(Frisk awakens in old surroundings, but must leave before trouble begins. Things come into light as she talks to others and a few interesting facts are revealed.)

(Characters belong to Toby Fox. Story by me)

Chapter 3

Moving along

I awoke groggily as my senses came back to me little by little. Twisting a bit I found myself wrapped in fabric that is soft and familiar. Hugging it to me, I breathe in the scent and am hit with the smell of starch, spices, and flowers. Grinning softly, I feel my spirits lift a little at the familiar smell and I burrow deeper into the warmth. The sounds that emitted from the world behind the fabric sounded lively. I could hear dishes clanking and a woman's voice as she hums. The sound of mumbled chatter and an occasional faint sound of people laughing.

For a few moments, I relish the sounds. It was so different from the dead silence at my apartment at night, or the roar and blaring of people in the morning. This was gentle. A sound that brought nostalgia of home.

Home.

My eyes popped open and fear sliced through me. Familiar soft patterns stare back at me, They allow only so much light through, but the amount I saw was enough to confirm that it was morning.

I must have spent the night at my parent's house. If I don't leave soon.

I was only supposed to come over once a week. If I stay too long I would not be able to come this weekend! It's dad's BBQ weekend!

Noooo! no no no no! I have to go now!

Getting up gingerly, I look around and confirmed that I was in my old room. It had been years since I stepped in it, if only because the idea of entering my old rooms brought back the ache that I wasn't allowed to stay the night. But as it stared back at me in the morning light that ache intensified.

The clean spacing, wooden floors and gradient wallpaper that went from a rich red to gold filled me with warmth. My parents seemed to have kept it clean all this time and the thought made me tear up a little.

The furniture in the room was made by monsters with skilled hands, or claws, and dolls that I had collected over my youth. Most all of them where dragons with funny faces and open silly grins.

Giggling at them I take in the desk at the far corner, a lovely thing made of redwood and covered in artists tools. Images that I had drawn over the years decorated the walls. Me and my parents. Mr. Giggilly and me dancing under the full moon. Some monster friends surrounding me poring flowers over my head. It was a child's open love for the world she was allowed to belong to. The world that accepted her far more than the people that she was breed from.

Until...

Shaking my head from the dark thoughts, I gingerly make my way to the windows and open them wide and take in the fresh morning breeze. The light of the sun peaked over the human buildings far to the east, and it's light spilled over the awakening monster city with a soft golden glow. The site of the monsters walking about on their everyday commute always made me feel so good. They were either greeting each other or comically angry with one another. Wistfully looking at the sky with content faces, or walking slowly about, thinking about their lives. Watching the monsters like this always brought a small smile to my face. This was familiar to me. Calming. I had seen it for eight years until my eighteenth birthday. When the officials came and took me away.

I desperately shook my head to rid myself of the memories and shook from them. It was a traumatic moment I dared not relive again. Not even in my own head.

Looking up at the monster's city, I internally built a wall between me and that moment with desperation. The horror, the terror, the pain of being ripped from my home, was blocked off little by little. And as the last brick of determination was placed, I felt a little better if not wearier than before.

It was difficult enough that I could only visit for a short time with my parents, but it was even more so when the city's enforcers come around and force me back into that cold apartment that I called home when they feel that I have overstayed my welcome.

All because they...

Fresh tears burned in my eyes and I dashed them quickly. Now was not the time to cry. I was here, for better or for worse and for now, I should treasure it while I could. Even if it's for a few moments.

With a sigh, I lean over the window and close my eyes. Only a moment. I thought. A moment to relish this feeling again.

Breathing in deeply, I take in the smells of the city. I could smell the freshly baked bread from Ms. Muffet's cafe. The meat cooking at Grillby's down the street. As the wind shifts, I smell the subtle scent of my father's flower and herb garden far bellow my window. Cool smells, yummy smells, clean smells, and cool refreshing smells. The monsters living here kept this place so clean that you can just sense it and feel it in the air.

Monster children's voices floated up to my window, carefree and happy. They taunted and teased one another as they played ball...which happened to be another monster child balled up into the shape of a ball.. and running around in glee.

Smiling at them I find my hand drifting down to my stomach and rubbing it gently. The thought of having children passed through my mind as I watched them play. The idea of holding a baby, cooing at them, having them sleep in my arms as I rock them to sleep brought harsh tears again to my eyes.

Dashing them harshly I glare at my reflection in the window pane before looking back out to the playing children.

As much as I liked the idea of starting a family, the idea of being with an ordinary human man left me feeling cold. Though it made sense. I was human, so looking for a human mate was logical...however...I did not really care for them. Many that I had met so far, were self-centered and only cared about sex. It didn't help that they looked down on me because I was raised by monsters. Even some of the men who were a part of the United group didn't seem all that attracted to me nor I of them.

What do I do then? Who would marry me? Have children with me?

The thought struck me suddenly and I jerked up suddenly. Looking back at my reflection in the window pane the idea became even clearer.

I was 30 years old. I never dated, never had sex, or even kissed a guy! And if I don't hurry...

A soft knock sounded at my door. The sound jarred me from my unpleasant thoughts and I said, "Come in."

My mother stuck her head in first with a gentle smile on her face. The smell of Cinnamon Butterscotch pie, drifted from the door as she said, "Hello dear. I'm glad to see you up," She showed a small plate with a piece of her famous pie on it. "I thought you might be hungry and brought you a little snack."

I smile fondly at her and said, "I would love some mom. Please come in."

She grins at me and walks in, shutting the door slightly before placing the treat on my desk. She sighs and sits on the edge of my bed as I sit down at my desk and pick up the pie. Turning to face her I begin to dig in and she watches quietly until I finished every last piece. I moan as I swallow the last crumb and say, "Mom. Just for the record. No one makes pies like you do. I always feel sorry for finishing such a fine delicacy of culinary art. It's like a tragedy."

Mother giggles and says, "I'm sorry you feel that way, my child. Maybe next time I should give you something else?"

I jerk up with wide eyes and an overly dramatic sad face that causes her to laugh hysterically. I smile broadly at that and set the plate down on the desk once more. After she calms down she wipes the mirth from her eyes and says, "I'm glad you still have your sense of humor dear." She then instantly becomes sober as she adds, "Yesterday you had us worried. I never saw you so covered in scrapes and so dirty. And to see you so upset..."

I freeze at that and turn my face from her in shame. I didn't want her to see that from me. She didn't need to know the pain I had suffered. My family and friends were my light in that dark hell hole. But lately, even that didn't seem to help me. It was getting worse. My emotions...my abilities. I couldn't seem to turn them off.

"Frisk...Frisk?"

Startled, I looked up at my mother who had a concerned look on her face.

"Are you alright my child? You seem...distracted."

I grin at her. The feeling felt sickly sweet and overly played out. I loathed how I hid my pain. There was nothing more that I wanted than to shout, scream, cry, and bury myself in her arms and never come out. I wanted so much to tell her everything. She would understand...I knew she would, but...

She didn't need to worry.

How much pain and heartache does she go through every day at that school. She goes because she loves it but...it still pains her. To never be realized, to never have her own room and do things her way. To always be treated as less than her human co-workers.

She didn't need to worry about me.

No one did.

"I'm fine mom. Really. I just...had a bit of a rough day the other day and...well...I guess I broke down a bit. But I'm fine now! I...I have today off so I can..." I thought about it. I already spent to much time here as it is and any more time would hurt my chance to spend the full day with my parents this weekend. I was only allowed to come over once a week after all.

Those fucking rules and those fucking god damn...

"Frisk?"

I look at my mother in question.

"Are you sure your alright? You're so tense." Mothers eyes looked at me and I almost burst into tears.

I knew better though.

Mentally putting a mask over my emotions I grin at her and hop up from my seat. "Never better mother! Anyway, I need to get going!" I turn and spot my bag in the corner. Rushing over I grab for it as mother protested behind me.

"But..but Frisk! I thought since it's your off today, we could..."

I looked at her sadly. Her words halted as I responded numbly, "You know I can't today mom. I would love to but...if I stay today I won't be able to come over this weekend for dads annual BBQ. I...I want to come so..please...don't take it the wrong way. Okay...mom."

Her face fell in defeat as she realized my situation. Folding her hands in her lap she looks down at them and nods. My heart almost tearing in two I adjust my bag over my shoulder and walk over and hold her to me. She sobs and embraces me in a strong hug.

"It's not fair! Oh, my child. It's not fair!" She sobbed and her great body shook around me. Tears fell from my eyes as I buried myself against her and nodded.

"Why can't you stay with us? Why do they want you apart from us...you're our daughter, our lovely little girl..so...why?" Her sobs became greater and I hold her tighter as we both cry against one another. Both of us equally hating the circumstances in which we had to live and unable to seemingly change it.

"Don't worry mom. T..the..the United group should be able to fix it soon. Soon we would be able to..."

"Not soon enough." She growled against my head. "Thirteen years. Thirteen years I've waited for them to win against that damn counsel and yet nothing. If I thought moving us out of this damn city would do anything I would have picked you up and taken you away from here long ago."

I nodded.

If there was a place that accepted monsters openly. We would go. But..sadly this was the safest place, with the largest concentration of monsters living and working here. To live here we had to play by their rules to survive.

It sucked ass.

Major ass.

Sniffing I pull away from mother and kiss her on top of her horned head. "I..I have to go now, mom. I don't want the officers to come over again."

She huffs but nods. Getting up gingerly she walks to my desk to retrieve the forgotten plate. We walk out of my room and down the stairs. In the living room, I can hear several voices. Many familiar. Dad, Undyne, Alphys, Papyrus, and Sans. All were in the living room discussing various happenings in the small monster town. Their voices a mix of seriousness and some light hearted. The fact that the skeleton brothers were also there caused me to become curious.

Curiously I looked at my mother and said, "Hey mom. I didn't know you knew the skeleton brothers. When did you guys meet?"

She looks at me with a surprised look and said, "Why for quite some time dear. I'm surprised you don't remember them. They used to...oh.." she stopped and looked away for a moment before looking back at me with a guarded smile. "We've known them for some time dear. I meet Sans at the comedy club when he did stand up once, and Papyrus worked with your father for a few years as a sentry guard."

My eyes widened at that and flew back to the location of the voices. "Wow...Sans did stand up?"

She chuckled, "Oh yes. We used to call each other every night to exchange jokes. He used some in his act. When I brought your father to the club he would turn all shades of green when he heard a joke I recited the night before being told right on the stage for all to hear."

I giggled at that and felt something warm in my heart. If Sans and mom were friends then...he must be someone really special. Mom doesn't talk about anyone, other than dad, me, teaching, and cooking, with such a sure tone in her voice.

My face then crinkled as I thought about the second brother. "Wait. Papyrus worked as dad's sentry guard? But he seems so nice and sweet. I don't really see him doing something like that."

Mother giggles and places her massive paw on my shoulder, "It's true dear. He was a hard worker, and an even more devoted soldier."

My mouth gaped open but I snapped it shut and smiled.

'Wow...the more you know about someone.' I thought and then giggle and mother followed suit.

Quickly the giggling between us ended as I turned toward the front door and took a step toward it.

"Aren't you going to say goodbye to them, Frisk?" Mother asked.

I turned and looked at her soberly before replying, "It's...better this way mom. I'll come back this weekend like usual. Tell dad not to over season the meat again. Last time I could not get the flavor of pepper out of my mouth all day." I ended in a joking tone, but it fell flat.

Mother's smile was wilted, but she waved goodbye as I slipped quietly through the door and into the lively monster city.

As I walked I felt the heavy sensation of the metal clasp around my leg. The metal cuff that reported to the council where I was at all times. I always felt it more when I was leaving the monster's city.

Always.

Before I knew it I was staring at the gate that separated the monster's section of the city from the humans. The gate was wide open, accepting all who came in. No human ever stepped foot through it.

Except me and the occasional officer who was forced to come after me if I stayed too long.

Glaring at nothing, I began to walk toward the gate when I felt a sudden distortion through the air.

"Hey there, ."

I stop suddenly and stand there in shock. Right before me was Sans. He stood there as if he had been there the entire time. His posture is relaxed and his face blank as he tilted his head in regard. Today he wore a simple t-shirt, shorts, and flipflops. His dress far from being professional, but he wasn't working now. So I guess he could wear whatever he desired.

"Mr. Skelleton. W...what can I do..for you." I stuttered as my face grew a bit red. My body began to purr at the sight of him and I fidgeted for a moment before I squashed the sensation.

Had to be professional!

'With something that yummy standing there? Why should we?'

'Shut up you pervert!' I scolded myself.

He walks slowly toward me and I felt my heart fluttering in my chest in excitement. My breathing grew harsher as he stopped before me and I realized with a start how tall he really was. He seemed short by his brother, but by me, he had a few inches in height. About three or four inches on me. I never realized his height until now.

Sans smiled at me gently and said, "So you're not going to say goodbye to us Ms. Dreemurr. Kinda cold you know. You'll leave us all bonley for your time." He winks at his horrid pun and I snicker at him.

"I didn't want to intrude on you and the others Mr. Skelleton," I said after wiping my eyes. "I can't stay longer than necessary I'm afraid. My time limit might be about up as it is."

As I said this, the feeling of the metal on my leg seemed to grow colder. The reminder making itself very apparent.

Sans eyes narrowed on my face as if he could tell what I wasn't saying. Or trying to hear the undertone of my words. Whatever the case his face smoothed out and he turned sideways and said to me.

"Well if you're going to head back home, then let me at least walk with you."

Instant panic flared through my body. Denial and fear welled up in my voice before I could stop them.

"N.. ..no no no... Really it's not necessary. I can get tt...tt..there myself..no trouble...you m.. have a lot to do right now...and you d.. 't need to..t...to trouble yourself with a h..human like .me so..." I stuttered. I couldn't help myself. But the thought of him with me when those people attacked. Of him getting hurt because of me. Because of human scorn.

I didn't want that from him or...or anyone else.

The panic in my voice and on my face seemed to confirm something to him for he nodded and said, "Okay then I won't force you. But I must press that you come see me as soon as possible. Are you off tomorrow?"

I blink, my body still shaking and I thought quickly. I didn't need to work until Friday, and since it was Wednesday, I could do that. But I didn't have any other funds to give him. No food stuffs or any other offerings for pay.

I shook my head and said, " Yes I'm off, but I don't have anything..."

He shakes his head and says, "Never mind that. I'm more concerned for your health then payment. Come first thing in the morning. 9:00 sharp. Can you do that?"

My eyes wide with shock I nod slightly and that seemed to satisfy him.

Sans then walks past me. As he brushes by my shoulder he says softly, " I'll see ya there kid."

A moment of recognition flares through me and I turn to question him only to find him gone. My breath heaves from my chest as my body hummed at his loss.

Shivering I turn and make my way through the gates and out onto the human streets.

…...

…...

I made it to my apartment without incident. The old man appeared to be absent for now, so I was able to slip into my door without a fuss. Once inside I felt the immediate sense of loneliness.

The apartment is sparse. Devoid of the color and life of my old room in my parent's apartment. The walls were pasty white with holes and cracks through them. The few decorations I was able to afford on my measly salary were posters. Posters of dragons mostly. And the only homey touches I owned were mostly gifts that I had gotten over the years from my monster family and friends. Hand stitched rugs, cushions, and a family photo that stood proudly in a corner of the room. My bed sat alone next to it, looking bright and cheery with all of the fluffy blankets I got from my family. The kitchen stared at me devoid of a wall to separate it from the rest of the room. Well, why should there be? It was a studio apartment. Just one small room that made up the entirety of where I lived.

Sighing, I pull out Mr. Giggily from my tote and dropped the rest of my bag on the floor. I took him with me to my bed and threw myself onto the soft blankets, only to be met with the hardness of the mattress underneath.

Groaning, I turn over and hug Mr. Giggily to me and say, "We're home now Mr. Giggily. We're home."

I press his button and he laughs gaily at me. His body twitching as his eyes light up in glee. Smiling dully at him I wait till he was done and hold him close to me. " I'm so sorry for keeping you in there for so long Mr. Giggily. I should have known better. Will you forgive me?"

Pressing the button again Mr. Giggily lets loose a series of high-pitched giggle and I smile.

"Thank you, Mr. Giggily. You're very considerate." I kiss his bony skull and place him gently on the nightstand, Which was nothing more than a wooden milk crate on its side and stare at him for a moment. At first glance, Mr. Giggily looked a little like a wide grinning Papyrus. But he slowly began to change in my eyes. To a slightly shorter, big grinning, Sans.

At that mental change, I turn from him and get up from my bed. Walking over to the narrow windows, I look out into the streets below. They were dusty and hard to see past, not that there was much to see. A huge building blocked a large portion of my view, and what could be seen was a street filled with people. People mindlessly going about their lives. Hundreds of them with their cars blared, smog rising from tail pipes, and venders yelled at potential customers. People pushed, cursed, and power walked through their daily lives. It was like watching a totally different channel from earlier. A channel I would not mind switching away from as soon as possible.

Sighing I walk to my kitchen to prepare my breakfast. With nothing to do all day and not wishing to venture outside, It looked like a very boring day ahead of me.

I actually could not wait to go to my appointment tomorrow.

…...

It was eight thirty the next day and I was walking as fast as I could to the building where Sans had his office. It was early still, and many people did not venture out this early. Upon nearing the entrance of the building a shiver runs up my spine and I turn to look behind me. A group of men were standing on the other side of the road, staring up at the building. They wore various outfits and all of them black in color. Their presence wasn't one of just passerby's.

One of them looked at me and the fierce hate in his gaze that shook me to the core.

Shivering from it, I quickly walk inside and make my way to the monster's floor.

Once there I found myself calming a great deal as I was met with familiar settings. A clean room and this time, a few monsters were there as well.

One was rubbing its jaw filled with sharp teeth. Another looked tired and half falling from its chair. The last, a pink slime, kept falling from its seat as it tiredly wobbles up to get back into it.

I walked over to the slime and said, "Hey there. Need some help?"

The slime 'turns' to me and said in a tired wobbly voice, "That would be kind of you. Do you happen to have something that could hold me in place until I can see the doctor? I can't seem to stay still. I keep shaking." The slime's voice held exposition.

Nodding I look around and found a small bowl in the corner of the room. Picking it up I empty the last of the candy onto the table and present it to the slime. It graciously slid in and settled in the center of the bowl with a tired sigh. Setting it in the chair I sat next to it.

"Thank you so much, child. I must say, I'm surprised to see a human here...ohh...wait! I know you! Your Toriel's daughter aren't you! Oh, I must be blind as well as slow today!" The slime pipped up as it regarded me over the rim of the bowl.

I smile and say, "Yes I am. And you are?"

The slime responds in a happy voice, "Tup tup. Call me Tup dear, please. I work...at...a..." The slimes voice grows quiet and it shivers.

Understanding, I nod and say, "It's okay. You don't have to tell me anything if it upsets you."

Tup tup looked happy at that and we settled down for a nice chat for the next thirty minutes.

After Tup tup had told me a bit about 'herself' and her family, the receptionist window opens and all in the waiting room get up and approach to sign in. Afterward, we sit back down and wait to be called. A large wolf-like monster in a pink scrub appears in first to call back the monster with the aching tooth. Another short squishy monster appears later to take in the distressed looking monster in back.

For a good while, it was just me and Ms. Tup tup.

Tup tup looks up at me and gargles, " So what are you here for dear? Oh, of course, if it's okay for me to ask?" the slime jiggles in embarrassment.

I giggle at her and said, " Just here to talk to Dr. Skelleton. I have an appointment with him today."

"Ohhh him! He's so funny! Makes me laugh whenever I have an appointment to see him. Makes my day every time!" The blob shakes in laughter.

"He does? I heard he used to be a stand-up comedian before. I'm surprised he's a therapist. He seems to fit the part of a comic."

Tup tup nods solemnly. "Indeed. Many monsters had to take on jobs that were needed for the community. Many monsters fear leaving this area you know. They cling close to their friends and family. Some tried to branch out and..." She became silent for a moment before continuing. "Let's just say, not many of them are having a good time of it at the moment."

I nodded. I had heard of that but...was it that bad? Who was I to kid. Of course it was. Humans had made it plain that monsters were still bellow them and in many places hunted them down.

They were just afraid. Afraid to let in what they didn't understand.

The white door opened and a robot-like man with black hair and a vibrant red scrub appears. "Tup tup darling! Your up dear." He said in a dramatic flourish.

Tup tup bounces in her bowl and suddenly looks flustered. Smiling I pick up the bowl she was sitting in and carry it to the metal gentlemen. He looks at me with a soft smile before surprise lightens his face. He stares at me hard before saying, "Dear, do I know you from somewhere?"

I cock my head at him and was about to say something when Sans appeared behind him.

"Ah, there you are Ms. Dreemurr. Sorry to keep ya waiting. Had a little clean up I had to do first. I'm ready for you now."

The metal man snaps his fingers, "That's what I remember her from! Frisk Dreemurr! Our lord and ladies little girl! I meet her when she was only a little thing!" the metal man grins at me and I continued to give him a confused look.

I don't remember seeing anything like him before. If I did, I was sure to remember.

He looks downcast after a moment and Sans pats his back and says something softly into his ear. Whatever he said caused the metal man to look at him with shock before nodding solemnly and looking back at me.

"My apologies my dear. You can call me Mettaton. It's been a long while since we last met, and I'm sure you remember me a bit more...boxy before. My form was not as fine as this, but it still heald class. Now I think you have my patient in that bowl yes?"

Ms. Tup tup blushes and says, "Oh..ye..yes Dr. Mettaton. I'm here! I'm sorry I can't seem to..."

Mettaton tuts her. "I told you not to overdue it my dear. Your fabulous jelly needs rest. It can't sustain that complex form for so many hours on end."

Ms. Tup tup wilts a bit, but he pats her gently on the 'head' before taking the bowl from me gently.

"Thank you, Ms. Dreemurr. I'll take her in the back now. I hope you have a lovely day dear." He turns away with a wink and walks down the hall with Ms. Tup tup waving at me from over his arm.

I wave back gently and smile brightly at her.

The feeling of someone's eyes on me draws my gaze to Sans as he smiles softly at me. "You seem to have a way with people . Your kindness is infectious." He turns and I follow after him after I close the door.

"I don't know about that. I just..like the idea of treating others the way I would like to be treated. If I was struggling for help, I would like someone to help me. If I was hungry...I would like someone to hold me and feed me and tell me I will have food in the future. It might sound stupid but.."

He turns to me and looks at me with a sharp gaze. For a moment a flash of him above me surrounded by lights, his face looking seriously down at me. Not in anger but...

"Frisk?"

Shaking it off I bring myself back to the present and hold my head. It pounded as the visual began to fade back into my subconscious. Breathing harshly I shake my head as bony hands come up and settle on my shoulders gently.

"Frisk..don't try to remember anything right now...It's...not important. Not now."

I look up at him in question and he reaches up to touch my face.

Almost.

He then pulls away and sighs as he turns and says, "Common bucko. We need to start on that session. Luckily your the only one on my roster today so..you have all the time in the world to talk."

As I walked behind him I found myself watching his back. My body long since yearned for his touch, but now, my mind yearned for the secrets he seemed to hide from me.

( Okay guys. Here is three. I will post theses as soon as I can, but I also have two jobs to juggle at the same time. :D I will try to get chapters out as soon as I can, but I also have to give myself time to think of what to do next. You guys don't want a half-assed story do ya? Anyway, I hope you like where I'm taking this. I'm having so much fun with writing this and I hope you have just as much fun reading it :3 Until next time my lovelies. Zecon out.)