Frisk's head whirled with the pain of a hundred tiny spikes. The rest of his body cried out in similar agony, especially his left foot which screamed furiously like a knife being pressed between the bones of his ankle as he attempted to move it.

A shout of pain involuntarily escaped his throat, its desperate plea echoing off the walls of the colossal cavern. The pain was overwhelming, tears rolling down his dusty, gashed cheeks. Where was he? Where were the people to come and help him!?

The air was quiet all around him, only the few golden rays of sunlight that managed to pierce through the impossibly high ceiling gave any sort of company to this place. He forced his neck to turn as he took in his surroundings. There was grass nearby… and also a few trees. But they looked weird, more of a bluish color than the green he was used to. Panic rushed through his veins. How had he ended up here? How far from home was he? Oh, his parents were going to be really angry!

Suddenly, a voice broke the silent air, small and youthful. "It sounds like it came from over here…"

Frisk's heart nearly jumped in joy. Someone was here! Someone was going to help him! He could hardly refrain from shouting out.

"Oh, you've fallen down haven't you?" A child emerged from the trees, but it wasn't a human. It was wearing a cozy green and yellow striped shirt and black pants like a human, but its face resembled that of an animal, long floppy ears roping down to his shoulders framing his childlike face which only had two dots for a nose and a small, lemon-wedge mouth with two freshly sprouting fangs. Not to mention it was completely covered in pure white fur. It cocked its head questioningly, "Are you okay?" it asked coming toward him.

Frightened by this talking creature, Frisk tried to push himself away but was denied by the searing pain of his wounded leg. All he could manage were a few pathetic whimpers as the thing tread even closer.

It smiled over him. "Here, get up…" it reached down as if to grab him, frowned when Frisk tried to squirm away. "Are you scared?" it sounded almost worried, then, "That's okay, I'll take you to Mom, she'll help you."

Frisk tried to avoid the creature's grab again, but was too slow as two softly warm paws hooked under his arms and lifted him off the cold earth. His leg screamed in protest, not wanting to be moved in the slightest, but the animal-child was determined to get him off the ground and didn't give up.

Frisk wanted to scream. He wanted to shout and thrash his body in protest of this strange creature touching him. But the pain and fatigue wracking his body prohibited it and forced him to simply lean against the creature for support. Admittedly, the being didn't seem that threatening, in fact now that he was in such close proximity to it, he felt kinda…safe. The creature was holding him delicately and wasn't forcing him to move. Maybe it wasn't trying to hurt him… Or maybe it was just playing with him.

"So…" the creature said, "What is your name?"

Surprised, Frisk hesitated a moment before responding in what little voice he had at the moment.

"Frisk?" it repeated. "That's a nice name… my name is Asriel and my Dad's King of the Underground!"

Underground… so that's where they were! But how did he get here? How come he couldn't remember anything!? And most importantly, why did his body feel like it had been hit by a freight train?

Asriel continued his excited spiel. "Are you lost? You don't look like you're from around here. Don't worry, I'll show you around! I know the shortest way to get to my house from here! Come on!"

When Asriel had said he was going to his house, Frisk had expected it to be something surreal and extravagant, something befitting of the strangeness of this place. He wasn't prepared, however, to come face-to-face with the single largest 'house' he had ever laid eyes on.

The castle, as Frisk now deigned it, was magnificently tall, appearing like something from a fantasy world. There were towers capped with blue cone-like roofs, large stone walls with many intricately carved windows. Even the staircase leading to the front doors was massive, ascending up what looked to be a mountain's climb in length. Asriel didn't seem to find it odd that this was his home, herding the human in his arms carefully up the thousand stairs and toward the archway entrance.

It was rather difficult, traversing the tall steps with a wounded leg. Several times Frisk nearly tumbled down taking Asriel with him, but luckily the monster had the balance to keep them both upright. He seemed used to climbing these stairs, which made sense considering he lived here, but man it must have sucked to have to go up and down these things every time he wanted to leave or return to his house.

Eventually they reached the large archway at the top of the stairs, Frisk about doubled over in exhaustion while Asriel appeared not to even break a sweat.

"Are you okay?" the monster asked. Frisk shook his head dismissively.

"I'm… just…catching my…breath."

Asriel nodded in understanding, and moved slowly in an effort to not overexert the human.

"Don't worry, we're almost there." He assured.

"Halt!" A command suddenly barked out.

Frisk jumped like a startled bunny, snapping his neck up to see two tall figures, dressed in identical black robes, staring down at him. They stood like fearsome statues; wielding axes in such a natural way it was as if the weapons were an integral part of their bodies. They were dogs, which was evident from the snouts that protruded from the dark hoods of their uniforms.

Asriel, not intimidated by these entities in the slightest, approached them, pulling Frisk toward them as well. The left dog spoke.

"Halt!" the command barked out again, then after a pause, "Asriel, who is the one with you?"

Frisk faltered under the gazes of the two imposing figures. Who were these creatures? Why were they questioning him? Was he in danger? The feeling of dread boiled in his stomach.

Asriel spoke confidently, despite the harshness in the dog's tone. "He's my friend! He's hurt so I'm taking him to Mom." He moved to walk past them but was blocked.

"(Sorry, Asriel, but we cannot allow outsiders in the castle without order from the King.)" The other guard, this one female, said. Unlike the male dog, her voice was even more intimidating, carrying a sharp edge of finality to her words. You didn't question her. Asriel, on the other hand, did.

"But he's hurt!" he protested, youthful voice a mere squeak against the dogs'. It was shocking how brave he was considering how easily they could chop him to pieces if they so desired. Wasn't he afraid for his life!?

The male dog reconfirmed his grip on his ax, as if prepared to attack. "You heard Dogaressa. Rules are rules."

"But—"

"(No buts, Asriel!)" Dogaressa said in a rebuking tone not dissimilar to a mother's.

The tension of the ensuing silence gripped Frisk's heart fiercely. These scary dog-guards really didn't want him here and judging by the way they were looking at him; they wouldn't hesitate to attack if he made any moves.

Suddenly, the monster-child gave a defeated nod. "You're right." He said in the most downtrodden voice. "I guess I'll just leave him here then."

Frisk's heart skipped a beat. What?! Asriel was just going to abandon him here? He couldn't do that, he said they were friends! He sent a desperate look to the monster-child, but was confused when he received a wink in return.

Before even a question could form on his lips, the two of them were moving toward the gate. Frisk thought his heart was going to stop and never start again. Was this monster insane?! First he was going to abandon him with these scary dogs, now he was going get him killed by them?! Lacking the strength to fight back, Frisk merely closed his eyes in surrender, waiting for a heavy ax blade to chop into his head… but it never came. Puzzled he opened his eyes to find himself already beyond the gate, the guards standing proudly outside it, nuzzling noses as if nothing had happened at all. Before his mind completely shut down from bewilderment, a voice whispered into his ear.

"That's Dogamy and Dogaressa," Asriel said, "They're the new gatekeepers…they can't see very well, so they use smell instead. Don't worry I've snuck many cool toys past them before, they never notice. Hey, maybe we could play with them after my mom helps you! I found this really cool plastic knife that would be perfect for playing monsters and humans. But we can't let Mom find out, she really hates that game for some reason…"

Frisk swallowed still processing the events that had just transpired. This place was… weird. Why were they underground? Why were there blind axe-wielding dogs guarding a castle? And above all, why was this monster-kid being so nice to him? He acted as if they'd been friends for a long time but they had only just met for the first time today. Were all monsters like this? He glanced over at the monster helping him walk, as if the answer was written on his face. One thing was for sure: he needed to find a way out of here as soon as possible!

Frisk's first impression upon entering the castle was one of pure surprise. The rooms were small and cozy; resembling more of a casual home than what the mountainous structure he had seen outside suggested. Asriel must not have thought much of it because he simply led Frisk through the many winding rooms of the house, eyes questing for his mother. Eventually they stopped in a tiny living room, single chair sitting vacantly by a glowing fireplace. An embittered look crossed his face as he scanned the empty room. He must've expected his parents to be here and was disappointed by the absence.

With a disgruntled huff he backtracked out of the room, dragging the human along with an encouraging boost. At this point Frisk was feeling his fatigue and wanted dearly to lie down and sleep. But Asriel was determined to bring him to his mother and wouldn't be delayed by anything.

Finally they came upon a long, colorful corridor, with deeply recessed windows and tall sanctioning pillars. Frisk would have taken the time to marvel at the surroundings, but Asriel had a different idea and abruptly broke into a jog. Pain exploded up Frisk's injured leg as he was forced to run with the monster. It was like jagged teeth that thrust into his nerves every time he stepped. It burned so badly that he had to hold his breath to prevent from crying out, sagging onto Asriel for dear mercy.

When they finally stopped moving, Frisk nearly collapsed from relief. It was official; this creature was trying to kill him!

As he regained his senses, he noticed a figure—refined and composed— sitting in a small wooden chair a few paces from the large doorway. The creature looked like it belonged here; face a portrait of youth with soft porcelain features and bright, loving eyes. Even the book it was reading seemed of royal craft.

"Mom!" Asriel shouted, bounding toward her like an excited puppy.

"Ah, Asriel you're home—"

Her eyes went wide as she noticed him, wider than any eyes Frisk had ever seen. Fear pulsed through his veins. Was she going to attack him? Call the guards to come drag him away for intruding in her home? When she spoke it was small and cautious.

"Asriel, dear, who is this?"

"This is my friend, Frisk!"

The tall monster chuckled nervously, removing her glasses as she rose from her seat. She clasped her hands together in an effort to keep calm, said: "Um, Asriel… you…you do know that this is a human, don't you?"

The child glanced at Frisk curiously, then back to his mother. "So?" he asked simply.

The elder monster looked on the edge of panic, but with a single deep breath she quelled it, regaining her composure. "Okay… Honey, why is there a human with you? Do you know just how dangerous they are?"

Asriel's head fell slightly in shame. "I'm sorry Mom…" He said sheepishly. "But he's hurt; I just wanted to help. Please don't be mad…"

Her face softened up at her son's words and she sighed. "It's okay, I'm not mad." She came up to him and put her hand on his cheek. "I'm just worried, is all. It's a very dangerous world out there, and I love you very much. I would be devastated if something happened to you."

Asriel sniffled, trying hard to fight back tears. He didn't want to cry in front of his new human friend.

Frisk on the other hand, felt loneliness witnessing the loving display between Mother and Child and he wondered where his parents were. The only problem was he couldn't exactly remember who they were.

His thoughts were interrupted as a slender face stared at him. There was an apologetic trend in her warmly comforting expression. "I apologize for my coldness, little one. I am Toriel, and you need not fear me. Now my son said you are injured?" At Frisk's shy nod, she placed a hand on his forehead head. "There, there, I will heal you."

At first, Frisk thought she was merely patting him on the head to comfort him, but then a warm jolt, like the turbulence of a mighty storm raced through him, and he could feel the energy being restored in his limbs. When the sensation ceased, he stared at her, puzzled.

Toriel, chuckled, "Didn't you know, my child? We monsters use magic." She shook her head as her smile wavered a bit. "It truly has been a long time, hasn't it?" she said to quietly to herself.

"I'm practicing magic too!" Asriel exclaimed. "Mom's been teaching me." His eyes grew bright at the birth of an idea. "You could teach Frisk magic, too! Right, Mom?"

"I think we should focus on getting Frisk home, dear." She turned to the human in question. "So, Frisk, can you tell us where you're from?"

Frisk's face lit up in joy, now he could go home! With eagerness he answered. "I can't remember, but it's not here, underground. It's brighter there and there's grass and..." He paused as he noticed Toriel's frown. "Do you know where that is?"

"You speak of the surface world, do you not?" she asked solemnly. When Frisk nodded she continued, "I'm sorry my child, but I'm afraid there's no way to get there from down here."

Frisk stood as expressionless as a mannequin, all happiness in his soul deflating. So there was no way out of this place? He was trapped down here? Fear and uncertainty whirled through him and it must've shone on his face because he was suddenly pulled into a warm embrace.

Toriel held him tightly, "I know it is frightening my child, but do not be afraid, I promise we will find a place for you to stay."

As she released him, Asriel let out an excited squeal. "Ooh ooh! Can he stay with us Mom? I can share my room with him!"

Put on the spot, Toriel scratched the back of her head. "Oh, well… I—I suppose…"

"Yes! Thanks Mom!" the monster charged up to her and hugged her tightly. When he let go, he turned to Frisk with excited eyes. "Come on!" he exclaimed, grabbing the human's hand. "I'll show you my room!"

Frisk didn't even have the chance to protest for Asriel's little feet took off like a race car, towing him along like a helpless piece of paper. He didn't exactly want to stay here, but seeing as though he couldn't return home right now, he didn't really have much of a choice. He still felt like he didn't belong here. Something drifting inside him telling him that he wasn't supposed to be here, that someone else was supposed to be here instead.

The feeling was more unnerving than the thought of being trapped underground with monsters and it only made Frisk's desire to leave this place grow that much stronger.