AN: Hey everyone, sorry this took so long to get up but I don't have much time to write as of right now. I don't know when the next chapter will be posted but I promise I am not abandoning this story. I really hope you like this chapter, it concludes the bullying mini-arc that's been going on and is the final chapter before this act's finale.
Please don't forget to let me know what you think of the chapter :)
Disclaimer: Toby Fox still owned Undertale last I checked. I highly doubt that will change anytime soon.
It was another day just like any other when Sans finally decided he'd had enough. Nearly half a year ago, after the fright they'd had on the frozen lake, he had spoken to his daughter and found out that the bullying hadn't stopped. True, the other girls hadn't done so in person since the day Toriel had talked to them, instead, choosing to intimidate his daughter by turning the other children against her. After he'd gotten over his cold, Sans had been determined to see the girls expelled but Frisk had pleaded with him to let them be. Now it was five months later, a new school year, and Sans was adamant that he would not let the older girl's behavior continue.
"No, Frisk!" He exclaimed for what felt like the hundredth time. "I won't sit by any longer, something needs to be done. This has to stop one way or another. Either they're going be expelled or... I'll pull you out of school altogether."
"What!" The child cried, tugging on her father's hoodie sleeve. "But what about my friends, my school work? I can't just drop out!"
"I'm qualified to homeschool you so you don't have to worry about that." He assured, kneeling before the sniffling child. "I know you'd miss your friends, kiddo, but you could still see them after school and on the weekends, besides, Flowey lives with us so you'd get to see him every day. I'm sorry but I won't let you suffer because of those girls."
"But daddy, please, can't you just talk to Grandma Toriel again?" The girl implored, tugging on the taller monster's hoodie as tears began to trail down her face. "I promise... I promise if it doesn't work I'll let you home-school me, I won't throw a fit, just please, try talking again."
He couldn't say 'no' to his little girl, not when she was looking at him as if her whole world was coming to an end. So, kneeling down, he wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug and agreed to her petition. There was no harm getting together with Toriel and the other parents for one, final discussion. Who knows, maybe they'd be able to reach an agreement without any adverse effects for his daughter.
"Thank you, daddy!" The child exclaimed, hugging him back just as tightly. "I love you."
"I love you too, kiddo, I love you so much." He murmured. "That's why I won't stand by while you're being bullied like this. I know you said that the other kids have stopped ignoring you but still, that lasted for nearly two months, Frisk, two months! I won't pretend that I didn't notice all the times you came home crying. The only reason I didn't do anything back then was that there was no evidence that Snowflake and Cottontail had spread any new rumors or if it was still backlash from the first time. But Flowey came to me a couple days ago. He was concerned and told me that he'd heard them planning to corner you after school and I won't allow that to go unchecked. Please understand Frisky, I'm just trying to protect you."
"I know, that's why I said that I wouldn't fight you if it doesn't work." She said head hung low. "I just wish there was another way."
"So do I, baby-bones, so do I." The ketchup lover agreed, eye sockets narrowed in concern. "I've got work to do so I'm gonna head out to my lab, okay? You know where to find me if you need anything."
With that, Sans turned to walk out the door only to be stopped by a hand grabbing his sleeve. Turning back he noticed the hesitant look on his daughter's face and pulled her close once more.
"Hey now, what's wrong?" He asked, rubbing soothing circles on her back.
"It's just... I was wondering..." The little skeleton trailed off, gathering her courage before looking her father straight in the eyes and asking the question she'd been longing to ask for months now. "Can you tell me more about mom, pleeeease?"
Sans bit back the shock that coursed through his system upon hearing the former human's request. He'd been so relieved when she'd seemed content with the little he'd told her in the past but now... now it seemed that her curiosity had finally gotten the better of her. The comedian had come up with a story as to why the child's mother wasn't here with them years ago and knew it all by heart so there was no chance that he'd mess up and alert Frisk to the fact that it was just that, a story. He knew it wasn't right to continuously lie to the child but he also knew she wasn't ready for the truth, she was only nine-years-old after all. Once she was older and if the memories of her past life began to return, only then would he reveal everything to his precious little girl. Why burden her with that revelation if there was no need.
"What did you want to know?" He answered smoothly, never letting on what he'd been thinking only moments prior.
The child thought for a few moments before grabbing hold of her father's hand and dragging him over to the couch. She then pushed him down so that he was sitting and climbed up beside him, curling into his side as he smiled lovingly down at her. She was happy that her grandfather and uncle were out at the moment. This was a conversation she'd rather have in private.
"What was mommy like?" She questioned, looking up with expectant eyes. "Was she nice?"
"Of course she was." The jokester replied, never missing a beat. "Your mother was the sweetest monster I knew, you remind me of her so much at times. She was kind to everyone and always willing to help others in need. Her smile could light up the darkest corners of the underground and she always laughed at my jokes... no matter how bad they were."
"Your jokes aren't bad," Frisk smiled as she said the punchline, "They're punny."
"Good one, kid. You do your old man proud." The thirty-three-year-old chuckled as he waited to see what his daughter would ask next.
She just sat there for a while, seemingly contemplating what he'd said. It wasn't until a few minutes had passed that she finally glanced up at him with tear filled eyes and he felt his soul clench painfully in his chest.
"If mommy was so kind why did she leave us?" She whispered, a single tear escaping her socket to roll lazily down her cheekbone. "Was it because of me?"
"Wha... NO! How could you even think that, Frisky." Sans denied vehemently, pulling the smaller skeleton into his arms. "Of course it wasn't because of you. Your mother loved you so much, kiddo. It wasn't your fault."
"Then why?" Frisk cried, hiding her face in his blue hoodie.
"It's... complicated," The older monster revealed, hesitating slightly as he thought of how true that statement was before continuing with his fabricated story. "She was sick, Frisk, she knew she wouldn't be around for much longer and didn't want to cause anyone to suffer by making them watch her fade away, especially her family. She thought the kindest thing she could do was to leave you with me and go off on her own. I tried to stop her but I couldn't, by the time I found her all that remained was her dust... I was too late."
A choked sob escaped the youngster's mouth as she held tighter to Sans, trembling as she took in everything that had been revealed to her. Frisk glanced up at her daddy, seeing the sad look on his face she snuggled even closer. It took nearly ten minutes for her to calm down and all that time Sans rubbed soothing circles on her back and whispered tender words to her. Once she was finally able to stop she wiped her tears on his sleeve and pulled back to look up at her father's face.
"It's okay, daddy, I know you did your best." She said quietly, reaching up to place a soft kiss on his cheek. "It's not your fault either."
She snuggled back into his chest once more, completely missing his wince as she did. His little girl was so kind to try and comfort him, but she was wrong in this. It is his fault. It's his fault for lying to her. It's his fault for the pain she'd just felt. It's his fault Frisk had died in the first place! But now wasn't the time to dwell on painful memories. No, he couldn't let on that everything he'd just told her had been a lie. Hopefully, once she was older, she'd be able to understand why he'd done what he had. For now, it was best for her to remain ignorant of the truth.
Sans remained there for another half hour, watching fondly as his little girl's eyes grew heavy and she fell asleep on him. After making sure she was sleeping soundly, he gently lifted her into his arms and carried her upstairs. It was hard for him to believe how big she was getting. It wouldn't be long until he would no longer be able to carry her around like that without the help of his magic. She was already up to his chest and he was loath to admit it but she would no doubt be taller than him someday. For now, he'd just have to enjoy his time with his little girl before she grew up, after all, childhood is fleeting and he would make sure to cherish each and every moment he got to spend with Frisk.
After getting her settled into her bed, Fluff jumping up to lay beside her, Sans made his way back downstairs and out the door to his lab. It was about time to get the work done that he'd told his child about earlier.
-XXX-XXX-XXX-
Sans sat across from Toriel with Cottontail's mom and Snowflake's dad sitting to his right. This wasn't the first meeting they'd had and, as they'd entered the office, each of them had let out a small, discouraged sigh. It wasn't that the other parents weren't cooperating, they were, it's just that their children wouldn't listen to them. There was evidently some tension within their families but they hadn't been willing to talk about it until today. It was the last chance for their children, Frisk included, before drastic measures would have to be taken.
"I know you've talked with your kids before but Flowey overheard them plotting to corner my daughter after school a few days ago," Sans spoke, facing towards the bird and rabbit monsters. "I won't sit idly by while there's an obvious threat to Frisk's safety."
"We understand that Sans, we do." Briar Rabbit spoke, eyes downcast as she thought of her own child. "Cottontail never used to be like this. She was a sweet child who only wanted to please her family."
"Snowflake was always shy when she was younger, usually hiding behind her brother or me." Mr. Bird added as he patted the distraught rabbit on the back with his wing in order to comfort her. "I just don't know what happened that would change that. You see, I've been staying in Hotland in order to work while Snowdrake's been taking care of his younger sister and the house. I'm afraid I don't know much about what's been happening while I've been away."
Silence fell on the small gathering as they all absorbed the information that had been shared. After several minutes had gone by, Toriel decided to break the silence.
"Be that as it may we still need to figure out what happened to make two such caring children change into the bullies they are today." The queen noticed Sans open his mouth to say something and continued on before he could get a word out. "It's only by doing so that we'll be able to solve the problem we currently face without having to resort to pulling either Frisk or the other two out of school."
The skeleton nodded, willing to try and find a solution that wouldn't have a bad impact on any of the kids involved. Yes, he was frustrated and upset at the two girls who had been picking on his daughter, but if he was to believe their parents then they hadn't always been like this. There must have been some reason for them to change so severely.
"Good," Tori spoke with finality, hoping they would be able to solve this situation at long last. "How about we start with Mr. Bird telling us everything that happened with Snowflake since he left. We should bring Snowdrake in as well, seeing as you've admitted to not being around much. After that, we'll hear from Mrs. Rabbit about what's been happening at their home."
Everyone agreed and the bird comedian spoke of what little he knew before going off in search of his son. It only took about fifteen minutes before he returned with the younger bird and they renewed their conversation. No one noticed the small skeleton peeking in the doorway as she silently listened in on the meeting.
"Hello Snowdrake," Toriel greeted kindly. "I hear your dad has been spending most of his time in Hotland trying to make money to send back to you and your sister. Can you tell me what's been going on while he's been away? You see, Snowflake's been bullying one of the younger students and we're trying to find out why."
"Is Snow in trouble?" The girl's older brother asked, he'd gotten out of school about two years ago.
"Not if she stops what she's doing," Tori replied, causing the younger monster to lower his gaze to the floor as he spoke once more.
The younger being nodded sullenly as he began recounting the events of the past.
"It's my fault she's turned into a bully." He admitted, feathers drooping in shame. "I was upset when dad first had to leave for work, (that was a long time ago now, Snow had only been in school a couple of years), I wanted to spend time with my friends instead of having to watch my little sister. I'd leave her alone for a long time while I went out, I figured there wasn't much she could get into at home."
The small bird monster looked up, meeting the disappointed eyes of his father.
"I didn't know how lonely she was," Snowdrake whispered as he lowered his face once more. "One day, a few years later, she followed me without my knowing. I met up with my friends like usual but she showed up and asked if she could play with us. I told her no and said for her to go home but she wouldn't listen so we... we started making fun of her. Snow ran away crying."
"Is that all?" The goat mom asked, furrowing her brows in concern.
"No," The pun-loving bird admitted, shaking his head guiltily. "Snow tried again the next day but we teased her some more. After that, every time my friends saw her they would go out of their way to pick on her. I tried to stop them when I realized how upset it was making Snow but they didn't care. They thought it was fun to make my sister cry! She was just a kid, I should have protected her! I stopped being friends with them after that and tried to be a better brother but Snowflake didn't want anything to do with me. She barely talks to me anymore and when she does it's always in a cold and distant manner. I just... I just want my sister back..."
That story was worse that Sans had expected. No wonder the child had lashed out. She'd been bullied back then and figured out that no one would dare pick on her if she was the one doing the bullying. That didn't make it right, not by a long shot, but he definitely understood her reasoning a little better than he had before.
Frisk felt tears fill her eyes as Snowdrake finished his story. She knew it wasn't right for Snowflake to pick on her but she could also see that if she didn't have such a supportive group of family and friends then she might have turned out the same way. She hated thinking about what it would have been like if she'd become a bully like Snow had.
"Thank you for telling us this, Snowdrake," Toriel spoke up, kindness shining in her purple eyes. "You may leave now."
"Okay..." He trailed off as he headed toward the door, pausing a moment later to glance back one more time. "Please don't be too upset with Snowflake, it's my fault she's like this..., not hers."
The queen sighed, rising from her chair and crossing the room in order to place her large paw on the boy's shoulder.
"You may have had a hand in influencing her but your sister decided to continue down this path and that was entirely her choice alone." The goat monster asserted. "You've done what you can, now you must forgive yourself and have faith that she'll be able to make the right decision when the time comes."
The boy nodded solemnly as he opened the door, passing through the exit before closing it behind him, leaving the adults to talk on their own.
Frisk had been lucky not to have been spotted. Once she'd heard her grandmother dismiss Snowdrake, the little girl had quickly scurried off and hidden behind a large vase until the older monster had passed by. Only then did she make her way back to continue her eavesdropping.
"I never knew." Mr. Bird spoke in a hushed voice, wings covering his face in despair. "I should have been here for her! Maybe if I had, then my daughter wouldn't have been teased and resorted to bullying in defense."
"You couldn't have known. You were only doing what you thought was right." Mrs. Rabbit reassured. "Tell me, what would have happened to your children if you hadn't been working to send money back to them? Would they have been better off going hungry?"
"Briar is right, my friend," Toriel spoke up once more, reclaiming her seat behind her desk. "You did what you had to do. Do not regret your decisions."
Everyone was quiet for a moment and Sans glanced around. He couldn't help but wonder what he'd have done in such a situation. No, the answer was clear. He'd have done whatever he needed to in order to assure that his child survived... even if that meant leaving her with others while he went off to earn some cash.
"Heh, I can't really blame you for what happened either." He said at last, drawing the attention of the other monsters. "I would have done the same thing if I were in your position. Luckily for me, I have a brother who wouldn't have let anything happen to Frisk. You didn't have that and your son was still growing up himself. It's only natural that he'd make some mistakes. Don't be so hard on him, it's clear that he feels bad enough as it is. As for that brat of a daughter you have... hopefully she'll learn that she doesn't have to act that way any longer cause there are those she can depend on and who still care deeply for her."
"Sans..." The other male trailed off, eyes wide as he stared at the skeleton. "How could you... I mean... even after what my little Snowflake has done to your daughter... you're still willing to forgive her?"
"What do you think I am... a monster?" Sans joked, winking at the gathered parents. "Seriously though, it's true I'm still upset but after hearing her story I can understand a little about why she did it."
"Thank you." The bird being said, gratitude coloring his words as tears leaked from his eyes.
Frisk felt pride fill her soul at her father's kindness. He was such a great person and she wanted to be just like him when she was older.
"Ahem," Toriel cleared her throat, effectively drawing everyone's attention back to the matter at hand. "Now that we understand a little better why Snowflake has been bullying Frisk, shall we hear about Cottontail?"
The gathered monsters agreed and Briar Rabbit let out a weary sigh before speaking.
"I'm not like Mr. Bird here, I know exactly why my daughter has been acting out in such a way, I've just been unable to stop her." The bunny admitted, ears drooping in shame. "You see, my husband abandoned us several years ago, said he had to find himself (whatever that means), and took off in the middle of the night. We haven't seen him since. It's been hard on all of us, but Cottontail especially. She and her father were exceedingly close, she'd always follow him around like a little duckling so when he left without even telling her goodbye... well, it broke her heart."
The mother rabbit paused, looking around as she tried to gather her thoughts. A few minutes later she turned her gaze to Sans, meeting his eyes with an apologetic frown.
"I'm sorry for what she's been putting your little one through. I've tried talking to her, really I have, but she blames me for her father leaving." Briar declared, voice nearly a whisper as she continued. "It's my belief that she sees her father and herself in the relationship you and Frisk share and, because of that, she can't stand the thought of Frisk being happy when she, herself, cannot. Cotton is taking her frustration and pain out on your daughter because she refuses to comprehend why others should be allowed to have what she was denied... a father who loves her more than anything else in this world."
With that last sentence, the female monster cast a meaningful look towards the door and Sans followed her gaze just in time to see a flash of a purple hoodie disappear from view and he felt his sockets widen as he realized he hadn't even detected Frisk's presence. He was usually more alert to what was happening around himself, what with being a former judge and all, though to be honest it had been nine years since he'd given up that post. Maybe he'd take Undyne up on her offer of training, he could clearly use a brush up if even his daughter was able to spy on him without his noticing. How had he let his skills deteriorate so much? Pushing that thought aside, the skeleton focused back on the conversation at hand. He'd deal with it later after this mess was all taken care of.
"Hey, Tori, mind if we take a quick break?" Sans spoke, already rising to his feet. "I've gotta go do something real quick."
-XXX-XXX-XXX-
Frisk had immediately pulled back to avoid detection when she saw the bunny monster's head turn towards her though she had the feeling that Mrs. Rabbit knew she was there. Her head felt like it was spinning. Cottontail was jealous of her relationship with her father? That's why she'd been being so mean? A thought crossed Frisk's mind and she decided that maybe if she could remind Cotton that even though her dad had left she still had many good memories of their time together, then maybe she'd be able to let it go and be nice. While she was at it she might as well talk with Snowflake as well. They might even become friends! With that thought, Frisk rushed off in order to find the two older girls. She couldn't be afraid of them forever, it was time to confront her fears and show them that she isn't some weakling who will stand by and let them bully her. She is Frisk, daughter of Sans, and she will not let them intimidate her any longer!
Frisk managed to locate Cottontail and Snowflake near the old tree that they held class around. It seems their parents wanted them close by so that they wouldn't cause any trouble while in the meeting. She walked forward, approaching them cautiously. Even if she did understand them a little better it didn't mean she wasn't slightly wary of them still. The bullies sneered at her as she approached but the little skeleton held her head high and continued forward.
"I heard about what happened to you both." She said without preamble, stopping a few feet away. "I'm sorry you got bullied Snowflake and I'm sorry about your dad Cottontail but I think I know how you feel."
"How could you even begin to imagine how we feel." Cotton glared, clenching her paws into fists. "You're just a spoiled, little brat who gets anything she wants. You've got a family who adores you, friends who would do anything for you, not to mention how well liked you are by EVERYONE! So, honestly, you expect me to believe that you know how we feel."
"Yes!" Frisk cried, determination shining in her sockets. "Because of you, I know how it feels to be bullied, for the ones I thought of as friends to judge me based on the rumors you started."
Snowflake flinched guiltily. She'd felt terrible forcing Frisk to endure what she'd once had to but she didn't want to risk getting on Cottontail's bad side. The rabbit monster was her only true friend. She hadn't even tried making others since her brother had turned his back on her.
Noticing the flinch, Frisk turned her attention to the bird.
"Snowflake, I know you were hurt by what your brother did but I heard him talking with our parents and Mrs. Toriel." The nine-year-old revealed, taking a step toward the feathered girl. "He felt really bad about what happened to you and blames himself. Snowdrake tried to stop his friends from teasing you but they wouldn't listen to him. When he saw how bad they were making you feel he quit being their friend and tried to make it up to you but you shut him out and refused to talk to him. He just wants to make up with you and be the good older brother he should have been back then."
Tears began streaming down the older girls beak and Cottontail turned to face her, placing a comforting paw on her shoulder above her wing.
"Hey, it's okay," The bunny tried to comfort, keeping a wary eye on the younger being. "We don't need anyone, remember, just you and me... together forever... we don't need anyone else."
"That's not right, Cottontail!" Frisk cried, snapping the other girl's attention back to her. "You need your families and others you can rely on. What if something happened and one of you got hurt? What then? Do either of you know healing magic or even basic first aid?"
"What's it matter to you? You're just a goody-two-shoes!" Cotton attempted to take a threatening step towards Frisk, only to be held in place by her friend.
She rounded on the other tween, teeth bared in a snarl. "What are you doing, Snowflake?"
"She's right, Cotton, remember that time you sprained your leg. If I had known healing magic you wouldn't have had to make it worse by walking back to town." The bird sobbed, causing the other girl's gaze to soften. "I should have been able to help but I couldn't. If I'd have just went to find an adult you wouldn't have had to wear that splint for so long."
"It wasn't your fault, I'm the one who told you not to bother. You tried to convince me to ask for help but I was too stubborn and full of pride to admit I needed it." The rabbit said before turning back to Frisk and admitting. "Fine, I guess you might have a point about needing adults for some things and you do know what it's like to be bullied but that's where our similarities end. You know nothing about what it's like to have your parent, the one person you're supposed to be able to rely on no matter what may happen, abandon you without offering an explanation! Without even taking the time to say goodbye!"
"You're wrong." The former human spoke quietly, though thanks to her keen ears Cottontail was able to make the words out as clearly as if they'd been shouted. "I may not know what it's like to be abandoned like you said but I do know what it's like to lose a parent. I didn't even get to know my mom, she died before I can even remember. At least you have memories you can cherish of your time with your dad. That's more than I'll ever have."
Tears began flowing from Frisk's eyes, matching the ones still streaming down Snowflake's face. Liquid filled Cottontail's eyes as well though she refused to let it fall, choosing instead to glance at the ground in hopes of hiding her feelings from the others. What Frisk said was true. She had many fond memories of the days she'd spent with her father. Maybe, instead of feeling resentful for the one bad choice her dad had made she should focus on all the good times she'd had with him instead.
The small skeleton wiped her sockets with the sleeve of her purple hoodie when she noticed the conflicted look on the older monster's face and, taking a deep breath to gather her courage, Frisk walked forward and wrapped her arms around the rabbit's waist. Cotton froze, body becoming rigid as she was held by her former victim. Moments later Snowflake moved forward and joined them, wrapping her wings around her dearest friend in hopes of getting her to relax. It seemed to work for moments later Cottontail finally let her tears fall as she melted into the embrace of the other two girls.
"It's okay, you guys don't need to be alone anymore," Frisk whispered, softly stroking her hands through fur and feathers alike. "It's time to let go of the past and move on to a brighter future."
"MmHmm." Cotton murmured as they continued to hug for a few more seconds.
Once they'd broke apart, the rabbit turned away, a bright blush on her cheeks.
"This doesn't mean we're friends or anything." She denied, rubbing the back of her head with her paw as Snowflake just looked on with a small smile.
Frisk chuckled as she raced forward, pulling the two back into a second, heartfelt hug which was slowly returned, albeit somewhat reluctantly by the bunny.
-XXX-XXX-XXX-
Sans watched from the shadows as the trio hugged once more, a proud smile on his face. The excuse he'd given Toriel hadn't been a lie, he really did have to do something, meaning he'd had to follow Frisk and make sure she wasn't doing anything foolhardy. He'd noticed her sneaking off when Briar had covertly pointed her out and had trailed her at a slight distance, keeping out of sight so she wouldn't notice him. He'd primed his magic, ready to defend his child as soon as he'd realized what she was trying to do, but there had been no need. His little girl had handled the situation with cunning and grace, her kind nature leading her on the right path to help the two troubled tweens find peace. There was no doubt in his mind that, although they may not end up as friends, there would at least be no more bullying in store for his daughter and the other two would finally be able to move on from the pain of the past. With that in mind, Sans backed away quietly, not wanting to ruin the moment and slowly made his way back to where the other adults waited. It was time to inform them of the events he'd just been witness to and leave the children to their own devices.
AN: Thanks so much for reading and don't forget to leave a comment. Thanks again :)