simple as that!
“That too,but,Frisk made it clear:our parents wouldn’t have allowed this,and it was too dark. Even if we could,we would be lost and go through the same fate as them!” argued Melvin,wanting to prove his point.
“Yeah but,what could have stopped us?If it was to help someone,I’m sure no one would have minded!” answered Sarah as she pouted.Seems she can get pretty serious if she wants to. “Even if our parents didn’t allow it,in my eyes,it’s better to do a little bad thing to help someone,than stay put and do absolutely nothing!”she added,wanting to take the risks.
As Melvin opens his mouth,he realizes she makes a point.It’ll take a while to find them,and if no one manages to find them..then who will?The more he thought about it,like in a flashback,the more it became clear:Perhaps it was time to take action in their own hands,before it would be too late.Not to mention Frisk’s family,their friends,and everyone else they knew..are they gonna be left crying like this?
“I…no.I get it.The police would try to help find Frisk,but I don’t think it will work.And it will leave only us who can help.We’ll have to tell everyone Frisk knew later on,and I’m pretty sure it will end in tears and sadness..”
Sarah would do a smug smile,nodding in agreement.”I knew you would get it!If no one else wants to help in discovering what’s happening all this time,we could be the only ones left to see the whole truth!” She stops after having her confident speech. “..at least,not for a long time,that is..”
Moments before the argument,Scott had stopped crying.And after a bit of a rest,he would listen to what the two were talking about.Being 8,he never really was the argumentative person,thinking to leave it for the “big people” to talk it out.Maybe soon enough,he will do something special all on his own?Who knows if he really does.
After hearing all of it to the end,Scott would join into the conversation,giving some talk of his own this time. “Hey,hey!Does that mean we’ll have to search for real when we come back here?”
Melvin would turn to Scott,giving a smile.”Sure we will.After all of the talk with the others,and when the time is right,we’ll come back here,with,or without our parents:and then,we’ll search the forest like Frisk did.And not only that place,but the mountain close to it,too.”It’s like he developed a sense of leadership.A sense of making people agree and move forward.To do what’s right.”We’ll come back after a week or two,and then see what it’s all about.Do you two agree with me?” He extends his left hand,wanting the two to do a fist bump so that they can agree.
“..Welll,it’d be cool for me to do something different this time!And to find Frisk,too!Count me in!” Scott does so,with a mix of joy and seriousness.It could give him a chance to see what he can really do.
“Obviously,I’m on board alright!We’ll see what secrets are in that “cursed” forest.” said Sarah with a proud tone,doing the same thing as intended.
“Then it’s all set.Until then,we’ll keep ourselves in contact with phones.” said Melvin,as the two nodded,united like a group.
With that done,the three would say goodbye to each other,going into their respective cars with their families before going away.In the three’s minds,deep down,they all had one goal:to return to Woodfall Forest as soon as possible and find Frisk,wherever they could be.It may take a while,sure,but as soon they’ll come back…
They won’t rest,until their friend(or cousin), Frisk has been found,safe and sound.And then reassure the hearts of many people who drowned in sorrow.
In a place unknown to most,something different would happen.
Something that no one would expect.A mistake,seemingly normal,yet so special that changes everything.
With that mistake,a blinding light would occur,and yet,for an unknown reason,something has changed.In the beginning of this world,six bodies would be left there,unconscious.With different clothes.Different styles,yet so familiar.
And as time stood by,for no matter how long,their souls shined,and among the six,one would soon open their eyes…
As reality would strike them,in this familiar place they perhaps once knew.
FALLEN STARS:SOUNDLESS MORALITIES