Bard's Tale

by Mezameta Durai

Tell me my friend. A story as my eyes fall, one last story of how it ends, how it begins... and once its over let my eyes fall peacefully, and then when we meet again you can tell me everything new. "Well... it all began with a tear."

8. The Rise

Chapter Eight

Part One

The Rise

Monster Records

Entry Four Twenty-Six

"So, it is morning after Frisk and Asriel's birthday surprise."

"I have to say, I was not expecting the news Toriel gave me."

"Toriel wishes to leave for Belara."

"A whole group of us."

"Me, Her, Frisk, Asriel, Sans, and Undyne."

"She apparently spoke with Asriel last night about the plans, and to Alphys and Undyne."

"She said Alphys is too busy, some sort of project came up, and suggested Undyne still come with."

"And Sans… because he can keep a track on Frisk and Asriel well."

"That is not all, she told me what she learned a year ago..."

"I don't know what to say..."

"Frisk's past… is terrible."

"A child, should never lose their mother..."

"I fear… the reason Frisk can only remember the words of her mother's death."

"Is because she saw her mother's death."

"It… reminds me of the day my parents died..."

"It reminds me of the days of war."

"It reminds me of my friend..."

"Egel..."

For Readers; Ive decided to break this into two parts, The big reason is; time. HOWEVER, im not planning on doing this often so hopefully soon I can get part two out and never break another chapter again….

Time came and went for Frisk and Asriel as the two can be seen eating their breakfast as normal. Ever since their mental hype of their relationship has calmed down things returned to normal, only with a bit more lovey cuddles and romantic moments between the two. Today was the day they were going to meet four of their companions from their online guild. Toriel had told them that there was a plan for a surprise trip tomorrow, and Frisk got sorta excited hearing that. A family vacation.

Frisk and Asriel were to meet Slivera and Shadow at Deliana's at lunch time. Asriel had already set reservations for a table of six with Deliana, whom was more than eager to get them setup. Asriel had tried to get to learn more of what caused Frisk to act so odd that night they got that gift from 'Ruby'. She was quick to brush it off… until she finally admitted she didn't know why, but it caused her to feel fear rise up in her chest. Something he had noticed is he could tell when she was afraid, and she could tell when he became concerned about her. They decided to right off this weird connection just an odd sensitivity to magic to one another, which made Frisk feel a little better knowing she could lean on him when she needed and he would be there.

Asriel felt it was a bit odd, but part of him was glad for it. He could be there for her, and she him. He could only wonder what the day held for him, and wondered what Frisk would think when they arrived at Belara… he held a worry that she would be upset yet he shoves it aside, least he ruins the surprise before it can be revealed.

"So Asriel." Frisk's voice echos out, breaking Asriel out of his thoughts causing him to looks to Frisk.

"Whats up?" He asks before taking another bite of his breakfast, it was simply eggs, biscuits and gravy.

"So I was wondering, what kind of people you think our guild buddies will be?" Frisk asks before taking a bite of her own food. Asriel swallows his before humming, he taps the back end of the utinsil in his hand against his chin.

"Not sure, Slivera and Shadow are definitely Human though. The other two I don't even know their character names so I can't get an idea if I know them even a bit. For all I know they could be new to the group." Asriel says getting a nod from Frisk. Finishing her bite, she gives her own hum.

"Definitely, I am gonna take a gander and say… that they are new, but only one of them is a Monster and the other is Human. Like us." Asriel thinks it over and nods.

"Yeah that might be…" 'However, can… we really say your entirely human? If what mom said is true… and your part monster yourself?' Asriel thinks to himself as he recalls a bit of Toriel's conversation to him some nights ago.

Last week…

"Asriel, I wanted to say something… but I don't want to make you think differently about Frisk." Toriel says as she sighs, they had talked about plans and it was bothering about one thing.

"Is it about her ability to use magic?" Toriel nods with a frown.

"Yes… there are two ideas that come to mind, and Alphys and I have talked about it before… One is Frisk could be a descendant of a mage from all that time ago." Toriel starts as Asriel gives a questionable look.

"I mean, that sounds plausiable, but wouldn't she know more about magic and the ability to wield it? Even if it was a rare thing to unlock you'd figure a family like that would have lineage to teach someone, and it wouldn't line up with Frisk's childhood." Toriel gives another nod with her frown dropping a bit more.

"Yes. That is correct, I tend to forget how smart you are my son. That leads me to my second thought, Frisk… is a descendant of a Human, and a Monster. Directly or indirectly. With how strong her magic is, I would say directly meaning one of her parents is indeed a Monster that survived all those years on the surface." Asriel felt his chest twist with worry.

"What would that mean exactly?" Toriel shakes her head.

"I don't want to say too much and get you worried, but back in our old days. It was forbidden and no one knew why, except the high king himself. Mazerin had decreed it was a sin to do such." Asriel's eyes widen as he recalls her talking about it before.

"You mentioned something like that, that it was a law." Toriel nods as she looks to the ceiling.

"Indeed it was, One thing I didn't mention is that a few groups refused to listen to his words… and the mages hunted these groups… Back then they were called Daemons, Beings of Monster and Human. I never saw one of these 'Daemons' However, During the end of the war Ruby did tell me that 'Daemons' were not as they seemed, and that one day… We would learn the truth about the lies we were fed from birth. She didn't get to tell me more before we were forced into the Underground." Toriel says with a sigh.

"So you think this will be one of the truths that you were lied about all this time?" Toriel nods as she gently smiles.

"If Frisk is part Monster, would that change how you feel?" Toriel asks, Asriel looks to the floor before his eyes brighten and he smiles with a large smile.

"Not in the slightest, infact… that gives me hope that she would possible be around longer in the least! I want to have as much time as possible with her." Toriel smiles as she nods before leaning over and gives Asriel a hug.

"Good, now go get some rest… you look tired and something tells me you want to go snuggle with Frisk." Toriel says with a motherly smirk getting a surprised look of embarrassment from Asriel.

Present Time…

'Though it makes me wonder… what kind of monster would Frisk look like if she were one...' Asriel thinks as he considers her body, the first image was like him a goat-like monster… but she quickly took on resemblance to Toriel causing his gut to physically churn. 'ugh! Yuk! It'd be like I was dating my mother! No way!' Then the image morphs, as it changes he mentally hums as she takes on a canine like form, though not like a dog or a wolf… 'Foxy Frisk...' He mentally hums as he felt his tongue twitch as if wanting to lick his lips at the image. 'I could get behind that… She'd have a nice big fluffy tail… heh… fluffy tail snuggling that would be fun...' His mind begins to wander as he gets a jab in the side from Frisk.

"You finally out of dream-land Asriel?" Frisk asks getting Asriel to glance around to see he was the only one whom still had food left on his plate. Frisk had a smirk, and Asriel finally realizes his eyes were locked on to Frisk the entire time he was zoning out making Frisk assume he was letting his mind wander dirtily. "If you want to lust after my body..." Frisk starts getting Asriel's face to drop as he begins feel his fluster heat his face. "Then do it when we are alone..." Frisk says getting Toriel and Asgore to choke at the seductive tone Frisk used, before laughing.

"F-Frisk!" Toriel says with wide eyes getting the girl to laugh harder.

"S-Sorry! Haha, I couldn't resist messing with everyone and embarrass Asriel!" Frisk says giving a large smile. Toriel worriedly smiles at Frisk before shaking her head.

"Don't give me a scare, while I want grandchildren… I don't think your ready for that till your atleast eighteen..." Toriel says giving a sigh. Asriel begins to stare at his mother with his jaw wide open.

"M-Mom!" Asriel says before a loud chuckle comes from Asgore.

"Haha. This takes me back… I have not heard teasing like this since your mother Toriel." Toriel gives her own chuckle as she nods.

"Yes, however unlike me, she didn't want us to wait once she met you. She tried get you locked alone in our house that one time. She took a liking to you." Toriel says with a laugh getting a response from Frisk whom looks at Toriel with curiousity.

"So… that brings up a question mom." Frisk says as she looks at Asgore and Toriel.

"What is it dear?" Frisk frowns slightly.

"So, you and Asgore look a lot alike… were monster families of different looks related?" Frisk tries to ask without being offensive, Toriel smiles as she nods her head acknowledging the question.

"I see what your trying to ask. So yes, me and Asgore are in a way related. It is not that uncommon among our kind. Infact the first families of monsters were all directly related brothers and sisters. Each monster born of this family were different, oddly enough some show symbolic resemblense to the Zodiac the humans use, though not fully." Toriel starts, Asgore nods as he joins in.

"Yes, the first four sub-spieces of our kind were. The Vulpine lead by the old monster King. With the Feline and Canine families after followed by the Avian family." Asgore says before Toriel takes back over.

"Yes, then we had the Aquatic Family, Goat family, the dragon family, and finally the bunny family. These were the eight main families that were born. Granted from what we remember there were two of the Vulpine monsters. The oldest and the Youngest. Our family was lead by Galor Dreemurr, there was the Kein family whom was closest to the Dreemurrs, and the Drajor family whom were very protective of our family. Back then our family was one of the lesser families, we were a large family… yet we didn't have the strength to match our king's family of two." Frisk tilts her head as Toriel explains.

"Family of two? The Vulpine family didn't have any actual families? If what you said was true… then it was just two brothers." Toriel nods before Asgore takes over.

"The king was very strong, being the first born he was gifted with lots of strength and age to grow before his siblings, He told me he was almost twenty before his mother decided she wanted more children." Asgore says as he sighs. "But yes, me and Toriel are distantly related. We were are more… like tenth generation cousins. Far enough apart to avoid genetic problems, not that we couldn't actually avoid those issues thanks to the magic bodies we hold." Asgore says before sighing.

"Thats… sorta crazy, yet kinda cool. To have a family that big I mean." Frisk says. Toriel sighs as she shakes her head.

"It sounds that way, but remember when I said each first one was more or less different? Well, our family was born from Galor's mate. However the Veila, and Drajor family was born from his mate. The bunny and Dragon families. So it became common to have bunny or dragon monster siblings or mates due to the fact it reduced the chance of genetic issues. While physical or mental issues were unlikely with our kind, soul problems would appear… weak souls wouldn't..." Toriel shakes her head. "Anyways… does that answer your question dear?" Frisk nods with a smile.

"Yeah, though next time I may ask about your intermediate families." Toriel and Asgore smile and nod. Asriel stands and stretches before glancing at Frisk.

"Speaking of time we should go get ready. By the time we get up there and talk for a while, we will be wanting to eat again." Frisk nods as she stands and stretches herself.

"That makes me wonder as well, does having magic make people more hungry more often?" Toriel nods as she smiles at Frisk.

"Yes, it does surpringly. Your metabolism is much higher with it because it is going to your body and your magic. I didn't do a full breakfast since you two were going out to eat again. It also doesn't help your young still, you'll likely be burning through energy quicker by your body producing magic passively." Frisk nods, while Asriel heads up stairs.

"Alright thanks mom, have a good day at work Asgore." Frisk says as the older monster sighs.

"She had to remind me… I best go getting ready too Toriel." Toriel nods as she looks at the older monster.

"Alright Asgore. Have a safe trip into town." Toriel says as he leaves the kitchen and she watches Frisk head upstairs. 'Perhaps I should visit Alphys.'

Half an hour later Frisk and Asriel are walking outside. Frisk in her dress however with a dark green jacket over her and purple scarf wrapped around her neck, Asriel wearing a dark blue jacket over him and a green scarf.

"I have to say, we kinda already look like a married couple with how we dress… formal dating clothing with winter jackets over. Its like those movies or shows that do this." Frisk says with a smile as she leans forwards and looks at Asriel behind her, her hands behind her back.

"Kinda, though right now you look like one of them school girls from anime. Its kinda cute, and sexy." Asriel replies as he smirks causing Frisk to stand straight with a blush. "However..." Asriel's face turns to a serious expression as he looks up at the sky. "Right now, I wanted to ask while we have a moment. I know you want to save Chara, how exactly do you plan to do so." Asriels says before glancing at Frisk.

"I uh… well..." Asriel shakes his head.

"I am not taking the chance with you making another vessel, and it worked because someone was giving me soul power. Chara does not, nor will giving him piece of your soul will fix that or of your soul's power. We both know he needs saving in more than one way. A physical way would just give us an enemy who would likely have more power." Asriel says with a loud sigh. "I only want to protect you Frisk… and Chara, Now I full remember what happened that night..." Asriel says, he had been having dreams of the fight with Chara till he could recall it clearly.

"Asriel..." Frisk say his name with a frown, he shakes his head.

"Hes not the same as the Chara whom followed you before, he cares not for who he has to hurt, who he has to use… he wants to kill us. Hes not like father or anyone else from the underground. Hes truly wanting destruction. So please make sure you know what your doing before we face him again. I will not risk losing you Frisk, your the one everyone is counting on..." Frisk sighs as she wraps her self around his arm and leans against him.

"I know Asriel..." She says quietly. She smiles gently looking at him. "Don't worry I wont go in to a fight with Chara without a plan." she says softly holding onto his arm. "Besides, I will have you right there next to me, I know with you there we can save him." Asriel glances at Frisk with a smile.

"Yeah." Asriel says with his smile. The two walk down the path as they make their way towards the cafe, knowing their companions are waiting on them by now. The gentle snow fall comes down, while heavy clouds hover overhead threatening a snow storm over the city. It was a good hour and half before they find themselves at the Cafe where they see two humans speaking with two monsters.

"If you think we look interesting you should see some of the other monsters! One looks like a dragon and works at the hospital!" The female monster says, she stands at five five height, with a harpy like appearance. Her fiery red hair clashes with her magenta feathers. Her arms covered in feathers to the fingers which almost look like individual feathers. She was wearing a pair of winter style shorts that stop at her scaly legs, and a custom made winter jacket that covered her front torso leaving her back open. She had a bit of a flap that slightly connected near her arm pits that connect to her back near the middle.

"I still think the more interesting are the Prince and Princess." The male monster says, he stands at five eight height. He was wearing a burnt orange scarf, with a light weight winter jacket in gray color and light weight winter pants. He had feline ears and a tail, his fur dark gray with teal stripes looking like a very exotic tabby breed of cat.

Frisk and Asriel walk over, as the two monsters turn and notice them.

"No way, its the prince and princess." The male says with awe his orange eyes widen as he sees them. Frisk and Asriel wave.

"Howdy, you wouldn't be here for a meetup to meet with Angel and Delta Rune?" Asriel ask as the human girl smiles and nods.

"Yes, are you two them? I am Claira, but go as Slivera online. This is Therrick who goes by Shadow Star." The woman goes and introduces them. The two monsters smile as they lean back.

"I am Fenor, I go by Nyanta online." The male feline says with a smile.

"I am Teina, I am Gaia Fist online!" The harpy says with a smile as she leans in. "I never expected our companions be the prince and princess! And it looks like the rumors are true you two are dating!" Frisk falters some against Asriel as the two look at Teina.

"News travels way too fast.." Asriel says with a sigh. "Anyways yeah, Im Asriel Dreemurr. I go by Delta Rune." Asriel says with a smile as he looks at the two humans. The girl was wearing dark gray heavy winter outfit with blue and silver hair. The man was wearing black heavy winter outfit his hair red and silver hair.

"I am Frisk Dreemurr, though I share Asriel's last name I was adopted into his family after helping them get free of Mount Ebott." The human girl 'Claira' nods as she hums understanding her words.

"I see, I see… still..." Claira gets close as she wiggles her eye brows. "You could always play that part to make it ever so more… heated." She says as with a lustful tone as Therrick grabs her jacket and pulls her back some. Frisk and Asriel's faces heat up from her words as they glance at each other then away.

"Sorry about that, my fiance can be a bit of a weirdo from time to time." Therrick says as Frisk shakes her head with a shy chuckle.

"I-Its fine… though now seeing her in person she is just like she is online… just more." Frisk says while Asriel nods keeping his mouth shut. The bell of the door rings as Deliana walks out with a smile.

"What are y'all doin out here? Come on in and get seated and out of the cold weather." Deliana says as Frisk and Asriel smile at her. They motion for everyone to follow them as the six of them headinside. Deliana takes them to a larger private room this time as Claira gasps in awe while Therrick just stares with his own surprise at the ceiling.

"Amazing isn't it?" Frisk starts as the group gets seated with their companion they arrived with. "I would always stare at these rocks in the underground when I was stuck down there for the five years I was there." Frisk says getting wide eyes from the two humans.

"Wait so you were… stuck down there for five years?! Your so young though!" Claira says getting a nod from Frisk.

"Yeah… she was eleven then." Asriel says as he leans onto the table glancing at Frisk. "That is when she fell into the mountain… if it wasn't for my mother, and a few others… She would have died ages ago. Frisk is a special person in our eyes… well in mine shes more special. Shes the savior of everyone, they love her as family as their hero. Trust me when I say; I wouldn't have anyone else be our savior. Shes the nicest person in our little community." Asriel says getting Frisk to fluster as she covers her face in her jacket.

"S-Stop it Asriel… I am not that impressive." Asriel chuckles as the aforementioned girl blushes. Asriel slides his jacket off and begins to take Frisk's getting curious glances from the two humans.

"Okay now another question… why are you wearing such a thin outfit under the jacket… I didn't notice till now… wait that is a dress. Are you not cold outside?!" Therrick asks with wide eyes getting a chuckle from Frisk.

"Nope! I am a special case… the clothing I am wearing is magic infused. It keeps my body at a safe temperature at all times. It takes magic to power it… and we don't know why it works for me… the doctor slash scientist of the community assumes its cause I was so young and aged so much around monsters that it acts as a secondary conduit for magic… they leak magic and I sorta take it in." Frisk says coming up with a lie to how it works.

"That is so cool! That means you can travel in clothes that are magic infused anywhere with any style! Imagine how amazing that would be if it could be applied to everyone! Winter clothes would become more stylish and everyone would get to live more comfortably!" Claira says with a smile.

"Y-Yes..." Fenor starts with a chuckle. "The problem is… magic would need a conduit for everyone… and the magic skill for said clothing is very hard to master… infact if anyone tried to without the right training they could injure themselves. The threads are like razor wire when being made and have to be refined with a special weaving tool." Fenor says as Claira frowns and looks down at the ground.

"I...I didn't know that magic was so complex… you'd figure it'd be all in your mind to do it." She says as Teina smiles brightly.

"Don't worry about it! Some magic is simple, its the more advance magic that is complex. The major problem lies with the fact we are not all born the same. Magic isn't shared equally, we each are born with different affinities and all. Like me, my mother has a skill for healing water magics. My father has wind magic as his. I have earth, I can use my magic to enforce my body to become harder than the hardest stone… granted I am not invincible like that and it is draining. But I use my magic to help move earth around at the mine from time to time since I can use it to bolster my strength in my legs and wings and fly with large chunks of stone!" Teina says with a smile. Claira looks at Teina with a smile as she looks at the avian monster.

"You work at a mine? Isn't that… unethical for your age?" Therrick asks with a frown. Teina shakes her head.

"I help the other monsters there. Its volunteer work." Teina says as Fenor nods.

"Yes, each one of us have unique magic skills we can use… every other magic is very difficult to do except for the three basic elements. Light, Fire, Life Energy. We call it LFE or as it sounds life. Life energy is our healing magic, Fire is our survival magic, and Light is our guidance magic. Fire everyone learns to extent easily for survival reasons. Only one family has full control over fire though and that is the Dreemurr family. Light magic is used to light darkness or other things. We used to use this to find our way around mount Ebott in the early days. Light was only mastered by the family known as Drakanar. They were a dragonic family and their members like the Dreemurrs is few now. Life energy no one has ever been known to master it past its healing properties, but it is theorized to possible heal full fatal injuries in minutes if it was attainable. With dismemberment healed in months depending on the injury." Fenor says getting a mouth full of backstory of their kind. Claira and Therrick smiles as they look at the two groups.

"I would have never guessed… anyways lets order. So Frisk, What would you recommend here? You lived it so you tell us your stories." Claira says with a smile. Frisk nods as the group begins to order. They all talked and Frisk shared her stories of the Underground. When drinks arrived Claira and Therrick were intimidated by their drink order they got exactly what Frisk and Asriel got… a Two souls. Frisk and Asriel chuckle as the two stare at it with fright as the two of them took a drink and began to dig into their meals. Fenor and Teina ordered golden flower tea for themselves as the six of them enjoyed the get together. Soon their time as a group gathering was over, exchanging their real contact info, Claira and Therrick heads out to explore the town before heading home till they had to return for the convention in town in a few months. While Fenor and Teina returned to their homes. Leaving Frisk and Asriel to head back towards the house.

"That was fun!" Asriel says getting a nod from Frisk as the two walk down the sidewalk next to the Cafe. Frisk leans over gently and wraps her arms around Asriel as she closes her eyes walking with him.

"Yeah… it was nice." She says keeping her eyes shut and enjoying the feeling of his arm against her. It was relaxing. "So what do we want to do next? We didn't have anymore plans for today did we?" Asriel shakes his head.

"Not that I know of, but speaking of plans…" Asriel starts. He mentally sighs, not sure how Frisk would take this unless… she didn't know where it was at. "I overheard mom talking, and she said she was making plans to take us camping! I guess it was a surprise, but I figured if anything you would enjoy this as we get to leave this cold mountain top for a bit." Asriel says getting Frisk to tighten her arms around his.

"A camping trip huh?" She says opening her golden eyes to look at Asriel. "As long as your with me… it sounds fun." She says getting a chuckle from the monster. Asriel glances at Frisk and notices she seemed a bit drained.

"You doing alright Frisk? You look tired..." She nods her head slightly, though his gut was telling him otherwise.

"Yeah… just a bit tired. Its been a long day I guess." She says with a weak chuckle as he sighs.

"Your not sleeping well..." He says as they come to a stop. "Frisk, I get it you don't want me worrying about you. But please don't try to lie or hide it from me. This isn't the underground… and I thought we were supposed to be dating now. Don't hide it when something's wrong..." He says calmly with a serious tone. Frisk tightens her arms a bit more. It almost hurt Asriel with how tightly she was holding on… he could feel her fear just through her grip. He didn't need to have this odd connection to tell she was worried and scared of what he would think.

"Sorry..." She says quietly. "I… the dreams. They just don't stop as of late… every nap, every time I fall asleep. I see her, I see my mother." She says quietly. Asriel's eyes glance to Frisk, her eyes half closed. "Then the name 'Egel' is echoing in my head till it hurts and I wake up." Frisk says, her quiet voice almost unclear. Asriel pulls her closer to his chest getting her to widen her eyes as she feels his free arm wrap around her.

"We will explore there Frisk, I promise we will learn what happened and I will protect you every second we do." He says, his voice almost booming with a dead serious tone to her. His arms felt so warm… so nice right then as she nods her head. "Now lets go home and take a nap. I will be right there next to you okay?" He says gently as he looks into her eyes giving her a gentle kiss on the lips. The two break from the kiss a few moments later as they then head back towards their home. Part of the way there, Asriel decided to let Frisk rest along the way as he lets her climb onto his back. She wraps her arms happily around his neck before slowly dozing to sleep as he jogged back home.

Arriving home he explained to Toriel the situation before heading up to Frisk's room and laying her down and covering her up to sleep some. Sliding next to her to give her company and take a nap himself.

Frisk's dream…

Asriel finds himself in an odd place, standing around in a small town as he wanders about.

"Witch! Abomination!" Voices yell out as Asriel runs to see what is going on, His eyes widen as he hears another voice.

"MOMMY!" The voice calls out with pain. He peers through a crowd to see a small girl with golden eyes and brown hair pinned down as another woman across from her with bright purple eyes was looking at her with brown hair as people were beating her with whatever they had. She was smiling as he could hear.

"Smile… dear… smile for me. Don't worry, its okay..." She calls out with no fear. She ignores the pain she goes through as Asriel's eyes widen. "Fear not… you won't be harmed… they couldn't and won't hurt you… my little girl. My sweet… flower." She suddenly yells in pain as a man thrusts a pitch fork into her back. The crowd blocks the view from the girl as she screams out. A boy roughly the same size as the girl runs up and hits the little girl with a pan before hes grabbed and pulled away, letting the pan hit the floor. The sound of a bone sickening crunch is heard by Asriel as he could see the raising and falling of weapons.

"Smile… Frisk..." He quietly hears as the voices of the people vanish. Hes left standing at the spot now empty as the whole town is quiet.

"Egel… will care for you..." The familiar voice calls out as the name Egel begins to echo. Asriel's eyes widen as he begins to move about looking for Frisk. He finds her sitting in a corner of a burned down home as he rushes to her aid… she was in her child like image right now as he reaches down and hugs her.

"I will care for you Frisk." He says to her ear quietly. She freezes in his arms as the world begins to break down. Leading to grassy plain with a single tree. Now from a sitting to a standing position they are both wearing white outfits as they look around. "Huh… it changed." He says calmly as he looks at her.

"A-Asriel… what are you-" He places his finger to her lips cutting her off.

"I told you, I would always be there for you." He says as he leans down and kisses her. Not knowing he was in her dream… or affecting her in a positive way right now. Her fear she was emanating was melting off in waves as she falls into the kiss further. Letting him wipe her fear and worry away with his love.

The warmth of the sun shines down as they find the world around them slowly fade as the nightmare fades like a forgotten memory.

Real world.

The sound of bird chirping as sun peers into the room waking Asriel as he feels Frisk hugging tightly to his chest with the largest smile hes seen on her face yet. She seems content to stay there as a gentle knock comes upon the door, opening to reveal Toriel with a gentle smile.

"I see your awake. How is Frisk doing?" She asks as Toriel walks into the room.

"She seems very comfortable." Asriel replies chuckling.

"I can tell… well dinner is ready wake her up and come eat please." She says quietly before leaving the room. Asriel smiles as he nudges the gentle soul laying on his chest.

"Frisk, time to wake up Frisk." He says calmly. "Dinner is ready..." He says before getting a groan and a tighter grip around him.

"No… comfy." Frisk mumbles as she continues to doze against her fluffy pillow. Asriel laughs as he nudges her again.

"Mom came by to tell us to eat. Come on Frisk, we don't want to make mom wait on us." He continues to gently nudge her till her eyes gently open and look at him with slight annoyance.

"fine..." she quietly mumbles. "I was comfy where I was..." She says, her face puffs up slightly with a pout. Asriel gently laughs before placing a kiss on her forehead.

"You can rest like that whenever you want. You know this." Asriel says as he gently pulls away from her and climbs out of the bed, Frisk following after him as the two of them head downstairs for dinner. The two quickly note the table was packed with Alphys, Undyne, Sans, Penny, and Jake in addition to their family. Taking their seat Toriel places plates as Frisk looks at the group with a curious glance.

"What is the special occasion to have so many eat over?" Frisk asks looking to her adoptive mother whom only smiles as she sits down and looks at Frisk.

"Well, I decided to make it special since tonight I think we should take off on a trip. While Asgore cares for his work here. Me, Alphys, Undyne, and your friends are going to go on a camping trip. I figured it would be nice to have a little outing away from the city." Toriel says with a smile as Frisk's eyes widen and looks at the group.

"Really? So where are we going to go?" Asriel says acting surprised himself. Silence rings out as Toriel's smile tries to twitch to a frown, worried how Frisk would react.

"Well… Frisk..." She sighs as she looks at Frisk with a serious look. "The trip has two reasons..." Asriel's eyes actually widen in surprise… "Frisk, we… meaning me and Alphys. Have been worried about you since we came to the surface… mostly about your origins and your ability have have magic. We want to care for you properly and as such… we wished to explore this. Asriel said you wished to at one point go and explore your past yourself… so I figured we could do that as a family so you would feel safe around." Toriel says with a sigh.

"I thought we were gonna keep that under wraps?" Undyne asks with a raised eyebrow at Toriel whom sighs with a frown.

"I couldn't keep it from Frisk, she deserves to know the truth… shes helped us so much we can only do the same." Toriel says with a sigh as she looks back to Frisk. "Frisk, can we do this for you? You have sacrificed so much for us, let us sacrifice our time to help you." Toriel says as everyone looks to Frisk and Asriel. His hand slips into Frisk's. He could feel her hand trembling as he did so, only for it to halt as she feels his.

"I..." She starts as she looks at Asriel getting a nod from as she sighs. "Thank you, I guess now is better than never right?" She says forcing a smile on her face, getting a frown from Asriel.

"Frisk, if you don't want to. Give the word and we don't have to." He says looking at her, eyes slightly widen before they soften.

"Right… as if I could fake it when your around… I do want to go, but do we have to have such a group for it?"Frisk says, Toriel sighs as she looks away.

"I overheard that night what happened when you first fell here… about your previous guardian." Frisk's eyes open to full realization hearing Toriel's words. "I want to make sure you are safe." The motherly monster finishes, Frisk looks down at her plate.

"I see..." She says as her face turns from confused look to a gentle genuine soft smile. "Then lets go for it, I understand now and if you all want to join me on this I appreciate the company." Frisk says as Asgore speaks up.

"I am kinda curious what caused you to change your mind Alphys… my work came up for me so what happened to the project you were working on?" Asgore asks before he takes a bite of his food.

"Well, It isn't a big project infact I decided to pack up what I needed and bring it with. And I thought it over and the area around Frisk's birthplace came up in some text so I decided I should visit to examine the area." Alphys says as she smiles at Frisk. "The texts described the area of Belara as possibly the birthplace of not only magic, but the birthplace of Monsters entirely." Silence rings out as everyone looks at her.

"Whoa Al, I didn't know you may have made such a large discovery! Most I heard is that the origins of Monsters were nearly all forgotten." Alphys nods with a smile.

"Yes, that is true. That is why I want to investigate. I might be able to expand my research and look into my project with more fervor than before." Sans smiles as he looks at Alphys.

"Good to hear Alph. If you need an extra hand or two let me know." Sans offers getting a nod from the lizard monster. Penny smiles as she look over to Frisk and Asriel.

"This is exciting! I was shopping when I bumped into Toriel and she told me what she had planned and I asked to go with since its better to be surrounded by friends and family at all times when you venture off to explore the past! No matter what you have people to talk to if something comes up!" Penny says with a smile shining brightly across her face. Jake sitting next to her swallows his food as he sighs and looks at Frisk.

"What my sister means is that you shouldn't have to worry about ever doing something alone as long as you have us around." Jake says summing up her words making Penny pout as Frisk chuckles. Undyne jumps up with a sharp smile as she looks at Frisk.

"No matter what, we will be there! And I hope that brat Chara tries again This time he will be messing with the entire family!" She says as Penny jumps up and gives a cheer herself. Frisk and Asriel sigh at their family as they all eat. Penny and Jake's mother and father comes by to drop off their things for the trip while Toriel and Asgore go out to get a vehicle to accommodate everyone. Frisk and Asriel head upstairs to change and get ready while the other five hang out downstairs talking.

They pack the things they need as they prepare for the trip ahead, with no determined duration. Once they were ready they bring their things down stairs to see Jake and Undyne arm wrestling while Penny and Alphys are talking about anime. The two place their baggage down as they smile at their small circle of family and friends. It was relaxing to see Humans and Monsters getting along so well. It meant their goal of peace was not impossible.

They join the four as they wait for Toriel to return, it was an exciting new adventure waiting on them. Asriel watching as Frisk and Jake arm wrestle next, his mind begins to wander back when he had first felt hope for saving his kind. The day Chara came up with a 'plan' to free them…

Flashback…

"It simple Asriel. We just got to get to the surface and get six more human souls." Chara says, standing up and hovering over Asriel whom looks at his adoptive sibling.

"Huh? But how would we get through the barrier in the first place? Its impossible. And… wouldn't that mean killing people? I don't want to hurt anyone!" Asriel responds, his emerald eyes look up to the ruby red ones above him.

"As for getting through, you'll be using my soul… and together we will claim the ones whom wish to sacrifice themselves for the Monsters!" Chara responds, their devilish smile gave an off-putting feeling in Asriel's chest.

"I see… h-hey! Wait… your soul?! B-But that means you'd have to die!" Chara only nods, his very offputting smile staying, as if he wished it.

"Yeah, and then everyone will be free..." Chara's smile grows larger as does their eyes. "Free from ever suffering again, after all you will need to absorb seven souls to break it for good..." His tone growing excited as Asriel looks away.

"Is that… really the only way?" Chara gives a dark chuckle as they sit next to Asriel.

"It is… Now, Are you willing to set your people free… brother." Chara says getting a sigh from Asriel.

"Y-Yes." He responds as Chara chuckles reaching down to the poisonous flowers at their feet.

"Then it is time to accept the plan fully, as I set my self to perish..." Chara says as Asriel closes his eyes and hears the plucking and munching of the golden flowers at their feet.

Real world…

Asriel felt a ping of pain in his chest, for falling for Chara's tricks and letting everything go downhill. He felt it fade as he looks at Frisk however, if he hadn't ever died… he would have never gotten to meet Frisk as he is now, Toriel and Asgore would have been dead long before she met them… it was better this way. As he looks at her face when she turns to smile at him with a cheerful smile, for a split second he sees Chara's evil smile and eyes looking at him as he blink its gone getting Frisk's attention.

"Asriel you okay? You just jumped like you saw a ghost or something." Frisk asks as she moves to him and places her hands on his.

"H-Huh? N-No I am fine, I just got lost in some thought and snapped suddenly back into reality." He responds chuckling, Frisk could tell he was lying, his mannerism was all off suddenly.

"Asriel..." Frisk says worriedly as she reaches out to place a hand on his cheek...

"I said I am fine!" He snaps, his eyes glare at her with anger before getting look of fear on Frisk's face, seeing the look on her face and everyone else he sighs. "Sorry, I don't know what came over me, I am fine though Frisk. It will take something more than a bit of a jolt to make me have a problem okay?" He says gently, his eyes showing guilt for snapping angrily at her. He stands up looking away from everyone… "I need some fresh air, I will be back." Asriel says as he walks away, Frisk looks like shes about to follow after him as Undyne grabs her arm. She watches him exit through the front door, it closing behind him.

"Let him have a moment to himself… I don't know why he reacted that way, but he may just need a breather alright?" Undyne says calmly as she looks to Alphys. "We get that way our selves sometimes..." Alphys nods with a gentle smile.

"We sometimes have conflicts that cause us to fight." Alphys says as Penny frowns.

"But Frisk and Asriel have always gotten perfectly along!" Penny says looking at Frisk whom shakes her head.

"I-Its fine… I should have expected we would eventually have some sort of problems." Frisk says with a sorrowful smile. "Hes still got a lot… of hidden fears and anger. Chara… really hurt him all those years ago, I should have been giving him some space instead of always being around him… I just wanted to make good memories, hoping they would mend the pain in his heart." Frisk says, little did she know Asriel was listening in from the window as he slides down the wall gripping his head.

'Why did I snap like that!' His words echo in his mind as he hears her voice. 'All she wanted… was to help me and I just snapped at her.' He mentally growls at his own actions, the faint image of Chara stands in his mind. 'Its your fault… all you ever did was cause me trouble, yet Frisk knows I still yearn for him to be back as my brother.' Asriel's grip closes further as he grabs the hidden horns in his fur, dull and small as hes had his mother's help keeping them ground down.

'I am such a fool, for acting like I truly hate him. Chara gave me someone to play with, to hang out with as a child...' Asriel lets go as he leans back and looks to the clouded sky, as gentle snow falls. '… he was my brother and even now I want him back… I guess part of me will never stop believinghe was never entirely evil.' He says in his mind as he looks to the snow covered porch at his feet. Suddenly the sound of snow being crushed under someone's steps walks up to him as he sees a pair of pink house slippers before him.

"Heh, whatcha doing out here buddy? Gonna catch a cold if that snow gets your fur and clothes wet." The voice says as Asriel looks up at Sans whom was smiling down at him. Asriel weakly scoffs at the idea.

"Perhaps that would be for the best sometimes… if it would keep me from making stupid mistakes." He says, Sans takes a seat next to Asriel and looks at him. "I just always screw up don't I?" Sans shrugs as he looks to the sky.

"Eh, screwing up just means your not perfect. Wanna talk about what happened?" Asriel looks up at the sky with Sans, the clouds still there as each snowflake falls slowly towards the ground.

"I…" Asriel shakes his head. "Not really… I just want to forget what I did, I don't want to revert to whom I was. I just want to be happy… I want to make Frisk happy. Yet I feel like I may not be able to do that." He says with a sigh as he looks to the floor, the snow around his feet.

"What makes ya think that?" Sans says as he glances at the Monster to his left. "As far as I can see, yeah you made a few mistakes. Honestly… if I had a choice I would have left you in the underground… yet." Sans stops as he looks forwards across the yard. "If it wasn't for Frisk… none of us would be here. She did a lot more each run for more people… solved every little problem. Aided every child and elder whom needed it. Guided the lost and assisted the hungry." Sans says as he lets out a loud sigh. "She would have died for you if it was the only option… and then leaving you or even harming you would have spit on every good act she has done… she made her own mistakes as you know." Sans says getting a nod from the goat.

"Yeah..." He quietly says.

"If I was in her position… I think I might would have done the same as her just because despite everything, it was the right thing. No matter how much wrong someone does… anyone can be a good person if they just try." Sans says getting Asriel to look up and at the skeleton. His face eases some from the frown to realization.

"Yeah… yeah your right. Humans and Monsters both can be good people if they try… Undyne went from being cruel and rude towards everyone, to someone whom tries to inspire everyone to be strong. All because of Frisk, a sample of kindness can change anyone." Asriel says as he gently smiles.

"Heh, so feeling a bit better kiddo?" Asriel nods to Sans's question. The Skeleton stands up as he stretches. "Good, now go get your stuff ready and remember… no matter how bad things go you got more than just yourself to rely on now. We all are here for you, and your here for us… despite it mainly being for your girlfriend in here." Sans says getting a jab from the goat as Asriel stands up.

"Thanks Sans for talking with me." Asriel stretches before looking at the window of the house to see Frisk sitting inside. When no response came he glances back to see Sans already gone before giving a chuckle. It wasn't long before Toriel and Asgore return with a decent sized van as the light fades from the sky. Everyone gathers their things as they start piling things into the van, Asriel stops Frisk as she moves to grab her second bag with a hug as he holds her firmly in his arms.

"Sorry for earlier… I had… a mental attack of fear and I took it out on you." He says quietly holding her. Frisk looks up and back to see his face with a gentle yet hurt look on his face. She smiles and places her arms against his.

"Its okay..." He shakes his head.

"No, I shouldn't have snapped at you… you've done nothing, but be nice and help me… you shown me love. Honestly… I think sometimes I'm still stuck in the time Chara… betrayed me and hurt me so deeply that its hard to trust that it won't ever happen again." Asriel says as Frisk frowns.

"I won't ever do that to you… I can't afford to harm the person I love… I have seen it too much myself to do so to those I care for. Even if you were to grow angry and take it out on me… I will always love you." She says quietly. Asriel's eyes gently widen as he slowly smiles at her, pulling his head onto her shoulder he gently sways side to side.

"I… Thank you Frisk." He says as he lets go, she turns around and claims his hands into hers before he moves away.

"No… thank you Asriel. You were the one whom saved me in the end after all… you and everyone else gave me the reason to fight against the urge to give up… and because of that. I got to have a family again, one I will fight to keep forever." Asriel nods his head as he leans over and gentle kisses her forehead. In that moment a flash catches their eyes as they turn to see Penny and Toriel smiling at the two, the former holding a camera with a shit-eating grin on her face.

"You two make such a cute couple!" Penny says with a large smile as Toriel nods.

"Yes, you two are rather perfect for each other. In all my years I never have seen such a connection to one another." Toriel says as the two lovers' faces redden with embarrassment.

"M-Mom!" They call out as their friend and mother burst into a laughter, however Frisk's blush slowly fades into a smile as she sees her family. Turning to her side, Asriel notices her smile as she leans over against him. He watches her before relaxing and placing an arm around her shoulder for a moment before she breaks off and walks to the van, Asriel glances back to the house.

"Hey I will be right out, I am gonna check something real quick." He says as he walks into the home and heads up to his room, he glances around getting a good look at his room when he spots something… a small fox, red and white in color with its yellow gem in its mouth. He walks over and picks it up as he heads out, turning the lights off and rejoining Frisk in the van taking a seat next to her. She notices the small stuffed animal as she glances at it before he hands it to her.

"Here… a late birthday gift from me." He says with a smile as she slowly takes it and smiles at him before leaning against Asriel with the stuffed toy in her arms.

"Thank you..." She responds with a smile. The vehicle revs up as its turned on, the light warmth from the heater grows some as they begin driving off, with Undyne next to Frisk, and Alphys in the back with Jake and Penny. Toriel glances back from the front passenger as Sans drives the vehicle, she smiles as she hopes this doesn't end badly… she feared this could backfire. Asriel leans his head against Frisk as they drive off, his eyes droop as he falls asleep to the silence as the group drives in the dark of the night.

Asriel's dreamscape…

Asriel walks around what appears to be his home as he fails to find anyone, but Frisk sitting on the couch. He walks towards her and takes a seat across from her. A nagging feeling in his chest telling him this felt… off.

"Asriel, everything alri-" His eyes narrow as he looks at Frisk.

"Cut the crap… I can already tell I am dreaming, and I can tell your not Frisk..." He says looking into the emotionless eyes of 'Frisk'. "She would never look at me with such a blank stare,even in my dreams..." He says as the eyes widen and narrow.

"I see… Eh, cut me some slack then will you? I don't have much drive to do such with ease..." She says as she leans back, blinking Asriel now sees his younger brother, as his form takes that of his younger self. "I am surprised though you saw through this… I find it… annoying." Chara says as his eyes look at Asriel with annoyance. Asriel leans forwards as his form reverts to his current age and looks, looking at the young brother before him.

"Annoying? That is the best you can say? Your in my head… and now I know it. Not only that… but we got a lotto talk about… how about you start explaining what your plan was." Asriel says as he glares at Chara.

"To anger you… to make you hateher… yet it didn't work! How! What in the eighth hell alert you to me!" Chara says glaring as he gets up and flips the table to the right as it flies and smashes against the wall, it shattering into glittering shards that fly about the room. "I played it perfectly normal! Even copying your own voice to mimic your subconscious!" He growls as he gets up to Asriel's face, upon doing so he finds himself against the wall as Asriel stands facing away from him, a copy of Asriel created from pure shadows holding Chara's neck tightly.

"To be honest… I had a hunch. However, thanks to your actions… I have never been alone again… your evil, created an evil inside of me it seems." Asriel says with a sigh, he glances back as the other glances at him with a gleeful look in the green eyes inside the shadow. "I hate you… butI also still miss you. I want to destroyyou, but still I aim to saveyou as well… Listen up Chara, I have no idea why you thought it'd be a smart idea to do this; but I can promise one thing… Frisk will save that bit of good left inside you. We will free you from your pain." Asriel says as the floor cracks and begins to overgrow as Chara is thrown to the ground. Roses begin to rise up, covered in red petals, yet some of them begin to change… half of the petals become blue.

"After all… I miss my brother." Asriel says as he sees the flowers at his feet. Chara tries to move as the flowers overgrow over him, and then Asriel and the shadow.

"Good and Evil are just two sides of the same coin, its what makes us… alive." The shadow speaks towards Asriel before chuckling, "I want to be free… don't forget about me Partner." It says as light begins to shine into Asriel's eyes blinding him…

Light shines from the rising sun as Asriel sees the road before them, Toriel was driving as Sans was resting with a cover for his eyes to block the light out. Frisk had her arms around Asriel's arm and the stuffed toy in her hands still, her gentle breathing is the only thing he could hear, he was attuned to the sound as he felt so calm, glancing around he saw a glimpse of his shadow from his dream smiling and nodding at him.

'Its about time you saw me, she looks so at peace...' The shadow moves to Frisk and looks at her with a frown. 'Protect her… shes ours, we owe her the best life we can give her, I may be evil, but I am not heartless… you take the good with the bad, and our brother made us this way, this fear we have is because of him… this love we have, is because of her.' The shadow says as Asriel mentally nods, his crueler mindset was him, and they were one… he could feel how cruel he could be… but he could feel the mental fear it had when it reached out to Frisk, fear it would harm that which saved him… saved both of them. The other wanted to do what it could for her, she was the only thing that mattered to them… they felt just like he did before Frisk got captured.

'He was the one in-control from before, while I watched the show… I didn't care if I died. Now I can't afford to die, not while she lives… I have to live so she can live to see another day. That is what we do, we protect life, while humans seemingly destroy it for reckless greed.' Asriel though as he sighs mentally, he heard a cute yawn from Frisk as he glances at her to see her eyes gently open.

"Morning sleepy..." He says quietly, He felt the car jolt a bit as Toriel's voice calls out.

"Goodness! Don't scare me like that! I thought you were still asleep Asriel..." Toriel says calmly as she exhales a sigh, everyone else was still asleep. He gives a gentle chuckle as he glances forwards at the road they were taking.

'However, more so that I may live my life with her… protecting her is just one of my many things I wish to do now, its not just something I promised. I have my own wants, my own drive… to spend my life with her even if it turns out to be a finite deal… will make her and me happy and I will roam till I pass to see her if that comes to it. However… I can't let my inner rage control me, not again. Its freedom would mean to harm those around me, even if Frisk isn't on the list; she will be affected.' Asriel thinks as the shade fades away. The ever growing sun light rising as Undyne yawns next to them.

"Ugh is it morning already?" She says as she opens her right eye to see the blinding light.

"Indeed Undyne, did you sleep well?" Toriel says glancing back before looking back at the road.

"Yeah, I guess. You mind if we make a quick stop so we can wake everyone up and fix some grub? That and let everyone stretch their legs..." Toriel nods as she pulls over, they were on the road next to a large open plains of land, open to lots of flowers and colorful flora.

"I am beginning to wonder why we didn't just walk, it would have taken two hours and instead we went with the ten hour road trip..." Undyne says as she opens the door. "Then again… that involved the hiking trail and not everyone could handle that path huh?" Undyne says glancing at Toriel and then at Alphys. Toriel wasn't really the hiking type, much more suited for it, and Alphys… well she had trouble doing anything involving steep walking or climbing… the price of being short with a sizeable tail.

"I think its nice, cause we got to see this place Asriel says as he and Frisk follow Undyne out of the vehicle, Frisk stares off into the plains, she felt fear yet she felt safe. Asriel takes a seat in the doorway as he pulls Frisk into his lap as she glances at him.

"Asriel…?" She asks as he nods smiling at her.

"Yeah?" She leans against him as she looks back out to the view.

"Thank you for being here with me." Asriel chuckles as he holds her as Toriel exits the vehicle and joins Undyne to going to the back to get the stuff to cook with.

"No problem..." Asriel says as the two relax at the view, their legs stretched out as they let the morning light wake them up.

To Be continued in Part Two…

OVA; Happy Holidays…

Everyone gathers as the snow falls heavily. Its December twenty-fifth, as everyone gathers for the day of giving. And the first holiday they get to spend on the surface. Everyone had sold some gemstones for the gifts they brought.

Undyne was carrying Alphys over her shoulder boasting about her strength as she explains how shes now able to lift a two ton boulder now, much to no one's surprise. She was a bit too strong sometimes, atleast she could control her strength.

Sans and Papyrus were out front making their snow sculptures, Sans making a 'larger' pile with red spray paint saying 'Sans' wrapped up in a spare hoodie as Papyrus remade his 'buff' self with a spare red scarf.

Asgore was sipping on tea, as Toriel takes a seat next to him. She was thankful he changed his ways and did all this for them. She could deal with him and forgive him some for his actions, after all. It shows in his actions more than his words he said a few months ago.

Frisk and Asriel were talking about plans for when summer comes, about a possible trip to the ocean to go fishing and swimming. Causing Toriel to smile at the two, however it was soon time for everyone to come in and begin the present giving and then dinner.

Mettaton walks in dressed in a very extravagantoutfit as he brings in a bunch of gifts with Napstablook following him. Soon everyone was gathered as Mettaton places a gift before Frisk and Asriel to start off as he takes a seat.

"I think when I say it; you two deserve to be in the spotlight right now darlings. Without you two we wouldn't be sitting here today!" Mettaton says with a smile, as he looks around getting a group of nods.

Frisk smiles as she takes her gift and looks at the robotical monster.

"Thank you MT, despite the fact I overloaded your body back in the underground..." She says getting a group of chuckles as he waves it away.

"Darling, that was a spectacle! I would do it again, though maybe without being so rough to you… I shouldn't have been hitting you so hard, I feel like I bruised your goregous face that day..." Mettaton says as Frisk chuckles it off and opens the gift. Inside was a Mettaton themed outfit and a phone case for her new phone. Under that was a post card from the underground showing them two performing that day many months ago.

"Wow… someone actually had a picture of that?" Mettaton nods as Frisk smiles and looks to Asriel whom opens his. His eyes widen as there was a photo of him and Frisk standing outside staring at the sunset the first day they set out. With an outfit like Frisk's but more fitting color pallet of him.

"I… Wow. Thanks Mettaton." Asriel says with a smile.

"No problem darling, you keep on shining alright?" He says as they continue the gifts, Game systems, weights, a weapon for Asriel, a jacket for Frisk, and more were all out, clothing and other interesting things were opened by others when it came down to the last gift…

This was not there in a way… but in this timeline it was. Frisk could tell that something had changed in this run as she looks at the gift. It was to her, she opens it to see nothing, she tilts her head and reads the card on it. From Asriel… She glances up at him and feels his lips press to hers…

It stayed until an alarm sound went off and she finds her self sitting up two days later and realized…

"It was a dream..."

"Damn it."