Chapter 7: Recollection
The Void was empty…only darkness linger around…
And the worst part, you can't know if you are still alive or not…
It just feels…empty…this is not a place to stay for long.
"Why are we here?" Aster asked, "And what are the glowy things inside my chest."
"It is magically overloaded. You used too much magic, which made you lose control. And we are here of that." G said with a sign, and Aster just scratch his head guiltily "And about the glowy things, it's your soul…if it's gone, you will too so keep it safe."
Then suddenly, a noise from nowhere…or somewhere, but the Void looks the same anywhere
"We need to get out of here." G said while looking around in with anxiety "We are not alone."
"What was that?" Aster asked with a frown…
"Not something we should cross path…come on, I know the way..." G said and go ahead, without further explanation
Confused as Aster can be, he decided that there's time and place for everything…
"Hey, you don't have to be rude." Aster whisper to himself, clearly feeling uncomfortable
It feels like you are going nowhere in the Void…what is the way…no one knows…
It feels like they are walking blindly, like sailing in the middle of the sea with no direction…
"Hey, are you sure you know the way?" Aster asked skeptically…okay, of many, many things that Aster lacks…patience is one of them…
"Your soul like a compass, it glows brighter the closer we get to the exit, I don't know if-" Gaster suddenly stopped "Quite. Don't move."
Aster doesn't dare to move…then a sound, like wind blowing through his ears…
Aster can feel his soul pounding…panic feels his mind when he saw a goopy figure approaching…
Something that is not friendly…
Don't move…
Don't move…
Don't move…
The goopy figure appears with a sinister smile…it takes all Aster's courage not to run away…not like it will work anyway.
Breath…stay calm…
"I know you are here." The figure whisper in his ear and Aster loses his cool and stumble backward
"Aster!" G shouted wand quickly run over to help…
Aster was really panicking right now, he tries to use magic…
But nothing happened…
G summons a blaster and shoot at the goopy figure…
It is not very effective…
And it just makes the thing gets angrier…
"Damn it." G said while dodging the black mess causing by the goopy thing…
"Hng…hng…" Aster is now losing it all, control over his emotions…and his souls brighten like the sun, almost making everything turns from black to white
Somehow, it seems to scare the creature away…
But everything around them begins to collapse…is it even possible?
"Aster! Grab my hand!" G said while reaching out his hand, but Aster failed to grab it…
And he falls into the endless darkness…
"G..." A voice called…familiar…so familiar…
Aster opens his eyes, finding himself lying on the table, while a short skeleton looked at him, expression troubled…
"Oh, hello Sans…did I fall asleep again?" Aster suddenly said without even moving his mouth…it takes a while for him to notice…this was not his body. Wait…is this Gaster?
Well, technically, it is
So…where is he now?
"G, you know you should rest from time to time. You seem…" Wait, that expression…the expression of someone who was going to "…bone-tired." throw a pun…
Aster would laugh at it, but Gaster doesn't seem like to enjoy it…and signing tiredly, too.
"Sans…would you kindly stop?" Gaster look annoyed, rolling his eyes
Oh, that expression never gets old…
"seriously, G…" Sans said, his expression change to concern but Gaster just glare at him "okay…there is some coffee at that table over there…and I don't know if you wanted it or not, but we're not making progress with you being tired and all." Sans signed, finally looking defeated
"I understand, thank you for your concern. But I can't rest just yet, I'm so close…maybe later?" Gaster said, yeah, and Sans doesn't actually buy that, but what can he do?
Well, in case you don't know, Gaster doesn't give up easily…just look his…nevermind.
Sans put his hand into the pocket of his lab coat and walk out of the room, leaving Gaster sitting alone. Gaster quickly grabs his coffee, taking a sip.
"You know, Aster, next time, how about not using your magic blindly." G said, looking calmly while Aster gasped in shock
"Wait! G? I thought we are in…the past? Or something?"
"No…we are still in the Void if you asked…we are in a fragment of memories...luckily, there is a way out near here." Gaster said, "But judging by your expression, you have something to ask?" Gaster somehow seems a lot calmer (and probably have a smarter way of talking) from the last time Aster remember
"Well, first…what the hell is that thing back there?" Aster asked, just thinking about it makes him shiver…it's even more terrible than the melting things at the lab
"Sadly, those things are…me. After an…accident." Aster figured G would bit his lips if he has "We got scattered across time and space remember? Well, it's more complicated than that…the original Gaster was scattered into many versions in different places where is close to him, 5 to be corrected." G signed "One resides in your soul…the one who has been with you all the time…one is in the RUIN, one is in Snowdin, I am one of them, too…and the last is the most aggressive, the bad personality if him, which we have just encountered."
"Wait! Why is he, or you, or whatever in my soul?" Aster asked confusingly
"Well, you are a special child, you know that? Magic doesn't exactly possible for humans, well, maybe possible, but only through practicing a very long time. You can uses magic very young, doesn't that…special?" Gaster chuckled, but Aster doesn't like to respond the humor
"Well, get to the point already," Aster said in annoyance
"You see, magic like that can only be developed as a result of…cross-bred…between human and monster. That is, to be said, do you wonder where is your father?" G asked again, and Aster actually considered it this time
Well, that's one thing he lacks of…but he doesn't really mind that. But yes, sometimes the thought likes to swim in his mind for a bit before going away.
"Sometimes…is it because my father was a monster?" Aster asked, but he already knew the answer
Gaster nods lightly…
"Well, your father was…what do I say? The so-called son of the original W.D Gaster."
"Wait! Does that makes you my grandpa or something?" Aster asked, he was shocked, but to think about it, it does make sense, a little. Yeah, totally.
"Not exactly…I'm just a part of him, but yes. The reason why a part of him resides in your soul. DO you still remember the blue stars on your way?"
"Yes…weird memories come back every time…and you seem to stun a little when I touched it."
"Those stars, technically contain a part of Gaster, and so far, you got two pieces. Impressive!" G said "But sadly, it's not enough…look, I will explain more to you…there is a blue star, it's me, deep down in the CORE. I will explain anything when you get there. For now, I am afraid we don't have much time." G said while shifting uncomfortably "Do you remember the who your mother told you to find?"
"Sans the skeleton, of course, I do…but wha-" Aster stopped in realization "Is it, my dad?!"
"I afraid, yes…I can't imagine that lazy sack of bones is gonna have a family one day. But right now, you need to wake up, that things is getting closer…" Gaster said, and his eyes flared up with purple
"Also, remind Sans to think it through, first. Don't end up regretting his action." G said, but Aster doesn't quite understand
Aster was about to ask more question, but he suddenly feels dizzy
He collapsed on the floor, and the world seems to darken again
Aster wakes up, gasping for air…that was definitely not a dream
"Oh god. Aster! I thought you were…" G, now in his ghostly form, looking at him concerningly "You are a soul of tenacity, not recklessness for god's sake!" His suddenly glared, and Aster ends up feeling a little guilty
"Can't complain, but I guess whatever I have done saved us." Aster actually learns to chill this time, come on, he learns quickly
"Well…yes, but that can leave some unexpected effect, like Void being ripped out or…worse." There are suddenly fears in G's eyes "But we're alright, so I guess it's fine…just don't do that again."
"Can't promise anything…but I think I met another part of the 'real' Gaster back in the Void, like memory or some sort," Aster said, rubbing his head…it always hurt when he uses too much magic
"Really? I mean, how?" G asked, suddenly sound interested
"The blue star, it contains a part of the real Gaster, I think…he got scattered into different parts, 5 to be total. One is the star we encountered in the RUIN, one in Papyrus's room in Snowdin, one is that creepy thing in the Void, one is the less creepy I encountered earlier, and one is you, I suppose. Anyway, the part I encountered earlier said he deep is in the CORE, and he will explain everything." Aster said, he is no good at explaining, so he is gonna throw it for someone else…it's best that Gaster learn it himself
"Seriously…seems like the so-called experiment has gone really wrong…but now I don't think we can get there, yet." G seems to look tired "We used too much magic…and the others will be here, soon."
"Wait! What're others?" Aster asked in confusion
"You will figure it out soon enough." G said simply and disappeared into the air
"Wait! You can't just-" Aster signs…he has gotten rather annoyed with the whole ghostly and mysterious things…not like anyone can see G anyway
Aster tries to get out of the bed, but sign tiredly…his whole body is sore…this is so not a good idea
"Wait! You shouldn't get out of bed, yet!" A voice called, and Aster looks to see a yellow lizard, wearing glasses and lab coat run toward him, sweating "Your magic isn't stable yet!"
"Um…hello?" Aster said awkwardly, well, at least he is not the only one "I appreciate the thought, but where am I?"
"O-oh! You are in my lab! You suddenly appeared out of nowhere and then…uh…" The lizard said nervously "Oh! I-I'm sorry! My name is Alphys, a scientist…it's…um…nice to see you!" Alphys said…communication is not her bright side, but she is trying. And also, she is only a scientist now…not Royal anymore since Asgore…well…
"A scientist?! You must understand about magic a lot!" Aster said excitedly…he just can't resist "I'm Aster! It's nice to meet you, too!"
"Ye-yeah! You know, there're people who want to see you, let me just call them really quick!" Alphys said, and run outside clumsily…good because the situation isn't supporting her…
It takes a while, but Alphys managed to call everyone…Toriel immediately pulled them into a hug…which was very pleasant. Papyrus offered them a plate of 'spaghetti' to heal quicker, but Aster figured he wouldn't want to do that when Toriel shot him a glare
Why? It is not poisonous or something…right?
There also Alphys standing shyly in the corner, and…wait! Is that the skeleton he saw from the memory in the Void?
What is his name? Really, that detail is very important…
"sup, kiddo. The name's sans. sans the skeleton." Sans actually goes with his classic way, try to look as calm as possible…but in reality, he is not…
"Sans…the skeleton? Oh!" Aster remembered his mother's word "You are Sans? My mother told me to find you!"
Sans looked frozen, while Papyrus looked at him with his jaw opened, a look of shock from Alphys, and a deadly glare from Toriel…
"uh…so can i ask who is your father?" Sans said nervously…come one, the answer is as clear as daylight…but he asked anyway
"Well, judging by my memory, I don't have a father on surface…and my magic is not a coincidence, is it?" Aster said…so much with being smart and all
"Sans…we all believe the truth is clear now," Toriel said with a threatening tone
"So…you are my father?" Aster said awkwardly…well, the script is so much better in his head
"yeah…i…uh…" Sans is in a loss of word
"Sans…" Toriel takes a step near him "Do you mind if we have a talk?"
That is not a question, and before they all know it, Toriel drags Sans, to his hell they all supposed…
"Wow! I don't expect to have a nephew!" Papyrus said, his eyes brighten…so this is his uncle, Aster supposed…who know it will turn out like this?
"I supposed it is…surprising…uncle…uh…Papy?" Aster said, well, no good at nicknames, but decided to play along
"Oh…my brother finally have a family! I'm so proud! And you called me uncle Papy? This is the best day of my life…well, could be more without the trouble up there." Papyrus said proudly and Aster smile a little…this is a very surprising day for him
"Y-you are really a cross-bred…How much magic can you do? Wait! Let me get my pen…" Alphys said curiously and rushing out of sight, and Aster sign
This is going to be a long day…
Toriel drags Sans a distance from the room before finally stopped
Sans was sweating…a lot…
'she is gonna kill me.' Sans thought in fear…
"Sans," Toriel said sternly, and Sans breaks away to form his thought, immediately tensed
"yeah…old lady?" Sans uses the old nickname, but it worked backfire
"Toriel," Toriel said and again, and Sans can only nod
"Maybe I have said this…but when I make you promise them years ago…this is not what I meant!" Toriel sign "I don't oppose it…but you and my chi-Frisk even have a child together."
"it was supposed to be only a bond only," Sans said…there is no way out of this situation, is there?
"Seriously, Sans…if the connection is strong enough, it will be even more…you haven't read, have you?"
"oops…" Sans said, no answer won't make the goat mama angry
"I'm not gonna push any of this…but since this is your child, you have to have responsible, understand?" Toriel shoots daggers from her eyes, and Sans nod immediately
"Good…now I believe you should have time to…" Toriel suddenly stopped, winking "…ketchup with each other." And the worst, Sans finds it funny, even in this situation
And how lucky he was because it wasn't a fireball in his face instead.
"So...the talk go well?" Papyrus asked after catching sight of Toriel and Sans again
"yeah…sure bro." Sans said, scratching the back of his skull 'the proof is me being alive.' Sans quietly thought to himself
"Papyrus, can I have a talk with you, too?" Toriel suggested, creating a distraction
Well, Sans and Aster need to…talk…without Papyrus and anyone interfering.
"Sure, Lady Toriel!"
Then just like that, there's only the two of them in the room…
Silence…until Aster decided to speak up
"So…you're my dad?" Even for Aster, this is still an awkward situation…so repeating the question.
"yeah, kiddo," Sans said it's so hard to think of something at this point
"I can't believe it!" Aster said excitedly "My dad is a skeleton! Do you know about magic? Can you teach me? You must be very powerful!" Aster eyes brighten with a curiosity violet
"calm down, kiddo, you are killing me with those questions. and i don't think it works that way...the magic things."
"Oh…I guess it…rattled your bone." Aster cracked a pun, and Sans widened his eyes socket in surprise
"seem like you inherit my terrible sans of humor." Sans chuckled lightly
Aster can't resist it and burst out laughing…oh god! He couldn't have thought that his dad was so cool! But to the truth to be told, he was pretty cool himself
"Really, Aster? All you do is causing trouble." G said with sarcasm, and Aster's emotion turns to bitter, but he hides it well
"Well, how about you don't say anything? It is rude to interrupt." Aster said and satisfied when he heard G stop talking
A bothersome and sassy ghost that is actually a part of your grandpa…
"anyway, is there is a reason why you're down here? Frisk won't let you fall down here on your own." Sans asked the reason piqued his interest.
"About that…" Aster shifting uncomfortably "Mom has her reason…"
Sans somehow notices the seriousness in Aster's eyes
"The town we lived…isn't friendly. There is a lot of bad people…" Aster takes a deep breath "We lived in the church, so it is fine…but lately…those people have gone more violent…they burst into where we lived and attack everyone…" Aster can feel his throat tighten "Mom told me to run…to get help…to find you…dad."
Sans is having mixed feelings right now…he can't believe the situation up there can go that bad…
Oh…how regretful he was for not being able to protect Frisk, and yet burden her with promises…
Well, things aren't that good in the Underground, too…but they will make it out…
"i'm sorry, kiddo…for not being there for you," Sans said, comforting the child, who is shaking in memories
"No…you can't go up there for a reason, I can understand," Aster said, and suddenly the word hurts
"how old are you again?" Sans asked in surprise
"Five? Or maybe five and a half? My birthday has passed for a while."
To notice how mature his child has become…it scared him. His child was five…Five! And he thinks like an adult…to notice how much he has met while in the Underground…
He could have been there, protecting his family…maybe he could have found a way back then if he just stops being such a lazybones
"Uh…dad?" Aster said, he hasn't gone familiar with calling Sans 'dad', but there is a certain natural in his tone….maybe a sense, like a bond? He is not really sure
"oh…" Sans said in surprised…he has been zoned out for a bit "I'm fine, kiddo. come on, we have a lot to ketchup."
This time, they both laugh at the silly jokes
… On the surface…
Everything was terrible, the smoke filled the whole town…
These people have gone insane, killing everyone in their way…
What the hell had happened? They were maybe crazy, but not psychopath…
Frisk quickly checks her STAT.
*Frisk 23/36 HP
*LV 5
Frisk is pacifist, but not anymore…not like monsters, you can't show MERCY without risking a bullet in your head, and Frisk isn't going to risk die again…and she almost at the 'secret place'. And plus, she kills to protect herself, so it's fine.
And she guesses no one really cares, since there is so much blood in the way that she doesn't even know who is who anymore…Frisk carefully check Lena's STAT
*Lena 32/24 HP
*LV 2
*Her faith was broken once…
*Will stay by your side no matter what.
Frisk signs a little…Lena was good compared to the so many humans she has seen…and the strange thing is that Lena's HP always over her limit…must be a special trait
"Where are we going?" Lena asked while looking around warily…the coast is clear, for now…
"I need to get something important…" Frisk said simply, and a house with a violet plant hanging before the door "There! Come on!"
Frisk quickly takes out a key from her pocket and turns to open the door, and Lena is guarding her back. The door was opened with a click, and they quickly went inside. Frisk carefully locked the door again.
"So…what are we doing here?" Lena asked in confusion, while Frisk in searching something in the table near there.
"Give me a moment." Frisk said and continue to search "Ah! Here it is!" Frisk said and pulled a level, which is carefully hidden under the messy pile of books. A rumbling noise can be heard, and the wall suddenly shifting, revealing a hidden space.
Lena was shocked, inside the hidden space, there are 6 weird containers, with 6 heart-shape things floating, with different colors…
"What is that?" Lena asked in shock
"The human souls," Frisk said shortly, grabbing the backpack near there and start putting the containers into it
"Human…souls?" Lena isn't sure how to react
"The very essence of your being…capturable after you die." Frisk said, "But don't worry, those people die of a natural cause, and I just kind of borrow their souls."
"What? Why?"
"Have you heard the legend of ?" Frisk asked
"Yes…didn't you get out there years ago?" Lena said in confusion
"Then you must hear about the monster…let me tell you, they are real."
Lena stands in shock…real?
"You are joking," Lena said in disbelief
"Do I look like I am…human created the barrier…in order to destroy the barrier, we need seven human souls, and I need to save my friends." Frisk signed "I know it may sound crazy to you, but Aster actually has a dad…he is down there, waiting for me. Now Aster is probably down there, too."
"Wait! So Aster…"
"Yes…do you still trust me?" Frisk said, awaiting for Lena's answer
"I…that's hard to believe, but I think I can. Aster can't have natural white hair, right? And his eyes, too." Lena said it is starting to make sense "Monster have magic, right? Is that why you can come back to life?"
"Sort of." Frisk said bluntly, carefully wearing the backpack "I will explain on the way, we don't have much time left."
Come one, the clock is ticking…
Hey! Not dead yet! Sorry, a lot!
Enjoy it anyway? Have a hard time writing it…the emotional and reaction…
Also, can someone help? I'm searching for a good UT Frans fanfiction or some good UT angst. Pls, they inspire me a lot, and also your support as well.
Thank you for sticking until now!