Chapter 1: Prelude
Chapter Text
Prelude:
Long ago, Humans and Monsters ruled the world together. One day, for a reason all have forgotten, war shattered the peace between the races: the Humans, thanks to their Determination which had given them a clear advantage over the Monsters, had emerged victorious. After decimating them without mercy, seven mages sealed the rest of the vanquished underground, in the Mt. Ebott. Deprived of their freedom and their house, the monsters had long-lived in despair.
Centuries later, under the benevolent reign of the Dreemurr royal family, a miracle had occurred that everyone had been hoping for: thanks to the prince of the monsters and a human child, who had fallen from the surface of Mount Ebott and befriended each other. Through them, the Underground had regained hope that peace between their people and humans might once again be possible. Time passed, with joy and hope filling their hearts as the two friends grew closer, becoming inseparable.
One day, however, a terrible tragedy struck: the human had become seriously ill, and no one had been able to cure him of the mysterious disease. At the end of his life, he asked to see the golden flowers of his village again. However, unless a Soul was powerful enough to cross the Barrier, no one could fulfill this impossible wish because of the spell that held them all prisoner.
The next day, the child breathed his last.
Upon his death, the prince took hold of his Soul, acquiring the power to cross the barrier that held the monsters prisoner and return his friend's body to his home. But the humans in the village had seen him, and immediately thought wrongly that he had killed the child; blinded by fear and without mercy, they had slaughtered the monster. Instead of retaliating and annihilating them, the prince had managed to retrieve his friend's body, before returning in a final effort to the palace and collapsing, turning to dust as his parents watched helplessly.
In just one night, everyone's dreams had been torn away and grief inflicted once again by the humans: devastated by sadness and rage at the loss of their only son, the king had declared war on mankind and sworn that every human who fell would be killed, then their Souls used in order to break the Barrier, free his people, and annihilate the civilization responsible for their misfortunes. With this speech, the Underground nation had regained hope. Only the queen had rebelled; disgusted by her husband's actions, she had fled, never to reappear for decades, her fate unknown to all.
Since, six other human children had fallen into the Underground and, in accordance with the king's orders, had been killed. Their souls were handed over to him and sealed in a safe place within the fortress walls. A Soul for every magician: Patience, Courage, Integrity, Perseverance, Kindness and Justice.
One day, the eighth human and the last necessary Soul appeared. After many adventures, fighting and triumphing against monsters without ever fighting back, he arrived unharmed at the king's castle. Before either could clash, the exiled queen, who had lived in seclusion in the Ruins all those years and taken in the child, stepped in to stop the fighting. One by one, the friends the child had made joined them, putting a definitive end to the senseless conflict.
Just as the battle was finally forgotten, something strange happened: a golden flower, the same as the one lining the throne room, appeared out of nowhere.
Then everything went white, and when everyone came to their senses, with no memory of what had happened, the Barrier disappeared.
But the human child was gone...
Chapter 2: Prologue : the skeleton walk
Chapter Text
DING
DING
DING
*Elevator doors open
*Elevator doors open
*Elevator doors open
A voice was broadcast from the loudspeakers of an old laboratory built underground, abandoned for years and hidden from view. A mechanical rumble shook the walls, then an elevator stopped on the floor below. The metal doors opened painfully into a dark, foggy, deserted alleyway; inside, a familiar figure emerged, looking like a pot-bellied skeleton.
To get here, he'd taken one of his "shortcuts", as he called them and which only he knew. One of them led to this part of the Underworld. Few people knew of its existence, apart from the former royal family, those who had built the infrastructure and himself.
As usual, Sans the Skeleton - for it was he - was dressed in a blue jacket, black shorts and pink slippers topped with white socks, giving him a tasteless style of dress that a certain robot and rising popular TV star would howl at as a fashion crime.
He kept his perpetual smile and whistled, cheerfully off-key, a catchy tune. He seemed oblivious to the gloomy atmosphere as he left the metal cabin. His feet, wrapped in pink slippers, echoed around him, proving that he was the only presence here.
well, it's been ages since I moved my lazy bones in here, he thought as he gazed wistfully at the dilapidated state of the place.
Over the years, all the grime, dust and dirt had accumulated in this once prestigious place. So many memories, both good and bad, that the visitor had held on to for decades. The individual continued to wander through the mist, through the long, dull corridors, now empty.
For several years, the laboratory had been disused and out of service, before being secretly reclaimed by the new royal scientist for her more or less... problematic experiments.
And not long ago, events with unexpected consequences turned the lives of everyone in the Underworld, from the castle of the New House to the remote Ruins. These involved a certain human child: one of only eight to have fallen here, whose altruistic actions had forever altered their sad existence.
Since then, the place had been definitively abandoned and no one had ever entered this deserted area.
Until now.
-oOo-
Eventually, the skeleton arrived in a large room. It was dark, too dark to make out anything. The skeleton withdrew a gloved hand from his pocket and flicked a switch not far from the entrance. An electrical noise was heard through the metal structure; the worn bulbs flickered, illuminating the room. The light was dim, but sufficient to reveal the enormous machine suspended above the void: The DT Extractor. It certainly wasn't a pleasant memory for Sans. Yet he couldn't help noticing that Alphys's, created from the former royal scientist's notes, diverged from the original: some elements were missing or had been modified. He remembered its initial appearance, larger and more complex.
Sans had not come here today on a whim. Slowly, he walked up to the assembly of metal, pipes and components that gave the structure the appearance of a crimson skull, then stopped at the edge of the dais.
"yo. it's been a while. i'll pretend you're here: here, i brought a little something for us. we've got a lot to talk about."
He didn't hurry and Sans took out two bottles of ketchup from his jacket: Tomato brand from Grillby's, his favorite brand. He'd need them to give him courage. The skeleton uncapped both, placed one on the floor beside him, and sat down facing the machine, keeping the other for himself. He took a sip, without opening his jaw, then continued in a calm tone:
"you probably wondering what I'm talking about, aren't you? hang on, buddy: the barrier's been broken. can you imagine? after so many years trapped underground, we've been able to see the sun again. and guess what? it's all thanks to a human brat: the eighth and last child to fall into the Underground. the little guy managed to get away with it, you know. with the whole kill every human who falls here and destroy humanity order."
Sans lost himself in contemplation of the extractor, smiling even more than before as a laugh escaped him.
"that's not all: just after we reached the Surface, that old goat Asgore - he's still going strong, the bugger - made the kid our ambassador to the humans. you can imagine their shock when the entire population of the monsters showed up on their doorstep. By the way, Papyrus got his skeleton out of a poor woman who was taking a walk on Mount Ebott... and her dog enjoyed biting her femur. he had good taste, i'd say. in short, apart from this slight hiccup, we're not doing too badly," he summarized before taking another gulp of his drink. "almost two years have passed since then. the kid puts all his Determination into his work, you'd think he'd done it most of his life, and he's pretty good at it. the population is integrating quite well into the new city. by the way, it's called Second House... i know, the name really sucks: I'll let you guess who named it. by the way, it's just down the mountain, not far from the East Gate since some monsters still live in the New Home and the other cities."
His smile faded slightly after saying all this, and the sparkle in his eyes became less brilliant. All lightness seemed to leave him momentarily, as he continued:
"this timeline is pretty much like the old one, and all the others before it: the kid frees us, we get out of the ground after a millennium, pap gets his fancy new red car, alph and undyne go to the beach together, tori's school opens soon and asgore continues to lead our people while he continues his gardening - and tries to patch things up with his wife, by the way; emphasis on "tries"... then we start all over again. the Loop routine," sighed Sans, rubbing his neck. "how many times is that now? i admit i've lost count a bit since... all that. welp, i know i shouldn't complain too much. our kid is a pretty nice guy: so we've avoided the worst possible roads. it could have been so much worse. although, before him, things weren't much better."
Images of carnage and desolation involuntarily invaded his mind; one in particular impacted him the most, where another skeleton taller than him in knight's garb, a costume Sans had built for him and which he always kept on him, flinched after his head had been detached from his shoulders.
A sympathetic-looking golden flower, happily addressing and helping people, before its vines or petals turned them to dust, while the plant watched with unhealthy relish as its prey passed from life to death.
Sans did his best to ignore them. Lost in thought, he gazed absently at his half-empty bottle, swirling the red sauce in the container. This world too, among all the others linked to the Loop, had experienced its fair share of temporal reversion, and one over which the eighth child had complete control thanks to his DT.
Despite the fact that this gave him a power greater than that of any monster or human, he had never sought to do evil: for that, Sans knew they had all been extremely lucky.
And now that story was over.
The future looked bright, full of promise and hope.
"in fact, one thing is different from all the other attempts," admitted the little skeleton. that's what i wanted to talk to you about. gosh... this kid's been through a lot to get this result; i can't imagine how many fights and LOAD he had to go through before he knew how to succeed. the kid's really got a strong mind to have lasted this long. or he's just too stubborn to give up, i confess i'm not sure either. anyway, now that everything's settled, he told me that this TRUE RESET thing should stop. myself, i think he's achieved what, in the past, i'd tried to accomplish before giving up. frisk... he has a real gift for making the impossible possible."
Sans left the end of his cryptic sentence hanging: after a long breath, he relaxed his expression and regained a more enthusiastic smile, then finally finished his bottle. At that moment, the ringing of his telephone, playing one of MTT Studios' trendy hits, vibrated in his pocket. Sans took the call - it was Papyrus. The hour of the evening was rather late - 10:30 p.m. (Surface time) - the skeleton noticed, and when he picked up, his brother's beloved but exasperated voice rang out:
"SANS ! WHERE ARE YOU STILL?!" insurgently from the other side of the handset the ex-novice of the now disbanded former Royal Guard. "I'VE BEEN WAITING FOREVER FOR THE EVENING STORY! I NEED TO KNOW IF THE KNIGHT-HUMAN WAS ABLE TO BREAK THE SPELL ON THE COUNTRY!"
"relaxxx, buddy. i was just taking a walk. don't get too craned about it."
"DON'T START, SANS!"
"all right, all right. i'm coming. no need to make a bone out of this story.
"SANS..."
"come on, buddy. you win. i'm coming and i'm going to dig myself out."
"I'VE HAD ENOUGH! DAMN IT, JUST HURRY UP!"
His brother picked up the phone, and Sans nimbly got to his feet without the slightest difficulty. He retrieved his own empty bottle, leaving only the unopened one.
"well, time to go. you know pap gets cranky without his evening story. anyway, i was glad to talk to you again... wherever you are, bud. see ya"
The skeleton left without looking back, leaving the machine behind. When he cut the electric power, misty darkness concealed everything. There was a flash of light, where Sans had been standing a fraction of a second before, and he disappeared.
Chapter 3: Chapitre 1 : Nightmare and flower
Chapter Text
There was only void.
Stop struggling
The child could not move.
There's no way out
Dust smeared his bruised body. Where does this come from?
It's inevitable
Before him shone his soul, "the sum of his whole being". But it shone with a dark, unhealthy glow.
It will all be your fault
All his friends had disappeared. What happened? Why nobody came?
You think you're above the consequences, don't you?
Screams and pleas pierced his ears. Doubts assail him.
You do not understand ?
So look at your soul
The child obeys; there was a crack. Very small, almost imperceptible to the eye. Suddenly, it got bigger. A little. But the tugging sensation that followed made him moan painfully. He recognized the feeling all too well: it was rooted deep in his flesh. He had been so many time beaten, burned, stabbed, pierced, cremated... Over and over and over...
Frisk?
This tear was the one that always preceded the destruction of his soul. Before he comes back, always.
Frisk ? Do you hear me ?
You played with a power you don't control, like the ignorant child that you are
Such a mess
Now you have to pay the price
The child cried out in anguished horror, as the corrupted heart fragmented and weakened. He cupped his chest, begging for everything to stop as his body screamed.
Frisk !
But don't worry, I'll make much better use of it than you.
It's just a bad dream! Please wake up!
I will eventually join you
In the meantime, I leave you to your nightmares
It's you who will beg me to end it
His Soul burst, scattering its fragments which were lost in the void. The child saw his limbs gradually fade… while a hooded form watched him, coldly, without making the slightest gesture to help him.
Don't forget : beware of the man who speaks in hands.
We will meet again very soon, dear singularity.
It's time for you to leave this place.
Crimson eyes pierced the dark veil.
Please wake up, Frisk!
This voice which called him, ceaselessly… The only one which counted for him and comforted him in this hell. It is…
-oOo-
The first thing what Frisk saw when he woke up on his bed, dozing, was a small white muzzle covered in fluffy fur. Seeing it made you want to kiss it or rub your face in it. Each day another, longer and finer, gives them many kisses full of tenderness on the forehead. Frisk was also very fond of the taller, broader one, whose golden beard tickled them at formal and clumsy hugs when he arrived during the regular visits allowed by their mother.
Above his head, his gaze met large spring green eyes, very worried at first - Frisk thought he saw tears beading at the corners, but he wasn't sure - which became relieved when the human child emerged from sleep. Fluffy but clawed hands holding his tense shoulders; their owner must have been shaking it for a while.
"Finally, you wake up!" cried the small voice of another child who moved aside to make room for him.
Straightening up, Frisk stares in confusion at his non-human roommate standing next to the bed frame. Compared to other monsters, he looked more like a human child of his own age, though his dominant physical characteristics were unmistakably that of a young boss monster goat child, with bits of fangs sticking out from under his lips and long drooping ears just below his shoulders. Above his still hornless head - much to the frustration of the little monster, who already wanted to get them out - is a generous tuft of full, wild hair that could use a good combing. Although his thick white fur kept him warm, he wore pajamas similar to his, except that they were green striped with yellow instead of mauve.
"Hi, Az…" Frisk mumbled with a small smile as he rubbed his face, the disheveled brown hair covering his eyes still misty with fatigue.
"Howdy Frisk! » Asriel Dreemurr, the Prince of Monsters, returned his friendly expression.
As every time Frisk woke up, the human child couldn't help but look around him attentively. It happened often, that Frisk made sure that everything that had happened hadn't been a dream, and he felt a deep sense of relief by not seeing that luminous hole above his head. No flower that greeted him with a fake smile. It was in a colorful room full of toys where he was standing. Not in the desolate Ruins. And none of them were trapped in the Underground anymore ; that dawn light coming from the window, as well as the whistling of birds outside.
They were all on the Surface.
The Barrier was indeed destroyed.
From now on, the monsters lived free and happy on the Surface. Everyone had left Mt Ebott. His friends, Sans, Papyrus, Undyne, Alphys, Asgore and all the other monsters. Frisk was living with Toriel now, after the monsters began to return to live on the Surface.
And most importantly, Asriel... He's still him, Frisk noted with enormous relief.
The real Asriel ; the one he saw now, waiting for him with excited twitching, no longer had the frightful shape of a flower, or that of a evil god. The last friend he had failed to save too many times, finally returned from this mountain. And his Soul again within him, who seemed to be doing very well. No growth, leaves or yellow petals on him; just a ruffled fur after a good night's sleep. This gentle face was indeed his, and not a simple distorted copy.
The timeline had not reset this time again : nothing had been changed, even today.
And today was...
Frisk absently looked at their alarm clock, which showed this:
8:00, Thursday 21, 20XX.
Everything is perfectly fine... Frisk yawned wide and long; completely relaxed, he didn't feel the Determination to leave his bed. Maybe he could sleep one more hour... or two ?
Only, the biological son of former Queen Toriel and King Asgore Dreemurr, Asriel, watched his best friend and the unofficial and only human child in their family stretch his sleepy body. Hor him, this last seemed ready to go back to bed in less than a second. Initially enthusiastic, Asriel quickly became confused and disillusioned byhis laziness; normally, Frisk got out of bed quickly and early. But this morning, he was sorely lacking in energy and motivation. To believe that he had not slept a wink of the night. The little goat noticed his reluctance to leave his blankets and pouted; tired or not, he would not allow him to go back to Morpheus.
"Come on, Frisk, don't be like that!" Asriel protested before his scowling face cleared. "Mom is making breakfast! If we hurry, the pie will still be warm."
The trick worked: when the young monster pointed it out to him, Frisk smelled the tantalizing scent of the much-loved butterscotch-cinnamon pie, whose had risen from the kitchen upstairs. It was his favorite sweet dish; taste that he shared with all his friends who were lucky enough to enjoy it. The fatigue forgotten, the water instantly rose to his mouth. And, inevitably, his stomach was screaming with hunger. A resounding roar rose through the room he and Asriel shared, before fading into a series of gurgling sounds. Frisk's cheeks flared in surprise and shame, while Asriel's eyes widened, his expression shared between disgust and admiration.
"Wow... I thought I heard a Froggit trying to imitate Shyren's song."
"You're in no position to say that!" Frisk groaned, throwing his pillow in Asriel's face."Your snoring at night sounds like a car engine. I can barely get a decent night!"
"Liar, I don't snore!"
Frisk stuck out his tongue playfully at the plaintive squeaks of the monster child; vexed, the latter returned the pillow. This time it was the young human who couldn't avoid it, then, as he pulled it out, a heavy weight crushed him - the prince had thrown himself on him - and forced him to push on his arms to get up. Soon, enthusiastic laughter broke out in the room, as the two friends held each other's shirts to gain the advantage over the other. However, they were careful not to be too loud so as not to alert their mother still in the kitchen, just below the floor.
Heavier and stronger than Frisk, Asriel took advantage of the fact that he was still entangled in his blankets and gradually gained ground. He put on a victorious expression, but he greatly underestimated the human child who was resourceful and determined not to be pushed around. Not without struggling. One of his feet, which he had been able to free from his duvet, pushed the face of the monster now forced to wring his neck, to prevent his toes from going straight into his jaw or under his sensitive nose. His indignant face made the show very funny to watch.
"Hey ! Frisk, you're cheating!"
"You started it," he replied to the accusation before making a mischievous expression. "In combat, everything is permitted and all strategies are necessary! "
"Did Undyne tell you that in her self-defense class?"
"Yeah: demonstration!"
Taking advantage of his position, Frisk manages to use the young monster's strength to his advantage. He pulled away abruptly, which dragged Asriel down with a small cry, and threw him against the mattress. Blinded, he had no time to prepare for the onslaught that came from behind. His eyes widened in astonishment, as quick fingers teased his ribs.
"Oh no- Ah!… No tickling- ah! ah! Pi-Pity Frisk no- ah! ha ha! This! Spare me - Ah! Ah! Ah!"
"Say you're sorry, then!" asked the human with a devilish mimicry passing to his uncovered belly, soft and very ticklish.
It was too much and Asriel, unleashed, surrendered: he was half choking with laughter and breathing heavily.
"O…okay!" Sorry ! Sorry !"
Satisfied, Frisk released him and gave his half-brother time to catch his breath. A thousand years ago, no one would have believed this scene possible: that a human and a monster, two species that were until recently mortal enemies, could once again get along and have fun with innocent joy. Today, it was something that had become normal and ordinary in everyday life; at least in this house. Body still shaking with spasms and laughter, Asriel stared at the beige ceiling and the bright light from the enchanted stone, which served as a light bulb. He slowly calmed down and became thoughtful.
"It will soon be two years..."
Frisk turned to him, seeing him still lying on his crumpled mattress, the result of their little argument. I'll have to take care of it before mom comes upstairs; change the sheet and the blankets, otherwise she'll wonder... not to mention all the white fur lying around, he thinks to himself, but for the moment the boy's thoughts intrigue him. He suddenly sounded so serious that Frisk instinctively felt the need to lighten the conversation.
"Yes, a lot has happened," he adds, joining him. "This morning I have to go to the Ebott City Senate with Undyne, Papyrus and Asgore. This will be my real first speech in front of a large audience. Damn, I'm not telling you how stressed I am... Mom would have liked to come, but she has to go to school to prepare for the opening of the class, which starts in a week. And Alphys… I guess she and Sans will continue their research on Amalgamates. It was quite a surprise that he offered to help her; no one had ever thought that he had scientific knowledge… "
The human child looked at Asriel, hoping to see him laugh or at least smile at his friendly mockery of their notoriously lazy friend. But the prince did not react to his attempt and continued to stare sadly into space. After a while, Frisk cautiously asked him:
"Asriel...are you ok?"
"…"
Frisk carefully observed Asriel, very concerned by this sudden change in mood; the young prince had this sad look, which the human recognized easily. His heart sank as he guessed what was happening to him. Another one of your days, huh, buddy? Which could only mean one thing, and his next words fell softly from his lips:
"…You're still thinking about all that, aren't you? Before the destruction of the Barrier."
Asriel narrowed his eyes at the insinuation, before sighing deeply and sitting down on the bed. Frisk worried to see him so quiet. His prostrate and defensive attitude reminded him unpleasantly of the first days of his return among them. Closed in on himself and mute. After a while, although reluctantly and taking his time, he finally answered:
"It's... It's just that I still have a hard time believing it, you know? I... Not so long ago, I was still a flower, brought back to life because my dust had settled on its petals. was Flowey then. Soulless, emotionless. I find it hard to realize that it's over. Every time I wake up in the morning, I... I expect that everything that happened was just a dream. And... I find myself again at the bottom of this garden. Alone and again this... horrible thing."
Unable to help it, tears streamed down her cheeks. Frisk froze at the sight of them, then at the shaking hands Asriel held in front of him and stared at them as if they were repulsive. Before he could say anything, or contradict him, the young monster spoke faster and jerkily.
"And… And then I start attacking everyone again. I de-destroy their lives. I manipulate them. I-I take advantage of their suffering! I couldn't stop! We are at the castle! Dad ! Mom ! And everyone ! Everyone ! I'm taking everyone's soul to attack you again!"
Frisk didn't have to think: he took Asriel's sobbing body and hugged him. He felt it tense, but the young boy didn't go away.
"It's fine, Azzy…" he reassured him, in a calm tone despite the block of ice that had formed in her stomach, before massaging his back with a soothing gesture. "Flowey is gone. For ever"
"N-No, I feel like he's still here!" Asriel cried and Frisk felt him shake his head sharply against his shoulder. "I can hear him laughing, in my nightmares, with my own distorted voice! He and I are the same person, and you know it, Frisk! I...I'm so scared of what I might do to you! you, our parents and everyone else. If I get lost again..."
"No, that won't happen!" You still have a soul! Flowey had none. It was born out of your loneliness, your anger and your fears. But despite that, deep inside you, you never stopped being yourself and, thank to this, I could SAVE you in the past, remember? … Hey, Az. Look at me."
The human child backed up so that the other child looked at him, eye to eye. His watery eyes were red and swollen, the fur on his cheeks was soaked, and his wet nose was sniffling to keep the snot from dripping onto the bed that wasn't his. He was still crying a lot.
Out of his control, Asriel suffered panic attacks that happened randomly, and they were more or less intense depending on the day. Luckily, Frisk had been there every time to soothe and reassure him, ever since they had started appearing soon after he returned from his previous state. The first days were the hardest, and they were far behind; only, Frisk wanted to make sure that he didn't go backwards after how far he had come, or their progress would become wasted. Frisk guessed it was the weight of Asriel's guilt and insecurity, which continued to hurt him terribly. Even today, his trauma remained. It was not uncommon for the young monster to relive memories of his past times as "Flowey"; when that happened, Asriel would often get up in the middle of a nightmare, trying to pull imaginary vines out of him and crying "I don't want to go back, I don't want to go back, I don't want to go back..." over and over, until Frisk joined him, often at night, to keep him company and comfort him as best he could until dawn.
After all, he was the only one who knew about his terrible past and this dark side of the prince.
Frisk knelt before Asriel and looked at his depressed friend with all the intensity and assurance he possessed. At that moment, he could feel all his Determination flowing from his being. The child knew what he had to do, and raised his arm towards Asriel's gloom face. Frisk reached to the side, reaching for the cottony tip of one ear...and pulled on it.
"Wh-...Ouch! Friiisk! What are you doing ?!" Asriel complained at the tightness, leaning forward while Frisk kept his fingers' grip on the sensitive member. Then, the young human spoke seriously:
"Listen : even if you had to become him again... even if, that day, I had not been able to give you a soul, I would not have abandoned you, and I would never. Despite what you told me, I would go look for you, in this mountain, then I would have brought you to the surface with me. By force, if necessary."
"Re…Really?" Asriel looked at Frisk, tears in his eyes caused by pain but, above all, because his friend's words really reached him. Seeing this, Frisk relaxed his grip, so that it became a gentle caress on the ear.
"Yes! I would have asked Asgore for gardening lessons, but I would have taken care of you, as long as necessary, until I found a solution."
Asriel sniffed again, but it was an amused noise that left him as he wiped away the rest of his sadness, a small smile appearing under his muzzle while Frisk continued his care to comfort him. After a moment, the kid had chased away the remaining shadow on his face, which returned to that of his best days.
"You're a really stubborn person."
"I'm often told that, so I take it as a compliment!" the little human exclaimed happily, glad to have improved his mood. "Feel better ?"
"Y-yes, much better. Thanks, Frisk."
The child gave him a mischievous and charming wink, before releasing the ear as Frisk finally got out of bed to look for clothes to dress.
Asriel stayed for a while, trying to mend his face after his emotional breakdown. Toriel shouldn't see him like this, when they come down; his mother would be mad with worry. I'm still such a crybaby as ever. That's what you'd tell me, wouldn't you, Chara? he thought without waiting for his missing friend's answer, before imitating Frisk as he got ready for breakfast. He had to hurry because, after all, whoever arrived early was certain to have the best plate! But, above all, he didn't forget to take his most prized possession from the nightstand: Chara's gold necklace.
The monster tenderly caressed the object pressed against him, which kept so many memories, then joined Frisk; this one, dressed in his signature blue striped sweater, was already leaving their room and getting ready to leave without him.
"Hey, it's not fair! Wait for me!"
"No way! I want the first bite!"
They nearly passed each other as they walked down the hall, then stumbled to reach the railing at the very bottom.
Chapter 4: Chapter 2 : Pie and secret
Chapter Text
"Hmmm, hmmm, hmmm…" The former queen of monsters, Toriel, crooned slowly over the stove. She remained in her old purple dress - that of the Ruins - where the symbol of their religion appeared: the Angel of Prophecy. Toriel kept it out of nostalgia, feeling unable to get rid of this outfit full of memories, but she would change it whenever she had to go out in order to appear more decent.
In this space house where she lived with Asriel and Frisk since two years, the kitchen was one of the rooms she particularly liked; it was a lively place, where people gathered to eat together. The living room next door was even more so, when everyone came and had fun - compared to all her years of loneliness and isolation, Toriel certainly appreciated this welcome change in her life.
Outside the downstairs window, the beautiful lavender blue sky promised a magnificent day. She loved looking at this sky, she had missed it so much, during all these centuries of sealing. Toriel made sure to never stay up too late, so she could see at it as much as she wanted.
Today, important matters would await her later; at the moment, Toriel had to prepare breakfast for her children who would be coming down soon. This morning, she was preparing breakfast for her adorable children. Every time she prepared the ingredients and mixed them, Toriel made sure to incorporate all the love and devotion that gave that unique flavor to her dishes: it was her greatest magic and secret ingredient.
While waiting for the preparation to be finished, Toriel had read this morning's newspaper which lay neatly on the table. It was important that the former queen kept herself regularly informed of recent developments. It was very interesting: there was a lot of talk about the next assembly that would be held later today, where the integration of the people from the Underground to the Surface would be discussed. Turning the pages of this text, Toriel was particularly attentive to the parts which cited a certain child ambassador - we asked so many questions about him: such a little kid, but on whom the entire future of a kingdom depended? Who was he really? Would the event go well?
I hope so, she prayed, wanting to continue further.
But soon, Toriel had to stop her reading when she saw her specialty, the butterscotch-cinnamon pie, was finishing cooking. The mother goat had waited for the right moment to take it out, trusting in its beautiful golden appearance before stopping the cooking.
Seems good, she thought, very proud of her achievement and knowing that her two gluttons would love it.
Still humming this ancient song of which she had forgotten the words, Toriel grabbed it with gloves, the top steaming and smelling delicious. Absolutely perfect.
Just in time.
The soft air she was imitating was soon drowned out by the sound of running, as she took her famous pie out of the oven and placed it on the underside of the dish. Toriel raised a puzzled eyebrow, revealing kind scarlet eyes like the embers of the fire in her fireplace. Right after, her two children appeared and rushed into the kitchen. Like every morning, they tried to arrive before the other, and it was a surreal sight to see them squirming and bickering to cross the frame.
"First!"
"No it's me !"
Each made his point: the foot touched the tile of the kitchen; the hand held the wood of the door. The painting was so incongruous that Toriel couldn't hold back an amused snort, though she concealed it behind her large white hands.
"If you want my opinion, you've tied the game", the former queen said gently, joining them with a noble step, removing her gloves and her favorite apron covered with snail motifs.
They were a little disappointed, but Frisk and Asriel accepted the maternal arbitration without complaining. Upon entering, the children were enveloped by a pair of loving arms that drew them close to her. They complied happily, snuggling into his grip. It was like being hugged by a fluffy cloud that smelled like cinnamon, caramel and looked a lot like Asriel. Taller and grown-up, of course, with thin, slender horns, and whose majestic presence was imbued with an aura both gentle and fierce that only mothers possessed. Near her, we felt good, warm and safe.
The best morning hugs in the world, Frisk thought as he stroked the beloved's silky ear. Then came her beautiful voice, the one that in the evening tucked them in, read stories to them or made horrible jokes, but soothing to anyone who heard it:
"Good morning, my dear children".
"Hello, mom"/"Howdy, mommy !"
This morning cuddle session had become routine in this house, in the new city where the monsters resided. All three loved this time of day, when they were together. Sometimes guests came to join them; through the door for the majority or, for some, appeared mysteriously in the middle of the room. Frisk suspected that he enjoyed their startled face more than he would admit.
Toriel, in particular, loved feeling the warmth of her two beloved children against her: one of them was of her blood, her precious treasure that she had thought lost forever many years ago, and the other was a human she thought she would never see alive again, before he proved her wrong and freed them from a long existence imprisoned underground. They were both her precious children, whom she loved and cherished equally; but so many others had disappeared under her protection and love in tragic circumstances. For his first and last, she would protect them with her life, even against fate, rather than let any harm happen to them again.
It could have lasted, but Frisk's empty stomach decided to spoil the party and ruined everything: he let out a loud complaint that, no doubt, must have been heard throughout the house. And certainly from the next street, for those with good hearing like members of the Canine Guard. Which didn't help when Asriel's followed suit, adding more mess. Toriel laughed heartily and released her now embarrassed children.
"If you're so hungry, I won't detain you any longer. So, go sit at the table! I'm going to cut the pie."
Neither one nor two, the duo sat in their chairs, knife and fork in hand, while Toriel shared generous portions of her pastry. She took her place, to watch her little gluttons who wasted no time in satisfying their voracious appetite by engulfing food in large proportions.
The food prepared by the monsters, being mostly composed of magic and few harmful materials, allowed those who ate it to heal themselves effectively, increase their strength and restore their health. The texture almost melted on the tongue, without losing consistency or taste, and was easily eaten by anyone.
Falling into the Underground, Frisk had been saved several times by its blessings after particularly fierce battles. Since then, he brought as many as he could in his luggage, and hadn't changed his habits since they had returned from the Surface.
Already, Asriel and Frisk were finishing their plate, to ask Toriel who served them again with an amused smile, and continued to taste the pie without losing the rhythm. The kitchen emitted a cacophony of the sounds of washing dishes, chewing, and satisfied grunts. Their growing appetites will never cease to amaze me, Toriel thought, though she herself admitted she was more than capable of eating several dozen snails if the mood took her. This thought coming to her, she decided to buy some from Napstablook's breeding, before remembering that he worked as a DJ with Mettaton. In this case, there should be some in the garden or around it, one of these days. She could prepare a snail pie with this; his Asriel loved it, even if Frisk had a little difficulty enjoying it as much because of its "slimy" consistence, although he recognize the taste was surprisingly tasty.
A fun and well-known fact about the Dreemurr family was their ability to ingest gargantuan amounts of food. After settling in with them, Frisk had adopted this incongruous aspect and now possessed an insatiable stomach. But remaining human all the same, he had a limit that the child ends up reaching after several more mouthfuls, until he no longer feels capable of swallowing anything.
"I'm full. No more", he moaned after his last fork, rubbing his sated belly as Asriel finished his fourth batch.
"Will you eat the rest of your share?" he asked him hopefully, pointing to what Frisk had left behind.
The human child willingly gave it to him, and Asriel quickly gulped it down in a gigantic mouthful of goat. Satisfied, he licked the tips of his fingers, then his muzzle with his tongue to collect the precious crumbs, when a consequent burp came out without warning.
"Dear Angel, I'll take that as a compliment," Toriel scoffed as her son muttered a sheepish "excuse me."
"Not bad that one, Azzy", added Frisk who left the table, before preventing his own belching as his feet touched the ground.
He left to wash his utensils and his plate, when Toriel came from behind, a clean napkin in hand.
"Turn around, Frisk", she asked with a gentle smile, wiping his surprise face . "We shouldn't see our little ambassador with caramel on his cheek, should we?"
"Oh… yes", the child stammered under the fabric. "Thanks Mom."
Playfully, she washed it, meticulously, and Frisk let himself be manipulated without moving, more than happy with her care. When he was clean as a whistle, Toriel patted his bouncy little nose.
"There ! Papyrus will pick you up in half an hour to take you to Ebott. Be ready to go, by then."
"…And Asgore and Undyne?"
At the reference of her former husband, Frisk noticed Toriel's features harden. It was barely visible, but the brief tension that had arisen had shaken his usual calm. Although he hid it, the little human was discouraged. Even though time had passed, and she was more accepting of his comings as long as the king of the Underground respected the imposed limits, the tension between them remained. He wanted so badly to help them reconcile, but apart from small attempts, the child still didn't know how. After all, the faults shared by each were not easily forgivable or easy to forget. In a blink, Toriel regained a peaceful expression; neither Frisk nor Asriel, who had joined them, were not deceived by the mask intended to reassure them.
"They are already at the embassy", she explained. "I cannot advise you enough to bring what you need. Asriel, sweetheart, go and help your sibling, please."
"Alright. Come, Az"
"Y... Yes. I come."
Frisk hurried upstairs to check his things; Asriel, for his part, lingered a bit on the steps to spy in the kitchen. Their mother had turned away to do some cleaning, but he clearly saw the gaze that engulfed her. It was a mixture of several raw emotions: however, Asriel recognized sadness and bitterness in it. The kid felt his heart ache, imagining that she must be thinking of his father, then slipped away without Toriel noticing.
A strange knot in his stomach had formed, as he saw his mother's reaction. If Asriel regretted anything, it was seeing the separation between his parents. Of course, the circumstances were more complex than his fault alone; Asriel was aware of this. But he felt guilty for having been the main trigger of this conflict. Especially since Toriel, although she and Asgore were slowly starting to maintain cordial discussions again, had not yet been able to forgive the actions of her former husband against the former human children. And if she couldn't forgive him for this... Asriel thought wistfully, how would mommy react if they ever knew everything about Flow- about what I did? Would she be disgusted by me? Would she hate me, too?
Shaken by this vision and full of these tormenting questions in his head reaching the floor, Asriel didn't hear what Toriel whispered next:
"This idiot…"
-oOo-
"Let's check my Soul..."
Instead of pulling his bag out of the closet as soon he returned at his room, Frisk sat against the wall and decide to take advantage that Asriel was late to arrive - even if he did not know why. Legs crossed, the human reached his hands to his chest and concentrated. The effort made him frown, for it had been a long time, and he had to remind himself how to do it without a monster forcing him. But, like a muscle that just needed to be worked, Frisk managed to remember that feeling of inner energy, gathered in one point, then to grab hold of it.
After a few minutes, a glow slipped out of his chest. As dazzling and shining as ever, during his eventful journey to the Monster Realm, a red heart - the Nameless Soul - floated before him. Within it, his Determination radiated, warming the air and tingling his amber skin. Unconsciously, Frisk had held his breath waiting for his soul to surge and dreaded; however, seeing it in good condition relieved him of a weight that had weighed on him since waking up. The child was still reliving his nightmare of this morning; the memory of the cracks and the unhealthy allure of his soul, which sent nasty shivers down his spine.
This void...
This voice…
Dust all over him...
Beware of the man who talks with his hands...
"What are you doing ?" Asriel called out to him in the doorway, startling him.
Caught in the act, Frisk instantly released his grip on the soul which came back to itself. How long has he been there?
The young monster had finally arrived, after lingering on the way back, and upon entering, he had seen him in this strange position. Asriel eyed him suspiciously, waiting for an answer.
"Nothing at all," Frisk lied, grimacing at the lame excuse before muttering, "please don't tell at mom."
"Only if you explain to me what's going on."
The prince stood in front of him, arms tied and trying to imitate Toriel's attitude when she demanded to know the truth when her children hid something stupid from her. It wasn't quite as convincing, but Frisk knew his friend wouldn't give up. A little reluctant, he told her the bits of dreams he remembered. Gradually, the child found himself foolish to have rid himself of the head for something so insignificant. Asriel had listened to everything carefully and he became enlightened.
"So this morning when I woke up and saw you fidgeting, was it because of your nightmare?"
"I know, it's stupid," Frisk blurted, taking his bag from the closet. "Being afraid of a bad dream is just a baby thing."
"What ? It's not true!" Asriel exclaimed energetically, grabbing his hands with his fluffy paws and gave them reassuring pressure. "Earlier, you looked very hurt and very scared. I... was scared, too. I didn't know what to do to help you, except try to get out you of it."
Frisk looked at him, surprised that he wasn't laughing at him like he expected. On the contrary, the young monster seemed to be sympathetic and eager to help him… That's right, how could he have forgotten, even for a second, that it was Asriel? The being who, of all people, was the one with the kindest heart despite his worst years. He understood better than anyone what it was like to be the victim of terrifying visions. Right. Him and everyone are not like... the others.
Somehow it was oddly comforting and the human child felt warmed.
"Say, Az. Won't you come with us to the embassy?" Frisk offered on impulse." After all, my speech includes you as well, and it would be better than being alone all day. Even MK will come backstage."
Asriel blinked at his suggestion, caught off guard. Uncomfortable, he released Frisk, who watched him take on a desolate and intimidated expression as the little Boss Monster turned away from him.
"I... I'd rather not, Frisk. I still have trouble with that. Maybe another time, but... not today. I'm sorry."
"Oh… I understand, of course." Frisk told him with a small smile that the child wanted light, but he couldn't help a wave of disappointment wash over him. However, he hoped Asriel wouldn't notice.
Asriel retrieved a camera from his own supplies - Frisk had given it to him a few months ago - and pretended to check it so as not to see his friend's expression which had become less bright for a micro-second; he quickly recovered, but Asriel saw him all the same, and blamed himself for his cowardice. His discomfort at the idea of going out and meeting people was not to be underlined. His first impression of humanity on the Surface was not very happy; it had left him scared to death of crowds and grown men. The kid didn't want, in a moment of panic, to create a mess in the middle of town. It would be too dangerous and risky. Today, Frisk had to concentrate and it was not his presence that would help him.
A klaxon sound outside sounded, dissipating the heavy atmosphere that surrounded them, then their mother called:
"Frisk! Papyrus is here!"
The child took his luggage and left hastily, followed by the prince to the front door. His jacket on and a kiss from Toriel later, he joined the sports car on the driveway which was driven by a skeleton in armor suit, scarf, red gloves. Papyrus, the little brother of Sans, was one of the first friends Frisk made during his journey among monsters; kind and innocent, he was a clumsy but kind-hearted character, whose love of spaghetti and puzzles were well known, as well as his contempt for Sans' jokes. Ironically, the skeleton had been in the past "friends" with Flowey, without knowing the last's intentions or his hostility with his elder. Flowey had tricked him, so that Papyrus bring together in the king's castle all the monsters who had become friends with Frisk, and trap them in order to recover their souls. Fate was strange, because it was only thanks to this that Asriel was able to temporarily regain his true form, before he and Frisk engaged in a battle where the fate of the world was at stake.
However, Frisk knew perfectly well that without Papyrus, the prince of monsters would never have been able to come back from his condition, helping him after many resets to find a way to save him. But the main person concerned knew nothing about it; when he saw them, the skeleton at the wheel of his sports car had greeting his young friend and the whole family.
"HELLO, HUMAN FRISK! HELLO, YOUR MAJESTY AND HIGHNESS DREEMURR!"
"Hi, Papyrus! See you later, Mom, Az!"
"Good luck, Frisk! Papyrus, watch over my child!" / "See you tonight, Frisk! I'll watch you on TV, I promise!"
Frisk strapped in and, in a "NYE HE HE!" full of spirit, Papyrus drove down the mountain road, heading for the town of Ebott a few miles away. The human child waved his arms towards his family, until he no longer saw them.
Outside, the sun was up. The flowers are blooming. Birds are singing. Slowly, the small town "Second House" was waking up with the first light of the sun appearing behind Mt. Ebott where, for centuries, the nation of monsters had been sealed.
But everything had changed: about two years ago, a young human child – Frisk – climbed the forbidden mountain where, according to rumor, no one has ever returned. After falling into a hole, he discovered the realm of "Underground", where the monsters had survived and were forgotten. Before Frisk, seven other children had preceded him; after the monster king Asgore declared war on humanity following the death of his son by humans, six of them were killed by the underground dwellers to recover their Souls and destroy the Barrier - a powerful spell of the magus that kept monsters trapped during a long time. Frisk's journey back to the Surface was not an easy: the child had encountered, fought and, luckily, befriended many monsters who ended up helping him. Beside, Frisk had discovered this power that the monsters called "Determination": the power that, according to some, existed in the will to continue living and rewrite people's destinies. With this, the child had gained the ability to SAVE from star-shaped save points, allowing him to heal his wounds or, through a file, RESET time (but this was important and confidiential secret, which few people knew). In the end, Frisk had discovered the truth about the tragedies the monsters had suffered and, thanks to these powers and the new friends he had made, Frisk had managed to survive each ordeal and, ultimatly, he helped free monsters.
Now, as the ambassador for them, Frisk worked hard so that Man and Monster could live together again. All this time, the child had tried to make everyone trust each other and forgive. Since his return and that of the monsters to the Surface, the child lived with the former queen of the monsters, Toriel, and the prince of the monsters Asriel, who had returned from death thanks to the intervention of Frisk. The King of the Underground, Asgore, was with him to helped him in his task of reintegrating the monsters.
Today was a special day: as the representative of the nation of the Underground, Frisk would give a speech in Ebott, so that everyone could know of the progress and their success.
Frisk could see it right now ; as Papyrus led them through Second House, he watched the human mix with the monsters : on the sidewalks, they strolled together, naturally greeting each other with friendly smiles as they passed. In a park as the car approached, children were having fun catching, under the supervision of their mothers who were laughing and chatting on the benches. Whether they had hands or paws, coat or scales, round or very long ears : they had fun together, and the current understanding gave hope for their future. Everything Frisk had gone through was rewarded. And this city near the mountain, built to welcome the two peoples, was proof of that.
A few citizen saw the human ambassador pass and greeted him happily, sometimes expressing encouragements, and Frisk answered them with pleasure until they leave Second House. Their trust in the child gave him a lot of courage.
As the city faded away and Frisk sat back in his seat, he was resolute to do his best for the trust the monsters placed in him.
*Knowing that all his friends were counting on him, on such an important day, filled him with determination.
Chapter 5: OurTale Chapter 5 : Embassy and heart affairs
Chapter Text
The Surface was much larger and more extensive than the Underground, where it was enough to walk for a while to get from point A to point B. Above, to get from one place to another, the use of the car turned out to be very practical. The town of Ebott was on the other side of the mountains: by car, it took about fifteen minutes to get to the embassy. The road followed a relatively flat path, which skirted the hills and crossed a wood.
On the road, while Papyrus enthusiastically enjoyed the air on his head with lively music, Frisk took advantage of the quietness to grab a pink booklet from his bag. Inside, he kept a very detailed agenda on the program of the day: a meeting with the mayor of Ebott, discussions with certain senators and, finally, an important speech detailing the successful cohabitation between monsters and humans.
So much has happened that I barely had time to realize, thought Frisk in the back, who was checking his notes for the fifth time while listening to Papyrus rave behind the wheel.
Everyone had given so much to get this far. Both on the side of the monsters and the humans who supported them. The integration of the monsters had not been a long calm river but, with patience and by showing this peaceful civilization, they had succeeded in making the inhabitants of the Surface accept a future together. Now it was a matter of making it official; on this day that would mark history for a long time, Frisk felt on his shoulders the weight of everyone's hopes and dreams.
Thinking about it, the child became nervous. Even after two years of acting as a monster ambassador, it was still… very intimidating.
What if he expresses the speech badly?
What if something terrible happens?
What if… I mess everything?
So, nothing you have accomplished will have been for anything.
By your OWN fault.
Suddenly, he wanted to jump over the bridge that crossed the river, to reach the sea not far away and hide there among the fish. Although only Undyne would probably be capable of such a feat, while Frisk would certainly break his bones upon contact with the watery element, before drowning. Instead, the child preferred to address the person who only asked to be present for the others:
"Tell me, Papyrus. Do you think I can make it? I'm counted on to make humans trust monsters enough, and... now I wonder if that was such a good idea. Maybe someone else, like Alphys or Asgore, should have taken my place to speak during the speech ?"
"NYE EH EH! THE FRISK-HUMAN HAS STAGE FRIGHT! BUT DO NOT FEAR, MY FRIEND, Papyrus added before Frisk denied and gave him his pet rock (where did he get it from?), I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, HAVE FORESEEN THIS CONDITION! HERE, TAKE IT! "
"Um… Thank you?"
"YOU ARE REALLY WELCOME! WITH HIM, ALL YOUR WORRIES WILL FLY AWAY!"
Not wanting to sadden him and knowing how much the skeleton loved his rock, Frisk put it in his pocket so as not to lose it. At least his worries had faded for the moment, like every time he spoke with Papyrus. The fact that the latter didn't doubt and was supportive of Frisk comforted him better than any words.
-oOo-
Back home, Asriel prepared to spend the rest of morning outside. Since there was no one left, not even Sans, he planned to take a short walk instead of sitting in his room doing nothing. Another reason was that Asriel also wanted to clear his head this morning: he couldn't forget Frisk's face, when he rejected his offer to accompany him. The young human had seemed hurt, and ever since he left with Papyrus, regret gnawed at Asriel. Soon after, more confused feeling had also begun to rise within him. The young monster didn't know exactly what it was or what caused it, but it had annoyed him so much that he preferred to calm down by taking a breath of fresh air. When he was a flower, the young monster felt none of this. He had been in this state for so long that, for Asriel, the little Boss Monster still had to get used to feeling like this again. It was sometimes very trying; nor did it mean that he regretted having found a Soul. Far from it, Asriel would never think such a thing, which would be very wrong and disrespectful after Frisk's efforts to bring him back.
He would never, EVER, want to become again... him. But his rehabilitation remained exausting. Asriel sighed: he needed to get out, to clear his mind.
Meanwhile, Toriel was planning her own departure, to go out of town to the near school. Its opening would be a major breakthrough for both monsters and humans, since it would be the first educational structure that would welcome students from every race. Toriel took her role very seriously: it was a distant dream for her, to teach the younger generations. She had never been able to before, being the queen of the Underground, then isolated alone in the Ruins of which she became the guardian. But now it was different. Toriel was free to do exactly what she wanted.
Recently, the teaching staff had been sent to support her, as well as all the manpower necessary to take care of the establishment. So that there would be no problems, she wanted to take this opportunity to check that the school would be ready today. Toriel and her adopted child, Frisk, were very much alike in their need for everything to be perfect.
I will have to do another inspection on the equipment; Asgore had warned me that everything had been delivered yesterday. I also received the textbooks for the children... Oh, I have so much to do before everything is ready to receive them! she realized, without realizing that her son was approaching from behind.
Asriel chose this moment to join her at the entrance, as the former queen made a mental list of what she should watch, and asked:
"Mom, can I take a walk outside, please ?"
Toriel blinked, not expecting this sudden request, and looked back at her son uncertainly; Usually, Asriel never went anywhere alone. The idea didn't enchant her either, but considering the young goat's expression of anxious expectation, the former queen didn't have the heart to refuse him.
"O-Of course, dear", she began, before adding a little hastily: "But, after, can I count on your help for the school ? I think I need more arms with the boxes of books. Let's say... around noon? Would that suit you?"
"All right. See you later !"
The young monster bounded out of the house compound, eager to stretch his legs. He had finally decided to go near the entrance that led to the Underground. From the door, Toriel saw him quietly walking along the neighborhood, where many monsters and humans had settled, including her and her children. Involuntarily, the mother goat felt a twinge of worry for her son. In her joy at having found him, Toriel never wanted her dear Asriel to be taken from her again. She was barely able to stop herself from rushing outside, as Asriel narrowly avoided a young human couple and said "sorry" to them.
I still have difficulty separating from him, but I must remember that my son is growing up; I couldn't keep him with me always, no matter how much I wanted to. Toriel admitted reluctantly; it was something Frisk had taught her years ago when, terrified of the idea that he meeting a horrible fate, she had done everything to discourage him from leaving. Warning him... Threatening him... Even if, in the end, it means fighting him. But... that wasn't how a parent should act, keeping their children locked away. They had to guide them as best as possible and then, when the day came, let them fly away. Toriel hoped she would be ready then. She stood there for a moment, before going back inside to prepare to leave.
Along the way, Asriel was caught up in his own thoughts. But he wasn't left alone for long : soon, he passed Snowdrake repeating to himself a series of lines to play on stage. When he saw him, the dragonbird with icy blue plumage whistled happily as he saw the young prince, and his feathers ruffled cheerfully as the kid raised his head at him.
"Ice to meet you, Prince Asriel!" He greeted him with a rather bad pun, but Asriel certainly wouldn't say that to him as he politely replied:
"Howdy, Snowdrake. Have a nice day !" he told him before passing him.
Further on, Aaron gave a group of monsters (mostly giggling females), along with a few humans, a squat session. His eel tail beat the ground rhythmically, and his very muscular equine half-body demonstrated how to do them - more than happy to reveal the muscles in his body he was proud of and for the joy of his groupies who were ecstatic over his sweaty body.
"Alright ! Excellent ! Stretch me more muscles, like this! Give me that bicep, like that! Do- Oh, hello, Prince Asriel! Nice morning to stretch, isn't it? " The monster paused briefly and, for his prince, did a saluting pull towards the younger monster. Asriel had to stop again, trying to keep smiling despite his urge to continue on his way. However, he would not leave that way and imitated him :
"Oh yes, of course. Good morning to all of you, guys." Aaron seemed satisfied and returned to his group, while Asriel took the opportunity to quickly escape from here.
The monster walked a little faster in order to reach the exit, but that didn't prevent it from meeting other people like Moidsmal, Dogamy and Dogaressa's patrol, Woshua... They all greeted it with joy and a lot of smiles, and Asriel answered them, trying to hide his growing unease behind polite thanks. Unable to take it any longer, the prince decided to leave the premises in a more… discreet way.
He went behind a building, making sure no one could guess what he was doing. His body was shaking uncontrollably: Asriel clutched his shirt with a sweaty palm. His Soul was very agitated; he could tell just by looking at his physical condition. When he was certain of the absence of witnesses - fortunately, it was only the beginning of the morning and few people had gone out - the child closed his eyes. He didn't like it, but to get out of here without being seen was the easiest way. Beneath his bare feet, the greenery started to shine and grow abnormally. His own fur took on the appearance of grass, while his entire body became covered in vegetation. On him appeared shoots, leaves and petals. Then the earth swallowed it, before returning to normal.
Unbeknownst to Asriel, the monster Jerry had seen him flee. The rude squid was lounging in a bush, which happened to be near the prince in too much of a hurry to notice him spying on him. However, that hardly mattered: Jerry had such a bad reputation, and everyone knew THAT guy to say anything and everything, that no one would believe him or really listen to him.
Far up the mountain, a mass erupted from the earth, and Asriel, who had been in town a moment ago, emerged from the cocoon, coughing before dismissing it with his fire.
"Ugh! I can breathe !"
He vigorously removed the earth and the roots scattered on him and spitting stones that had entered his mouth. The child grimaced, before sticking out his tongue to pull out a small twig. This power he possessed was a remnant of Flowey's magic. Asriel maintained a very powerful form of connection with the plant element, although it did not enchant him much. As in the days when he was a flower, the young monster could partly change his anatomy, to blend into the earth and thus move incognito from one place to another.
Until now, he hadn't told anyone close to him, even Frisk. He kept this secret, and only used his magic to isolate himself from the rest of the world when it became suffocating. Now that he was alone, in the shade of the forest, Asriel lay down on the ground for think about many things.
The monsters who had spoken to him, naturally, were delighted to see the sweet and gentle Prince Asriel Dreemurr. But what would they do if they met his olds faces: a murderous flower, as well as an ancient evil god of Hyperdeath who had stolen their Souls and would have destroyed the world, if he had not been brought to his senses by their ambassador.
They would certainly be horrified.
And his parents...
Everyone had welcomed his return with joy; yet Asriel remembered what he had put them through. All the atrocities and infamy of his actions remained forever in his memory. Even those like Sans or Frisk didn't know every detail of what he had done, countless timelines before using the TRUE RESET.
Never mind that the consequences of his madness have been erased.
Never mind that fate gave him this new chance.
Asriel refused to forget, despite his desire to do so, as if absolutely nothing had happened. This truth made him laugh, but there was no joy in it.
"I'm really pathetic."
-oOo-
"KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK ! WE, THE GREAT PAPYRUS AND HIS HUMAN-FRIEND FRISK, ARE HERE! "
Papyrus cheerfully pushed open the huge door at the end of a hallway to let them in. Frisk followed him from behind, finishing nibbling on a snack he had brought to give himself courage. As he entered, blue arms appeared out of nowhere to chain him in a grip, then a fist rubbed hard – but affectionately – on the top of his head.
"Yo, punk! You finally show up, huh ! We were getting impatient!"
"H-hi Undyne," moaned Frisk who managed to pull himself away of her.
The flamboyant one-eyed ex-captain of the Royal Guard offered him a wide sincere smile. Her and Papyrus were responsible for keeping Frisk safe during his travels in the city. Toriel had been adamant about this; someone had to accompany him while he carried out his duties as an ambassador. His two friends had been more than willing for the task, with the skeleton coming to take him there and Undyne going so far as to put him through "a workout to strengthen your shrimp body" - her terms.
Once the little human free, Undyne went to Papyrus who had discreetly walked away, under the amused gaze of Frisk. Then he saw a gigantic horned figure approaching him, draped in a purple cape that wrapped around him. His size was so imposing that the child, not intimidated, had to raise his head to greet him.
"Hello, Asgore."
"Howdy, Frisk!" the big goat greeted him cheerfully, the hoarse voice, but friendly and cheerful. "I'm happy to see you again."
Their hands are clenched; that of the king, warm and light, but strong, engulfed his tiny and frail one. They were the hands of those who worked the soil, like farmers, and Frisk found that description more apt than those of a warrior - which Asgore was and had been. Frisk thought about how many times the two had hurt each other with them. In many alternate pasts, the King of the Underground had stood before him, clad in shining armor and holding a scarlet trident, to fight him. The child retaliated with the blade of his knife, in response to repeated attacks, to defend his life. But only the child remember that ; it was for the best. At this time, when monsters were still sealed away and at war with humanity, his soul was the last needed to destroy the Barrier. In reality, this gentle monarch meant no harm to anyone but, unable to betray the hope of the people, Asgore was forced to face him in a fight to the death, then to be finally stopped by Toriel and her fireball.
Subsequently, once the spell cast by the mages was broken, the king had asked him to be the ambassador of the monsters: Frisk had immediately accepted. Asgore helped him enormously in his duties; being himself a politician, the Boss Monster offered him useful advice and educated him in this world where dialogue was a delicate art - and under the reluctant but essential supervision of Toriel, who sometimes intervened to bring her own experience as a former co-ruler who managed the bulk of the important and economic affairs of the monsters' kingdom. Frisk loved these moments they shared together, as much as those when they drank tea in his garden, or took care of the plants in the greenhouse. Their relationship was far better than when the child had fallen into the Underground ; Asgore was truly kind and caring to the child, as much as he was to his own son Asriel.
In his own heart and Soul, Frisk loved Asgore as a father as he loved Toriel as a mother, though he never dared to call him by anything other than his name. The king treated him with affection, but the human child was afraid of crossing a line that might undermine their friendship. Moreover, one of his goals that he had set for himself in this timeline was to reconcile Toriel and Asgore : Frisk knew better than anyone how much their absence had destroyed each of the two monsters, despite the denial or resentment of one. Being an ambassador had the advantage of training him in various situations. Maybe it would help him with the royal couple's heart issues?
But, for the moment, he had to attend to a very important speech!
With a big smile under his groomed beard, the king gently pushed Frisk to another room, leaving Undyne tormenting Papyrus who begged her.
"PLEASE, NOT NOOGIES THE SKELETON!"
"Oooh, come here !"
"NOOO !"
Chapter 6: Chapter 6 : Memory and shadow
Chapter Text
In this world… it's killed or be killed !
…
All of your souls are mine !
…
Behold my true power !
…
Chara… I'm so sorry
.
.
.
Asriel knew he was dreaming; it was more like a memory, actually. He had understood it immediately, when his mind had decided to show him this fragment of his memory.
The human child had succeeded in putting him out of harm's way after enduring his wrath and repeated assaults. The Barrier was broken and their souls returned to those involved in the conflict. The resulting void in his being was terrible; however, the fallen prince did not regret his gesture. The people of the Underground were now free and could forget all the tragedies of the past.
Asriel looked at Frisk after the latter had comforted him. He would watch over his parents; the kid knew he could trust him.
Now, nothing held him here anymore.
«Right, I decided to leave. Mom or Dad couldn't see me. I would have broken their hearts again.»
« It's still a good ending » , Asriel agreed to himself before walking away, bravely trying to hide his tears. But as he was about to disappear into the darkness, he was grabbed by the sweater.
"Asriel, wait!" Frisk held him back, his tone pleading.
« Of course » . The former prince expected it. The young monster turned to him with a fake smile meant to reassure the human that he needn't worry, before to be stopping by his dark expression. It was unexpected: obviously, he hadn't known Frisk for a long time, and for a child, he was not usually very expressive - only Sans could detect the slightest trace of emotion on him. Yes, he sometimes seemed frightened, lost, sad; sometimes happy or very angry - the only time had come shortly after Asgore's death, before his battle with Omega Flowey - but Asriel could tell the human had never looked so desperate as he did at this precise moment. And that hand that held him tremblingly, the rest of him tense as if expecting disaster to come. This worried Asriel a lot, especially since the child had never acted like this even when faced with the worst trials.
«At that time, Frisk was so weird; even when he faced with the worst of circumstances, he had never seemed afraid. But not this time. It had shocked me.»
"Frisk, what's happening?" Asriel asked, instinctively wanting to help him get better, even though his time was running out.
His own unhappiness forgotten, the remnant of compassion that remained in him prompted him to ask what was bothering him. Softly, so softly that the monster had to lean in to hear him, Frisk said this:
"It will never stop, Asriel. No matter how many times I had to come back, no matter how many times I took everybody out, fought, let you go. The intervals are hazardous but, in the end, I always return to the place of my fall. The Barrier is only a false obstacle; it is not she that only needs to be destroyed."
«At this moment, he seemed so exhausted.»
"Frisk...what are you talking about?"
The human child did not answer; instead, he handed her a notebook. It was very old and decrepit; where did it come from? Hesitantly, Asriel took it, but before he could open it, Frisk stopped him.
"Wait until we return to the Ruins, where the flowers grow. I could explain myself better and tell you what you need to hear. Sans is aware: he will warn your parents and all the others to wait for me".
If Asriel shuddered at the mention of the skeleton – who knew him as Flowey from his memories of the old timelines – the child ignored him and took his hand to guide him. Already, Frisk seemed to have found all the energy of his own. Although the little goat boss monster didn't know why the eighth human was acting like this, he could feel his Determination radiating from him. He was really determined.
"This time it will be all right, Asriel," he promised loudly as Asriel could only follow him. "It took me forever to figure out what to do, but this curse ends now." And on his enigmatic words, the child and the fallen prince disappeared together.
«And then, we...»
-oOo-
"i'd leave the coffee on the table," Sans decided, a hot cup in his hand that he had left to fill for his friend, but simply put it next to Alphys sleeping on the desk - again - her head in the papers.
The geek royal scientist, handyman in her spare time, undisputed fan of Mew Mew Kissy Cutie, except for the 2, and official girlfriend of Undyne, had worked all night until late in the morning. Sans had slipped away for only five minutes to go to the kitchen and bring him some supplies; when he came back, the skeleton found her like that. Her exhaustion was understandable.
Lately, Alphys had been working hard to cure the monsters victims of her failed experiment: Lemon Head, Memoryhead, Reaper Bird, Endogeny and Snowdrake's Mother. Under Sans's guidance, she had recently become interested in the Amalgamates' current soul structure. Until then, the little yellow reptile was only trying to figure out what was wrong with their anatomy but, as his friend had suggested to him, the monsters' bodies were shaped to match their souls. After he told her how to do it, the two fellow scientists had scanned many merged ones in New Home's lab to better understand the condition of their bodies.
undyne is right about how passionate she can be, Sans acknowledged, covering her friend's back with his old work jacket. For whole days, Alphys had observed the energy curves on a diagram, variables of all kinds, and she had carried out many simulations to finally fall from exhaustion at the end of the morning. Through her snores, Alphys muttered a few unintelligible words while gritting her teeth, and Sans was pretty sure she heard her friend mutter "Undyne, marry me..." with a conspicuous blush on the scales of her cheeks.
"welp, better get out of here before we hear any more. also have to stop at grillby", decided Sans, who wandered around the residence towards the entrance, leaving the scientist to her dreams who now made her laugh shamelessly.
The house had been built on Mount Ebott, not far from the passage leading to the rest of the Underground; thus, Alphys could regularly travel to her lab in the Hotlands to conduct her research. The residence was not very spacious and its interior looked like two drops of water to his other home: on the walls hung anime posters, the floor was strewn with several piles of leaves with collector's edition figurines lying around, several manga series and boxes of instant noodles with seaweed that she nibbled a lot. Since Sans came often, a sofa had been set up in a corner of the living room. In addition to helping her in her research, he was keeping an orbit on her at Undyne's very insistent request and, as long as it was, his remains of science could also be useful to her even if he was not especially gifted than in the realm of souls. There was also a television where dozens of images displayed many areas of the region: Alphys had cameras installed everywhere that crisscrossed the area. «More a precaution», she said.
Before leaving, Sans looked briefly at the screen; the images scrolled by, and he was about to leave when one of them caught his attention. His bright eyes suddenly darkened with anxiety and sweat ran down his skull as he recognized the child who was lying there. asriel ? He was far from the perimeter his mother usually allowed. The mountains were not safe for young people to wander around unsupervised. tori will definitely turn to goat if she finds out about this.
There was something else: unlike the other images, the one where the young one sleeped, was inconstant. Parasites scrambled it, making the broadcast jerky. And that shadow, hidden near the trees not far from him... Sans had thought it was only half-light but...
Did... it just approach the prince?
The skeleton didn't waste a second and studied the place in more detail; Sans recognised one of the clearings at the foot of the mountain, a little off the path to town. He calculated quickly: on foot, it would take him a good hour to reach him because the access was quite steep and difficult to access. But...why would he bother doing that, when he could take the fast way?
-oOo-
If Asriel did not immediately understand what had pulled him from sleep, when he was sleeping very deeply, the kid knew as soon as he woke up that he was no longer alone. It didn't take him long to regain his senses, as the young goat woke up in the middle of the woods where he had dozed off. Straightening up, his fearful eyes scanned the lonely surroundings: nothing but his breath could be heard in the striking silence.
"I... Is anyone there?"
No answer. Asriel already knew that Ebott's people avoided the mountain; in the past, many legends told that no human ever returned. Rumors had it that there had been dozens of unexplained disappearances, which did not only involve those who fell into the Underground. Apart from the eight children, no other had managed to reach the summit. Its woods were said to be haunted by strange forces, and nearby residents recounted the many supernatural apparitions that could occur. That didn't make it the ideal place for a short walk.
A little intimidated, the young prince got back on his feet. Even if the disappearances had never concerned monsters, Asriel did not prefer to linger there: unlike Frisk and his courage which often turned into recklessness - probably an effect of his temporal capacity which gave him so much audacity -, he didn't want to take his own chance when something was clearly wrong. Like Flowey, Asriel much preferred retirement to seek refuge as quickly as possible, regardless of the fact that it did not seem worthy of the future king of monsters.
His hand patted one of his pockets, where his phone was kept, before moaning when he discovered he'd forgotten about it. Alright, calm down, Asriel. Maybe it's just a doe. There are plenty of them here: it will be leaving soon.
The bushes stirred; his heart skipped a beat. Further between the trees he had seen the outline of a body; too fast to know what it was, but it was no mere stray wild beast. Whoever or whatever it was, it made sure to stay hidden and came to him.
"Show... Show yourself! Now !" ordered the child with authority, fighting the panic that was making his voice weak.
It was approaching here: he had to go. While running ? But his frozen legs refused to obey him. By moving in the ground ? Too long. What do I do, what do I do, what do I do? Damn, I shouldn't have come here. No wait. Remember, Asriel, that you can defend yourself. Concentrate.
Asriel struggled to breathe; with great effort, his arms held out in front of him, mimicking the grip of a weapon. He drew magickal energy from deep within him, as Undyne and his father had taught him: his panic was not helping him to concentrate, and the young prince realized it. Asriel took a deep breath, to better control his emotions, and resumed his efforts. From his palms rose speckles of light, faint at first then, as he dug deeper, it molded into the shape of a Chaos Saber. The relief of having succeeded gave him more confidence. He prepared to retaliate against this unknown threat... until a tap on his shoulder almost made him let go.
"yo, kid! wassup?"
His reaction was immediate. With a "Gyaaaaah!" really expressive, Asriel's sword swung very, very close to Sans's head.
MISS
Before hee sliced him, Sans had reflexively lowered himself as soon as he perceived the attack. But his hood lost some textile. oh damn, that one wasn't far. he has reflexes, the kid of asgore and tori, he thought, a little impressed despite the close call.
Asriel's new Soul was thrashing wildly in his chest, and the poor boy was shaking with the expression of a deer in headlights. But once the little Boss Monster recognized the skeleton he had almost obliterated by mistake, a confused and horrified Asriel released his weapon which disintegrated and joined the skeleton on the ground.
"Oh, golly, Sans! Are you ok ?!"
"huh, i think my old noggin is still there, so yeah."
"S-Sorry, I didn't mean...it was an accident, I...I thought..." The young monster tried in vain to hold back the tears of regret that threatened to fall. He had almost started again. Because of his fright, the child had almost committed a terrible act. One more among many others.
Hearing him start to cry, Sans turned to him, already restored, and he hastened to reassure him: "it's okay, kiddo. i have nothing and then you didn't do it on purpose. i shouldn't have surprised you like that. hey, there's no damage so dry your tears, ok, otherwise your mom will turn me into the next ghost rider."
"There... there is something in the bushes. Right there," the kid explained to himself, pointing to the place behind him where he thought he saw the strange creature. "Or, at any rate, there was something that was coming my way. I... I was scared."
Everything had become calm again, as if it had only been a figment of his imagination. A little embarrassed, Asriel wondered if he hadn't overreacted, which made him feel worse for being so close to hurting Sans. The latter, however, saw something else that Asriel had missed and made him suspicious. Invisible to those who were not standing where they were, but it was there; this undulation in space that deformed the trees, before it disappeared without the slightest trace.
Except for the soul energy that only Sans could see very clearly: a line of light escaping to this place. come on, what the hell is this thing again? Someone had definitely left the place, when he appeared here and the prince had come close to making him the new skull of Shakespeare. It... really didn't appeal to him. He suppressed an exasperated sigh.
just when things were starting to go well. It wasn't cool, but Sans knew he should dig deeper into what he had just unwittingly witnessed. At such times, he cursed his role as self-imposed caretaker and his obligations. But for now, he had to take his friends' son away from here.
In a playful tone, Sans offered him: "welp, little bud. i think after all that, you need a pick-me-up. i go to grillby : you come too. we can even use a shortcut to get there, if you want."
Chapter 7: OurTale Chapter 7 : Apologies
Chapter Text
Since the monsters had been freed from the Barrier, the Underground had become depopulated of most residents. Many had waited centuries hoping to leave this place. However, that did not mean that no one lived there anymore. Many people, especially the older ones, had come to terms with life here; their home was there, as well as their family. They could go outside as often as they wanted. Some still feared that humans might come after them, as in the past. They would need more time to consider going back to the Surface.
I haven't been back here in ages, Asriel mused at the entrance to Snowdin Town, where the colorful "Welcome to Snowdin" flag greeted them right next to the sole trader's shop.
His feet trod the cold, snowy ground of the wintry village, trailing right behind Sans, who had deposited them here with a snap of his fingers. Even dressed in light clothes - on the Surface it was currently summer and he had no plans to return to that region of the Underground - the cold didn't bother Asriel (the advantage of having a naturally insulating coat and warm on yourself).
For a long time, many monsters, including himself, had only known this winter landscape. Unlike above, the snow here did not wet. It was also less tenacious when walked on. Quite a few residents wandered here - even some curious humans - under the decorative fir trees and stayed in their homes. Here and there, we called and greeted each other: everyone knew and liked each other, in this community where it was good to live - moreover, this place had been used by the embassy to present a part from the population of monsters to humans, precisely because of its charms. Some watched when the two new visitors arrive - there were quiet whispers as the subjects discovered their prince walking with the skeleton. Unlike the first, who was very relaxed, Asriel quickly became uncomfortable and preferred to look everywhere.
"over here, kid!" Sans called at the young monster behind him who had slowed down to peer at the rocky ceiling above them.
True, you can't see the sky from here... "I'm coming!" Asriel caught up and walked back to the whistling skeleton – jazz? -, carefree as usual.
He who had just escaped the beheading, he did not seem more upset than that and not disturbed by his proximity to the kid. As they walked together without exchanging any other words than those from earlier, Asriel hesitated to break the ice while discreetly observing Sans. He and Asriel had not communicated much in the past two years, it was even the first time that they were alone without anyone around, and the child wanted to seize the opportunity.
But, what could we talk about? Ask him what he was doing there, in the mountains? How is their work on Amalgamates progressing? Talk about the past? This point, the prince didn't know how to bring up properly with him, although it bothered him every time he saw the skeleton. Sans knew who Asriel and his former incarnation was; when Frisk had decided to bring him back, the skeleton had not objected. He had even helped him cover his back, while the human child carried out his project. He went so far as to allow it several trials and timelines, before Frisk succeeded.
However, Asriel suspected that Sans might feel some form of resentment against him, even if he didn't say it out loud; Flowey had ruined his life enough for anyone to want to reduce him to ashes once and for all. But the skeleton had never done anything like this to him on the Surface.
Maybe I wouldn't have any other chances after that... I have to do it. If he could have apologized to Frisk for all the wrongs he had caused him, this was not the case for Sans. And his faults towards him could reach up to the vault of the cave. Having decided to go for it, Asriel took a deep breath to get ready, when the monster in tracksuits stopped in front of a large establishment. The windows were lit from within, revealing the "GRILLBY'S" sign in large orange letters.
"here we are. follow me inside", then he entered without waiting for her, throwing a cheerful :"yo, everyone! your favorite skeleton is in the place!", greeted with warm cheers.
With less enthusiasm, the young boss monster stalked Sans so as not to lose sight of him. It was new, to walk into such a place – would his mother be mad if she found out? - and the friendly atmosphere was quite pleasant. There were a whole bunch of monsters here; the child recognized Greater Dog, Lesser Dog and Doggo all together playing cards, a red bird at the counter with a monster with a big mouth full of sharp fangs, a bunny who looked a little dazed joking with Sans, to which he answered with a big laugh, a fish at the bottom that seemed to want to approach with the rabbit and was glaring dirty at the skeleton, and a huge rebel-looking hamster that kept complaining about the Capital.
"sup, grill! how's business for ya at the moment?"
Sans sat at the counter where the bar owner, Grillby, was wiping a glass with a tea towel. Asriel, who joined the skeleton chatting with his old friend – How can he speak and make himself understood, without a mouth? -, was amazed that the fire elemental wasn't burning anything as he took the skeleton's order. Then, when he sat on the stool next to Sans...
Proooooout!
"he he he. some weirdos left a whoopee cushion lying around again," he joked as Asriel, mildly annoyed by the tasteless prank, pulled the object out from under his butt. "what will you take, az? fries or burger? i'll paid"
"uh... fries, please" he asked the manager who gave him the ok sign with one hand. "And don't worry, Sans. I have some change on me."
"cool. less on my slate."
The humanoid fire held out their order: a plate of fries and a bottle of ketchup. Sans offered him some of his sauce; however, Asriel grew suspicious and politely declined, to which his mate replied "heh, the old joke won't work with you." The child quietly nibbled on his morning brunch and he found it very good: crispy and salty as it should be. For his part, Sans drank bottoms up his bottle... seeming to appreciate it? In any case, never Asriel would have believed that he would share a cordial meal with one of the monsters which, in the past, had been the toughest opponent that stood before him. What a strange irony. He remembered how many times the skeleton had given him a bad time.
He didn't look like it, drinking and lounging like he did. But the monster hid within him a strength rivaling that of his parents, such millennial Monsters Boss, and that it was better to have on his side than against him. Flowey had learned the hard way not to crumple the Smiley Trashbag too much, starting with not touching his brother, Papyrus.
"sooo... how is it going for you at home? with all the tori teacher thing, your bro's responsibilities, and you in the middle." Sans asked him tit for tat, as Asriel nibbled on what was left on his plate.
Why is he asking me that suddenly? he wondered, taken aback by her question although he answered:
"Um... oh, w-well, everything is going fine. Mom is getting ready for class. Originally it was her idea, to show that monsters could teach and be taught with humans. Dad talked about it with the mayor of Ebott, who helped us renovate an old school building. By the way, Frisk and I are already enrolled with about 30 other students, including a few other human children."
"i see."
Asriel thought he had more questions, but the skeleton was silent for a long time, saying nothing more. While he believed Sans was done, it seemed instead that the monster was just getting started:
"Tell me, what were you doing up there, all alone? it was pretty dangerous and risky, if you ask me. you could have accompanied frisk to the embassy this morning if you wanted to move that badly."
This question, the child had imagined that he would ask him.
"I... I know, but..."
Sans turned to him, intrigued and looking genuinely concerned – or so he looked despite his constant grin – as the young monster was slow to respond. He looked for the right words.
"Frisk had offered it to me, to come with him to Ebott City. I refused. We... We didn't really fight. But afterwards, I felt really bad. I felt like I let him down. When I left home, it was to clear my head..."
"... i can understand".
Asriel looked at him for a long time, with his own question in mind «And you, Sans? How did you know where I was?» but instead, while the latter was waiting for him to speak, the prince said to him:
"Sans... that's something I wanted to tell you a long time ago. I...I've been late, too long, but I gotta do it."
His throat suddenly tightened. Asriel was so nervous that the skeleton would respond, that he paid no attention to the claws digging into his palm.. He had been planning what he would say to her for months, imagining every possible scenario. Nothing would surprise him and he would accept any reaction from him. However, his tongue was dry and the next words came out in one go:
"I beg your pardon ! For-for everything I've done – no – what I've put you through. My actions towards everyone, my wickedness towards you, and... what I almost caused, because I was a despicable, terrible and diabolical being. I'm so, so, sorry, and I know it doesn't change anything, but you had to know how sorry I am! "
The prince had closed his eyes as he took it all out, unable to look at the skeleton who was certainly outraged that the creature in front of him dared to ask for forgiveness. Asriel didn't want that much. Sans could hate and despise him, the child would never blame him – he deserved it. Still, he had to hear that. It was the least Asriel could do for him; if more was needed, then even if he demanded to get down on his knees, the monster just had to say it and he wouldn't hesitate. Strangely, it was not Sans who broke the silence that settled in the bar, following his apologies, and the voices of the customers rose.
"Well, then, Sans, why are you picking on a poor kid?"
"Don't worry, kid. Whatever you did, he won't hold a grudge against you."
"Look, you made him cry!"
"Come on, accept his apologies, look at this poor pup!"
And so on. From their point of view, the little monster was so miserable, begging the skeleton in this way and, without really knowing the cause, they seemed unfair to them that he had to lower himself to such an extent. Asriel watched as everyone stood up for him, dumbfounded by their protests against the skeleton, which had yet to react and, contrary to his initial beliefs, hadn't got angry. This... he honestly hadn't expected that to happen. Then there was a "he he he" laugh, coming from Sans who was chuckling under his breath. Yet, there was nothing funny about that. On the contrary, it was more than serious. He didn't know what to make of this reaction.
"ok, i understand."
The bony monster rose from its place; Asriel saw him walk towards the door, then stop and say:
"we can discuss it on the way back; i have to take you home to tori. given the time, she must be wondering where you have been and worrying."
A little ashamed, Asriel remembered that his mother was waiting for him to help him with school: he hadn't even thought of his phone when he left the house. Sans was right; they had to go back. The prince slid out of the seat, remembering to drop Grillby a few Gs along with a little extra for the bottle of ketchup, before joining the skeleton outside. This one did not pronounce a word and guided him towards the exit of Snowdin. It was only after the town disappeared, as they both wandered off into the forest with no one likely to hear them ; here, the trees hid absolutely everything, and the darkness resembled night. It was ideal so that we wouldn't find out what we were doing, and far enough away from the houses so that no one would hear anything.
Asriel couldn't help but have a little fear: why were they going this far? What did the skeleton have in mind? He led them to the arch of the small bridge - where, long ago, he had met Frisk, the eighth human. When he stopped and turned back to Asriel, this last was exactly where the human was. Then, Sans continued:
"you can speak honestly, kiddo. i know why you really want to apologize to me so badly. actually, you're worried that because of your previous excesses with the RESET, frisk will pay the price, right?"
He wasn't cold at all, but Asriel flinched under his fur at hearing him to reveal his true intentions. Sans had... understood so easily. With a lump in his throat, he fixed the skeleton who hadn't changed his relaxed expression, his hands in his pockets. But with his strange look in his orbits, however, the young monster guessed that he was waiting for an explanation from him. Sans was not kind to people who abused the power to control the timeline. As Flowey, Asriel knew that better than anyone. And now Frisk, too, bore this terrible burden. Since there was no point in denying it, the child sighed heavily and confessed:
"It's also true. Originally, I wanted to make amends with you, and in return, you promised not to do anything to Frisk."
"uh... do you know that of all of us, i left him alone during his crossing? and then, the promises and me-"
"I was there, you know," the prince explained, deciding not to hide anything anymore, and Sans fell silent at the admission. "At the MTT hotel, you were in the restaurant and I was spying on your conversation, since I followed Frisk in the shadows wherever he went. You told him that if my mother hadn't made you promise to protect the human who came out of the Ruins, he would be dead. Of course, then you added that it was a joke to reassure him and Frisk believed you..."
He paused, Asriel knowing full well he was walking a tightrope. As soon as he told her he had heard it, Sans had lost all his lighthearted attitude and seemed surprised – which was rare – to learn that he had been spying on them that day. Forcefully, the little monster boss continued:
"Actually, you were more than serious about it, weren't you? After all, you've told me yourself in the past: "He who wields that kind of power is not supposed to exist." So yes, Sans. I'm afraid that because of my mistakes, Frisk is in danger. Makes sense: now that the Barrier is down and the Loop out of the way, he's the only one capable of resetting our progress, and you might not want to take any chances if he decides to RESET. But he is my brother and my best friend. He has done so much, for all of us – you, Papyrus, me, everyone! Frisk deserves happiness; also, I will never let anything bad happen to him. Not necessarily only from you: anything that might seek to harm him."
This time, I will prevent Frisk from meeting the same fate as Chara, he swore to himself, and as Asriel took this oath, he gave Sans a look that challenged him to oppose.
Until then, the skeleton had respectfully let him speak, keeping his insolent remarks or questionable jokes. Far from feeling offended by his very serious accusations, Sans was...sincerely impressed by his great courage. Unlike his plant alter ego, who threatened what he disliked or bothered him, Asriel only cared about the safety of someone close to his heart.
*See him like this reminded to Sans of the kind of person he used to be, before the nightmare started.
As the prince spoke, he saw him gradually lose his childish looks. His tone had grown harsh, his features became menacing, and gradually his DETERMINATION grew. It was far beyond what an ordinary monster could bear before his body melted away but, carried away by his emotions, the heir didn't even seem to notice. But Sans did. Asriel seemed to hold a mysterious power within himself, far beyond that which he possessed as the Boss Monster. And the skeleton had a small intuition of what it could be, although it was impossible.
one day no doubt this kid will make a great king, acknowledged Sans who, despite his mixed feelings for him, was almost eager to witness what the former fallen prince would be able to accomplish in the future.
Asriel's return to the surface had been peaceful. After this serious conversation, he and Sans didn't talk anymore. The skeleton didn't add anything to his words and simply walked him home - well, he had brought them back using one of his shortcuts, otherwise it would have taken them until evening to return. As for the young monster's apology, he didn't say he accepted or rejected it.
At least I tried, he consoled himself as he reached the porch. And then, I lost my temper earlier. Talking to him like I did must not have helped.
His mother was still there; the green family car was parked on the side.
He was about to announce himself before opening, when the skeleton's voice stopped him:
"listen, kid: honestly, i haven't completely forgiven you yet and i still have my doubts about you. this whole mess was... really ugly and twisted. i hope you understand."
"Don't worry, Sans. I don't blame you for that. I haven't forgiven myself," he smiled sadly as he accepted his decision.
Somehow it relieved him that the skeleton admitted how serious his faults were. Frisk was too kind to hold a grudge and immediately forgave him for his misdeeds, while Sans wanted him to earn his redemption. It suited him perfectly.
"as for your sibling, relax, your highness. he's one of my best buddies and pap's. and then, didn't i promise your mother to protect him? tori never specified a duration, after all," he made him remember, smiling wider as Asriel looked at him gratefully and relieved. "so, i have to go, now: al must be awake. see ya, pal!" and he disappeared.
Chapter 8: OurTale Chapter 8 : Ambassey
Chapter Text
A resounding peal of laughter was heard towards the east wing, in the luxurious garden of the embassy. Under an umbrella that protected them from the sun, three people were gathered around the table to take the tea prepared by Asgore: this last, Frisk and an old man. Holding his own cup of tea which he sipped politely, the child sat between the adults, in the back of a wicker chair far too big for him. He was listening quietly with Asgore the elderly individual who laughed happily.
"I can still see the face of that weasel Fingan, when you arrived at the embassy, Frisk, and you claimed to be the one who represented the nation of monsters!" His laughter broke out again, lighting up his tanned face with its many wrinkles.
He looked like an old owl, with his bushy eyebrows, big round glasses and a pronounced nose with an exorbitant mustache. In his casual clothes, he looked more like a hermit who didn't belong in such a place - no more than an eleven-year-old child, for that matter - but the truth was otherwise.
Check ❤
*Edward Stevens: A kind-hearted man and the current mayor of the city-state of Ebott, was what flashed through Frisk's mind.
The undeniable advantage of this gift of clairvoyance, which had helped him in various forms during his travel, was that he knew more about his interlocutor than anyone else. He was a kind and caring man; the mayor was also one of the main supporting players for the integration of the monsters. He actively acted for the benefit of both their peoples, acting as guarantor for the nation of the Underground. The old man had helped them a lot in convincing the human population to give their new neighbors a chance; thanks to him all operations, like the construction of Second Home, went very well and quickly, even better than expected, during these two years. The mayor was also one of Frisk's human friends, and he got along very well with Asgore - in fact, the floral backyard in the embassy garden where they were staying had been made by the king at Edward's request.
As agreed, the dignitary had joined them to discuss about the smooth running of the integration of the monsters. Accepting the tea offered by the goat king, Edward had mentioned earlier the first day of Frisk to Ebott, who had come to meet his Council which gathered in a room the men and women in charge of the city.
This meeting had been organized only a few weeks after the recognition of the appearance of the monsters on the Surface. At first, before the people of the Underground returned to live on the Surface for good, Asgore had thought it wiser to give the humans time to get used to this new reality. After all, the people of monsters had been sealed almost a millennium ago and suddenly reappeared from the bottom of the mountain: it would have created panic. When the surprise and excitement had passed, it had been decided by the Ebott politicians, after several exchanges with this strange people, that they had to meet the leader of the Underground and, with him, the ambassador human whose identity had remained a complete mystery to most of them.
That day, when Frisk had introduced himself to the assembly, a fat, potbellied man with an austere demeanor had stormed, "Who is the jerk who took this kid today?!" fidgeting in his seat, as the child patiently explained to him that he was the ambassador supposed to meet them, while waving the invitation stamped with the seal of the city.
"He didn't believe you for a second, until you had to intervene once you got there, Asgore" the mayor reminded the king mischievously, so tall even sitting in his chair that he made him look shrunken. "I've never seen someone break down so quickly."
"Yes I remember as well!" the monster admitted after a sip of his tea, shaking his heavy horned head. "Poor man. I thought he was ill, because of his sudden pallor. It must have been, since he left shortly after without returning for the rest of the day."
Or he was scared to death by a certain Boss Monster, with beast claws and teeth and twice his size, scoffed the little human, who hid his smile behind his cup.
Not just Fingan, most of those present had been silenced except for Edward who was presiding over the session and actively chatting with the king. The others had been intimidated by the presence of this goat of titanic dimensions; Frisk had seen the fear in their eyes. But throughout the discussions, the monster had been humble and courteous to humans. In addition, the presence at his side of the child had alleviated their initial mistrust. Both had answered every question posed to them: the Barrier, the release of the monsters, Frisk's involvement in this story...
Subsequently, they had evoked the desire of the monsters to return to live on the Surface in peace, with humans. They were ready to integrate, had assured the young ambassador supported by Asgore, having added that his kingdom would be ready to provide all the means necessary for this enterprise: financial, workforce and technological. Immediately, the Council had been more easily receptive to the reasonable, but nevertheless necessary, requests that Frisk had enumerated one by one:
- allow monsters who wanted to stay on the Surface.
- humans should recognize the Underground as an independent territory and nation of monsters.
- each monster would be equal to any human, whether in rights and duties.
And, the most important:
- the two peoples would conclude a treaty of non-aggression, in order to preserve peace.
These were the main points discussed, and still others had followed during the next negotiations which had taken place over many months. Before any decision was made, Asgore also decided to clear up the reason for their appearance first, sparing no detail. Over the past fifty years, eight children had disappeared on Mount Ebott and their fate remained unknown. Frisk vividly remembered that day, which had been one of the most agonizing of his short life. It still frightened him now, as he saw the king standing on the platform, facing the people of the Surface.
In front of a large audience, mostly made up of journalists, Asgore spoke to reveal his responsibility and that of his people in the death of six of the missing. "Nothing in the world could erase the crimes that we monsters have committed by taking these innocent lives. I gave this order; my people only obeyed" he said without hiding the pain and guilt in his eyes, as he clenched his fist to the point of hurting himself. "We had acted cruelly, driven by anger and fear, as humans had once attacked and slaughtered our people. Your great determination makes you far superior to us: a single human, even a child, would be able to decimate us entirely if he had the intention."
If the king had wanted to be honest and not hide their actions, he had never mentioned the real reason behind his decision to declare war on humans after so many centuries. The monster had not spoken of the deceased first child, Chara, nor of his son, Asriel, and their fate. The monarch had preferred to silence the indirect involvement of his sons in his decision, following their death, so that no one could blame them.
Hiding behind a curtain, listening to him reveal all these truths and then stop, Frisk expected angry cries to erupt all over the place. Let one come to this platform to attack the king knowing now how much, despite his imposing stature, he was actually weaker than the most helpless of humans. Even he, a skinny little boy in comparison, had managed to get him to his knees and his MERCY.
"Please don't let anything bad happen to him," he prayed, hoping to be heard by anyone.
The king would never dare to retaliate if he was attacked, so as not to endanger his people, even if it meant his death warrant. Otherwise... there would be only one way to fix everything. As soon as he thought about it, a clear image appeared in his mind.
Two words in bright yellow letters, which flashed in front of him and his Soul like a command that he would only have to engage :
|TRUE RESET|❤
Frisk felt the immense power radiating from it. A simple gesture, and we started from scratch. To do things better. But would he be able to, knowing what it meant? Before he had decided, Frisk had been brought back to the present by a gesture from Asgore towards him, who gently encouraged the kid to join him.
"Come, young one," he asked him in a soft voice.
Timidly, the child crossed the space, conscious of the hundred eyes trained on him, as well as the cameras which broadcast his image: that of a frightened and fearful child, far from the courageous hero that the monsters imagined. It wasn't until the king, who laid a large, comforting paw on his stiff shoulder, that Frisk's fears melted away. Close to the king he knew, ignoring where this certainty had come from, that everything would be fine.
"While the Underground was filled with despair," he continued, infinitely happier and holding the boy, "Frisk brought us his light, and he enlightened our eyes blinded with darkness - including mine. Humans, while capable of the worst, could also share love and compassion for those different from them. Not only did this child save us, he also gave me back this hope, one day, Human and Monster could be reconciled and live together again. This is the future I want to believe in, now."
Following this wise affirmation, Asgore fell silent to let the humans speak, probably expecting to hear their blame and accept it. Frisk, on the other hand, wouldn't let that happen. Determined, he gently freed himself from Asgore's grasp and moved towards the edge uninvited.
The boy barely listened to the monarch call his name, asking where he was going with a bold step. His shoes grazed the void; from where he stood, Frisk towered over the line of curious cameramen and reporters. It no longer scared him. Not when his Soul, right now, was so determined that it could radiate through his chest. If he had to speak, it was now or never!
A new word appeared:
|ACT|❤
Then, the child spoke thus:
"I am Frisk, one of children who fell from Mount Ebott and the ambassador of the monsters; role entrusted to me by King Asgore Dreemurr. Know that I accepted it, freely, to speak on behalf of the entire Underground nation. You know my story: I too, like all the other children who preceded me, fell into the realm of monsters. Before, I only knew of their existence through tales and legends, like most of you. After my fall, the Barrier that the human mages had created prevented me from returning and I was forced to seek another way. This is what led me to go to their king's castle, hoping to find an answer there. During my trip, I met many residents of the Underground; it is true, some have fought me. Others, on the contrary, helped me and protected me. I was even able to become their friend: me, an insignificant little human. Without them, I know I could never have made it this far."
He put a hand on his shirt; his Soul pulsed softly, calling to them, as Frisk let his words reach those who listened.
*Deep inside, he felt their Souls resonate with his own.
"Each side has harmed the other; our mutual mistake has been to allow ourselves to be dominated by anger, sadness and hatred, instead of love, mercy and forgiveness. See where that attitude has gotten us. If we want to live together, we must not allow the mistakes of the past to be repeated. And if we get there, I am convinced that it will be the dawn of a radiant era. The war has lasted too long and shed too much blood: it is time for peace to return and prosper between our peoples. Together, I know it's possible."
That was all. The Soul connection severed itself, before burying deep within his being.
When Frisk walked away from the silent crowd to join Asgore, the last thing he expected was to hear a round of applause rising behind him, getting louder and louder. He blinked, not believing that his improvised speech was greeted like that. Then someone lifted him off the ground; below, the King of the Underground was helding him under the armpits and smiling broadly, moved. So proud of their little ambassador.
Frisk adjusted the uniform, a four-piece with a bow tie, and checked that the brooch was holding on to the garment. It would not miss that it falls in full speech. A winged heart, supported by three triangles underneath, had been created for the monster nation's ambassador – Frisk. It was Gerson, the old Waterfall merchant turtle now established on the Surface running a small business there. He had made it at the request of the king, from a charm and a hint of craftsmanship. So it was very valuable to him.
The child readjusted the object a little askew, at the moment when there was a knock - vigorously - at the door. That means it's...
"Hey, Frisk! Are you done in there?" called Undyne through the wood - it couldn't be otherwise - who had no doubt come to fetch him as the preparations for this evening were completed.
"Coming !" he replied, looking at himself in the mirror, well brushed and dressed as he should be. It was time. No more backtracking; in a few moments, his speech will determine the future relations between their peoples.
Heart pounding, Frisk slipped his hand into one of the pockets and held the Papyrus' stone. Its rough, cold touch, oddly, eased his apprehension. I won't let you guys down: Mom, Asgore, Az, and all my friends, he promised himself, and then, in a burst of courage, Frisk pushed open the door.
Papyrus, Undyne, and Asgore, all three gathered to wait for him in the hallway, turned to the human child with an expression full of confidence, hope and love. At that moment, everyone's dreams rested on his shoulders, gave him strength and courage.
He's filled with...
DETERMINATION
"I'm ready !"
-oOo-
How fascinating.
Again... the singularity is reinforced.
Soon. Very soon.
I cannot wait to meet you, my great creation.
Chapter 9: OurTale Chapter 9 : Before the speech
Chapter Text
"Frisk, darling! This way !" cried the robotic voice of Mettaton in humanoid form, more dazzling and glamour than ever in the midst of his assistants.
The ambassador and his troop, arrived on site with Papyrus' car, had just arrived at the gates of a castle-like building, where the Council meeting would be held. A security perimeter had been installed to control the crowd, held back by the police. Frisk watched as the famous robot waved at them with its long arm, surrounded by its camera crew checking out the advanced and expensive equipment; there was even the monster cat BP (Burgerpants) - still in his fast food outfit and also demoralized as he tried so hard to assemble a camera - with Shyren towards the microphones. And among them...
"Yoooo, Frisk! I'm here, too!"
Monster Kid, aka MK, a close friend of Frisk since the Waterfall episode, rushed over to the group. He was beaming, more excited than ever, and brimming with energy as he straddled the mess of cables, unstoppable despite the multiple protests that erupted as Kid passed. And what had to happen, happened. Before Frisk or anyone else could warn him to slow down, the little armless lizard accidentally caught his paws in the hookup wires, lost his balance, and...
"Whoa!"
Kaboom!
Carried away by his run, the poor monster sprawled hard on the grassy ground, under the incredulous gaze of the adults, and downright panicked by Frisk who quickly joined him.
"MK! Are you ok ?"
"Don't worry man, you know I'm used to it" his friend reassured him with a bright smile, agreeing to eat the candy the human offered him upon seeing his bruised muzzle.
Frisk helped him to his feet by grabbing his woolly striped sweater and, before letting him go, he placed a magical kiss on his forehead; not to flirt, like Frisk did very regularly with everyone and was famous for this temper throughout the Underground - now the Second House too -, but only to comfort him like Toriel with Asriel and him. The little yellow monster, not slowed down at all by his fall and very happy after the care of his friend, ran energetically towards the rest of the gang, shouting enthusiastic "Hi Undyne, Papyrus and Mr. Dreemurr!''. With an amused smile, the child turned to Mettaton who was giving a few rounds of instructions to his team.
"Thank you again, Mettaton, for agreeing to take MK with you. He begged to come see us."
"Oh, that's a real pleasure, Frisk darling!" replied the robot-star, appreciating his thanks. "This little one is among my most loyal viewers; I couldn't decently refuse his request, or that of our ambassador. And then I thought tonight, the more friends you have by your side, the better off you'll be."
His words were kind and sincere, Frisk had no doubt. However, without wanting it, the star had stirred a thorn lodged in his heart. Because, of course, he would have liked everyone to be there with him. Toriel, Sans, Alphys... he understood that their work was important. As for Asriel, he was still terrified of his previous treatment the humans had given. Forcing him to come wouldn't have been right. Frisk knew it, but that didn't stop him from being a little disappointed. To hide his embarrassment and silence his gloomy thoughts, the boy continued:
"How are you doing? On the Undernet, it is said that you were about to sign a contract with a surface broadcasting channel.
"Wonderful, you can say that!" exclaimed Mettaton with an enthusiastic and excited twirl. "In fact, many have been dazzled by the MTT content, including the replay of our dance fight – by the way, they are also very interested in you and would like you on stage – and offer to sponsor me. Not to mention the many cosmetics and fashion brands that are ready to pay colossal sums to partner with me!"
Mettaton continued for a moment to talk about his activities, referring to his meetings with other celebrities, some engineers very interested in his steel body "Nevertheless, I categorically refused to reveal my manufacturing plans, to avoid the slightest plagiarism" , his first photo shoot for a fashion magazine, etc... At the mention of Napstablook as DJ of the MTT group, Frisk was particularly attentive to his words; he cared a lot about the melancholy ghost, especially knowing his rather depressing background. The knowledge alone, lying on the floor all day to feel like garbage - even if the experience was most fascinating to live - make him sad.
"Bl-Napstablook is doing a remarkable job," Mettaton told him, stopping himself in extremis from pronouncing the ghost's nickname. "I must admit that for an ectoplasm, some of his compositions are passable, even very good. His mastery of acoustics convinced me to hire him on the team some time ago and, unsurprisingly, he was more than happy to have the privilege of working for me".
The robot's remarks might have sounded rather detached and purely professional, but the child knew that Mettaton - aka Hapstablook - genuinely cared about his young cousin. After their battle that left him nearly destroyed, Napstablook's surprise call left him feeling guilty for abandoning him in the past in an effort to become a star. Making him work for him was his way of reconnecting, indirectly, and without the ghost knowing the true identity of the idol he admired. What would he say when he learned that it was one of his cousins, having left him to manage the family farm alone?
Although he knew the truth, Frisk preferred to let Mettaton have the courage to tell him and not rush things by revealing his knowledge, to the detriment of everyone's feelings. Besides... it would involve revealing his little illegal trespass, as well as the indiscreet reading of the diaries scattered on the floor. Apparently, Mettaton also preferred to change the subject and moved on to another question:
"But enough about me! How is my dear Alphys? I haven't had the opportunity to come lately and her Undernet account hasn't been so active lately."
"She and Sans continue their research on Amalgamates. When I saw her Monday, Alphys looked really exhausted. Undyne is worried that she's not getting enough rest...and she's not the only one."
The robot produced a thoughtful mechanical growl, pouting disapprovingly behind his abundant hair. Tapping his heels, he muttered, "The same as usual: her poor scales will fall off prematurely" and promised himself to visit her as soon as possible.
Frisk was happy to see that despite his newfound fame, Mettaton was not forgetting his friends, including Alphys. After all, she was the one who crafted his current body and then enhanced it before he started his showbusiness career on the Surface. Maybe seeing him will relieve her a little. While they were talking, the child noticed that his friends had just entered the building and were waiting for him; he had to join them.
"I have to go, Mettaton. It was nice to see you: I hope your future contracts will go well!"
"One moment, darling!" the star stopped him before he got too far away, causing him to turn towards the robot. "Before you run away, I wanted to warn you that members of the Anti-Monster League will be present, including that dreadful Senator Jordan. He might act up again during your speech; anonymous sources - whose names I will not mention - warned me. I have personally verified their information and, unfortunately, this will be the case. So get ready."
On this warning, he left to return to his team, leaving Frisk to ponder his words which didn't surprise the child. He expected it a little, it's true, but the ambassador would have preferred to avoid any confrontation.
With the Anti-Monster League there, it was inevitable.
In the space of two years, Frisk had had to face some difficulties, like disproving the prejudices of humans and slowly making them accept that the monsters returned. Trying to mend past faults between men and monsters, or at least make them less heavy, was not small feat either. Fortunately, the child had managed to find solutions and compromises that the parties would accept. However, there remained rather stubborn black spots. One was about the acceptance of the people of Ebott, who lived near the monsters, and not all of them accepted it. It had caused more or less major problems, but nothing irreparable beyond a few scuffles and, as the neighborhood got used to the new residents, things had softened.
However, several anti-monster groups had had time to emerge, and their views of monsters cast them in a very unfavorable light.
One of them, called the Anti-Monster League, had enjoyed great popularity in its early days. Even today, it was made up of many members and supported by a few influential politicians. Senator Jordan was one of its leaders. Their arguments were numerous, to refuse that the monsters do not return to the Surface and, alas, they had been able to convince a large public of the "dangerousness" of the people of the Underground. "Our ancestors buried them for a good reason," they would say to whoever listened to them. "It is a mistake to let them do this, knowing that at any moment one of them could steal our Soul and decimate us!"
Despite Frisk's many pleas to dispel this misunderstanding, the child had only once been able to speak with one of the leading party leaders. Without shaking the friendly hand extended to him by the ambassador, Senator Jordan Krim had looked at him with cold, piercing reptile eyes. The politician, tall and hairless - even from his eyebrows - had lifted his lips like a snake ready to bite.
"I don't know what you are exactly," he had plagued through gritted teeth, "But whether you're another abomination or a human hypnotized by their curse, I'll prove to those poor people you fooled, that your pacifism is just a lie intended to down our guard".
Then, with all the disgust he could show, the man left him there. Frisk never saw him again, except in propaganda footage edited by his group and his severe anti-monster accusations.
As they entered the huge circular chamber of Ebott's Council, the child watched the room fill up as they walked. Towards the upper bleachers, Mettaton and everyone else aimed their cameras at him. MK was bouncing around with encouraging "You got this!".
Other teams of journalists arrived and imitated them, so as not to lose a crumb of the historical scene. Frisk began to feel frozen with apprehension; which didn't help when his eyes met those of Senator Jordan, seated up front. The ugly man did not take his eyes off him, who flared up at the sight of the monsters accompanying him and answered a woman – probably from his party – by nodding his head. That expression of satisfaction he wore right now...
Frisk didn't like it at all.
"Tell me this is a joke; there's the other moron and his group of full idiots!" grumbled Undyne, refraining from showing her sharp teeth, ulcerated by the presence of the one who had spoken so badly to her friend.
"Now, Undyne. He has the right to come with those who support him; here, anyone can express their opinion. Even more at times like this," Asgore reminded her cautiously, though he moved closer to Frisk so that his large body blocked out that disturbing vision.
The child was greatly relieved, but remained silent due to stress, as Papyrus joined in Undyne's words, though he was more worried than upset.
"STILL, YOUR MAJESTY, I HAVE A FEEL THAT HE IS WAITING FOR ANY OPPORTUNITY TO ATTACK THE HUMAN-FRISK."
"Which we will prevent, obviously. However, I doubt he will do anything wrong in front of the cameras. But worst case scenario, both of you remember that if things get out of hand, we just have to pick up Frisk and leave."
Saying this, Asgore crouched down to the level of the ambassador. Frisk locked on his green gaze, a shade close to Asriel's. He felt his absence more strongly, but under these circumstances he was more relieved that his half-brother wasn't there.
"Listen me, Frisk. Undyne, Papyrus and I must go to our seats now. However, have no fear, dear child. At the slightest trouble, we'll come to pick you up immediately. We will never let you face a perilous situation alone. And do not forget..."
He brought a clawed finger to his chest, which the monster touched lightly like a bird's feather. Frisk's Soul beat louder, as if in response to his touch, and the king continued with more soft tenderness:
"Speak with your Soul. I know that you'll reach them, I am sure of it."
"Yeah, do what you know best, punk! Show us again how determined humans are when they want to!" Undyne added, scrunching his hair – and messing it up in the process.
"IT'S TRUE, MY DEAR HUMAN FRIEND! AND REMEMBER THAT ALL OF US BELIEVE IN YOU!" Papyrus finished with a bigger smile than he always wore.
Frisk's fear dissipated as he heard their encouragement. And when they left to sit in the part of the room dedicated to them, the young ambassador headed for the podium where he would speak. It's true. As long as I have my friends by my side, here or in thought, everything will be fine.
-oOo-
"Quick, mom! We gonna be late!" Asriel exclaimed at the front door, impatient and afraid they'd missing the beginning of the program, barely wiping his paws on the carpet.
"If a certain little person had shown up sooner, or at least taken his phone, so I wouldn't have to search all over the village - thanks to Sans, I was able to come back quickly - and we would have finished earlier," Toriel scold, glaring her son through her glasses, making the culprit squirm in discomfort.
Both Boss Monsters had just returned from school, after dropping off together several boxes of textbooks and a quick inspection of his mother in the school almost finished. The establishment had been renovated, only missing a brush stroke on the facade. Originally an old abandoned church, the mayor had given permission to use it to build the new school which would welcome monster and human children. It was a very important step to consolidate the ties between the two peoples, going through the younger generations who were the future. Many rooms had been fitted out and enlarged, the walls had been destroyed then built; a small playground had even been set up, with a small football-basketball field for play, several benches in the shade of the trees where echo flowers were growing and, further on, a vegetable garden for growing fruit and vegetables. Toriel had lingered inside, chatting with the workers, while Asriel waited for her on one of the new swings to inaugurate it. The sun was setting when they were finally gone.
Spinning to the living room, the little goat threw himself on the television to turn it on, then chose the MTT channel. When Toriel sat down in her big chair, carrying Asriel on her knees who settled comfortably against her, the two were relieved to see that the session had not started.
"Look, there's Frisk!" Asriel gestured to the small human on screen, standing in the speaker's place.
As if overheard, the camera zoomed in on the ambassador's face. His brother kept a neutral expression, but the young monster could tell he was nervous. His eyes were much more narrowed than normal, a small but telling detail. Nevertheless, he stared straight ahead at the assembly, ready to speak. It was something he admired about Frisk: no matter what was in front of him, he never was intimidated and held his head high. This attitude he had explained a lot how Frisk had been able to get through the obstacles in his path, until now.
Cheer up, Frisk! We are all with you ! Asriel encouraged him, feeling his mother's arms wrap around him more tightly as the Council President announced the start of the session.
Chapter 10: OurTale Chapter 10 : Speech
Chapter Text
So many people were watching him.
The ambassador was in the middle of the room, filled with adults and monsters. A solemn silence had settled, waiting for the child to finally speak, while he was lowering the microphone to his height.
Did they hear his shortness of breath? The rapid beating of his heart? From the podium, Frisk guessed what the majority thought without having to check it, especially those against him: this young child should not be there in this place, during such an important day that would go down in History.
Like it was just a game.
However, he was not just any kid. Frisk had long ceased to be just a common child, and this one had almost forgotten this.
He had braved dangers that no one could imagine.
He had survived many adversaries from another world.
He had become their friend.
He had stood up to the mighty King of the Underground.
He had appeased the fury of an angel of prophecy, before saving him.
Finally, he had broken a long chain of eternal suffering.
On a second thought, Frisk realized, what I accomplished on the Surface seemed so much easier. This last weekss, he had been deciding what should be said, because Frisk had feared that he would not be able to overcome this trial. Dozens of papers and written essays had been written, before he started again because none really pleased him. Immediately, it faded from his mind.
Now he realized how pointless it was. Asgore had reminded him, earlier, Frisk should speak with his Soul. After all, wasn't it by doing exactly that that he survived the challenges that presented themselves?
And what it said to him, when he listened carefully, was to share with them the feeling of happiness that filled him at this hour. "I will not begin my speech as you might expect; but, first of all, I wanted to thank everyone, humans and monsters, for the efforts that have been made to make possible the cohabitation between the inhabitants of the Surface and those of the Underground", he proclaimed, without hiding his joy and his happiness. "Without all of you, united in the same goal of bringing this integration project to fruition, we would not have been able to come all this way to today."
Many appreciative murmurs were heard at his statement; Frisk turned briefly to his friends in the back, and Asgore's nod of approval told him he had made the right choice. The child continued:
"As you know, almost two years ago the Dreemurr Royal Family and the Council of Ebott agreed that before true cohabitation between our peoples was possible, monsters would have to earn the trust of humans. To do this, it had been decided that the people of the Underground could live on the Surface, provided that they remained exclusively in the vicinity of the mountain where few humans lived. In return, the monsters could settle on the Surface and build a place where they would live in complete safety. Day by day, I can see our village becoming a beautiful place, and I know that it will not stop developing sustainably, like peace between our peoples."
In each of his words, Frisk had tried to infuse his emotions into them. It was necessary that everyone present knew how he felt, to hope that they experienced the same feelings. The child drew them from his memories, in the early days of the return of the monsters. The beginnings had not been simple and difficult; it had taken patience and a great deal of persuasion for everyone to get used to living near each other, and for the neighbors to begin to establish contact. To make things easier, rules had been established in Second House, some of which incorporated conditions into approved agreements, such as mutual respect between races and the absolute prohibition of monsters and humans fighting each other.
"The establishment of a patrol service has greatly contributed to ensuring that security is the best possible", as Frisk explained," provided by several monster-human teams who have were mainly separate groups of humans and monsters ; now, they have become homogenized thanks to the intervention of our captain in charge of surveillance", he added.
Frisk hadn't mentioned her name, but he heard the temperamental merfolk give a proud giggle, grabbing her teammate and lieutenant Papyrus to give him a strong friendly hug. A rumor of approval rose in the Assembly, praising the spontaneous prevention of the inhabitants of Second House. Thanks again, Undyne, for suggesting it to me. Your idea is bearing fruit.
Faced with the growing number of inhabitants of Second House now exceeding a thousand individuals, all peoples combined, Undyne had suggested that he integrate a form of police to ensure the security of their small community which was becoming a real city on the Surface.
"It's true that we didn't have too many problems," she replied when the child pointed out that there had been no incident. "For now, at least," she added, pinning him in place with her yellow eye. "We are doing well, Frisk, I grant you. So imagine for a second that something is happening, anything. It doesn't matter if it's the monsters' fault or someone else's, those like that viper Jordan don't leave us the slightest margin for error. They will fall on everyone, by giving us the pretext that we should have foreseen this kind of eventuality. Having rules is good. But not enough to be certain that all risk is averted, especially with so many people in the same place."
Undyne had given him food for thought that day, and after Frisk had seriously considered the matter, he had quickly recognized that her friend had an important point. Moreover, it would greatly benefit the cause of the monsters, by showing them protecting the population together. With a sly, insolent smile on his face, the ambassador asked her suggestively, "Tell me: would you like to come out of your retirement and become the captain of the New Guard?"
Evidently, the ex-captain had quickly catched him by the collar of the sweater, half ripping him off, then had sprinted all over the village with him hovering helplessly and choking "Un...Undyne. .. Can't breathe..." under the bewildered gaze of the passers-by they met.
The most humiliating day of his entire life.
Thanks to her athletic form, they had soon found Asgore at his home near the forest, outside the Second House. Frisk, while rubbing his bruised throat in a bad mood, had nevertheless told him about Undyne's project which did not hide her excitement. He had explained that this could be favorable to them, in order to better gain the trust of humans who would see them protecting their home and integrity to all.
"It's a very good idea," admitted the monarch, who had been openly impressed by the correctness of this decision. "I will discuss it with the mayor later in the evening, although I guess he would be completely on board with your proposal." And, the next day, the New Guard was created, with Undyne at its head.
Her first recruit was, of course, the skeleton Papyrus. Somehow, as soon as Asgore had confirmed to them the creation of the guard when Frisk and Undyne had come to his house with the news, he had burst from the window with a deafening crash. Beneath their stunned expressions – not too surprised by his two friends, and that completely bewildered by the king in front of this mess of broken glass – he shouted, raising his ribs: "I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, ARDENTLY WISH TO JOIN THE NEW GUARD IN ORDER TO PROTECT OUR FRIENDS, MONSTERS AND HUMANS!"
"So what do the results of the implementation of these patrols give?" one of the counselors asked him from the middle row, snapping Frisk out of his memories.
"Lastly, none incident has been reported," continued the ambassador, answering this question. "The most important thing is that everyone works together, while getting to know each other better. Captain Undyne made sure the teams had a good dynamic, with human-monster pairings."
When he finished, Frisk watched the contented man sit back in his seat. Immediately after, he saw an old lady, learned and severe in appearance, get up. The young child recognized her as the former principal of the town's high school, now head of Ebott's Department of School Services:
*This old lady doesn't carry monsters in her heart, revealed his secret Check and Frisk understood that she would not be easy to persuade, as the minister argued:
"I have heard of a school, not far from your village, which would be ready to open its doors to young children of our two peoples. What do you hope this brings us, exactly? I admit to having some reservations about this project and wondering about its real necessity.
"We hoped to share our respective cultures and knowledge, so that each would gain a better understanding of the other. This school would make it possible to better familiarize the presence of monsters in our daily interactions, whether as other students or teachers, and to teach what we have learned from each other." Frisk answered, repeating what Toriel had explained to him when his adoptive mother mentioned this endeavor to bring their civilization closer together.
He thought like her and believed that this simple reason would convince his interlocutor in the same way, but she shook her head curtly and insisted:
"Isn't it too early, on the contrary, when so few time has passed since the integration of the monsters? Not that the idea is bad in itself; however, it seems rushed to me. Not to mention that we have no way of knowing if the monsters who will educate our children are truly adept at the task. At least, I'm reassured to know that human teachers will assist them."
Frisk didn't know what to say at the time, a little taken aback by her obvious skepticism and the other nods that followed his statement. Hiding the frown that threatened to reveal his thoughts, the ambassador preferred to take a new question addressed to him, after the minister had returned to her place.
...
Further down the front rows, as the debate continued after the minister's intervention, Asgore waddled uncomfortably in his seat. He imagined that his ex-wife must have watched the broadcast of the meeting and, sure, the words that had been spoken would greatly displease at her. Himself did not appreciate at all this insinuation of the incompetence of his family to teach, especially knowing that it was for his beloved a real passion to educate the younger generations.
Tori might take it very personally, he guessed as the monarch concentrated as best he could on the other speaking engagements. However, stubborn as he knew her, it was not his harsh words that were likely to demotivate her. On the contrary.
-oOo-
In her own chair, Toriel hadn't missed a beat of Frisk's speech; her mother's heart overflowed with pride for her child, and a broad smile as she listened to him speak so bravely. However, the next exchange between her human son and the old woman spoiled her joy. As a future teacher of this school, the comments that this human had made were absolutely intolerable and insulting, especially coming from a person who had accumulated only a handful of decades of knowledge, ridiculous compared to her vast centuries-old.
Narrowly managing to control her irritation, the former queen of the monsters royally suppressed the indignation invading her at the moment, which only manifested itself at the curling of her muzzle. She knew very well that these kinds of words were motivated by a clear lack of open-mindedness, obviously forgetting the major advancement of her people in technology and science, especially during the last fifty years. Defiance and the desire for revenge emanated from her voice, when she coldly retorted:
"Hmpf. We will see at the end of this semester if your doubts are justified, dear minister. When we get there, I will demand an adequate apology for this rude behavior."
Hearing it, Asriel hadn't missed the passionate flame that burned deep in her red eyes. Fantastic. Mom might be more motivated than ever to turn us all into her little geniuses, Frisk, he lamented comically.
However, Asriel was fine with proving to this wicked woman that her mother was more than capable of making their school one of the best in all of Ebottland. Finally, his reading of almost all the works during his years of wandering in the Underground would really serve him for something. Moreover, from the look on Frisk's face when the Minister made such false allegations, Asriel knew his brother had the same idea in mind as the argument continued.
-oOo-
For a long time, Frisk continued his speech. He had discussed future projects, such as the construction of a major road between Second House and the city of Ebott, but he had also cited the city's thriving economy thanks to the export of various magical products from from the Underground. Thus, the realm coffers that had been used to build their homes had been replenished, and the debt to those on the Surface almost entirely paid.
Gradually, the questions from the assembly had become rarer. Frisk realized, with relief, that the end of the assembly was approaching. The initial weight that had weighed him down since his departure had been lightened.
Towards the end, the earlier fatigue from this morning had slowly come back to weigh on him and was starting to take effect. Forced to constantly stand behind the desk, his legs, which he held straight, tired. His throat was starting to ache, as he forced his weak, childlike voice to be heard all the way to the back of the room. No one could have guessed, but behind his long thick eyelashes, his eyes were near to droop to the point of closing completely.
It's almost over, he thought to give himself strength, as his own speech finally concluded: "On behalf of all the people of the Underground, I express my deepest gratitude to you for listening to me. I sincerely hope that I have answered your questions properly. I know, of course, that many find me strange to act on behalf of monsters," he said, looking at his opponents. "But I, who live with them, know that coexistence isn't a fantasy. They granted me a wish that I had expressed so ardently: a family. Now I have wonderful guardians, an awesome brother and so many friends. It's more than I could have expected ever. And I want to defend all of that. Thank you for your attention."
He bowed in front the whole Assembly, respectful, while many of them greeted him. The huge room became noisy, and Frisk sat up only when the President of the Assembly spoke:
"In this case, the session is closed! Now everyone please leave!" Frisk came down from the stage, slowly because of his wobbly legs. His exhaustion was partly the cause, but also the relief that softened his muscles. When his feet hit the ground, he was slammed into a steel-hard body, and arms threatened to shatter his fragile spine.
"That is my bestie for you! You assure, little punk!" Undyne congratulated him, squeezing harder, dangerously threatening to drop his HP as he lost his air.
"IT-IT WAS A-MA-ZING, FRISK!" Papyrus added, wiping the waterfalls of tears dripping from his eye sockets. "I-I KNEW YOU WOULD MAKE IT, I NEVER THOUGHT OTHERWISE!"
He was starting to see black spots dancing in his vision, but Frisk suffered in silence and, with a crushed smile, he gave a thumbs up. Lack of air... Need... to breathe... urgent... help me someone...
"Undyne, I think you should let him go, now," Asgore interjected, watching the distressed child slowly turn as blue as his former student choking him to death.
As soon as the affectionate and lethal hug ended (it wouldn't be surprising if his health bar was quite low), Frisk nearly choked took a breath of precious oxygen. "T... Thank you Undyne, Papyrus," he spluttered between two well-deserved breaths.
When his breathing returned to normal, the child felt a large paw - Asgore's - flatten his hair and rub it tenderly.
"You made us all proud, Frisk," he told with emotion. "Once again, you show me that I was right, to make you our ambassador. I couldn't have chosen better."
"...Thank you, Asgore," Frisk replied, almost tearful hearing him say that. He had no other way to express how he felt at that moment.
But the sovereign yes, while he placed himself at his height as before, on his knees in front of the child; Frisk felt an involuntary shudder as Asgore, hesitating, opened his massive arms for him.
An image was superimposed suddenly: in the great hall of the East Gate, where the Barrier was and which held them all prisoners unless one of them perished, Frisk had refused to inflict this deathblow, accepting that his fate was to live and die in the Underground. The incomprehension in front of the merciful gesture of the child crying his refusal, whom he had hurt so much and almost killed, had shaken the fallen king, before he had decided to welcome the lost human as his own son.
"We could be like...like a family," he said, with eyes full of pure love, where hope shone brighter than the stars in the sky.
Frisk had stepped forward, staggering from the burns and bruises of the fight, but wanting to take refuge in his open arms. And when he finally reached him, the petals...
This... had never happened in any other timeline. Not like this, on his own initiative. Frisk thought he was dreaming, and in a moment the illusion would vanish.
"Frisk... Can I?" Asgore inquired, becoming uncertain as the small human hadn't moved. His arms had dropped slightly, but he wouldn't let him back down. The child threw himself with an emotional laugh on the king, who flinched a little at the impact as he retreated into the embrace, feeling his golden beard tickle his forehead, as Frisk hugged the sturdy neck of the king. No, he wasn't imagining anything.
Asgore gently tightened his grip around the frail body of Frisk snuggled against him, marveling at what was happening and unable to suppress a blissful smile. If... If only it were possible. And if it really is, maybe I...
"I call it a celebration!" Undyne exclaimed, overflowing with good humor at their emotional display. "What do you think, Papyrus?"
"NYE HE HE, I SAY IT'S A BRILLIANT IDEA, MY FRIEND! HURRY TO THE CAR, AND WE WILL ALL GATHER AT LADY TORIEL FOR A PARTY!"
The skeleton took the lead, followed by the fish monster. Frisk had moved away from Asgore, then grabbed his hand and together they walked to join their friends to go home. Before, the child looked at the seats where Senator Jordan and his party had observed him. None of them had said anything the entire session, and they left immediately on the announcement of the dissolution of the assembly.
He didn't know what to make of it, and honestly, Frisk preferred not to worry about it right away, enjoying his walk alongside the king.
-oOo-
"OH. MY. DARLING!" exulted Mettaton who had filmed everything in great detail and was spinning with MK. "The drama, the romance, the BLOODSHED! The ratings of the MTT program reached unprecedented heights! What do you think, everyone?"
Behind, Burgerpants lambasted and repackaged the material, casting a dirty look at his employer who overexploited him, although he replied, "Obviously boss, obviously", while Shyren gave a long melodious affirmative note and MK chuckled his agreement.
Chapter 11: OurTale Chapter 11 : The worries of the mother and the hissing of the serpent
Chapter Text
The assembly had been over for a while, and even though the television was off, Asriel hadn't taken his eyes off the black screen. While Toriel had walked away when she received a call from their friends, he had stood there for many minutes staring at his own clouded reflection.
"An awesome brother, huh ?"he mumbled flatly to himself.
In the corridors, Asriel heard his mother exclaim, very enthusiastic:
"I also think it's a great idea, Papyrus! I take care of everything; when you return, we can all enjoy a georgeous feast!"
"WOWIE! I CAN'T WAIT TO BRING THE NEWS TO UNDYNE AND THE OTHERS!"
"Hee hee hee... Tell me, when do you expect to arrive?"
"WELL WE ARE ALL STILL AT THE EMBASSY. I THINK WE WILL BE BACK IN ONE HOUR!"
I have to start preparing the buffet now, and I have so few time, realized the mother goat, who was already heading to the kitchen. "Thank you, Papyrus. Text me when you leave!"
"OF COURSE, LADY TORIEL!" Then the skeleton hung up, probably contacting their other friends.
Toriel focused on the refrigerator, opening it, and the cold air blew on her white fur. She inspected its contents with a critical eye, to see what might be useful. The Boss Monster had the ingredients to make several delicious pies and mixed salads. Pulling open the cupboard doors, she found biscuits to serve as an appetizer, several bottles of fruit juice and the dishes for guests that she grabbed.
"Asriel, could you come and help me, please? We are going to organize a little surprise party!"
When her son didn't answer or come to join her in kitchen, Toriel looked towards the living room. The monster child hadn't moved a toe from his sitting position, and when his mother returned inside, she found him silent and morose.
"Asriel, what bothers you?" she asked gently, sitting down on the carpet as Asriel hunkered down miserably, his muzzle hidden in his knees.
"I... I should have gone there. To support Frisk," he grumbled under his breath, and adding with a bitter sigh, "I feel so useless."
"Now, that is not true. Why would you even think such a thing?"
"Because it's the truth !" Asriel moaned, messing his puff which became more tousled had ever.
Toriel looked at her son, more miserable than ever, saddened that he was saying this on his own and not knowing why. But to cheer up a child, mothers always knew what to do. For this, she drew him to her, pampering him as when he was little. Tracing circles behind his back, Toriel felt him slowly relax, then gently tilted his chin up into her searching red eyes.
"Tell me, Asriel, why in the world, do you consider yourself useless? Help me to understand."
Her soft and loving voice helped him get rid of the last traces of sadness that remained in him. The kid did not respond immediately, a little embarrassed scratching the ground with a filed claw.
"I feel like... the only one who haven't done anything at all since we've been here," he admitted after a long silence. "Dad and Frisk work together to make humans accept us. Papyrus and Undyne are part of the Second House guard. Alphys continues her research, and even Sans help her to cure the Amalgamates. You are about to open the school to teach children. I, of all of us, have accomplished nothing. It's…so frustrating."
"Oh, Asriel..."
Toriel saw the problem better now. His son did not appreciate being on the sidelines, without being able to do anything and could only watch others do. She watched sadly as her son hid his downcast face behind his floppy ears.
It... reminded her how Asriel had been in the Underground, over fifty years ago.
In the past, Asriel had no friends to play with. As the Boss Monster of royalty, the children were uncomfortable with him, their prince and future King of the Underground, and treated him as is when he tried to play with them. He was young, but their son had quickly understood that their proximity to him made his playmates nervous. In order not to bother them, the heir had contented himself with watching from his window those of his age having fun with each other , alone and unhappy in his room despite his parents' encouragement to try to talk to them. Toriel understood that the burden of their title weighed heavily on Asriel, and she was very saddened by the loneliness of their child who tried to fill that void with his toy friends, or among the flowers of the Ruins where he went when it was not a good day.
Until everything changed, when Chara literally fell into their life and that of their child.
Half a century later, as with the first fallen child, Frisk had appeared in their realm where so much tragedy had unfolded, but Asriel had risen from the dust and the two had ended the war; Following these circumstances that no one could describe other than miraculous, they too had become inseparable.
Rubbing one of his soft cheeks with her thumb, Toriel was deep in thought, when a flash of intuition shot through her and her expression changed, not taking her eyes off her son. Could it be...?
Having made a decision, she pulled them both up, with Asriel gently settled in her arms and stubbornly refusing to look at her. They headed into the kitchen; there, Toriel put him on a chair and took his. Hands tied on her dress, she asked him: "Tell me, Asriel. What are you really worried about? I know there's more below that you're hesitant to tell me. Do not be afraid to confide in me, it will remain between the two of us.
"... You promise ?"
"Promise."
At his mother's nod, Asriel bit his upper lip. He held one arm, squeezing it as he tried to muster up the courage to speak again. Compared to earlier with Sans, it was strangely more difficult but, at his mother's insistence, he finally broke down:
"...I...I'm afraid that by dint..." he began, his throat tight, "Frisk gets tired of me. He tries to involve me as much as possible, so that I don't feel like that; each time, I just push back to the next day. Frisk says he understands and never forces me, but... I'm tired of being so weak that I can't be there when he needs me. I... I just want to make sure I help him back! Just for once!"
If he hadn't cried enough earlier today, Asriel would have done it again. But his eyelids were still wet ; not wanting his mother to see him like this, he wiped them away with a sharp gesture, then turned away from her to sulk.
Toriel saw her doubts confirmed. I knew it... Before, Asriel followed Chara everywhere in his undertakings and pranks. Even if he did not participate, he tried to channel him and shared his wrongs. I should have considered that our son would also want to be there in support of Frisk, and that not being able to would upset him. She scolded herself for not noticing the insecurity in him that was so evident now. Frisk was their ambassador, so he often had to go to town to fulfill his duties. But Asriel still couldn't overcome his fears of the crowd, and he could only wait for his brother to return home.
"Asriel..." Toriel began kindly, "Frisk could never get enough of you. You're his brother - he sees you as is: when I see you two together, you seem so happy and close both of you. And that makes my heart overflowing with happiness that you care so much for each other. You are so loving and caring, Asriel, and I know how much you love Frisk: I have no doubt that Frisk loves you just as much in return."
His mother hoped that her speech would reconfort him; Toriel watched as her son became a little embarrassed, yet his melancholy remained on his face. She was preoccupied with what might be in his head at that moment; what could he be thinking?
The reality was that Asriel remembered that Frisk, with his willingness to sacrifice himself many time to help others, had suffered more with him than anyone else in order to save him. He felt guilty that his friend had to endure so many bad things because of him. And what had the prince done to thank him today? This was what bothered him the most: I did absolutely nothing for him, that's all.
Frisk was wrong: how could he be an awesome brother? He hadn't been for Chara, in the first place. In the two years since he had returned, Asriel had done nothing good that would warrant this. On the contrary, he had only been a source of trouble for the young human... who had perhaps only wasted his time on him in the end. That was what Asriel thought, and had been for a while. However, he didn't have the heart to admit this to Frisk.
Without suspecting her son's depressed thoughts, but seeing him also sad, Toriel tried to find a way to make him smile again. She knew now that Asriel wanted to be useful, and she tried to know how the little prince could feel this recognition. The former queen thought about it, a lot, until a light bulb flashed in her head. It could work... No, she was sure she had found the ideal job for her Asriel. It was obvious that he would be perfect.
Now, Toriel knew what she could do to cheer up Asriel, who continued to brood over his somber mood, and she coughed for capture his attention.
"Asriel, may I give you, and Frisk too, a very important mission?" she suggested with a sweet smile, and her son looked up at her with wide, interrogative eyes. "As you know, I will be the teacher in charge of the class that will integrate the human children. I would be very happy if you, my children, could ensure that this experience goes well."
"Wha...what do you mean?" Asriel asked, no more dejected and his curiosity piqued.
"You and Frisk will have to make sure that your future comrades feel good among us. You will have to help us, their teachers, to familiarize them with our world. With other children their age, your interactions will be simpler and easier. If all goes well this year, it would be a big step for us. Do you agree ?" Toriel waited for his response, and she saw her son's frowning face light up at the completion of the important task before them.
He beamed, and the sad little boy was gone with a snap of his fingers. "Oh yes, yes, I will!" he cried as he jumped to his feet, jerking with excitement and his bushy little tail wagging happily. "And Frisk, does he know? He said yes, too?
"I'll talk to him about it when they get back, later." laughed the Boss Monster, pleased that he was reacting so enthusiastically, before straightening up. "Enough talking! We have to prepare for tonight. Be a good kid, I'd like you to set the table for-"
She could not finish her sentence, her son grabbed the pile of dishes, glasses, cutlery, and installed them without delay on the tablecloth at an impressive speed. He was bursting with energy, Toriel saw, who was relieved at the change of spirit.
Grabbing and tying her favorite snail apron around waist, she began to pull out the ingredients to prepare dinner.
"When you're done, can you wash your hands and help me with the food? I will make salads and a good pie."Toriel called him, while she was cutting carefully and quickly the lettuce on a cutting board.
"kay, mom! I'm finishing!"
And mother and son cooked together, in serenity and good humor.
-oOo-
"I don't know how else to put it: what the hell are you doing here?" fumed Undyne as she, Papyrus, and Asgore, were all waiting in the same room of the morning for Frisk getting changed. Instead him, they had received a surprising and unpleasant visit. The Underground monarch, in particular, stared blankly at Senator Jordan who had just shown up on their doorstep.
Arms behind his back, the thin man did not flinch at the agitated fish woman; he didn't even deign to look at her, paying her no more attention than a pesky fly, and eyed Asgore still motionless in the middle of the room before he pulled himself together:
"How... Howdy, Senator Jordan. We... we weren't expecting you tonight. What can I-"
"Enough chatter. I have to talk to you, in private, and I prefer to get it over with quickly." he stop him in an authoritative tone, pointing at the large Boss Monster, as if demanding that some beast animal obey.
Asgore remained silent, bewildered by this request, but his former apprentice approached menacingly towards the politician.
"Who do you think you are, talking to our king like you do?" the merfolk slowly losing her patience and feeling the tingle of magic running down her arm.
"I have no time to waste," the senator said impatiently, his attitude becoming pinched and contemptuous. "Do I have to repeat myself for you, monster, to finally understand?"
FLASH
A glowing cyan spear appeared out of nowhere, the sharp point pointing at the horrible figure's throat. Gazing grimly, Undyne approached it to his trachea. "One more affront to Asgore, and I swear it's going to end badly for you" the growl in her voice was terrifying but, despite the threat of the weapon, the human barely reacted, unlike Asgore who rushed forward towards them.
"Enough, Undyne!" he thundered, alarmed at the escalation things were taking and grabbed her shoulder. "Shed your spear immediately, before you do anything regrettable."
When Undyne reluctantly complied and walked away towards Papyrus after one last murderous glare, the monarch returned to the impassive politician in front of him. "I apologize for the actions of my friend, Senator Jordan. I hope you are not offended by this."
"As I said, I don't have time to discuss trivialities. So let's go to the office, I'll make sure to be short."
"Of course. After you."
The senator did not need to be accompanied; he entered the small room, Asgore right behind him, when Undyne grabbed his arm in an iron fist and whispered. "Watch out. There is something really not clear about him", she warned him in a low voice, adding more pressure to his wrist without noticing. "He is too confident in his attitude, it hides a trick. I don't like it at all."
Asgore had the same thought ; sight of this man agitated him, as if he were stirring up a distant and disagreeable memory. But, as king of the Underground, he couldn't decently dismiss the Surface politician who sat in a chair, waiting for him. His arrival could only be a bad omen, and Frisk, still absent, had to be taken to safety. It was his hight priority.
"Please, with Papyrus, go join Frisk and leave in the car. I will join you as soon as possible," the Boss Monster ordered in a serious tone before going through the door, which he closed behind him.
He took his place opposite Senator Jordan, who bent forward and rested his pointed chin on his interlocking fingers. This human might be of advanced age, but his being exuded such ferocity that, to Asgore, it was like the burning inferno fueling the Core. He hated those of his people, passionately, and any pretext would be enough to justify this relentlessness. Undyne had reacted to his subtle provocations, which were only intended to push them to fault. He was a dangerous opponent, who would do anything to get rid of them all.
Asgore had to be very vigilant, being in the presence of this kind of deceitful individual.
"I don't think I have to hide from you my strong disapproval of the arrival of monsters on the Surface," the politician scoffed.
His squeaky voice sounded unpleasant to Asgore's eardrums, though he suppressed any sign of discomfort and retorted, "From what I understand from your meeting with our ambassador."
"I don't have to remind you : centuries ago, monsters were sealed underground in Mount Ebott. Our ancestors saw in you the threat your race posed to our people and, by the will of the Angel, fought you." His eyelids narrowed wickedly, then he added: "Nevertheless, this... child, released you, without thinking of the consequences of his acts. Such stupidity is unspeakable and unforgivable, no matter what unconsciousness drove him to it. I can only see in it an nefarious treachery, which will be punish in due time."
There was a real threat directed at Frisk, so vibrant that Asgore couldn't stop his own fist from closing around the scarlet glow emanating from his palm. Luckily, his cape covered the gesture, and the monarch forced himself to loosen his clenched jaw to articulate, "I highly doubt you came just to say that, Senator Jordan. Speak out... now."
Asgore remained courteous, but the man had exceeded his rights. He was in a hurry: to get it over with and leave this place with his friends, far from this human. This one, with a smile that could only be described as malevolent, replied:
"Certainly. I ask you to listen to me carefully, O king, for what I will reveal is the indisputable proof of your lies and half-truths. I dare you to contradict me."
Chapter 12: OurTale Chapter 12 : Door and Darkness
Chapter Text
“Fuaaa... Man, what a day!” Frisk sighed as he put on his sweater, the uniform folded on a chair. “Glad to go home, finally.”
He was done with his ambassadorial duties, and for quite a while. No more nervousness about preparing a speech, or hours of intense thinking. Now he could enjoy the rest of the week doing what he wanted: relaxing. This thought was so seductive that Frisk let out a long, loud yawn, feeling tears well up in his eyes.
Becoming the monster ambassador was a heavy and grueling responsibility, but he would never regret; Frisk was sure of that. Although, the child was eager to get back to more ordinary activities, like playing soccer with his friends, having picnics together, improving his flirting skills.
And many others like this.
What the others did today ? Frisk wondered, packing up his things while he guessed what the other members of his entourage had accomplished.
Alphys and Sans – but especially the first – must have spent the entire day on their research. Toriel must have been home from school a while ago and was probably preparing dinner. And Asriel...
Frisk stopped his activities momentarily, as he thought about the young monster had done after he left. Did little Boss Monster stay at home? Boring in their room? Did he hear the end of his speech?
The young human hoped so.
When he concluded it like this, Frisk had wanted everyone to know how much the child loved his current life with everyone, for multiple reasons; in particular, he had prayed that his brother would listen to him this evening. Because of my speech, we didn't spend much time together that month, Frisk regretted, although he couldn't have had it any other way. But now, he no longer had to spend long hours hunched over the desk, and the child decided: Forget for rest. I'll make up for it by offering to play together and do whatever Azzy wants for the rest of the week! We still have to finish our fight on Ultimate Smash Bro...
Vibrations in his pants pocket brought Frisk out of his thoughts, as he finished getting ready. He turned it on - a photo of everyone appeared in the background - and checked recent notifications: there had been a new one, received just now. Undyne – this was rather rare – had just sent a short text:
U: speed up to go out. wait for us ahead.
That was it, and a wary Frisk raised an eyebrow. Yet, even though the captain was not there, Frisk sensed the urgency behind this request. What is going on ?
The child typed out a response, telling he was leaving the room, and added a note about what was happening. The message was being sent, while Frisk moved his hand to the metal door handle and turned it to open.
* It doesn't move.
“Hm?” Frisk raised his nose from the screen, intrigued by the resistance he was encountering, and pressed it harder.
* It remains blocked.
“What the…” He shook the seized mechanism, which still refused to obey.
Something was blocking the lock, preventing the latch from opening. However, it was on the bright side: Frisk used this room often, and there had never been any problems before. No one could have locked him up without him noticing, and he doubted that the opening system had been changed.
Confronted with this unexpected difficulty, the child became impatient and, using both hands, he pulled with all his strength on the stubbornly locked door. His normally placid expression tensed with effort, groaning as his whole body strained back to unlock the door. Frisk used one foot to add energy to the movement.
“Ngh... Why... is it... stuck like... that?”
Undyne and Papyrus would soon arrive at the door; only three corridors separated the reception room and the room where he was.
If he waited too long, the mermaid would be capable of demolishing the entrance with a spear and dragging him by the scruff of his neck. No, she would definitely do that. This simple mental image made him shudder with fear, and Frisk pulled harder.
“Urgh, come on, dammit! Open up, stupid piece of wood! Open, open-ah!”
Sudden and unexpected opening of the door made him lose his balance. His fingers slipped and, carried backwards, Frisk fell onto his back. His head hit the hard ground; there was pain, and a flash of light exploded behind his eyes.
He shouted.
Then, nothing else.
-oOo-
Meanwhile, behind the door:
"HMMM..." Papyrus tapped a gloved finger against his humerus, deeply immersed in his thought, as he watched Undyne grumble at Frisk and his delay.
The skeleton knew that she was especially upset by the intervention of the human who had come to meet their king, and he himself was not too reassured. He asked his agitated teammate:
“UNDYNE, WHAT DO YOU THINK THIS HUMAN WANTED TO SAY SO URGENTLY TO HIS MAJESTY?”
“Nothing good, I’ll bet it,” she grumbled, haunted by the image of the smug face of this crude man. He had made her so angry! No one had ever acted so casually in front of her.
Undyne swore he was lucky Asgore intervened. Otherwise, she would have been happy to paint his portrait again.
“Okay, punk! Stop admiring yourself and get out of there! I’m not in the mood to wait any longer!” the mermaid raged, banging wildly on the door, frightening a cleaning lady nearby who moved away. “Hurry up, or I’ll come get you myself!”
“BUT FRISK MIGHT BE DRESSING!” Papyrus exclaimed, although Undyne dismissed his concern with a wave of her hand.
"Well ! He must have finished covering his shrimp body. You better get out, right now, or I’ll tear the damn door down!” she warned the child on the other side, her pupil bright as she cracked her knuckles. If Frisk came here, she would have already joined Asgore to make sure everything was going well. This decrepit human who had entered the embassy might seem weak and insignificant, yet there emanated from him a real danger that raised her scales.
There was no way she left her king with this scoundrel any longer. However, their ambassador had to deign to show himself, so that they could take him into the car as Asgore had ordered first.
But the child remained silent to their calls, including the messages that she and Papyrus sent him textos.
As he wasn't no more here.
-oOo-
“Ouch... It hurts,” the child moaned, rubbing his scalp, and winced as the passage of his fingers caused terrible electric shocks to the back of his skull.
What's happening? Frisk remembered managing to open the door, then falling and hitting the floor. I lost consciousness ?
Blinded into darkness, Frisk thought at first that his eyelids were still closed. But after he blinked them several times, the child realized that his vision was obscured by a cloak of darkness. Stranger still, only his body could be discerned from the darkness; unlike the wardrobe, the furniture and the room itself. It wasn't some stupid thing about a burned out light bulb. Everything around him had simply...disappeared.
Strange..
“However, I can perfectly distinguish my hand, and the rest of my body” discovered Frisk by raising a visible arm, waving with little fingers in front of his surprised but stoic face, before invoking his Soul which ; like the rest, nothing happened.
Maybe he had... moved? Somewhere out the embassy?
Frisk thought it. Here, whatever this place was, didn't feel like in the normal world. Neither on the Surface, nor back in the Underground - for a terrible second, Frisk had feared this, but the child doesn't see the ancient stone columns or the carpet of flowers. It felt like he had landed another, completely different and unknown space.
"Where... Where am I ?" Frisk had definitely no idea of the location where he was currently standing.
At that point, anyone in his situation would have panicked and flailed around, screaming and shouting. But he didn't act stupidly ; the child wasn't stranger to this turn of things. Not after he had fallen high up from a hole dug at the top of the mountain, in a kingdom of monsters wanting, for most and main part of the story, to kill him.
This familiarity helped Frisk to control his emotions; panicking wouldn't do any good. To get his bearings, he analyzed around :
* There is not much to see. Only darkness.
I need to know what I can do, right now. Frisk weighed his options; in front of him, his Soul alternated between the possibilities offered at that moment, very poor in choice:
|MOVE| ❤ |CRY| ❤
|WAIT| ❤ |CALL| ❤
Pouting slightly at these proposals, the child gave himself a moment to think. Regardless, there was no harm in testing one of them, right? It couldn't get any worse. His decision made, he took a deep breath, ready to give it a try.
|CALL| ❤
Bringing both hands into a funnel to his mouth to amplify his voice, Frisk screamed: “Hey! Is someone there? Undyne? Papyrus? Asgore?”
His noisy call dispersed in this immensity, before running out of steam and falling silent.
.
.
.
* But nobody came.
None of his friends, if they were there, answered him. Frisk had expected this result, although disappointment gripped him briefly. No no no. Remind : stay determined, Frisk. You'll get through it, as usual! he encouraged himself. The others will eventually notice that I'm no more there. I just have to be patient.
Frisk took another option, wisely deciding that he should be no more lost than he was now, and sat quietly cross-legged on this...nothing. They would eventually come and find him: the child had faith in his friends.
|WAIT| ❤
-oOo-
“IT’S STRANGE…” Papyrus commented, raising a bony brow, and showed Undyne his phone and the many unanswered calls to Frisk. “NOTHING HAS BEEN READ AND I’M GOING DIRECTLY TO FRISK’S VOICEMAIL.”
"Weird. It’s not like Frisk to leave us stranded,” the soldier admitted, while Papyrus dialed the young human’s number again as she knocked on the door for the hundredth time. “Frisk, are you snoozing?”
No answer.
Undyne lowered her arm, taking a loud breath. They could not wait any longer, and the child not showed signs of life. She was starting to really freak out.
While her teammate groaned at the voicemail of their desperately absent human friend, Undyne grabbed the handle to go inside and get the little straggler. First, the other jerk who's messing with Asgore, now Frisk. If he ever practices his stupid faces again, I'll knock him out mercilessly, she swore, before warning him one last time: "Frisk, you better be ready or-"
Lock !
The bolt held the door in place, not moving an inch as she pushed. Undyne widened her single yellow eye, thinking she was dreaming. "What the..."
The merfolk scowled and insisted, grinding the metal in her webbed palm. She braced herself against it, the muscles in her arm bulging under the pressure she was exerting. However, the entrance remained inaccessible no matter how hard she used it. Her face scrunched up comically with the effort, a vein throbbing in her forehead as Undyne let numerous curses escape her mouth, including the word “F***”!
After one last push, Undyne forfeited. Stunned, she stepped back, bending and massaging her scarred hand. When the pain subsided, the fish monster decided to take a new approach.
“A PROBLEM, UNDYNE?”
“No, Pap, I can manage,” she assured the skeleton who was watching, too proud to recognize her difficulties, before returning to her business with a serious expression. “Okay, let’s try this: three quarters of a turn to the right, half a turn to the left...”
-oOo-
Everyone knew it, the human race were creatures devoid of magic. Although the Angel had endowed humans with a power surpassing that of monsters to preserve balance, men had become jealous of the gifts of their neighbors, whereas so few among them possessed apart from the very restricted circle of magus families.
At first unsatisfied by they considered to be an injustice, more at learning that monsters could be more powerful by absorbing their Soul to become godlike, this feeling had mutated into fear and devastating hatred.
Asgore remembered well those darks times, a millennium ago; young goat, his horns had just come out and his mane to grow, when the prince had succeeded the previous king, his late father. At this time, the era of peace that had once existed between humans and monsters was disappear. Then, shortly after his enthronement, the conflict had reached a point of no return, where he saw his subjects suffer from the war. So much chaos, destruction and death had fallen on his people without them being able to really defend themselves against humans and their Determination to destroy them; finally, they had been condemned to eternal imprisonment by the magus, those who had once been their friends and brothers, having decided to side with their people.
Today, sitting in his seat, the current king of the Underground looked sadly at Senator Jordan, and this man who spoke with such vehemence and venom reminded him of those humans full of hatred who had mercilessly massacred them.
“Admit it, you have no intention of sharing these lands with humanity!” argued the old man, accusingly towards the king of monsters. “Your beautiful words are just an illusion intended to deceive us! You won’t make me believe that after an eternity of imprisonment, monsters don’t demand revenge!”
“Why, by the Angel, would you think we are plotting revenge on humans?” Instead of being offended, Asgore rather took pity on this individual consumed by paranoia and distrust.
He knew it was futile to try to change his view of monsters, like those humans in the past. Their stubbornness in clinging to their beliefs was sometimes a real curse, for which his people had paid dearly. He did not want to force the human to believe him, an impossible task even for young Frisk, and the Boss Monster preferred to close this endless debate so as not to drag on any longer.
“Senator Jordan, I hear your doubts, but believe me they are unfounded. I will not hide that we harbored resentment against humanity. However, things have changed. My people and I don't hide other motivations, but peace and reconciliation. That's all. Now, allow me to take my departure.” The goat stood up and bowed to the old man, who had not uttered a single word.
As Asgore was leaving to join his companions and prepared to leave the room, the senator's icy voice rose from behind his back:
"If your intentions are so noble, then explain this to me before you leave: why, fifty years ago, a monster resembling you and who could not have crossed the Barrier without absorbing a human Soul, introduced into an ancient, now abandoned village not far from the mountain, carrying with him the inert body of a child?"
Immediatly, Asgore turned to him, and the shocked expression of the monarch betrayed him. Seeing his perfidious face show satisfaction at his reaction, the king understood - too late - that he had just fallen into his trap. Senator Jordan continued, scathingly:
"I guess you knew, didn't you? However, you have never said that one of yours was once able to overcoming the spell. Fortunately, I heard this old rumor ; recently, I have found a resident who remembered this day. His witness could be precious, especially if it turns out that the monster still lives. Isn't it, King of the Underground?"
Chapter 13: OurTale Chapter 13 : Dangers in the darkness
Chapter Text
"5000. 5001. 5002. 5003..."
He waited. One minute. Many hours. An eternity? Frisk had no way of knowing that. Here, there was nothing to clearly define the passage of time. The child remained there, trapped in this unfathomable void.
"6050. 6051. 6052. 6053..."
The light that his Soul emitted gave color to this place. His narrowed eyes remained stubbornly fixed on it, contemplating its beats as Frisk counted them to occupy himself, only by moving his mouth. Resting chin on his crossed arms, Frisk continued.
"7900. 7901. 7902. 7903..."
This... it was starting to take a long time. He had enough. Why didn't anyone come get him?
"8500 *sniff. 8501. 8502. 8503... *cry"
He was so alone.
Afraid.
Lost.
Someone...anyone. Please, come.
"9996. 9997. 9998..."
And...
"9999"
A pulsation, stronger than the previous ones, shook the Red Soul. Frisk stopped counting and suddenly raised his head, spying on the darkness. He felt like... a presence, and it made react the Soul.
His throat tightened, hoping he would see a familiar face appear.
Was it Asgore? Papyrus? Undyne? Or Sans?
The beats grew faster, more powerful, and the glow of the Soul intensified. Frisk grabbed it, pulling closer to him as he got onto his legs. At first relieved, a feeling of fear rose in the child by his failure to recognize what was coming.
"Hey oh? Who is here ?"
There was no response, but two luminous circles appeared in front of him; then, a purplish light sparkled, followed by a shrill, bestial and intimidating noise.
GWOOO-
Danger signals echoed in Frisk's mind, awakening in him a visceral fear that told him to |FLEE| ❤ immediately. But his legs refused to obey: his Soul could not trigger the action.
Failed. Failed. Failed.
The beam grew larger than him, almost charged. This thing was going to attack!
"No, no, no," panicked Frisk, looking for a way out. He was still paralyzed: what should he do?
Give me control, partner. I can get us out of this.
"Wh-Who spoke?" exclaimed the child, frightened to hear this childish voice coming out of his head.
We don't have time anymore. Do what I tell you, or we die here together. No way to RESET in this kind of place.
Even though he didn't trust this stranger, his warning made his blood run cold. He... couldn't be resurrected here?
Exact. This thing is going to blast you any second. You can't negotiate with that. Nor its owner, who will arrive soon.
"Owner ?" Frisk repeated, more lost.
ZAAAP!
Suddenly, a ray of energy crossed the space between them. It illuminated a gigantic floating crimson skull, which looked exactly like the True Laboratory's DT Extractor, whose mouth full of small, sharp fangs had fired this terrible attack. Just in time, the Soul succeeds in forcing the previously impossible option.
|FLEE| ❤
He dove to the side like Undyne's training to dodge the attack. Barely : the line passed a finger of his shoe. Not wasting precious seconds, Frisk fled the scene as he heard the creature roar in anger. When he glanced, it followed him through the air and charged again.
Flee ? Useless. You won't last forever, and it will never get tired.
"Never mind ! I have to find a solution." Frisk said before shouting, as he narrowly avoided another ray that razed his sweater.
The solution ? You already know it, partner: give me your place, and I'll get rid of this nuisance.
In his mind, an evil and cruel smile, abnormally wide, completed this statement. Continuing to run, Frisk rejected this image with all his might and refused to hurt anyone. He just had to avoid this thing, and find a way to resolve this problem peacefully. He had always managed to do the right thing, just like what his friends had taught him. He would not fail.
A mocking and distorted laugh followed his thought, and the voice faded.
Good luck, then. Let's see how long you can last before begging me to save us.
-oOo-
King Asgore lingered in the halls, after he left the reception room following his discussion with Senator Jordan. The Boss Monster had left the scene, just when this man had revealed his knowledge. He thought about what the human had said about this famous village. Did he know about his son, Asriel? The king ignored it. He had preferred not to expose himself any further, but the fear that the unscrupulous politician would discover that his child and the monster from fifty years ago were one and the same terrified him.
I have to warn Tori, and report this conversation to her when we get back, Asgore decided as he arrived where he would find everyone. However, what he saw there quickly brought him out of his dark preoccupations.
His thick eyebrows reached the top of his head, and his mouth dropped at the unrealistic scene happening under his muzzle.
"What by the Angel...?"
"Ngaaah! I'm going to tear down this door of doom!"
In front of him, a completely crazy and unleashed Undyne brandished a spear, with the obvious intention of driving it into the wood after her multiple failures to open it. Papyrus and the cleaning lady who came earlier were holding her tightly to prevent her from carrying out her threat, and they were clearly struggling to hold her back.
"UNDYNE, CALM DOWN! WE CAN'T BREAK DOORS HERE!
"Madam, please calm down! I'll have a locksmith come as soon as possible!"
"Let me go, dammit ! I'm going...Asgore!" exclaimed Undyne who saw her sovereign, and she strode towards him, dragging her jailers. "Please let me force it: the door is blocked and Frisk doesn't answer, no matter how many times we call him."
"NONE OF US CAN OPEN IT, NO MATTER WHAT WE TRY." Papyrus added, as the monarch became devastated at this news.
They all moved aside to let the big monster pass, who stood facing the door and in turn tried to open it by the handle, more or less intact after the captain had worked hard on it.
Nothing. The lock did not give way as with previous attempts.
On the other hand, Asgore thought as he pressed a velvet paw to the wood. He closed his eyes, eyelids furrowing and his breathing becoming harsh as he focused on the sensation tickling his pads. The three spectators behind him, Papyrus, Undyne and the human, remained silent so as not to disturb him.
When he withdrew, his face had become serious. "The door has been bewitched," he declared to everyone's amazement, eliciting a more pronounced reaction from the cleaning lady. "Frisk is still inside: destroying the passage could be risky. So I'll undo the spell myself.
"HOW ?" Papyrus asked him, not knowing how the king could achieve this.
In response, Asgore placed both hands on the door, as if pushing. Growling softly, the king let his magic flow from his being from the contact with the object. A vibration was heard, and a glow appeared around the large goat.
Under his abundant fur, he was sweating profusely. Unlike his ex-wife, Toriel, Asgore was not an expert in spells. To undo it, he would have to saturate it with his own magic to successfully break it. The cost of energy was very high; his breathing became heavy, and fatigue overwhelmed him.
But he would hold on: for Frisk's safety, Asgore would not weaken!
-oOo-
"Please stop attacking! Let's talk instead!" Frisk begged the angry skull that relentlessly persecuted him.
Several devastating rays of light had been on the verge of pulverizing him, getting closer to succeeding with each try. The voice in his mind had gone silent, as if it had never existed.
The child no longer knew what to do: he was less and less alert, and this killing machine was completely insensitive to his calls. What should he do?
"Asgore, Papyrus, Undyne! Please come and help me!" he screamed in despair as his phone crackled in his ear. There was nowhere to hide, and Frisk was starting to slow down. He became less quick and faster, while the creature only grew in precision and ferocity. The slightest misstep could be fatal.
GWOOO-
Not yet ! Frisk turned around, just as the bloodthirsty creature projected its burst of purple light.
ZAAAP!
Having no other choice, Frisk tried to move as far away from the trajectory as possible but, unable to avoid it entirely, the child was engulfed by the projection, and his Soul struck by the ray that struck his side. He screamed at the excruciating sensation, which the child had never felt with the monsters attacking him before; Frisk's view of the crack the attack had left, and the red light leaking from it like bloodshed . Unbearable, pain followed, and then the explosion sent Frisk flying far back.
*Fall
Loss to 12/20 HP
Frisk panted as he held his throbbing, injured and fractured Soul towards the edge as the number flashed in his vision.
His health bar had hurt that much after this single attack that had grazed him?!
His body had not recovered from the attack; the child tried to get up, but the pain was too strong and he fell again. Above, the skull coldly watched its prey drag itself pitifully along the ground in an attempt to escape. Frisk saw the creature approaching slowly, like a predator toying with its cornered victim. His growl, like a sadistic and victorious laugh, pierced his ears.
I lost. I can't run away anymore. I am scared.
Certainty that he was going to die overwhelmed him. Never before in the Underground, no matter how many times the monsters defeated him, this had happened. From the depths of his being, he knew that the voice had spoken the truth. He wouldn't get a second chance. His eyes grew wide, and terrified tears fell down his cheeks at the realization.
No, I don't want ! Not now ! Not after all this!
Faces appeared: those of his family and friends. Sans, Papyrus, Undyne, Alphys, Mettaton, MK, Asgore, Toriel, Asriel. So many others... as well as three human silhouettes who looked at him smiling behind a halo of light. What...what are they doing here? Frisk wondered, as their appearance at this unexpected moment brought back old memories from before his fall. His true heart sank painfully.
GWOOO-
Suddenly, the bodyless crimson skull appeared behind this vision, now towering over him and the energy charge almost complete, ready to deliver the final blow.
"Please, stop !" Frisk begged, refusing the dire fate that was about to befall him.
|FLEE| ❤
|FLEE| ❤
|FLEE| ❤
|F-| ❤
ZAA-
No ! "STOP IT NOW!"
|FIGHT| ⚔️
Slash !
-oOo-
"Hold on, I'm almost there," Asgore warned Papyrus and Undyne, still behind as the king finally managed to make the spell wear off.
In the end, Asgore backed away from the door after turning the handle, staggering as Undyne caught him before he fell. The exhausted goat thanked his former student, as she helped him stand upright.
"Easy, you're on your knees."
"It's nothing, don't worry. I'll get over it quickly," he smiled humorously, while his muscles screamed with exhaustion.
He preferred not to worry about it, even though the room where Frisk was located was accessible. It was dark, the lights being out; however, this did not bother any of the monsters, accustomed to the lack of light underground. When his vision quickly adjusted, Asgore entered being careful that his horns did not touch the frame, followed by his loyal guards, and inspected the furnished room. Immediately, his eyes spotted a small form on the ground, lying on its back like a disjointed puppet and inert. He thought his Soul was going to shatter, and those of the others as well, while the monsters ran to the human, crying with one voice:
"FRISK!!!"
First, the king of the Underground collapsed next to the inanimate child and took him in his arms ; he called him again, but the little human didn't react to his name, his head rolling to the side and his chest motionless. Seeing him like this, an ancient vision overwhelmed Asgore who thought he was going back 50 years: another young child, dressed in green and yellow with rosy cheeks, and whose resemblance to Frisk was surprising, was dying in his bed. His family surrounded him: Toriel devastated by grief who held his icy hand with hers; in tears too, Asgore was by her side to comfort the queen, telling the human become their child to fight to live; Asriel had refused to come, not being able to bear to see his sick brother leaving them.
Please, no. Not this, not again. Please, Angel, let him breathe ! Asgore panicked, until a call from Undyne brought him back to the present. He struggled to compose himself to focus on Frisk. His body was still warm against him, it couldn't be too late. With difficulty, Asgore tried not to pay attention to the commotion of the others around them, just as horrified as he was, and he leaned down to perceiv the slightest sign of life from the child. After several agonizing seconds, he heard it: a faint breath coming from him. Tears of immense relief fell from his eyelids, many of them getting lost in his beard because he was so grateful.
For a long time, he rocked the young human child, stroking one of his round cheeks with an inch. He prayed to the Angel and paid homage to their mercy, while his large snout delicately brushed against Frisk's forehead. While the king was looking after him, no one dared to disturb them. After a while, however, having respectfully allowed it to do so for a reasonable period, Undyne caught the attention of her king. She was also impacted by the sequence of events, although the fish monster quickly took charge and, without taking her eye off Frisk, said to Asgore:
"I asked Papyrus to call Alphys. He went to start the car so we could leave straight away. We better get going."
Asgore nodded, only now noticing that the skeleton had left the scene and appreciating their initiative. Delicately, he carefully placed Frisk against him, not knowing if he was injured, so that the child rested entirely on his arm comfortably. The king gave the signal, then he and Undyne left the embassy without further delay with the unconscious young child.
-oOo-
From the window, Senator Jordan watched the monsters' car speed away from the building, down the road toward the mountains where they lived.
"Judging their expressions, they seemed to be on an emergency," he noted mockingly, his sharp lips stretching into a satisfied expression. "So I guess your plan failed, didn't it?" He was speaking to the other person, lurking in the shadows.
Leaning towards the object that the individual in the blouse held preciously in his hands, he shook his head casually, waving his triangular ears.
"The king was quicker than expected to break the enchantment. The child managed to buy enough time to escape the Void Dimension, and the Destructor lost track of him while holding him." His smile, hidden in the shadows, stretched a little further as his claws caressed his face-like property. "But that doesn't change anything. Our project continues to move forward, and all the pieces are ready; shortly we will be able to take the next step."
The senator nodded silently, pinning the mysterious creature with his calculating gaze.
"I expect you to keep all your other commitments to me. In exchange for revealing the involvement of this arrogant monster's son in the attack on the village, I kept this creature here to while the ambassador was trapped in this room. Now I want you to give me the means necessary to rid the Surface of these loathsome vermin."
"Don't worry, your invaluable help will not be forgotten. Our master is very grateful to you, and will make sure to repay his debt to you" promised the being, bending excessively before retreating into the darkness, then disappeared.
The politician remained the last occupant of the office, greatly relieved that he was gone. Associating with a monster repelled him; however, he recognized that it was a very useful tool. The child would no longer be an obstacle in her path: from the beginning, he had been a thorn in her side. Without him, the population of Ebott would be more likely to finally open their eyes, and more lured by the innocent face the monsters had cunningly chosen. The plan was already in place: one that would put an end to the presence of the invader from Hell.
Today was a important victory, exposing a certain weakness in the monsters, that the senator could be exploited at the opportune moment. A malicious smile appeared on his face, half veiled by the shadow of the curtain.
He exulted.
"It's only a matter of time, you demons. None of you will defile our land any further."
Chapter 14: OurTale Chapter 14 : Thanks to him
Chapter Text
Second Home:
In Toriel's house, the former queen and her son had finished preparing dinner. The two Boss Monsters were now waiting for their guests; the table was set, the dishes arranged and as soon as they arrived, the party could finally begin.
Asriel had returned to the living room, with drawing materials, previously he was going up to his room to get it. Lying on his stomach and with his legs crossed, he was preparing a little surprise to thanks Frisk for his speech. Still in the kitchen, his mother checked from time to time on the enormous cake that she had just prepared and which was currently baking in the oven: chocolate and cinnamon flavor, which Frisk was fond of and for whom we were preparing this celebration.
He wasn't the only one who appreciated it; the delicious smell that was escaping reached the quivering nostrils of the young goat, inhaling the delicious scent with envy that made his mouth salivate. Hmmm... It smells really good around here.
A trickle of drool escaped his smug smile, threatening to spread across his drawing; Asriel yelped when he noticed it, quickly wiping it with one sleeve before there was any damage. The catastrophe narrowly averted, the child shook his furry head and slapped his forehead to put his thoughts in order.
No, focus! I have to finish before they arrive, Asriel motivated himself before returning to his pencils, while wishing that everyone would go home as quickly as possible while his stomach rumbled beneath him.
He swallowed: it might be hard.
In the kitchen, Toriel was waiting both for the dessert to finish cooking and for Papyrus to call: after having taken care of the dessert and wiping her washed paws with a cloth, she now took care of rinsing the sink where numerous white fur from its soft shag had been scattered, forming an inelegant clump at the bottom. There weren't all advantages to being born with this on you, contrary to what most thought, and the endless channeling problems that resulted were very annoying.
As the water flowed from the faucet, carrying all this mess with a satisfying 'bloop bloop', Toriel looked at the wall clock.
She had called the rest of them, Sans and Alphys, three quarters of an hour ago to invite them to this party. Toriel had called the scientist's home, and it was her old skeleton friend who answered: “little party for your kid, huh? no prob, tori: i'm warning al - she's gone downstairs, to her second lab - and we're coming. see ya later !" She had heard him put the receiver down, probably gone to join the learned lizard to warn her.
For the others, it had been over an hour since Papyrus had contacted him. However, and this was disturbing, apart from the last message sent to inform him of their arrival at the embassy, nothing more had been said.
Toriel wondered what justified such silence from now on, as she stroked the down under her chin, thinking: “They are slow to make their departure known. What could be keeping them there?”
“Frisk must have had more fun posing in front of the mirror. You know how much he wants to improve his flirting techniques before school starts,” mocked Asriel, still lying there, having listened with one ear without stopping drawing.
His casual remark provoked a laugh from Toriel, who giggled happily, before shaking her head as she imagined her adopted child doing exactly that. The mother goat wouldn't be very surprised to learn that exactly that had happened.
Her human son was indeed a funny child: he loved the company of monsters more than any of his own, became friends with them all, played the role of ambassador at an early age and, important details of his general personality , complimented and charmed the smallest individual that the child met by chance.
Even towards Toriel. She remembered that before calling her “Mom”, he had very early shown her this kind of behavior after their meeting in the Underground; far from being offended, because she knew that there was no bad intention behind her actions and even found it rather amusing, Toriel was on the other hand surprised that such a young child could have this attitude in front of his interlocutor – whether it is her or, subsequently, the other monsters inhabiting the Ruins, from the Froggit to a dummy. Later, Toriel said to herself that it was a way for Frisk to give herself courage in situations that could become frightening.
Well... there were other, much stranger facts about this little human, which their mother had noticed from spending time with him in the Ruins. At first, Frisk's presence with them made them experience a complex feeling that struck everyone who came into contact with him. Exactly what that could be, the former guardian of the Ruins cannot say today. For a human, Frisk was...different. In a sense that Toriel didn't fully understand, but that she had undoubtedly felt from the moment she laid eyes on him, his adoptive mother had known that he was special. And it wasn't just after all the impossible feats their little hero had accomplished, freeing the entire nation from monsters, bringing her beloved child Asriel back to life, and contributing to peace with the people of the Surface.
Since the human child had lived with their family on the Surface, Toriel still loved him as much as the first day. Her deep love, equal to that which she shared with so many others, overflowed from her being and was without any limits for the little boy previously intimidated and lost in an environment populated by strange beings, yet so generous and passionate towards them all.
Each passing moment, Toriel felt like she was discovering and understanding him better; perhaps in the near future she will be able to shed light on his secrets. I still sometimes wonder if the Angel himself blessed us with your coming, Frisk, when everyone most needed a miracle, she thought tenderly, looking at a frame where a photo of him with Asriel rested. I hope that at this party you can see how grateful we are and how much we love you.
Meanwhile, Asriel had finally finished his work. Getting down on his knees, he held his drawing up in front of him and judged it with a self-critical eye. The child monster wasn't the best at art, but even the silhouettes that represented them all remained childish, Asriel agreed he did well. I hope Frisk likes this, the young prince of monsters prayed, before noticing that his brother's head seemed abnormally large compared to the rest of his body.
At first bothered by this tiny clumsiness from him, Asriel preferred to put it into perspective by sneering: "Ooops, he might think that I find his head big", and he left it as is.
The rest of his drawing wasn't bad, although it was still a little clumsy. It was sure, his pencil stroke was very simple, if he compared it to that of Chara who was once very gifted in art.
The proof was that the flower he had drawn, long before, was incredibly faithful to the one in the garden when the child went there to be inspired. When he remembered this, Asriel's joy dissipated a little. It was one of the rare moments when he seemed serene and at peace with himself, Asriel remembered, seeing his solitary and dark figure in the middle of their father's garden, which was one of the places that the last member of the Dreemurr had loved the most during his short life.
Inevitably, he felt a pang in his heart when he thought of his former lost brother. Fate had not been kind to them: because of a mistake made, he and Asriel had had to leave this world prematurely, years ago.
It should have stayed that way, without counting on some secret experiments by a young scientist in search of recognition who brought it back to life in another form, in this abandoned laboratory. And thanks to the appearance of a certain person now also very precious to him, who had been through hell and lived an unimaginable number of lives, “Asriel Dreemurr” had returned from oblivion.
Thus, the young prince of monsters was able to reunite with his family, also gaining a new brother, and live with them all together on the Surface – or at least, in part – as he had dreamed of.
Yet there was still that missing piece. Asriel checked his drawing, where he was with Frisk. The empty space between them struck him. Little Boss Monster immediately knew what was wrong. Chara.
All of them had been given a second chance; everyone except his brother and first best friend. And his unfair absence kept Asriel from seeing it all as a "perfect ending".
Oh, Chara, the little goat lamented. If only you knew how much I miss you. I would give anything to see you again, even just one last time.
A long sigh escaped him, knowing this unrealizable wish. It was a wound that would never heal in him, because Asriel felt terribly guilty for his disappearance. At the time, he had done nothing to try to save the human from himself, before he really took action when they arrived in this village, to prevent his brother who possessed them from committing the irreparable. But much too late, alas, and the consequences that followed were to mark the destinies of so many others.
After severel minute, Asriel stopped from having any more guilty thoughts like that : Chara's been gone, for a long time, and nothing he did would change this sad reality. He had already tried it, almost purged this timeline to succeed. Moreover, Asriel shouldn't be depressed tonight: soon the others would arrive and they would have fun together.
While trying to clear his mind, the young goat monster joined his mother in the kitchen. He waited for Toriel to notice him, before holding out the drawing towards her, exposing the final product.
“Can you look, please?” he asked her, his expression full of expectation.
More than happy to comply with her son's request, Toriel looked closely at her drawing, and smiled tenderly when she recognized what Asriel had depicted. It was all their family and friends, side by side and beaming with happiness. He had used a lot of colors; Toriel saw everyone present: Sans and Papyrus on the left (ironically, the first seemed to be sleeping standing up), Alphys and Undyne to the right where Asriel had not been stingy with the quantity of hearts around them. In the middle, Toriel and Asgore flanked the two children, Frisk and Asriel who were holding hands.
Beneath it was this sentence that melted her heart:
You're a awesome brother too, Frisk! We are all proud of you.
It was an ordinary drawing, but anyone would see that her son had done it with all his heart.
Awww... My adorable babies, Toriel restrained herself from screaming, but only in her head, while Asriel waited for her verdict, wringing his fingers.
“S...So? What do you think ?"
“Awww, it’s perfect, my little cinnamon roll!” she exclaimed, grabbing her son with one arm to bring him closer and giving him a loud kiss on the cheek that made him blush with embarrassment under his fur.
“Mooom,” he moaned as he wiped the kiss area, although he couldn’t stop this happy swing of his tail.
Seeing him so embarrassed and confused, Toriel almost wanted to continue teasing him a little. But at that precise moment, the oven rang: the cake was ready and ripe, absolutely gigantic. The mother goat hurried to take it out before its surface hardened and lost its taste.
“I’ll be back soon, Asriel. Continue, my child, you are doing a very good job.”
“Yes, Mom.”
Asriel complied and returned to the room so as not to disturb his mother. On the way, he suddenly noticed that a piece of blackened gum was wandering on the drawing. Disturbed by this imperfection, the young prince raised a claw, which he used to remove this defect. As he did so, he brushed against Frisk's drawing, where he had drawn this big red spot in the shape of a heart which represented the human's Soul.
The moment he touched it, however, a flood of sensations washed over Asriel. He collapsed with a little shrill cry, helpless in the face of the tidal wave that fell on him. Like a dam that had burst under pressure and flowed into a canal, his eyes grew bigger than saucers as several emotions surged through him: pain and pure terror were what struck him above all.
He could feel his Soul beating furiously in response, reacting to this attack.
Then, after several seconds of agony, writhing on the ground and biting her lips to stop herself from screaming, it stopped.
All that remained was an anguishing void in the hollow of his chest.
Deeply shaken and panting, Asriel clutched his heaving, burning chest and curled up, fangs clenched and hands balled into fists in panic. It was awful ; he felt as if someone had pierced him right through.
Right where his Soul had rested since its restoration, on that flowerbed at the dilapidated entrance to the Ruins after he and Frisk left the castle together.
His body paralyzed, he nevertheless tried to look at one of his white arms which was trembling; for a horrible second, the child imagined that it would crumble into dust beneath him. For several seconds, Asriel waited to see what would happen.
…But nothing happened.
Even the pain began to fade. Asriel checked his unharmed body, although he remained very worried and unable to understand what had happened to him. Wh... What just happened? Doesn't matter ; mom is still here. I'd better go back to my room for now, if it ever happens again.
And at that moment, while the little goat, still very upset, wanted to take the opportunity to slip away discreetly:
Driiing Driiing Driiing "Oh ! It must be Papyrus!” Toriel exclaimed in a cheerful tone, and she hurried to pick up the phone as Asriel left for the stairs.
“Papyrus, is that you? Goodness, I was waiting for you... Wh- Asgore?” Toriel gasped, lost as she hearded the anguished voice of her ex-husband instead of the skeleton, spouting sentences at a frantic pace that she cannot understood. “Why are you... wait, please speak slower! I didn’t hear: What did you say about going to Alphys?...Because of Frisk?”
At the name of his brother Asriel, in the middle of the steps, stopped going up. Frisk?
Curious, he turned around to approach, and thought a block of ice had formed in the pit of his stomach as he saw his mother's face, at first sullen, become horrified, then her eyes widened. darkened with anguish as she listened to Asgore's explanations.
Her paw, the one that wasn't holding the phone, covered her mouth to stifle Toriel's failing breath.
“Oh by the Angel it’s... It’s awful. My sweet Frisk...” Holding back an anguished moan, Toriel saw that Asriel was standing next to her, alarmed by what was being said, and she decided to end the call right away: “I... I... arrive at Alphys as soon as possible.”
She seemed close to collapsing, and she gripped the table to keep herself from losing her composure.
“Mom, what’s going on?” Asriel asked, approaching his mother, more and more worried to see her so affected. “It’s Frisk, did something happen to him?”
In his mind, the young prince was already imagining many possible scenarios that flashed before his eyes. Of course, he knew that Frisk was more than capable of getting out of trouble, no matter what happened. In the worst case scenario, the human child would come back with the help of his power, at the last point SAVE.
If they were all still on the Surface, that meant that nothing irreparable had happened to Frisk.
However... Asriel felt overwhelmed by a very bad feeling, reinforced by this inner unease which had not left him since earlier. It couldn't be a coincidence, after this attack that had hit him. Frisk must have been in trouble at the same time, Asriel was sure.
Toriel, who had managed to calm down a little and pull herself together, tried to find the words to explain : “Your... Your father, Undyne and Papyrus, discovered Frisk unconscious at the embassy. He… He doesn’t wake up.”
Her voice faltered momentarily, while Asriel thought that his Soul would break upon hearing it.
Frisk... collapsed suddenly? And he wasn't conscious? Asriel started to panic, the whole body shook with tremors.
No, no, no, it's starting again! Exactly like with...
Toriel saw him devastated by this announcement, and she crouched down to his height to cup his cheeks to reassure her frozen son: “Don’t worry, Asriel. Your brother isn't hurt, from what I heard. They brought Frisk to Alphys so she could examine him. I'm going to go join them. Do you want me to ask MK’s parents to keep you at their house tonight?”
“N...No” Asriel refused categorically, clutching the drawing he had kept with him all this time. "I am coming too. Let’s go join Frisk and everyone.”
Chapter 15: OurTale Chapter 15 : Meeting
Chapter Text
Alphys ’ Labo (Surface) :
If she were to be completely honest, Dr. Alphys, former royal scientist of the Underground, now a scientist in her own profit - also a doctor, engineer and an anime geek, had imagined her evening differently. In her lost residence on Mount Ebott, down to the basement of her laboratory - much smaller than that of the Hotlands, but just as efficient - Alphys had remained with her nose sticked to the screen of her computer for hours, organizing interesting new data on Amalgamates.
Towards the evening, her portable radio bearing the image of Mettaton had broadcast Frisk's speech, making Alphys stop and momentarily put aside her research to listen to it. The yellow lizard was captivated by what he said, and amazed at the courage shown by her human friend who carried their future.
In his shoes, she would have been petrified.
If only I had this much confidence to express myself. Things would be simpler, Alphys envied, before returning to her own business once the speech was over.
The future of certain monsters depended on her next discoveries, and the constant work she provided was necessary to allow them to return to ordinary lives. Recently, she had had a major breakthrough in her research, and Alphys was more than motivated to put in the extra effort to be sure of her theory. Hence her recent work overload in recent days.
But this evening, she could exceptionally take a little break.
Dressed in her favorite black polka dot evening dress - the same one she had worn on her first date with Undyne - instead of her usual white blouse, Alphys waited for Sans to return from his evening walk so they could leave together to Toriel's house. . They had thrown a small party for Frisk and, important or not, her work could wait a while.
She wouldn't have missed this no matter what! But, in the meantime, the scientist moved forward as much as possible until it was time to leave.
I wonder what Undyne will think of it, Alphys hoped, imagining her beloved's reaction. Will she love it? Oh, I hope so. It's been so long since we've been able to have a real date since the one at the beach...
The scales on her face turned red at the memory, and she grabbed them with a very enthusiastic "Eeek". While she was playing on her console, sitting on the wall alongside the former captain of the Royal Guard, Undyne had approached furtively, taking advantage of her distraction, then she had kissed her... on the cheek. Of course, Alphys fainted from happiness, while Undyne laughed as she demolished part of the structure by banging her fist on it.
Or there was that one time at the cinema, watching with Undyne... this thrilling old romantic film that Frisk had recommended to her about this human woman working in a laboratory, who meets a mysterious aquatic creature and...
"It-It's really hot around here, all of a sudden! I could use a glass of water." Alphys decided as she went back upstairs, the inside of her body hotter than the lava of the CORE as the scientist fanned herself with a stubby paw.
Unable to shake the comically happy expression on her, Alphys went to the kitchen to get what she needed, when a knock on the door made her stop in the middle.
Huh ? Would Sans be back already? The scientist wondered before shhe reached the door. Strange that he knocks, I gave him a spare key... not that he really needs one, though.
"Gosh, Sans. I'm coming," Alphys warned as the drumming didn't stop, almost making her run to open the door. It wasn't the skeleton's style to try so hard. What was wrong with him all of a sudden?
But instead of Sans, as she unlocked the entrance, another voice answered: "Alphys, it's Undyne! Open quickly, the others are with me!"
"Hu-Huh?! Undyne?"
When the scientist opened it, it was indeed the blue mermaid with fiery hair who emerged, lit by the last rays of the sun. With her mouth wide open, Alphys wanted to say something at this unexpected arrival, when Udyne vigorously grabbed her shoulders and stared straight into her eyes, her gaze passionate and burning.
Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh! "U-Undyne? What is-"
"We were worried that you weren't answering the phone! It's good that you're still here: sorry to rush you, but you have to help Frisk!" chained her beloved, without giving to Alphys time to assimilate everything, the fish monster took her to the princess's port outside.
Alphys didn't understand everything, repeating a series of "What?" uninterrupted as Undyne jogged them towards Papyrus' car, parked in front of the building. She thought her nose was going to blooded at any moment, held tightly against Undyne's muscular body, and wondered if she was currently dreaming, until she saw Papyrus and Asgore waiting for them. The first, visibly very worried, turned towards the two of them, and the goat Boss Monster strangely bent stood up.
He was holding something in his arms, and Alphys wondered what it was.
"Alphys, I'm relieved to see you!" exclaimed her sovereign who came up to her, presenting what he was wearing, and the scientist gave a frightened exclamation when recognizing Frisk. "Should we go back so you can examine it? Frisk... He's been like this since we left the embassy."
Asgore seemed close to breaking down at any moment, Alphys noticed. She didn't understand everything, but the lizard didn't demand any explanation. The most important thing was what happened now, and what happened to Frisk.
Focusing on her young human friend, who remained unconscious, Alphys checked breathing, temperature, and felt the pulse on her palm for an initial check. She vaguely heard Papyrus from behind, wondering where his big brother had gone.
"Sans went for a walk in the mountains. He will be back soon, Papyrus" the scientist informed him, before ordering Asgore: "Let's all go inside. I'll take him to my lab to proceed. Please, help me to take Frisk there."
After the trio finally arrived safely, and Alphys had taken Frisk to her laboratory where she had the necessary equipment, everyone went to the living room.
Asgore had sat down on the sofa, putting aside his cape and golden shoulder pads to remain only in costume: he seemed drained of all energy, and his face was gloomy. Papyrus and Undyne were no better; the skeleton was annoyed that his brother had not yet reappeared and his refusal to pick up, while the soldier stared at the ground with a terrible look, and this expression had not left him since their departure from the human city. None of them could relax, despite Alphys telling them to rest after seeing their faces.
"By the Angel, what is happening to us and Frisk?" the King of the Underground lamented, unable to know what else he could do but stand there, waiting. He groaned, hiding his face in his hands: "If something happened to him... What should I do? I can't imagine how Tori will react when she arrives. And my poor Asriel..."
"It's not your fault, Asgore!" Undyne suddenly spat, unable to take it anymore as her sovereign collapsed. "It's that of that filthy senator, I'll bet my own hand!"
"UNDYNE! YOU CANNOT ACCUSE SOMEONE WITHOUT PROOF!" Papyrus intervened, daring to contradict her when he almost never did, but the skeleton found it necessary to calm her down.
In vain: his warning fell on deaf ears. When she was convinced of something, and no matter what her friends told her, it was difficult to change Undyne's mind.
"Bah! No need for evidence! There's no one more suspicious than him: he clearly has a grudge against the punk and us, and you saw too how he was looking at Frisk throughout the speech ! Then, he comes to talk to Asgore, and Frisk ends up in a sort of coma after being trapped in this room? Don't you think it's too big for just a coincidence ?"
"W-WELL, SURE IT'S WEIRD, BUT STILL..."
He could not argue further; the sound of a car was heard outside, then the squealing of tires on small stones, putting an end to their argument. When he heard the doors open and close, then the handle being turned, Asgore felt a shiver of apprehension that shook him.
A small paw appeared from the gap, and Asriel arrived in the entrance. He looked with concern at the adults who were present, looking for his brother. "Frisk?" he called, unable to see him, and the young monster entered the house.
Toriel arrived next, placing a hand on her child's shoulder and frantically looking for her other son. Her worried eyes observed each face in front of her, then her gaze landed on her ex-husband who had stood up and gave him a worried - and a little frightened - expression when she rushed furiously towards him.
"Asgore! Tell me what happened! Immediately!", she exploded, further frightening the goat king who backed away.
"T... Tori, please, calm down -"
The former queen was at her wits' end; all the way, with Asriel in the front and worried about Frisk, she had made sure to contain herself as best she could. Now that Toriel was here, there was nothing to stop her emotions from bursting out against her main target: Asgore.
"DON'T Tori with me, Dreemurr!" she snapped at him, pointing an accusing finger, making Asgore tremble. "You promised me that you would watch over Frisk, with your honor, and that you would make sure nothing happened to him. It was the only condition, the only thing, that I expected of you!"
"Toriel, listen-"
"And there you are calling me this evening, telling me that my child found himself locked away by some trick of magic..."
"Toriel, please…"
"You find him unconscious, Frisk doesn't wake up and you DARE tell me to calm down?! If we were alone, I would have..."
"TORIEL!" Asgore exclaimed, raising his voice for the first time, shutting up the raging mother.
Everyone who stood aside, Undyne, Papyrus, and Asriel, watched the two Boss Monsters face each other. Asriel in particular, comforted by the large skeleton who held him close, gazed sadly at his parents in the center of the room; his mother, whose furious and disappointed expression did not hide all the tears that were flowing freely, and his father, who was more withdrawn than ever and took a deep breath.
"Toriel," he repeated more softly, almost pleading. "You can be angry against me – I am too – but this is neither the place nor the time for us to argue. This won't help Frisk; He needs, more than anything, that we keep calm. I promise you that we can talk later... alone," he clarified, glancing at their son, before returning to Toriel who was beginning to compose herself. "There are other things I need to let you know. However, Frisk remains our priority."
"You... You're right. I lost my temper," she admitted reluctantly, feeling ashamed of having lost her temper, and tried to calm her anger and get back to what was more important. "I'm sorry. But...where is Frisk right now?"
"Alphys is taking care of him," Undyne informed him, stepping in cautiously as she felt the atmosphere heavy with tension. "Right now they are in the basement; she tries to understand why Frisk didn't wake up. We'll find out what's wrong with him in no time."
Toriel nodded slowly, suddenly exhausted after all that; seeing her weaken, Asgore timidly invited her to take a place on the sofa. He was happy that his ex-wife accepted the offer, and sat silently on the soft cushions.
A little hesitant, Asriel moved away from Papyrus and went to join her, taking a place right next to his mother and resting his head on her shoulder, wanting to comfort her and needing that too. He felt her move closer to him, and place a loving kiss on his forehead.
"Oh, my Asriel. I'm sorry for getting angry in front of you," she apologized, rubbing his back. "We'll wait until Alphys comes back to find out what's happening to Frisk, then we'll go check on him, okay? Everything will be alright."
"Hmhm..."
A heavy weight collapsed on the other side; Asgore had settled next to him, offering a slight smile to his son.
"Frisk is a determined child: your mother is right, Asriel. There is nothing to fear for him. I promise you."
Surrounded by his parents and soothed by their warmth, Asriel unfolded the drawing he had wanted to give to Frisk. He hoped that this last would wake up quickly to see him.
"Let's see... His vital signs are normal. The heartbeat is stable and the brain activity is normal... You would think he was just asleep." Alphys wondered, observing Frisk lying on a furnished bed, connected to various human hospital equipments that the scientist had obtained... more or less legally, and more others stuff.
On her tablet, she pushed up her glasses and rubbed her neck, checking the data on the screen. A human being's body, as well as its functioning, was fundamentally their own physical state. Logically, monsters were only beings composed of pure magic, and men of physical matter. This was why they were generally more powerful than their people, with the exception of Boss Monsters who barely surpassed their physical strength.
What made the difference, however... was the amount of DETERMINATION flowing through them. Using a high-efficiency sensor of her own making, Alphys was currently looking at the graph that quantified Frisk's.
It was out of the norm. Beyond what an ordinary human being could produce.
For a moment, the former royal scientist had observed that of the six human Souls. They possessed phenomenal levels, even after the death of their host.
But Frisk's goes far superior them all. Alphys swallowed at this frightening result, sweating profusely. A fraction of that would be enough to reduce the entire population of the Underground to shapeless Amalgamates.
If she didn't know Frisk, Alphys would be terrified. Instead, she was fascinated. Almost as much as examining the structure of young Prince Asriel, a few days after his resurrection to check the stability of his restored body.
Maybe after all that, she should talk to Asgore and Toriel about this specificity in their little protege.
"I don't know if Frisk's Soul has always been like this before, b-but imagining that the Barrier would still hold us captive, he would have no trouble crossing it," Alphys realized, before returning to her results. "Strange, though... his Soul seems to lose liveliness at times. W-With notably weaker energy waves."
She was referring to these curves which traced a sudden point of fall in places, before straightening out. From what Alphys knew about Souls, this was not normal. She sighed, wishing Sans were there so the skeleton could give his opinion. But since he obviously hadn't come home yet, she would have to deal with it.
Having no other choice, the scientist raised a clawed paw towards Frisk's chest, which rose and fell to the peaceful rhythm of his breathing. There was a slight thrill from the kid, like discomfort; then, slowly, Frisk's red Soul, as if attracted by its call, rose above the child's body. It floated, carried by an invisible force, before stopping a foot away from him and pulsing in the air.
Alphys approached and examined it carefully from all angles. It was exactly the same as she remembered and shiny... but suddenly, looking more carefully towards the edge, the geek lizard gasped when she saw a small crack stand out from the smooth surface. It was on the side, barely the size of her claw, but that crack was also visible. Alphys approached, pushing up her round glasses to better see the irregularity. It was definitely abnormal and concerning. Alphys knew that a Soul only had this kind of crack... only close to destruction. The dying monsters in his laboratory, lying on the beds, exhibited this symptom.
N... Not jump to hasty conclusions! Alphys corrected herself, avoiding going to a diagnosis that horrified her and continued investigations. Apart from that... disturbing thing, the light of the Frisk's Soul seemed weaker there, less vivid and darkened, like a infected wound.
Was it...hurt?
"C... Could this be what keeps Frisk asleep?" Alphys wondered, gently approaching a hand towards the damaged area, still without touching it, and feeling the tingle on her scales flooded by the DETERMINATION that emanated from it.
When she was near, something in the Soul changed. Its beats, originally tempered, became louder and erratic as it reacted to this proximity. Intrigued, Alphys pulled back, seeing its color becoming brighter as well. So strong that the scientist had to close her eyes, blinded.
"Wh-What's going on?"
She was unable to see what happened next: a flash of condensed energy escaped from the Soul, and the lightning struck Alphys head-on. The monster let out a terrified scream, her HP greatly reduced by the impact. Alphys staggered and collapsed to the ground, unable to move and helpless in the face of this completely out of control situation. Completely unaware of what was happening, Alphys heard a panicked moan come from Frisk; the child seemed to be suffering and feverish, still unconscious but holding his chest and fidgeting. All the machines around him were panicking, beeping loudly.
Worse: the more Frisk struggled, the more the Soul went crazy, and Alphys understood with horror that she had made the situation worse. They were both in terrible danger!
“Oh no, Frisk!” she became alarmed, trying and failing to recover and get out, she and Frisk together, out of this death trap. No, no, no, what did I do?!
Chapter 16: OurTale Chapter 16 : The Red Soul
Chapter Text
Meanwhile, on the floor:
“How are you feeling, Asgore?” Toriel asked, surprising her ex-husband, who looked at her completely stunned.
“Hm?”
Had he heard correctly? The King of the Underground wondered, in front of the person who had once been his wife in happier times, and the only love of his long life. She held their child Asriel against her, who had dozed off while stubbornly holding his paper close, and she delicately caressed his sleeping but strangely tense face.
It had been a while since Papyrus left the house to look for Sans, who still hadn't returned. He feared that his brother had dozed off; With these strange narcolepsy tendencies, it wasn't impossible. Undyne, who accompanied him as a precaution and having nothing else to do, had viewed the cameras to find out where the absent skeleton might have gone. So it was just the two of them upstairs, him and Toriel, not counting their son who was sound asleep.
The big goat was rather agitated inside; It wasn't often that the former royal couple found themselves alone. Under the circumstances, Asgore didn't want to risk upsetting Toriel any more than she probably was, after what had happened. So, when the Boss Monster saw that the former queen of the Underground was sincerely concerned about his condition and was waiting for his response, he was honestly very surprised. Toriel probably wanted to occupy her mind, which must have been overflowing with worry for Frisk, and ask about her ex-hushband. He awkwardly placed a paw behind a long ear. Not really thinking about it too much, he said:
“W-Well... To be completely honest, I can't stop thinking about Frisk. I can’t shake what I saw earlier at the embassy...”
The king interrupted himself, remembering perfectly well the horror which had overwhelmed him at that moment, and the memory which had then come back. “When I saw him like that,” he continued, his tone low and his gaze haunted by a dark image, “lying on the ground and inert, I... I thought I would relive that awful day again. When we lost Chara and Asriel, where we found the body covered in dust in the garden.”
The images and sounds followed one another in his mind: the king could never forget them. That night, Toriel's heartbreaking screams had echoed throughout the castle, the queen on her knees before this nightmarish vision, desperately calling out the name of their lost child. Seeing all this, Asgore believed that his Soul would burn to ashes. No, he had lost it in that moment, drowned in an ocean of sorrow and anger, as he joined his own screams and tears to those of his wife.
Why had this happened? he asked himself. How could fate be so cruel and play with them like this? When their people had finally regained hope, and their family was full of joy...
First Chara, then Asriel and, with them, their dream. Everything was gone overnight. And what he did next, when Asgore discovered those responsible for this atrocity, the words that the king had spoken in anger sealing the fates of many innocent people...
A gentle warmth enveloping his hand awakened the goat monster, which suddenly emerged from the depths of its tormented memory. He held back a surprised gasp: Toriel's soft palm, full of gentleness, held his larger one which was trembling strongly. Her beautiful ruby eyes looked at him, full of compassion; they had bewitched him since their first meeting and, even today, they made his Soul beat. In her gaze, devoid at this moment of the usual coldness whenever they were together, Asgore guessed a slight trace of the warmth that once inhabited them.
“I understand how you feel, Gorey,” she reassured him, trying in vain to ignore the emotion Asgore showed at his nickname, before Toriel let go of the hand she was holding and continued: “Me too , I thought the world was falling apart again when you told me what happened. But that didn't justify me attacking you like that just now. I was unfair and my reaction disproportionate. I know you care about Frisk too, and that you would never let anything happen to him. So... I wanted to apologize again, Asgore.”
“You... You don't have, Tori-...el,” the big monster stammered, before catching himself towards the end.
Half lying on his mother's lap, both parents heard Asriel stirring a little in his sleep, making them look at him gently. Then, when he calmed down and stopped moving, Toriel continued:
“A new chance presented itself to us, when our Asriel and Frisk appeared together at the castle. I remember that Frisk wasn't any longer there, when we woke up. “The former queen had a small laugh, which sounded like a chorus from Heaven to Asgore, “I was so worried, that I was ready to burn these old walls to ashes to find him. We were all upset, but Sans then revealed that Frisk asked us to wait for him, because he had to deal with something important before returning to the Surface with us."
“Who, at this time, would have thought that he would return with our beloved Asriel?” Asgore remembered nostalgically, smiling at the brilliant memory. “I will never forget when, upon Frisk's return, we see them emerging from the shadows, hand in hand. Without believing it, I initially thought I was the victim of an illusion and had definitely gone fool. But when Asriel came shyly to us... when I felt his cheek in my palm... then you took him in your arms.”
None of them wanted to question this miracle, when their child had come back alive and real.
Asgore also remembered the family hug that followed, with Frisk standing aside until Toriel demanded that he join them, only to be enveloped in turn by the two Boss Monsters and alongside of Asriel. All the others then came at the invitation of Asgore, with the Skeleton Bros Sans and Papyrus, then the lovers Alphys and Undyne, all united in a concert of tears and only joyful laughter. It had lasted so long, before they disbanded without hurrying and then, together, they set foot outside, where there lay a sunset landscape that no monster had seen in a long time.
“I pray every day that this is not a dream; and, if he really was one, I wish I would never wake up from it,” Toriel concluded, while her ex-husband solemnly approved her confession because he thought the same.
But, alas, a dream cannot last forever, Asgore reminded sadly. Now he had to talk about everything that happened at the embassy. The goat couldn't hide the potential threat that Senator Jordan posed, especially after what happened to Frisk. Undyne could be wrong about this man, however, the monarch trust on his apprentice's intuition and the monster already knew how devious this individual was.
He blamed himself for breaking this peaceful atmosphere between them, which would soon be obscured by dark clouds, while Asgore gathered his courage to speak:
“Toriel, I have to tell you something, and you might not like it...”
However, before the King of the Underground could utter another syllable, suddenly, Asriel stirred below and twisted, grimacing.
“Urgh!”
“Asriel!” exclaimed the two parents, panicked as they saw their son clutching his chest, to the point that his claws tore his woolly sweater.
The little monster seemed tormented, uttering uncertain words “F...sk...isk...Fr...” and unmoved by Toriel and Asgore's agitation.
Lost in an endless void in which he had been wandering alone for a while, Asriel was looking for Frisk and calling him since arrival. He didn't remember what made him look for it in the first place, but something within him had guided him here.
“Frisk! Where are you ?" he shouted, hoping the human would eventually hear him, and when he received no call, he started again.
Determined to bring him back at all costs, Asriel went further into the darkness, trying not to pay attention to the tremors in his limbs. The young monster had known worse than that; It wasn't his fear of the dark that was going to stop him! And he forced himself to continue his journey, ever further, until he finally found it.
Floating in the air, lying down, a small figure suddenly appeared further ahead. Squinting to see better, Asriel recognized a blue color and purple lines: Frisk's sweater! The young monster let out a victorious sound.
“Frisk, you’re here!”
Overjoyed, the kid hurried to reach him. But, strangely, as much as Asriel tried to go faster, his legs weighed more than lead. It became more and more difficult, to the point that Asriel found himself walking at the speed of a turtle. "What's happening ?" The prince looked under his feet.
A cry escaped him: the ground was swallowing him up little by little. He didn't even realize it! It was almost to his waist, sucking him down with a sickening sucking sound. The more he tried to move forward, the deeper it dug into him. Soon it reached the stomach, then under his armpits. When Asriel was almost to Frisk, he had to raise his muzzle so the rest of his face wasn't submerged. It was frustrating: Frisk was there, less than a meter away, and he couldn't get any closer!
Asriel craned his neck upwards to prevent any material from entering his mouth, and reached out his free arm to grab Frisk's.
“Fr...*cough Frisk! Do you hear me ?" he spat, hoping to get a reaction from him as he scratched a few more inches towards his goal.
He was almost there... still a little closer... His finger brushed a thread... Still a little closer...
When Asriel was only a claw away from his sleeve, which he tried to grab in vain, a ripple disrupted the veil of darkness that surrounded them. Then, out of nowhere, a shapeless shadow appeared right next to Frisk. The little Boss Monster froze, horrified by this figure, who only seemed to notice him for a moment before becoming interested in the human. It seemed to raise an arm, as slimy as the body of the Amalgamates.
Then, to Asriel's horror, it summoned Frisk's damaged Soul, holding it in its grip. Mercilessly, it began to suck the light from the heart where it was cracked, the outlines of the figure slowly becoming more consistent and distinct. Ignoring Asriel's muffled cries, almost entirely swallowed up as he tried to reach his unconscious friend now writhing in pain.
FRISK!!!
Suddenly, Asriel stood up, his fur bristling and his breathing rapid. Panting, his green eyes were wide with terror. He had crumpled his drawing, becoming a common rag because he had squeezed it so tightly during his vision. Remembering this, the child jumped off the sofa, much to the shock of Toriel and Asgore.
“Frisk!” he cried, too frantic to pay attention to his parents shouting at him to wait for him, as he blindly rushed towards the basement.
His chest... it burned again, and even harder than before! Besides, Asriel had just had this horrible nightmare. Then he woke up, and the pain inside him warned him that Frisk was in real danger.
Hold on, Frisk, I come! Asriel swore to himself, who rushed down the stairs before arriving at the armored door, locked by a electronic code.
That wouldn't be what stops him. Frowning, he easily summoned the Chaos Saber, ready to use it to force his way through. Before he could open it, a terrified scream was heard from behind - Alphys! the young monster realized – then, hearing her shout his brother's name, Asriel prepared to enter. His Soul beating unaware of what he would discover inside. But Frisk and Alphys needed help!
He raised his magic blade and, letting out a “Hiyaaa!” energetic worthy of Undyne, brought it down on the metal structure which collapsed with a metallic noise, before leaping to attack. But when he saw what was happening, Asriel braked with both paws and stood in the middle of the room, in shock. It was then that his two parents arrived, barely noticing the damage caused by Asriel in his run and the two of them heading straight for the door.
“Asriel, wait!” Toriel shouted, Asgore right behind her and out of breath from the race, as they joined their son who had entered the scientist's laboratory.
When they arrived in turn, Toriel first, an immense and terrible weight assailed them. As she entered the room, where the machines tripped, circuits broke and ceiling lights flickered. Toriel had become frightened by this spectacle of complete chaos; even more so seeing Frisk in the middle, Alphys on the ground and Asriel lost in it all. Her motherly instinct screamed at her to join her children in danger immediately but, with her next step further inside, a mountain was oppressing her, and a destructive fire was consuming her. It forced Toriel to stumble, then fall, groaning as her own Soul tugged at her, threatening to melt on the spot. She just had time to see her son in front ; he seeming less affected but struggling to stand, and Alphys not far away who was collapsed, no longer moving. Then Frisk, who seemed to be in terrible torment in his coma, and the Red Soul above crackling, radiating a fiery, uncontrollable glow.
Asgore, seeing this scene, screamed the names of everyone inside; he rushed forward without thinking about his own safety to get them out of there. In turn, he became a victim of the same invisible phenomenon. His legs buckled, but he tried to stay upright as the elements raged a little more around them as he asked himself:
"What... What's happening?" Grunting with effort, the king of monsters tried to resist the pressure around him. But, exhausted by the previous use of magic earlier, fatigue almost immediately got the better of his resistance and he collapsed not far from Toriel.
Asriel was worried to see his parents behind him, on the ground and unable to move; he himself thought he would give in at any moment, but he managed to resist and tried to progress. Step by step, his little body was approaching what he guessed was the source; towering over them, Frisk's Soul seemed to be trying to push him away. The more Asriel insisted and gained ground,fighting against attraction of the ground under his paws, the more the heart released energy against him.
As the pressure became unbearable and Asriel began to buckle, unable to go any further, a glow appeared in his chest and, suddenly, an inverted monster heart began to appear. It had the shape of any of his people, but a red glow surrounded him, and in places this energy held various parts of his Soul in place. As if someone had put the differents pieces together, like a puzzle, then glued it all back together and filled the empty space where there was nothing. This energy - Frisk's Determination that he used before on him - was currently deployed all around Asriel like a protective shield, neutralizing part of the offensive energy that came from the other Soul. Asriel looked at himself, uncomprehending.
I don't know what just happened, but I have to take the chance while it works! Relieved by the significant weight loss that had prevented him from moving forward, Asriel moved closer the levitating heart above his brother. As he arrived, his Soul emitted a gentle pulse that cut through the air. In resonance, Frisk's Soul responded to him, like a small, frightened and injured animal crying out for help.
Well, that was what Asriel felt deep within his being.
So that's it, you were just very afraid that we would hurt you both again, the prince understood very pained by their condition. How could this have happened? He asked inside, before, before reaching out his hands to catch the distraught heart. “Don’t worry. You’re safe now, and Frisk is as well.”
“N... No, Asriel...” Alphys warned him not far away, expecting an attack to transform him into Amalgamate, when she saw him delicately grab it. “Don’t touch it.”
“Son...” Asgore yelped back and, beside him, Toriel feared that at any moment their child would disappear.
But there was not the slightest pain.
When Asriel grabbed it, he knew what was going to happen. The same happened with Chara. The familiar wave of sensations washed over him, and for a brief moment, Asriel and Frisk became one inseparable being. Frisk's emotions became his own ; at first chaotic and full of fear, it seemed to recognize the presence of Asriel who tried to reassure them, knowing that Frisk would never be able to regain consciousness before the Soul calmed down. While he did it, Asriel discovered many aspects of Frisk ; like his unfailing kindness that seemed to know no bounds towards anyone, his immense courage pushing him to sacrifice himself for the happiness of those he loved, the childish but innocent mischief of the young human and, finally, his pure compassion which pushed him to understand others and do anything to help them.
It was warm and light inside, reflecting a colorful rainbow. In the past, Flowey had absorbed many Souls, monsters and humans. Asriel remembered what they looked like, each different from the other. But Frisk's Soul was... beautiful.
With his faults and his qualities, it was absolutely everything that made him the person he was. His character, his personality, his desires, his dreams...
That was what made Frisk... Frisk.
Even this black spot, deep within him, where Asriel discovered with suprise that it contained the darkest and secrets emotions of Frisk. It were tiny, certainly, but it gave Asriel the impression of discovering a stranger; to him, it was incredible that the Frisk he knew could experience such feelings. However, the reasonable part of his mind knew that you couldn't know everything about a person. He must know from experience now. Besides, he thought, I'm in a very bad position to judge that myself.
Maybe one day, Frisk would tell him about the demons that he hid inside him. Asriel could helped him, like Frisk had done for the young monster. But, now, the prince had to return what belonged to him. He had kept it with him too long.
In his hands, Frisk's Soul seemed to have calmed; it still had this disturbing crack, but its beats had become calm again and its color returned to an ordinary peaceful red. All the pressure in the air had vanished, releasing the adult monsters who were slowly recovering.
Asriel brought the Soul closer to Frisk's chest, who, as soon as it returned to normal, stopped struggling. He let go, letting the heart fall to within an inch of its host. Then, naturally, it came back down inside him and disappeared: Frisk let out a long, relieved sigh. When the Soul returned, the young human's cheeks had regained color. After several seconds of waiting, where Asriel watched for his reaction, his eyelids fluttered, before he opened eyes a little.
His mouth opened, lips moving as Frisk tried to recognize this room. It was brighter and more cluttered than at the embassy. Why were there all these cords on him? And all of this machines wich surronded him, displaying for those still intact an increase in his pulse and heart rate...
He groaned: his foggy head prevented him from concentrating.
“Where... Where am I? This isn’t the embassy… Wait, is this the Alphys' lab?”
Frisk sat up on the mattress, helped by Asriel who holding him cautiously by the shoulders.
“Are you okay, Frisk ?"
“Az? What- Ouch!” Frisk groaned, touching the back of his head where he had knocked himself unconscious. Immediately, a welcome feeling of relief eased the pain.
During this time, the other adult monsters in the room were able to get back on their feet. Asgore had joined the children, while Toriel took care of healing the seriously injured Alphys by wrapping her in a healing spell. When she had finished taking care of the scientist, brand new again although exhausted, she hurried back to her children, entrusting Asriel to her ex-husband after a quick but necessary inspection, before applying another healing spell to relieve Frisk. With a gentle hand, she placed her palm on Frisk's hair, feeling the bump deflate and shrink, until it completely disappeared - to the happiness of the boy who no longer had headaches.
“Are you better, children ? Both of you ?” Toriel asked, checking other places where Frisk could have hurt, and looked again Asriel while Toriel held them close.
"Yes, mommy, I'm fine." replied the young prince, as the parents hugged the children with force, in equal measure to the fright they had had.
"Same here. Thank you. But..." Frisk asked a little suffocated under all these arms which squeezed them, when a new figure came at them.
“yo, everyone! i was told that my old skeleton was needed so... oh” Sans appeared without warning from the demolished door, before his smile fell when he saw the general haggard look on everyone, and Toriel's frankly annoyed look at his attitude displaced, then the disorder of the place. He rubbed his neck, uncomfortable. "he he he... bad time to make a joke, i guess?”
Behind him, Papyrus almost dislocated his jaw seeing all the damage in the room. But, before him or Sans could say anything, it was Undyne, who arrived at the same moment and, faced with this cataclysm, who let out a huge:
“What the f*ck happened?!”
*End of Arc 1 : Embassy
Hi ! Yes, as you have read, this is the end of the first arc which serves as our introduction ^^ Most of the characters have been presented, at least the most important ones. This is the first fanfiction I've published on this site: before, I was mainly here to read the work of others. I became a fan of Undertale since a friend introduced me to the game and, at my level, I'm trying to present some sort of possible sequel to the game.
I think you've noticed, I'm not English - but French - and it may be that during your reading, you saw a lot of mistakes and sentences that went wrong. I apologize, and thank you for trying to read me :) I am also grateful for those who are following the story, and I promise to make sure to maintain a good rythm - despite my studies - and making corrections as best I can.
The whole story is in my head; here, we are really at the beginning. I have a lot left to explore (like return of a nameless demon, for example) and what just happened.
Maybe in the future, I can publish shorts stories about what happens during return of the monsters to the Surface, and how the characters - mainly based on Frisk and Asriel - adapted.
If you have any questions, an opinion on the story or advices, don't hesitate to tell me: I will answer you as soon as possible.
See you soon ^_^
Chapter 17: Interlude 1: Sleep
Chapter Text
Back in his and Asriel's room, after the first had gone to bed a long time ago, a ton of thoughts filled Frisk's head. Despite Toriel's request that he rest after all the commotion, the human was unable to do so. Everything happened so quickly, the child felt like he barely had time to blink; he remembered Toriel grabbing him, and Asgore holding Asriel, and then they drove back to Second Home. Then, Frisk had been placed in his bed and had been tossing and turning in vain for a while trying to get to sleep. Nearby, Asriel had his back to him, probably asleep, and not seeming to be disturbed by his commotion.
He was lucky to have been able to fall asleep. Not him.
Frisk took a deep breath, trying to close his eyes, and rolled under the covers; downstairs, the child could hear the faint creaking of the sofa, which Toriel and Asgore had to try to unfold into a makeshift bed for the big king goat.
Earlier, when leaving Alphys' residence, Asgore had asked Toriel for the opportunity to stay with them tonight to make sure everything would be okay. Everyone - including Frisk - was surprised that Toriel accepted without difficulty, even offering to make a place for him in the living room so that he could sleep comfortably. “Only for tonight, though,” she had clarified, categorically, and her former husband had immediately approved. Toriel hadn't shown any joy or frustration, but she had seemed a little relieved by his offer, before they greeted their friends and each left in their car towards her house. Maybe she had also felt a need for company after all the mess? Or was she just too tired to argue?
Neither of them seemed to have had much energy anyway, and when they got home, everyone's only thought had been getting ready for bed. The festive meal prepared for this evening, now cancelled, had been put away by Toriel in the refrigerator, while Asgore took the children to their respective beds and put them inside gently.
After we left, Undyne stayed with Alphys to watch over her while she rested, Frisk recalled absently, feeling a pang of shame knowing that she wasn't doing well through her indirect fault. Sans and Papyrus both returned home... We will see them all again tomorrow to better discuss what happened.
His eyebrows furrowed at the moment. What had happened, exactly? Frisk thought about... but he completely ignored it. It escaped him that such a thing could have happened. And no one seemed to know it, or had any semblance of an answer. Even Sans, when Frisk was most expecting an idea knowing him, had remained awfully silent.
The child moans: why did it go like that? After everything that had happened in the Underground, and all their efforts, the child would never have thought that such a catastrophe could have happened again. Not in this timeline, where absolutely everything Frisk had wished for had come true. Everyone had been saved and was happy, right? He succeeded in making things right, no?
So why didn't it look that way?
…Would it all start again?
His chest tightened, victim to the crushing weight of apprehension. Unless it was his Soul which was still reacting to his anguish. Frisk hoped he wouldn't lose control like before; he still felt this injury keenly on that, like a permanent and annoying tingling. Because of what had happened at the embassy, nothing made any sense; this void, this creature that had attacked him and then this... person? thing ? who had spoken to him as he fled.
And then... what Frisk had been forced to do to get out of it.
He tried to forget and sighed, unable to relax enough to sleep – how could he? As Frisk looked for a better position, there was commotion in front. A soft sound, like velvet footsteps, approached the bed; right next to him, the mattress sank. Intrigued, Frisk opened his eyes: under the subdued light of the night light – which Frisk had requested from Toriel, refusing to stay in the dark – the child saw the preoccupied face of the prince of monsters appear who was sitting on the edge.
“Asriel?” whispered Frisk, previously convinced that the young goat had fallen asleep.
"You don't look well, that's why I came," Asriel explained. He looked sadly at the human who propped himself up on one elbow, waiting for him to speak. Frisk had to lean in to hear what he said, huffing: “Frisk, I…I'm really sorry.”
That... the little human didn't see it coming. Disillusioned by what he had heard, Frisk could only ask, “Why?”
To which Asriel, with his head bowed, replied: “If I had gone with you to the embassy, perhaps what happened to you could have been avoided.”
“...Az, please don’t say that. What happened at the embassy is not your fault.” Frisk severely contradicted him, not at all appreciating that his friend was taking the blame for something that no one could have predicted.
Stubborn, Asriel shook his head vigorously, waving his long ears wildly, and insisted:
“I should have said yes this morning to accompany you. I could have prevented what happened if we had been together. You wouldn't have ended up this bad, and your Soul wouldn't be..." The young monster didn't dare finish his sentence, while Frisk became horrified by what Asriel said.
On the contrary, he was relieved that this last did not find himself in the same situation. Who knows what could have happened to the kid goat, when Frisk barely escaped to it? Things could have gone really bad. He himself came out with a cracked and dysfunctional Soul from now on, with no way of knowing if it could be reversible until Alphys checked it as soon as possible. And with his Surface lab destroyed as it is, they'd have to head to the Hotlands lab to get results.
The human child didn't know how to make him understand that he was wrong; Asriel, who had been silent for a while, broke the ice that had formed and continued:
“Frisk, you... can you tell me what happened back there?”
“...What happened, huh?” the human repeated heavily, while the little Boss Monster formulated the same question that he himself had been asking since their return.
He began to think: as much as the human preferred to keep the truth from Asriel, he was reluctant to openly lie to him. Could he tell her? However, before Frisk could decide anything, her tongue suddenly stuck in her mouth, preventing her from uttering any further words. A sudden and abnormal cold invaded him, while an icy hand seemed to grip his throat. It stopped him from moving or panicking; suddenly, the menacing and dark face appeared in his mind. It was a little sharper than before; the blurry, yet recognizable face of a young child appeared through his vision and glared at him.
Then came their voice, which only he heard, which cut like a blade:
Don't you DARE say anything, to him or anyone else. Otherwise...
“Frisk?” Asriel called, intrigued by his silence, while Frisk shivered at the warning and the figure which immediately faded at the prince's interruption.
Anxiety gripped him: he hadn't dreamed, had he? This thing... this specter was still there. Frisk hadn't realized their were there until now. Would he have followed him from the Void? He hadn't visualized it well, and even if their presence didn't reassure him at all, he had the vague impression that their face was familiar to him. Where and when had he seen it first? It seemed fine before today. Seem you don't to wanna to make your presence known to the others and you want to prevent me from speaking. It sucks...
However, one thing was now very clear: as long as he didn't know what it wanted, Frisk wasn't going to have fun antagonizing him. The desire to kill that the entity had shown in its threat was not fake and they clearly forbidding him from speaking. Frisk didn't need to see the choices appear in front of him to choose his answer and, seeing that Asriel was still waiting, he preferred caution:
“I...I don't know, Azzy” Frisk blurted out and let his head fall back onto the pillow, feigning fatigue to close the subject.
He was consumed with guilt and secretly apologized to Asriel for this half-truth, but he was unable to shake the feeling of danger that now inhabited him. He didn't want to put anyone in danger, especially the kid, by talking too much. Either way, Frisk himself was lost in the middle of it all. It was mixed up in his head, a real mess. And now that's added... Frisk held back an anguished moan.
Hearing him deny it, Asriel was doubtful of his answer; For a moment, Frisk seemed funny before answering him. If he was lying, the human wasn't very good at hiding. However, the prince had seen Frisk look honestly upset in front of him. The young goat concluded that what he had experienced still bothered him. Just now, while holding his weakened Soul, he had clearly felt the young human's frightened emotions, and this could not lie to him. I shouldn't push it any further, he decided, preferring not to probe now.
Both of them badly needed to rest... He was exhausted, but Asriel didn't have the heart to go back to his bed right away. He looked at Frisk, who didn't seem ready to go to bed despite the appearance he gave himself. From the outside, the child really didn't look good.
“ Frisk -”
“Say, Az... would you mind staying with me tonight?” the young human muttered shyly without thinking, not wanting to be alone tonight.
Usually, it was Asriel who complained to him when he felt bad; this time, Frisk was the one who needed a familiar presence for comfort. He would never be able to fall asleep without anyone.
"Oh ? My loud snoring won't bother you too much, I hope” Asriel laughed, pleased to see Frisk giggling, and was more than happy to comply with his request.
With astonishing speed, the kid slipped under the covers to join him with disconcerting enthusiasm - but coming from him, completely natural. In his haste, his forehead almost inadvertently hit Frisk's chin, who barely lifted it to avoid the painful collision. I'm glad he hasn't got his horns yet, that could have hurt me a lot, he remarked half laughing, as soft white fur tickled his nose, while Asriel settled down comfortable in bed.
“Did you listen to the end of my speech on television?” Frisk asked him, much joyful, and he imitated his half-brother to get ready to go to sleep.
“Yes...” Asriel said, in a weak voice that was already falling from fatigue, and yawned before unconsciously approaching the little human who did the same. “Mom and I thought it was great.”
“I thought so, you know. What an awesome brother you are. Never doubt about it, Az. You, Toriel, Asgore, Sans, Papyrus, Undyne, Alphys... and all my other friends, you are so dear to me and those I consider like my family. I love you guys so much.” And today, I almost believed that I would lose all of you forever. Instead of losing my life, it was this idea that really frightened me.
The young prince did not answer him immediately, but he had a big, very pleased and toothy smile under his muzzle, which exposed his own feelings. “We love you a lot too, brother. Remember that each of us cares for you.” Because we owe you so much, and me especially. You are our savior: without you, I don't know what would become of us.
They both hugged each other, wishing together a happy “Good night” at the same time; a few minutes later, their snores filled the room - the loudest coming from Asriel - and the children soon fell into dreamland, smiles on their faces.
"What does it mean ?" Asriel asked, after he had carefully read the entire contents of the book.
He and Frisk, as requested, were sitting among the flowers growing at the entrance to Mount Ebott. It was a very special place; here was the grave of the first human, Chara, hidden in the depths of the floor. There too, Frisk had woken up for the first time in the Underground, miraculously uninjured after the yellow flowers had broken his fall. These ones were gathered all around them; the human child couldn't help but think that they looked just like the old Flowey, although inanimate and devoid of the slightest drop of Determination.
Only a few hours had passed since they had both been here; when they arrived, Frisk had given the book to Asriel and invited him to discover its contents. There were numerous notes and descriptions, diagrams with numerous explanations and complex calculations. Facing him, he had seen him take on multiple expressions; the interest, the surprise, the confusion... It was normal: he himself had had difficulty seeing clearly. On the other hand, Asriel had grasped the gist of it and summarized:
“As I understand it... everything inside explains the principle of RESET, SAVE, and the need for Determination to take possession of it.” Asriel searched Frisk's face for any answer or confirmation.
"That's right: it also says that the Loop undergoes a sort of reboot, each time power is transferred from one creature to another. That means you, then me. At least that’s what Sans and I understood. But, in our case, this is not the most important...”
Frisk took the precious work back from Asriel, who watched him leaf through to the part that interested him: the SAVE.
"As Flowey explained," Frisk continued – Asriel couldn't help but notice the human's stubbornness not to confuse him with the demonic plant, "the SAVE ability is an almost omnipotent power, which gives me access to only one file since I only have one Soul. It allows me to SAVE my progress and, optionally, resume at my last save point. Before, I had to use one of them to activate this power. But since our fight... it's different. Now I can SAVE anyone and not just myself."
The child's smile deepened, looking at Asriel with eyes sparkling with joy while the latter didn't know where he was going with this - although a vague idea sprouted from the corner of his mind, which he pushed aside. afraid of making a mistake. “You discovered something else, didn’t you?”
“We had the solution all along, Asriel, right there, and I didn’t realize it!” Frisk exclaimed, jumping up as he no longer held his excitement. “To get everyone back, I had to SAVE their Souls. But also yours, when you got it back after absorbing all the others! And I believe it must still be in my file somewhere.”
Then, Asriel began to fully understand what Frisk was implying, and the realization hit him. Unable to believe it, he couldn't help but feel a fleeting spark of hope within himself.
"No, that's not possible. This… This can’t be true.”
However, while grabbing the wrists of the little goat monster to raise him to his height, Frisk spoke the words Asriel never thought he would hear:
"Asriel, I think... I think that, with your SAVE left in my file, I might be able to restore your Soul to its original state and bring you back. Permanently."
Chapter 18: OurTale Chapter 18 : Interlude
Chapter Text
Interlude 2: The discussion
"There ! This thing is finally in place!” sighed Asgore after he and Toriel, with difficulty and much effort, managed to turn the couch into a bed for the big monster to sleep on.
This had proven to be devious and particularly difficult to cooperate with. The two Boss Monsters had to join forces to unblock the mechanism, at the cost of leaving them without energy. Luckily, the noise didn't seem to wake the children upstairs, despite all the noise.
Toriel was no better than her former husband, rubbing her lower back with visible discomfort that twisted her face, and grumbled, "I realize that the old lady I am today no longer has the body of my young years.”
Her words brought the goat king out of his own exhaustion, for looked with astonishment at his former companion: for him, she had not changed that much in all these years. Toriel remained as graceful and beautiful as ever, in his eyes. For fifty years, neither of them had really changed their appearance, both monsters remaining exactly as they were until recently. But two years had changed nothing about them physically speaking.
…Perhaps with the exception of his own potbelly, rounder and plumper than ever under his shirt and which his cape, placed on the coat rack, no longer hid. The reason was obvious: Toriel's pies, which Frisk and Asriel secretly brought back every weekend that they came during afternoon tea, had certainly not helped matters.
This thought came to me...
“Can I offer you some tea, Toriel, before you go?” Asgore suggested, trying to establish a little more dialogue between them.
He thought that, too exhausted, Toriel was going to decline his offer and go to bed. The monster would have completely understood, being ready to collapse himself. But his ex-wife nodded slowly, designating towards the table in the kitchen.
“A little tea wouldn’t be amiss, thank you. Besides, we still have to discuss what you wanted to share with me earlier.”
“Oh...y-yes. That’s it,” Asgore stammered, having more or less forgotten and ashamed of having almost done it.
Toriel looked at him strangely, but the big goat left towards the next room. While the hostess looked for cups before placing them one in front of the other, Asgore took care of putting the water in a kettle which he filled generously. With one hand he reached into his pocket and took out a small airtight box; when the monster opened it, revealing small dried golden leaves, which gave off a pleasant sweet scent.
“Do you have an infuser, by any chance?” Asgore asked Toriel, who pointed to a drawer where he found the object he was looking for among other utensils.
Carefully, the monster measured out the right amount needed, and installed the device which began to heat the liquid. As the two adults listened to the background sound of boiling water, both enjoying this peaceful calm and rare understanding, Asgore couldn't help but feel like he had returned to an earlier time. When he and Toriel were husband and wife, happy parents of adorable children – both symbolizing hope for a bright future – and together they formed a beautiful, united and warm family.
Everything was perfect then... before this disaster arrived and destroyed what Asgore had loved with all his Soul. Then, what little he still had, the monster's own selfish actions had forever deprived him of it.
His face became somewhat melancholy and sad, for the old king knew that it would not come back. I miss those times before so much... he thought, before brushing away a small stray tear from his muzzle with one claw. Damn, the smell of tea made me get emotional. It must be ready.
The monster hurried to retrieve the finally ready kettle, without worrying about the surface which burned its paws. With a smile that he wanted to be as natural as possible, he served him and his beloved the infused drink that had become golden. It was his specialty, which the good king consumed very regularly and generously served others. With his warm cup in hand, Asgore watched as Toriel retrieved her own cup, blowing into it before taking a polite sip.
The appreciation in her crimson gaze filled him with joy, and he couldn't help but say : "If you want, I can leave the rest of the leaves for you and the children."
“That’s very nice, I appreciate it,” Toriel replied simply. She remained silent for a moment, during which Asgore slowly drank his tea, before adding: “There's some cinnamon-butterscotch pie left in the cupboard. Before you leave tomorrow, you can take some.”
“Golly, with great pleasure!” the goat enthused, his green eyes brightening with joy, and in front of his naive enthusiasm, Toriel feel amused by this aspect of Gorey - no, of Fluffybuns - that she had known and loved.
Without hurrying, the former royal couple began to chat about everything and nothing, continuing to quietly enjoy their tea. When there were no more, Asgore served them again and the discussion started again – a second time, third time, fourth time... The topics were quite vast and varied: the organization of the next Nose Nuzzling competition , export agreements in magical technology, children's school supplies...
It became clear that neither of them were in a hurry to address the real issue, just kept dragging out the moment. Unconsciously or not, they tried to keep this dreaded moment as far away as possible. But this temporary peace very quickly came to an end; When Asgore retrieved the kettle to refill their empty cups, he was very surprised when a single drop fell to the bottom.
“Oh... No more, huh,” Asgore stated simply, not knowing what else to say.
"Indeed..."
That seemed to serve as a signal: Toriel gently moved her cup aside, resting her chin on her crossed hands. She stared at the big bearded monster who no longer seemed as comfortable as before.
“Asgore, tell me what happened at the embassy. Please don’t forget anything.”
The goat king knew he would have to tell him everything. And nothing about that was good to know. He sighed heavily, brushing his shaggy hair: this wasn't going to be pleasant for either of them.
Without hiding anything from him, Asgore detailed his conversation with Senator Jordan. What he said seemed to offend Toriel, who grew a little more angry as the king repeated each of the words said during their brief encounter; the worst coming when he mentioned the man's thoughts about Frisk. Toriel had seemed ready to reduce the individual to ashes at that moment, if Asgore was anything to go by her eyes burning with anger and her upturned muzzle revealing her fangs.
“How can anyone say such vile things about a poor, innocent young. And then, he dares to consider us evil beings!” she hissed, as her disgust of the man reached its peak. “If he tries to touch a hair of my child... it will be the last thing he does.”
In response to this promise, the tips of her short filed claws crackled with a faint spark of magical fire. Asgore understood Toriel's reaction, having been close to losing his own temper with the senator himself. Moreover...
“There's something else...” he admitted, knowing that it was still a dangerous hypothesis but refusing to hide such an important thing from Toriel, who listened attentively, “I'm not sure myself, but Undyne suspects that Senator Jordan...could possibly be involved in what happened to Frisk."
"What did you say now ?!" Toriel raged, so angry that she stood up abruptly, at the risk of tipping her chair, and glared at Asgore, who became frightened.
Golly, she can really be scary!
Although the goat knew he was not the true source of her fury, this time Toriel truly seemed ready to start a fire. His side tingled unpleasantly at the memory of her fireball hitting him, and he preferred not to be...collateral damage.
“Calm down, Toriel, it’s not a certainty and we have no proof!” he reminded her, trying to soothe her as best he could, before adding when she seemed to recover. “But it is an avenue that we must seriously consider, to understand the causes of the problem which impacts Frisk. I will personally take charge of examining the room, bringing with me the Canine guard – and Undyne, who will certainly want to join us. If Senator Jordan came into the room and did anything there, we will know.”
“I see...” Toriel groaned, sitting back down as she tried to regain her composure after these upsetting revelations. Now that her mind had become lucid again, she couldn't help but notice that something was wrong: “But that doesn't make sense: nowadays, apart from monsters, no humans use magic like that anymore. the mages did it. And these have been missing for centuries. If this horrible senator is indeed involved, how could he have succeeded alone?”
“That's what I wonder, too,” Asgore replied, as ignorant as Toriel was.
One thing was certain, however: no one thought that a monster would have done such a thing; the entire population of the Underground knew and loved Frisk, as much as if the ambassador were one of their own. For them, it was unthinkable that magic came from monsters, and that was why they had not mentioned the possibility.
Especially since...
“This magic was nothing like anything I know…” the Boss Monster remembered, thinking intently about the feeling that had passed through him, as he worked to open the door. “It was strange and powerful. It took almost all of my own magical strength to successfully undo this spell.”
Not appreciating this dark threat which seemed to have targeted the young human child, the mother goat looked harshly at her ex-husband. “Listen : until we get to the true of this story and until Frisk is completely healed, I don't want him to return to the embassy or attend any more meetings.” Suddenly, she felt tired, knowing that Frisk might not take it well. He really took his role to heart, and this decision could hurt him. “I’ll talk to him about it...”
“We will do it together; I will make sure that the team at the embassy takes over in place of Frisk, while things get better,” Asgore supported her, while Toriel thanked him for it.
She seemed exhausted; however, the stream of bad news Asgore had didn't stop there, and Toriel had to hear it all to understand the seriousness of the situation. He attracted his attention, and told him the rest of his exchange with the senator. About the “monster” - Asriel - having appeared in the human village decades ago.
“I don't know if he knows anything about Asriel... but now, through my fault, this man suspects that I know something about him,” Asgore confessed shamefully, looking at his wife. becoming devastated by this announcement, and moaned: “I'm so sorry, Toriel: I failed to remain steadfast.”
“It’s getting worse and worse…” she muttered, holding her head in her trembling hands as she shook her head furiously. “That, and Frisk’s Soul becoming unstable; nothing is going well anymore. Everything that happens... to them, especially. They go through so much, and they’re just children, for love of the Angel !”
Toriel seemed to be on the brink; not knowing what to do but not being able to bear to see her torture herself, Asgore desperately wanted to comfort her. His hand sought to grip her shoulder, but he stopped himself from going all the way, for fear that his gesture would seem invasive. He himself was in despair at this turn of events; However, it was not too late to take matters into your own hands.
“We will protect them, Toriel,” Asgore assures her, hoping to convince her as much as he himself. “Everyone will make sure nothing happens to them. In the meantime, we must remain strong and united.”
“You’re right…” admitted the former guardian of the Ruins, before checking the time on the dial. Almost past midnight... we talked a lot. It must be the first time in a long time, even if it wasn't the happiest subject. “We should go to bed, Asgore. Tomorrow will be a long day...”
She cleared her cup as well as Asgore's, putting them directly in the sink because she didn't have the strength to do these little dishes. Too much emotion in one evening had made him weak. Such a waste, knowing that it could have been a time of joy and celebration without all the chaos.
As Toriel was about to say goodnight, she noticed that Asgore had remained seated in the chair and had not moved. His inertia surprised her ; first, she believed that there was something else bad that she should know about.
However, contrary to the former queen's initial fears, what Asgore wanted to know was nothing wrong, but still embarrassing - and somehow intimidating - for him to ask: "How... How is the agreement from human social services for the adoption of Frisk?'
If Toriel was taken aback by what the Goat King had said, she was much more relieved that it wasn't serious, although she wondered about it.
“As you know, it wasn’t very simple, but less difficult than we feared. Because of... or rather thanks to Frisk's particular situation, I am currently his guardian, and I was able to obtain temporary custody of him shortly after we were able to move to the Surface. Yourself were considered to be his second guardian, helped that he was your ambassador. Things have been like this for two years...until recently.”
Asgore's eyes lit up with enlightenment, and his ex-wife's smile was indication enough. “That means you...”
"Yes. Soon, I should receive the necessary documents to legally adopt Frisk,” Toriel said, suddenly happier despite her old worries. “Mayor Edward Stevens helped me a lot in convincing them. I still have to complete the paperwork, but before long, Frisk will be recognized as a full member of this family, by both monsters and humans.”
This was a problem that the Dreemurr family, as well as Frisk, encountered after arriving on the Surface; aside from monsters, the young human child had no one else to care for him. Things had not been easy to get the legal services - some sent by politicians eager to obstruct the negotiations - to agree to leave the child with the monsters as long as they needed their ambassador. Toriel and Asgore had acted as guarantors to take care of him: the fact that the King of the Underground had personally met the most recalcitrant to make his plea heard had helped a lot. Since then, Frisk had been able to stay with them.
But the reality was this: the child would not remain ambassador forever, and his situation was too precarious. Therefore, his official adoption seemed an important necessity.
In the best alternative, within a few weeks, everyone will consider the young human as a “Dreemurr”. That alone was enough to bring a little warmth to Toriel's tormented Soul, knowing that this little child she considered hers would truly become, and that Asriel and Frisk would stay together.
“That’s...wonderful news, Toriel,” Asgore smiled, genuinely happy to hear that everything was going well, before getting up. “Frisk will have a great mother – well, you already are, of course! With you, he will be in good hands.” His big fluffy hands drummed on the table, not knowing what else to say, and he decided to take his leave immediately: “W-Well, I wish you a good night.”
The goat left the room, a little too hastily as his long horns hit the frame, causing him to squeal a plaintive “ouch” followed by a tearful apology.
Toriel tried to cover her amused smile, having always been sensitive to her former husband's almost pathological clumsiness. You really haven't changed after all these years, Gorey, she thought, before leaving for her own room upstairs.
But before going to sleep, she wanted to assure herself that everything would be fine with her children – well asleep, if she trusted the snoring that belonged to them. In front of their bedroom door, the goat Boss Monster made sure to push the wood as gently as possible, in order to get a glimpse of the interior. First, Asriel's bed - her eyes blinked when she noticed it was empty.
However, upon seeing Frisk's, a laugh threatened to leave her throat at the adorable scene she was witnessing.
“How cute they both are,” she whispered, fondly, before grabbing her phone and positioning it to take a photo. She crept into the room to get a better view.
Frisk and Asriel slept together in more than improbable postures; the first, lying sideways on the young monster's stomach with an appreciative smile, and the second, asleep on his back with his mouth half open, one of his feet off the bed and whose three clawed toes were twitching. Gently, she pulled the blanket back over them, barely disturbing them as Frisk grumbled inaudibly, then Asriel sniffled lightly, emitting a strange low bleat, before starting to snore louder.
It was the most perfect and innocent image Toriel had ever witnessed; that of two children far from this world, its dangers and its plots.
Sleep without fear, dear children. We will make sure that nothing bad ever comes to you again, she promised them, although this oath was more to convince herself of it.
Toriel left, feeling a curious mixture of calm and fear. When she reached the stairs, she couldn't help but look down; the light was still on, allowing him to see Asgore who was collecting his cape, before settling down on the couch which creaked under the weight but held firm. She herself didn't really know why she had agreed that Asgore could stay here.
She had to admit that talking with her ex-husband had done her good, more than she wanted to admit. This did not mean that her feelings for him had changed: there remained within Toriel a deep hatred for him and a disgust for his past actions.
Sometimes the former queen wanted so much to see him disappear from her life forever. But another emotion - regret - gripped her Soul, telling to Toriel that Asgore did not deserve her eternal contempt for a mistake the monarch had made out of desperation.
Wasn't he trying to make things right? Could this fix all his faults?
Certainly not, thought Toriel, who dressed in her nightgown and covered her head with a cap to prevent her horns from ripping through the pillows, before lying down in the huge bed.
However, when her eyes closed to sleep, she remembered a memory of the Assembly, broadcast by the Mettaton channel; Frisk rushing to Asgore, hugging him like a child would his father, and the smile on the monster. The hidden desire that had shone in Asgore's eyes, when he had congratulated her on the progress of Frisk's adoption.
Toriel sighed: she didn't know what to think about it anymore. For fifty years, the former queen had never ceased to feel anything other than bitter resentment towards Asgore.
But now... Toriel was no longer sure that she only felt that way towards him. Neither lover, nor even friend. But maybe an ally?
Chapter 19: Interlude 3 : Worries
Chapter Text
Interlude 3: Worries
Alphys Residence:
"No no no. It’s not okay… it’s not okay at all!” Alphys worried, sitting on the sofa as she examined Frisk's latest results saved from the laboratory's destruction.
The sheets showed many figures and statistics; sitting next to her girlfriend, Undyne saw curiously and ignored these formulas. As she suspected, the monster fish understood nothing about this language that only Alphys could decode. But with Alphys's agitation, the monster warrior knew enough to know that it wasn't good news.
“This is all about punk, right?” Undyne guessed, studying the representative drawing of the little human that the professor had plucked from notes and observations. “It’s not good, is it?”
“Indeed,” Alphys admitted, sighing as she took off her glasses to clean them, then put them back on her nose. “When Frisk's Soul went into overdrive during the exam, his DT levels became abnormal. Th-That’s never a good sign...”
Huddled against Undyne, the lizard held back a grimace as she felt a tugging on her skin, where the bolt of energy had struck. There was no physical damage, and Toriel had healed her, but the residual power remained.
“I-I thought it was attacking us specifically,” she declared, as her sturdy tail tapped nervously on the sofa, “a-and I feared I made a terrible mistake handling it. B-but, in its rampage, it also harmed itself, and Frisk too.”
“Soooo… Frisk's Soul kind of went haywire, and it was attacking everything nearby indiscriminately,” Undyne summed up, turning her head back with her blood-red hair tossed to the side as she She tried to imagine the scene with a little difficulty.
In a past life, she had fought against Frisk, and many times, a relentless Undyne had stood before her target's Soul. Except for floating in front of his spears and dodging them, before cowardly fleeing her grip on its little legs, the cluster of light had never acted hostilely. Funny way to run away, she thought, the warrior female not remembering ever seeing Frisk fight for his own life.
Undyne knew that humans could be fierce and dangerous adversaries. Under his tutelage, Asgore had often warned her (also, the anime, with the magical princesses with large, powerful swords). Frisk had disappointed her in the way he ran away from combat - although Undyne had been impressed by his resilience - and, since she had lived on the Surface, no human had ever shown the slightest desire to attack monsters. In fact, they had seemed rather afraid of them at first. Makes you wonder if those cowardly losers were really the ones who sealed them.
Undyne had asked herself this question quite a few times, regularly seeing her human friend as strong as a shrimp who never escaped her grasp, and all the other neighbors easily impressed by her friendly smile.
But this evening, front the material damage that Frisk had unconsciously caused in his coma and the physical discomfort in everyone... Undyne had to admit it: “If I hadn't seen with my own eye the lab, I wouldn't have believed it. Who would have thought the kid was capable of that?”
“H-Human Souls are mysterious entities independent of their host, fundamentally different from our monster Souls, who are even capable of surviving long after death” Alphys answered spontaneously. “Each is unique and has its own characteristics. C-However, I myself do not know how a damaged Human Soul would behave: would it return to normal, or would the human host-subject slowly weaken, until its destruction?
Some who heard it might think that Alphys was expressing a scientific fascination with this question; however, her eyes narrowed with worry betrayed the great fear for her friend, Frisk. Her claws anxiously rubbed the rough yellow scales on the back of the other hand, as many dark what-ifs tortured her head. Undyne noticed this, while Alphys shook her head exhaustedly, not knowing what to expect.
“There-There are far too many variables and unknowns to make a diagnosis! Furthermore, Frisk claims not to know what had happened. I don't even know what could have caused this crack in his Soul, or under what circumstances. As for predicting if a future crisis is to be feared, or if it stays there, unless it gets worse then I can't find a solution...”
“Don't panic, Alphys,” Undyne reminded her, as the yellow lizard began to hyperventilate. “Punk is a solid guy! He still overcame your weird robot and remained sane - a great feat!” The ex-soldier grimaced in disgust as she thought of the said robot, while watching Alphys who had stopped speaking as she tiredly rubbed her eyes surrounded by black bags, and the mermaid woman continued, obliging her to face him: “But you, on the other hand, are at the end of your rope. You look like you're going to collapse. When did you give yourself time to recover a little?”
“It-It’s nothing…” Alphys sputtered, fighting a counter-indicative yawn as she nervously searched for an excuse. “I-I need to study all this data for Frisk before returning to Hotlands to examine it again. Oh, and-and, without forgetting those of Amalgamates and...”
“Enough blabbering! I say it's time for you to rest, now! ”
Neither one nor two, Undyne firmly grabbed Alphys and, to the great amazement of the latter who could not react, she pressed her against her legs which now served as a pillow for the scientist. Paralyzed, Alphys was helpless and unable to react, feeling the blood rush to her head and her scales turn scarlet red as her thoughts raced.
But, above all, so comfortably installed, an irrepressible desire to sleep invades her. And, this time, she couldn't hold back the yawn that had been threatening since earlier, to the point that her glasses fell to the side, making her vision funny and blurry.
Delicately, much more than she let on, Undyne retrieved them, folded them, then placed them on the side.
“You seem to carry everything on your shoulders, but you can take a break from time to time. There, Alphys, I know that you are passionate and that you want to do your job well. However, you should take care of yourself first: if your mind wants to go faster than your body can and it ends up faltering, you risk taking longer to get there. Don’t you think so?”
“U-Um... You-You must be right, I think?” Alphys stammered in a small voice.
“I’m right, you mean!” Undyne added with a willing smile, as she made herself a little more comfortable. “And then, it will make for a nice evening for two, since Sans has returned with Papyrus. It’s been a while since we took advantage of it.”
Alphys thought she would overdose, but a new surge of fatigue overwhelmed her. A little less guilty, and Undyne's strong legs beneath her being the absolute comfort, the nerdy scientist was tempted to close her eyes a little. Just a little, then, she agreed, allowing herself this little whim.
As Undyne began to look for the remote to watch some TV channels, she felt Alphys get comfortable and soon she was pleased to hear the small sounds of her breathing slowing. The fish monster checked under her, to happily see her girlfriend finally asleep.
“I think we must all be exhausted after all this,” she agreed, tucking a strand of scarlet hair behind her ear as TV flipped through several channels.
His choice of show fell on the program Suprem Chief, a special inter-species edition, where different monster-human candidates prepared numerous dishes to serve to an equally mixed and blindfolded jury. Usually, Undyne loved watching this show and argued every move, enjoying the energy and aura that emanated from the competition which she compared to a battlefield.
But not today.
She didn't smile ; she didn't get excited, and as soon as Alphys dozed off, Undyne resumed the serious expression that never left her.
No matter how tough she seemed, Undyne couldn't stand to see anything happen to her friends. Even more knowing that at that moment, at the embassy, Frisk was under HER responsibility and that of Papyrus. But Undyne condemned herself more harshly for not having intervened sooner, even though Asgore had warned them to act quickly. As a warrior to the depths of her own Soul, this was a terrible blow to her honor; an affront that she could never wash away unless she discovered who was responsible. And Undyne would without hesitation bring her last seeing eye to bear on the culprit, as the image of the arrogant and despicable Senator Jordan Krim haunted her vision.
If “bad” had to be anyone, it would be him. From day one, Undyne had felt that he was a threat, a danger to the monster people.
“I swear, in the name of the safety of my friends, to drop your mask and your head, felon” Undyne made herself swear, as she finally decided to turn off the television, not having the heart for it .
With one arm, Undyne held Alphys, still sleeping, more firmly against her - the scientist fidgeted a little before calming down - and she remained there, staring terribly into space.
This night, the soldier had the impression that the shadows, darker than usual, were watching for her own release, before throwing themselves upon their world.
The feeling didn't leave her until she finally relaxed and slept. Even so, her posture remained straight and her face vigilant.
House of Sans and Papyrus:
“and bun the bunny was so happy to see his friends again, that it is said that he jumped higher than the clouds. end,” Sans concluded, sitting on a chair he had set up near Papyrus’s car bed.
For his little brother, he told the ritual story of the evening: this time, it was that of “Bun the Bunny”. Papyrus had seemed happy, lying comfortably in his bed and with a smile on his face. Taking that as his departure, Sans closed the book, before placing it on the bedside table.
“good night, little brother. see you tomorrow.”
“WAIT, SANS,” Papyrus held him back, making the smaller skeleton stop before he reached the door. In a small voice, weak under his duvet, he asked: “DO YOU BELIEVE THAT FRISK WILL FEEL BETTER TOMORROW?”
Usually, Sans would respond with a joke of his own to this kind of question, citing every bone a skeleton had. But when he turned back to him, Papyrus was no longer smiling at all and he seemed genuinely concerned - even Sans knew that a bad pun would be very inappropriate. As childish and naive as his brother could be, he could be very serious about his friends' health, and Frisk had been one of his first true friends. The only one who hadn't made fun of him, encouraging him to have more confidence in himself – the human had even enjoyed his spaghetti dish.
Faced with Papyrus's expectant gaze, Sans didn't have the heart to respond lightly; so his response was: “I don’t know, dad.” Then, faced with the sad look of his little brother, Sans added with more enthusiasm: “but, hey! you remember that he was in great forme when he left. the little guy is tough, you’ll see.”
Papyrus hummed a little, thinking about Sans' words. “MAYBE A GOOD DISH OF SPAGUETTI MADE BY ME WILL HELP HIM RECOVER FASTER?” he suggested, settling back into bed as he seemed in a good mood. “NOTHING BETTER LIKE HEALTHY FOOD MADE BY A FRIEND TO RECOVER YOUR STRENGTH!”
His brother chuckled and assured him that would be the case; satisfied, Papyrus finally dozed off, holding the blanket to his face. "Good night, brother."
"g'night, pap."
When he was sure his brother was sleeping well, Sans slipped quietly out of the room and left the hallway. Once downstairs, the skeleton headed straight into the kitchen where, rummaging through the refrigerator, he pulled out a bottle of ketchup.
Sans opened it quickly, then began to consume his favorite drink as usual. Now that Papyrus was gone, the dim glow in his eyes and his low sockets showed a different mood than earlier as he read the evening story, despite his permanent smile.
“it didn't stop today,” he declared to himself, as the chubby skeleton fell flat on the couch with an exhausted groan.
He was at the end of his strength: before Undyne and Papyrus came to get him, Sans had made a “shortcut” to where he had found Asriel. Looking for the strange energy he recognized; if only out of necessity, he had made an effort to at least check the place out. It had disappeared: no trace left. No longer surprised, Sans had expected it a little, and he turned around until he came across the duo on the way, Undyne leading him back to the residence upstairs by the hood - literally.
Still in his jacket and slippers, as he sat lazily on the cushions, Sans stared at the ceiling of this house, where he and his brother had lived hundreds – no – rather thousands of times.
Suddenly, after only closing his eyes for a moment, he was back in his old bed - in Snowdin Town - and with the sensation of having had a strange dream. Fragments of memories came back to him, random and all different as coming out of his room, Papyrus lectured him for being a late riser, while Undyne waited for them to go on patrol; Papyrus towards the entrance to the village, Sans towards the Ruins area.
Return to the Underground, and start everything from scratch.
Again.
Again.
Would the scenario repeat itself this time again?
Maybe it would be for the better... or for the worse, who knows? During his absence, Sans knew that something abnormal had happened with Frisk's Soul. And often, that can only mean one thing, he reminded himself, his eyes becoming significantly darker.
In his head, images of several lives paraded incessantly; some he had experienced, and others he had not.
Among these many pasts that could have been, Sans saw himself facing the one he sometimes considered one of his best friends. But, in this hall of judgment where the monster was the guardian, stood before him a being beyond forgiveness and redemption. Other times, everyone had lived happily on the Surface. Then, after a while, the one who had freed them took turns making them disappear.
Then Sans woke up, and everything started again there too.
“now, what will you do, kid?” he asked himself, knowing that Frisk could decide at any moment to send them back there, their fate still in his hands.
And what should he do?
In Toriel's house, its inhabitants slept soundly. Downstairs, a thunderous rumble filled the living room – in reality, it was Asgore and his cavernous snoring. Toriel's room was very quiet, in comparison; the former queen being a fairly light sleeper, the slightest noise from the corridor would certainly wake her up.
At the bottom of their bed, Asriel and Frisk were still sleeping. Neither of them had barely moved, except for Frisk who was moving strangely in her sleep. His eyes moved erratically beneath his closed lids. His fists opened and closed nervously, grasping for air. He grimaced a lot and moaned, as if caught in a terrible nightmare, gradually becoming more numerous and louder.
Suddenly the child stopped struggling. “Frisk” opened two large eyes, red and empty, which watched for the slightest suspicious movement in the room. Then, sitting up on the bed, he coldly observed Asriel who was snoring beneath him; Unconscious, the young goat monster continued to sleep. “Frisk” seemed to hesitate then, judging that there was no risk, the child stepped over the body of the sleeping monster which barely moved.
His staggering, as if drowsy, gait carried him dragging his bare feet to the center of the room.
No, I don't want !
|ACT|❤
|STOP MOVE|❤
At that point, a glow burst from his chest and stopped him abruptly.
The child grunted in pain, feeling his grip on the body weaken briefly before returning to him. Understanding where this resistance came from, “Frisk” raised a heavy arm. His hand moved, ready to perform the act and, roughly, the child thrust it deep into himself. He bit back a groan of alarm, as he painfully tore away the fissured Soul.
In a dominant position, the entity contemplated this heart which was both cruelly necessary for its anchoring to this existence but, in the current state of things and until it became completely its own, a useless weight.
“Don’t get involved further, partner,” the creature warned it gently, in a falsely sweet voice. “Unless you want this cute, adorable «brother» of you, wakes up without his ears on the head. It would be such a shame, wouldn’t it?” To complement their words, appearing in their other hand, the Real Knife appeared in all its murderous crimson glory.
The handle rested in their palm, the blade flashing with a menacing brilliance towards the little Boss Monster. The Soul emitted a small pulse, its light fading, as if expressing a cry or a frightened complaint. Satisfied that their threat had guaranteed its obedience, the entity made the weapon disappear with a flick of their hand, and headed towards the toy box in this room. In there, they let the Soul fall, trembling, as the child prepared to lock him away.
“Please stop being like a crybaby,” the creature chided with a huge smile that, on Frisk's usually warm and friendly face, was frightening and demonic. “I'm borrowing this body from you for a short while: there's no point in taking you with me, you risk bothering me again - anyway, once you're back in you, you won't remember anything. And I definitely want to prevent more unwanted visitors from coming with you.”
Then, ruthlessly, the entity lowered the lid, locking the Red Soul in this box, in the middle of the toys and alone in the darkness. There was a crunching sound coming from the window; then, a dull noise, like something falling to the ground, and the sound of footsteps moving away until they became silent.
It stayed in there for a long... very long time.
After a while, they returned; the entity, still controlling Frisk's body which had become strangely disheveled, recovered the abandoned Soul without any gentleness. They put it back inside them, quickly, and took a few steps towards the bed. As soon as his legs touched the mattress, the red glint in Frisk's eyes faded; he blinked, slowly.
"What am I doing here ?" he mumbled, confused and not exactly awake.
The child instinctively sought to return to his bed, wanting to go back to sleep right away. He sat down next to Asriel who, feeling jostled, grunted in displeasure and rolled to the side. “Five minutes, please…” begged the kid, before going back to sleep.
Frisk did the same, without thinking about what had caused him to get up in the first place.
He wasn't even bothered by his bare toes, covered in grass and soiled by dirt, until the next day.
Chapter 20: OurTale Chapter 19 : One week later
Chapter Text
Arc 1: The story begins
Nowadays, the Surface world lived in peace: in the country of Ebott, which took its name from the great mountain range and the highest of all, Mt Ebott, where the people of monsters had long lived locked up after a terrible war.
It had not been easy but, after more than a millennium and thanks to everyone's work, monster-human relations were currently in good shape. A week after the speech given at the Ebott Assembly, where the child ambassador of the monsters had been invited to speak, all we were talking about was the future preparations to come. Many were eager to hear the spokesperson for the nation of monsters speak on this subject, that is to say Frisk, and many requests for interviews had been solicited at the Ebott embassy or in the capital of New Home.
However, the next day, the journalists who rushed to meet him were stunned to learn that the young child Frisk was resting at Second House. The embassy team, represented by Secretary Grace Houston, had been designated to fulfill all of its obligations for an indefinite period. Under Mt Ebott, the king announced that he would temporarily take over most of the functions of his proxy, but he made sure to ease the concerns of the population who did not understand such a change of heart.
Over the past days, monsters and humans alike had wondered; most newspapers were speculating, while no one really knew the reason behind such a replacement. This had surprised the curious more than when they discovered, two years previously, that the ambassador was such a young, anonymous child.
Very little had been said to explain this decision; even the king of the Monsters, Asgore Dreemurr, was vague on this subject in the face of the increasingly insistent questions he was asked - however, the majority of the monsters had decided to trust the decision of their sovereign.
However, the story was different on the human side, much to Asgore's misfortune.
All week that had passed, the monster had not stopped looking for a way to return to the embassy, but he could not escape his pursuers, who awaited him each time he visited the human city. Wherever he went and whenever, we managed to flush him out before Asgore managed to take the slightest step quietly.
As a result, the monarch had appeared little over the past week. These secrecies and shenanigans could be poorly received and lead to questions - everyone was aware of this - but none of them wanted anyone, other than themselves, to know about the incident that had occurred, and the adults had all agreed to keep the secret: the same instructions had been applied to Asriel and Frisk, to which Toriel had been intransigent. This could be too problematic to handle, and their progress could be jeopardized if this information was misused.
During his rare visits, a few courageous reporters - mainly those who were the least impressed by the big goat Boss Monster, tried to question him at each of his visits which had now become secret and set up regular ambushes that he had until - there managed to avoid... barely.
Today, however, Asgore actually thought he would have a chance.
“Let’s hope they finally got tired of it.” Skeptical, Asgore checked the deserted surroundings of the embassy again, the building being right in front of him.
After so much difficulty getting there, this time, no one intercepted him. He had made sure to come by hidden paths and routes, out of sight: a feat with his build. Outside, no one had waited for him; discreetly, he entered the embassy building. Still nothing: the king of the Underground sighed with relief at having finally managed to come.
Perfect, we can go, he decided, looking down the empty embassy corridor. Confident, the monster walked through the front door and took a step inside.
Then, out of nowhere, a whole wave of microphones and cameras blocked him, capturing his stunned expression:
“King Dreemurr, why such a replacement? Would you have decided to change ambassador? Is your decision linked to the speech to the Assembly?” The human journalists kept asking questions, not allowing Asgore to escape or respond.
Reflexively, the big monster raised his hands in front of him, as if to protect himself from his attackers, and backed away slightly.
“Oh, golly. I, uh...”
Cornered, Asgore opened and closed his mouth under his thick yellow beard, and the human eyes were eager to hear his explanations, their pens in hand on their notebooks ready to take notes. He tried, but the words did not come naturally to him: lost, Asgore did not know what to do to get out of it, when a familiar growl behind his back rose:
“We’re tired of this nonsense, we’re not going to spend the day there!”
An irritated Undyne appeared from behind her lord's back, facing the annoying crowd. The blue fish woman glared at those who were bothering them; Most of the men present took a step back from the visibly upset monster soldier.
“Listen up, you leech: we're here for important business, not to chat, and none of us have time for your stupid interrogation. So I'll let you choose: either you leave in ten seconds max, or I'll have the pleasure of reducing your equipment to pieces.”
Before Asgore stopped her, a cyan spear appeared in Undyne's hand to support her words, causing a chorus of gasps from the annoyancers: the message was clear. In any case, this is enough for the journalists, heads down and sheepish, to abandon the blockade of the corridor to go out. When the last of them left, Asgore frowned in what he wanted to be a reproachful way, but it didn't work well. The monster barely outlined his lips: defeated, he gave up, not knowing how to go about it correctly. Useless, I can't do it like Toriel: I never knew how to do it, Asgore admitted, his heart too soft to appear angry, even while pretending.
However, although he knew that Undyne had not acted with the aim of harming him, he saw fit to call his former student to order.
"Undyne, I know you wanted to help me – and I'm grateful too – but we can't use our magic to intimidate humans like that."
"Yeah, yeah..." she grumbled at his admonishment, reluctantly putting away her magical weapon which disappeared in a flash. "But because of them, we have never been able to return to the embassy peacefully until now. We still risk attracting attention; they will surely return, and with more of them."
“So, let’s take this opportunity to go to the room where Frisk was locked up.” Asgore decided, knowing their time was running out. That was the purpose of their visit: to go there and find out what had happened here earlier this week.
Right after his speech, Frisk was imprisoned and attacked here, inside the embassy. Papyrus and Undyne who were supposed to bring him back had finally noticed the problem and had done everything they could to get him out of it. But, unfortunately, none of them had been able to open the door that separated them from the child, until Asgore joined them after his own confrontation with Senator Jordan Krim – a horrible and horrible man. anti-monster who had held him back all the time Frisk was imprisoned. But that night, while trying to get him out of this trap, the king discovered that a strange magic had been worked by an unknown force.
Asgore blamed himself terribly for what had happened to Frisk, and although the child held it against him in no way - the next day, when the big goat had apologized to him, Frisk had rushed to assuring that everything was fine with a huge smile - the monster king felt as if he had failed in his role as guardian.
Everyone was counting on the results of their investigation; in addition to Undyne, two members of the Dog Guard accompanied them – Doggo who cautiously spied the surroundings with his narrowed eyes, and the Greater Dog more excited than ever at the idea of “play”. They were the best bloodhounds in the kingdom: their highly developed sense of smell was a great asset for sniffing out the slightest clue, even a strange smell. They had to look for the slightest determining element to understand what had happened; Undyne already suspected the senator of deceiving them, but no one could be sure. Accusing him without evidence other than a simple coincidence would not be wise. And, if there were other culprits, they had to find out who they were.
Determined to get answers, Asgore took charge of the group.
“Let’s go.”
His heavy footsteps echoing and the sound of his cloak fluttering behind his back, as well as his face taking on a rare expression of severity - it was in reality his apprehension that he was trying to hide. That, and with his troop following him, the monster seemed ready to go into battle even without his armor. Despite the absence of his crown on his hair today, Asgore looked more regal than ever. Behind him, Undyne gave the signal to the monsters who were waiting quietly outside.
Let us hurry to this place. I'm sure we'll find something there, Asgore hoped, his troops following him to the location they should be inspecting. Then a little thought about Frisk and Asriel, who they still knew at Toriel's, came to him and he wondered absently: I haven't seen them since I left Tori's house. I wonder how these two are doing now?
-oOo-
Toriel's House:
Since the incident at the embassy, the peace in this house had been somewhat disrupted. Everyone seemed very busy with different tasks, trying to restore some order: Alphys repairing the laboratory, with Undyne - and even Sans - in support; Toriel taking care of them and, sometimes, Papyrus coming to help with cooking and other household chores. Finally, Asgore was trying to act to maintain some order in the affairs of the embassy - even if, according to the embassy agent, with whom Frisk secretly remained in contact to keep informed, the poor monster king seemed overwhelmed. But with their busy schedule, each of them made sure to come to check on their friend.
There had been discussion about what should be done, but everyone only agreed on one thing: something abnormal had happened, and they didn't know what. Only Frisk knew the truth : often, he got caught up in his thoughts. About his Soul, that weird place where the creature had attacked him. This voice, too, which had not reappeared for several days. Yet, Frisk knew it was still there: he felt its presence, cold and disturbing, in his head every time he thought about it. As if it was spying on him, hidden in the shadows: this feeling had never left him, even now. Its attentions were unclear: was it responsible for the attack? But in that case, why did it save him there? Many times, when Frisk was sure there was no one nearby, the child had scrambled to make contact, with the tarot cards he'd borrowed from their neighbor, an old divination board, or looking at his own reflection through the mirror an whole hour - he'd had big hopes for that one - before Toriel knocked on the door to ask him what he was doing, and he quickly dove into the bath. But it remained silent.
However, he refused to let it bother him more than necessary, and the child had made sure that no one suspected that anything was bothering him. No one of them should be worried about it: everyone had something to do.
Frisk would have to fend for themselves to get rid of this unwanted guest.
Another important thing: since what happened, Frisk had to stay home to rest; Toriel and Asgore had insisted on this, explaining to him that it was more prudent and for his safety. This meant that he could no longer directly fulfill his role as ambassador, which was "temporarily and partially" withdrawn from him - Asgore had clarified this point, seeing to his crestfallen face. Once everything was settled, if he wanted, Frisk could return to his old duties. Even though he understood that the adults were trying to protect him, Frisk had been hit hard by this loss of his title that he had worn proudly.
Because of that, he felt... left out. And when they were present, constantly asked him if he was okay or if Frisk was hurting anywhere. "Oh, don't worry: I got transported to a dark otherworld, where a giant skull chased me to destroy me and my Soul, which went crazy in the process and almost turned all of you guys into dust. Then I was threatened by a strange voice in my head, and it's stayed with me ever since. But everything's fine, otherwise," he wanted to answer all week. But the child had been pretty sure that would have created more panic so, instead, he had telling them only “I’m perfectly fine” or “Don’t worry, I no longer hurt anywhere”, these kinds of sentences.
When it came to reassuring them, it didn’t seem to be working well. Toriel, in particular, had insisted that Frisk remain bedridden for two days despite his assurances that he had no illness. The mother goat had been adamant that the child must be convalescing. Her concern for him made Frisk feel even more guilty and, although being in bed hadn't been exciting, he had let Toriel cover him with healing spells until she understands that the child had no physical damage.
He had never glowed so green : "I always knew I was a light," he had quipped, and this time Frisk had seen Toriel genuinely smile - and Papyrus roll his annoyed eyes.
The one who had been around him the most was Asriel; in his own way, the young goat had made sure that Frisk was comfortable and occupied. “Even though we can’t go out anymore, that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun!” he declared with a slightly too optimistic mood. Frisk guessed that his friend must still feel guilty for not having been there that day, but he hadn't had the heart to ask him. The young monster rarely left him alone and left to his own devices; he even arranged for Monster Kid to join them one afternoon, so the three of them could play soccer together in the garden. And another day, Asriel had put on Toriel's apron to make them a nice snack: as result, his fur had ended up stained with paste, right up to between his ears. Even if Toriel, discovering the state of the kitchen - as well as that of her son - she had scolded him a little. At the end, everyone had enjoyed his cupcakes.
Frisk... had sincerely appreciated Asriel's initiatives. And even though he kept thinking about his troubles, Frisk saw that it was also keeping Asriel busy from his own insecurities. So he tried to participate as much as possible, at least to show him that the child appreciated his presence ; even if that meant that yesterday, they had an evening of old movies, and Frisk had to console Asriel who had seen the main character freeze to death to save his beloved. Next time, the child would check the titles DVD that Alphys sent them. Poor Asriel had sobbed into his shirt for a long time, and Frisk had to pet his head until the little prince fell asleep with tears in his eyes.
Today too, Asriel had planned a fun program especially for him and Frisk: video games. And as much as the child loved playing this with his friend, this time something had really been on his mind.
“Come on, Frisk! It’s no fun if you don’t fight back!”
“Hmmhmm”
To tell the truth, Frisk was absolutely not focused on the television and the game that was broadcasting the fight, turning against him. The noises broadcast the sound of the characters and their actions, as well as that of the kid next to him who was much more invested than him. The character of Frisk, a little samurai cat, barely avoided the attacks and was mercilessly atomized by the opponent in front; a sort of angel armed with a double saber – it was Asriel’s.
Finally, the young monster pressed an action button and, after a final attack of light which ejected the feline warrior out of the arena, the word “YOU LOSE” was displayed on his side of the screen, while “ YOU WIN” appeared on the other side.
It was a humiliating and complete defeat, but Frisk was far too distracted to even care. The lack of reaction from him was significant; understanding that there was no point in continuing, Asriel decided to stop the game he had started with his human brother a few hours ago.
After the little prince asked her when they were really bored, Toriel allowed them to play on the home console. Lately, it was one of their few distractions. Because of all these journalists who wanted to meet them, their mother had decided to limit their trips to the house and its surroundings until everything calmed down a little. It didn't offer much opportunity for fun. People had gradually stopped bothering them, especially after Toriel, very irritated, had ordered them to stop bothering them before they regretted it - her angry face had been enough to convince the visitors to limit their movements.
At the moment, Toriel was not there, going away to look for some things and, not being able to leave the house without her with all these indiscreet people, Asriel had decided to have fun with Frisk on one of the games that they had at home.
But today, the human didn't seem very motivated. In fact, ever since they woke up, he had been looking at him very strangely, regularly giving him disconcerted side glances.
Like now.
His friend had never acted in this way, it was quite disturbing.
A little embarrassed by this attention, Asriel placed his joystick on the ground and, facing Frisk, he smiled nervously. “Wh-What is it, Frisk? Don’t you want to play anymore?”
“Nothing serious” replied the child who, this time, studied him from top to bottom without hiding his curiosity. “But I would like you to explain something to me that has been bothering me for a while.”
"What is ?"
“Look, I definitely don’t know much about monsters or your development, but I’m trying to figure something out and I definitely don’t want to be rude.” Frisk looked deadly serious, rubbing his chin and his face very focused on him, as if facing the biggest question of his life.
About monsters? Now, Asriel was very intrigued and leaned closer to him. “What would you like to know about us? I can try to answer you as best I can.”
The child took a deep breath and, deciding to go for it, he formulated the question that had been bothering him for a while: “Is it normal for monsters to have big growth spurts, or is it just a Boss Monster thing?”
Faced with this request, to say the least... surprising, Asriel didn't know what to answer immediately. Then his mouth formed into an understanding “o”, the realization dawning on him: “Right. I sometimes forget that you humans don’t develop like us, monsters.”
“No... Definitely not” Frisk confirmed without hesitation, looking back at the young goat monster.
Since his fall from Mt Ebott and his encounter with the monster people, the human child had discovered his fair share of strangeness and he discovered lots of things, like an entire sealed civilization and magic. But he never would have thought that a monster could grow suddenly, in the space of one night. It was even more astonishing that the rest of this house was considered normal – was it?
Just yesterday, he and Asriel were about the same height. When they awoke, however, the kid got up from his bed with a strange surprise: his clothes had shrunk - or rather, he had suddenly become too big for them - and the young monster had grown by at least four inches. Above his head, his tuft of hair had grown even longer - the roots were even beginning to tinge with gold here and there. Under his snout, the small fangs had lengthened a little, and the claws on his hands and feet were thickening. His childish figure had lost its baby goat curves, to appear a little older.
Asriel was relieved that it wasn't more important. “Phew, you reassure me: I thought I had a leftover salad between my teeth. And, to answer your question: yes. Monsters have a sudden growth phase before becoming older. This phase is often accompanied by a great change in our being, as well as in our Soul. And, as you know, our appearance depends a lot on that. When it changes, our body does so too to adapt. You can see it as a sort of intermediate moment in our development, before we become adults.”
Frisk was a little more enlightened about the situation now. “It’s like our puberty thing. I understand better, but it was really a surprise that I saw you like that this morning. You and Mom acted so normally that I thought I looked an idiot for asking you. Talk about a big change.”
“Still, my horns are really in no hurry to get out of there.” Asriel grimaced, one of his paws brushing the hair on his head, and Frisk checked as well by parting the fur all around. But there was nothing at all. Not the shadow of a bump or a piece of horn.
"No, there's nothing".
Asriel sighed, a little dejected: “It’s starting to worry me: normally, they should appear around my push, but it doesn’t seem to be coming.”
Frisk avoided making fun of his worry, while the young prince seemed really concerned by his absence. He thinks: We should ask Asgore if he, too, had to wait a long time to get his horns.
As Asriel continued to lament on his missing horns, Frisk listened to him with a small compassionate smile, when a flash of fatigue hit him suddenly. Involuntarily, a large yawn escaped him, to the point that the child thought his jaw was dropping.
“Waaah~”
The little Boss Monster next to him noticed his sudden drop in energy, and stopped whining to ask him, “Hey, are you okay? I find you quite tired.”
“Possibly...” Frisk admitted, rubbing an exhausted eye. That wasn't the only strange thing that had happened to him: ever since the whole affair, he felt like he was much less awake and alert than usual. This worried him more than he let it be known, not knowing if it had to do with his Soul. Maybe I should talk to Alphys about it, at least?
But she wasn't there, and Frisk didn't know when he would be able to see her again, the scientist having returned to her laboratory in the Hotlands. The child tried to make a better look in front of Asriel, forgetting his exhaustion, and handed him the joystick that his friend had left behind. “Do you want to play a new game? This time, victory is for me!”
“Huh... If you want, Frisk” Asriel tried to focus on the television, while his friend chose his game character; However, he couldn't help but believe that Frisk was pretending to appear normal.
As Asriel selected his own warrior and the fight began; this time, however, he was the one who was distracted. The little monster couldn't help but briefly spy on Frisk - too busy beating him up to notice - and, beyond that, his Soul which he knew lay there. Holding her the last time, Asriel had sensed this dark spot deep inside him. The one that the young human hid under all this light and that, upon contact with the ethereal heart, the young monster had discovered. He didn't know if Frisk was aware of it themselves, and Asriel preferred not to talk about it.
Everyone had their secrets; the human child had the right to possess them and keep them silent. But Asriel had thought about it a lot, more than he would have liked. The child monster only hoped that it wouldn't haunt Frisk. Sometimes I wonder about Frisk's past, Asriel thought to himself as the game continued in reality, while his mind drifted away. He was very concerned, and for fair fear. Chara went to Mt Ebott, and it wasn't for a happy reason; Frisk never talked about it, and none of us asked. Maybe we're afraid to know, and maybe he isn't himself. However, I wonder why...
“Children, I’m home!” Toriel's clear voice rang out at the entrance to the house, as she returned from her run which had lasted longer than expected. It's much nicer to come home now that those annoying journalists have learned their lesson, she thought as the Boss Monster took off her outdoor jacket.
As soon as they heard it, Frisk and Asriel got up, forgetting the match in progress, then joined their mother to welcome her. Still near the door on the doormat, Toriel picked them up in her arms to kiss them lovingly one after the other.
Frisk held onto her neck and buried his head there, enjoying her comforting warmth; above, her throat vibrated a little, when the mother goat leaned to speak to her child: "Frisk, dear, Alphys called me during my trip about you: she would like you to join her today to take some exams – it's nothing scary, I reassure you – in order to push the checks on your Soul. She made sure that this happened in the best possible conditions, and she would like to take stock as quickly as possible."
"Oh okay. I’ll go, of course” Frisk didn’t expect Alphys to want to see him so quickly. However, it relieved him that they would still be trying to figure out what was happening to his Soul. Hopefully everything would be clearer afterwards; he trusted the lizard monster to find an explanation.
“Wonderful,” Toriel smiled, before continuing, this time for her two children who listened attentively: “Asriel, now that you have had your growth spurt, you also need new clothes. Frisk too. So, today I decided that we will go to New Home together for a little shopping trip.”
Chapter 21: OurTale Chapter 20 : Return to Underground
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
During his journey into the Underground, and in the past two years, Frisk had never been to the capital under the mountain, New Home, beyond the Dreemurr Castle. It was the only place here that he didn't really know, its people and its secrets.
All the child saw above were buildings with archaic roofs and cold colors. Few he had seen, Frisk came to confront the king, and some monsters he had encountered came on his way to tell him the sad story of a prince and his friend; another time was during a great celebration, when King Asgore announced from his court their release and a bright new future. Then, the child had been too busy to explore this place as he wanted. So, when Frisk was curious about this city, he asked a few questions to Asriel who had lived there most of his life.
For example, the human child had been surprised to learn that the city used to be more warm and with vibrant colors, not just poorly white. He had talked a lot about the banners, the decorations that rivaled Snowdin Town, and it was even more festive with the arrival of the two heirs of the royal family and hopes of the nation of monsters. “But…” Asriel added, a veil of sadness in his eyes as he clutched his pendant tightly, “that changed after Chara and I… disappeared. Everyone was very sad and miserable, so they had removed every color from the walls and roofs. New Home has never been the same since. I would have liked you to see the city I had always known. Not this ghost town.”
When Asriel spoke like that, full of regret. Frisk could tell how guilty the little monster felt about the state of his old house. Like him, the little prince had never returned to the capital, and this was because of this guilt: an overwhelming reminder of his past. Frisk had then hoped, the day they went there, that New Home would regain a new shine of the old times.
And today, the opportunity to return there presented itself again.
Mt Ebott:
At home, they had prepared quickly, very eager to see New Home again after so long – and at the same time slightly intimidated by it, especially for the two children. Leaving Second Home, the first half of the trip was by car on a small road that crossed part of the mountain, until they stopped in the parking lot of a resort.
To quickly reach the entrance to the East Gate, at the top of the nearby mountain, a cable car had been built at the base of Mt Ebott, the long line led straight to the top of the rise. In these important times, it was very used by many other people, both monsters and humans. This sophisticated and genius engine was built to facilitate travel between the Underground and the Surface, so that anyone could get from one location to another without tiring yourself out walking and risking getting lost - or, worse, falling into one of the many ravines and caves hidden in these mountains. People who worked on this project and built it are The Underground-Surface Transport Company, an association between employees of the two peoples. To take one of the departing cabins, the wait was quite long - looking at the dial inside the noisy station, Frisk saw at least an half hour.
Fortunately for them, Toriel had only had to present her identity card, which included an authorization for express transport, for the bird monster who distributed the tickets to make the family board among the first passengers.
"Get ready to go !", announced the human engineer, who signaled to the mechanic on the other side to start the climb.
As soon as the cabin was ready and the occupants were installed, the machine started up and took them step by step towards the heights. Unable to remain static, Asriel and Frisk had excitedly snuck over to the edge of the cabin, to see the ground several hundred feet below them and taking turns showing each other what they saw with excited murmurs ; the innocent joy these children exuded did not escape anyone around them. It was a first for them to go on this unique transport, and the children took advantage of it as much as they could. Toriel was not far and watched them from her place with vigilant caution : she was not blind to the slight tender smile that was present on more than one face, monsters and humans alike who were traveling together.
This was another proof of their ideal; no matter what had happened earlier this week, or what some narrow-minded people might say, understanding between their two peoples was a possibility. The path could be difficult, but not impossible if you tried hard enough and never lost hope. It is our children who will allow this to happen, she realized, knowing it was true. The thought did not come to her directly: another said these words, a long time ago.
“Here we are, children” Toriel called, after the little family arrived at the checkpoint at the East gate, pulling the kids close to her as the passengers filed out of the cabin.
When he dismounted with everyone, Frisk couldn't help but observe the surroundings from above, clinging to the safety railing; a splendid view stretched out in the distance, almost similar to the one Frisk had once contemplated with the others, although this one was different from the last. Very far away, the child could see the infrastructure of the town of Ebott and, if he turned towards the North, the small city of Second House where its mixed population lived. Smaller, indeed but, in a few years perhaps, the child knew deep within him that it could become as impressive as any other place. He would make it happen: it was an oath he had made to himself, upon taking the role of ambassador, and that Frisk would keep for as long as he lived.
For the future. For their friends and family. For everyone.
As the child swore to himself again, this message appeared in his mind:
*Seeing how far he had come, and what would need to be accomplished, it filled him with determination.
He felt his Soul beating, strong, as this energy filled him again. This feeling always filled him when it happened, and the child appreciated the comforting impression it left. Yet at the same time, Frisk was surprised by a strange feeling of uneasiness that crept over him.
What is this ? Meh, probably my imagination.
“Frisk, are you coming? Mom is waiting for us.” Asriel had joined him, taking out the child completely absorbed in his contemplation – Frisk immediately forgot what he had felt just now. It couldn't have been much of a big deal, and he moved on.
"Coming."
Together, the children returned to their mother, currently facing RG 02 and who was impatiently searching for the necessary papers remaining at the bottom of her bag. She then grumbled that nothing was what Toriel was looking for, who muttered "Where could that be?"
Unable to sit still, Frisk decided to find another distraction and checked the surroundings. Then his gaze fell on RG 01, busying himself with his own checks. A mischievous smile escaped him and he went towards him; This did not escape Asriel, who preferred to follow closely to ensure that his friend would not get into trouble, at the moment when Toriel let out a delighted exclamation upon finding what she was looking for.
The soldier retrieved the documents, nodding as he verified their authenticity - one approved by the royal seal, formed of a trident.
“You can pass, ma’am. Your papers are up to standard."
“Thank you” Toriel put her documents in her bag, before asking: “I hope everything is going well here lately? I must say that on the Surface we are experiencing some turmoil.”
“Wonderfully, I must say: everything is calm and peaceful here, under the mountain,” the soldier replied, before adding a little lower: “It is true that simply being a border controller is a bit boring. , in the long run. Seeing a hundred people passing by every day puts us to sleep, but we strive to do our job as best we can. Right, dude?” RG 02, the scaly soldier, asked his teammate. But he was not longer here.
Little further away, his companion seemed to be busy chatting with Frisk... and strangely embarrassed as the child greeted him happily.
"Hey you. You are the kid from before, like, the human in the striped sweater that bro and I met in Hotlands?”
“Yes, I remember you too. I’m glad to see both of you again.”
“Dude, we're, like, super sorry for the whole thing that happened. You know, like, killing you and all that stuff. We had nothing against you at the time but, like, we had to follow orders and everything. No hard feelings?”
“Water under the bridge.” Frisk smiled at him, absolutely not upset by this reminder. Asriel, who had accompanied him and remained by his side, could only be even more admiring of his friend's compassion and caring nature. No matter how much the monsters - and himself - had hurt him, Frisk had never shown the slightest negative feeling about it: it was an admirable character trait of his.
Frisk wasn't done yet; he continued, his tone becoming suggestive: “Sooo, now, are you two something or…” He pointed to the partner of the monster who was calling them, which did not escape RG 01 again more uncomfortable.
All feeling before forgetting, Asriel took on a completely scandalized look, amazed by Frisk's lack of discretion. Even his cheeks pinkened a little as he understood what the human was implying: "Frisk ! You can't to say that" There is the romantic and embarrassing side, back again! The young human had a very big problem with intruding into people's personal lives, without knowing any normal social boundaries. Asriel was not the only one to be embarrassed by his remark; the soldier in front of them stammered,
“L-Look, human, it’s, like, complicated. Like, it’s super embarrassing to ask me.” Uniquely, the long-eared monster's helmet was very red at the cheeks.
The big soldier grew more and more agitated. He couldn't even manage his own queue, which was getting a little longer and noisy with protests right behind them. This time, Asriel decided to intervene, before Frisk further attacked the poor guard who covered his face in shame. He grabbed his human friend by one arm and pulled him gently, but firmly, remaining deaf to his annoyed groans as he led them away.
“Come on, Frisk, stop making me go crazy! We have to leave now.”
“Awww, I could have helped him a little by giving him advice” (If you had given me time to do an |ACT|❤, I mean). But Frisk didn't insist and complied, sulking a little about their failed attempt as the monster led them back.
Asriel was right: Toriel was waiting for them in front of the huge ancient door. However, Frisk was in no hurry and wanted to have a little more fun. The previous fatigue forgotten since his Determination had skyrocketed, he felt capable of marathoning the entire mountain. He needed another source of relief: his gaze lingered on the head of the kid whose back was completely turned to him. A brilliant and sneaky idea rang in Frisk's head who, furtively, approached his free hand to Asriel's nearest drooping ear ; he could reach it.
Unaware of what was happening, he saw nothing until a violent, annoying tug stopped him in his tracks and he yelped. “Ouch ouch ouch, not the ear!” As he grabbed his sensitive member that was being attacked, his annoyed eyes landed on Frisk. He had freed himself, taking advantage of his surprise, and the child stuck out his tongue to provoke the now really angry prince.
“The last one to arrive will have to give their piece of the pie to the winner!”
At the frustrated shout of Asriel who rushed at him, vengeful claws in front, the child did not wait for his rest and fled from the ex-god of Hyperdeath, laughing heartily. He barely listened to Toriel who asked them to wait for her, while the child was the first to head towards the access to the Underground. His heart was light, and his course was rapid; soon, Frisk heard only the sound of his own breathing, as he ventured down the corridor that the child and his friends had taken in the opposite direction to return to the Surface.
No matter what made him keep running, Frisk didn't stop. The impulse pushed him forward, without turning back or waiting for the others. This need he felt was not motivated by a simple whim, like the one that had prompted him to start this race. He just wanted to move.
This feeling, somewhere... was very familiar to him.
And Frisk didn't know why, until he reached the last corridor.
There he stopped, recognizing very clearly the stained glass windows shining through the light and the immense pillars of the room. Although more people came here, like now, this place hadn't changed. Inside, the atmosphere exuded a solemn and serious tone; instinctively, people spoke quietly or remained silent, admiring the old building and its work. The child had been there many times, at several different times that many people had forgotten. It was a special place, because here, someone very important to him met him. Who judged him, advised him and, in the end, presented him with the greatest dilemma at stake.
Frisk missed Sans' presence, his judgment and advice in disguise. Aside from Asriel, he was the monster who understood him the best. He knew a lot, like the whole thing about timelines; no matter what others said, the skeleton was much wiser than his phlegm and apparent laziness suggested. He was also blessed with incredible insight: the day after the events at the embassy, Frisk was questioned about what had happened and he denied remembering anything, playing on the fact that he had lost consciousness after hitting himself.
"I only remember going into the room to change," Frisk had told in front of everyone who listened with attention and concern, playing his poker face towards them so as not to reveal his true feelings. The child had already thought about what he could say without fear, hiding half of the story from his friends: "I didn't delay and tried to open the door, but it was stuck. By pushing too hard, I ended up pulling hard and lost my balance. My head hit the ground, then passed out, and everything turns black. All I remember next was waking up in Alphys' lab. That's all." When he was done, Frisk checked everyone's expressions; everyone seemed to accept his fact-checking - perhaps Toriel had scrutinized him a little, certainly, as if her instincts were warning her of his deception toward them.
"Is that really all? Nothing else?" she asked, her gaze piercing, and Frisk gently shook his head. He hadn't been very comfortable lying, especially to his adoptive mother who seemed the most worried of them about his safety.
But, ultimately, his story seemed to convince them enough for them to stop questioning him. Except for Sans; he had looked at him with an attentive gaze and, listening to his excuse, the little expression that the skeleton showed through his knowing eyes had made him feel immediately exposed. The child knew that his friend had not believed his false story, no matter how, and he must have suspected Frisk to be hiding more than he claimed: yet, despite his fears, Sans had done nothing to denounce him, leaving Frisk alone for that the other adults were discussing among themselves.
“just rest, kid,” he had simply said before settling down on the couch, pretending to sleep, and Frisk being unable to tell whether Sans was offended by his secrets or not. Besides, the skeleton did not seem to be the only one to appear skeptical of his statement.
Another person present seemed to see through his game : Asriel didn't seem to believe it that much, either. Frisk worried about this thought a little longer, annoyed at having to do these secrets from those close to him, even if he was only acting like this to protect his friends. I just hope I'm doing the right thing, but it feels like the opposite instead : that's seems not fair for them, Frisk worried, no longer knowing if what he had decided was what should be done.
He was so preoccupied by this that the child had overshadowed the issue at hand and what was happening now.
Until it's too late.
Suddenly, he was grabbed by the waist; he uttered a little mouse-like cry, and a surprising force clamped him in a vice, crushing his ribs.
“I...I got y...you, you dirty cheater” Asriel was out of breath, pink tongue hanging out after he finally managed to catch up to Frisk. His arms held him tightly, implacable and locked around the child's body, who realized with horror what was happening.
Damn, he got me: I had completely forgotten about it! And Asriel didn't seem willing to let him go. His arms wrapped around him tightly, his muzzle buried in Frisk's hair. The human child felt him laughing wickedly, and he feared what the monster might do to make him pay. This time, the child was afraid of having done too much.
Behind, Toriel arrived in turn, relieved to have finally found them. "There they are", she huffed after her brief run, while the two children were arguing among themselves, Frisk trying to escape from Asriel's merciless embrace. But it seemed that his attempts ended in glaring failures; Asriel refused to let go, no matter how hard Frisk tried.
“Let me go, Asriel!”
“Not until you apologize AND admit to cheating!” The little goat held on while Frisk flailed like a fish out of water, managing to pin him.
Resentful, the little Boss Monster swept his fluffy fingers under Frisk's shoulders; an irresistibly ticklish spasm overcame him, and Frisk tried to resist as best he could to keep from laughing. He didn't even last three seconds before the child completely lost his means and submitted to his punishment, while Asriel attacked his weak point: the young monster knew perfectly well that Frisk could not resist his ticklish assaults. And he took the opportunity to cruelly make him pay for his earlier teasing, deaf to his half-strangled protests.
“S-Stop, hahaha, you j-jerk, haha” Frisk's weak, strangled insults only made the ticklish sensation and his laugh stronger.
With a perfectly evil smile, Asriel took pleasure in torturing the vulnerable little human ; he was however careful not to inadvertently harm Frisk, not using his claws but rather his soft fur-padded pads. The effect remained devastating, and with its hold, the monster continued to attack Frisk. The latter couldn't take it anymore; the tickles became unbearable, and his lungs burned. Frisk understood that he had no chance now.
“O-Okay, I-I get it, haha, stop it now!”
“Understood what, Frisk?” Asriel asked insolently, adding even more tickles than before only to see Frisk almost faint.
“I cheated, haha! I-I’m, hahaha, sorry!”
Toriel stayed a little behind, smiling fondly at their harmless bickering without intervening. However, she soon had to call them: after all, they hadn't come here just to play games. “Alright, children come on. It’s time to go now.” They still had to go through the entire castle, the interior completely rebuilt to serve as a gateway between the entrance and the monster kingdom. When the children calmed down, already out of breath, Toriel grabbed their hands and led them towards the path leading outside: towards New Home.
Hotlands, Alphys’ Lab:
“O-oh, they finally arrived.” Alphys looked at her phone, having received a message from Toriel warning her of their entry into New Home.
Toriel warned her that she would bring Frisk to her later after doing some shopping with her children to find them clothes. Alphys was rather relieved, in fact: the scientist was finishing preparing the machines to examine her human friend as well as his Soul. Her lack of preparation last time almost cost them dearly; she wouldn't make the same mistake. This time, Alphys had left no stone unturned. Security would be optimal and, with luck, she would discover what had weakened Frisk's Soul. He and everyone else were counting on her.
And that... it was a bit of pressure. If something went wrong again...
Alphys swallowed nervously.
“M-Maybe I should make some more adjustments before.” While the lizard monster frantically searched for its highly sophisticated and handmade tools, she did not see the shadow of an enormous creature sneaking behind her back. It seemed shapeless, its structure soft and vaguely resembling a six-legged canine.
This seemed intrigued by what Alphys was doing, and the multiple drawn dog heads below all bobbed towards the scientist to get her attention.
“Woof?” His noisy, curious bark surprised her; she turned around, quickly regaining her composure as Alphys recognized the creature.
“En-Endogeny, you are here. S-Sorry, I can't be with you right now. M-My friend, Frisk – do you remember him, the human you played with in the laboratory? - he is coming to see me soon to do some very important exams.”
The Amalgamate seemed to understand her, its main head and all the others bent in attentive listening; at the mention of “human” and “play,” the merged monster emitted happy moans, convulsed, and jumped all over the room, drooling fluid leaking from the single orifice on its face. Endogeny remembered Frisk, the little striped being who petted and played with him, and they were very excited to see him again. Impatient and with a wagging tail, the big monster trotted away happily, leaving Alphys who resumed her search for the missing tools. As the creature wandered around quietly, looking for a place to take a good nap, the outline of one of the dog's heads suddenly turned towards an empty room.
This alerted the rest of the body, which turned towards the source of curiosity. Sniffing the strange odor that its many flaring nostrils smelled, Endogeny discovered that it was not something they were familiar with. It was new, foreign - not the kind human or Alphys.
A ripple ran through the creature's slimy body, like fur bristling in apprehension. All heads emitted a multiple worried groan.
“Grrr...”
“Endogeny, are you okay?” A distracted Alphys asked, vaguely hearing her patient who seemed to be reacting to an inconvenience, but preoccupied in the moment by not being able to retrieve his tools.
Too intrigued by what lurked nearby, the creature ignored her call; cautiously, Endogeny crept closer to the half-open door – the one where Alphys kept all her work equipment. Its slimy head slipped through the crack, peering into the cluttered space. The sagging tips of their ears suddenly rose, distinguishing the clear tear in space that altered the surroundings. This affected objects, the floor and the wall, physically distorted by jolt; the closer they were, the more powerful this effect was.
Too scared by this, Endogeny was going to run away as quickly as possible. At that moment, a gray and black being appeared in the void, right in front of them. He wasn't there a second ago, and that disturbed the Amalgamate enough that they lingered a second longer.
It was one too many.
“Perfect, you could be an excellent test subject,” said the being to the disturbingly smiling face covered in shadow, eagerly studying the interesting guinea pig he had just found.
The object he held in one clawed hand, unsettlingly resembling a head, appeared in a flash in the center of Endogeny's face. It clung to the soft matter that made up his body, like a parasite. The disturbance spread throughout Amalgamate, shaking and shaking as the phenomenon affected it entirely.
“AWOOO!!!” Endogeny screamed to death from all these heads, panicked, and the fused body tried in vain to tear off with its slimy paws what was causing them terrible pain.
“En-Endogeny!” Alphys came running when she heard the monster; When she found him, a nameless anguish overwhelmed her. Parts of the Amalgamate were twisting and distorting visibly, as the poor, desperate creature flailed wildly, frantic with terror.
Hearing Alphys, Endogeny turned towards her; blinded by terror, the monster rushed straight towards her. Driven by a protective instinct, the scientist dodged it in time to avoid being trampled alive. Getting up, she just had time to hear the final rattle of the fused canine monster. Then, a new disturbance assailed him, and Amalgamate suddenly disappeared from the laboratory.
Without leaving the slightest trace.
It only lasted about ten seconds. Alphys stood there, unable to move or say anything. In her fall, she had lost her glasses, which had fallen to the ground and were now limbed. But she was too stunned and horrified to even notice that.
“Oh by the Angel...what just happened?” She could only whisper, her linked paws trembling as she imagined the worst.
In the room where Endogeny had been trapped, the stranger and the tearing were no longer there.
Notes:
Finally, the plot start for good. I hope the beginning was good enough: the rest of this part of the story will last a long time. The enemy takes action, as the heroes arrive in the Underground. What could go wrong?
Chapter 22: OurTale Chapter 21 : The Capital, New Home
Chapter Text
Underground, New Home:
They had to descend the grand staircase with its dizzying number of steps at the entrance to the palace, before finally entering the capital of the kingdom of monsters. But this wasn't the town Frisk remembered; before, he had only seen a silent and sad city, as if it were the end of the world. This had changed completely: the old sad white of the houses had disappeared for an explosion of colors, which dotted each tile and facade of the homes. Beneath his narrowed eyelids, the eyes shone with wonder.
“Wow... It’s so beautiful.” At the foot of the castle which overlooked the capital, Frisk was amazed by the beauty of this city he was observing. His face was bright, and the urge to venture into this new environment instinctively tensed his body forward - fortunately, Toriel held him back so that the human child could no longer escape.
Together, the three of them ventured into bustling streets, where merchants sold and passers-by strolled. So, this is the New Home that Asriel spoke to me about so much. He's right: it's so beautiful like that, Frisk said to himself, amazed by what he saw. The capital was more alive than in the past: the joyful bustle of the neighborhood made this place shine like no other in the Underground; humans and monsters visited the many open stores, where salesmen lured potential buyers with loud cries and promising prices.
“Taste our Rainbow Fruits: you will be as colorful as a real rainbow!” said a shopkeeper with the strange appearance of a little chubby red dragon with purple polka dots, showing his treats in front of a gaggle of young little monsters .
“Buy eternal flowers, which never wither or lose their beauty. Perfect for the bride or groom of your dreams!” A bouquet of white flowers held by a refined orchid diffused its perfume to a few curious onlookers.
"Exclusive offer on MTT brand products: for fifty loyalty points obtained on purchase, a free life-size Mettaton soft toy!" announced an agent working for the famous robot-star disguised as old version Mettaton - Wouldn't that be Burgerpant? Frisk asked, recognizing the exhausted voice of the monster cat -: a group of female monsters and humans were screaming to snatch away every vacuum cleaner, television, makeup box, shoes, sports suit... the costume as well, which the hysterical fans tore off piece by piece from the poor monster inside who was screaming in terror.
There were so many others, from the jeweler with his finely cut enchanted stones, to the second-hand dealer and his trinkets from the Waterfalls on the other side of the kingdom, or a street musician-spider who showed off his many arms manipulating several instruments at once, like an orchestra.
It was a whole new world, far from what Frisk remembered. Oh, how he longed to mingle with the crowds of people. There was so much entertainment, so much to discover, to eat, to see, to smell and to touch, or better, new people to talk to and become friends with new faces. While Frisk let out little excited and satisfied cries, he wanted to see how the young prince of monsters reacted back in his kingdom. This one, Frisk saw, held Toriel's other hand and remained very close to her, visibly uncomfortable among so many people; he hadn't said anything yet, strangely silent, but Asriel's astonished eyes and his half-open mouth told enough.
When he could speak again, emotion could be heard in his voice: “Everything is back to the way it was before... no, it’s even a thousand times better than in the past.”
“It's true,” Toriel admitted, gently rubbing the palms of her amazed child who was finally returning home after all his years, and one who had never known its original beauty. “Never has New Home been more alive and joyful than today. I was looking forward to the time you both could see it reborn.”
Frisk couldn't wait any longer; he jumped up and down and uttered little excited cries, unable to take any more. He impatiently tugged on Toriel's arm to get her attention, and begged when she looked at him. “Please, mom, can I go for a walk? I've never really been able to see New Home before. I promise, I won’t go very far.”
Toriel found his exploring side adorable, and she reluctantly shook her head gently at his puppy face, saddening him a little as his joy faded. He seemed so dejected that Toriel stood at his level to look him in the eyes, stroking his soft hair to try to console Frisk for this disappointment. “Sweetheart, I would have happily let you have as much fun as you wanted, and I admit that you and Asriel haven't had as much freedom lately. But first, we need to buy clothes for both of you, and especially for your brother. He is in great need of it, now that his growth has taken place.”
Her words made Frisk turn his gaze towards the latter, falling on Asriel briefly distracted by the noisy arrival of a performance of street monster artists. As he did so, he saw him unconsciously lower his old striped green t-shirt, which only reached above his navel, and at the bottom, the end of his pants only reached his knees.
Ashamed by his oversight, Frisk admitted that Asriel really needed more clothes that fit him, and with his head bowed, he complied: “Okay, Mom. I understand."
But his face was still closed. Faced with this, Toriel took on a softer expression. Frisk loved visiting new places, and she felt bad for depriving the child of that. So, she had an idea to comfort him: “I have a proposition, Frisk. We can first go to a clothing store to buy new ones. Then, before taking you to Alphys, we could possibly linger a little... our friend won't mind too much if it's only an hour,” Toriel added mischievously, with a little wink. partner in crime.
It didn't take much for Frisk to get the child excited at the prospect: it was so awesome! He exclaimed: “Oh, thank you mom!” Frisk clapped their hands and jumped up and down.
Enthusiastic, he grabbed Asriel's wrists, who let out a little surprised cry, and twirled happily with him in the middle of the crowd. Restrained by his grip, the goat monster did not understand what happened and could only follow Frisk's dizzying pace. But very quickly, as the world passed around them, Frisk's laughter was accompanied by his own, Asriel joining in with his friend who asked him:
“What would you like to do, Asriel? Can we try to eat lots of good things? Or see the show right in front? Looks like fun! Oh ! Unless you prefer to revisit all your old favorite places before doing anything, and you will be my guide!”
“It doesn’t matter, as long as we have fun!” Asriel replied with just as much good energy, his old apprehension replaced by joy while a huge light smile. “But since it’s your first time in this city, I absolutely have to show you the best place I know to see it. There is also this stall with super cute stuffed animals and really cool toys. And there’s a great patisserie – mom often went there for snacks...”
As her children discussed their plan for fun, Toriel guided them further into the wondrous city. Their walk took a long time, taking stairs and turning regularly at certain junctions. It had been years since she had freely roamed the city, but the centuries of steps Toriel had taken while roaming New Home guided her easily, until the former queen stopped in front of a small shop.
"Here we are !" she declared to Asriel and Frisk, who looked curiously at the lit interior.
As I opened it, a bell rang on the door and, from behind a shelf, a monster mouse with a round and friendly appearance - visibly female - wearing pigtails, appeared in front of the entrance. She hissed in delight at the sight of her customers, wrinkled her brown fur on her head before welcoming them.
“Welcome to the Belles Fleurs boutique, dear customers. My name is Hortensia, I’m the one in charge of this shop,” she introduced herself, a big smile facing the three people in her shop. But he faded slightly at the sight of the only human in front of her, his gaze becoming curious, and even more so when the child held out a sympathetic hand to him, his expression warm.
“Nice to meet you, Hortensia. My name is Frisk: nice to meet you too.” He waited for the monster to take his hand, as she did so slowly and hesitantly, seeming a little distraught and intimidated by his presence.
She was undoubtedly young and didn't know what to do with the human in front of her; as the seconds ticked by and the atmosphere became uncomfortable, Toriel decided to intervene and spoke to the little shopkeeper.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Hortensia. My name is Toriel, and this is my children: Asriel and Frisk.” In doing so, the Boss Monster brought his sons closer to her to point to them, before continuing: “In the past, I used to come and buy clothes from this charming store. I believe the person in charge at the time was your grandmother. I didn’t know she had retired from business.”
As Toriel often said, conversation could help relax the atmosphere and, if necessary, avoid confrontation through dialogue. In this case, Hortensia the mouse seemed to become aware of the presence of the other adult monster, her vision previously obscured by the human child. Forgetting it, she looked attentively at the one in front of her. Then the smaller goat monster, who kindly introduced himself to her: “Howdy, I’m Asriel.”
Finally, the rodent’s little black eyes widened with understanding and respect: “Oh by the Angel, you are-”
“Just customers looking for new clothes,” Toriel continued nimbly, deciding not to linger, and moved Asriel and Frisk towards the shopkeeper who was coming to her senses – even if she still seemed very agitated by the revelation. “Finally, my children need it. Would it be possible to acquire some?”
“O-Of course!” squealed the mouse monster, before pointing to several areas at the back of the store covered by curtains. “There are fitting rooms inside, where you can choose what suits you. When you take clothes that you like, you will put them in the bags below. Or, if you want to wear them now, that’s no problem.”
From her back, Hortensia took out two bags and handed them to the two children. They looked at each other with great anticipation, each wondering what they were going to get as the saleswoman led them towards the shelves of the children's section. There were many varieties of clothing, with varying numbers of sleeves, colors and shapes. As Frisk continued to wander around, Asriel had already found and filled part of his own bag.
“Great, we have so many choices” he exclaimed, seeming genuinely happy with this race.
The young goat monster wasted no time in heading towards the cabins; he hesitated between one outfit and another, judging himself several times in front of a mirror inside the small space, before setting his sights on the one he preferred. Quickly, Asriel got rid of his old clothes and quickly put on a sweater and pants. It covered him completely, and in it he felt very comfortable.
Perfect, he decided, as the prince prepared to show himself to his mother who was waiting for them with Hortensia.
“Asriel, will you show me what you chose?”
"I'm coming !"
The kid came out of his cabin, showing himself to the curious eyes of the small audience. Asriel's choice was a green sweater with black sleeves, where a heart was in the center, and dark pants. Toriel, the first, reacts when she sees him in his new outfit:
“It looks great on you, my darling. You are adorable."
To this, Hortensia adds: “I completely agree. You don’t need any touch-ups, Your Highness? Are you comfortable enough in these clothes?”
To which Asriel replied with a charming smile to the shopkeeper: “It’s perfect, Hortensia. Thank you. If possible, I would like to stay inside: my old ones were getting really uncomfortable.”
While his mother collected the other clothes in his bag to buy them - not forgetting the others already on him - Asriel asked himself about not seeing the young human. I wonder what Frisk is doing? He doesnt' seem to be in fitting room. Strange... The prince of monsters looked around, before being surprised to see him still wandering among the shopping aisles. Hortensia came to meet him, noticing his unusual inertia, and took a look at his bag of clothes.
She raised a surprised eyebrow. “You only took pants, socks and underwear, but no sweaters or pull-over ?”
Her remark caught the attention of Toriel, who approached Frisk who seemed embarrassed. “My child, why don’t you choose anything else?”
At these words, the child's hand gripped his own blue sweater with purple stripes. He tucked his head into shoulders, as if wanting to protect himself and go inside. “I...I would rather keep it, please. I don’t want any other.” His voice was firm and unwavering, showing his willingness to maintain his current outfit.
This whim surprised the three people around him, not expecting this decision from the human child.
"This thing ? But it’s a…” Hortensia was surprised, looking doubtfully at the wool which was coming off in places and fraying.
To her, it looked like a rag fit to be thrown away and, without understanding his refusal, the shopkeeper prepared to contradict him. A stern look from Toriel silenced her before the big mouse could say anything hurtful to Frisk, who remained stubbornly clinging to her beloved sweater, and the saleswoman wisely backed away, keeping her remarks to herself.
Asriel saw it held there, like a precious treasure. And it reminded him of something old, as he watched Frisk refuse to part with his possession which, he realized, had never left him. Asriel was surprised not to have noticed it sooner. Would this sweater be a dear memory to Frisk, like...
Toriel seemed to have the same thought, having experienced this situation several times: each child she had to take care of had kept in their possession an object or item of clothing that they valued very much. And although Frisk was particularly mature for his age, he was still only a child, the former queen remembered. Oh Frisk, that should have occurred to me. What an idiot I am, she scolded herself, as Frisk seemed to realize the embarrassment he had gotten himself into as three pairs of eyes stared at him.
“It... It’s not that I don’t like anything: on the contrary.” With a tight throat, he awkwardly tried to explain. “B-But, this sweater is really special to me, so... I’m sorry, it’s just-”
“It’s nothing, Frisk,” Toriel immediately reassured him, while the child was at a loss for words. He looked into Toriel's eyes and her expression, detecting no sign of reproach at all. “You don’t have to justify yourself. If this item of clothing is so important to you, I’ll make sure to mend it as best I can at home, okay?”
Relieved, Frisk relaxed – a little – and nodded. Hortensia the mouse, who had refrained from adding anything else after Toriel's warning, could no longer contain herself:
“If... If you want to fix your garment, an old friend of my family is an excellent weaver. P- Possibly, he could repair, or even improve your sweater, if you ask him.”
Her suggestion attracted general attention, and especially that of the mother goat who, wanting to please her child, immediately wanted to know more: “Where could we find him, dear?”
“Go towards the center of New Home, and look for old Seam's Shop. You should find it easily.”
Toriel took note of the instructions and thanked the saleswoman; They went to the counter, where she paid the amount of the purchases from Hortensia: around 100 gils. Faced with the golden coins in the hollow of the Monster Boss's paw, the poor mouse seemed to fear that if she touched them, her paw would catch fire. Toriel had to insist, enormously, for Hortensia to dare to collect the change from the former queen of monsters' own pocket.
She, along with Frisk and Asriel - the latter was very happy with the comfortable clothes he was currently wearing - greeted the mouse monster and left the shop, returning to the noisy streets. But, when taking the indicated route, Frisk heard Hortensia asking them to wait for her, while catching up with them on the path.
“I...I forgot to tell you. This monster, Seam, is a bit... weird and strange.” Her tone, Frisk noted, became a little tense when Hortensia made this clarification about this individual, before composing himself. “But although he is quite particular, he is not a bad person. Just an enigmatic old monster.”
Frisk's interest in this “Seam”, upon hearing Hortensia's descriptions, rose suddenly: here was an interesting person he wanted to meet as soon as possible! However, Toriel and Asriel seemed much less seduced by this character.
As they left, Asriel was the first to express his doubts to their mother: “Do we really have to go see him?”
“Well... Frisk seems to want him now,” Toriel pointed out, not being any happier to visit this stranger at the moment.
When the young monster looked at his brother, he had to reluctantly admit Toriel was right: Frisk now seemed very eager to find this famous Seam. And it couldn't be closer to the truth.
Frisk was, indeed, eager to see this amazing new monster. The story about his sweater temporarily forgotten, he was above all animated by his Soul which had reacted strongly to Hortensia's words. He hadn't felt this in a long time, in the Underground; often this involved an important encounter in the life of a young human. This Seam must be important, he told himself with a joy that he could not repress.
I can't wait to see him ! Definitively, This day promises to be exceptional! Maybe he could make a new friend? And if this monster could solve his problem, that would be even better!
Chapter 23: OurTale : Investigation and meetings
Chapter Text
Ebott’s Embassy:
"So ? Did you find anything, Doggo?” asked Asgore to the black and white dog.
This one, a bone biscuit that he had lit in the corner of his lips, shook his head. He wasn't very happy, growling slightly in annoyance, and his paw scratched madly at one of his ears: “Nothing I sniffed was out of the ordinary, sire. But all my instincts tell me that something abnormal has happened. The hairs on my body stand up because it itches so much.” To support his words, he showed one of his arms: his fur was bristling like a porcupine.
Although disheartened by this result, the King of the Underground sincerely thanked him for his services, and the dog soldier headed outside to enjoy his pleasure. The small team, led by Asgore, had been searching the place where Frisk had been held for hours. Asgore was devastated, after they had spent all morning researching, that none of them had discovered anything.
In all likelihood, only Frisk had been in the room, and no other person besides him. This makes no sense: someone must have cast this spell, Asgore thought, as he placed his paw again against the door where he had detected this magic. Today, however, the Boss Monster no longer felt anything; giving up, he moved away to think better.
Doggo went to relax, only Greater Dog continued to inspect the place; On all fours and with his nose on the ground, the immense white dog was looking for the slightest thing of interest. But the hope of finding a clue was very low.
Like Asgore, Undyne had moved away to grumble in her corner, very frustrated; she too, with the others, had searched every corner of the room in the hope of finding any clue incriminating Senator Jordan. Now she stood upset, with her back against the wall and mulling over the facts. But the fish monster had to face the facts: there was nothing here. And that irritated her furiously.
What a devious man: how could he have managed to hide the obvious? Her eye was narrowed in displeasure, arms crossed as a finger impatiently tapped her blue bicep. None of her men had any leads, and their powerful noses would not have missed the scent of any human other than their own. She rubbed her red hair violently and sighed in exhaustion when nothing came to mind. They had looked absolutely everywhere, to no avail.
She wondered, also asking her king: “What do we do now, Asgore? It's a waste of time: I doubt we'll be able to find anything from now on. And seeing this guy running in endless circles makes me dizzy,” she admitted, pointing to The Greater Dog which always turned.
Sadly, that's the truth, Asgore agreed reluctantly, taking a deep breath as a wave of disappointment rose within him. He wrinkled his thick beard, repulsed by the idea of going back instead of continuing the search. But the goat monster had to accept the truth : Undyne was right. They should probably stop for lack of promising results.
And the idea of having to announce their failure to Toriel, disappointing her once again despite his promise that he would find something, crushed his conscience.
While the king was thinking about making a decision, Greater Dog began to circle the room again for the twentieth time in a row. His mind was focused on only one thing: looking for a clue.
And that was exactly what he had been doing, tirelessly, sniffing for hours now.
When he arrived in front of the mirror, the armored dog monster stopped briefly: the back of his neck was itching. He sat on his hindquarters, raising a hind leg to soothe the ticklish area. Tongue hanging out, his gaze rested on the reflective surface of his reflection, which showed him taking a brief rest. Suddenly, it began to undulate, causing him to stop. In his mind, multiple question marks appeared, and his head fell to the side in confusion. What could it be? In his curiosity, Greater Dog lumbered towards the desk; As he approached, a flash of light under the desk caught his attention, and he poked his head under to see a glistening object on the floor: Frisk's winged heart brooch.
I have to bring back! decided the monster, delicately grabbing the precious object in its mouth, eager to bring it back.
With his tail wagging and the beautiful heart jewel, he prepared to join his group, when the dog raised his head towards the mirror. His smile turned terrified, and a puppy yelp escaped him. We looked at him through the glass: a human face, partially hidden in the darkness. It smiled unnaturally and had horrible red eyes, before suddenly disappearing. The mirror returned to normal, showing nothing but Greater Dog's traumatized expression.
Distraught, he rocketed out of the room, and his large body jumped on the first monster within his reach: Undyne. She, waiting for her king's order, was surprised to hear Greater Dog's unusually high-pitched yap, and turned her head towards him. What was his astonishment, then his dismay when the monster threw itself into his arms, crushing him in its grasp while his captain tried to regain his balance by holding him.
“Gr-Greater Dog...what...are you...doing?” Undyne stammered, crushed by the weight of the monster who refused to let go of her.
“Huh... Reflection. Wicked. Not nice human. In the mirror” he moaned confusedly, showing Asgore and Undyne what had scared him so much.
Both of them saw only a perfectly ordinary and harmless mirror, which reflected their own skeptical expressions. Asgore didn't understand what the poor, frightened monster meant, as he calmly tried to reassure him to release his friend, and Undyne was downright lost and upset. Damn, Doggo, did you give him one of your treats or something? the merfolk monster said angrily, as her muscles began to burn and her back began to twist.
It was in this very humiliating posture that she saw an old cleaning lady appear from the corridor, and she easily recognized her as being the one who had prevented her and Papyrus from doing further damage to the door.
An idea crossed her mind : This human might be able to help us! she hoped, thinking that the employee would have seen something of the evening. As the Greater Dog began to descend from her, flash of intuition caused her to call out: “Hey, you, human! Stop right now!”
The human froze when she heard Undyne call her, hands nervously held her broom as the fish woman strode towards her.
“Tell me, were you working here the day of the brat’s speech?” she asked him in a hoarse and deep voice - from exhaustion after almost being crushed by her timid soldier.
It wasn't his attention, but to the woman it was even more intimidating. His voice trembled: “Y-Yes, I was there all day, until late at night.”
At this response, Undyne smiled delightedly – and terrifyingly for the housewife, who trembled even more at the sight of the sharp yellow fangs - as the monster held her further for more interrogation. “Great, you’ll be able to help us. That day, did you see anything unusual ? Hmmm... I don't really know, like a shady human hanging around or anything?"
Further back, Asgore finished reassuring Greater Dog, stroking the poor doggie's chin and saying reassuring words to him. Much calmer than before, the dog soldier was so relaxed that his jaw opened in contentment and dropped the now drool-covered jewel into Asgore's open palm. The Boss Monster recognized it at first glance as belonging to Frisk and was surprised at Greater Dog's discovery.
“Where did you find this, my friend?” the sovereign asked him, not understanding how they had not seen him until now.
"Under the desk. On the ground. There are two smells on it: that of the nice little human, the other is strange, not human or monster,” Greater Dog described to him, proud that his find interested his king.
Asgore became more troubled by what he heard: on the one hand, Frisk had always made sure to put away this gift that had been given to him. When they found him, the little human had changed. So the pin would have been put away, logically. How did it end up hanging around? But maybe that didn't matter.
This thing about smells, however, the big goat wondered, wondering what Greater Dog meant.
An exasperated grumble from Undyne brought him out of his thoughts; he still saw her in front of the former maid, who was growing less comfortable by the second as Undyne fidgeted.
“So let's say a big suspicious-looking man, a racist asshole of monsters, like 'gnagna monsters are bad and all that,' bald from head to toe, with a dirty snake look, that doesn't mean anything to you ? Nothing ?" Undyne asked her for the fifth time in a row, playing on her personal descriptions of Senator Jordan to goad the human.
But her attempts only made the woman even more disturbed: “I... I don't know. I don’t think so...I-”
“Please excuse us, ma’am,” Asgore intervened, approaching the duo in turn.
Faced with this new monster that had just appeared, larger and more intimidating than Undyne, the housewife seemed on the verge of fainting. The King of the Underground saw this clearly, and noticed that she was currently holding her broom as a weapon to defend herself. However, Asgore's tone remained soft and his expression pleading, as he continued:
“We need your assistance and your memory of this date. You have known this place longer than us, and those who go there frequently. What I am going to tell you must remain secret: the evening my ambassador returned here, something serious happened and he was terribly injured. This is the real reason for its replacement. I'm telling you this because I trust you and your help could help us find out what happened. Please, this is extremely important.”
Watching her king and friend share this confidential information with a human civilian, Undyne couldn't help but raise a worried eyebrow. But it was her sovereign's decision, so she decided to remain discreet and believe in him. Asgore knows what he's doing: the big guy may be a clumsy, but he's not dumb, she thought, as the fish monster woman watched the scene carefully.
And he was not: faced with this human who stared at him in disbelief, Asgore could feel deep in her Soul that she was trustworthy and honest. Most of them gave off that impression, and her was a lot like Frisk's. It was this conviction that pushed him to place his trust in her, in order to unravel the mystery that overwhelmed them.
Asgore's plea bore fruit: even if the old woman did not fully understand what was happening, she knew from listening to him how much this group of monsters needed her. And, above all, she recognized that what motivated them was linked to the charming little child, this adorable cutie who often spoke to her and the other employees of the embassy, while helping them in their household with great enthusiasm. She liked him, and the others too enjoyed his company with them.
Learning that something bad had happened to him truly broke his heart. Her expression turned compassionate, replacing her previous apprehension as she shared Asgore's pain. “I'm sorry to hear this, I was completely unaware of this. I sincerely hope that things work out for this little treasure: for my part, tell him get well soon from his friend Dotty from the embassy.”
Asgore smiled warmly at these sweet words, appreciating that a friend of Frisk cared about him. In a good mood, he replied with a big smile: “It will be done, Dotty. Frisk will be delighted.”
This little exchange dissipated the heavy atmosphere that reigned, and the housewife released her grip on the broom handle, much more at ease. Then a cough from Undyne brought the pair back to reality, as the soldier resumed the conversation :
“Coming back to that, we are convinced that something, or someone, caused the kid to fall into a trap,” Undyne explained, trying hard to convey how serious and bad the situation was for the human. “Since this morning, we have been trying to find a clue, but nothing. That’s why we’re asking you : have you seen something strange after the speech ?”
Pondering her words, Dotty made a thoughtful noise as she tried to remember the evening. Finally, she admitted: “Well, after all the years of working and seeing important people come, I and my colleagues were surprised that this senator had earlier in the evening. Yes, now that I think about it, he hasn't been to this place for a long time: after all, the mayor comes here regularly to transact important business, and it is not unknown to anyone in Ebott that he and Jordan Krim have been bitter political rivals since the city's mayoral elections. Blessed be the Angel that Mr. Stevens is the one chosen.”
“This dumb Jordan as mayor? What a nightmare, you mean,” Undyne replied with a shiver of disgust that shook her scales, quite agreeing with her. She was sickened just imagining this despicable human ruling the city.
Meanwhile, Asgore had not missed a thing of what their interlocutor had said and repeated what he had understood: “So it is not common for Senator Jordan to come here.” And that day, strangely, Frisk was trapped by this occult magic. This is not a trivial detail, he thought discreetly, preferring to keep this reflection to himself.
At least, this discussion had solidified his student's argument: this man must have done something during his visit. And he absolutely had to know what: “Tell me, are you absolutely sure you didn’t see anything in this corridor?” the big monster insisted, and Dotty shook her head sadly.
“Alas no, but I was not alone at that time in taking care of the embassy,” she revealed to the two monsters who listened attentively. Dotty continued: “I remember the staff list, and the area each worked in. One of my colleagues was there and also took care of this room. She is not here today, but I could bring her to you, so you can question her. And I’ll come too, in case something comes to mind.”
Asgore was infinitely grateful to her, and thanked profusely the human who helped them so much. He squeezed her hand warmly, and Undyne did the same as they prepared to leave.
Before, the big goat spoke to the human one last time, while the others were leaving, and handed her a small square card which Dotty retrieved: on it, the king's place of residence and his personal number were noted : “Come to my house, in Second Home. Here is my address and phone number. When you and your friend come, I will make us some nice tea so we can chat.” Asgore promised her, thanking her again for her generous help and bowed deeply, before leaving the embassy.
Eventually, we might get closer to the truth soon. Asgore was confident. The monster only had to discuss the details with Toriel and future steps.
-oOo-
Underground, New Home:
“I guess it’s here,” said Toriel, who looked judgingly at the small stall in front of them.
Above, the sign clearly read Seam's Shop. A logo of a spool of thread and a needle represented the profession of the famous monster. The place was located in the heart of New Home: thanks to Hortensia's directions and those of the locals, the little family ended up finding this famous place.
In front of the store, Asriel and Frisk looked at this building which made them feel contradictory emotions: the little monster couldn't help but not like this story, while the human hoped that this new monster would be pleasant company.
He turned to Toriel, asking with anticipation: “Can I knock, Mom?” At her positive nod, Frisk walked to the door. He knocked, three times and distinctly, then all three waited a few moments.
First, there was silence. Then a creaking of wood and, soon, the door opened a little. A purple, clawed, feline paw appeared from the opening. It seemed artificial, made of cotton, where you could see the seam which had come loose a little and revealed the padding.
"Who is here ?" A muffled voice questioned them, while its owner remained in the shelter of his shop.
Such reluctance to show themself, thought Toriel. This is a strange individual, as this little one warned us, the former queen recognized. But could she judge that? Not really, if we judged her own exile. Toriel opened her mouth, ready to introduce herself and her children.
But Frisk, still so enthusiastic, took the initiative and did it for them. He approached: “We are Frisk, Asriel, and our mother, Toriel. Nice to meet you, Mr. Seam.”
“How do you know my name?”
“Your friend, Hortensia, told us to come to you. She advised us to meet you, to fix my sweater.” Frisk revealed to him, eagerly holding out his own clothing towards the space.
From the gap, a button of clothing observed with attention the small human child, then the rest of the monsters behind. After a some seconds, they heard a sigh, then the monster walked away, muttering, "Still sending people at me, can never be at peace...", as the door opened wide.
The two goat monsters and the young human discover the mysterious weaver: it was a big purple cat, wrapped in a white coat.
Frisk was surprised to realize that his entire body was a living stuffed animal. Is he like Mad Dummy? he wondered, as the child observed the details of the strange monster.
Above his head, a black square had been sewn, like a piece of fabric used to patch a missing piece. Two wires had been connected from a smiling mouth to the thick beard, and a left eye was missing where only a disturbing abyssal black remained. Even their one remaining button, which rolled as he watched the strangers at their doorstep, seemed ready to come off because of the scar beneath it.
Their pointed ears, stained yellow, twitched and their crooked muzzle wrinkled. “All right, come in, fellow,” the old stuffed cat invited them, waving a paw to usher the family into their Seam's Shop.
Only Asriel was slow to come, staying outside longer. He was as if frozen, petrified on the spot. And it was this Seam who was responsible. This monster, the young Boss Monster realized, without understanding what he had seen just now. When I was Flowey, I encountered every creature in the Underground at least once. But him... I had never met him before.
What did this mean?
Chapter 24: OurTale Chapter 23
Chapter Text
New Home, Underground:
“I am Seam the Weaver,” the big purple cat introduced himself, bowing modestly to their guests as they entered. “But you already knew that.”
Frisk looked at the many shelves and crates, where balls of wool of different sizes and colors, as well as bolts of fine fabric, had been stored. Several work tools were stored, from scissors to needles including a sewing machine. The child smelled a good smell of textiles floating in the air, while he looked at the environment, touching with his fingertips the sketches of clothes that were left on a desk.
They really knows their stuff: I wonder if Hortensia gets some of her clothes from them? Frisk wondered, looking at the clothes lying around.
Some were almost finished and were of excellent quality; Toriel looked with appreciation at a very chic outdoor tunic, recognizing the meticulous and precision work on the material. She pointed this out to the worker, greatly impressed by their talent:
“They are very beautiful works, Mr. Seam.”
“Nothing a little practice and magic can't accomplish, Your Majesty... Let's see about it.” The old feline replied modestly, pulling a roll of fabric from under their desk which they unearthed.
As Seam unfolded the beautiful magenta material, their button studying the bright color attentively, Asriel approached him with a curiosity that he did not hide. The monster was so intriguing: no matter how hard he tried to remember, the kid had no memory of meeting him. It's not possible, I must have seen him one day. But... nothing. He didn't understand, and the prince of monsters ended up asking:
“Have you always lived in New Home, Mr. Seam?”
“Curious young, I see...” the living stuffed animal grunted softly, too focused on their work to look at the young goat as a paw summoned a small magical pair of scissors and retrieved a roll of blue fabric. But as the cat checked the shade of the sample, he replied in a low tone: “I used to reside at the Garbage Dump. I’ve only lived here a short time.”
“The Garbage Dump?” Frisk repeated, joining Asriel and becoming as curious as his friend. “The one you find near the waterfalls?”
Here is one of the most intriguing places in the entire Underground: not far from the Waterfall, the Landfill was a place where waste accumulated, both that of monsters and that of humans falling by who knows what means from the Surface. Whatever took them there, whether it was a river or some other unknown phenomenon, it ended in the same place and disappeared into the bottomless chasm of the mountain. For a long time, monsters had been able to make the most of the material abandoned by humanity; simple useless waste, they knew how to develop their technology, improve the living conditions under the sealed mountain and, through recovery, the people of monsters were able to make the most of what they had discovered over the years.
“There isn’t another one, is there?” Old Seam muttered, smoothing the underside of their beard as they studied several strips of fabric lined up side by side.
I wonder why Seam lived here, Frisk wondered. But the monster's actions ended up intriguing him more and, forgetting this question, the human child leaned towards the table to look in turn.
They were all kinds of different shades, ranging from pale pink to almost purple-purple, and from sky blue to even more. Sometimes the colors were almost identical, but one was lighter and the other darker. All the goat monsters and human watched the stuffed animal sort through its tissues.
As they withdrew their previous choices, leaving them aside, Seam ended up keeping only a few and seemed hesitant; until then stay close to Asriel, Frisk approached to better see what he had brought when the big cat's voice rose again:
“Let me see your sweater, little one.”
Saying this, the weaver crouched down and leaned towards the garment that intrigued him. The human child made sure not to move, or even breathe. This close, Frisk could count every seam on the plush's head. At this moment, the monster seemed to be concentrating very hard. His paw cautiously touched the sleeve of the sweater, feeling the fabric and discovering details that none of those present could see.
Satisfied and nodding their head slowly the monster stood up. With their paw, Seam pointed to his workbench and what remained of the fabrics he had collected. “Choose one of the two colors. Take the ones that suit you best,” they only told him, moving aside to make room for the child.
Frisk didn't expect the monster's request, disconcerted by the sudden choice he had to make. "I must choose ?"
"Obviously. I don't just mend, or I wouldn't be a weaver,” Seam grumbled, waving their arm around the inside of shop. “I repair, I create, I tie fabrics together, but the basis of my work must come in part from you. What you wear represents an intrinsic aspect of yourself; It is essential that you contribute to this, or my magic will not work. So choose wisely and with discernment.”
And, with these strange words, the monster fell silent.
The human child did not understand everything exactly. When he walked forward, Frisk looked at the strips of fabric Seam had selected for him. In total, there were six: three of the same color, those of his sweater. Faced with this choice, Frisk wanted to try something : his Soul trembled and began to react. Once again, this message appeared:
What do you choose?
|BLUE|❤ |MAGENTA|❤
|BLUE|❤ |MAGENTA|❤
|BLUE|❤ |MAGENTA|❤
Is this some kind of joke? Frisk wondered with a disappointed pout, deciding to ignore it to concentrate again. Yet, despite his efforts, it looked exactly like the colors of his clothing and everything would suit him. But when Frisk glanced at Seam, the feline seemed to be watching for the slightest movement.
His last words came back to him: Seam had certainly not said that to him by chance. I must make a wise and logical decision, he reminded himself, guessing that there was some trick behind it. Frisk took more time and looked for the slightest difference that would catch his eye.
Intrigued, Asriel looked at the same time as his human friend. The monster's intuition told him that this Seam was looking for a more elaborate choice than simple chance. While Frisk seemed to struggle to find a difference, the young Boss Monster wanted to help and observed any detail that could help Frisk.
But he soon gave up, unable to do better than Frisk who was struggling as much as him, and rubbed a bushy ear. He was really baffled by this riddle. And by the Angel, he was a monster! He knew riddles well, though, even if Asriel was not as gifted as his mother or as passionate as Papyrus was. “I feel like they are exactly the same, but I think there is a trick.”
I agree with Asriel: something must be missing to me, Frisk realized, trying harder to figure out what. However, he still couldn't find what he was looking for. The little human hesitated again, afraid of doing something stupid when he knew nothing about it. “I...I can’t decide.”
Toriel had also played the strange game of the weaver and had tried it too. The former queen was no more able than her son to discover her secret, which seemed important for this Seam to use his magic. As a great practitioner herself, Toriel knew from experience that it met specific requirements depending on who employed it. Some were stranger than just a few people and this monster, Seam, seemed to be one of those people.
He waited for his answer, and the monster only looked at the human child.
If that's it, then only Frisk can meet they demands, she guessed.
Which meant that neither she nor Asriel could guide Frisk. But the latter seemed on the verge of giving up too. No matter how much Frisk forced himself to make up his mind, however, he couldn't do it. Seeing that her child was undecided, Toriel decided to give him the little push he needed.
She placed a comforting white paw on his hair, making Frisk look up at the Boss Monster who was smiling warmly. Toriel tells:
“Trust yourself, my child. Look carefully: I’m sure you’ll make the right choice.”
Her soft and confident voice pulled Frisk out of turmoil; in his mind, the colors mixed together and formed an indistinct mass, making him sick. Toriel's spoken words brought him out of it, and the child looked at his adoptive mother gratefully.
“So, have you made your decision?” Seam suddenly asked him, remaining silent until now.
The time was over: now the monster demanded his answer. Frisk took a deep breath and turned towards the workbench one last time. He prepared to choose.
Right next to him, Asriel didn't waste a second and encouraged him in mind : You can do it, Frisk! I know you can! He was sure Frisk could do it: he was able to accomplish anything.
Frisk raised a hand, pointing his index finger at two strips, one blue, the other magenta: “I’ll take this one and that one, please.”
Seam took the strips of fabric that the human child had asked for, all the while observing Frisk. “Are you sure?”
"Yes."
The monster didn't insist, then turned away from them to put away the rest of their things. Asriel took the opportunity to whisper in the human's ear: “What made you decide?”
“I took the ones I liked the most,” Frisk replied simply. Faced with Asriel’s stunned face, he tried to explain himself better: “Let’s say I trusted my intuition. I liked these colors more than the others, so I chose them. I… don’t really know how to describe it.”
“For me, there was no difference,” Asriel shook his head, unable to understand his friend’s reasoning. But Frisk didn't seem to regret his choice, and that was the main thing.
Toriel also asked, “Is this okay with you, Frisk?” Frisk nodded eagerly, and the child gurgled a laugh when she gently patted the top of his head, "So it's fine," the former queen said, delighted.
“Child, can you give me your sweater? I have to start my work,” Seam demanded.
Frisk was a little reluctant to take off his clothing; However, he complied and slipped out, remaining only in a white t-shirt. It wasn't cold here, and even rather warm, but without his sweater, the child couldn't help but shiver and feel uncomfortable. Frisk briefly clutched his favorite outfit, then gave it to the weaver who delicately retrieved it.
“You care a lot about this, I can sense it,” the stuffed monster commented, his gruff tone becoming strangely kinder. “It’s perfect: the strong emotions bottled up inside will help the magic to work.”
"The emotions ?" Frisk questioned, having little knowledge of magic despite living with creatures that use it. So he didn't know how emotions were involved in this, since it wasn't something innate to him.
To this, Toriel was happy to explain: “When we use magic, our emotions are an essential part of the form it will take. Whether it’s a healing spell, or summoning fire, the magic will obey those feelings.”
“It can happen that objects are imbued with powerful emotions,” Seam added to Toriel’s explanation. “When this happens, the magic imbued within it can change its nature and grant it unique abilities.”
“I think I understand.”
Indeed, Frisk remembered the items discivered during his journey, that belonged to the children who came before him. He had found them everywhere in the Underground, where other humans had traveled before him. Every item and outfit he found and used gave him abilities Frisk had never possessed before. With the Faded Ribbon, the monsters had been more reluctant to hit him hard; the Stained Apron protected and healed him. The Tough Glove enhanced his own strength. The objects collected did not only do that: thanks to the Manly Bandanna, he felt braver and more courageous than anyone, or the Cowboy Hat reinforced his self-confidence; the Cloudy Glasses made him more intelligent, clever and, with the Old Tutu, his steps became lighter.
It was as if, by carrying the old possessions of his predecessors, their attributes in their previous life became his own.
And the necklace of the first human child, too... Frisk looked at the Heart Locket Asriel wore around his neck. It had protected him when Frisk needed him most. When he had worn it, the child had been able to experience old feelings, but still so strong. A strange nostalgia had enveloped him from then on; Frisk always remembered it.
He therefore believed Seam when he affirmed that feelings could transform everything.
The latter asked their guests to move back a little; under their paws, they had gathered several balls of wool of colors identical to those of the strips that Frisk had chosen. Seam raised his arms, and a purplish glow surrounded him and the equipment. Frisk's sweater flew with the rest, remaining in the air: when its paws were free, the monster summoned a long and impressive knitting needle.
Seeing this, Frisk couldn't hold back an impressed exclamation: it was almost as incredible as when Undyne, Asgore and Asriel summoned their weapons. The young monster was as amazed as his friend; together, the children watched as Seam raised their magical tool, raising it with ease towards the garment. They didn't take their eyes off the scene.
What was he going to do now?
With the tip of the needle, the monster lightly pricked the sweater and, suddenly, the threads of the garment unraveled little by little until nothing was left. Without stopping their movement, Seam brought the balls of colored wool, which relaxed to join the mound in front of him.
“It's time for this to take shape,” With a conductor's gesture, the plush toy intertwined and knotted the threads again, adding those he had taken away.
With precision, Seam guided the assembly from start to finish; each stitch linked with ease under his silent commands, without ever a hitch or an error. Little by little, the garment appeared under the amazed gazes - and especially that of Frisk - of those who watched Seam at work. When all the elements were in place, the monster pulled the needle back, and the new sweater was finally assembled.
“It’s ready,” they declared, looking pleased with their work. “Here, little one. I’ll give it back to you,” Seam made a final gesture, and the suit floated like a magnet towards its young owner.
Frisk impatiently brought his arms forward, where the garment rested. It smelled the same as the old one. Upon contact, the child felt the effect of magic pass through him entirely.
+20 DF
+2 HP
*Your defense and vitality increase
Incredible... It became like all the others. Frisk put it back at full speed; In there, he was nice and warm. This warm feeling was still there, even if his clothing was no longer quite the same. The appearance had been radically transformed: instead of the old stripes on the front and back, its sleeves and neckline had become completely magenta, while the rest was a beautiful blue. It certainly changed him from before.
An idea flashed in his head, and with a daring twirl, Frisk posed in front of Asriel and Toriel. He showed his best, most charming profile and, full of confidence, the child asked: “What do I look like now?”
Asriel gave him a thumbs up appreciatively, saying, “That looks great on you, Frisk! 10/10!”
“It’s perfect, dear” their mother agreed, turning gratefully to old Seam who was putting away the equipment. “Thank you, Mr. Seam. How much do I owe you for your effort?”
“Nothing,” Seam replied, without the slightest hesitation. “I have no use for money, after all, and I appreciate it when people hold things in such high value like this little human does. If I can allow them to prosper over time, I must do so: that is why I have this power.”
Although their logic was surprising, Toriel could understand the argument and respected it without insisting. As for Frisk, he smiled gratefully towards the monster.
“Thank you, Mr. Seam. I promise to take good care of it.”
“You are already doing it well: keep it carefully, this item of clothing could be very useful to you in the future,” the old cat advised him. “The magical properties I have incorporated will protect you from most weak offensive spells. If you were injured, minor injuries would be healed almost immediately.”
“That’s awesome, Frisk! You are wearing real powerful armor” exclaimed Asriel, amazed.
“That’s incredibly generous,” Toriel was moved, becoming more embarrassed that the merchant wasn’t asking for any compensation. “You have my gratitude: Frisk, be kind and say thank you again to Mr. Seam.”
Grateful for this gift, Frisk thanked the weaver even more but, without further emotion, the latter chased them away without further ado. “It doesn’t matter: I did what I had to do. Now I want to find calm and solitude. So, get out of here!”
“Come on, Asriel! Let's go explore the city!” declared the young human, eager to discover New Home now that they were done.
Although he hesitated at first, the young prince ended up sharing Frisk's eagerness. Together, they got ahead of Toriel, who let them run through the busy streets where her children were looking for any funny thing.
-oOo-
Nearby, in New Home:
“Hey, Jack, I don’t think that’s a good idea... What do we do if monsters see us doing it?”
A small group of humans had slipped into the corner of a dimly lit alley. Most were hooded and their bags were overflowing with spray paint and flammable products. They had tagged on the walls of a church in the center of New Home, where several messages against monsters were now written: Beasts in cages! or Monsters Out! with threatening grins.
One of them, the youngest and nervous of the group, cast wary glances around, worried that patrolling guards would discover them.
“As if those wimps would dare do anything to us, moron!” spat the leader, who glared at the delinquent remained silent. “We do what this guy pays us to do, that’s all: besides, do your job instead of whining and go set fire!”
Intimidated, the underling complied and walked away, while his companions had a field day. He stayed in the shadows, away from the crowd, and walked until he found a dumpster behind a store.
“Obviously, it’s ME who does the dirty work!” he grumbled, as the thug opened the trash can.
With the bag on the ground, he retrieved a can of gasoline and emptied the contents inside. Two more followed, before the human looked in his pockets for his lighter which was nowhere to be found. He then swore that the object was nowhere.
“Where the hell is it...”
“Y-You! Don’t m-move anymore!” a stuttering and frightened female voice warned him behind him, making him jump.
Immediately, the bandit grabbed his switchblade from his jacket and shakily aimed it at the monster that had just appeared: a yellow lizard with long front teeth, dressed in a white coat and looking out of breath.
Her eyes stared in terror through cracked glasses; the bandit felt in a position of strength and decided to take advantage. In a deep voice, he warns:
“You better get out of there, monster. Or else-"
“N-No, stay where you are,” stammered Alphys, who did not seem to fear the threat of her attacker although she was trembling all over.
The human blushed: this weirdly geeky lizard monster thought he was a match for him? He decided to scare her and took a step towards her when his foot sank into a soft substance. He looked down at it, letting out a disgusted curse upon discovering this viscous white material.
"What is that-"
A terrible growl rose from behind him, freezing the blood in his veins. Something was standing behind him. Slowly his head turned towards the back of the street where, a moment before, he had seen nothing.
There stood a huge shapeless monster; its immense canine head, and those which jutted out from its body showed menacing fangs. Several pools of this substance flowed from him and spread on the ground.
When the human saw it, the thing growled louder: suddenly, the human felt a force exerted on his chest and, from that place, a dirty brown heart flew between him and the creature. Too numb from shock, he could no longer move as his opponent prepared to engulf the Soul in its gaping maw.
"No !" Alphys intervened, raising her hands towards the monster and producing an electric shock.
Struck, the creature recoiled and collapsed with a multiple groan; freed from its influence, the Soul torn from its vessel returned to the bosom of the bandit who regained his senses.
“Wh-What? What the hell happened?!”
“G-Get away from here, right now!” ordered the scientist, while the monster was already recovering from the blow and got up on its feet.
The human didn't ask for his rest and took to his heels. On his way, he encountered several soldiers from the Capital who ignored him and came to join Alphys. She looked with sadness at the creature that the soldiers she had called for reinforcement were now surrounding, raising their spears to prevent it from escaping.
“E-Endogeny, I need to get you back to the lab. Y-You’re not in your normal state.” She watched Endogeny's appearance visibly deteriorate; uncontrollable, the monster had now taken on a menacing offensive form, bristling all over and snapping with its many sharp jaws.
“GRRR” replied the Amalgamate, without seeming to recognize its friend. Not seeming to be willing to cooperate easily, the creature suddenly dissolved, escaping far from this ambush, and regained form once it emerged.
Without listening to Alphys's cries, the creature rushed towards the alleys of the Capital, right in the center of New Home.
Chapter Text
New Home, Underground:
“And here are your Star Delights! Enjoy, young people!” smiled a monster merchant, handing Frisk and Asriel their pastries in bags.
"Thank you sir !"
After paying for it, the children left the stall and sat quietly on a bench under a tree. They took out their snack, star-shaped cakes with golden dough and coated with chocolate, multicolored sweet sprinkles and icing sugar. Currently, Toriel was nowhere in sight, leaving the two children alone enjoying their candy.
Asriel was the more voracious of the two; even though he had devoured almost all of Toriel's pie this morning, the growing little monster was still hungry. He had barely finished his when he took another, and as soon as it passed his mouth, the kid swallowed it in one mouthful.
More moderate, Frisk was only halfway through his treat which he ate slowly to better enjoy it; he watched with a mixture of fascination and disgust the actions of his friend, who did not have the same restraint.
“How come you’re so hungry? Mom served you pie five times and I gave you one of my slices because it wasn’t enough.”
“I...I know. It’s just...” Asriel stammered, his mouth full, before half-swallowing and choking. The young prince gasped, the piece passing with difficulty. Frisk gave him his canteen of water so that the monster, muttering a muffled “thank you”, could wash it all down.
A few sips later, he sighed happily, relieved as he wiped his snout full of sugar and sprinkles. Asriel continued: “Since I woke up this morning, I feel like I have a hole where my stomach used to be. Maybe because of my growth? I’ll have to ask Mom when she’ll come back.”
As soon as he said that, Frisk's face darkened, and his enthusiastic chewing of the bun became slow. He kept the half-eaten Star dessert in his hand, without taking any additional bites. The human child looked around the crowd, towards where their mother had headed earlier. Toriel's sudden absence and aforementioned departure, leaving them there, had been as sudden as it was unexpected as they enjoyed the activities of the Capital together.
As promised, after leaving Seam's shop, the young prince of monsters and the ambassador were allowed to have fun in the Capital. They had watched a fun puppet show, led by a scary purple jester, a street troupe putting on a magnificent recital, and visited several stalls selling interesting magical products. It had been a lot of fun: they were able to take certain objects. Earlier, while Asriel was testing a musical yoyo and Frisk was about to pay for an item, the human child noticed that Toriel had moved away from them.
"What is it ? I received your message: I'm still in New Home with Asriel and Frisk...", he only heard as she walked away. Their mother had held her phone to her ear and appeared to be having an important conversation with someone. Just afterwards, she adopted a worried face which caught his attention.
"What is happening ?" Frisk wondered, feeling anxious as well. Something must have happened.
The call had been brief, but their mother's expression had changed to one of deep shock. There had been a few heated exchanges, and Toriel seemed to get angry briefly. However, she seemed to give in reluctantly; noticing Frisk watching her from afar, the former queen called her children after ending the call.
“Children, I have to go somewhere,” she had simply told them when they joined her. Asriel and Frisk looked at each other, not understanding and seeing Toriel's nervousness. Then gently, but firmly, she added: “I’m sorry to end our outing so soon, but something bad happened near here. You have to go back to the Surface, while I take care of that: Sans will come and get you very soon with Papyrus, I want you to wait for him there.”
Frisk, of course, didn't hear it that way. Staying here, sheltered, was certainly not in his nature. If there was danger, the child had to intervene! He had let Toriel know and bravely stood up: “I'm coming with you, Mom. Even though you took away my position, I remain the monster ambassador. So if something happens, I have to help them!”
But Toriel shook her head, refusing categorically and hardening her gaze: “Frisk, I want you to stay there safe, with Asriel. I still don't know what exactly is happening; Alphys just called me and only explained that there had been an incident between a monster and a human. This monster is Endogeny, and they almost took the Soul of this human who was wandering the street. I don’t know the circumstances: I have to go there to understand where the research is going.”
“All the more reason, then! If it involves one of my friends, and if it’s Endogeny, I should be able to do something!”
“Frisk, we better listen to Mom,” Asriel then intervened, grabbing Frisk’s shoulder with one paw and turning towards him. The little Boss Monster had stared at the little human with concern. “We have to let the adults do it. You don't know the city, it's very big, and Endogeny could be anywhere. It would be difficult for you to find them, and for anyone else.”
“Like Asriel said. Also, remember that your Soul is weakened,” Toriel had reminded him sternly, although her concerned look at him belied the tone in her voice. “It would be too dangerous if it went wrong.”
Both monsters' arguments had good points; Frisk bit his lip, barely recognizing that they were both right. Head bowed, he whispered, “Okay.”
Deep down, his Soul had cried out in protest, but he had tried to silence it. It was hard enough to accept as it was.
Then Toriel took them in her arms, offering them many kisses, before asking them to wait on the bench without moving. She left in a hurry, soon disappearing into the crowd.
Remembering this moment, the human child could not help but feel a deep regret. He should have followed Toriel regardless; back in the Ruins, despite the guardian's warnings, Frisk had followed she to the entrance which separated him from the Underground. Toriel had told him of the tragic destiny that could have befallen him, and which had been unleashed on his predecessors. That wasn't enough to discourage him. Heck, he'd even stood up to her, as Toriel's flames surrounded him and burned his skin in spots in an attempt to scare him into backing down.
It's not too late: I can still try to find Endogeny on my own. But I don't want to leave Asriel alone here...
As he mulled over his thoughts, Asriel noticed Frisk who was far from reality. The young monster understood what was tormenting his friend, without him having to ask. Frisk must surely want to help Endogeny who is in trouble: he has always been like that, thought Asriel, who was right.
However, there was a good chance that this would put Frisk in danger: even then, the human child would be able to ignore the risks to help them. Asriel wanted to speak to him: his mouth opened, but he didn't know what to do, until bursts of laughter further away attracted his attention.
“You hear that, Frisk? We should go check what’s going on!” Asriel suggested as he stood up, deciding that a distraction would help them feel better.
For the first time since they were there, the young monster took the initiative and grabbed Frisk's hand who was just kicking the ground. They didn't stray too far from where Toriel had ordered them to wait; nearby, a crowd had gathered around what looked like a dancing platform. With Frisk still holding him, he and Asriel looked intrigued at the construction.
Lights had been installed on metal bars, illuminating the player on stage. A large pink frog dressed in a leotard was dancing to lively music. They cheered him from side to side; his flexibility and slim physique allowed him to perform difficult and rapid movements; With each well-executed series of arrows, the points displayed on the big screen climbed to incredible amounts, until reaching an exceptional score of 1,000 points.
You have the Metta-Attitude! proclaimed the digital Mettaton avatar amid fireworks and spontaneous applause from his fans.
Immediately, the frog arrogantly brushed back his silky blond hair, then laughed at his performance. “Ha ha ha! I, Glorious, am unbeatable in a dance fight! Even this can of Mettaton couldn't beat me! Anyone want to take a chance on me?”
His smug gaze wandered through the crowd; by chance, he had come across Asriel and a smile had invaded his face while his eyes detailed his silhouette, less graceful than him.
“You, little white fluffy dude, wouldn’t you like to play a little with me as your opponent?”
“M-Me?” Asriel stammered, pointing to himself. He stayed in his place, not knowing what to do. Had he heard correctly? But... But... I don't know how to dance at all!
Many faces were turned in astonishment towards the children, and more particularly towards the now sheepish little monster that Glorious had chosen. Many were undecided about the choice of dancer: Asriel was much more robust, short and stocky than the frog. Wasn't it a little uneven?
Faced with his indecision, Glorious shook his head disdainfully. “Of course, I understand that you are intimidated by my talent: if you are not capable of it, there is no shame in admitting it.” He said this, while stretching a supple, muscular thigh lazily.
His insolent remark brought a blush to the fur on Asriel's cheeks, who had become very embarrassed by being mocked in this way by this arrogant monster. He looked at his legs and toes, which were not at all flexible unlike the frog that was taunting him.
Meanwhile, Frisk hadn't missed a beat of the confrontation; all along, his brows were furrowed and his eyes closed more. He really wasn't happy: this monster was freely making fun of Asriel and having fun at his expense. And his friend seemed to shrivel up in place, looking very uncomfortable. Involuntarily, Frisk's fists clenched. Usually, the kid would never get angry like that, but it was a completely different story if it concerned his friends, and Asriel hadn't been back to New Home since the Liberation: no way was this idiot ruining their day !
This frog needs a lesson! "Hey you !" the human boy shouted, loud enough to be heard at the end of the crowd.
"What ?" croaked Glorious the frog, before his big beady eyes curiously spotted the human next to Asriel, in front of him like a brave knight. When he finally saw him, Frisk added eagerly:
“Do you enjoy ridiculing people like this? You brag about dancing well, but Mettaton is far better than you! Your legs are no match for his: Az or anyone else could easily beat you! And with your eyes closed!”
This verbal attack against the monster had a certain effect; until then full of confidence and vanity, his face twisted into an outraged grimace. It was worse when laughter erupted everywhere, laughing at the comparison made by Frisk, who was now wearing a smug smile. Glorious' cheeks puffed out, very annoyed, as a small human dared to attack his pride.
"How dare you ?! Besides, what can you know about it?”
“Frisk!” Asriel interjected, not believing that Frisk – Frisk, of all of them! - actively sought confrontation “What do you think you’re doing?! Stop that-"
“Glorious!” Frisk continued, ignoring Asriel's calming hand trying to push them away and becoming annoyed. The child pointed a provocative finger at the frog monster on stage. “I challenge you to a dance duel! If you win, I admit I was wrong and I will apologize. But if I win, you will have to apologize to my friend for treating him this way!”
“Alright, buddy. I’m going to make you regret your words.”
How did we get here? Asriel asked, horrified as Frisk moved forward with his head held high to face their opponent.
-oOo-
Not far from there, Underground:
After leaving Asriel and Frisk, without realizing what kind of trouble one of them was currently in, Toriel headed to where Alphys was waiting for her. When she explained the situation to her, the mother goat held back from letting her frustration escape. Especially when the yellow lizard timidly requested her immediate assistance.
Her reaction was not long in coming.
“Have you lost your mind, Alphys? There’s no way I’m going there when my children are here with me!” she got angry, but kept her voice low as Asriel and Frisk's laughter erupted nearby.
Toriel could hear Alphys trembling on the other end of the line, then lisped:
“I-I know, b-but it's a case of extreme emergency, T-Toriel" she explained. “A-A human was attacked: right now, Endogeny is wandering around nature. S-Something bad could happen at any moment. P-Please, Toriel: A-Asgore left with U-Undyne. I-I only have you."
The Boss Monster struggled to regain her composure, huffing as Toriel's anger faded. Her friend's despair had reached her. But she could not decently come with her children to this dangerous place, nor make them wait for her return. Toriel had the idea to contact Sans, so that the skeleton could collect Asriel and Frisk and bring them back to the Surface. This did not enchant her: however, Toriel realized the urgency of stopping Amalgamate as quickly as possible before an innocent person was hurt.
After sighing one last time, she made her decision.
“I’ll come,” she promised, before picking up the phone to call her other friend, while beckoning children to come closer.
Now there, Toriel looked suspiciously at the entire area which had been cordoned off by a garrison of soldiers. None of them had stopped him from approaching; one even made a gesture of greeting towards the former queen, who saluted stiffly in return. None were blind to her status and, instinctively, the monsters treated her with the respect due to her rank. She tried to ignore it and looked with some repugnance at this New Home district. It was a relatively isolated place; there were only a few inquisitive interactions from some passers-by taking one of the few trails in the area. Despite the commotion, no one would have noticed what had happened here.
It was dark and out of sight, the walls muffled the sound. Anything could happen there without attracting attention. This was why the Amalgamate and the human had managed to escape so easily in the first place.
What a sinister place, Toriel thought. The first thing the former queen noticed were the white marks that marked the ground, where the Endogeny had fled. The Boss Monster cautiously avoided them and regretted not having put on sandals, not wanting the bottom of his paws to be soiled with this substance from a fused monster.
But her concern was overshadowed by another; the one about the safety of her two children. Toriel had left them there to keep them out of danger. Sans should look for them soon; the skeleton might be soft, she trusted him to keep them safe. He would meet them where their mother had ordered Asriel and Frisk to stay. However, she couldn't help but turn around regularly throughout the journey to ensure that neither of the two children had disobeyed without her knowledge.
Especially Frisk: the human child could be very stubborn when he had an idea in mind.
Toriel knew from experience better than anyone else. But I think I was worried for nothing, she was relieved to see that, this time, neither Frisk or Asriel were there. At least, her conscience was a little lighter.
She finally joined Alphys, pacing back and forth in the alley, biting her claws and muttering. Finally, the scientist heard her coming and raised her head; the concerned gaze on Alphys became lighter as she saw the big goat going to meet her.
“You are finally here, Toriel, praise be to the Angel,” Alphys greeted Toriel, who had just arrived at the scene where Endogeny's failed altercation had taken place.
Normally, the mother goat would be delighted to find her, but the current circumstances spoiled their reunion. She didn't smile, however, she tried to greet her back: “Greetings again, Alphys. I’m glad to see you’re doing well.”
"As good as possible." The yellow lizard took off her damaged glasses to wipe them, a much-needed nervous gesture. When she put them back on, a soldier approached the couple and made his observations:
“The fugitive cannot be found. I requested that new patrols be sent to the area. Hopefully, we can find the monster before it reaches the center of the city.”
Alphys nodded, a little relieved, but her hands kept rubbing against each other; by doing this, some yellow scales had come loose and fallen to the ground. The scientist was extremely nervous, and Toriel could tell.
“Alphys, we will find Endogeny,” she assured her, hoping to calm her as much as herself.
The former queen never thought that all of them would find themselves in such a situation. That a monster attacked a human, she couldn't realize that it had happened. Yet, despite her panic, Alphys had been very clear. If Endogeny had carried out its attack to the end, the consequences could have been disastrous.
More than they already are, Toriel thought, rubbing her forehead in annoyance. His gaze went to the bag that the human had left there. It had been opened and left abandoned. Curious, the Boss Monster approached the dumpster. There, a chemical smell violently assaulted her nostrils, which wrinkled in disgust.
"What is this ?" Toriel questioned, in a distorted voice, one of the guards near her.
He replied: “At the time of the incident, the human was emptying several cans of flammable products. He was definitely planning to set the fire, before Dr. Alphys surprised him. We are currently carrying out searches to find him.”
“This human was trying to start an arson?” Toriel couldn't believe it, baffled by such an irresponsible action. Unless it has been thought through... “Were there other humans near here?”
“We don’t know, ma’am.”
“You should also look for other suspicious individuals: he may not have been acting alone.” Toriel preferred not to take any risks. As soldier bowed and left, she checked on Alphys again.
She was staring intently at her phone screen, jumping from one image to another with an astonishing air of concentration.
"What are you doing ?"
“I check the surveillance cameras in the area: I managed to connect to the network of the entire neighborhood. Hopefully we can find Endogeny and bring them back before they wreak havoc on the city.”
“Let’s hope so,” Toriel prayed, as she picked up her phone to check her Undernet messages. Sans had just informed her that they would soon arrive at the square to pick up her children.
Don't worry too much, tori. your kids are fine she read a little further down, a note that the monster had added. The message was short, without any jokes that she and the skeleton normally shared during every chat.
I hope so too, my friend. Thank you for your help, she wrote, before sending. Toriel hesitated whether to call Frisk or Asriel, but she decided to leave them in peace for a little longer. These two looked out for each other: even though she had feared that Frisk would disobey, Toriel trusted Asriel to keep him out of trouble.
I'll make sure to come back as soon as possible, she promised, waiting alongside Alphys who checked every inch of the screen for the slightest clue.
Chapter 26: OurTale Chapter 25 : Dance fight
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
New Home, Underground:
Seriously, how did we get here? Asriel wondered again, watching in incomprehension as the crowd around him grew more enthusiastic, noisy and gesticulating.
This gathering of people had grown even larger than it had earlier once Frisk had challenged Glorious: it seemed that news of the upcoming dance battle had spread wildly across the Undernet and Surface social networks.
#battledance, people wrote under hundreds of photos or filters – without knowing it, a new trend had just taken hold without the knowledge of the two protagonists.
Everyone had come to see the battlefield: every pair of eyes - and Asriel's worried ones - were watching Glorious who was warming up vigorously on stage. And, of course, there was Frisk who took the stage. It was for him that Asriel was wringing his paws nervously, while his friend didn't seem more anxious than that. Once he had crossed the crowd and climbed the dance platform, the human child respectfully waited for the pink frog to finish his preparations. Throughout, Frisk had shown no signs of worry.
Finally, Asriel could no longer hold out. He approached the edge and Frisk, to stand on tiptoe to make his voice heard.
“Frisk, please stop it,” the little goat pleaded, his muzzle turned up in apprehension. “It’s not too late to apologize and walk away. Let’s get out of here before it gets out of hand.”
“Not until he apologizes to you, Az,” Frisk replied as he grabbed his phone, rummaging through his inventory for a good item.
He doesn't look to give in... “That's not like you, Frisk,” Asriel insisted, as Frisk tied her pretty Faded Ribbon onto her own brown hair. “To want to seek confrontation at this point. It’s ridiculous to do that.”
Finally, the young human had a reaction; he looked at Asriel strangely, as if the monster had just said the greatest nonsense. But then, what Frisk replied in a low voice while crouching towards him, the young prince did not expect it at all:
“Is it so ridiculous to want to defend your best friend, and even more so, a brother?” Frisk simply asked him with a kind smile.
Hearing it, Asriel was incredibly taken aback and became speechless. But his eyes began to sting, as a strange, yet comforting warmth surrounded his Soul. It was great.
So he did this for me...
The young prince stopped himself from sniffling as he wiped away emotional tears and felt very stupid, although he smiled at his own stupidity: of course, Frisk would do that for their friends. Why hadn't he thought of that?
“Ready to take your beating, kid?” argued Glorious as he stood up to his full height, mocking Frisk's crouching form still towards Asriel.
"I'm coming." Frisk stood up to join her opponent, but a pair of clawed and fluffy paws grabbed her hands, swathing her in very soft and warm white fur.
Asriel looked straight into Frisk's astonished eyes, pleading, “Don't do anything stupid, brother. I want you back in one piece.”
Frisk didn't say anything, however, he nodded with a reassuring smile. Reluctantly, Asriel released him and watched him join Glorious.
“It’s good that you didn’t give up: there’s no harm in recognizing better talent in your opponent,” the monster taunted, ducking down as Frisk stopped in front of him. “Honestly, do you think you can surpass me?”
The child looked at him head on, his expression neutral even if he was very upset by this smug attitude of this vain frog.
He only had one answer to that.
And he stuck out his tongue.
Thbptttttttt!!!
Asriel dropped his jaw, stunned.
Glorious twitched one eye, outraged beyond measure.
The previously noisy crowd fell silent.
“Well sent, kid!” someone shouted in the distance.
This irritating noise lasted for a long time, before Frisk stopped after a while. Proud of himself, he was now the one who waited mockingly for the insulted monster to regain his speech. He looked extremely angry: his face had turned peony red, to the point where it was ridiculous.
Frisk even feared that he was going to faint, until the monster recovered:
“...Got it, you brat” he growled through his teeth. “Originally, I only planned to make you bite the dust cleanly. I've changed my mind: I'm going to literally and figuratively beat you to a pulp! ” Glorious warned and, grabbing a remote from his pocket, he pressed a red button.
Dance battle mode activated! the stage loudspeaker yelled. Suddenly, Frisk was shaken: the ground shook. A mechanical noise deafened his ears, and the metal support seemed to rise into the heights.
What is happening ?! He wondered, as Frisk barely regained his balance. Once the commotion stopped, the child looked at the platform, and his eyes opened wide in shock at what they were now standing on. The surface of the floor had doubled and several luminous tiles shone: the lights illuminated the two participants who were facing each other. At the back, a screen live-streamed the action for the public-view competitors going wild a few meters below.
On the ground, Asriel was not at all comfortable and didn't take his eyes off the television. “Oh, Frisk. What have you gotten yourself into?”
“i’m also wondering: seems that your brother to have his skull in troubles, doesn’t he?” a very familiar voice asked him with humor.
Asriel jumped to the side, exclaiming, “Oh golly, duck!” With his Soul beating, he saw Sans standing next to the kid. The smile he had deepened at her shocked expression.
“heh...well caught up.”
“Saaans... it’s not funny at all.”
“for you, perhaps.” recognized the skeleton, offering him a little wink. "but for me..."
The prince took on a bored look when he understood that the skeleton was amused by his reaction; he tried to calm himself down, as he slowly managed to regain his frantic breathing. And... wasn't it Papyrus coming towards them? Without wearing his traditional armor costume, he was dressed in a t-shirt printed “Go Frisk!” with a heart - where could he have found that? - and enthusiastically brandished glow sticks which the cheerful skeleton handed to the duo.
“HERE ! WE’RE ALL GOING TO ENCOURAGE OUR FRISK LIKE THE GOOD FRIENDS WE ARE!”
“Anyway, I’m glad you’re finally here.” With the two skeletons, Asriel could succeed in getting his friend out of this trap. He tried to explain the situation to them as best he could: “We have to get Frisk out of there: this monster really seems to be mad at him!”
However, the prince's hopes fell when Sans, not shaken by the new, simply shrugged his shoulders with a natural air.
“the show hasn’t started yet: there’s no point interrupting it.”
"Wh- There's no point ?" Asriel repeated, discomfited by this careless response while Papyrus waved his arms in all directions to encourage Frisk.
“Look, i don’t want to climb this thing. too much effort. and pap wants to see frisk on the track: last time, he couldn’t.”
For the first time in ages, Sans' behavior greatly irritated Asriel who had to bite his tongue to keep quiet. Frisk was in big trouble, and the skeleton didn't want to help at all! Why ? Why is he reacting like that! Frisk and the monster might fight at any moment now!
As if he had read his thoughts, Sans slid an orb towards the young monster. He blinked at Asriel's accusing face. “relax, your highness. if you want to help, imitate my brother instead: it will give strength to frisk!”
“Sans, you should be on my side and help me!” Asriel reproached him, irritated that he wasn't taking anything seriously. To think that earlier, the skeleton assured him that he would help him protect Frisk! “I thought we had discussed it. Instead, you take everything lightly without reacting at all! If it’s like that, I’ll go get him myself before he gets hurt himself.”
And Asriel was going to do it: the kid walked away from them to the platform and rolled up his sleeves. The fight would begin in seconds, unless he intervened. As Asriel tried to grab on to climb up and stop everything, suddenly he felt himself floating in the air.
A blue light surrounded him, restricting his every movement – not that he could move anymore.
Eh ? Asriel was pulled back, hard, until he unclasped his paws from her grip. He almost fell, nose first, when the little monster came back to the ground. Sans stood in front of him, mittens in his pockets, and Asriel thought he saw his left eye socket glow for a split second with a blue-yellow glow before fading.
Sans had just used his strange blue magic on him, to bring him back. He didn't seem to want to let the little prince get involved and do as he pleased. The skeleton stared at his friend's son who was now squirming in discomfort; Asriel felt strangely small, even though both were the same height, as Sans reminded him in an even tone:
“until now, frisk has never needed anyone to bail them out of a bad situation. your brother doesn't have to have a babysitter all the time, he can do just fine on his own. and if you don’t believe me, then look at him instead of trying to break your neck.”
Asriel dared to turn away, to see Glorious and Frisk on the screen preparing to start the fight.
The seconds passed, painfully slow. Then, the speakers cried out:
Let the show begin!!!
And the music started.
Player 1, start!
Glorious's platforming part lit up; agile, the monster launched himself onto each series of luminous slabs that appeared under his feet. The rhythm of the sound animated his movements, which seemed to ride the vibe.
+100
+125
+100
Not bad at all ! Commented a digital Mettaton header, as his score mounted.
The crowd was exultant, impressed by this incredible performance.
Graceful, Glorious performed an incredibly well-executed choreography. Until then, he had not made the slightest misstep: the monster moved his lower body fervently, turned and raised his arms high. His score climbed quickly, crossing the thresholds with ease as the dance ended.
Frisk had to admit: Glorious was a very good dancer. But I also know how to follow the music, he remembered, preparing himself as his opponent finished his performance with a bang. He wasn't even sweating, and his provocative gaze fell on the impressed human child.
“The rules of the game are simple: you must succeed in following the lights on the ground, which appear in a precise order and sequence” the monster explained to him. “The more you advance in music, the more points you accumulate. But be careful: if you make a mistake, you will receive a penalty.”
"What kind of penalty?”
“You'll find out very soon, I think,” Glorious promised maliciously, as the lights shifted to Frisk's side.
He put himself on guard, as the screen displayed:
Player 2, start!
The music started: a tile lit up, and Frisk placed their foot on it. Another came, towards the back, followed by a third two steps to the side.
+100
+75
+100
It looks like we have a good competitor! Mettaton shouted digitally, as Frisk began to get used to the cadence that carried him from one end of the stage to the other.
Glorious looked at him from his area, sulking and with his arms crossed. It can't be possible: this kid is pretty good, he admitted with revulsion. The human child was getting better and better, every move and slide becoming better than before. The score kept climbing: if it continued, he risked equalizing.
Or worse, he might surpass it.
The monster clenched his fists: he had to do something.
Another sequence of steps; Frisk checked over his shoulder at the scores. Glorious led a slight lead, but he was gradually able to catch up. The crowd behind him cheered Frisk on; he thought he saw Papyrus acclaimed for his performance, and Sans with Asriel who held glow sticks watching him attentively.
Suddenly, as he turned his head to finish the last notes, a large bubble appeared out of nowhere and burst in front of his face. Startled, Frisk stumbled backwards. His left foot caught one of the glowing tiles, but his other foot narrowly missed the other and touched another.
-75
An electric shock went up his leg; the child whimpered and collapsed to the ground. The current was not strong, but enough to numb his member.
More than a slab, Frisk noticed. I need to try this !
In a final effort, Frisk posed dramatically and managed to touch the mark with the tip of his good foot.
+100
And +25 extra points for his pose! Decided the digital Mettaton.
"Seriously ?!" complained Glorious, who cried foul when Frisk noticed that his score exceeded that of the monster by barely 5 points. "That's not fair !"
Frisk sighed, relieved that his plan had worked. His little effort had paid off, but at what cost? Now that it was over, the child rubbed his injured leg and made a painful expression: his calf hurt.
He thought he heard Asriel shout his name, as Frisk took a magical candy out of his pocket and ate. Suddenly he felt much better. Perked up by his snack, the little human limped slightly towards Glorious who was stamping his foot and getting angry.
When he saw it, the monster stopped and Frisk stood there, unhappy.
“Glorious, I want a fair and proper fight against you. If you cheat, no one will take you seriously!”
"Shut up !" the monster justified himself, while the crowd sided with Frisk. “All this is not so different from if we were fighting for real! Besides, that’s exactly what I plan to do!”
Frisk stood there, unsure of where Glorious was going with this until several circular shapes floated around the frog. Suddenly he understood.
Oh no...
*Glorious wants to take his revenge! his mind warned, as the monster created more offensive bubbles around him.
“Onward to round 2! Try to avoid that!”
The music started and played a dynamic song: in a strange twirling dance, Glorious sent several waves of bubbles against Frisk.
“Frisk, be careful!” Asriel warned, as he watched in horror as the numerous attacks fell on his defenseless friend.
The latter wasted no time: he grabbed his phone and selected the Soul Mode setting.
Frisk selected the Yellow Soul and pressed.
His Soul came out of his chest and appeared. The red ethereal heart inverted on itself, before becoming a beautiful shimmering golden yellow. The attack was almost on him: Frisk guided his Soul and, with precision, the child fired small projectiles at the bubbles that were heading straight towards him to make them explode. Everyone around them rejoiced at this new spectacle, while Frisk tried to aim and avoid the successive attacks to reach him.
Despite what was happening, the two continued a strange dance duet: while Frisk dodged, and Glorious attacked. The bubbles appeared, and the energy bullets blew them up. Glorious tried to hit Frisk with his long thighs, but the child pirouetted to avoid it.
Meanwhile, the audience was making itself heard. Everyone was cheering for their favorite dancer. Papyrus was one of Frisk's most energetic supporters.
“SHOW HIM HOW GREAT MY FRIEND IS!”
Sans didn't say anything, but he carefully followed everything that was happening and didn't take his eyes off Frisk for a second.
As for Asriel, he had decided to imitate Papyrus: with all the energy he possessed, the young goat prince shook his own lights and encouraged Frisk with his voice.
"You can do it, Frisk!"
“Are you still holding on?” Glorious asked, trying to stay cool even as his breathing became wheezy. “Let’s see how you’re going to do now, with these bubbles!”
More bubbles appeared, these purple, while Frisk had just removed the last ones. The child saw them and fled in another direction: what was his surprise when the attacks changed direction in turn to follow his trail.
Seeking bubbles: what a pain ! understood Frisk who started running again and eliminating them. That's an annoying attack, especially when a dozen of these things were chasing him. As the child walked away from there, not forgetting his Soul dodging the attacks, an idea flashed in his head. What if I tried this again?
Frisk stopped blowing them, putting his phone in his pocket, and made sure the bubbles continued to follow him. He spun skillfully, avoiding being hit again as the bubbles brushed past him, then the small human rushed towards Glorious who was trying to catch his breath. The monster finally noticed what he was doing, and fear rose within him when he saw what was following the child. His big eyes widened with anguish.
“W-Wait, what are you doing?!”
In response, Frisk took his momentum and slid gracefully under Glorious's legs who watched him flee. Then the frog raised his head, and it uttered a high-pitched croak as the explosive bubbles approached.
“NOOO!!!”
Frisk finished his run facing the crowd, his arms outstretched and face triumphant, as a loud explosion rose behind him. The wind tossed his hair stylishly. The music ended with this triumphant action. And with that, Glorious collapsed onto his back. With wild eyes, his wig in disarray and moaning, the monster no longer looked like anything.
Oh yeah: we have our winner! announced the digital Mettaton, while the image of Frisk appeared as the big winner and cheers followed this announcement.
“Hurrays!” erupted everywhere among the crowd - the happiest were obviously Asriel and Papyrus, who held each other in their arms as their friend escaped. Sans didn't look surprised, as he waved a small "#1" flag that the skeleton had grabbed from somewhere in his pocket.
“well done, buddy.”
Finally, the dance platform came down little by little: while her friends were waiting for him, Frisk took advantage of this little moment to lean towards the Glorious. In the end, he was the one who bit the dust.
There was only one thing left to accomplish:
|MERCY|❤
|SPARE|❤
This is what you have to do.
“Here, eat this,” Frisk ordered, as the child slipped some magical food into his half-open mouth to help him recover.
The poor thing was badly damaged, hit hard by his own attack. He himself was a little disheveled and a little tired, his leg was itching a little, but Frisk would get through it. His sweater had protected him from most of the damage, and most of the bruises were gradually fading : Seam had done a good job with it.
He was happy to see Glorious chewing the treat; when he was sure that the frog had swallowed everything, the child got up on his feet.
Really ? You spare him and let him get away with it?
Frisk froze: again that voice from nowhere harassing him again!
"Who are you ?" he wanted to say, completely forgetting where Frisk was at that moment. At the same time, as Frisk pulled his Soul back safely within him, he was wrapped in furry arms and a warm, wet muzzle rubbed against his neck, tickling him.
“You were great, Frisk! It was incredible!” Asriel congratulated him, while Frisk held back his laughter and felt the monster smile.
Other arms grabbed them both; they were those of Papyrus, who joined the little party and carried them into the air.
“NYE EH EH! FRISK WAS SO COOL! I FINALLY HAVE BEEN ABLE TO WITNESS YOUR OUTSTANDING DANCER TALENTS! YOUR VICTORY WAS OBVIOUS AND WAS IN NO DOUBT!” The tall skeleton smiled widely, never having doubted that Frisk would be the big winner.
“you were quite merciful, kid” Sans added as he judged Glorious’ motionless form who was struggling to recover. “you went so far as to heal him after beating him.”
The skeleton turned to Frisk, waiting for his response. Still in Papyrus and Asriel's arms, Frisk shrugged nonchalantly.
“Most of you guys fought against me with your reasons and circumstances before we all got along together. Maybe after this fight, and if he apologizes to Asriel for what he did, he and I could become good friends.”
“heh, you got me there.”
No one dared to contradict the good argument and people laughed at this very common fact about Frisk's entourage. As for Glorious, the pink frog sat on his hindquarters, still looking a little groggy as he observed the small group laughing happily.
“Wh-What happened?”
Notes:
This is the very first “fight” scene I wrote! I always liked the part of the game where we face Mettaton in his dance battle ^^ Sometimes, I watch a great video from a YouTuber who makes an excellent scene of what I imagine this moment to be.
I hope that pleases you ! ;)
Chapter 27: OurTale Chapter 27 : Whispers in the shadows
Chapter Text
New Home, Underground:
“Here, it's for you.” Back on their bench, Frisk handed Glorious the frog some sweet churros that the child had just bought for everyone.
The monster had just fixed his hair, putting his blond locks back into place with annoyance. When the little human approached him, even though he had deliberately ignored him the first time, Glorious glared at Frisk.
The latter did not worry and waited; near him was Asriel, who was eating his share with delight. He looked at the couple with some apprehension. Glorious must still be mad at Frisk for their humiliating defeat, he was sure. And the little goat knew that his friend wouldn't stop until he made peace. Even if it means returning in a third round if the monster asks for it. When the little prince looked for the skeleton brothers on the other side, Sans made a tasteless joke about churros to his brother Papyrus, who let out an exasperated groan and was now looking at his snack with revulsion.
"WELL DONE ! BECAUSE OF YOU, I WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO EAT IT WITH THE SAME ENTHUSIASM AGAIN! AND FRISK, DON’T LAUGH: YOU’RE ENCOURAGING HIM!”
Sans winked knowingly at the little human who was now trying to hide, under the less amused gaze of Asriel who seemed to share Papyrus' opinion on jokes. The skeleton replied:
“oh, admit it was funny. you’re smiling!”
“NO, I DON’T! YOU IMAGINE THINGS!” Papyrus vehemently denied it, but the smile he wore didn't fit his statement well. Which led to another fit of giggles.
Meanwhile, Glorious was still there.
And Frisk was still holding the churro.
The monster ends up losing patience: “Okay, will you explain to me what I’m doing here? Unlike you, I have work, and you’re wasting my time.”
Frisk was not offended by his remark and, preferring to remain as respectful as possible, he smiled slightly at the irritated pink frog. “Look, I know we’re off to a bad start, but it’s not too late for us all to become friends, right?”
This time, Glorious laughed sarcastically, without joy or amusement. He ended up unceremoniously taking his churro from the child, whom the monster looked at with a certain condescension.
“Become friends with you?” he repeated, pointing at him with his treat, an ounce of contempt and pity in his voice that the monster did not hide as he studied him from head to toe.
Frisk did not shy away from his animosity, surely the result of his bitter defeat and the bitter taste of having lost. The child added, with even more enthusiasm than before. “Yes, of course yes!” Then he added, cautiously: “But first, you must apologize to my friend. You didn’t behave very well with him earlier!”
The monster glanced unkindly at Asriel, who stared back. This Glorious was not at all friendly and spoke terribly to Frisk: he really started to think that they should all leave. The young prince finished swallowing his churro; Sans and Papyrus were done bickering – and besides, the smaller skeleton looked ready to sleep standing up.
It was time to go.
"Let go. Let’s ask Sans to take us home.”
"One minute." Glorious held him back, while Asriel went to pick up Frisk and approached them.
Something had changed about him: his repulsed expression had not disappeared, but a trace of curiosity and distrust had settled on his face. The apparent change in his behavior kept both children there. After a few seconds, the monster seemed to have a strange glow in his eyes. Cautiously, the frog asked:
“Earlier, I have had the vague impression that you are familiar to me. And your human friend too, by the way: tell me, are you acted in a sitcom or something like that?”
“dude, you'd have to have been living in a cave for the last two years not to recognize it, both of you” Sans interjected for the first time, opening a drowsy eye towards the trio, and a rather bored one towards the frog.
i had the impression that this arrogant guy didn't seem to know who they were. That would be quite strange, indeed. Who could ignore it? But faced with Glorious's perplexed look, the skeleton thought quickly: his smile deepened and, with the intention of teaching the monster a lesson, he decided to make the introductions in the formalities:
“you have before you the prince of monsters, the son of king asgore and the former queen toriel: asriel dreemurr. and the one who represents the entire nation of monsters, the savior of the underground and the child of the surface under the protection of royalty: frisk, the eighth human.
“Um... Sans? Don’t you think you’re doing it a little too much?” Frisk whispered to him, signing the “a little too much” with his fingers, without understanding why the skeleton had them in such an embellished way.
He added, with a touch of dark irony, and his eye sockets becoming darker: “believe me, i know someone who might chase you away with fireballs, if she were to learn the whole trick of fight. and bad luck for you pal, tori is pretty online for an old lady.”
Frisk really couldn't understand where Sans was going with this; when he looked at Glorious again, he had suddenly stood up, stunned, and was making a funny face. He had dropped his churro, which was slowly dissolving on the ground.
His bulging gaze darted back and forth between him and Asriel, who seemed just as surprised as his friend by his exaggerated reaction. After a while, bells seemed to ring in his head; at that moment, its pink hue seemed to lose a few tints of color.
“you...you have to be kidding?” His hand passed over his sweaty forehead, looking devastated. “I knew I saw these kids somewhere!”
“oops...sorry. maybe i should have told you about it before if you really didn't know. you were right, az.” To drive the point home a little, Sans took out his phone and turned it on in front of Glorious.
The screen shot of him in a cheesy style changed to the video of Glorious chasing Frisk with his magic bubbles, until his total defeat and Frisk's crushing victory.
Is that why Sans didn't want me to intervene after all? Asriel asked himself seriously, while Glorious seemed to break down a little more with each passing second. The skeleton was sneaky: the little prince had somewhat forgotten this fact. He had to remind himself not to be fooled by his deceptive phlegm again. I should know better than anyone.
All of Glorious' confident and lofty demeanor faded after this revelation. Now he looked at the children he had wronged with fear and terror. The monster looked specifically at Frisk, and a light of recognition shone in its eyes.
“You, I remember now! You faced Mettaton in an epic dance battle. And you won: no wonder you got away with it against me!” Glorious groans into his hands, devastated: “My career in show business is ruined! I insulted the son of our Majesties AND the ambassador! If the producers find out, they will cancel my contract! Farewell, dream life! Farewell, gold record and exclusive interview! Farewell, partnership with Mettaton! I was just starting to make a name for myself: it didn’t last long.”
This guy must not be too interested in politics to be so ignorant, thought Frisk, who was a little sad to see the frog worrying so much about his work. He was beginning to blame himself for not having introduced himself to his friend in this way, if the monster was unaware of their identity until then.
“You really didn’t recognize us?” Asriel wondered, less upset by the monster than earlier. He found him a little pitiful, cowering like he was.
Glorious didn't seem to hear them, and continued his dramatic complaints: "Back to that cheesy name Timmy, that person everyone ignored and made fun of all the time."
|ACT|❤
|COMPLIMENT HIM|❤
“I like this name! And it's not as weird as mine, 'Frisk'” Frisk responded hurriedly, grabbing his hands, worried that the monster would denigrate himself the way he did. It was true that the frog had been very rude, and he hadn't apologized yet.
But upon hearing it, it stirred something in the child's memory:
“Look, it’s Frisk.”
“Frisk, what a weird name...”
“He’s weird: look at him! I can’t even tell if it’s a girl or a boy.”
“Always all alone and on his bench: he sends shivers down my spine with his lack of expression.”
Sitting alone in the courtyard, Frisk turned away from all these children who were talking and laughing behind them. Her bangs hid her tired eyes behind. He didn't rule, even if he heard them making fun of him. They would eventually get tired and leave, he told himself, if the child without friends or family continued to ignore them like he did. Frisk just looked beyond the courtyard fence: in the distance, Mt. Ebott peeked out from behind the clouds.
It was called “the entrance to the afterlife”, because there, no one ever returned. That was what the adults said; several children his age had disappeared. A few years ago, access was prohibited. Sometimes, like now when her heart ached painfully, Frisk wondered if her family was there. After all, they were all now living in the afterlife, and the child was left alone and unhappy here.
When he looked at this frightening mountain, which the books said was where monsters lived, a strong desire took him to head towards its summit, like a calling.
He had made his decision.
What an intriguing past you have there.
So, you too had no place in this world?
What a pitiful child.
“Frisk?”
Why did he keep hearing them even now? Why did the last child look worried? Nobody had ever done it. He just had to hide them, as always. This shouldn't affect him: if he distanced himself enough, the annoying voices would stop.
“Frisk, can you hear me?”
Just leave, I know y'all don't like me, Frisk hoped, as he tried to cover his ears so he would be deaf outside. I'm just going to go away, towards the mountain, and never come back.
“hey, kid. everything is fine ?"
This voice... It was not a child, but that of an adult. Frisk abruptly returned to reality, where everyone, Sans, Papyrus, Asriel, and even Glorious whose hands he was still holding, were looking at him with uncertainty and concern.
Frisk blushed: how long had he been gone? As long as he didn't think out loud. He focused again on Glorious – or Timmy – and tried to sound reassuring. “You don’t have to worry: if anyone asks, just tell them that you and I used to train together.”
Timmy/Glorious looked at him blankly, a little wary, although he didn't remove himself from Frisk's hold. “Would you be willing to cover for me? Even after what happened?”
“I would be sorry if you can't achieve your dreams because of me: I provoked you, after all” Frisk admitted with a rueful smile, shifting a little on his feet. “I apologize for making fun of your dancing skills: you are very talented, as much as Mettaton. I really think so."
His sincere apology made the frog monster blush even more. A little uncomfortable, he pulled at his blond curls and looked away.
“I...I wasn't very nice earlier either,” the dancer admitted awkwardly through tight lips, then sighed, “I apologize for my behavior.”
"It's forgotten ! Now we can all be friends, right?” Frisk concluded cheerfully.
Glorious nodded, then he looked at Asriel with respect and apprehension: “My deepest regards, Your Highness. My attitude was unworthy towards you.”
In response, Asriel shrugged his shoulders and, like Frisk, gave him a kind smile: “Everything is fine with me too. And there’s no need to call me «Highness»: Asriel, or Az, is fine.”
The young prince no longer really cared about what had happened before. The monster had made a mistake and apologized to them. It was enough for him. Now, his main concern was Frisk: the little human had been acting very strangely earlier. Suddenly, he froze, staring into space, as if he were somewhere else, and mumbled things that neither he nor the others understood.
And, despite her current smile, Asriel had a feeling that Frisk was forcing himself to appear normal. That worried him.
At that moment, Sans announced.
“if you're done, it's time to go: we've already hung around here enough,” Sans called after them, to the disbelief of Papyrus who looked at him strangely.
“BUT SANS, YOU LAZYBONES: YOU LOVE HANGING OUT AND TAKING YOUR TIME, NOT TO MENTION LAZING ALL DAY!”
“i don’t know what you’re talking about~”
“Hey! What are you doing here?" Frisk suddenly exclaimed, stopping Sans and Papyrus' bickering. "No, no, do it again!”.
The little human had taken his phone to exchange his Undernet account with that of Glorious, to add him to his directory filled with dozens of friends. But, out of nowhere, the Annoying Dog had seized the rectangular object between its jaws and was now looking at the small troop with an amused air and its curled tail wagging. They raised lips seemed to mimic a smile. They wiggled happily, shaking white fur, as Frisk slowly approached the dog.
“Good doggy, give me back my phone~ Be a good doggy...” But the closer the human got, the more the Annoying Dog backed away and jumped around, probably thinking they were playing a game. On the other On the side, Frisk saw Asriel who had joined him to take the animal from behind, his arms outstretched and his tongue stuck out in concentration.
Not far away, Papyrus seemed ready to help them and looked at the dog with an bad eye: the dog loved to steal his collection of bones and those from his special attack. It was the scourge of his life and that of many people. His duty was to stop him for good!
As for Sans... he didn't do a damn thing.
Glorious was undecided about the situation and was still waiting, his phone in his hands. “What will happen now?”
“it’s going to end soon...”
“Az, now!”
The signal sent, the two children threw themselves at the Annoying Dog, whom they had cornered against a wall. But, with astonishing agility, the animal escaped from them with a deft leap. Instead of catching him, a violent pain fell on the foreheads of two friends, who rolled on the ground groaning and holding their head.
“Ouch ouch ouch!”
“My head...”
“I’ve got you, you evil creature!” Papyrus summoned a cage of blue bones beneath the Annoying Dog to imprison him, while the little devil curiously sniffed at his squirming victims.
In vain, the dog felt the trap coming and galloped away with a yelp; Frisk got back on his legs, still a little dazed.
“Little phone thief: come back immediately!” And the child went after him, leaving his friends behind.
“Ah, Frisk! Wait for me !"
The little human barely listened to Asriel who tried to join him, or the rest of the gang behind them: he tried not to lose sight of the awful animal that was darting through the streets and crossroads. But it was hopeless: the Annoying Dog was widening the distance a little more every second. Without realizing it, the child headed towards the furthest part of New Home, far from the center and the inhabited area. The houses were not colorful and were falling into disrepair; the streets became winding and one could easily get lost.
After a while, Frisk no longer saw the little white tail in front of him, and found himself trying various directions at random.
Frisk continued running for a while longer, and long after losing the Annoying Dog. Then he trotted off, less sure of himself. And when Frisk walked on the path, until they came to a dead end.
He had lost track of him... Strange, I sworn I heard him sneaking that way.
Uncertain, the child stopped and looked around him; the walls of the houses were cracking, very old and abandoned. Frisk realized he didn't know where he was either.
No one was there either: not a living soul or monster or his friends that he must have lost. The child no longer even heard them calling him
A bead of sweat broke out on Frisk's forehead, realizing what a mess he was in.
“Uh oh.”
“IT’S TERRIBLE! WE LOST FRISK! WHEN THEIR MAJESTIES LEARN OF IT, AND ESPECIALLY LADY TORIEL, THEY WILL BE VERY VERY UPSET AGAINST US!”
“huh... let’s avoid talking to tori about this for now, if you don’t mind, pap and az.” Sans asked his brother and, for once, the skeleton looked very uncomfortable.
Papyrus nodded vigorously. Next to them, Asriel squirmed in discomfort, rubbing the back of his neck guiltily. He held his phone in one paw, and admitted:
“Um... sorry, Sans, I already warned Mom when I came back to you, after Frisk gone,” he revealed, showing the message the young prince had sent, warning their mother that Frisk had run away.
Toriel's response... had been strangely restrained.
Stay here, was all she had marked.
This alone was enough to make the bones of the two skeletons turn pale: Papyrus uttered a cry of fear worthy of a large painting, his eye sockets wide and clutching his head. Sans banged his head in a mitten, sensing the coming punishment that Toriel would probably have in store for him.
she's going to kill me...
"Hey guys !" Glorious approached the small, devastated group, also participating in the search. “I put out a message to all my followers who are in New Home right now. A few saw him: the last one to have crossed him told me that Frisk was heading towards the old city.”
“ok” Sans quickly came up with a plan, given the circumstances. His dark gaze rested on the trio. “you wait for tori and tell her where we are, while i go there. with luck, i'll find the kid before he gets into big trouble. see ya.”
Before anyone could say anything, Sans immediately teleported away. Having never seen the skeleton, or anyone, perform such magic, Glorious blinked for a moment. Then, a post from one of his subscribers appeared, and the frog's attention was focused on the photo and the message.
Look at this ! It looks like a kind of glue, it was said below the image, where young monsters and humans pointed to a white streak staining the ground in the direction of the old city.
-oOo-
"Here you are again. Did you find it?”
The Annoying Dog had just crossed a wall; the same one where Frisk had stopped behind. The animal barked happily at the hooded figure that had been waiting for it.
This one bore an uncanny resemblance to the River Person, but the cape that covered them did not hide the pair of striking red eyes beneath the hood. As for their face, or the rest of body, it was nothing but an abyss of darkness, impenetrable and intimidating. Even their voice had no real tone.
Far from being worried, the dog walked towards them and offered Frisk's stolen phone. The individual grabbed it and, with a wave of their arm, they revealed the collection of hearts hidden within them. Everyone had their own color and was full of energy.
They were human Souls.
Delicately, the Stranger grabs the Souls and snuggles them against them, as if comforting children. In response, they flashed slightly and dazzled their torn clothing.
“Dear fallen children, I regret tearing you from your eternal sleep,” they cried, sincerely sorry for this cruel and unjust, and yet so necessary, act. “You, who have been unjustly cut down by a tragic fate, I ask you to once again assist your friend. Frisk will still need your help, to protect himself and his loved ones. Without you, I fear it will come to an precocious end, and this story will never be able to end the way I want it to. So please: once again, lend him your power and strength on this journey.”
They waited respectfully for the Souls to respond: one by one, Patience, Courage, Integrity, Perseverance, Kindness and Justice, without exception, glowed with spontaneous brilliance. It was an enthusiastic yes.
The Stranger felt no joy at this. Because they knew it would happen this way, according to what they wanted.
Despite this, the mysterious being allowed the Souls to transmit their power to them. And for Frisk to receive it... they would have to do a terrible thing.
I have to do it. So that this story would have a true happy ending, he reminded himself. Even though my actions may seem cruel... it will all make sense, in the end.
A bark caught their attention: the Annoying Dog sniffed the phone they were still holding. Then, with a jump, he slipped into Frisk's inventory. The Stranger snorted in amusement, their menacing eyes narrowed good-naturedly.
“Well, I'm glad to see you want to contribute. It’s time I gave it back to the child.”
As the Stranger, in a white light, made the device disappear, a shadow slipped behind their back. Sneakily and silently, it filled the entire aisle and stared at them hungrily.
They noticed it immediately and sighed. Of course it has to be there. Because for this story to make sense, the plot had to be thrilling. And the entity behind them knew that there was nothing they could do about them : it was essential for this to continue.
The shadow chuckled darkly.
Please enjoy the show. And see where the consequences of your actions will lead this world!
Cyrus67 on Chapter 16 Fri 29 Sep 2023 12:06AM UTC
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