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A silver light glittering brilliantly in the presence of the morning dew, sounds of water running from the sink were akin to a fuzzy background noise for them.
It muffled everything, the shouting, the fighting and even the sound of a blade ripping through a delicate skin.
Slash!!.
A red bloomed like a flower in an innocent yellow field, bringing sting of pain and burns along within.
Slash! .
The sea of redness started to trickle down from the fields, staining the carpet beneath it.
Slash…
Hazy tired maroon eyes glanced unseeingly at the tainted carpets that were dyed with red, they didn't feel anything about that, not even a regret or shame.
Slash…
All they could think was, ‘Mom is going to kill me’.
They better try to clean up the carpet before she decides to search for them because they take too long in the bathroom and see the blood.
She would freak out and bring them to the hospital and cry because of the wound that wasn't her, and they don't like that. They don't like to see their mom cry and be concerned for them.
Worry and guilt was not something they wished on their Mother's faces.
Besides, it's a school day, You cannot afford to be late.
Glancing at the red streak that was formed on their hands, they thought that maybe a few more slices won't take too much time.
They can afford to be late, it's not like alphys have the backbone to lecture them anyway.
So with that in mind, a few slices were added in the growing pile of scars.
Satisfied, they immediately tried to stand up. Grabbing the sink as a support before cleaning up as much blood as they can and covering it with a black gloves.
Not long after the sink finally closed, there was no more fuzzy background noise any more that drowned everything.
Just a distant chirping bird and a damn melody that they didn't know the source of. It's annoying because they always follow everywhere they go.
But soon enough they finally learned how to ignore it.
A gentle sound of knocking was heard, followed by the familiar comforting sound they grow up with. “Kris Hun?, are you okay?. “
There she is.
They seem to take too long like usual. Quickly they tapped their finger on the door to send a massage to their mother that there was no need to be worried about.
“Is that so?, are you sure you weren't sick or anything dear?. “
“You can always be absent from school if you were feeling sick”
Kris tapped again. This time in refusal.
As tempting as it is to stay at home, they can't afford to be absent another day from school. It's been a while since they were absent from school after that incident.
They shake their heads after recalling the incident that they wish to forget.
“If you say so then. I'll be waiting in front okay?, you also better be quick dear you're almost late”
With one last tap,they began to get the carpet cleaned up and also made sure to fix their bangs so it covered their faces.
.
.
The bird was chirping, and the blooming flower outside let out a pleasant scent lingering in the air.
Their mother's face was quick to be spotted.
She gave them a quick ruffle in the head and fixing their crocked collar, she chuckled when they flushed in slight embarrassment.
“Okay, are you ready now?. Is there anything you forget? “ she asked gently, taking their hands into her fluffy one.
They shook their heads as a sign that they did not forget anything, she smiled seeing that and nodded. “Okay then. “
Her grip around their hands was firm and warm, it's like a comfort and they grip her hands more tightly in response.
The ride was nice, it always has been and it's also not long before they reach the school. Kris got out of the car and their mom reached their hands and held it.
The gesture reminds them of when they were little, when they were still afraid to walk into strange new places. And when they were too afraid to walk alone in an unfamiliar world.
It's comforting and they were grateful for that, it's not long before they entered the school and their mom let go of their hands.
Mom began to kneel down to hug them. “ Kris, don't forget to call me if anything happens okay?. “
They nodded at her word, tapping an answer into their palm that made her chuckle. “Okay then, don't want to make you more late than it already is. “
with one last pat on their head, mom leaves
Kris looked at the school hallway, it's full of colorful posters contrasting their bright yellowish pallets. They don't understand the appeal of yellow pallets and others' obsession with them.
Never mind that. They began to walk into their class, student chatter was heard along with their teacher voices who tried to control the situation and failed.
They would usually snicker at the poor teacher's misfortune if they weren't feeling blank and full of..
Forget it.
It seems that Alphys noticed them as she suddenly flinched and smiled with more sweat dripping down from her face. She opened her mouth and said something that made everyone go quiet.
It must've been something along with their name because they can see the visible faces turned towards them, they can see how the Others look surprised and . . Curious.
They ignored it.
Kris entered the classroom. Not bothering to acknowledge the others that glanced around him with faces full of questions.
Alphys stuttered and greeted them. “H-hello Kris.. Haha.. Don't expect you to show up.. B-b-but! We were happy that you showed up! Isn't that right, class? “
A silence.
Until not long after a soft voice agreed along with her. “Yes that's right!”
A beautiful girl from the holiday family, Kris can recall that they have been neighbors since they were small. It's surprising for them that their presence is missed.
But knowing their reputation as the nice angel, they were sure that she was just being nice and their presence was not missed.
But they nodded and walked toward their seats.
And Alphys started to get back to her teaching. “R-right let's start the Class, what were we doing e-earlier? “
“you asked us to find a partner for a school project!. “ a cocky voice answered her question. “or more specifically we are going to hear about our group project, before ahem… A certain human walked into the class late. “
“.... “
“e-ehem… thank you for reminding me berdly" Alphys coughed, she looked around searching for something before she looked distressed. “Has anyone seen the chalk?—”
Bam!
The classroom door forcefully opened, and a huge purple reptile-like monster entered the room. The classroom temperature feels dense as everyone feels tense in her presence.
Yellowish eyed gazed down at Alphys who opened her mouth to greet her in fear, she immediately cut her off before she was able to speak. “am I late? “
“n-no! Not at all! Haha!! We were just…. “Her eyes scanned the classroom rapidly searching for an escape before landing on the enby.
“searching for a partner for our group project!, susie you were with Kris! “ she quickly added, laughing nervously while gripping her hands trying to look convincing.
Susie doesn't look like she cares at the slightest at her uncomfortable and the painfully obvious fear on her face. “O-oh.. Also.. Can you get a chalk from the school supply?, b-because you're the last to arrive that is.. “
“Whatever.” She doesn't bother to stay longer and just leaves the class, Alphys looks at the other with guilt. “C-can anyone go and make sure Susie… get the chalk and not do anything else? “
A hand immediately raised.
The class looked at the source and found the same nice girl raising her hands. “ i-i can volunteer, “ she said shyly.
“n-noelle?... Are you sure? - I mean!! Thank you so much Noelle—”
Another drama ensues when the person next to Noelle bangs his hands against the table. “ It wasn't fair!, my dearest teacher!, why isn't Kris supposed to handle the task? Aren't they also the first to be late before sussie! “
“No, it's okay, berdly i-i don't mind! “ Noelle tries to reassure him, yet berdly still wasn't convinced. His feather fluffed up in anger.
“You're so ever sweet and kind Noelle, but I can't afford to let you leave to a dangerous place that was guarded by the beast.”
“susie is not a beast berdly… that wasn't very nice of you to say that”
“But still! My point still stands! Just let Kris do that!”
“U-uhm… “ Alphys looked at both (or three if you count Kris that was dragged by the conversation.) Of the students with uncomfortable expressions.
But before she can decide Noelle suddenly stood up from her seat. “ What's was that berdly??? You were worried about me? Aww that's sweet but see you later! Me and susie were tasked to bring chalk!! “
she shouted quickly and ran from the classroom before anyone could say anything.
The class was flashbergatted..
Alphys also left in utter fluster and Uncomfortably awkward posture.
But somehow.
After Noelle's weird behavior, the class continued normally.
Normally..
If not for the fact that Susie and Noelle weren't getting back even after the class had ended, others were worried and started to search for her but to no avail.
Because of worry, other monsters started to spectaculating about how Susie was hurting Noelle, or if Susie was skipping class and Noelle decided to follow her.
“Do you think Susie acted so harshly towards her and made Noelle cry? “ Whispers were exchanged like a dirty secret full of glee and sin, unaware that someone might be listening.
“ooh poor Noelle, she must've been terrified. “ another muffled whisper giving out their opinion with fright.
“I know right?, I didn't even know why the principal did not take her out of school! “ This time the sound was harsh and loud enough for other monsters to notice and glance at the source.
The two monster gossipers looked embarrassed, before a bunny-like monster raised her voices in agreement. “What? He's right!, Susie has been terrorizing us and why doesn't the principal even try to get her out?!. “
The crowds of monsters began to murmur in the school hallway, they were also contemplating it too. Kris saw how monsterkid and some of their classmates also nodded in agreement.
Something felt churning in their stomach, they didn't like that feeling, and they should've been careless about them.
They decide that it's no use to stay longer at the gossipy palace, so they leave the scene.
…
Even after school Noelle did not even come.
There are many rumors and Spectaculating about Susie this and Susie that, even Kris sees that their professor Alphys was talking about Susie possibly doing bad things to Noelle.
Kris doesn't know how to feel about that, their neighbor possibly getting hurt by the school bully supposedly making them feel concerned or worried.. Or even pity. But strangely they don't feel anything.
The idea of Susie hurting Noelle felt absurd and alien to them, they know that Susie sometimes picks on others but she never uses violence or whatever scary thing that was spitted out from another monster's mouth that is.
And as far as they remember Susie never picking on Noelle.
It's feel absurd.
Yet again, they were no mind readers or omniscient.
currently it was Kris and jockington turn to clean the class. Catty also stayed along because she wanted to accompany jockingstein worried that something might happen to him.
And Kris could care less about her business as long as she wasn't getting in their way on cleaning.
Jockington were talking about some cool stuff in the background while they were lifting some garbage to be thrown out, they stopped in front of the school supply locker finding out something weird and strange.
A tiny black smoke flickered out from it, the shadow that was looking from the supply locker also was darker than usual.
Kris looked at it with disgust yet albeit fascination. How long has it been since it's been cleaned anyway?, it's so dirty that the smoke that came out from it was black.
For a good mental reason Kris ignored that.
They don't want to stay longer in the school and get dirty because they have to clean up the school supply closet, nope. Just leave it for people who will clean up tomorrow.
“Yo Kris! Check this out!! A cool smoke was coming from there!!! “ Jockington pointed towards the abandoned classroom door.
The same black smoke was coming out from the abandoned classroom, they were seriously wondering now if the school janitor or class duty ever cleaned up seriously or just using that time to skip out?.
“Wanna check what's on there? “ Jockington suggested.
“Probably just a dusty old and dirty classroom. “ they tried to shrug it off, they didn't feel like they wanted to be dragged in another session of cleaning.
“True. But what if it was demonic smoke?? “he suggested again, Kris could swear they can hear catty coughs behind them.
Yeah jockington definitely was dragged by whatever twisted or demonic thing catty teached, not like they can blame him when they used to be influenced by her too.
Remembering back then that they used to try summoning a demon with her was Enough to make themself feel cringe, they quickly shook their thoughts and faced jockington again.
“Come on dude let's check it out! It will be cool!. “suggests jockington, his tail continuing to point towards the abandoned classroom door.
Kris stared at him blankly, well… It would be a lie if they said they were not interested to check what is on there. But the image of them getting dirtied by a black dust would be extremely unappealing.
Especially with the fresh scars, getting dust on it was not a very pleasing experience in their book.. Pretty much everyone would agree with that.
But since when do they say no to a thrill led by curiosity?.
They nodded.
“neat! “
Jockington and Kris then started to make their way towards the abandoned classroom, Kris doesn't know why but they feel their heart beating rapidly.
Is it from a thrill?, is it from adrenaline or is it from a flight or fight instinct?.. They don't know but all they know is that it was from an anticipation of what would be in there.
Kris hands gripped at the door handle, their eyes twitched with nervousness. And then…
KRING!!
Kris flinches and jumps back from the door handle at the sounds of phone ringing, both Kris and jockington look at the source only to find Catty was receiving a call.
“sorry. gotta go. Jobs called” she said blankly before waving at them and then proceeded to leave.
“Ohh! It's already this late huh Kris?. “
“... “ Kris nodded at Jockington words.
Where are they again?.
Oh right.. Opening the door.
Kris glanced at Jockington and gestured towards the classroom, Jockington grinned saying his usual cool stuff. “I think we should continue tomorrow my guy, it's gettin late n we can't get our fam worried! “
What inspiring speeches…
Kris nodded although a bit disappointed.
They still waved at Jockington and watched him leave though, at first Jockington offered to help carry the trash but they refused his help.
They appreciate it but it's just a small bag of trash, and they can't bother jockington much.
It's not long before everything is done, class cleaned and there is no more trash lying around in the corridor. Kris stared at the clock of their class.
It seems it's not time for class.
Kris decided to walk home today, a little bit stretching after a long time outside would be a good idea.
Or not.
Kris already regretted their idea as they suddenly became the center of attention from another monster, they were looking at them with hawk-like eyes and words on the tip of their tongue prepared to be thrown away anytime soon.
Kris wishes mother earth would swallow them whole.
They quickened their paces.
“HEY! STAY OUT FROM THAT ROAD PUNK!!!“
Kris flinched at those harsh voices, they turned around to see officer undyne shout to the car that was in front of each other with the driver having a shouting match against each other about that they should not be getting in their way.
Kris watches as undyne throw a bigger fit to both of the monster, making the two monster immediately succumbed in fear.
“AND YOU! DON'T DO SOMETHING FUNNY!!!” undyne pointed at them, which makes Kris jump.
Kris pointed at themself with dumb look on their faces. They were confused at what is going on, why undyne suddenly pointed at them and accuse them of doing something funny.
“You!,yes you! Not anything funny punk!! “
Kris nodded immediately with sweat dripping down from their faces, that's make undyne stare at them with surprise.
She looked at them again and.. “Yo.” Kris suddenly punched at someone who touched their shoulder.. Straight to their chin.
“YOUCH!!!..” A loud familiar cry made Kris widened their eyes and took a step back from the person.
An older male reindeer monster was rubbing his reddened chin with a laugh coming from his mouth, he looked at Kris and decided to pat him on the head. “Hohoho! you're so strong now krismas!! “
“Say, did I surprise you? Sorry for that krismas. Didn't mean to do that” he grinned, while watching Kris just being Kris.
Not answering anything and just staying silent, the older reindeer placed his finger at the edges of Kris' mouth trying to make Kris smile. “ Come on krismas, some smile might be good for you!! Don't become a mayor from a frown town alright? “
“... “ no answer.
Yet the elderly man still laughed before switching up to a more serious tone. “ So how ya doin? “
“.... “ a single nod answered him.
“Glad to see that ur doin aight!, how about we go to the QC dinner?, I don't have anything to do right now. W dess in college n Noelle prob stayin on the library again I'm pretty bored! “
Kris simply just stares unresponsive yet the older monster can sense the question lingering on their head. “ yup, your father apparently was also busy!. It makes me feel like he's cheatin on me, you know? Since he is rarely busy Hohohoho!
“.... “
“Let's go to the QC! “ Without warning the elder monster took Kris' hands and dragged them to qc.
“Yo officer undyne! You don't mind me borrowing ur lil chatting partner don't cha?? “ he shouted towards undyne which was replied by another shout coming from her.
“AS LONG AS YOU DO CRIMES TO MAKE UP FOR WASTING MY TIMES! “
“YES! ME N KRISMAS WILL DO CRIMES AT QC! “
undyne laughed, before she continue her shouting match with the trafficker.
…
Qc place was filled with warm and nostalgic feelings that never failed to overhealm them, the bunny monster noticed the new customer and immediately greeted them.
“Oh mr. Holiday and Kris! What a pleasant surprise!. “
“Hello qc! Guess what? Krismas came early! Oh just go jingle my gosh darn Bells because that early krismas never fails to bring people happiness! Hahaha. “
The bunny monster laughed at that. “That's a good one Rudy!, that's a good one” she wiped her tears away, “ Why don't you and Kris take a seat and bring you the usual order? “
“That's our qc alright! Remembering every single order that is her regular order!!. “ with a cheer Rudolph led Kris towards their seat.
It's not long before Kris gets themself as comfortable as they can, Rudolph watches as Kris buries their faces in their hands. He chuckled at how Kris seemed to be melting into the table.
“you need to sleep more krismas!, gotta keep your energy full to prank noelle and best dess up! “
Just as expected Kris doesn't answer but he knows that Kris was listening so he rambled around about some funny story he encountered, or a story about the old days that brings Kris into a drowning of nostalgia.
Kris listened about how Noelle was staying so much in the library after school with nerdly, Kris almost snorted when Rudolph called berdly ‘nerdly’. That's strangely fitting.
“N then she said ‘sorry dad, but I have an assignment with berdly so I'll play with you later!’ “ Rudolph looked pained as he gritted his teeth with veins that started to bulge on his cheek.
“Bahh!! I know well that she was held at pencilpoint by nerdly so she can't come home early!!”
“ Huh?, Why are you laughing at my misery krismas?! “ he complained at seeing Kris unable to keep a snort in, but despite that he also laughed along with Kris.
The atmosphere was light and fuzzy.
It's not long before qc brings their order to the table. “And here for the gentleman and our mischievous kid.”
Qc placed a large hot chocolate topped with Marshmallow shaped bunny and ice cream in front of Kris. “And something special's for you hun. “
Kris blinked in surprise and clearly didn't expect that, they looked at qc and pointed at themself which earned a chuckle from her. “ Yes hun you.”
“I remember that you used to enjoy the hot chocolate with asriel, you two always came back every day just to drink this hot chocolate. “ Kris became a little flustered at the memory, but recalling how tasty Qc hot chocolate is they can't blame themself for always coming back with Asriel in tow.
“Now don't be a stranger alright hun?. “
Kris nodded and the bunny monster took her leave.
Rudolph grinned. “ Well what are you staring for?, let's dig in! “
…
Dinner with Rudolph was nice, he doesn't ask personal questions or not too directly. He always kept the atmosphere light with his jokes and stories making other people feel at ease.
And that also includes Kris. Kris listens as he rambles another story while eating his food. “Oh also! Krismas do you know dess going to be back from College for break this week! “
That's actually really surprising, has it been that long already? Dess coming back from college for break. they bet that Noelle was happy about that the last time they heard from their mom that Noelle seems to be excitedly staring at the Callender for the day that her sister will come back from college.
Kris heard from their mom that Noelle seems gloomier after dess departure, so hearing the news that her sister going back for her probably would bring Delight. Briefly Kris can imagine happy Noelle jumping in joy and humming the same old tune she and December used to him the next day.
“Actually talking about dess coming back, don't tell Noelle okay kid?. She's going to be a surprise! “ Rudolph grinned while putting his finger in front of his mouth to imitate hushing.
Kris only nodded.
They take a sip from their hot chocolate and can feel their throat tightened, nostalgia flooded their mind they can feel how their heart aches. They feel fuzzy like hurrying their faces on Asriel fur and play with his ears.
Unconsciously their grip on the glass tightened.
“Are you okay kid? “
The sudden questions make Kris jump, they stare at Rudolph with surprised looks on their faces. Thin Glimmer of crimson eyes looking at him with confusion behind Kris bang makes Rudolph cough awkwardly.
“It's not a comfortable question so y'can ignore it, I know this is stupid but are you okay krismas?.. “
“.... “
“You've been distancing yourself from Noelle or other monsters in particular, even before that day.. It's feel that you were… not particularly yourself “
“.. “ Kris stares at their reflection throughout the window. They can see how unkept their hair is and how pale their skin is. Somehow their reflection felt cold like they were standing outside with snow rained on them.
they felt cold.. They felt faint and they felt the world started to revolve around them, why?.. Why do they feel their heartbeat quickening and itching? They felt itch in their hands and the need to scratch it till it was red till it was swollen in blood.
The further they look in the mirror the further they see themself in that day, they can feel the air in their lungs become scarce.
But before everything turned into a mess, Rudolph voices snapped them out of their thoughts and confusion.
“I know this sound cringe and all to you but,
Remember that you're not alone Kris. If you need to talk to someone I'm here okay? “Kris can see how Rudolph smiled at them warmthly, eyes gazing at them fondly like he was looking at his own child.
Somehow Kris felt at ease.
“.. Yes. “ they answered faintly.
Rudolph's eyes widened at the moment, he then unable to contain his laughter began to laugh. Not in mock but in happiness and surprise. “Krismas finally chim in eehh??, that's a wonderful thing! I should tell the others about the joyous news!!. “
At Rudolph's praise and teasing Kris became embarrassed.
..
Rudolph brings Kris home afterwards. He was greeted by their mom who looked surprised and delighted at the sight of him.
“Well look who decided to visit! Rudolph“
“Yuh, it's your old friend's Santa worker! “
Toriel laughed at that before she invited him inside. “Come on Inside Rudy, I must thank you for bringing Kris home with good old pie. “
“pie you say??. Well don't mind if I do then!! “
Kris decided that it's best to leave these two monsters alone in their talk.
It was midnight when Kris received a group class massage from Alphys and it was midnight when Kris received bad news.
A foreboding feeling engulfed them as they read the message.
[Prof.alphys.:
Uhh have you guys seen noelle?, I received a call from Noelle parents that she didn't come back
Catty. Cathenheimer. :
No. I did not see her
Berdly. :
Whattt??! Dearest Noelle wasn't back yet?!, where is she?!
Prof. Alphys:
What?? None of you guys have seen her either??!
Jockington:
I don't know much Prof, but I tell ya what? Better report to officer undyne before it's to late.
Catty. Cathenheimer :
2^
Temmie :
3^
Snowy :
4^]
Kris stares at their screen with surprise, Noelle didn't come back to her home?.. Their parents didn't see her?..
What.
Didn't the last time they see her is supposedly with susie?, what happened?. Did susie really pick on Noelle and give the girl a heartbreak?..
Surely if that happens Noelle would go home or other place to calm down and then back to the class and act like nothing happened.
Leaving school and not coming back home wasn't something like what Noelle would do, or what they thought she would do.
Maybe she just went to a friend's house and forgot to tell the other?..
She surely wasn't kidnapped, right? She surely is not in some kind of dark place scared and unsafe?..
She was safe with susie…
Kris doesn't know why they think that, but strangely thinking that Noelle was with Susie brings them a little bit of reassurance no matter how stupid it sounds.
They just hoped it was a bad dream or Noelle pulling a prank.
They hope so.
…
Kris looked at the two new missing posters in disbelief, the missing poster has a picture of Noelle and Susie within them.
They don't know how to feel about that, with the sudden disappearance of their neighbors it's all sudden and everything feels so wrong.
They don't realize that they were staring at the newspaper for too long, they don't realize that someone was approaching, they don't realize anything as all they can feel is numbness.
When someone grabbed their shoulder they didn't even react, busy feeling numbness and fright. “what are you staring at for too long krismas?. “
They finally flinch. A familiar female reindeer monster was staring at them
“Dess.. “Kris muttered with surprise and disbelief.
Dess trying to smile at their call. “ Long time no see huh?. “