Act One: Falling
Part Two: Dust to Dust...
I'm... dead. Aren't I?
"Ready or not here I come!"
Who is that?
"Oh my gosh!"
They sound so...
"Oh no, oh no, oh no!"
Annoying.
"Are they dead? They're hurt... they're not dust though! I gotta get dad! Or should I stay?! Oh no, oh-" I heard sniffling and I could not stand this anymore
"Shut up." I croak
"You're alive!" The voice cried
I tried opening my eyes, the room was bright and golden, I squinted my eyes back from the light. I tried moving as best I could, my hand touched something soft and smooth. I lifted my hand up and found a flower in it.
"You must've fallen huh?"
I look at the small voice and blink, it was... fluffy. I sat up in surprise and hissed at the action sending pangs through my body.
"Are you okay?"
"Not really." I murmur, I could not even die.
"Oh right! Golly I'm sorry, that was a dumb question, I have something that might help!"
The child rummaged in their pockets and handed me a small... thing.
"Uhm... what?"
"It's monster candy!" They smiled
"...candy?" I had heard of it... "This is for me?"
The child nodded, "Yeah! It should help you feel a little better!" I opened my mouth and placed it on my tongue. The kid started to giggle, "You need to unwrap it first... don't eat the paper around it."
I took it out and unwrapped the candy. I placed the thing in my mouth again and a sweet flavor ran over me. It was the first thing I'd tasted that was not tinged with mold or blood. As it melted away I felt some of my aches in my chest dull away. My legs were still in pain, and I felt my face sting when I tried to talk, but my throat seemed a little better too.
"...thank you." I replied, "For the... candy." I looked around and saw there were broken columns and flowers everywhere. "Where am I?"
"The Ruins of the Underground!" they smiled
"And you are?"
"My name is Asriel Dreemurr. Howdy, it's nice to meet you!"
I blinked, this kid was so happy, "It's... nice to meet you too?"
"What's your name?"
I paused, I wasn't really called anything... nor did I care for anything... "Call me what you want."
"Oh... uh... hmm..."
"What are you?"
"A boy?"
"I don't think I've met any boys quite so fluffy..."
"Well yeah, I'm a monster." He grinned, "Humans don't have fur right?"
A monster... "No."
"We should get you to my Mom, she has healing magic!" He held his hand out for me and I stared at it. "Let's go friend!" I gave him my hand and rose up.
Friend...? Is everyone in this place so-
"Asriel? Weren't you 'it'?" A large version of Asriel came from the doorway. "Oh, howdy! Are you alright?" He crouched down, his robes pooling on the ground.
"Dad! We have to get them to mom! They're hurt!"
"Alright, come, I'll carry you."
I moved back a bit, he was large, very. "...I'll walk."
"But you're hurt, if dad carries you we'll get to mom faster."
"I... will walk." I repeat, "I..."
"Alright, we'll walk." The man grinned, "My name is Asgore, King of the Underground."
"Oh... so you're a prince?" I look at Asriel who blushed a bit.
"Yes..."
"Here, if you must walk, you should at least eat a little more to up your hp... thankfully there's no puzzles to deal with."
I couldn't deny I was hungry, I followed the King while Asriel walked beside me. "Sorry I didn't say I was a prince."
"It's fine." I reply, it didn't matter much to me.
"I just wanted to be treated normal... there's not many children here..."
"..."
"I just wanted a friend..." He started to tear up and I felt my face pull.
"Don't be a crybaby... I don't care who or what you are."
"Really?"
"You're... kind." I stopped for a moment and realized that was what seemed so strange... "You're very kind... that's enough."
"Wowie... thank you." He grinned, wiping his face.
We walked through the Ruins, Asriel and Asgore, who refused to be called "your highness" or anything like that; pointed out the different lesser monsters. Froggits, and Whimsums, all of them seemed nice, not as impressive as Asriel and Asgore. We made it to a house in the Ruins where I was given a piece pie.
"Mom's butterscotch pie is better, but her cooking is great!" Asriel complimented as I scarfed down the food. It was the first meal I ever got that was so delicious, manners be damned.
"I rather like her snail pie son, Little one here seems to enjoy it."
"...snails?" I asked
"Yes, she tends to find the best here near the buttercups." Asgore nodded, "Let's be off now. I'd rather see you healed sooner than later."
We trekked downstairs, I immediately walked slower as we descended, the hall was purple and poorly lit. The passage narrow and a bit unsettling. I paced myself slower as to watch them go first.
"Are you okay?" Asriel asked
"..." I nodded and kept moving. The doors lay ahead, a symbol etched onto the stone, watching Asgore's robes. He opened the doors and we were immediately welcomed with cold. I stared out into the opening, my face and legs stinging from the burns before. "What?"
"It's snow, we're at the border of the Ruins and Snowdin, the first town of Home!" Asriel smiled
"Home?"
"It's what we named this kingdom after we were brought here!" Asriel grinned and leant closer, "Dad named it... they say he's not great at naming things but... I like it!"
I nodded and lent down to touch the fluffy white substance. It chilled my hands and when I lifted it, it began to melt. "Wha..."
"Ha-have you never seen snow?" He asked
"No..." I looked up at Asgore, he was smiling; but it did not reach his eyes.
"Wowie, then I bet everything here will surprise you!"
"Asriel, you can show them around another time, we have to get them somewhere warm and safe. Like your mother's care."
"Oh, right!" He scratched his head, "Sorry."
I nodded and followed them through a forest, where snow fell on our heads. I slid across ice, barely staying upright while Asriel did fall once. And we walked through town before getting to a river where a hooded figure stood by.
"River person, may we board? We need to get to the castle quickly."
The figure nodded and we climbed on, the ferry moved through the water, the person trilled a soft tune, "Tralala, a new flower springs, the song of change sings." The voice was clear and sweet, but I felt unease run through me as they sang, the person only looking forward
We stopped, and the cold from before was washed away in heat. Asgore led us quickly to a building, and there it was more comfortable while we ascended. When we exited, Asriel ran ahead saying he'd make sure his mom did not leave. Asgore and I walked, the halls were stone and white, open; and the walkway gave a view of everything. I stopped to look and my eyes widened, there was red seas of fire, a blue glow in the distance; and a sliver of black and white that must've been Snowdin, the lands were larger than anything I'd seen and my eyes must've shone.
"It's not much, but it is Home." Asgore smiled at me.
"It's... so big." I murmured
"It's nothing compared to the surface, is it not?"
"...My world up there was... very small." I replied, my face pulling, my lip stung as I realized I bit it too harshly.
"I see... well, welcome to Home." He smiled softly, he patted my head once, tenderly as to not possibly injure me further. I felt the warmth and fur touch me with more kindness than I had thought existed. My stomach rolled from the unfamiliar feeling.
We walked a little more, entering a house much like the one in the Ruins. "Wait here, I will get them." I nodded as he walked past, there was a... soft feeling to the house. It was warm, and sweet smelling. No cold stone walls, no dripping, the air was not dank and musty; there wasn't even a cobweb. I heard footsteps and stood against the wall.
"Oh my goodness! My child, you're hurt worse than I thought!" Another fluffy monster came in, looking softer than Asgore, definitely a woman. She hurried toward me, Asriel following, but I only pressed into the corner more, knocking over a pot full of golden flowers.
"..." I stared at the shattered mess, eyes wide. What would they do to me? I gulped as she came forward again, slower this time. Eyeing me like I was an animal.
"You're not hurt are you?"
What?
"From the vase?" she continued, I shook my head, she reaches out and touched my cheek softly, "Please stop biting your lip, it'll get worse." I stilled, watching her hand pull away, the pretty white fur stained red.
"Tori, they are in need of healing magic... but I think it'd be best in private." Asgore spoke
She nodded, "Of course... my child, will that be okay?" She cooed softly I looked at her purple eyes, matching Asriel's and nodded again. "Okay, come this way." She offered her hand to me and I let mine join hers. The fur tickled, but was so... warm. Everything here was.
She led me down a hall, there was a bath, she brought in a chair and a bin and smiled, "Sit here, where do you hurt most?" I sat and gripped my pants.
Everywhere...
"My... back." I murmured, "My leg too..."
"I see... It'd be best if I could... look at the wounds... but if you'd rather not, I'll do my best."
I did not want to... but I felt I could trust her. I nodded and shed off my dirty shirt. I noticed it was dirtier than I thought, ash, blood, probably some actual dirt and the liquor from before mixing with the stains.
"Oh... my." She gasped as she looked at my body. I'd never really looked before, it was always too dark to see... dark purple and yellow marks covered my body in a strange pattern. My arms had long stripes of purple, some still had cuts from the last lashing; red lines, ragged and raw mixed with the purples and sickly yellows. My back was probably no better. I saw my bones poking out lightly from my chest, lack of food had made a mark there too, I figured I looked disgusting. I glanced at Toriel and blinked.
She was not disgusted, she looked saddened. Her hands covered her mouth as tears welled in her eyes. She lowered her hands and shuddered, "Turn around... please."
I turned and heard an actual whimper come from her. I guess it was worse... I felt her hand touch my back lightly, shaking even. A soft pulse went through my skin before a calming sensation washed over me. I sighed as the pain dulled before leaving completely. I felt something wet touch my back and turned, Toriel's tears had finally fallen. I never cried for someone else before, but the sight made me... feel bad. I touched her hand on my shoulder and smiled, "It's okay." I murmured
"This is not okay... there is nothing okay with someone hurting another... a child, so." She whimpered
"But it doesn't hurt anymore... so..." I looked down, "Thank you."
"I... let me see your leg now." She knelt down and looked at me before she moved the shorts up a bit. Her eyes widened seeing the burns. "...I will do my best." She whispered.
"Thank you."
She continued to heal me, she did my arms after both legs and looked at my face, "I cannot re-grow hair, but I'll do my best here as well." I nodded and she placed her hands on my cheeks. The same comforting feeling from Asgore's hand was in hers as she touched my face. I felt the sting leave my lip and my cheeks. She stopped and pulled away, "I will try again when I've recovered my magic, but I'm not sure I'm skilled enough to... remove... the scars."
I nodded, "It's fine." I stood up and moved my leg, I had forgotten how it felt, not being in pain, in one form or another. I lent down to grab my shirt and put it back on.
"Oh... would you like a bath? I'll leave of course. Give you come privacy."
A bath? When was the last time I had a bath? I nod. "Thank you."
"You don't need to thank me..." She smiled, she turned on the water and the room grew warmer, "I'm happy to help, even a bit." She hummed a tune while the bath filled, "I'll bring you some fresh clothing, if you'd like."
"I would."
"Do... you want me to clean and return your old clothes?"
I looked at the shirt on the ground, and my shorts. I felt like they were a part of the person I had become in the dark... I nodded.
She smiled softly, "Alright, I will." She left and I soaked in the tub, using some of the soap to clean my hair and body of the filth from before. I left the bath after she had cracked the door to place the clothes on the floor and leave. I dressed and left the room, passing a strange thing I glanced at the wall. A person stared back, dark hair, wet and ragged, eyes... red. I moved my hand to my cheeks and saw it copy. It was me... I saw my cheeks were pink from the burns before. My eyes matching theirs... but sunken, and skin pale. My hand touched my lip, healed, but the copper taste of blood still a fresh memory. This reflection was me...
"I see you've cleaned up my child." Toriel smiled, "I've made some food... if you're still hungry." I nodded
I sat next to Asriel and he smiled, "Wowie, we match now huh!" I saw the sweater I wore was the same as his, and nodded. "This is mom's butterscotch pie! It's the best!" He handed me a plate and fork. I took it and ate a bite. This wasn't like the one before, it was sweet and warm. I finished the rest quickly, sighing at the feeling of being full. I hadn't felt that in so long. I saw Toriel smiling at me softly, Asgore beside her holding her hand. Asriel was still eating his pie before drinking the golden liquid in his cup. I saw a cup placed in front of me, Asgore holding it.
"It's my favorite. I hope you'll enjoy it, but it is hot." I blew and took a sip, it was bittersweet, but soothing. I smiled and drank more. "Asriel, we need to talk for a moment, would you please go to your room?" I tensed but tried to remain calm in my seat.
"Why? Couldn't I stay if I was quiet?"
"I'm afraid this is something of a... official matter son. Please." Asgore said
"Mom?"
"Your father is right, please Asriel. We will tell you once a decision is made."
"...okay." He left the room, but not before looking at me once more and smiling.
"My child..." Toriel started, "I told Asgore that I do not think you're a danger... I think you are in need of a home?"
"A danger?" I looked at them and wondered if they somehow knew what I'd done...
Asgore nodded, "Yes... tell me child... what do you know of Monsterkind's and humanity's history?"
"Nothing..."
"I see. Let me tell you then..." Asgore and Toriel began telling me of how long ago the two races shared the surface, but in the end of the conflict human's had trapped all monsters under this mountain. Mt. Ebott, where there was a barrier that no one could cross alone.
"So I'm trapped here?" I asked at the end
"Yes... We cannot cross it, nor can you." Asgore sighed, "I was... nervous at first, that a human would fall here when I'm sure the mountain's rumor would deter a person under any... normal circumstance."
"But I do believe you were not under any normal circumstances..." Toriel said, sounding harsher than I'd ever heard.
"Yes... so while we cannot get you back home... we'd like to offer you a home." Asgore smiled
I blinked before I felt my chest ache, "What?"
"We'd like to see if you'd like to live here? With us?" Toriel spoke, "We understand if you'd prefer somewhere else, we'll help you settle in. Every monster here is kind! But... we'd welcome you here."
"I'd like to stay...please." I murmur
"Then, welcome home my child." She grinned, Asgore smiled next to her.
I had never felt it before, but this woman... she was definitely someone you call 'mother'... she was a mother... this was a home. "What should I call you?" I asked, not pondering my words.
"Well... I suppose 'Toriel'? Mrs. Dreemur would be too stuffy..."
"Would... it be okay, to call you 'mom' too?"
"D-did you just call me 'mom'?" She seemed fluster, her cheeks glowing red
"Then... will you call me 'dad also'?" Asgore asked
"Of course, dad." I smiled
"Then I get to be your brother!" Asriel said, crashing into the room.
"Asriel!" Tor-mom stood up, "You were supposed to wait..."
"You were taking too long! I came out and heard you ask if they wanted to stay!"
"You still disobeyed your father and I." She was stern and Asriel looked upset
"I'm sorry." He whimpered
"Tori, I can't blame him entirely... we did talk for quite a while."
"Asgore how is he going to learn if you're so soft..."
"Well..."
I laughed at the large man taken down but such a soft, and kind lady. They stopped to look at me, a soft smile graced Mom's face and she sighed, "I'll let you off easy this time Asriel. Since today's so special... But tomorrow you're working hard on your lessons."
"Aww... alright."
"My child, I hope you are interested as well. I would love to see your progress as well." I nod, "Good, now then off to bed! Asriel, would you like to share your room?"
"Yes!" He grabbed my hand and tugged me forward. I followed while Mom called behind us,
"I'll be there in a moment!"
"Will we be able to help them?" Toriel sighed
"They are strong... if what you told me is right, then they have lived a harsh life... we will keep them safe."
"Oh Gory... it was so awful... to do that to a child..." She felt her eyes water remembering the markings crossing over and marring the flesh. "I have never felt... such anger before..."
"They lived through it dear... now we'll help them live... and love." Asgore held her, softly nuzzling her nose. "I promise, I'll keep them safe."
"We'll keep them safe." She kissed his cheek and left the room, following after the children.
"...Will they be able to help us as well?" He sighed, staring into his tea.
Over time I had learned quite a bit. They kept me in the castle a few days to rest, during Mom had found out I could not read, and had started me on a 'lesson plan'. I found the books she had to be interesting. She had made me join Asriel in lessons and while I was behind him in some areas, I was still "Very intelligent" as Mom had put it. We were going over history when she decided we should break for lunch.
"You always spend so much time with history mom!" Asriel sighed
"People who do not learn from history, are doomed to repeat it." She responded carrying pot pie for us. "It is what I was taught, and is a lesson I plan to teach you."
"You'd be a good teacher mom." I said, blowing on my food. "Maybe when there's more kids you should have a school." I mused through my food.
"D-don't talk and eat my child... still..." She sighed wistfully, "A teacher... that'd be wonderful." She smiled, "Maybe someday in the future..."
"May we go to the library today?" Asriel asked, I perked up, there were always interesting things to read.
"Well, I don't know."
"Please?" I ask, "You could get some snails at the ruins too." I bargain
"That would be nice, I suppose we could go." Mom stood up, "Go get your sweaters for Snowdin and your books from last time." she took our plates and went to the kitchen to clean up. Asriel high fived me and we went to our room.
Dressed and sweaters readied, mom took her snail pail and bag, we walked to the lift. "Could we go the long way?" I ask, Asriel and I loved Waterfall, it was my favorite area aside from the pitfall where Asriel and I had made our 'base,' the echo flowers whispered people's wishes, and the stones above were the stars of this place. It was glowing and beautiful.
"Not today child, we don't have the whole day to travel."
"Could we can tomorrow?" Asriel asked
"Maybe." She smiled
"Awww..."
"Don't be a crybaby." I teased, enjoying the term I found in a comic book Asriel and I borrowed from the library.
"I'm not!" He huffed, "It's just...'maybe' usually means 'no' and I wanna go."
"It's not like Waterfall isn't going to still be there..." I sigh, we got to the River person and loaded onto the ferry.
"Tralala, the flower grows, towards a future no one knows." They trilled, I felt my skin tingle, everytime the River person sang, a feeling crawled up my back. I never saw their face, and they seemed just as kind as anyone here.
We departed and walked through the snow covered town, mom took us to the library and Asriel and I grabbed enough books to last us a while. Mom insisted on him and I getting at least one historical text, or anything that we could use for lesson projects. I chose a book on human history, the cover depicted a battle.
Mom came to see while Asriel kept looking, "Are you sure about this one my child?"
"Mhm," I nod, "Is it bad?"
"Well... humans seem to make many... violent choices." Mom's face worries, hoping to not upset me.
"I know... but you said, if I don't learn I could repeat it..."
"True..."
"I don't want to ever be like... those people..." I whisper
"Oh child..." she lent down and cupped my cheek, "I doubt you'd ever be able to become anything like those people..." Mom kissed my head. We checked out and mom looked at us and smiled, "I suppose... you can go the long way home on your own." She took our books and put them in her bag.
"Really?!" Asriel grinned
"Straight home though." She said sternly. "I know catching snails takes more time than you're willing to wait."
"Thank you!" Asriel grabbed my hand and we head toward Waterfall. "Lucky!" He grinned.
I nodded, hoping Mom wasn't feeling guilty about before. She tried not to let me think of the humans before... or what they had done. The scars on my face were of my own doing, and hadn't faded at all... but the wisping trails of scar tissue running up my legs and back... they still followed me. I hadn't cared anymore. Time had passed, but Mom's eye would grow sad seeing my old wounds. Dad's eyes had been dull and sad when he first saw me wear shorts and short sleeves... Asriel said I had looked like a cool warrior from a comic and had introduced me to them. He said I looked like a hero right before they became a super hero. I wasn't as shy about him seeing my scars, so when I had been asked, I chose to stay in his room with him.
We walked under the crystal 'night sky' and looked up.
"I guess we can't stay too long huh?" Asriel sighed
"If we take the ferry and skip Hotlands, we'll still beat mom." I shrug.
"Oh, yeah! Let's play Echoecho then!" Asriel grinned "I'll be it!"
I nodded and walked away, whispering "Over here!" into every blue blossom. I made it to some tall grass and hid. I stared at the ceiling and sighed. This was a truely beautiful place... The monsters here, were so kind. And nothing up there could match this place... even if I hardly knew, I still felt like I knew... but I couldn't help but wish I could get them out. They certainly didn't deserve to be forced down here... They should have a choice in where they go... in what they do. In how they live... I-I gave myself freedom... I shook my head when I heard Asriel call out, getting closer.
Asriel found me after a while, and we played a bit more, we passed through the wishing room to head towards the ferry. Asriel and I passed, hearing people's wishes.
"So? Don't you have any wishes to make?" I asked
"No, not really." Asriel grinned, "I'm pretty happy." He whispered holding my hand. I held it back as we walked
"Really?"
"Hmm," He sighed, "just one but... It's kind of stupid."
"Don't say that, come on, I promise I won't laugh." I assure him
"Hmm... if I say my wish, you promise you won't laugh at me?"
"Of course I won't laugh!" I smirk,
"Someday, I'd like to climb this mountain we're all buried under. Standing under the sky, looking at the world all around... That's my wish..." I giggle, he would wish that. "hey, you said you wouldn't laugh at it."
"Sorry, it's just funny... that's my wish too." I smile, we leave the room and I take his other hand in mine. "I'll help you get out of here..."
"Really?"
"I promise."
"You'll go with me right?"
"Of course." I nod, "I won't let us be separated."
We head home and meet Dad in the living room. Asriel goes to wash up while I help Dad with the flowers.
"...Dad?" I call, interrupting his humming
"Yes Child?"
"Why... are you not angry at the humans?" I look at him, "They... trapped you here."
He stopped watering the flowers and looked at me, giving me his attention. His hand ran through his beard a moment before he opened his mouth, "Well, part of it may be that I was not the ruler at the time. I was raised here almost my entire life... but even my Father was at peace... because we were alive at least, which means we could have hope."
"But you could be out there! In the sun! Free and not... trapped in the Earth..." Like I was. "Why are YOU not angry? I am! So how are you not?!" I huff
"Well, because of you I suppose."
I stop and blink at him, he just smiles and puts his watering can down, "M-me?"
"Remember, when I had your Mother heal you, and afterwards, she told me you were not a danger?"
I nodded
He sat me on the throne and knelt in front of me, "She saw a child that had been hurt, and I saw that too... but I saw something else in you as well."
"Wh-what?"
"Determination. You had not been beaten in that place, you did not lash out at us in a rage. You accepted us. You made Toriel and I your parents... You were filled with love... even with all that pain you endured." He bowed his head, "You are a kind soul, you came here and now there is joy and hope, you and Asriel are like true siblings. You are the future of monsters and humans."
"..." I sat there and looked at my feet, how can someone have so much faith in me?
He used his large hand and tilted my head to look at him, "You'll understand." He smiled, before grabbing the watering can and tending to the flowers again.
Asriel and I... will be the future of monsters and humans.
After Dad and I's talk I took my history lessons more seriously, I had done Mom's work and knew I needed to understand more about humans... I still can't forgive... but I will make sure not to forget. I was reading through the book of war from the library while Mom and Dad were out. Asriel came in and his ears drooped when he saw I was still reading.
"More studying?"
"Mhmm." I hummed, "Humans have done a lot of bad... I want to know why." I mumble
"Okay... it's just boring!" He whined
"Why don't you read something?"
"I already was... I got bored."
"Mmm" I hum, barely looking up from the pictures, there were people dying, and the book explaining that it was a World War. The whole world was soaked in blood by humans... Dad was right, they were happy to just be alive... if they went back...
Would humans try and kill the monsters off?
"Let's do something!" Asriel whined, I snapped out of my thoughts before sighing, and smirking at his hopeful face.
"Like what Asriel?"
"Uuuuhm... cards?"
"Boring"
"...Drawing?"
"We just cleaned up all the art supplies. Plus, Mom'll go crazy if paint gets on our clothes again."
"Hide and seek?"
"Can't leave the castle while they're out. No where to hide."
"...Aaaaaah!" He sighed
"Can I go back to reading?" I tease
"No! We gotta do-PIE!" He suddenly sat up
"Pie?"
"Dad loves Mom's butterscotch pie!"
I nod slowly, "Well, yeah... We all do."
"Let's make one! We have Mom's cookbook!"
"Why?" I ask, it can't possibly be as good as Mom's if we did it
"It'll be fun! And he'll love it." I think back to Dad's hand tousling my hair with a smile. I nod.
"Alright."
"Okay!" We went into the kitchen and started to mix the ingredients together, Asriel stopped while I rolled the dough, "Cup of butter? Do you think it means Buttercups?"
"They are Dad's favorite." I sigh, the dough was thick and rolling it out was a pain.
"No wonder they're Dad's favorite, I'll be right back, I'm going to get the biggest one." He ran out while I grabbed the kitchen knife, Asriel was too nervous to hold such a large blade, so I cut the dough and placed it in the pan. "I got one!" He returned grinning, he held a golden blossom the size of his face and picked the petals, mixing them into filling and tearing them up with the ingredients.
"The color doesn't look right..." I frown
"Maybe it'll get darker when it's baked? Like the crust?" He shrugged
"Maybe" I nod. "Pour it in, I have the top crust ready." We finished the pie and Asriel looked excited.
"I've got the baking part!" He held the pan in his hands and started to concentrate. His own bright flame came under the pie, flickering and sparkling.
"Whoa, you've been practicing your magic?"
"Uhuh!, guess I get to finish the pie by myself!" He grinned proudly, I huffed before remembering
"Well, I'm the one who'll cut Dad a piece, you're too scared to hold the knife!"
"N-no I'm not!"
"Uh huh, I get to finish the pie." I smirked
"Fine!" The sweet and bitter air in the kitchen turned smokey as Asriel's flame flicked before sparking out, catching the kitchen window's curtains. "F-FIRE!" He cried
I froze, the whole time I'd been here there had been no fire... only magic. The Dreemurrs had different colored flames... not true fire... the last time I'd seen the red blaze had been... the house...
"CHILDREN!" Dad's loud voice crashed into the room, he pushed us behind his back before reaching out and stopping the fire. Once smothered and the curtains drenched he turned to us, "Are you okay?"
"I-i am..." Asriel whimpered
I knew Dad and him were now looking at me, but all I did was stare at the blackened curtains. Ashes to Ashes... I was shaken and I looked to see Dad's worried face, "Are you okay my child?" He repeated
"Oh... yes, I'm okay." I replied, he sighed and helped me up, when had I fallen? I patted Asriel's back softly and looked on the counter. I walked over and grabbed the pie tin. I chuckled and grabbed the knife, cutting a small slice that was a darker brown than normal, but not burnt black like the rest. I hand it to Asriel, "This looks okay." I murmur, "Give it to Dad."
"Oh!" He smiled back at me and turned, "D-dad! We made your favorite!"
Dad looked from the sink and smiled, "All this trouble was for me? Golly, thank you!" He ruffled out heads, and grabbed the kettle. "Let me make us some tea."
We sat in the living room, sipping our tea, Asriel and I refused any pie, saying it was meant for him.
"It was delicious, thank you... but from now on, let's have your mother help." We nodded and smiled while he told us of his day, he and Mom had gone out on a walk before seeing some of the citizens. Dad had met with the Royal Guards and Captain Gerson. Mom had left after a while, deciding to go to the market for groceries. Dad looked at the clock and knelt by the mantle, "She should be home soon, let me start a-"
"No!" I yelled before I could stop myself. He and Asriel stared at me before Dad's eyes seemed to light up in understanding. "Ah, I suppose it is warm enough today." He smiled at us, "Shall I read you a story instead?"
I nodded while Asriel bounced on the floor.
Dad started to stand, "A-al-alright..." Dad suddenly fell forward and grabbed the arm of the reading chair, he began to shake and his hand went to his stomach.
"Dad?! Are you alright?!" Asriel cried, I stared as Dad began to shake more, Asriel held his sleeve, his eyes flowing with tears. I stared at Dad as he began to cough, his face grew pale and he started retching on the floor. I had only heard what happened after a Monster died... was this 'falling?"
"M...Mom!" I cried out, I ran out of the house, through the throne room, past the halls of white stone, and into the sun hall. The golden color warm, and unfitting to the cold fear swirling in my chest.
"My child?" Mom's voice rang out as she entered the Hall, "What's wrong?" She stood in front of me as I gasped
"I-it's Dad!" I yell, "He's... falling"
Her eyes widened, the golden room doing nothing to hide how pale she became. She dropped her bags and ran past me. I collapsed to the ground.
"H-he can't die... I need him..." I feel my hand sting, "He's my..." I clench my hand and the pain shocks through my hand, I lifted it, and saw it was cut from a piece of glass from Mom's bag. The red mixed with the grey, my hand still covered in soot from the fire before.
Ashes, ashes...
N...
End of Part Two: Dust to Dust.
