CHAPTER 28

"Are you ready, Frisk?"

"Yes, Mom." Frisk reached up to rub his nose.

"Hey, hands off your face!"

"Sorry. Thanks for reminding me."

The makeup artist smirked and gave him a thumbs-up. "Just don't forget on-set. Your nose'll shine like a mirror if you rub the powder off."

Frisk smiled back and nodded, then looked around the dressing room. Toriel and Asgore - Mom and Dad - were waiting with him to go onto the set and start the interview. Mom had on another of her robes embroidered with the Delta Rune; Dad was wearing a purple cape with a gold clasp. Their horns looked a bit fuzzy with powder on them, but the makeup artist had promised that it wouldn't show on camera and that it would prevent distracting reflections. Mom had polished them that morning to get ready, but had accepted the powder without complaint.

"Are you prepared, Asgore?"

"Yes, Toriel."

"Good."

Frisk suppressed a sigh; it had been over a week, but things were still uneasy between his new parents. It showed in small things - Toriel refusing help with the dishes, or Asgore finding excuses to go work by himself when a silence became awkward. But they were still living together. (It could still work out. And at least they have Asriel and Chara again.)

"Frisk. Frisk!" He blinked as Toriel called him. "It is time." He followed his parents out onto the set, and reminded himself to thank the television people again for the interview. They had taken the interview request as a joke at first, but agreed to a meeting after talking to the mayor and the sheriff. Following their initial shock at discovering monsters were real and being told part of the story behind their release, the station had leapt at the opportunity to hold the first television interview of the King and Queen of the Monsters. Frisk been included as the monsters' Ambassador; the TV people were obviously humoring him, but that was all right. He could still help explain humans and monsters to each other and sort out official status later.

"Okay, room tone." The anchorman who would interview them, Frank Wilder, put a finger to his lips and pointed at the microphone over their heads. He was about six feet tall, with light brown hair and blue eyes, dressed in a grey suit, white shirt and dark blue tie. He seemed nice, and had explained that the interview would be recorded to broadcast later "in case of accidents." He looked at the cameraman, who nodded and said, "Ready."

The anchorman stared into the camera. "Monster Royalty Interview, Take One." He clapped his hands. "Okay, let's begin. Would each of you say your name for the camera, please?"

Frank Wilder considered his interview subjects, the King and Queen of the Monsters and their son, the "Ambassador," as they introduced themselves. This was going to be in the history books, and he was right in the middle of it. The thought widened his "on-air" smile as he considered the interview questions and the responses he expected.

The Queen was clearly the smarter of the two monarchs, so any unexpected revelations would probably come from the King. He'd focus on making them comfortable, then try and draw him out. The kid, Frisk, seemed trusting enough, but he'd just been adopted; he wouldn't know about any skeletons in the royal closet yet.

(Historical event or not, they're still politicians. And one of them is a self-confessed murderer. Let's see if I can get to the truth...)

"And so you're starting a school for monsters?"

"That is correct. We have a great deal to learn about humans, since we have been separated for so long."

"And we have a great deal to learn about monsters. Any ideas about that?"

"Yes." Wilder turned his attention to Frisk as the boy spoke up. "My brothers and I are making a website for monsters about humans, along with Doctor Alphys, the Royal Engineer. When that's finished, we plan to make one for humans that answers questions about monsters."

"That should be interesting! You'll let me know when it's done, right?"

"Of course!"

"Great. Now, Frisk, I understand that you're from the Mount Ebott Foster Center. Is that right?..."

"...And you say that this Mettaton is planning a concert for humans?"

"Yep. He's still working on it, but we'll let everyone know as soon as we have a date."

"Fantastic!"

The interview was going well, Frank thought, considering his next question. He'd kept the tone light so far, and the subjects looked comfortable. (Time to start getting serious.)

"Queen Toriel, I'm sure that most people will be as curious about monsters as I am. Are there any plans to allow humans into the Underground?"

The Queen's forehead creased as she answered. "Currently, no. It is something to consider for the future, but it would be too hazardous at the current time."

"Hazardous for humans, or for monsters?"

"For both, though possibly more for humans."

"As your son found out, correct?"

"Yes." The simple answer redirected the anchor's attention from Toriel's frown to Frisk's own serious expression.

"Yes, you were hurt by monsters?"

"I was, but-"

"So you, a child, were attacked by monsters? Why?" The Queen was openly glaring now. (She can be angry if she likes; I'm still going to get the real story.)

"Because most of them didn't know they were attacking me."

"Didn't know they were attacking you? Can you explain that?"

"Monsters, like my parents," Frisk said, nodding to the King and Queen, "are mostly made of magic, and their magic works through emotion and intent. Monsters can't hurt each other with magic unless they intend to. For them, magic is an expression of their personality, who they are; they'll do things like send each other magic-powered bullet-pattern birthday cards," he continued, smiling. Then his smile faded. "Humans don't react the same to magic as monsters do. We're not... compatible, I guess. So a monster can hurt a human when they're doing something that would be harmless to another monster."

"They really couldn't figure out that they were harming you? That's hard to believe."

"Not most of them. I was the first human to have been in the Underground for years; some monsters didn't even realize I was a human. And most monsters don't understand how humans work, the same way that most humans don't understand how monsters work. That's why we're working to teach monsters about humans, and humans about monsters."

(Good redirection. Maybe calling him their "Ambassador" isn't just for show.) "I see. Now, you said "most" monsters didn't realize they were harming you. That means there were exceptions."

"Yeah. Some monsters, like the Royal Guards, knew about humans."

"So why did they attack you?"

"Because they were afraid."

"The monsters' Royal Guards were afraid of a child?" Frank let his voice and expression show his incredulity.

"Yes. And they were right."

"Really?"

"Really." Frisk nodded, his eyes locked on the anchor's. "Humans are vulnerable to monsters' magic, but monsters are even more vulnerable to humans. Monsters are made of magic that responds to emotions. If a monster is attacked by a human who hates them, it doesn't matter what they're attacked with; that hate will hurt them, even if they're just getting hit with a small stick."

The Queen placed a hand on the boy's shoulder as he continued speaking. "The Royal Guard's job is to protect the Underground, and what most monsters know about humans is from the war between humans and monsters, when the monsters were sealed underground. They think about humans... the same way we think about monsters, I guess. Like they're something scary and dangerous." Frisk looked at his mother, then back at John. "We're not, and they're not, either. We just need to understand each other."

"I see." (Sweet kid, no wonder they made him their ambassador. Doesn't seem to have any resentment at all. And adopting him? Genius. He's a dead end, but...)

"You say that the monsters aren't something to be afraid of. But what about the people who went missing after climbing Mount Ebott, who the monsters killed? Who you killed yourself, King Asgore?"

The King blinked, then nodded. He seemed less surprised than John had hoped. (Probably expected the question. But that won't help him wriggle out of the facts.)

"Yes. I have killed humans, and been responsible for the deaths of others."

"I've also heard that you attempted to give up your kingship. Is that right?"

"I did attempt to resign. But, as my wi-as Queen Toriel pointed out, that would have been refusing responsibility for what I had done, and for what I need to do now." Asgore closed his eyes, took a deep breath, then continued. "As you said, I am responsible for the deaths – the murders – of six humans who fell into the Underground. Of planning to take their souls and use them to kill still other humans, making war on the people of the surface."

Toriel was glaring at Asgore, and John had to contain a smirk. Her husband was obviously going off-script. The kid was staring at the King; he looked... sad? (Not scared, even when his new father's talking about killing people?)

"We want to live in peace with humans, and what I have done will make that... harder. But the responsibility for what has been done is mine. As the one responsible, I want to apologize to all humans, for what I have done and what I had planned to do."

(Ah, so that's what this is, an apology setup. Of course. Okay, next I can press him on whether he thinks an apology will actually-)

"But... for what I have done... an apology is not enough."

(Hah, of course they've thought of the next step. The Queen's still glaring at him like he's doing this on his own; damn, she's a good actor.)

"That is why... I am making an offer to any humans who hate or fear monsters, especially to the families of the humans that I killed."

(Blood money, I'll bet. Wonder how much-)

"I ask for any human who intends harm towards monsters to come to me, rather than to any other monster. I am the one responsible for the harm humans have suffered from monsters; I am the only one who should pay for that harm."

(Where's he going with this?)

"If you want to hurt someone... I ask that it be me. I am the King of the Monsters; I am responsible for the deaths of those who fell into our kingdom, and for leading my people in seeking war with humanity. I am the one who should pay for that, no one else."

(...What?)

Frank stared at the King, whose head had dropped to face the interview table. Frisk was staring at his father, face pale, jaw trembling. And the Queen...

Toriel stood, face set and stern. "Forgive me," she said to Frank, "but we need to discuss this in private, if we may."

(This is a setup. It has to be. They're planning to walk this back after a "private discussion," and if we can catch them talking about it!-)

"Of course, Queen Toriel. Excuse me. Would the dressing room you were in earlier-"

"That will do well enough. Thank you." Toriel turned her stern expression to her husband, and her face darkened. "Asgore. Come here." The King stood, not looking at her, and followed, Frisk trailing behind them.

Frank hurried into the control room, puffing slightly as he joined the technician watching the video from the dressing room. "They start talking yet?"

"Just walking in. Shh." Frank nodded, staring at the small screen as the King, the Queen, and their son entered the dressing room.

Frisk stood to one side as his parents faced each other. "Asgore." Toriel's voice was tense with suppressed anger. "What were you thinking?"

"I am taking responsibility for-"

"Your responsibility is to lead your people, Asgore, not to abandon them!"

"My responsibility is to protect our people, Toriel. I am not a fit leader; at least this way I can-"

"Are you trying to protect them, Asgore? Or trying to run away again?"

"Toriel." The King's voice had been subdued and apologetic, but his tone now was firm and confident. "I told you I was done being a coward. I am doing this because it's the only way I can defend us from the humans."

Toriel crossed her arms. "How?"

"By showing them that they don't need to fear us. Toriel, the only way for there to be peace between humans and monsters is if we accept each other. The humans are stronger now than they were when we were defeated, and we monsters are weaker. If the humans fear or hate monsters enough to attack us, we will be destroyed or imprisoned again. And the one most likely to make humans fear and hate monsters is me – the monster King who murdered humans and called for a war with them. If the humans want vengeance, then the one responsible should pay for it, not the monsters who followed my commands. They didn't know what war would mean; most of them had never even seen a human before Frisk. Besides... you're a better leader than I am. You'll all be okay without me."

Toriel's expression had changed, softening, as Asgore spoke. But as he finished, she closed her eyes and sighed. "Asgore... you promised me that we would make decisions together. You agreed to it."

Asgore's shoulders slumped as his gaze fell again. "I'm sorry, Toriel."

"And what about Asriel, Chara, and Frisk? What about our children, Asgore?"

"I... I just want to protect you all. To keep you safe. And I can't do that by fighting, all I can do is make sure it's me who gets hurt, not you."

"Dad..." Frisk took Asgore's hand, looking up at him, eyes glistening. Asgore looked down at him, putting his hand on his son's shoulder, then looked at Toriel again.

"Toriel... do you want me to take it back?" His voice sounded subdued, defeated.

Toriel shook her head. "No, Asgore. You have made the offer; you should not retract it now. It would be worse than if you had never made it at all. Besides... you are right. It is your responsibility."

"Thank you, Toriel."

"You've done what you thought was right, again. I agree with you, this time. But please, in the future, remember your promise and consult me about such important decisions."

"Yes, Toriel."

"I will go and see when they will be ready to continue." Toriel walked to the door.

Frank let out his breath as the Queen left the dressing room. "Holy shit." "Yeah," the technician said. "God DAMN. The big guy has balls to match, eh?"

"If he means it."

The technician looked at Frank, who was still staring at the screen. "You think they're faking this?"

"I don't know. It's either that, or he's really offering his head on a plate to any human who wants it. And I want to know which is the truth."

"Okay, we're resuming the interview. King Asgore, could you repeat what you said before the break?"

"Yes. I am offering my life in apology for the murders of the humans who fell into the Underground, and for planning to make war against humanity. I ask that any humans who seek vengeance against monsters come to me, and not harm anyone else."

"So you're taking personal responsibility for the murders you committed and the war you planned?"

"Yes."

"Sorry, but this is hard to believe. You really intend to allow any human who comes to you with a grudge to kill you?"

"I do."

"And you're saying you'll allow it? You won't try to avoid it, to defend yourself?"

"I will not. I would rather allow myself to be hurt than anyone else. What has been done is my responsibility; I'm the only one who should pay for it."

Frank's stare went straight into Asgore's eyes; the King was meeting his gaze steadily, without evasion. "There are six murdered humans, and only one of you."

"Yes." Asgore nodded. "I can only die once; I hope that, if more than one human wants to kill me, knowing I have been punished will be enough for the others." He did not flinch or look away.

"Queen Toriel? Do you have any comment on the King's decision?"

"King Asgore decided on this action on his own." Toriel's voice and expression were serious but controlled, without the anger she had shown in the dressing room. "We interrupted the interview to discuss it. After that discussion, I have consented to his decision. As he said, it is his responsibility."

"And do you intend to share in that responsibility?"

"No!" The answer came from Asgore, not Toriel, and she turned a startled glance at the King as he leaned forward. "Toriel exiled herself in protest at my plans for war and killing humans. She is the least guilty of any monster for what I did. That's why I offered her the crown when I tried to resign as King." Asgore breathed in heavily and leaned back. "Besides, our people need a leader. If I am killed, they will need Toriel as Queen to replace me."

The Queen was looking at Asgore, brow wrinkled, but John couldn't read her expression. "Frisk? Do you have any comment?"

The boy swallowed hard and nodded. "I understand why Da-why King Asgore is doing this. That he needs to make up for what he did." He swallowed again, squeezing his eyes shut, then blinked and continued. "But I'd like to ask everyone to forgive him. I know that he's killed people, other humans. But that isn't who he is any more. He doesn't want to hurt anyone. Please... don't kill him." His jaw worked, and then he continued, voice thick. "Please don't kill my Dad."

The King put a hand on his son's shoulder and Frisk turned to him, one hand reaching for him as the other wiped at his eyes. The Queen looked at the anchorman. "Would you excuse us again?" Her voice was still controlled, but her eyes had a moist gleam. "Of course, your highness. I think this is a good place to end the interview. Unless you'd like to continue?" "I think that this will do for a beginning. Thank you." She took her husband's shoulder and led him and her son towards the dressing room.

Toriel took in a deep breath and sighed; the air outside the television building's parking lot smelled of burning from the humans' cars, but it was refreshing after being inside for most of the day. And it was still wonderful to see open sky above her as she looked up, smiling.

"Queen Toriel?" She looked and saw the human who had been interviewing them, Frank, walking towards her.

"Yes." She nodded to him. "Thank you again for agreeing to tell our story."

"I can't take much credit for that; that's mostly in the station manager's hands." He shrugged and stood near her, looking casually from side to side. "You've done us a big favor, honestly. The first interview with intelligent non-human people in history? This is going to make us famous. And our ratings are going to skyrocket."

"Skyrocket?"

"Go up, a lot. You don't know – no, you guys wouldn't have that one, would you? You don't use fireworks underground. Right?"

"I have heard of fireworks, but we use magic for such displays. And we do not – did not – have a sky for them."

"Yeah." The human looked from side to side again, then continued more quietly. "I'd like to give you some advice."

"Oh? What is that?"

"These days, there are cameras everywhere." Frank's tone was earnest, the lightness he had spoken with earlier gone. "Always assume that you're being recorded – audio and video, voice and appearance. Assume it's happening at all times and in all places, even, ESPECIALLY, in places you've been told AREN'T being recorded. Bathrooms. Hotel rooms." He took a deep breath and looked her in the eye. "Dressing rooms."

"...I see." Toriel's voice was still calm, but he could hear the edge in it, and she wasn't trying to hide her glare. "And should I assume I am being recorded now?"

Frank shrugged. "It's the safe thing to do. I'm not, but you only have my word for that. And I'm not the only person to worry about. You're all going to be famous, ultra-famous. You and your family will have paparazzi and sight-seers swarming all over you once your story gets out. You need to be ready for that."

"And you are warning me of this because?" Toriel's tone and expression were unchanged.

"Because..." Frank looked away, took a breath, and looked at her face again. "Because you guys didn't try to lie to me. Because you told the truth."

Her expression changed from anger to confusion. "What?"

Frank grinned, shaking his head. "You really take that for granted?" He looked at her blank stare. "Here's another piece of advice, about human politicians and leaders. They lie. They put themselves first, others second. The better ones do try to help the people they're supposed to be responsible for, but they'll still lie to help themselves."

He looked at Toriel's wide-eyed expression and shook his head again. "Trust me on this. I've been in this business for years. I've covered dozens of election campaigns. And I've never met an honest politician, ever. Our mayor, Vartich, is a good guy as far as politicians go, but he still looks out for himself. And as for apologizing?" He rolled his eyes. "Every time I think I've heard the last variation of "I'm sorry but it's not really my fault," a politician comes up with a new one. And I've never seen one of 'em take personal responsibility for something as serious as someone's death." He took a deep breath. "Until today."

Toriel shook her head slowly, eyes on his face. "Why are you telling me this?"

"I got started in this business because I think people should know the truth." Frank turned to look out across the parking lot, his back to the building, as he continued. "I thought I'd be exposing corrupt politicians and finding the honest ones. Then I learned the truth - there are no honest politicians, just more and less dirty ones." He faced Toriel again. "And dirty as they are, they're all obsessed with keeping their reputations clean. They'll say anything, do almost anything, to get re-elected. And if they're caught, not one of them will make a genuine apology, take true responsibility for what they've done. Doing what King Asgore did? They'd never even consider it."

He swallowed. "I couldn't believe it either. I watched what happened in the dressing room because I was sure he was lying. I wanted the truth."

"And you saw the truth." Toriel's voice was gentle.

"I did." Frank swallowed again. "And that means I owe you, all of you, an apology."

"I accept it. I am sure they will as well."

"Thanks." He sighed. "You're walking into a world made of lies. You gave me the truth, and that meant I owed you the truth. Now we're even." He looked around again. "I should go."

"Please, wait a moment." Toriel had a considering look. "If we promise not to lie to you, will you promise to not lie to us? And to tell the truth about us?"

Frank smirked. "You don't need my promise. I'd do that anyway."

"But in a world as full of liars as you say, would another do the same?" He raised an eyebrow, and Toriel snorted. "I am sorry if this disappoints you, but monsters can, and do, lie; dishonesty is not unfamiliar to us. And Mayor Vartich has been trying to teach us about politics and the news aboveground."

"No surprise there. Being connected to you is Vartich's shot at getting elected as governor, maybe even senator." Frank raised a hand as Toriel frowned. "Don't get me wrong – like I said, he's a good guy, for a politician. He'll try to help you. But he'll make sure that it helps him, too."

"I-we-do not mind. As you say, we have a common interest."

"Yeah, this time. But if your people's welfare and a politician's ambition are ever opposed?" He shook his head. "That's the real test. Vartich might pass. Might. And he's one of the better ones."

Toriel nodded. "The mayor told us something similar, though he put it differently. And he has told us that not all humans in news are honest, either."

Frank shrugged. "Also true. Report on cheats, liars and hypocrites long enough, and it all starts feeling like part of the game."

"It is not a game we intend to play. We cannot afford to." Toriel stared him in the eye. "Our people were nearly destroyed by humans who feared and distrusted monsters. We cannot let that happen again. We could not hide the truth, even if we wished to do so, and so we decided to be honest – to conceal nothing."

"So you're gonna just let it all hang out?"

Toriel blinked. "What?"

"Sorry. You're going to tell everyone everything they ask about monsters, even if it looks bad?"

"Yes."

Frank grinned. "You know... I think I might believe you. I must be going soft."

"I ask again... if we tell you the truth about us, will you report it honestly?"

"Sure. But don't expect any favors. I'll be checking what you tell me even if I believe you, getting different viewpoints. Truth looks different to different people, you know?"

"But you will not... "slant" it?"

"No. If you tell it straight, I'll report it straight. No pulled punches, no sucker punches."

"Thank you." Toriel smiled.

"Hello, Toriel!" They turned towards the parking lot to see Mr. Feldman walking towards them, Sans following him. "How'd the interview go?"

"It went well, thank you." Toriel said.

"Good! Mr. Wilder wasn't too hard on you?"

"Hey, you know me." Frank's broadcaster's smile was back. "Just give me the facts and I'm happy. But the King's announcement made for one heck of a conclusion."

"Announcement?" Mr. Feldman looked to Toriel, who nodded, smile dropping.

"Yes. But perhaps we should discuss it after we depart."

"I'll just get out of your way." The anchorman waved at the group as he turned and walked back to the building entrance.

"what's up, toriel? something get your goat?" Sans got a small smile that faded quickly.

"Something like that, yes. I shall go tell Frisk and Asgore it is time to depart; I should not be long."

"want us to come with you?"

"Probably better not, Sans. Hate to say it, but somebody might panic if they saw a skeleton walking around in the TV station."

"might scare 'em out of their skin, huh?" Toriel snorted as she turned to go.

Sans considered her as she walked away. "no laughs. guess it's serious. think the interview went okay?"

"I hope so. Wilder's sharp, and he likes mud. If he thinks there's a skeleton in the closet, he'll keep looking until he can haul it into the spotlight."

"remind me not to hide in his closet, then."

"Do you have any idea what kind of announcement King Asgore might have made?"

"nope. guess we'll just have to wait and find out."

"So, w-what do you think?" Alphys said as Chara considered the monitor in her lab. "A-anything wrong?" Asriel peered over his brother's shoulder as Chara clicked and another page of the "How Humans Really Work" website appeared.

"Just a minute..." Chara murmured, scrolling to the bottom of the webpage. "I can't find any errors." He looked over his shoulder at her and nodded. "It looks good, Alphys."

She sighed, shoulders drooping, as Asriel grinned and gave her a thumbs-up. "I think the website looks great!"

Chara stood up and stretched, and Alphys took his place at the computer. "It's a good start." Chara patted Alphys' shoulder. "This will help a lot. You said you'll let everyone on the UnderNet know about it, right?"

"Right! I'm kind of the admin for the UnderNet, so I have everyone's email addresses. So everyone will be able to learn about humans!" Alphys turned a broad smile to the brothers, but then her smile dimmed. "Everyone with a computer, anyway."

Chara shrugged. "We have to start somewhere, and this is a good beginning. We can add more information later, stuff about human history, things like that. On the other hand, it might be easier to just connect the UnderNet to the human Internet."

"I'll talk to Gaster," Alphys said, turning back to the monitor. "He's been interested in the Internet ever since he heard about it. All that information..." She chuckled. "It would be like a dream come true for him."

"Yeah," Asriel said. "It might even be enough to keep him busy for a while."

Chara coughed. "The Internet's... pretty big, Asriel. It'll probably be enough to keep him reading for years."

"If the connection speed's slow, sure," Alphys said as she typed. She turned back at a snort from Chara. "You've never seen Gaster with a book, have you?"

"No. Why?"

"Well..." Alphys looked around her desk, then pointed to a 3-inch-thick book titled, "The Comprehensive Guide to Website Design." "It took me a few days to get through that."

"Okay. And?"

"It took Gaster 15 minutes."

"...Seriously?"

Alphys nodded at Chara. "Seriously."

Asriel picked the book up in both hands. "Oof. How many – 892 pages!" He turned wide eyes to Alphys. "He really read all of that in 15 minutes?"

"He's usually faster, but it was the first time he'd read about that subject."

Asriel set the book down with a thump, and Chara shook his head. "How can he even turn the pages that fast?"

"He's got fast hands. He can draw and write nearly as fast as he can read." Alphys giggled. "Though his handwriting's impossible if you aren't used to it. It's practically a code. It's funny, considering how clear his drawings are."

"knock knock." The trio at Alphys' computer looked at the elevator, and Chara smirked.

"Who's there?"

"dozen."

"Dozen who?"

"dozen anyone wanna let me in?"

Alphys and Asriel groaned as Chara walked to the elevator and pressed the open button, and Sans walked into the lab. "So, how'd the interview go?"

"pretty well, all things considered."

Asriel smiled. "Great!"

Alphys looked more skeptical. "Ah, Sans? What does "all things considered" mean, exactly?"

Sans shrugged. "well, you know. interviews never go completely according to plan. frisk thought they made a good impression, though." He looked at the three faces staring back at him and sighed. "listen, toriel asked me to check in on you guys and send the boys home. they can tell you about it when you get back."

"That's not exactly reassuring." Chara gave Sans a level stare.

"S-Sans? What happened?"

"i'll tell you after i send the kids home, alphys." Sans looked back at Chara, then at Asriel. "frisk was in your guys' room when i left; i'll send you straight there to talk to him. 'kay?"

Chara nodded. "All right." Asriel quickly joined his brother, and they stepped through the opening in the air into their room.

"Thanks, Sans!" Asriel called. The brothers saw Sans give a casual wave as the portal closed, and Asriel turned to Chara. "That is so cool; I wish I could do that."

"Could you? If you practiced enough?"

Asriel sighed. "I dunno. I mean, it's got to be complicated, and I hadn't even gotten fire control down yet before... you know."

Chara nodded, and sighed. "Right." He looked around. "I guess Frisk stepped out for a minute. Let's go find him and ask how things went."

"Okay." Asriel started for the door, but it opened before he'd taken more than a step.

"Hi guys!"

"Hi Frisk!"

"So, how'd it go?"

Frisk closed the door, then walked over to sit on the edge of the bed, where Asriel and Chara joined him. "It went okay."

"Frisk?" Asriel looked at his brother worriedly, taking in Frisk's serious expression. "What happened?"

"Did something go wrong?"

Frisk shook his head at Chara. "No, nothing went wrong, really. The interview guy asked some hard questions, but everything went all right. It's just..." Frisk took a deep breath. "Dad decided on something without asking Mom."

"And now Mom's mad, right?" Chara shook his head. "He promised he wouldn't do that. What was he thinking?"

"Mom's not mad, at least not now. Just worried."

"Worried about what?" Asriel asked.

"Well..."

When Frisk had finished, Asriel's lower lip was quivering. "F-Frisk... is Dad going to be okay?"

"I hope so." Frisk's voice was quiet. "It all depends on what the humans outside decide to do. I asked them to forgive him, but... I don't know." He turned at a noise from Chara, who was staring down, face hidden. "Chara?"

Chara's voice was a hiss. "My fault. Again."

"What?" Frisk looked at Chara's hands squeezing his knees, knuckles white as his fingers tightened.

"I killed myself, Asriel died, and Dad wanted revenge. And now he's offering his life to make up for what he did because of me. My fault." Chara's voice thickened. "He's probably doing this because of what I said at our press conference. I said that everyone should forgive you both, that what happened was my fault, and now... Damn it. DAMN it. I'm going to have killed him AGAIN."

"Chara, stop it!" Asriel reached around his brother, hugging him. "You aren't doing anything wrong."

Chara felt Asriel's tears soaking into his shirt as his brother pressed his head into his shoulder. "Azzy..." Chara's voice had dropped to a whisper. "If Dad dies, it's my fault. And I can't stop it. I can't help him."

"We still love you, Chara." Frisk reached around him from the other side. "And we can still try to help."

"How?"

"By helping humans understand monsters, and monsters understand humans. We can help make sure they won't want to hurt each other. That they won't want to hurt Dad."

Chara sighed. "Do you really think it's going to be that easy? You know what humans are like; they'll want revenge, like I did."

"But aren't some of them like Frisk?" Asriel had lifted his head from Chara's shoulder, showing a pair of shimmering eyes.

"Maybe. They're not the ones I'm worried about, though." Chara sighed, shifting his brothers against his shoulders. "At least it's something to try." Then he cracked a small smile. "Who knows? If Frisk could get me to listen, maybe he can get the other humans to listen too."

There was a knock at the door, then Toriel's voice. "Frisk? Have you seen your brothers?"

Chara answered. "We're here, Mom. Frisk was just telling us about the interview."

"Very well. Dinner is ready; I am going to call Asgore, and then we will eat."

"Okay, we'll be out in a minute."

"Very good."

"Any idea what dinner is?" Chara asked Frisk. He took off his shirt, handing it to Asriel. "You should wipe your face off, Asriel." Chara went to the closet, reaching in for a new shirt, as Frisk answered.

"Toriel asked if I'd mind snail pie; I said that would be okay. Um, is that okay with you guys? Asriel, you like snails, right?"

Asriel had wiped his eyes with Chara's shirt, and looked up with a smile. "Yeah. It's been a while. Frisk, do you like snails?" "I've never had them. What are they like?"

"Oh, they're great! Mom cooks them in butter and garlic and they're chewy and..."

Chara finished putting on his shirt as Asriel continued telling Frisk about the wonders of snails and grinned. "Take it easy, Azzy."

Asriel looked at Frisk's slightly glazed eyes and flushed. "Um, sorry." "It's okay. So snail pie is good?"

"It is." Chara nodded. "It takes a bit of getting used to, but it's good."

"Yeah!"

"So, how was your day? You were working with Alphys, right?"

"Right," Chara said as the brothers moved towards the door. "We helped her set up a website about humans on UnderNet. It'll only get to the monsters who have computers, but it's a good start. We're going to start planning classes for human-monster school tomorrow; Mom said she wants to help, but she's going to be pretty busy."

"And we still have to do our schoolwork," Asriel added as they walked into the hall. "Mom says we need to at least keep up with our math and reading."

"Okay. Want to work on it together after dinner?"

"Sounds good to me."

"Me too."

"You wanted to talk to me, boss?"

"Hey, Frank." The station manager looked up from his cell phone and swiveled to face the anchorman across his paper-strewn desk. "Got a text from the monsters. You been making deals with them or something?"

"Not really." Frank shrugged as he pulled a chair from against the wall and sat, leaning back slightly. "The Queen, Toriel, asked if I'd report on them straight if they didn't try to bullshit us. I said sure, I'd do that anyway. No special favors either way, just straight reporting. Why?"

"This text says that they're making us, our station, their media contacts. Their PRIMARY media contacts. Everything goes to us first."

"What?" Frank leaned forward with a thump. "Everything? You serious?"

"I'm serious. The real question is, are they?" The manager looked Frank in the eye. "What do you think?"

"Well..." Frank leaned back again, looking at the ceiling, then returned the manager's gaze. "If I had to bet? My money says yes."

"Really?" The station manager raised an eyebrow. "You're trusting somebody? YOU?"

"Yeah. You saw the dressing room film?"

"Uh huh."

"Do YOU think they were faking?"

The manager shook his head. "Uh-uh. If that was an act, they deserve an Academy award, especially the kid."

"Agreed." Frank nodded. "And I don't think it was an act. God help me, I think they're honest. Never thought I'd say that about any politician, but I'm saying it."

"From you, that IS something." The manager leaned back, lacing his hands behind his head. "So, how do you want to play the interview?"

"What?" Frank stared at the station manager, who was still examining the ceiling. "You're the boss; why ask me?"

"Just considering options." The manager started rocking gently, making his chair squeak. "How we want to cover this. What kind of angle to use. Play it up tabloid style? Unknown, possibly dangerous, creatures discovered?"

"After the King offered to let any human with a grudge kill him? Doesn't really fit, boss."

"Noble sacrifice, then? What kind of story do we wanna go for?"

"Do we really need one?"

The manager stopped rocking, then tilted forward, eyes meeting Frank's. "Whaddya mean?"

The anchorman took a deep breath. "We both know this is big, boss. History in the making. The first intelligent, non-human creatures humanity has ever met."

"The story of the century, yeah. So what's your point?"

"What if we let the story tell itself? We dig in, get all the facts, all the viewpoints, tell it all, and leave it at that."

"No narrative?" The manager shook his head. "C'mon, Frank. The news isn't just the news, it's entertainment, you know that."

"It's a story, sure." Frank nodded. "But c'mon! This story sells itself. I mean, we've got first contact, royalty, a feel-good adoption story with a poster-child, and drama with the King's offering his life for his people. It's a real-life movie script, and all we have to do is tell it straight! I mean, the only way we could lose is if people think it's bullshit. Show 'em the unedited tape, show 'em history in the making, and we'll have 'em!"

The manager stared at Frank's flushed face, and the anchor coughed and straightened his tie. "You're really sold on them, aren't you?" He shook his head. "I never would've expected you to get snowed, Frank."

"Boss. You saw the interview. You really think they were slinging shit?"

The station manager met Frank's eye, then shook his head. "No. No, I don't."

"Neither do I. Boss... I think I've just met a set of honest politicians. I don't want to screw 'em over."

"Are you going soft on me?"

The anchorman grinned at the manager's expression and leaned back in his chair. "Hey, we're supposed to protect rare and endangered species, right? What's more rare and endangered than honest politicians?"

"Pfff..." The manager rolled his eyes, but couldn't stop himself from grinning.

"And I'm not talking puff pieces," Frank said, leaning forward. "I'm gonna dig. If I find dirt, I'll put it out there. What I'm asking, what the Queen asked for, is for us to tell it straight. The way we thought it was supposed to be when we were in college, remember?"

The manager shook his head, but slowly, his eyes distant. "You know that's not how this business really works. We have to give the people what they want. We have to SELL, Frank."

"And you think this won't? I told you, this is made for TV already. Reality shows sell, boss. Show people something real, give them the truth, and our ratings'll explode."

The manager gave Frank a considering look. "Maybe. You're pretty sold on these guys; you think you can play it straight?"

"Yeah." The anchorman nodded. "I'll do my job. You're right, I want to believe these guys. But I'm going to make damn sure they deserve it. And if they don't, well..." Frank's smile looked like a shark's. "Our viewers deserve to know the truth, you know?"

A knock at the door interrupted their conversation. "Sir? Package for you."

"C'mon in."

Frank turned as the mail clerk entered, crossed to the station manager's desk and placed an opened manila envelope on it.

"Vernon opened it to check; it's safe. Just a letter and a tape."

"Okay, thanks. Tell Vern thanks for me, too."

"Will do, sir." The clerk left, and the manager examined the envelope.

"Want me to take off?" Frank said as he stood.

"Nah, looks like it's from the monsters. Return address just says Mount Ebott. No stamps, either." The station manager tilted the envelope, and a sheet of paper and an old-fashioned tape slid onto his desk. "Let's see... letter's short and to the point. Says this tape has the press conference the kids gave for the monsters, and it explains how they got out of the caves."

"We can compare what they told their people to what they told us, then. You going to watch it now?"

The manager looked at Frank and shrugged. "I got time. You?"

"Yeah. We have anything that'll play this?"

"I think there's a player in the break room; you wanna grab it?"

"Sure. Screening room?"

"Right. I'll meet you there."