"Destiny isn't a path any cat follows blindly. It is always a matter of choice, and sometimes the heart speaks loudest. Listen to your heart, because that's where your true destiny lies." Warrior cats.
"Why… why would you...?"
"Because when I am not in a position of judgement I shall not judge. But here I am a king with a duty to his people. Here, I shall take your soul."
Frisk watched as Doggo stood up, and it felt like her life was on slow motion. He breathed in and let out a puff of smoke from his cigarette/ dog treat, pulling it between his fingers and giving it a tap to shake ashes off.
She could see the most steady, calm purpose in his eyes. Powerful but graceful…
Like a wolf.
He really was Moon-Blood.
Her heart was beating so fast.
This felt like a dream.
"… but why? Why not find another way?" Her voice was surprisingly strong.
"What other way is there? I do not mean personal harm to you, I have no problem with you personally. Actually, you are a very mild and decent human. But I have people to lead and serve. They wish for freedom. They wish for justice. We all do. We cannot sacrifice our ideals coming to fruition because of one single human."
"But is it worth getting blood on your hands?"
"We already have blood on our hands. Humans got our blood on their hands long ago." Doggo countered calmly.
"… I've got nothing." Frisk said after a pause, closing her eyes. "Other that the typical "it doesn't have to be this way.""
Doggo let out a "humph", pulling his cloak off. Underneath was a tan shirt that exposed his upper chest, two small grey shoulder pads, and torn brown shirts that only the middle of his thighs. Around his neck was a light blue scarf and a glowing blue crystal similar to the Howling stone, attached to a leather necklace.
Frisk had never seen such icy eyes. They were narrow, yet had that wolflike quality she often saw in her own eyes. She noticed his cheekbones reminded her of Silver, as did his stance and even clothing style.
"You wouldn't understand. Just as we don't understand freedom. I am not doing this to be spiteful, or cruel. Whether you chose to see it as a sacrifice is up to you."
"I don't hold it against you. But." An image of Sans's pleading eyes popped in her mind, and she had a moment of awe that someone could show so much emotion for her. She opened her eyes, unable to take thinking about how painful his expressions were without choking up.
"But I made a promise. I have people I need to get back to. So… I've come here to ask for that privilege."
Doggo shook his muzzle.
"Unfortunately that is not something that can be bought with words, my friend. That is something that must be fought for. And if it's really true, then you will be willing to fight for it. Because true friends are something worth dying for."
Frisk felt anxiety churn in her stomach.
How could she, a random human who just happens to have some wolf-like features, even come close to beating a battle hardened king?
No. I need to stop. Frisk swallowed. I need to stay determined. Otherwise… if I die, I may not come back.
Determined…
Frisk tried focusing on the middle of her chest again, trying to bring up that burning feeling.
"If you have unfinished business, now is the time, human." Doggo's hand fell on his sword, which was safe in its sheath.
Not for long, anyways.
Frisk rubbed her wrist and shook her head.
Stay determined… stay determined… think of them. Think of them…
She heard the clang of metal and the shhhhhhring sound sound of a sword being unsheathed.
It was an old sword, with a worn handle. The blade glittered in the soft blue light of the Howling Stone.
Doggo held it in front of him with one hand, pointed at her.
"Very well. I ask of your name as an act of respect."
Frisk swallowed, feeling nervous sweat bead up in the back of her neck.
She pulled the wolf dagger from her pocket and held it tightly with a shaking palm.
"…Frisk."
Doggo raised his muzzle.
"Well then. Frisk. Your death will not be vain should you die. If you manage to beat me you may do as you wish. But." The air around them suddenly dulled, and ice blue flared to life on his open paw.
"You won't live."
Thin lines of crisp blue magic extended from the Howling stone, casting a blue hued light through the dark area. The barriers light almost disappeared. A pale blue aura was spinning around the king, illuminating the red stone on his crown and the shiny gold.
Frisk almost fell backwards, feeling an immeasurably cold air hit her cheeks.
She immediately felt an overwhelming air of power.
She was going to die.
Doggo moved his hand, and there was a cracking sound above her.
Frisk looked up to see multiple glowing blue icicles circling above her, sharp edges painted towards her.
Frisk moved by instinct, and as she did so they came zooming towards her at incredible speeds.
In a panic she cringed and covered her face with her hands.
The blow never came.
There was a sound like a bubble popping, and the icicles clanged to the ground.
Frisk peeked out.
There was a cobalt bubble of magic around her, though now fading.
The little bone on the necklace Sans gave her was glowing.
She stared down at in awe as she pieced together what it had done.
Sans. You smart little piece of shit, I love you. That's why you gave it to me, you sly dog. Frisk smiled a little.
Her smile faded as she realized that all the magic in the bone faded, and it was single use.
She had no protection now.
Something flashed in the corner of her eye.
Frisk swiveled around and pulled up her blade, the sound of clashing metal and a pushback on her arms catching her off guard.
Doggo stood over her, pushing down with his sword.
"Good reflexes, human."
He pulled back, the blade glowing blue.
Frisk took a few stumbling steps backwards, her mind jumbled.
I need to focus, I need to focus, I need to-
Doggo swept the ground with the sword, the same light blue colored wave seeping from it and hurtling towards her.
Frisk tried jumping it.
Unfortunately, she misjudged its height.
It hit her ankles and caused the most searing, jarring pain she ever felt.
She screamed so loud she was sure she ripped her throat and fell to the floor, writhing in agony.
She stared in gruesome horror at her feet… which were not connected to her in any way. Blood spurted from the two stumps that were now her ankles and made her feel extremely disoriented. It felt like she could still feel her feet- like when a hand or foot was numb- but any attempt to move it found a different story.
Oh my god, oh m-
Something was pushed into her head and black crashed down on her mind.
It took her a few moments to realize the pain was gone, she could move her feet again and that she was dead.
Shit.
Frisk watched as the Ultra save flickered in front of her.
She closed her eyes, finding it so odd that this dark was the same as the dark behind her eyelids.
Determination… I am determined. I will go back… I will…
She focused on feelings of Determination, pushing away the echo's of fear that ate away at her insides.
Then, in a blinding flash, she was gasping on the cold floor of the tower.
Frisk scrambled to sit upright, looking down at her ankles.
At first her eyes landed on the old scar on her one ankle from the trap in Waterfall, and that made her heart skip a beat. But then her eyes took it all in and she wiggled her toes with no problems.
Dear god… she rubbed her brow, feeling the slight leftovers of a headache.
He's not playing around. Frisk realized. He knew how to kill and do it fast.
That was good for the… pain aspect- she wouldn't suffer. But… not for her chances.
That light blue… I've seen it before. I think… Papyrus used it?
Frisk thought back to hazy memories from their fight on the bridge. The light blue bones…
That's it! I can't move! The magic will go right through me! So I didn't have to jump or move! Moving only makes it hit! Frisk felt stupid for not noticing that sooner.
Feeling a new rush of resolve, Frisk used the wall to pull herself to her feet. She felt wobbly, like after her feet have been asleep. She waited till she could walk normally and climbed back up the steps, her tail swishing behind her.
She arrived to find Doggo standing and ready.
Wh-what?
He wasn't like that before?
"I used to be friends with Sans. I know what time is and what happens when it is tampered with, little human. Do you see with watch?" Doggo pulled a golden pocket watch with a carving of a brilliant Phoenix.
"This watch resists resets. In fact, opening it reveals the last five minutes of the previous timeline. This effect only lasts five minutes before fading. It is very faded now, see?" He clicked it open and showed the surface of the clock inside. There, she could see a faint picture reflected on the glass. She could not make it out from where she stood.
She was speechless.
He knew?!
He put the watch away.
"However, the past is the past. Now is now. We shall fight just as we did before. We shall fight evermore until time has complete her loop and fate has picked her cards."
Doggo pulled his sword.
Frisk gripped her dagger, feeling slightly more confident.
The blue attacks… they make me move. Don't. I'll be fine.
Doggo dashed straight in with his sword this time.
His eyes had darted to the space next to her.
Frisk took all her willpower and held still.
Doggo swung, the sword glowing blue at the last second.
It went right through her.
Frisk took the opportunity to slash at his arm.
Doggo jumped back on light, agile feet, landing on his toes and swinging his sword again. The blade was plain.
Frisk jumped away, copying the way he bounced on his toes.
He flashed his paw, and the ground rumbled.
There was a set of glowing black spots on the ground beneath her feet.
He's summoning something…
Frisk leaped out of the way just in time to avoid a set of deep black spikes shooting from the stone.
However, Doggo had expected her move and darted in front of her, thrusting his blade.
She shield activated just in time as the sword tip brushed her torso, sending his blade flying from the impact.
Frisk tried kicking at his knee.
Doggo snickered and spun fluidly to the side, snapping his fingers.
She was still moving as little rings of light blue came flying at her.
She couldn't stop.
The last thing she saw was one right at her throat, feeling the cold magic, before her world went black.
She found herself in the void again.
Frisk sighed and focused on her Determination…
She'd get it.
…
Five tries later, Frisk was getting tired.
She breathed hard by the star, feeling dizzy.
She died mostly from blood loss last time. Before that she was stabbed, speared by a spike, and had something put through her head twice.
She found Doggo's overall strategy was to force her to move. Whether by intimidating blue attacks or a normal attack to shepherd her to where he was going to actually strike.
Staying still was nearly impossible, physically and mentally.
All the pain and injuries and fear was wearing down on her and making her sick.
It was also wearing on her safety.
Her little swim in the void was startlingly long this time.
The idea of actual death was startlingly near.
Sans was right to be scared… Frisk realized. I could die…
She felt a shudder pass through her body, and she pulled her knees to her chest.
Why did she have to lose resolve now?!
This didn't feel like a good idea anymore…
Her soul wolf was in front of her, transparent. She looked frightened.
"…" Frisk didn't say a word. She stared into the eyes of the wolf, feeling lost.
She couldn't go fight Doggo feeling like this.
She needed a break or she would most definitely be lost to the void.
Frisk sighed and played with the bone necklace. The little piece of ivory colored bone was light and warm. Like there was life flowing through its tiny shape. It's energy filled her with a comforting warmth she felt when cuddling up against Sans…
You know, bud? I have to stay alive for you… she snorted.
I wouldn't feel so guilty for dying if I hadn't promised you we'd all be on the surface one day, in one big house. Us, Paps, Undyne, Alphys, Rocky, Silver…With a bunch of cats… heh, he didn't like that idea. Frisk smiled.
Doggo's right. That's worth fighting for. And I will. But first-
Frisk stood up, shaking her limbs.
I'm going to take a little walk around. I still do need a break. And if I sit here I'll freeze.
Frisk walked around the tower, looking at the walls in greater detail. Looking out from the windows. Snow followed her, looking along curiously.
Frisk turned back after awhile, going back up the tower and to the stairs.
With a final breath, she ascended to that cursed place once more.
Doggo did not exchange words.
Spikes formed under her.
Frisk dodged to the side, pulling her dagger, ready to face Doggo.
This time he sent icicles at her, and she managed to stop in time.
The blue discs again.
They were created so that there was a little space between them. Interlaced were orange discs, the likes of which she had to move in order to avoid.
She weaved in between the discs, staying as focused as possible.
Next the floor glowed, and it turned to ice.
This was the attack he used on her last time. She felt a cold feeling in her soul.
It was turned ice blue by this attack.
Every move meant she slid, and avoiding attacks was much harder.
Doggo created normal spears of ice on the ceiling and they began to crash down, each getting dangerously close to the dodging Frisk. Her feet kept slipping and sliding.
Suddenly, her legs slid from under her and she was sliding on her stomach across the ice.
The shield activated as an icicle was about to pierce her, and the ice shattered. Little fragments pattered against the floor, reflecting the light.
Frisk tried getting back on her feet, unable to find a good foothold.
Doggo was over in an instant.
She was going to die again.
Frisk felt a prick of frustration and closed her eyes as he pulled back his blade.
Something moved up in front of her, sending a small gust of wind.
She opened her eyes to find gleaming white pillars of bone in front of her and Doggo had moved back.
B-bone?... oh no.
"You didn't." Frisk turned, knowing exactly who she would see.
Sans did not look happy. His cheekbones still looked a little wet, and his hands were balled up at his sides.
He was glaring at Doggo for all he was worth.
She felt a pinprick of annoyance, but more so fear.
Would he be labeled a traitor now?
Doggo sighed and sat up straight.
"Sans. I will say this once and once only. From now on, defending this human will be considered treasonous. You will leave now or be punished."
Sans growled.
Frisk could see Storm at his feet.
"No."
"Sans, please! I don't want you to get hurt because o-"
"We aren't going to get hurt."
"…we?"
Sans stepped aside.
"HUMAN?!" Papyrus came dashing into the room and was looming over her in an instant.
She looked behind him.
She could see Undyne, Rocky, Alphys… Silver, Toriel, even…
A large, fluffy shape entered the room.
Asgore?
Frisk felt her hand cover her mouth.
"What are you guys doing… no…"
"Yes! We've come to tell the king we don't want you dead! We were sure he'd let you live if we told him that!"
"But I told you-"
"It is alright my child. We are willing to take the blame." Toriel spoke softly.
Asgore walked up to Doggo calmly. He towered over the dog. It was hard to believe that Doggo was actually more powerful than the former king.
Doggo maintained eye contact with him, and she could see tense air between them.
"King. You have always ruled for the people, correct? We have come to tell you that the people desire the life of this human over immediate freedom."
"You are no longer in rule." Doggo said bluntly. His voice was still monotone.
Asgore nodded.
"Yes, I know that. I am nothing more than a citizen now. But we all have our beliefs, nonetheless. I found that killing them is far more to hold than sparing- no matter how much blood is on your hands, adding more does not help. This human has gained support across the underground, and most people back her and wish for her life to be spared."
Doggo blinked, and he was deep in thought.
"…Deputy Rocky. Is this fact true?"
Rocky flinched and straightened.
"Ummm, yes, your majesty! It seems true enough… we had a crowd back at Snowdin."
"…do you realize what you are throwing away?" Doggo stated. "This is for the wellbeing of all. This is why you failed as king, Asgore. You let your feelings get in the way of what was right."
"Like you should talk, bud." Sans growled.
Suddenly he was stomping across the open space, and Asgore stepped aside to let him through.
He stood right up to Doggo, unfazed by his size difference.
"Remember years back? You'd be sitting there at the alley, I'd be choking on your god awful smoke. And you told me, told me that I was too brutal. I said that humans weren't good and that killing them helped the cause. You said that everything had some good in em. You'd always scold me… looks like we've changed position, eh?"
Doggo looked down, his lit treat sticking from his mouth.
"I was young and inexperienced."
"What? Did seeing Dogeressa die change that? One death? Grow up. Bad things happen. See, I don't really like humans that much either. Even now. But will I go killing them just because I want to be free? No. Because they are living things like us, and if we want right we've gotta give them to them too."
"…you are speaking out of line, Sans." Doggo warned.
Sans snorted.
"So? Wasn't that you years back? Stop thinking of yourself as the savior sent down by whatever thing you believe lives in the clouds and start looking at the truth- you're just another confused monster just like the rest of us, going nuts over somethin' that we aren't even sure is worth it in the end."
"…if we do not leave, we will die. It will get colder and colder."
"And whose to say we won't die up there, either? We can't wage a war against humanity. There's eight billion of those fuckers. And war is what it's gonna come to if we kill to get up there."
"Yeah! W-we s-s-should worry a-about m-making sure w-we c-can live peacefully…" Alphys mumbled.
"Sans speaks the truth, although rather rudely." Asgore shot him a glance. "Even Dogamy and Undyne approve. We need to find other methods. Maybe if a bad human falls, maybe if-"
"Don't mind him, dear. I'm sure we can find a way through technology to break the barrier with the six we have." Toriel cut off Asgore coldly
Sans stiffened a little at that suggestion.
"The brilliant scientist Alphys can find a way! I'm believe in her!" Papyrus chirped.
Alphys blushed and scratched her cheek.
"R-really?"
"Of course, ya nerd!" Undyne had been silent until now. She picked Alphys up and gave her a spin.
Frisk looked around, feeling tears in her eyes.
"You… guys…"
She was hauled up by Papyrus. She hadn't noticed that the ice had faded and the lights returned.
"Awwww, we love you too human!"
"YEAH! LETS KILL HER WITH LOVE!" Undyne fist pumped.
Looks from everyone scolded the mention of the word "kill".
Sans was mumbling something and kicking the ground. Doggo looked at him quizzically before turning to them.
"It has been decided. We shall have a vote. If the kingdom so wishes, we shall spare her. You may spread your message so others are aware."
"YEAH!" Rocky called. He then froze and looked around embarrassed.
"Ahem… sorry, heh. Got excited." He scratched the back of his head.
Toriel giggled.
"It is alright."
"WE GOTTA GO MAKE SURE EVERYONE VOTES IN FAVOR!" Undyne yelled.
"WAIT! We should thank Sans! It's amazing my brother knew this would work!" Papyrus yelled.
Papyrus put her on the ground again.
The way he had worded that…
Was unsettling.
Sans didn't look… normal.
He walked over slowly, avoiding eye contact.
"Frisk… you okay?"
"Y-yeah?"
He got close and tugged on her arm.
"We need to talk in private. Now."
Something was wrong…
"What? What happened?"
Sans looked up at her, and his eyes were wide and scared.
"I… Frisk, I did s-"
"Something stupid!"
Large vines broke through the floor, making the entire place shake. Alphys screamed.
Frisk scrambled and held onto Sans in sheer panic. It felt like the floor could collapse.
Sans snarled.
"Go away!"
Flowey?
He was at the far end of the room, right in front of the Howling stone.
Her heart leaped.
"Awww, that's not a nice way to treat your friend, is it?" Flowey cooed. "especially one that offered you help… you remember your little part of the deal?"
Sans growled softly.
Frisk felt rising horror in her gut.
"Sans… what did you do?"
AW NAW BOI U THOUGHT PAPYRUS WAS GONNA BE THE ONE?
U THOUGHT WRONG BUSTA!
There is a plothole that needs to be addressed.
You remember the kids Asgore killed in the ruins?
What happened to their souls?
I completely forgot about this :/
Let's just say they were discarded so they don't get used.
Anyways, I am not so happy with this one.
But there is a new oneshot out, called Sans Ross. Go and give it some love! And reviews XD.
Prepare a box of tissues…
Because next chapter we go HARD.
Natural selection doesn't favor those who make stupid choices, after all ;)
(I've been hardcore hinting some major events for the past couple of chapters FYI)