-.-.-.-.-

11:

Seven Devils

Sans, Asriel, Frisk

(Third POV)

-.-.-.-.-.

"A…a date? Um, human, as much as I'd love to go, I…." Papyrus stammered, flicking his eyes to a scowling Sans. This wasn't his day, the younger skeleton lamented to himself as he tried to think of a way to get out of this.

Papyrus didn't want to have his brother angry at him again, even though all the males knew that this event had to happen. But they couldn't see this coming, not with everything else going on:

It has been a couple of days since Sans met with Gaster, and although the males wanted to get going, they both agreed that the girl needed time to at least tone her movements while in battle. But they didn't remember this part.

When Frisk went to ask Papyrus on a date, there was no shyness—no nervousness. She just went to ask Papyrus like he wasn't a stranger she had just met.

Sans idly wondered as he watched his brother fidget nervously that she remembered things, slowly but surely. With every new day, the light in her eyes grew brighter.

Though Frisk might try to downplay it, it wasn't hard to see.

But, seeing her asking another male on a date sent blinding anger through his bones. He hated this feeling, but he couldn't help it. He loved her too much:

Sans wasn't jealous of her teasingly flirtatious nature before, knowing that was her way of calming the monsters. But, the heat of jealousy grew slowly after he became 'G.' He didn't know why. The new genes within Sans only just fueled his desire to claim the beautiful flower again as his mate. But, it was too early for those thoughts.

Frisk hadn't remembered anything more from what they saw. So, he had to behave until she came to him. Otherwise, Sans might put the flower in more danger.

And the skeleton wouldn't want that. So, for now, Sans would be a friend to her. No matter how hard it was for him to see her flirting with others.

Sans growled, hating that fact. But at the thought, he knew he was managing this right. That was confirmed when the sound of her musical giggle brought the skeleton out of his mind. His empty sockets went wide as he read Frisk's fingers while they danced in the air:

'Pappy, don't worry. It's a friendly date.' She paused for a moment, stealing a glance at Sans as a flush came over her cheeks, seemingly shyer around Sans:

'I just want to get to know you better, that's all. What do you say?'

"Well, if that's the case, I'll love too! Let's do some more puzzles, nyeh hehe hehe!" Papyrus grinned widely, grabbing her hand, pulling her towards a new puzzle. But the other males couldn't move from their spot.

The soul brothers were distracted by that look, that blush. They knew that expression all too well. The other two males quickly snapped their heads to each other's eyes; both pairs held a bit more hope.

The two males knew that look. Frisk always wore it when she was around her beloved Sans. And it sent a yellow tint blazing across the skeleton's cheek, and a smirk flew over his goat friend's face.

"Well, I'll be. That girl is smarter than we ever knew. She will remember us yet. Right, Sans?"

"Yeah, I guess so." Sans chuckled, watching as his brother chattered Frisk's ear off while they moved through the puzzles.

Sans should've known that their love would shine through the fog. Even if her memories were muddy, their love would still have rung true. Always had. And no matter how much Sans would worry about her not remembering, he had to know that it always would be stronger than anything.

Sans chuckled deeply as he crossed his arms. Even with all their missteps across the timelines, Frisk showed that her heart belonged to him. And only him, if Sans could just be patient—if he could push all the fears, worries, and the jealously aside.

Realizing that, he shoved them aside for another time. Sans didn't have time to get possessive now. Not when he knew they had so much to worry about:

Sans would wait until the danger was over when they were on the other side. Then, he would have his long-awaited happy conclusion. Sans grinned, stepping forward to join the two.

But, before he could, Asriel voiced a simple question that stopped him in his track.

"I don't want to question your actions, G, but I wonder why you gave her that necklace? Don't worry, I won't say anything about it. I'm just wondering."

The ancient skeleton stiffened. Sans didn't know why, knowing it might get them into trouble. But Sans just needed to see her with it, to give her a piece of him. It was just a comfort for him, a way to grasp hope from just sight.

Sans needed to have that. To see Frisk carrying a piece of him everywhere she might go. It was selfish, he knew, but the skeleton couldn't help it.

He was thankful that Grills had to talk him into using Skeletal Language to engrave its back. He grinned silently. Then, a sigh escaped his teeth around his lit cigarette before turning back to the younger monster with a sad expression on his facial features.

"I don't know, As. I just had to. It was... just a need, a comfort maybe." Sans mumbled, flicking the used butt to the snowy ground as his eye-sockets moved back to the other pair before a hand gently came on his shoulder.

The skeleton turned his head to see Asriel smiling reassuringly at him as he walked past him and over to the friends, but not before he called over his shoulder:

"You can't wait, can't you? You just needed to see something from you on her."

Asriel growled playfully before turning back towards his sister and Papyrus with his nose in the air. But Sans knew what the goat was doing. He gave a deep laugh as he ran to catch up; his own growl slipped out while he came to his side.

"You make me sound like a pervert, weed."

After that, the two males continued the teasing as they walked to the other pair, leaving the problems behind them. And this was another thing he loved about Asriel. He knew when the skeletal male needed some light teasing:

Every time he sensed the skeleton's mood changed into a downer, his goat friend would poke fun at and tease him until he felt better

Because, really, they were a family who showed love sometimes through teasing. And Sans was thankful for that. He was more comfortable with this than the physical comfort the others liked. Sometimes, the teasing helped to get his mind off his problems.

Asriel stifled a laugh and shifted his eyes to the other male, scowling playfully while his heart swelled with relief. Asriel sensed Sans was feeling the weight of everything in their lives, crushing him under pressure. And the skeleton needed some gentle teasing.

Everyone needs their own distraction, and he is happy to help if it means that Sans could destress with him for a while.

They could turn back the hands of time, if only for a moment, to before when they only had Error to worry about. When Frisk knew what power she held over them. For a moment, they were the incredible team, fighting for peace between the races once more.

The goat monster smiled innerly at those thoughts before he returned to the real world, his playful scowl stretching further over his face:

"You are one, you smiley trash ball. Thankfully, I will be there to protect my sweet sister from your perverted hands!"

"Ha! You can try—"

"Sans."

The stage whisper flew on the calm wind, stopping the banter in its tracks. The two males turned to see Error shielded in the shadows with an unnerving frown on his face as he waved them to him.

They felt their souls sink while moving to the towering trees, leaving Frisk in Papyrus's care. They had a horrible feeling that he held unwelcome news as their feet carried them into the forest's shadows. Information that would change everything:

"We have a problem. A problem I can't even fix." Error stuttered sadly when the other males were in earshot, and with a deeper frown, the glitch threw a leather-bound book to the other skeleton.

Sans furrowed his non-existent brows as his phalanges clutched the book; his sockets traced the cover. He didn't know why, but the golden-edged title sent shivers through his bones as the words fell from his mouth.

It was as if they were an omen for a horrible event that they would never recover from, which would lead to the end of everything he had faith in.

"The Legend of the Dove and the Raven." And with the words hanging in the air, their world was shattered as Sans continued to read. Giving birth to a new power within the skeleton…

-.-.-.-.-

Life and Death were once one, ruling humans and monsters alike. But a Death prince and a Light princess held a love so strong that it was nearly impossible to break, but sadly, their love was ripped into two.

This is the legend of these two halves, one dubbed Dove of Life and the Raven of Death.

These two were cursed by the young Death's father, the God of Creation, after he found out about their affair. The curse was stretched to their families and friends, twisting some of them into sinister versions.

The curse was this:

The couple was to live a thousand years, a thousand lives, apart from after meeting and falling in love, only to lose each other. This cycle continues over and over. First, they would meet, but Death would be left without Life and no memories of each life he shared with her.

And sometimes, they were forced to fight each other, or the male had to see the one he loved the most turn to another. The father wanted the son to suffer greatly, just for falling in love with a Life princess, whereas he was betrothed to another Death's clan's daughter. The son had brought dishonor upon their family, so the God of Creation had to punish in his mind.

But there was some way to break the curse. They all could be free. However, no one knows the details of the cure nor how to find them, for the God of Creation only knows the whereabouts of the end.

He locked the details behind a deep and hidden door before casting another curse upon himself to ensure the punishment went well.

So, as sad as the story of the Dove and the Raven is, many held hope that; one day, the souls of the lost Gods and Goddesses would find a way to end the ageless curse and find their happy conclusion.

But will they or will they be always trapped in their hell's endless loop? Always to be hurt and broken due to the curse?

Only time would whisper the answer…

-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Sans cocked an unseen brow, his voice fading into a tense silence, unsure why the black skeleton was so upset about a mere story. He couldn't see the truth, but his best friend recognized the story as his ambers widened.

Every monster child knows that story. Parents told the tale as a sad bedtime story, a fairy tale with a tragic end. Of course, it was sorrowful, but many of the monster youths found it beautiful. How Death gave everything just to be with his Dove, even if it might be for a brief moment:

However, it sounded familiar for the prince, like a far-away memory, a lifelong forgotten. As a young monster, he couldn't understand why he felt so strongly while listening to the story. All Asriel could understand was he hoped that the Godly beings would be able to find each other someday, that they would reform their love.

But, as the young male grew, the legend faded into the background to the other pressing matters. Finally, it was forgotten as he matured.

Until now, that is.

Upon hearing it again, it rushed back to Asriel. He gasped loudly, not expecting to hear about it as an adult. The male had to wonder why Error was bringing the legend up.

For the legend is just a story, isn't it? A foolish, childish story? But as he thought about it further, the young goat wondered if there was more to this. Otherwise, why would the black skeleton be worried about it if there wasn't?

Was there something he knew, and they didn't? He cocked his head in confusion before Asriel voiced the question, earning himself a tired sigh:

"Think about it, goat boy. Does it sound familiar? Raven was a skeletal creature, and Dove was a humanoid being. Does that ring any bells here?"

Silence followed as the males chewed on the questions before Asriel's eyes widened. He couldn't even think it was possible.

How was it possible? It couldn't be, could it?

"No, it can't be possible. You must be crazy." Asriel wheezed out, his breath was caught in his throat from the shock while Sans looked between the two males with confusion clearly written over his facial features:

"What's wrong, As? What does this story have to do with us? Error?"

The two other males shared a look, one unsure what to tell his friend—the other waited for him to say something.

Error knew the story held the truth behind this whole repeating nightmare. The story was Error's story. No, that wasn't right; it was every Sanes' story. From the moment he read the book, the hazy but strong memories slowly faded into his mind as the pages turned. The beautifully crafted novel appeared with a note in his room after the meeting three days later.

The black skeleton tried to find who sent the note and book, but there was no name on the letter, just these words:

This story is true, Error, I don't know if it can help you remember, but I hope you will. It contains the story of the very first life of Death and Life, you, and your love. You need to read, study, and reread this, Error, and take this to Sans as soon as you can.

You will never know me, my name. However, know that I love you. No matter what happened or what you did in the past, I love you. Please find the truth. Find yourself, and maybe, you'll find me hidden within.

Good luck, my love.

He wondered if the angel in his life had found a way to connect with him, hoped it was her. But, at the time, Error didn't have time to think about it any further. He had to get to the other males before they left. They needed to know this to protect Frisk and help her remember.

So as soon as he finished the story, the shattered skeleton ran to the small snowy town. Error could feel his soul beating in the cage of his chest nervously.

The silence was broken when the goat let a growl out. After steadying himself, Asriel finally opened his mouth. Asriel knew they would never be the same again after this, but he had to.

"Think, Sans, what did the story say? Death had to live without his love, the same way you have for years and years. You are the reincarnation of the God of Death. We're all reincarnations. We are the story, Sans." Asriel stated blankly. No expression was placed on his face as he stepped to his friend.

The goat knew that his skeletal friend wouldn't believe it, wouldn't want to, but he had to make him realize it was the truth. Of course, Asriel himself didn't want to consider it. But he had to see.

There were too many similarities to ignore, forget, and say it was just a silly story.

"Very funny, As. Really, what's wrong?" Sans asked again, his head cocked to the side. That was the response the other males were expecting.

Asriel sighed, hating that he had to change everything for his friend, but the goat knew he had no other choice. The information might help him protect Frisk or break the curse.

So, after taking a deep breath, he turned his eyes to the other skeleton for help. The black skeletal being sighed deeply before taking a step toward Sans; nodding his head solemnly to the book encaged in Sans' phalanges:

"It's true, kid, we were forced into this. That was our story. It is our story. I remember. I'm the first one after the curse was created."

Sans laughed at first, not wanting to believe that. It sounded too foolish and childish. However, as Asriel forced him to read it repeatedly, he started to see the similarities between his life and the story more.

While the pages flew, his legs began to wobble, the memories came crashing down on him. All this time, he and Frisk were meant to be, but his father hated humans so much that the idea of his son falling in love with a creature who shared human features was a punishable crime.

So, he had to live without her because of that stupid hatred. Sans had to hate her because of him. The thought birthed a whole new level of anger and hatred within him that his power almost blazed the entire forest.

He scowled as the hatred for Gaster slowly steadied the dizziness from the sad memories. Then, he threw the book away from him after a moment, growling through clenched teeth.

"He is going to pay!"

And Gaster would, he would make sure, Sans vowed firmly as he tried to calm down his shaking limbs. He would pay dearly for all he has done. But, before that, Sans needed to see his Life.

Then Sans would open the gates of Hell upon his dear father….

-.-.-.-.-.-

Frisk smiled widely as she ran behind the cheerful skeleton, unaware of the building drama growing in the forest.

Papyrus made Frisk solve yet another puzzle, making it impossible to think about anything else. However, honestly, the brunette loved to have this to distance herself from all the faded memories of a life she knew she had to recall.

Otherwise, Frisk would lose everything she ever wanted. The life she dreamt of having through the abuse, the love she craved—everything Frisk needed. She wouldn't let them go, couldn't let them go, because they were the keys to the past she had long forgotten.

Chara told her that she couldn't tell her much about it, but the other brunette confirmed there were things Frisk didn't remember. Something that held all she needed to fill the holes in her mind.

She hated that her sister hid things from her, no matter her reasons. But on the other hand, Frisk had the feeling she needed to find this out on her own. She didn't know how she felt that way, but the brunette didn't push her or broach the subject with the others.

Frisk figured that she would've gotten the same outcome with them, no real answers and just more confusion, so she didn't bother asking. Just kept her mouth shut until she had enough to earn a proper explanation for the endless flashes. Some proved that they were hiding something big from her…

She would figure it out, and maybe, just maybe, she would find her true self again underneath all the secrets and mysteries.

Lifting her arm to the sparkling cave ceiling, hope raising within the beautiful brunette, her mind wandered back to the past weeks and the day Frisk decided to jump.

Her life was changed in a matter of hours. And although she was wonderfully happy about the changes in her life, she was still reeling about them.

Still wondering how she was found, who she was really, and how Frisk would be the princess her people needed her to be, she was beyond worried about those things. She wanted to be the best for the Monsters, but her scars scarred her mind.

After all, a few months ago, Frisk was a weak, abused, and lost girl. She doubted she would never be something more than that. She thought she would forever be under the power of the monsters of her past, going nowhere, hidden away from the world. Through the memories, doubts formed about her abilities.

But she needed to push those doubts out of the walls of her mind. She didn't have time to worry or doubt herself. If she did, Frisk would give the power to her abusers—she would always be that weak, abused girl they wanted her to be:

They made Frisk feel worthless, so she would be easier to control, to keep close. She never strayed far away from them, thinking she wasn't worth it. She just behaved, hoping it was enough to stop the abuse for a long while, but it didn't. It was a childish hope, really.

Then everything changed. Frisk's life view changed the moment she fell into the world of the Monsters, finally having enough of the abuse.

If Frisk had been told months before that she would live beside the creatures she loved—that Frisk would meet the faceless monster in her dreams, she would have laughed in their faces. Instead, Frisk would still be in the mindset of the abused girl of months ago; she would think that they were insane.

After all, she was a mistake. Frisk wasn't meant for a fairy tale such as those:

But now, Frisk realized she was wrong. They were wrong, lost to all-consuming hatred. She couldn't hate them, however. In fact, Frisk felt thankful to her abusers.

Her life before coming here had prepared her for the upcoming journey. It made her into a better woman. The evil she had seen as a girl would help her fight against the harsh Monsters. She was going to save all of them. She will win against anything life would throw at her.

Frisk sighed deeply at her thoughts as a smile made its way onto her lips. One day soon, she will open the wonders of the world to the monsters. And even though Frisk was worried, she would be the best princess she could be for them.

"Frisk, are you alright?" Papyrus's voice cut through her thoughts, bringing her back to reality. She smiled wider as she looked back at her friend, nodding as she lifted her hands:

'I'm fine, Pappy. Just thinking.'

Papyrus curiously cocked his head, but the young woman just giggled and placed a finger to her lips:

'It's my secret.'

The tall skeleton huffed impatiently, but he giggled as he nodded slowly; letting it go for now and turning the conversation to the next puzzle.

After the puzzle was won, the pair's attention was turned to the crushing of grass under Sans' boots, followed by Asriel.

Frisk frowned for a moment, not liking the off feeling they gave. They seemed sad, dejected.

But then, Sans' sockets found her. He grinned at her as he crooked a phalange, motioning for her. Frisk felt her feet move toward the handsome skeleton, unable to disobey.

The flower didn't know what he had planned, but as he cloaked an arm over her shoulders, she found she really didn't care. If she was with him.

And as much as that thought scared her, she couldn't bring herself to refuse the feeling. Frisk might be falling, after all.

Might? Oh, come on, Frisk, you are.

The other female's voice echoed through her mind, making Frisk want to roll her blues, but Sans' voice stopped her:

"Bro, can I borrow Frisk for a bit?" He asked teasingly, causing the brunette's brow to shoot up in confusion, but no one cared to notice. They were too busy to tell her anything.

"Oh, umm, yes. We needed a break, anyhow. Is everything all right, brother?"

Sans was silent for a couple of moments, just smiled sadly as his glowing pupil turned on her. The yellow glow reminded her of the forbidden sun. It gave Frisk a feeling that something was about to happen.

The look he pinned on her was so forlorn but also sure.

What was going through his mind? Frisk looked over to her brother for some answers. However, the goat just winked, earning himself a scowl.

Why wouldn't anyone tell her anything? Being in the dark was driving Frisk insane, and her anger grew as the skeleton shifted his gaze back to his brother's worried expression:

"I have something to tell her, Papyrus. Simple as that."

The gentle skeleton tenderly dragged the beauty into the darkly lit forest. Frisk's mind swayed with worries and theories as he finally let her go, leaving her in the middle of the clearing. But only one thought echoed the loudest while her fingers came to curl tightly around her locket.

What was going to happen now?

The only sound that could be heard for a long while was the wild beating of her heart. Frisk's worry grew as she watched him seemingly trying to find the right words, but they failed him. They just stood there, both at a loss of words.

The next few moments were like that, with her holding her breath. But soon, Sans' sockets finally fell upon her again, his voice bouncing off the trees. Despite the darkness, his sockets seemed to glow with dimmed happiness as he stepped towards her shaking form:

"I can't say much right now, Frisk, but know this," Sans' voice was that low growl many might fear.

But Frisk has never heard something as tender and loving before. His comfortingly cold hand met her flushed skin when they were but an inch away from each other. The simple touch sent her heart into an unstoppable swirl.

"I will always be there to protect you. You might not understand why right now, since we just met, but you mean so much to me."

"Sans…." His name slipped from her lips without her realizing it.

Frisk knew she would pay for it later, but now the pain didn't matter. All that mattered was the feeling of his gentle teeth against her neck as he whispered one last statement.

"Always for you."