Frisk took a breath as she plunged into the dark caverns of Waterfall, her breath pooling out in front of her.
This is it.
She was moving onward.
It took awhile to muster up the courage to tell Papyrus. He actually reacted much better than she expected.
Rocky had offered to go with her, but she declined.
She wanted to go alone.
He knew why.
"You will face Dogamy in there. And he won't let you leave alive. You're gonna have to try your best to avoid him. He's been real active in patrols since he's caught your scent." Rocky said.
She had just nodded.
Frisk noticed that her guts had grown since last time, probably due to the knowledge that she could die and come back.
Fear was silly when she had that power.
More reason she didn't have to kill Dogamy.
She stayed on the main path, ever vigilant. Her bag was much heavier this time, as she had taken some food, matches, a fire kit from Toriel and two blankets. The weight on her shoulder seemed unnatural somehow, like a hand trying to stop her. She shook it off.
At least Toriel had sewn up the holes in the bag for her, for which she was thankful for.
Frisk still listened to the flowers, seeing if they had anything new to say.
It seemed the monsters hadn't been coming to Waterfall that often, and a select few flowers were silent.
Frisk ignored the melancholy feel and continued along her way.
She made sure to touch the Save star.
She listened closely to the flowers for familiar heavy footsteps, and keep a sharp lookout.
She had her new dagger tucked away in her pocket in case of attack.
Waterfall really was beautiful. The glowing stones coupled with the blue marsh ground with the echo flowers and the shiny ice made for quite a scene.
But the silence unnerved Frisk, especially with recent events.
In truth, she hadn't fully recovered. Her leg still hurt a little and she had a slight limp. But she was determined to get through, and she had a new recklessness with her knowledge of her ability.
Something still felt… wrong about it though.
As she came to the room she had last gotten attacked, Frisk slowed. She took out her dagger, and moved forwards with ears alert.
But nobody came.
Frisk felt her neck hair stand on end as she walked through the empty room.
She could see footprints in the ground, heavy enough to break the thin sheet of ice.
They were fresh.
Dogamy was close by.
Frisk took a breath, pushing any logical fear she had, and trekked on.
The next place was long and narrow, with frost grass- she learned its name from Rocky- dotting the walls. This narrow yet long patch of land was rather desolate, only a few stones littering the otherwise empty grounds.
Deep marks marred the walls, carved deep into the blue rock. Some of the glowing stones bore marks in them, and a soft wispy blue smoke leaked from them.
Frisk's heart flopped as her eye caught a figure standing ahead.
She swallowed, her fingers running along the hem of her sweater.
There was no reason to be scared, she couldn't truly die.
She drew her dagger and walked forward.
The figure didn't move. As she got closer, she recognized Dogamy.
It was hard to believe he had never seen her before, that the world had been Reset. This was his first encounter with her.
He stayed in one spot, frozen still like the rest of Waterfall. Cold eyes fixed on her, fangs poking beneath a furry lip.
A large, battle scarred axe was sitting at his side. The blade gleamed in the blue hued light.
"So there is a pathetic human roaming about the Underground." He snarled.
Frisk stopped and breathed in slowly. Her ears inched forward.
I have no reason to be scared, I can't be scared. I can't be scared… one moment of hesitation and I could die.
"There is no reason to fight me, Dogamy. I have not hurt anyone and I will not hurt anyone without proper cause." Frisk said flatly.
The large dog snorted.
"You know my name? Smart, though if you were really that smart you'd be cowering in fear before me. I cannot trust a single word your scum race says, nor can I neglect my duty to the underground."
Frisk's eyes narrowed.
"Your duty will lead to countless deaths on both sides."
Dogamy's lip raised, showing his teeth and gums.
"Like my wife? She's already dead and she ain't coming back. I'm done sitting underground with my tail between my legs. You humans took everything from me and the least I can do is act on justices behalf." Dogamy raised his axe and slammed it into the ground, cracking the ice in a loud snap.
Frisk growled uneasily.
"Justice on someone who has had nothing to do with your wife's death."
Dogamy seemed done with talking.
"Come forth, human, and face your death with honor. I will make it quick if you do not resist!" He slammed the butt of his axe into the ground, splintering ice echoing through the caverns.
Looked like a fight after all.
Frisk sighed.
She tensed up, pulling her blade in front of her.
Not like she had any intent to use it lethally.
Dogamy glared at her, and his eyes flowed for a moment.
Suddenly, sparkling turquoise magic swirled around his paw, and wrapped his axe in glittering light.
He picked the heavy weapon up and slashed at the air.
From each slash came forth a slice of turquoise magic that zoomed through the air.
Frisk jumped to the side, yelping as the tip of her ear was nearly caught by one.
The slices were fast, but predictable.
Frisk was trying her best to keep her heartbeat steady, and to keep on her toes.
Focus focus, focus… focus… I need to focus. I'm not scared, I can't be scared, I can come back. If he kills me I come back.
Dogamy dashed forward, the magic dissipating.
Frisk growled and made a pseudo slash with her blade, causing Dogamy to instinctively move to the side.
She circled him, eyes fixed on the dog.
He's slow, especially with that axe. But one hit and I'm done for.
Dogamy glared at her, watching carefully. The tension between the two could smash mountains.
He made his move, jumping in front of her and slashing at her feet.
Frisk's breath caught in her throat and she jumped the axe.
He knows my leg is hurt!
She stumbled back, arms flailing as her composure was lost.
Dogamy made another slash, and she ducked it.
He moved slow but his axe moves fast when he swings it. Calm, Frisk, calm…
Frisk ran off to the side, swinging her dagger at him as she did so. He blocked it with the handle of his axe.
Without warning, he growled and faded into the shadows.
Wh-what? Where did he go? Frisk asked herself, looking around frantically.
He seemed to just… disappear.
There was no sound in the air except for the distant drop of water.
Frisk kept her dagger up to her chest and legs apart, her breath increasing in pace.
Where is he, where is he, where is he?!
She looked around her, behind her.
He was nowhere.
There was a cracking sound above her.
Frisk looked up in time to see a burst of turquoise and the swinging of an axe.
Frisk screeched and tried to bend back to avoid the blade.
She was too late.
There was a horrible pain in her throat as it was sliced open.
Everything seemed to slow as she stood, unable to breath or do anything but choke as blood spurted from the wound.
Dogamy landed heavily beside her as she fell.
"Never underestimate the power of the shadows."
His growl was distant.
Frisk didn't fight the darkness.
She closed her eyes.
It's okay, it hurts so bad but it's okay.
The darkness came and the pain faded.
She was floating in the black void again, senses all numbed.
She was weightless, nothing. Everything was black, empty, lifeless.
Frisk awaited the reset.
She felt like she had been in this place a little longer than last time.
It was really quiet here…
Maybe a little peaceful.
Frisk almost liked it…
Part of her wanted to melt into the black...
But something clicked.
Why is it not going back to the Save star?
Frisk tried to move.
Her limbs, her body, felt distant and unattached. But move she did, and she saw her arm in front of her.
It was hazy, like a heavy, heavy fog.
Frisk was intrigued by how the fabric of her sweater was wrapped around her arm, of how her fingers moved. It seemed so oddly mesmerizing now.
She shook herself.
Am I losing my mind? Why am I not going back?
Frisk felt a distant fear worm in her belly.
What's happening? I've never been here this long! Why am I not…
A terrifying thought seized her.
What if she wasn't going back?
What if she only had a few resets?
Frisk was shaken by cold terror.
No no no, no… oh no please, I didn't want this. Please…
She wanted to cry, she felt the sensation, but tears did not form in her eyes.
I don't want to leave! I don't want to leave Papyrus and Toriel and Rocky… I don't want to break Asgore's promise… I… I…
The image of Sans going all the way to Grillby's to give her her coat while she was actively trying to replace him with someone else like a broken toy filled her mind.
I don't want to die a scumbag… I want to say sorry, even if he deserved it. I know he deserved it, but it hurts so damn bad! I can't do it…
Frisk brought her hands up to her face, unable to feel their touch.
I'm going to be here forever… I made a mistake. I made I goddamn mistake…
Frisk tried to sob, and found that this strange realm of existence didn't allow her.
She couldn't help it, her body kept trying.
Then, she suddenly made a sound.
Everything spiraled, and she was left disoriented on the cold ground of Waterfall.
Frisk sucked in a desperate breath, realized she hadn't been breathing in that place. Her cheeks were hot with tears.
I-I-I'm b-back… I'm back!
Frisk sat up and tried taking a couple deep breaths to calm down. Her fingers felt the cold ground, and even though it burned she didn't want to let go.
Her body was quaking.
I… I almost… I can't… what if I didn't come back?
Frisk shuddered.
I can't do that again… I was too reckless…
Frisk recalled something from earlier, something that had left her unnerved.
I don't care if you hate my guts, I don't care if you think you can abuse your power. You have no idea. You are not going to die. Even if you think you have unlimited power- which you don't. If I don't have that privilege then you don't either." Sans's voiced echoed in her head.
Frisk stiffened with realization.
He… he knew, didn't he? That this ability is limited? What if every time I reset I start to lose the ability and one day it won't work?
Frisk's first reaction was to bristle.
How come he didn't tell me! I think that's something you tell someone! I…
Frisk's anger faded like a cooling ember.
I… would I have listened to him then? And… "If I don't have that privilege then you don't either."… what does that mean? Can he reset too? No, I'm sure he can't… what…
The words gave Frisk a bad feeling and a chill crept up her spine.
Frisk shivered, pulling her legs closer.
I should probably move forward… but… but I can't fight Dogamy again!
Frisk shrunk just thinking about him.
He'll kill me… he will kill me again and again till I don't come back…
She grabbed her head with her hands, shaking beyond control.
I don't want to die for good… I'm such a fucking dirty coward, just like Flowey said. I can't do this…
Frisk let out a dry sob, leaning back against the wall.
I can't even go home, I don't have a home anymore… I wouldn't call that hell hole I lived in above ground a home, just an empty shelter… and the skeletons house isn't a home either… I just want it to stop… It hurts…
Frisk felt her heart increase in pace, until it became unbearable. It felt like her whole world was crumbling down, and she just couldn't bring herself to calm down.
Her eye caught the star beside her.
She squeezed her eyes shut.
… I n-need… I need to g-get out… of here… I need… to calm down… it will be fine… I just need to get past Dogamy… I don't want to go back, I don't want to see Sans… I just need to go forward… I can run. He's slow, I can run…
It took Frisk a little while to bring her wits back enough so she could stand.
When she did, she still felt terrible. Her stomach didn't stop rolling and her chest felt constricted. She was still shaking slightly.
Frisk tried to focus on the comforting blue stones.
She nearly collapsed again as she entered the room from before.
Okay… I need to get as close as possible… and then run…
Frisk faced Dogamy.
"So there is a pathetic human roaming about the Underground."
Frisk whimpered, but took another step closer.
Dogamy lifted a brow.
"Huh? You sound more like a scared pup. I admit, I've never seen a human with th-"
Frisk broke out in full sprint, unable to stand it anymore.
She pushed past Dogamy, running as fast as she could despite her leg screaming at the exertion.
Dogamy barked.
"Hey! Get back here, you pile of coyote shit!"
She could hear heavy clunking as Dogamy chased after her.
Frisk felt hard terror choke her and urge her on faster.
She heard the same crackling as before.
Dogamy suddenly leapt from the shadowed wall to her left, swinging his axe.
Frisk left out a scream and kept on running, the blade missing her by a hair.
Frisk turned around a sharp turn, reeling as Dogamy came out of the shadows again.
He seemed to be using some magic to merge with and reappear from the darkest areas of the cave.
Frisk couldn't think, she could just run.
She had to run.
Suddenly something flashed in front of her.
A pair of hands wrapped around her and jerked her roughly aside, into a small, hidden cave.
Frisk opened her mouth to scream, but a hard, boney hand slammed over her mouth and cut off the sound.
She was pulled up close to someone who was huddled in the small space, someone who smelled like ketchup and a soft scent that reminded her of wind on a moor.
She couldn't stop shaking. She couldn't see who had her, she couldn't think.
Who is this, let go, I'm going to die, please!
She tried to struggle, but the person held her tight.
She jammed her bad foot into the wall in her struggles, and she would have yelped in pain if she could.
She heard a sigh above her.
"Stop it or you will hurt yourself. Shush." The deep voice was extremely quiet, and it whispered close to her ear. The breath tickled her ear fur.
She recognized the voice immediately.
S-Sans? W…why…
Frisk stopped struggling, instead peering at the small sliver of light that made its way through the crack she was pulled in.
She could hear barking outside, and heavy footsteps that stomped around nearby. Each thump sent a new wave of terror through her.
"Easy. The snow flowers nearby absorb scent. He can't smell us."
Frisk didn't respond, still trembling.
The footsteps trailed away, followed by a long hound dog like howl.
Sans's grin on her lightened.
"That means he's moving out and calling backup. I think we've lost him. Better stay in here for a bit to be sure, and for goodness sake be quiet!"
Sans let go of her mouth.
Frisk took in a sharp, shaking breath of air.
Then she scrambled away- at least as far away as this place allowed- and glared at him.
Sans stared back.
"Look, I know this is really cramped and you don't like me very much right now, but it's the best shot you've got. You gotta deal with it."
Frisk opened her mouth, then turned away and lowered her head.
She really didn't know what to say.
He did it again. He… dammit, I can't do this anymore. I don't know why he does anything and if he goes out of his way like this just because of a promise that really hurts.
Frisk exhaled and wrapped her arms around herself, her ears dropping.
She was just tired.
Sans seemed to notice, and extended his hand towards her. Then he thought better of it and looked away.
Frisk closed her eyes.
Eventually, Sans spoke up.
"I think it's good. Wanna get out?"
Frisk silently moved to the crack and forced her way out.
She would have never noticed this spot before as it blended in well.
Sans followed.
He scanned the surrounding area with the pinpricks of light in his eyes.
Frisk couldn't take her eyes off of him.
She wanted to say something… she had too. She just didn't know what.
"S-Sans?" She forced out. She flinched at how tiny and insignificant she sounded.
Sans put his gaze on her, and she noticed the corners of his mouth turn downward.
"Huh? What is it? You… you haven't looked too good."
Frisk wanted to look away, look at anything else but him.
But she couldn't.
She bit her lip.
"Sans… I… I was wrong about the resets, I-"
She was cut off by a loud, snarling bark.
Frisk jumped, her tail going between her legs.
Sans also snapped towards the noise.
Frisk expected it to be Dogamy…
But it was something else, coming from the opposite direction.
There were four monsters. Two were tall, dangerous looking dog monsters that resembled Doberman. One monster was a stocky dragon-like creature, with silver horns and drab gray scales. The last monster looked like a slim grey cat, with a long tail and large ears. He had two sets of horns on his head, one tiny pair and one pair that curled behind his ears like ram horns. He had one amber and one blue eye.
The lead dog, the one she assumed barked, wore a ripped leather jacket and jeans. The rest were dressed in a similar fashion, like your cliché neighborhood punks.
"Well, well, what's this in the dog bowl?" The dog said in a sickly sweet tone.
Frisk whimpered and moved behind Sans. Any courage she had had left her.
Sans tensed up.
He grinned despite this.
"Well, hello, Thorn, Uno. Treyco. Spike."
The lead dog snorted.
"Heh, Uno, you remember this little guy?"
The second dog nodded, baring his teeth in a dark smile.
"Of course, Thorn. He's the one who protected that big skeleton, acting all high and mighty. He even hit Spike with a bone, remember?"
The dragon growled, its eyes burning.
Thorn smiled, eyeing her.
"And it seems the rumors are true, he's taken a liking to a human. How sweet and noble of the little guy, protecting babies and runts."
Sans didn't move.
Frisk felt foul intention ooze off these guys like a fever.
"Why don't you go do something productive with your time? I'm lazy enough as it is, I don't need another excuse to waste time." Sans said.
Thorn shook his head.
"Naw uh. See, we've come looking here for that scrap of meat behind you. As much as I'd like to chew your sorry bones, I'm more interested in some cash… and a nice flesh toy." The dog snapped the air, making Frisk flinch.
Sans's feet dug a little deeper into the ground.
"Nope. I don't find that very humerus, so back off." Sans's voice held a deep rumbling growl to it.
Frisk cringed and slowly moved out from behind him.
She didn't need him to fight all of her battles… for any reason.
Thorn glared at him. The cat, Treyco, unsheathed his claws.
They all took a step forward. Frisk almost took a step back till Sans flashed her a look.
"I don't have time for your games. Give me the human and you won't get hurt." Thorn ordered.
Sans tilted his head.
"You gonna make me move my lazy ass? No. Leave. If I have to do physical activity to make you leave, you won't like it."
Thorns smile faded.
Uno snapped.
Spike hit the ground with his tail.
"S-Sans…" Frisk could see this was not going well.
"Easy. Don't let them get to you. " Sans said quietly.
"So, you're not leaving?" Thorn asked. "Well, that's a decision you will find affects your health. Get 'em." He tilted his head towards Sans and Frisk.
Uno leaped forward, a snarling whirlwind. Treyco ran up from the side, and Spike hung in the back.
Frisk's eyes widened, and she pulled out her dagger.
Oh no… no… They're attacking!
Sans huffed and she could see his right eye fade. The blue flames burst alive in his left.
A bone materialized in front of Uno and slapped him away midair, and he slammed into the wall.
A group of bones hurtled towards the cat, but he dodged.
Frisk came face to face with the cat as he snarled, raising his claws. His eyes burned with a cold, vengeful fire that chilled her to her core.
Frisk jumped to the side as he slashed the air. The dragon tried to rush her, mouth wide open, but he was smacked aside by another volley of bones.
"Frisk! Stay close to m-"
Sans was cut off as Uno leaped to his feet and tackled the skeleton to the ground.
Spike moved over to the skeleton, who was struggling with the large dog.
"Sans!"
Sans put up his arm as she stepped towards him, and the other monster's soul appeared. It was blue.
Uno yelped as he was flung into the ceiling, rocks cracking and falling.
Treyco came at her again, and Frisk swiveled to avoid another line of claws.
The cat hissed and slashed at her face.
Frisk gasped as the claws slid across her skin, scratching her cheek.
She moved in time to avoid deep gashes, though.
She lashed out with her own nails, hitting the cat square in the face.
The cat wailed and jumped away, one paw holding its face.
As it did, it slammed its other paw into her, sending her crashing to the ground. She scrambled to get up.
Frisk panted and faced the creature, scared but slightly woken up by the sting in her cheek.
She heard a cry ring out behind her.
Frisk turned, her stomach dropping.
Thorn had joint the fray, and it was now Sans verses three.
He didn't seem to be attacking much, but he had limited space to move. Maybe he couldn't attack in such a small, cornered space.
Frisk glanced from between him and the cat.
He needs… dammit!
Frisk jumped at the cat like she was going to attack, then turned last second and barreled into Spike with her shoulder. The hard scales of the dragon hurt, but she managed to push him away.
Sans's eye flashed and more bones appeared, hitting the others, including the cat.
Frisk realized Sans was bleeding in many spots, and he was covered in dirt.
She opened her mouth to ask if he was okay…
When an arm wrapped around her throat and pulled her head back.
Sans's eyes widened as she was pulled back, a furry arm squeezing her neck so hard she could only manage small, wheezing breaths.
Her heart slammed her rib cage.
She could feel claws against the sensitive skin.
"Checkmate, skeleton. You know, it was always said you could do so much better. Are you rusty, or are you just too lazy to try to save your pet?" Thorn growled.
Frisk couldn't breath. She tried to pry his hand away from her throat with her free hand.
Her other hand held the dagger, but…
Sand took a step forward.
"Tsk, don't do that. I'm sure you wouldn't want to see her pretty little throat go bye bye right here, would you?"
Sans growled, his eye twitching.
Frisk opened her mouth, a strangled wheeze escaping.
Sans, please…
Her chest hurt.
Black edged her vision.
"Let go. She can't breathe." Sans said flatly.
"Oh, what a shame! Humans need to breathe? Well, let's do how long they can do without, shall we?"
Frisk felt the arm tighten.
She felt light.
I need to, I need to, I need to stab him, he doesn't know I have the dagger, I need to…
Frisk used the last of her strength to take the blade and burry it into the dog behind her.
The feeling of the blade sinking into skin was sickening.
Thorn yelped and jumped into the air, letting go.
Frisk jumped away, coughing and pulling her blade with her.
Blood coated the blade and splattered across the icy ground.
Thorn stumbled back, holding the wound. His face was contorted with rage, truly monstrous.
"How. DARE. You! I'll kill you!" Saliva and blood flew from his mouth.
Frisk looked up in horror as the dog flew toward her, mouth wide open.
She closed her eyes, her legs freezing in place.
She swung her arm, the only reaction she had.
She felt skin tear and hot, sticky liquid gush forth.
Thorn crashed into her, taking her to the ground. But he didn't move.
The dog twitched violently, his eyes wide and glassy. Blood and foam bubbled at his mouth as crimson leaked from his neck.
Frisk looked up in absolute terror and horror, her insides twisting. She scratched at the frozen floor to get away.
Uno whimpered.
"Oh… oh my god… she killed him! She killed him! She killed my brother!" The dog howled, before running off.
Spike and Treyco stared at their dead leader, trembling.
Sans's eye sockets were wide, without lights.
He turned to the two remaining.
"Leave. Now."
They followed their dog friend without another word.
Frisk dropped her blade, and it hit the floor with a clang.
The body before her twitched one last time before turning to a pile of dust, blood, and clothes.
Frisk was shaking like she had never shaken before.
She couldn't get her mind off of the blood coating her hand, of the feeling…
Oh my god… oh my god…
Her breathing scraped her injured throat with its frequency, and she collapsed to the floor, eyes wide and unfocused.
It's happening again… it feels like I'm having a heart attack…
Her body was trembling beyond belief, and her head felt pressured, like it could pop at any second. There was a loud ringing in her ears.
"H-hey, Snap Pea? You okay? Frisk?"
Sans voice was distant, but she looked over at him anyways.
He was hurt. He got hurt defending her. She would have thought she wanted him to get hurt after what he did… but the pain tripled.
She looked away, the tears spilling over for the second time that day.
"I-I'm s-sorry… I'm sorry… I didn't mean it, I didn't mean… I'm sorry…I… I should have never snapped at you, I shouldn't have gotten mad at you, I…" her words slurred out like water from a broken dam.
Sans inched a little closer.
"Hey, calm down. You didn't mean anything, and I deserved you being mad. Hell, I deserved a lot worse. Just… I want to talk, but you need to try to calm down."
Frisk shut her eyes as hard as she could trying to make everything go away.
"S-Sans… I… I made a mistake… I made a mistake… and I made more than one…"