Being Human - Act I - Chapter 10
Frisk struggles to his feet and groans a rancid moan as he tries to regain his bearings after his stomach's egregious ordeal. It took an hour of spasms and fighting the urge to throw up for the turbulent storm of turmoil inside his stomach to be quelled. As Frisk straggles on his feet, his tummy throbs in pain, and finds it hard to believe he managed to make it through the hour without losing his lunch. Not that he would have mourned its lost.
"Feeling better, kid?" Sans says, sitting at the picnic table.
"My stomach is still not happy, but it's not punching or kicking me anymore. So that's a plus." Frisk gives Sans a reassuring smile and the honest truth. Sans convinced Papyrus that capturing him in this condition would have been cheating and unfair. To Frisk's surprise, Papyrus agreed and when he insisted on remaining behind with him, Sans reassured both of them that he would keep watch. Papyrus left, deciding to prepare his puzzles further ahead on the path.
While Sans never left the picnic table, a true bag of lazybones, Frisk appreciated having the skeleton's company during this tumultuous time. Regaling him with many skeleton puns and jokes to their shared amusement. "You'll be glad to know that skeletons can't get sick. You wouldn't stand our coffin." Sans says, giving Frisk a brief chuckle.
"Thanks, I would laugh, but tibia honest, I can't think of anything right now."
"Well, at least your sense of humor is healthy. So… what are you going to do now kid?" Sans leaves the table to approach Frisk.
"I should be getting along right now. Thanks for keeping me company while I got better."
"No problem, kid. Put her there." Sans sticks a hand out in midair as Frisk stares at it for a moment. The boney hand sends a shiver along Frisk's own bones. Despite knowing better, Frisk cannot shake this fear and nagging suspicion that comes with being in the skeleton's presence. A reminder of the ultimate fate for all humans.
If this is a trick or something, he's really putting in a lot of effort in hiding it. A lot more than his brother. But then again, he could have captured me at any chance. But he didn't. Frisk raises his arm; the burden grows lighter as he approaches Sans' hand to grab it. A mild electric zap channels through Frisk's arm, not painful in anyway, but shocking nonetheless.
"Heh heh. Sorry Kid, couldn't resist." Sans lifts his hand to reveal the joy buzzer. Despite the prank, Frisk finds the skeleton's joke and grin infectious, as a smile spreads across his face.
"Honestly, I should have seen it coming. Especially from you," Frisk shares a laugh with the skeleton monster.
Maybe he's the real deal and-! As Frisk shakes Sans' other hand, the chill in his bones spreads throughout his body, far more severe than any frostbite. What is this? Where is this coming from?! His body is like a piece of ice, as equally cold and fragile, and a single push is all it will take to shatter him into a million pieces. Frisk yanks his hand away and down to his side.
"Something wrong kid?" Sans says, Frisk tries to regain a sense of normalcy, but a piece of him refuses to cooperate, twisting his words and posture into a shaking mess.
"Ye-Yeah. Eve-Everything's fine. I-It's just too cold out here. D-do-don't suppose there's some place warm around here?"
"You're about halfway to Snowdin Town. It's the only town in all of Snowdin, everything else is just snow, snow, and more snow." Sans points to an undisclosed point in the distance.
"A Monster town? I don't know, is going there really a good idea? Won't that cause trouble?" Frisk says, his shrinking and cracking voice revealing his fear.
"Ah you worry too much kid. You should get a warm welcome as long as you play nice with everyone. Just stay on that path and you'll get there… eventually. But in order to get there, you'll have to get past my brother's puzzles." Frisk releases an annoyed sigh.
"Isn't there any way to avoid them?! I really just need to get out of this place."
"Sorry kid, but no deal. My bro put a lot of work into his puzzles, and I ain't gonna let him down. I know I said I would keep an eye socket out for ya, but I'm not going to turn my back on Paps either. Hope you understand that."
"Fine," Frisk rolls his eyes, not happy but unable to be angry either. He cannot blame Sans for choosing his brother as opposed to a human he has known for a few hours. Frisk turns around and travels a short distance until Sans speaks.
"Well I'll tell you this kid. My bro ain't the only monster out there. So take good care of yourself and remember, don't leave the path you've chosen." Frisk turns around to speak.
"But what if they-" Frisk stops as he spots Sans leaving the area, once again he proceeds in the opposite direction. "…want to capture me?" Frisk sighs as he leaves the area.
Other monsters. Frisk stops in place. He shudders as images and visions flash throughout his mind. Heinous heathens with insidious intentions and malicious methods to carry them out flood into his mind, and he finds himself cowering into a mental corner. Frisk slaps his face to snap himself back to reality.
"Gotta stop thinking about stuff like that. Otherwise, I'll drive myself crazy." Frisk takes a few deep breaths to calm and collect himself before resuming his journey.
The darkness and cold remain constant companions everywhere Frisk goes, like a bitter houseguest who refuses to leave and turn off the AC. And even if the air suddenly became tolerable, the dense darkness forces Frisk to tread slow and steady, anything beyond the reach of his shadow at dusk is concealed from his sight. The trees do the scenery no favors; their black bark and daunting height make for imposing and unwelcoming sights, like something out of a children's horror tale.
But if there is one thing Frisk wishes he could eliminate from the rest of his journey, it would be the breeze. The temperature drops by a mile every time it hits him in the face like dozens of small and sharp icicles. As tempting as it would be to stay and make camp, Frisk knows the sooner he leaves, the sooner he can escape the bitter cold and these monsters.
The path breaks apart into a large clearing and Frisk stops in the center. His eyes open with astonishment as his lottery numbers are called out with the sight before him. "Yes! This is just what I needed."
Frisk crawls onto his knees as a campfire made of dry stones and wooden logs sit in front of him. Frisk takes a box of matches and strikes one of the matches to make a gentle and small flame. Frisk tosses the lit match back into the box where it can ignite the other matches into a small inferno. He slides the box into the bed of dry leaves and blows on the flame to feed it. His efforts prove to be successful as the fire grows and spreads to consume the logs.
Frisk melts into a puddle of glee and joy as the heat digs into his sweater, flesh, and bones. Risking a first-degree burn, Frisk holds himself mere inches away from the campfire. The flames dance with flashes of red and orange that reflect brightly off his eyes, not that he minds. Snow around the campfire melts, and his concerns disappear to join it.
"Man, this is great! So warm and hot! Man, Toriel would probably hate this if she caught me this close to-. Oh yeah… Toriel." A pang of sadness strikes his heart as the fire embraces him with its presence like a warm hug.
I'm sorry, Toriel. You tried to warn me that the monsters would want to capture and take me away. You didn't want that to happen… but neither did I. I hope you can understand that, when Mom and I come back to see you. Everything will be fine once we're all together again. Frisk recalls the phone she gave him and he uses it to dial her number. The tone rings a few times until it picks up. Instead of her sweet voice, he hears strange annoying dog noises, much to his disappointment.
But what do they want from me? I just don't get it. Well, if I'm lucky, I won't have to-! " Frisk stumbles to his feet in realization of where he is and where this campfire came from. "...find out!"
As the light from the fire grows, the camp becomes more illuminated. The more he sees, the less he wants to know.
He is surrounded by five wooden sentry stations of various sizes, each one contains a wide range of weapons, armor, and personal possessions. There are countless bones scattered throughout the campsite; some whole, some broken, and some picked to the marrow. There are bowls along them, filled with a viscous red fluid as chucks of bones float around in them. The trees surrounding the camp have been stripped bare of their leaves, turning their branches into giant dead hands that reach out to entrap him.
"Time to go!" Frisk runs to the side of the campsite, to his relief there is an exit on both sides of this clearing. He grinds to a halt at the sight in the distance ahead of him.
There are four looming distant figures approaching him from down the path. Details are difficult to make out, but there is one small armored figure carrying a sword and shield. Two medium sized figures almost disappear into the darkness as they dress in black, only sticking out due to the axes hanging off their shoulders. And one hulking enormous monster that lumbers and towers over the rest of them by a considerable degree. They march down the path, coming towards Frisk in a deliberate and menacing manner.
Frisk runs back into the camp, frantically turning from side to side, searching for an exit. But there is only one option.
Well I've seen talking rocks, skeletons, and flowers. How bad could a wolf be at this point? Frisk prepares to charge into the forest, only for a pair of furry arms to wrap around him and pull him into a hairy chest.
"So you're the one who turned on our fire! And with my matches too!" Frisk struggles to escape, shaking and squirming to no avail. The monster holds him with a powerful grip, as sharp claws dig into his torso and add fuel to the panic storming inside Frisk. With regret, he shifts his head to gaze upon the monster.
He is a hairy wolf monster standing on hind legs, more than double the size of Frisk on his tippy toes. He wears a black eye mask that covers his face, leaving his eyes and muzzle exposed. Sharp teeth stick out from his mouth, and Frisk cannot look away from the canine fangs. It takes a strange blue glow for Frisk to learn about the hanging dagger at the Monster's hip. Yet the strangest is the pink shirt with a happy dog logo stamped on the torso of the monster.
"Wait?! You're a human! Oh my gosh the others are not gonna believe this! I've captured a human! Me, Doggo of all guards! I can't believe it! I-Ow!" Frisk bites into the monster's arm to force a release, now free Frisk runs off away from the wolf-dog monster.
"Don't think you can run human! I got you in my sights! No one gets away from the Snowdin Sentry Canine Unit!" The monster's words spur Frisk to run faster as he throws caution into the wind and charges into the forest. A howl sounds in the air from behind, followed by responding howls that go on to echo around him from every direction. Frisk frantically gasps for breath as he gazes over his shoulder. He panics as the monster charges at him with a dagger in paw, its blue blade glistens in the darkness.
"Run as fast as you want human. You can't get away from us now!"
So tired… Have to keep running… Can't stop… But so tired…. No! Have to keep going. Frisk picks up speed as he charges through the forest. Breaking speed barriers as he runs and breathes faster; ignoring everything except his need for escape. The stress numbs and the exhaustion passes as a feeling grows within Frisk, a feeling he is becoming more familiar with.
Frisk is filled with- SMACK!
Frisk never saw the branch coming until it slammed into his head like a broken hammer, sending him on a tumbling fall to the ground. Frisk groans as he lies on the ground. "So happy I don't wear glasses and- oh yeah!" Frisk lifts his head, but he does not dare budge an inch as the monster arrives and stands over him.
No! He caught me! This can't be happening! I can't go back to being trapped! Please, anything but that! Frisk remains alone in his thoughts and fears behind his shut eyes. Time passes as Frisk lies still upon the snowy ground. The chill hits his spine head on, but it comes in a distant second place to being captured. Even more time passes, so much time that Frisk finds it hard to believe that he is still here.
"Where are you human?! I know you're here because I can smell you. Can Humans really turn invisible?" Frisk bends his head towards the voice. He spots the monster searching for him as they give a thorough patrol of the area, despite him lying helplessly on the ground.
Can he really not see me? Frisk shifts his head to get a better look at the wolf-dog monster stammering around in search of him.
"There you are!" The monster pounces on Frisk with his glowing blue blade. With no time to react, Frisk buries his face inside his hands and becomes limp as a dead fish. He remains motionless, as the monster comes for him. After a few paralyzing moments that stretch far longer than they actually are.
"I can't believe it. Humans really can disappear! Undyne was right!" Frisk lifts his head and sees the monster's paws standing a few inches away from him. A faint blue hue covers him and illuminates the monster as he stands over Frisk.
He really can't see me. What is it too dark or something? Frisk thought on the edge of a razor blade. Against all odds, the monster is unable to see him, but all it will take is a single moment for that to change. And Frisk knows this monster does not work alone, and he is not interested in meeting his team mates.
"It was one job! We needed that human." Doggo frantically squeezes his head, an frustrated expression on his snout. "Ugh I really need a bone, but that darn kid used all my matches. My head feels like it's going to explode." The monster bangs their head with their paws, and Frisk cannot tear his eyes away, waiting for any escape opportunity.
"I just don't get it! I can smell the human; I know that they are here! What am I supposed to tell the others!?" When the monster turns around to scan his surroundings, Frisk leaps to his feet and stands perfectly still before he can complete the turn. To his relief, the monster does not react when they lock eyes with each other.
Wow, he really can't see me. Frisk thought as he waits for the wolf-dog monster to leave.
"I told them that I captured a real human! If I go back empty pawed, they'll kick me out!" His growing frustrations force the monster to grab onto his head as he paces in a circle. With the monster now mobile, Frisk follows as slowly and silently as he can to stay inside the monster's blind spot. Waiting for the best time to charge into the forest and never look back.
"Oh, no, what will Undyne say!? She'll kick me out for sure. I can't screw up again, I can't go back like this! Agh, my head hurts so much..." The monster sits on a snowbank and buries himself deep within thought. Frisk finds a golden opportunity, as the monster shuts their eyes tight and shoves their paws into their ears. Before Frisk sprints away, he spies the cringe and unease on the monster's face. The monster's pain shines clear as day in this faint blue aura emanating from the monster's knife.
"No bones, no human, and no job. What am I supposed to do?" Frisk approaches the monster and lifts his hand, taking special care that he can freeze on demand. The closer his arm comes to the monster, the slower and heavier it becomes. Frisk almost has to shut his own ears to silence the piece of him that shouts 'Flee' at him.
Frisk reaches Doggo and pets and scratches his head. Once that is done, Frisk returns his hand to his side and becomes motionless. He does not move an inch or muscle as he holds his breath, not easy as his heart is ready to leap out of his chest. Doggo responds by shaking his head with his tongue hanging freely, desperate to find the mythical and invisible source of the pet.
"Pet! I've been Pet! Someone pet me! To be pet by nothing; I really liked it! Oh my gosh! How is that possible?!" To Frisk's relief, Doggo does not register his presence and turns around away from Frisk. With another perfect opportunity in hand, Frisk casts his fear aside and takes advantage of this chance.
"There it is again! Someone is petting me, and without being there! We can get invisible pets on our heads! This is even better than finding a human! I have to tell the others about this!" With that Doggo runs and leaves Frisk behind, where he breathes a large sigh of relief and his nerves welcome the cold air for the first time.
Wow I can't believe that actually happened, and that it worked too. Guess he was just a big silly doggy. Well, every dog needs their day. Frisk finally leaves the area as he returns to the woods, eager to find the path before the other monsters find him. He makes his way through what seems to be an endless sea of snow and trees.
"Man, that was real close. Okay, just gotta find my way back to the path before they can find me. I got a feeling that the rest of them are not going to be-." Frisk stops in his steps and takes a heavy gulp. "-that easy."
Frisk lets out a gasp and falls into a nervous sweat as his mind struggles to accept the challenging sight standing before him. A monster of both small stature and size, but one whom wields a shield and sword in each paw. The shield is almost as large as their body and with a sharp short sword, prime and ready for battle. Even in this darkness, the grey tint of their armor and helmet stands out thanks to the icy snow that glistens white, a shine that becomes all the clearer as the monster approaches Frisk.
"A real-life knight in shining armor, and at night too. I'm guessing you won't let me pass-." Frisk doesn't get a chance to finish as he ducks to avoid a swing of the sword. Frisk tries to sidestep the monster, but they are quick on their feet and raise the shield to block his progress. Frisk is forced into a dance of complex maneuvers and evasions as he dodges the monster's attacks, in a series of jabs, swings, and parries.
They swing hard and firm at him, forcing Frisk to stay on the run to dodge the strikes with his elusive movements. In spite of the high fail rate, the monster is unrelenting in their assault upon him. Every move Frisk makes is either a response to a sword swing or an escape attempt is blocked by the shield. Despite the weight of the armor and weaponry, the monster keeps pace with Frisk even if their sword cannot. No matter what Frisk does, the monster is already there, waiting for him.
"Stop looking at me like that!" Frisk shouts at the monster. The helmet covers the monster's head, yet Frisk can tell this monster does not suffer from whatever visual impairment Doggo suffers from. It is the only explanation for how the monster is able to keep pace with him. Frisk could only imagine what terrifying and monstrous sight hides beneath that helmet. All he has is the piercing stare emerging from the black slot in the helmet's mouthpiece.
Darn it! What the heck am I supposed to do? I can't get past this creep. And while he can't hit me, all he has to do is keep me here until his buddies show up. The monster raises the sword high above their head and brings it down upon Frisk. Frisk falls down to the ground as the sword crashes in between his legs. The impact and force of the collision knocks the helmet off and Frisk can now look upon the face of this monster.
"Arf! Arf!" This lesser dog barks, as their frowning furry white head emerges with two pointed ears.
"Aww! You're so cute! That's just- AAHH!" Frisk rolls to the side as the monster swings the sword forward in a wide arc. As usual, it is slow and blunt, allowing for Frisk to evade it with ease, but all it takes is one hit to finish him. Frisk gets on his feet and retreats to take centerfold with the monster standing in front of him.
Okay you're a dog too. But I guess your bite is way worse than your bark. But how am I…? Wait a second… Frisk notices the sad look in their eyes and pouting frown. Despite being a monster, they are still a dog. There is something wrong with seeing a dog in pain, it makes the fight and everything else disappear in an instant within Frisk.
"You're not happy, are you?"
"Arf?" They reply in earnest. His response seems to have taken them off guard.
"But there's one thing that I know about every dog." Frisk grabs a pile of snow into his hands and rolls it together as the lesser dog looks on with intense curiosity.
"Here, boy; I got something for ya!" Frisk holds a snowball in front of the dog while the monster looks on confusedly.
"Ummm… Here, girl?" That gathers her attention as she stares at Frisk and the snow ball with great excitement.
"Arf! Arf!" Her eyes doubling in size and tongue panting heavily.
"Come on! Who's a good girl? You are! You are! So go and get the ball!" Frisk throws the ball high into the air and over the lesser dog's head. In a second, her neck stretches 8 feet into the air where she catches it in her mouth. She proceeds to play and chew on the snow in her mouth.
Okay I'm just going to ignore how creepy that is. Frisk makes another snow ball before her attention can return back to her sword and shield and the task at hand.
"Here Girl! You want the ball, right? Come and get it!" She extends her neck towards Frisk as she attempts to acquire the snowball from him. Frisk is forced to juggle the ball in-between his hands to keep it away from her. It is not easy as her neck limits his movements and she moves at a speed that far surpasses the swing of her sword. Frisk tantalizes her by scratching her furry, warm head.
"Yeah, that's right! You don't want to fight, girl! You want to play! Isn't that right, girl?"
"Arf! Arf!" She pursues the snowball with greater attention, dropping her sword and shield to Frisk's satisfaction. Their fight now a playful duel over control of the snowball as Frisk becomes entangled within her elongated neck. Frisk must admit her excitement has an infectious quality as his own eagerness rises, although he preferred the warmth coming from her furry head and neck.
But all good things must come to an end.
"You want the ball! Don't ya, girl? Well, go and play fetch!" With her neck surrounding Frisk, she is unable to retrieve the snowball as Frisk tosses it into some distant place deep inside the forest. She returns to her body and runs off to find the snowball in a flash of white and grey. Frisk runs in the opposite direction, needing every second he can get to put distance between the two of them while she stays entertained. Frisk runs until he needs to stop and catch his breath, confident that the dog is far behind him.
The first one said "Canine Unit", and both of them were dogs, so all of them must be dogs! Aw, man, I always wanted a dog. I don't want to fight dogs! I love dogs! But why are we even fighting at all? I don't understand any of this. Frisk braces himself against a tree to support and steady himself.
You said "other monsters", Sans. You really weren't kidding. Would have been nice if you gave me some help or something. So much for that eye socket. Guess I'm all on my own out here. Well, hopefully I won't have to meet the other...!"-dogs!" Frisk shouts as the tree he was leaning against falls to the ground, landing with a thunderous crash besides him.
"Okay, I don't remember having super strength?" Frisk says and shoves his hands inside his ears. Luckily, this shields his hearing from the second tree that falls and crashes to the ground behind him. Frisk leaps into air in shock as both trees slam onto the ground, breaking the snow with their impact to reveal the dirt underneath. Their prickly branches are rough to the touch as they surround him on every side, entrapping Frisk in-between their sizable trunks.
"Prepare yourself Human!" A voice says.
"For it shall do you no good." Another voice says.
"To loyally safeguard the monsters of Snowdin Forest."
"In service to the Kingdom of Monsters and his Royal Majesty."
"To Retrieve and Capture the Final Human."
"And to reach the Surface once and for all!"
"For we are the Canine Sentry Force! Both voices say in unison.
Two figures emerge on top of the trees. They are dressed in black body suits, which enable them to blend in with the surrounding darkness. Even from this short distance, it is difficult for Frisk to see fine details as they appear to be black blobs in this darkness. There are two details that stick out and let Frisk know where they are: the white snouts that stick out of their hoods and the mighty battle axes in their paws. Frisk runs down the middle space between the trees towards the opening at the other side.
His path is blocked as one monster drops down in front of him, the axe held in their paws. Frisk staggers at the impressive weapon, the blade alone is the size of his head and the strength to carry them and cut down these trees must have been far greater. A collision sounds off behind him, and Frisk sees the other monster repeated the same action on the opposite side. Cutting off both exits to him, he stands in-between these trees filled with fright as the monsters approach.
"I must admit human, you gave us quite the chase. But the game is over. You cannot hide from our noses." The monster says as he points to his snout. "Come along with us to Undyne and there will be no troub-."
"Oh, Dogamy sweetie. The human is so adorable! And he's a child too. Doesn't he remind you of the little munster's child?" She says as she brings her paw to her mouth, lifting her hood to reveal her puppy dog face with her floppy ears and large eyes.
"Dogaressa, my dear! You have to stay focused! You know what Undyne has told us about the humans!" Dogamy says.
"Oh I know, but I can't help it. Just look at him, I want to pinch his puny little cheeks." She says in a sweet voice while wielding her battle axe.
"Please stay focused. We need to capture the human for Undyne."
"But he's just a child. Why, with the right amount of hair, he could be a pup! Can't you imagine it?" She cheers with excitement, bringing her paws to cuddle her face.
"This is hardly the time or place, dear." Dogamy exposes his doggy face, older and more refined with a goatee of sorts on his chin.
"It could be if you wanted it. We received approval a while back and you still hesitate."
"You already know why. Which is why we have to capture this human-! Wait where did he go?!" They look down at the empty space where Frisk once stood.
Meanwhile, Frisk buries himself within the prickly branches of the evergreen tree as he climbs over it to reach the other side. Not an easy task, these trees have lived for decades if their height and thickness is any indication. Every needle from the tree digs into him as they scratch and cut into him and the thick sap from the tree clogs his face and nose, making the process as difficult as possible. As he reaches the peak of the tree, he's almost at freedom when two paws reach out and grab his legs.
"No! Let me Go!"
"Sorry, human, but that is not going to happen."
"Please come with us quietly, human. Don't make this harder than it has to be." Both monsters pull Frisk back from the tree while he holds onto the tree with a death grip. Even with all his strength, his grip slips as the two monsters far outmatch his might. Frisk falls away as his hand slips from a branch to its tips, and soon even that will be lost.
No! I can't be captured! They'll put me away! I'll be trapped again! I won't be able to find… Mom! Frisk closes his eyes as he puts their hold out of his mind, remaining focused on the branches of the tree; his freedom. No! I won't let you take me away!
Frisk kicks both paws off of him in a single motion, throwing the both of them back. Frisk grabs branch after branch to ascend the tree in record time, putting all the stings and sap away until he reaches the peak and tumbles to the other side. Frisk pants as he stumbles face first unto the snowy dirty ground.
"I miss Sans and Papyrus, at least they would throw me a bone." Frisk gets up to sit upon his knees.
"Nice try Human! Run all you like, but you can't hide from our noses!" Frisk panics as he gets up to run, slipping back to the ground due to the exposed mud far beneath the snow. Frisk slams his fists into the ground in frustration.
No! I don't need this right now! I have to- wait a sec. Frisk sniffs the dirt. It has a damp earthy smell as frost sizzles off from it. This is exactly what I need… Why does this have to be what I need?! Frisk casts his hygiene needs away as he rolls and digs himself into the exposed dirt, bathing himself in earthy and snowy stench from head to toe.
"There better be a bathroom here somewhere." Frisk pinches his nose.
"There you are Human!" Frisk does not look to see who said that, sprinting off into the forest as fast as his legs can carry him.
Their chase reaches deep and far into the forest as Frisk flees from the two monsters. His head start and their heavy battle axes are enough to keep Frisk ahead of them, but as his muscles start to ache and sore, he knows his lead will not last for long. Not helping is that their black body suits are ideal to conceal their presence in the darkness. Once he loses them, he won't find them again until they find him. The constant thumping echo of their footsteps is the only sign that they remain in pursuit.
Man, I really hope this trick works. Frisk halts his sprint and retraces some of his steps, taking special care that his steps fall within his existing snow prints. He walks to a tree, wiping away the new prints that he leaves behind as he goes. Frisk climbs into the tree to hide among its branches. He wraps his arms tightly around the trunk. The sap contributes to disguising his scent, and he hopes it will conceal him from the monsters.
It does not take long until he is no longer alone as they stop and stand beneath the tree that Frisk clings to as if the tree were suspended over an active volcano.
"His tracks stop here! But where did he go? Can humans truly turn invisible?"
"I don't know, sweetie. Undyne has said that humans can do many things."
"Well, he can't hide from our noses. Sniff for his scent: Rotten wet wood, barley & smokey tobacco, with a hint of asbestos…" The two monsters take heavy whiffs as Frisk sweats up in the tree. For once, he is thankful that it will freeze in the cold air; the last thing he needs is his own perspiration to give him away. Until then all he can do is just wait until they find him or they don't.
"Perhaps we were being too rough on him," Dogaressa says.
"We had to, my dear. He never would have come with us willingly," Dogamy replies.
"He's still a child. Barely younger than any pup. Must we really do this?" She says, with assertion this time.
"A human child. You know the law: all humans that fall down must be given over to King Asgore. Besides, better with us than with Undyne."
King Asgore, Miss Toriel told me that name. So he's the one in charge and it's law that I have to be captured! And just for being a Human! What the heck is wrong with this place?! I haven't done anything wrong! Frisk thought hanging in the tree, careful not to stir around too much from his noisy thoughts. Even if his scent is hidden, the sounds of his movements are not.
"I know. But now that I've met one and one so young… I just don't know if I can." Silence passes between both of them, but it is impossible not to miss the somberness of her words. It peaks Frisk's curiosity, and he hones his ear to listen to their conversation. When that fails, he shifts to a tree branch that hovers over Dogamy and Dogaressa. Frisk makes his steps so small that a baby would say that he is moving too slowly, not that they would complain in his shoes.
"Why does this bother you so much, sweetie?"
"When we have pups of our own, how can I look at them knowing what my 'help' did to another child? Even a human one... What would they say about us if they learned the truth?" Dogamy sighs as he walks to Dogaressa and grabs her shoulders.
"I know how you feel. This isn't easy for me, either. But don't you want our pups to see the sun sinking into the horizon, the moon rising to take its place in a starry sky? They'll be the first monsters on the surface to know them, and not just from legends or fake props in the air. Don't you want that for them?"
"Yes. I do. So very much. I just wish there was another way." Frisk sees Dogamy give a gentle but reassuring hug to Dogaressa, he notices that they have dropped their axes to the ground and remove their face masks. As expected, they are white in fur with large pointed ears, but small cute black noses sitting on their snouts.
Frisk spies as they take the moment to nuzzle together with tender affection. There are tears in their eyes as they reminisce on their words and on each other.
Wow... So that's what it looks like. Frisk gazes on with stunned astonishment at the sight of the lovely doggy couple. It satisfies a curiosity that he did not know he had, it fills him with guilt for eavesdropping on this private moment, and even more surprising brings a tear to his eye and an ache deep within his heart. In the end, Frisk decides to take a risk.
"Uhh! You didn't have to pet me." They say and separate from each other in surprised unison.
"Wait? Can dogs pet other dogs?" Dogamy asks.
"I never thought of it," Dogaressa replies.
The two of them proceed to pet and stroke each other's heads. The act fills them with delight and excitement as their pets become intense and heavy. Like a trance, they become engrossed with their discovery. Finally, they pick up their axes.
"We must tell the others about this revelation!" The two of them run away from the area, leaving it empty. Once enough time passes that Frisk feels content and safe, he climbs down the tree and returns to the ground.
They really are good dogs. But to see the sun? What is that supposed to mean? I wish I could ask them… but I don't think they're in the right mood to answer me. Maybe when I run into Sans again… he's got a lot to explain. Frisk leaves in the opposite direction that the dogs left.
It takes time and effort, but Frisk is able to return to the path with a heavy sigh of relief. Secure in the dirt and filth that covers his body, he decides to take comfort in the fact that his scent is hidden from the canine squad. Frisk follows the path as it takes him out of the forest and into a large, open field that sits alongside an expansive and large stone cliff; it sits like a tall wall that breaks the forest in half through sheer elevation. Luckily the path follows a stairway that climbs into the sky, connecting the forest and cliff together.
"Holy cow, how big is this place?!" Frisk shouts as he nervously stares across the open field. Anyone would stick out like a massive sore thumb in this field of snow, and now there's no tree cover to hide him or to block out the limited light from above. This increase in visibility brings Frisk some comfort now that he can see the horizon, but it also comes with a warning.
Even with his scent hidden, it would be easy pickings for him to be spotted by the canine force or some random monster. Although now the earthy and muddy smell reaches Frisk's nose, he finds it hard to resist the temptation to clean himself up. The ice that clings to him like frost does not make the ordeal any more comfortable.
"This is what I need." Frisk approaches a large snow puff in the ground near the tree line, picking up piles of cold snow and rubbing between his hands to melt it. He uses the melted water to wash away the dirt and wipes away the moisture before it can freeze. He does it in small quantities, since the last thing he wants is hypothermia. Frisk removes a significant portion of the dirt away from his body and wipes his face under his striped sweater. He digs into his eyes to remove any lingering trace of dirt and frost.
"Okay at least that's finally- When did I become 15 feet tall?!" Frisk speaks in shock as the ground sinks further away from him. In a fright, Frisk slides down along the side of this armor and falls to the ground where he lands on his butt. Frisk is unable to turn around or to charge forward as two heavy paws reach down and grab him.
Oh no, not this again! Please don't see me! Please don't see me! Frisk thought as the two enormous white paws casually pick him up with no effort. The paws turn him around to bring Frisk face to face with the final member of the Canine Sentry Force.
"Woof! Woof!" Barks the enormous snow-covered dog monster and that word is putting it lightly. He surpasses Toriel and Papyrus with his height and has the bulk to match. If Frisk was standing on the ground, he wouldn't be able to reach the monster's torso. A torso so big that he could hide inside and no one would be none the wiser. The monster would have no problem carrying three clones of Frisk arm to arm and he knows his weight poses no issue to this monster.
"Hi!" Frisk says with a nervous smile as he stares at this enormous, brutish monster with a goofy smile and hanging tongue. Ironically enough, the monster's head is comically small when compared to the rest of their body.
"Woof! Woof!" The monster barks in his face, the volume at this close proximity makes it all the louder.
"And your bark is definitively worse than your bite… At least I hope it is." The monster takes Frisk in his grasp, walking back the path into the forest, carrying Frisk like a case of luggage.
"Hey! Put me down!" Frisk squirms in place as he tries to escape, but the monster is able to overpower him with ease. As hard as Frisk struggles, he cannot break the hold of the monster. The only comfort Frisk finds is the warmth that comes from his paws and the lack of any crushing pressure, since the monster carries him with a gentle grip.
Well, this is just great! I'm literally being be taken back to square one! What was he even doing here- "Wait a second." Frisk notices the many undistributed snow puffs in the field. When he retraces their steps he spots the snow puff he was using to clean himself, now broken and destroyed. Frisk looks at the monster, their body and armor covered by snow in certain places.
Oh… you didn't find me… I found you. Frisk's heart sinks deep into his chest, until another light bulb turns on in his head and he slips his hand into his sleeve to grab something.
"Hey, Doggy. I got something for you." This Greater Dog shifts Frisk in front of his face with their large goofy smile and hanging tongue. Despite the warmth that comes from his large furry hands, it pales in comparison to the look on his face as it radiates heat and happiness with his smile alone. Frisk raises his hands and his sleeve drops to reveal the stick he picked up in the Ruins.
"Here Boy. You like this don't ya! You just wanted to nap till I came along. So how about a stick instead?!" Frisk wags the stick in his hand which excites this Greater Dog, as he follows the movements of the stick and hangs his panting tongue.
"You want the stick, don't ya? Well, go and play fetch!" Frisk throws the stick into the distance. Instead of dropping him on the ground, as Frisk expected, the Greater Dog places Frisk around his neck. Frisk instinctively grabs the monster's furry head to balance himself as the dog grabs his legs to keep him secure.
"Whoa! Take it easy! This is not what I…! Not what I… Oh my gosh, this is so fun!" Frisk says as he rides atop of the charging dog who chases after the stick. The air flows through his hair and sweater, his blood rushes from excitement, and Frisk sticks his own tongue out as he cheers from joy and glee. When the greater dog retrieves the stick, he returns it to Frisk. Frisk wastes no time throwing the stick again as the Greater dog takes him for a ride throughout the open field.
The Greater Dog charges along the side of the cliff. Frisk takes the opportunity to rub his fingers along the side of the rocky wall, the risk and danger excites him as his hand scarps against the side of the wall. When the Greater Dog runs back into the field, the ride does not lose its momentum or velocity. Every time the Greater Dog returns the stick to Frisk, he throws it harder and further away. The thrill is like riding a motorcycle and it never loses its effect as Frisk and the Greater Dog take delight in this chase.
They do it again… and again… and again… and again. Both of them are lost in their frivolous affair. Neither want it to end.
"Rocky!" Frisk and Rocky stop as the rest of the Canine Sentry Force arrive in a line to overlook the two of them. Rocky whines as he places Frisk upon the ground and leaves to join the others. They surround Frisk, leaving him with no way to escape as his back brushes against the hard-stone wall. Frisk picks up the stick from the ground as he confronts them.
"Okay, Human. You let us all on a merry chase, but the game is over. Please come along with us quietly and no one has to get hurt." Dogamy commands as Frisk pats the stick against his hand.
"I don't think any of you want to fight me. I mean all of you are just dogs. We're supposed to be best friends. Am I wrong?" The canine squad remains silent, until Dogaressa speaks.
"You're right Human. We don't want to fight you." She says and holds a paw over her heart.
"Arf! Arf!" Ilsa The Lesser Dog says in agreement, Rocky the Greater Dog casts his head down in guilt, and Doggo cannot bring himself to look at Frisk.
"Please, just let me go. I haven't done anything wrong and I promise that I won't do anything bad! I just want to go back home. Can you please let me go?" Frisk can see that his words stroke accord with the other members. They either do not know or don't try to conceal their guilt. The exception is Dogamy who remains stolid and defiant with a battle axe in paw.
"I'm sorry, human, but we can't do that. None of us can do that. As long as you are down here, we have to capture you. Even if we agreed to let you go, others will take our place. I do not know what brought you here, but it was a mistake." The words hit Frisk's heart and deal more damage than any axe ever could.
"But why?! Why do I have to be captured?! What do you all want from me?!" Frisk demands an answer from them with tears in his eyes, no longer caring if they freeze to his face. None of them have the courage to answer… except Dogamy.
"Because this is the only way that we can go back home. I am so very sorry for this Human." Dogamy speaks in a broken voice, he pauses and commands. "This is the kingdom of Monsters. And by the authority invested in me, you will be taken to King Asgore."
At this point, the axe is no longer necessary. The words alone bring Frisk to his knees as he realizes the enormity of the task before him. The whole of the Underground will wage war against him for the crime of being human. The sum total of his experiences with Monsterkind thus far left him stunned and torn in half. From the kindness of Toriel to the maliciousness of Flowey, he now sees with his own eyes where Monsterkind stands as Dogamy picks up his axe. "Now please come along quietly with us, there does not have to be a fight today."
Frisk sighs with disappointment as Dogamy approaches him. Meanwhile, Dogaressa looks on with fear in her eyes before turning her gaze to others as they all nod together.
"Well… I guess there's nothing left to say." Frisk chooses to surrender, deciding it would be better to not fight now and to flee another day, preferably before he meets these Undyne or Asgore people. Frisk raises his hands into the air with the stick in hand and his heart sinks to the bottom of his chest.
Frisk and Dogamy are startled as Dogaressa, Doggo, Rocky, and Ilsa howl with all of their vocal might. Their howls soar into the air where they collide into the accumulated snow and ice along the sides of the cliff. Their chorus of howling is enough to trigger a small avalanche. It comes crashing and tumbling down the side of the cliff with the sound of thunder towards the assembled crowd.
"What have you all done!?" Dogamy shouts.
"Saving you. Now let's go, my dear! Please!" Dogaressa pleads with urgency in her voice.
"Not without the human! We have to take him to-!" The stick goes flying in the air as it soars to a safe place far from the avalanche's danger zone. Following their canine instincts the dogs charge after the stick to retrieve it, ensuring that they will all be safe and sound. Before Dogamy can give into his instincts, he takes one final look at Frisk. His arm extended and hand empty, his one and only weapon abandoned, in order to save this band of dogs.
"Thank you human." Dogamy leaves as the avalanche of snow plummets, leaving Frisk free and with a smile on his face. The avalanche is small in its size, but not lacking in power as it comes crashing down over Frisk. Having no time to think or waste, Frisk flees as far and fast as he can. He spots a cave opening at the bottom of the cliff, and he charges towards it with all of his might. He moves with a power beyond what he can muster alone.
Frisk is Filled with Determination.
His legs lose all their weariness and exhaustion, as Frisk powers through faster than he ever has before. With moments to spare before the snow hits the ground, Frisk throws himself inside the opening of the cave. He falls within the safety of the cave as the snow hits the ground, burying & blocking the opening under an avalanche of thick snow. Frisk manages to evade the impact and force of the collision unharmed as he lays sprawled on the ground, tired and beaten, but alive and in one piece.
It is now he realizes the reality of his new situation.
"So now I'm trapped Underground… in the Underground. That's just great."