Chapter 19: The Meeting
Okay, okay, breathe. There is nothing to fear. It is just a meeting, so why am I nervous? This is what I signed up for, right? The fate of all monsters rests in my hands, and I will not let them down. I shake off the last of my nerves and exit through the side of the mountain; the location of the barrier that trapped the monsters underground for many years. I will make sure that they can leave this terrible place.
As we come face-to-face with President Bennett, the guards take a step back, giving us privacy.
To avoid the awkward silence that I could feel arise, I quickly take initiative and start the conversation.
"Greetings, President Bennett. I am so glad that you could make it."
He looks down to me, his eyes glowing at my change of appearance.
"Hello, Ambassador Frisk. You look like you are ready to get down to business," he responds with a smile.
After a brief handshake, he turns his attention to Asgore.
"Greetings, I am President Kyle Bennett. I am the one that you could say is in charge of the country."
"Hello, I am Asgore Dreemurr. I am the king of all the monsters. I am glad that we could meet in person," Asgore responds professionally.
"Me too, shall we dive right in then. I don't mean to sound so pushy, I just have a busy schedule," the President responds.
"I understand. As a leader of your people, I am sure that there is a lot to do."
Asgore looks over to me and nods as a sign for me to jump in.
"If you could follow me, I will lead you into our meeting room," I jump in.
The human, the monster, and all the guards follow me into the castle and into the meeting room. The guards take their positions around the perimeter of the room while the three of us take a seat at the table.
"This is a lovely place," President Bennett compliments, "everything here looks amazing."
Asgore responds, "Thank you. The castle has been here ever since we became trapped. Frisk was the one that added the extra detailing and small touches to this room to make sure everything looks professional for our meet."
The President directs his attention to me, "And you did an excellent job. Shall we get down to business?"
"Yes," I respond, "If I may begin."
He nods, approving my request to begin.
"The main reason we wanted to communicate with you is that there is a threat to people about monsters living on the surface. As I told you in our first meeting, monsters and humans were at war many years ago and went on after the death of the king and queen's children. Now that the barrier has been shattered, monsters can finally leave this place where they have been trapped. We could have left as soon as the barrier was gone, but with conversations with King Asgore, we decided it was best if you were informed of what was happening and to prevent any conflicts that may arise from the monsters regaining their freedom."
King Asgore adds to the conversation.
"The last time a monster was free on the surface, they came back with numerous wounds from the humans attacking them. I witnessed them die before my own eyes. I could not bear to see any more monsters have the same fate because they have been freed."
I continue.
"Basically, what we would like is some sort of protection. If all the monsters in the Underground just get up and leave and roam the surface, humans may think of it as an invasion and attack them. We don't want war. We have had enough of the fighting between humans and monsters. What we want is to ensure the protection of monsters on the surface."
President Bennett takes a moment to recollect. Shortly after, he begins to negotiate.
"To reiterate what you said, you want protection for monsters because you are afraid of the violence that could occur if monsters came to the surface."
"Correct," I answer.
"Why don't you stay here then. You are practically guaranteed protection here, aren't you?"
King Asgore winces at the comment. I quickly argue the statement.
"Monsters have been trapped here. Of course, they were guaranteed protection. That was because they were trapped in here like prisoners. They don't want to be down here anymore. They want to feel the sun's rays. They want to feel the cool breeze and experience the different seasons of the year. They want to look up at the stars at night. None of that exists here. There are no sunsets to admire. There are no stars to stare at during the night. They want to be free."
"Okay, so you want monsters to live with humans," the President concluded.
"Yes, we want monsters to live with humans and ensure that no war or hate will flood them. Just think of it as hate crimes. There are people who hurt others because they are different than them or have a hatred of their kind. The same thing can be applied for monsters. Someone can try to hurt them just because they are not human. We want everyone to be safe."
"And what about King Asgore? What will happen with your power if you were to live among humans?"
He responds, "I would most likely take away my king status. My goal is to protect and lead the monsters. If all goes well, the monsters don't need a king anymore. Although, they would still need someone to guide them if something were to happen to monsters, but that would most likely go to Frisk. As a human, she can work with your council to ensure the protection of everyone. She can lead the monsters because that is what she is doing now."
A smile forms across my lips. I never thought he would say that I could lead the monsters from now on. That is huge…and a big responsibility.
"So, we can agree that Ambassador Frisk is the way to relay information between humans and monsters by adding her to our council?" President Bennett asks.
"Yes," Asgore answers, "she can learn information regarding laws about living on the surface and can relay that to the monsters. Most likely, monsters will not follow you. That is not out of hate, but more about trust. Because humans and monsters have been at war for so long, it is hard for monsters to trust a human. However, they trust Frisk. She has done so much to help us, and they would feel most comfortable with her relaying information to them. Maybe after everything settles down and monsters adjust to their new lives, they will admire the work you have done to keep them there. As of now, Frisk is the only human they can trust."
"That is understandable. With that war going on for so long, I can understand why they wouldn't want a human controlling them. I agree that Ambassador Frisk should continue the role she is currently in and work with me and the other members of the council to ensure the safety and protection of monsters," Bennett responds with a smile.
"Thank you," I reply, "The monsters have put their trust in me, and I have not let them down. I will keep doing what it takes to ensure their freedom and safety."
President Bennett takes out a sheet of paper and begins writing down terms of freedom and peace.
"So here is what I can do for you," President Bennet speaks while writing, "You are free to leave this mountain and live among the humans, but there are some rules that must be followed. First, they should all be kind towards humans. Humans can't be kind to monsters if they are not kind back to them. That should be easy, considering all the good things I have been told about the monsters here. Secondly, they are to use the same currency as we do. I'm sure you have something similar here, but to make it easier, we will create a care package to every monster to help them easily adjust to their life outside of the mountain. Thirdly, we will establish laws that will protect monsters, but you must follow our laws that are already in place. To make it simple, don't do any rash actions such as stealing, killing, and all that stuff. Lastly, I would not like to have massive gatherings of monsters because it could be considered a threat by humans and an easy target for an attack. Do you agree with these terms or have any counter negotiations?"
"I have one," I jump in.
"Go ahead, Ambassador," the President acknowledges my request.
"I would like the press to be minimal. From my experience with humans, I'm sure you can agree too President Bennett, but the press and media can over-dramatize stories to make it sound worse than it actually is. For example, if something happens to a monster, the media could put it out to be like the monsters are taking over the world. I know you cannot control stuff like freedom of speech and freedom of press, but I would like to ask to keep that attention away from monsters as much as possible."
"Hmm, I'm not sure if I can do much about that. No matter what, there is always a good side and a bad side to the media. I'm sure that there are many that will admire the changes and welcome monsters to the surface, whereas others will possible endanger everyone. I will see what I can do. I am planning on making a public announcement about this if that is alright with you. I can tell everyone not to fear and compliment the monsters and their warm welcome to me for this meet."
"That would be great. Informing the people right away will be the best option. I know that there will be thousands, if not millions of people that will be against monsters, but there is only a handful of us. There aren't near as many of monsters than there are humans. If this goes the wrong way, it could endanger the lives of every single monster that is with us," I conclude.
As I finish, President Bennett sets his pen down and slides a paper over to me.
"Here are the terms that I wrote down. I will make an official one when I get back to the office."
I carefully look at the terms ensuring that everything that he mentioned was listed. You never know what the fine print will say, so it's best to read it over carefully. After proofreading it…multiple times, everything looks in order. I grab a pen and sign one of the lines that requires a signature. I pass the paper over to Asgore and he signs on the line next to it. After handing the paper back to the President, he quickly signs the paper and hands it off to one of his assistants.
"It is settled then. I am glad that we could come to an agreement. I will inform the council…including you Ambassador Frisk, as well as make a public statement about the news. I will inform you shorty about when it is okay to begin that transition. As for now, begin packing. It shouldn't take any longer than a couple days before everything is all settled. I will contact you when everything is ready."
"Thank you, President Bennett," I respond.
"Thank you, Ambassador, and thank you King Dreemurr for your hospitality. I am looking forward to a positive relationship between humans and monsters," the President thanks while standing.
The three of us along with the guards walk back to the exit of the mountain where President Bennett takes his leave.
"You did excellent, Frisk," Asgore breaks the silence, "I know the monsters will be in good hands with you at the helm."
"Thanks Dad."
*A couple days later*
After spending the last few days packing and getting ready to head to the surface, I receive a call from President Bennett.
Hello, ambassador. Sorry for bothering you, but we would like to have you here for the statement that I am going to make. Do you think you can make it?
"Can I make a call really quick and call you back? I need to make sure that I have a way to get there."
If you are concerned about transportation, do not worry. I will have a ride sent your way to pick you up.
"Excellent, I will be there then."
Great, I will see you soon.
After the call ends, I rush over to Asgore and Toriel to tell them about the news.
"I hate to leave on short notice, but President Bennett wants me to be there for the statement he is going to make about monsters."
Toriel smiles, "Oh, don't you worry, my child. I know that things come up on short notice."
"Your mother is right," Asgore adds, "you have an important job. We will be fine until you get back."
I hug both of them as I prepare for my early departure.
Later, I get a call from an unknown number.
"Hello?" I answer the call.
Ambassador Frisk, my name is Evan. I was sent by President Bennett to escort you to the meeting.
"Great, I will be out shortly."
With final goodbyes, I exit the mountain and jump inside the black vehicle. On the front hood of the car, there are two miniature flags that shows the country's colors. Don't worry, the driver even showed me his government ID, so I know he is my driver. Eventually, we arrive at the President's house, where there is a podium that rests on top of a stage. Sitting right there are numerous people with large cameras. This is big. My sudden arrival drew some interest from the people, as they don't know who I am. As I step out of the vehicle, I am bombarded with a few press workers asking questions about who I am and what purpose I have in the government. I am wearing the same dress I wore a few days ago for the meeting with the President, so I stand out like a sore thumb. I bet they are surprised to see an 11-year-old girl in a dress with the delta rune emblem on the center that just walked out of a vehicle used for high-powered people. A couple service members hold them back as I am escorted inside the building. I am led into a meeting room where four other adults are present. One of them is President Bennett.
"Ah, Ambassador Frisk, I am glad that you could make it."
I give him a short handshake and turn my attention to the other people in the room. I recognize another face in the room, Matilda. President Bennett speaks so everyone in the room could hear.
"Attention everyone, this is Frisk. She is the ambassador for monsters, and we will be working together a lot to ensure their safety, freedom, and protection."
Matilda walks up to me and lowers to my height.
"Welcome, Frisk. I am excited to see that everything is going smoothly. How do you feel?"
"I feel great. The monsters are packing their things and President Bennet, King Asgore, and I have worked out an agreement. I'm feeling pretty good about how things are going."
"That's excellent, keep up the good work. Oh, and if you need a place to stay, feel free to let me know. I know that Charlie has been going nuts ever since he met a monster for the first time."
Our conversation is interrupted as two more members approach me.
"Hello, I am Mikah. I am one of the members on the council. This here is my colleague, Cornelius. We work together on most things, so double the agreement will make it easy to keep things moving."
The two of them working together will make it hard to earn approval if they are against it. They seem somewhat bothered by my presence. Could it be that I am only 11? Or that I am representing monsters?
President Bennett walks back up to me.
"I am about to make my statement. The main reason why I called you here is because I want you to make a statement as well."
"M-me?" I respond in shock.
"Yes, you know what the monsters are like, so you can appeal to their good nature."
"But I'm only 11! Do you think the media will listen to what a child has to say about monsters?"
"Humans have a soft spot for children. Most likely, they will listen to you. It is also good to make your presence known to the country since you will be working with us a lot more."
I think about the pros and the cons of me taking the stage in front of the media. Could this work? Will they listen to me, a child? Will they even believe anything that a child says?
"I'll do it."
"Perfect!" he shouts.
A short while later, the President takes the stage while I wait off to the side.
"Greetings citizens, I come to you today to make an important announcement. Long ago, humans have been at war with a group of non-human entities, monsters. After losing the war so long ago, they were sealed inside of a mountain with a magical barrier that no monster could break. They would remain trapped for years, not having the chance to experience the life outside that mountain. I am happy to announce that I have become the first president that has negotiated on terms of the monsters' freedom."
Murmurs arose from the crowd below.
"A few days ago, I had the pleasure of meeting the leader of their clan, as well as one who was elected by them to speak on their behalf. I will say that everything that we learned about monsters are wrong. They are not evil. They never tried to kill me. They welcomed me with open arms into their home. A home that has been considered a prison to them for decades. After learning about their tragic past, we have come to an agreement that will allow them to freely live among the people. They do not wish for war or violence; all they wish for is freedom and peace. Here to speak on behalf of the monsters, is Ambassador Frisk."
Chattering fills the area as the President motions me to the stage. I make my way up to the podium and all eyes and cameras turn to me. I take a deep breath and let my story take over.
"I am Frisk, the ambassador of monsters."
The crowd murmurs in confusion and concern at my appearance.
"I know what you think, she is way too young to lead them. This is all fake. No, none of this is. I can say that I chose to be ambassador for monsters from personal experience. A few months ago, I was exploring the wilderness on my own. I knew what I was doing because I have done that foe years. Suddenly, I came across this giant hole. I began to turn and walk away from it, but I tripped…and I fell in. I awoke on a flower patch, which saved me from being killed by the fall. Within my first day there, I met the former queen of monsters. She was kind, selfless, and caring. She took me in like I was her own child. She gave me a place to sleep, she gave me food that humans eat, she even prepared a curriculum for my own education. She says that she wants to be a teacher. She is very smart. I met a couple skeletons that have hilarious personalities. One cannot stop making bad jokes while the other loves making spaghetti. I came across a fish who was the leader of their guard and protected the monsters. She's hard on the outside but she is a real softie on the inside. I come across a scientist that has helped monsters survive in that trapped place. They created machines that allows power to spread to the entire Underground so everyone can have electricity. Yes, even monsters need electricity and water. I came across a robot that is the monster's #1 star and dreams of performing in front of humans. Every monster trapped down there has their own personality. They never tried to hurt me. I never did anything that threatened them, so they had nothing to fear. Of course, seeing a human for the first time in a long time had them quite spooked, they quickly grew on me. I was scared when I first fell down there, but after meeting them and learning about everyone's dreams and passions, I was not scared. They are just like humans. I quickly formed a great relationship with the king, who agreed that I should be their ambassador. He himself wished that this feud between humans and monsters should end. This comes after both of his children were killed while on the human surface. They did nothing wrong. Why did they deserve to die? Is this all because they are different than us? Not one did I feel like I was in danger by any monster. They are different than us, but their hearts and personalities are no different than you and me. That is why I chose to lead them to freedom. They don't deserve to be trapped forever. I have heard some of them wish that they could see the real stars, to feel the sun's rays, to experience the different seasons in a year, and to have an endless pasture to roam on. The war that broke out between humans and monsters was centuries ago. They have changed. Now, it is time that they should see the light of day once again. I get it, people are scared, and even against this idea. I was scared too, but then they showed me what it was like to lived in a trapped world. They mean no harm. None. Zero. They do not want war because they have experienced enough loss in their past. It is time to change the course of history. It is time that monsters and humans come together and live in peace."
I finish speaking and catch my breath. A couple claps can be heard from the crowd, but most are whispers of concern and terror. I give President Bennett a nod as I head off stage. Was that enough? Only time will tell.
Author's Notes:
Hello everyone! Back again with a long chapter! This one took me a little longer than expected because of all the dialogue that was included in it. What do you think about the president? Do you trust him? What will the media think about the speech? Let me know what you think about the story! Until next time, stay DETERMINED!