Frisk walked through Snowdin, lightly dressed despite the chilled temperatures. One thing they liked about their new body was that it had a built-in layer of insulation to keep them warm. They had spent their first day with Asgore getting to know the castle. It had surprised them when they learned Asgore didn't have any servants of any kind. Though, they supposed it made sense. Asgore was the type to do everything himself.

Right now, it was the day after and they were trekking through Snowdin looking for Sans. While their plans for Asgore and Toriel were going fine, they had been putting off the main reason for their purpose here long enough. They needed to find a way to save Asriel. Sans was the only Monster who seemed to be aware of the Resets, so Frisk was going to go to him for help.

However, the lazy skeleton wasn't at any of his sentry stations, nor was he at his house. There was one place left Frisk hadn't looked and it was where they were going right now.

They stopped just outside of Grillby's, hoping that the skeleton was here. They wanted to talk to him in private, though they supposed this would have to do. They entered the restaurant, feeling a light blast of warm air as they stepped in. At one table was the Snowdin Canine Unit, which included Doggo, Dogamy and Dogaressa, along with Greater Dog and Lesser Dog, playing poker. There were various other patrons at the booths. Grillby himself standing behind the bar polishing a glass and sitting on one of the stools, swigging from a bottle of ketchup, was Sans the Skeleton.

Frisk walked over and tapped Sans on the shoulder which seemed to make him jump. "This seat taken?" they asked, pointing to a stool next to the skeleton.

"nope. feel free," Sans said.

Frisk hopped up onto the stool. "I'll have a burger, please, with some ketchup," Frisk requested from Grillby. The fire elemental in the tux walked to the storage to get Frisk's request.

"so, how's living with asgore?" Sans asked.

"Fine so far," Frisk answered. "He's really kind, setting me up with my own room. He's not as good a cook as Toriel, but he's decent enough. He let me explore the castle, showed me the garden, even offered to teach me if I wanted."

"our king's got quite the green thumb. maybe you should let him give you some pointers," Sans suggested. "but i get the feeling that's not why you sought me out."

"Am I really that obvious?"

"pretty much. so, what's on your mind, kid?" Sans continued drinking from his bottle.

Frisk collected themself. They were stalling, because they weren't sure what to say to Sans. Flowey's warning went through their head.

You know. Smiley Trashbag. Say. If I have ONE piece of advice for you… DON'T. Let his brother. Find out ANYTHING about you. He'll… well… let's just say… he's caused me more than my fair share of Resets.

Frisk had never told Sans anything about their ability to Save and Load because of that. But for Asriel, they had to take a risk.

"Do you know of a Monster named Asriel?" Frisk asked.

Sans hummed in thought. "from what i remember, he was the king's son who was killed by humans when he tried to take his friend up to the surface. his death is what triggered the war. why?"

"Well… it's… complicated," Frisk hesitated. How were they supposed to explain to Sans how they learned about what happened to him without explaining their Reset?

"how do you know about him? did asgore or toriel mention him?" Sans asked.

"Well… no."

"so, how did you learn about him?"

Frisk sighed. They had spent the entire walk here trying to come up with a believable explanation to no success. Guess there was no choice. "I… learned about him in a previous… Reset."

Sans raised an eyebrow, or at least Frisk thought he did.

"You know, when we met in the Judgment Hall? You said it looked like I had seen this all before?" Sans nodded. "It's because I had. Multiple times. And you've judged me, every single time, regardless of what I had done."

"of… what you had done…" Sans said slowly, the lights in his eyes vanishing.

"Yes, and you even gave me a ridiculous codeword to see if I was a time traveler," Frisk explained.

"well, what was it?"

"Well, there were two. But the second one was 'I am the legendary fartmaster'," Frisk said.

Sans snorted up some ketchup at that. "well, you got it right. and i know i never told ya that." Sans put the bottle down. "so, you learned about the king's dead son on one of your previous runs. how?"

"He's… not dead exactly," Frisk revealed.

"then what is he, exactly?" Sans asked, picking the bottle back up.

"Well, you know that talking flower Papyrus mentioned?" When Sans nodded, Frisk continued. "That's him. The flower is Asriel."

Sans set the bottle down when he heard that. "how did…?"

"I don't know myself, but here's what I do know," Frisk explained. "Monsters turn to dust when they die and then you spread that dust over what the deceased Monster loved most in life so their essence 'lives on' in that thing. Asriel dusted in his parent's garden and it spread through the flowers there. Alphys was doing experiments with what she called 'Determination', trying to create a vessel to contain Monster and human Souls to break the barrier with, and she selected some of the flowers from Asgore's garden, which no one knew had Asriel's dust. When she injected it into one of the flowers, she gave it the will to live, and somehow, the Determination mixed with what was left of Asriel's consciousness and brought him back to life, but in the body of that flower.

"Asriel was brought back to life, but without his Soul. I'm not sure how it works, but without his Soul, he lacked the ability to care about anyone or anything. So, he fled, until I met him as a flower when I first fell down. He had become… rather sadistic without a Soul. I don't blame him though. If I wasn't able to feel anything for anyone, I'd probably start seeing everyone as playthings, too. But, despite it all, I was able to reach him and see him for what he really is. Which is a scared kid who did a brave thing and is suffering for it. I've spent every run since desperately trying to find a way to save him.

"Though I may have run out of options, this timeline is different from all the others." They looked at their fur covered hand as they said that. "Maybe this time I can find a way to truly save him. Though, I'm gonna need some help. And I think you could be that help."

Frisk looked over at Sans who had sat in silence that entire time. "me?" he asked after he realized Frisk was addressing him.

"Yes," Frisk nodded. "You're the only one I can talk to about this because you're the only one who knows about it."

"why not get asriel's help?" Sans asked.

"He won't want it and I haven't seen him since I came back. Which is weird, cause he's usually stalking me," Frisk admitted.

Sans hummed in thought before replying. "well, i guess i can help out. so, why don'tcha tell me everything you've tried and we'll see what we can do."

And Frisk did. They told him every combination of events they tried to help Asriel. Sans thought that perhaps Frisk had done it a few times. He had hilariously underestimated how thorough Frisk was. Frisk was describing several hundred tries and they were fairly certain they repeated a few combinations, so it could be more. By the end, Sans was overwhelmed by everything Frisk had tried. Frisk's burger had arrived at some point during the explanation and the dog's poker game had also ended as well.

"Well, I think that's everything I've tried," Frisk concluded. "Sans? You okay?"

Sans blinked and the dots of light returned. "you've… uh… certainly done a lot of things…" he said after he got his thoughts straight. "and that's just for asriel's sake." There was more, he was sure. Some of the things Frisk had done in them they could only have learned about in another Reset. But since it wasn't relevant, Frisk had left it out. Sans tried to think of something Frisk might have missed in one of the runs. Eventually, he did remember one thing Frisk apparently hadn't ever tried.

"you've got nearly every item in the underground, kid. but what about the legendary artifact?" he asked.

"That stupid red orb?" Frisk questioned. "I've never been able to get it. I've wasted hours trying to get it. Every time I try to take it that dumb dog shows up and absorbs it, then runs off. I just gave up trying to get it."

"so you never tried to get it to maybe save asriel?" Sans clarified.

"I can't get it," Frisk emphasized. "I've tried everything I could think of to get it without success."

Sans thought it over. It was the one thing Frisk had never tried. It could be the key. "well, why not try now? i'll even come with ya ta help out."

"What could you do?" Frisk asked.

"trust me. i got a plan that'll work," Sans assured.

Frisk sighed. They doubted Sans actually had a plan but it couldn't hurt. "Alright. Let's go now." They reached into their pocket and pulled out a bag. Sans looked over and saw that it was filled with gold coins. They pulled out a few and laid them on the counter. "That should cover my meal," Frisk said as they got up.

"where'd you get all that gold?" Sans asked. There was at least 500G in there.

"Asgore. Said it's my allowance," Frisk explained.

"okay," Sans said. "well, let's get going. i know a shortcut."

Sans led them out of Grillby's and then they appeared in Waterfall near where the Legendary Artifact was hidden. Frisk took a brief detour to Save. However, when they interacted with the glowing star, they were met with silence. Weird. They still felt their file get saved, but this time there was no voice accompanying it. They walked back to Sans, who was standing in the room before the artifact's room.

"what'd ya do that for?" Sans inquired.

"In case your 'plan' doesn't work, this will give us the chance to start over," Frisk explained.

Sans walked up to the wall that was really the entrance to the room the artifact was stored in. "so, how do we get in?" he asked.

Frisk walked over to the piano and played the eight notes that the statue down the hall played. The wall rumbled and an opening appeared. Sans walked in first, followed by Frisk. On the other end of the room the Legendary Artifact rested on its pedestal, the glyphs on the plaque above unknown. Frisk had tried to get that red ball time and time again, failing each time as that Annoying Dog would suddenly appear and take it away.

"So, how are we getting it?" Frisk asked.

"simple," Sans said. "you're gonna walk up and take the artifact."

Frisk glared at Sans. "That's it?"

"yep. oh, where exactly does that dog appear?" Sans asked.

"Usually to my right," Frisk explained.

"good to know," Sans said. "welp, whatcha waiting for?" He gestured to the artifact.

Frisk was even less sure of this plan than before. What exactly was Sans expecting? That the dog wouldn't appear at all? Frisk walked up to the red ball, preparing to take it, while also expecting the dog to just suddenly appear like it always does.

Frisk stretched their left hand out and then a white dog appeared out of nowhere. Frisk prepared for the dog to absorb the artifact as it leapt into the air. Then, out of nowhere, a white beam struck it and sent it through the wall leaving a dog-shaped hole. Frisk jumped back when the beam passed a breath's width next to them. They turned and saw Sans still in his spot, a large, monstrous skull hovering next to him.

"there. dog's gone," Sans said, his smile never faltering. "now you can take the artifact."

Frisk was stunned, so much that they didn't follow Sans' advice at first. Eventually, they shook their head and placed one hand on the artifact. First thing they noticed was how smooth it was. They picked it up, still expecting that dog to suddenly appear and take it. Only when they had both hands on it did they relax.

They held it in their hands and they could feel something radiating off the orb. Now that they had it, what could they do with it? They were still expecting the voice to tell them something about it as they examined it, but again, it was strangely silent.

Frisk turned to Sans. "So, any idea what to do with it?" they asked the skeleton.

"i thought you would know," Sans admitted.

"This is the first time I've ever even held this," Frisk clarified. "I have no idea what it does."

Sans hummed. "well, i could take it. i'll see what it does," he offered.

"You'll actually work on it?" Frisk asked.

"sure. it's gotta do something, right? i think i can find out what." He extended a bony hand and Frisk placed it in Sans' hand. "and, you know, those glyphs might explain something."

Frisk took out their cellphone and took a picture of the writings. "I'll text it to you."

"thanks, kid. welp, better get back. it's getting late," he tapped his wrist to emphasize it. "i'll get you home first."

Sans 'shortcut' Frisk back to the castle entrance. "Thanks, Sans," they said. "Let me know what you find out."

"will do," Sans gave a mock salute before vanishing.

Frisk walked in. It was getting close to dinner time. Asgore wasn't as good at cooking as Toriel but he managed well enough. Asgore was finishing up setting the table when Frisk walked in.

"So, how was your day?" Asgore asked.

"It was fine. Got to pal around with Sans," Frisk answered. "He was on break at Grillby's."

Asgore let out a hearty laugh at that. "Of course. He's almost always on break."

They ate their dinner, Frisk telling Asgore about what they did, though they left out their little adventure with Sans in Waterfall. As they talked, they noticed that Asgore had a small book closed on the table. Eventually, they asked about it.

"Oh, well," Asgore picked it up. "I was… thinking… hoping, really… that you'd allow me to read to you tonight."

"Read? As in… a bedtime story?" Frisk asked.

"If you feel you're too old, I understand. I was just hoping… that…"

"I'd love it," Frisk admitted.

"Well, then. Closer to your bedtime, I'll read this to you," Asgore said with a smile.

"What is it?" Frisk asked.

"It was my son's favorite. Peek-a-boo with Fluffy Bunny."

When night came around, Frisk changed out of their day clothes into the pajamas that Toriel lent them which were similar in color and pattern to Frisk's normal outfit. They went to the living room, where Asgore was sitting in a chair by the fireplace, book in hand, dressed in comfortable clothes. The bandages had been removed by now, so Frisk didn't have to be too careful.

They hopped up onto Asgore's lap, snuggling up into his large belly.

"Comfortable?" the king asked.

Frisk nodded. Asgore opened the book and began reading to Frisk. As he read, Frisk slowly felt themself relax. Their eyes got heavy, though they battled the sensation of falling asleep. They didn't want their first bedtime story to end so soon. They might have been too old for this but they never had been read to before, so they intended to enjoy this experience. Asgore's deep voice was almost hypnotic, which made it harder for Frisk to stay awake.

Eventually, Asgore finished and saw Frisk had their eyes closed, but he could tell by their steady breathing that they weren't asleep yet. He closed up the book, and scooped Frisk up in his arms, carrying the child to their bed, leaving the book on the armrest.

Asgore laid Frisk down, pulling the covers over them, and watched with a smile as they snuggled up under the sheets. He laid a gentle hand on Frisk, who didn't flinch this time. Asgore felt content, watching as the child got comfortable.

"Goodnight, Asriel," Asgore said, only realizing at the last moment what he said.

"G'night, dad," Frisk muttered.

Asgore got up and left, closing the door behind him and bathing the room in darkness, allowing Frisk the quiet. He went back to his chair to grab the book and put it back on the bookshelf when his phone vibrated. He picked it up, and to his surprise, the caller was Toriel.

"Howdy," he said after accepting the call, putting the phone up to his ear.

"Is Frisk asleep?" was the first thing she asked.

"I just put them to bed after reading them a story," Asgore answered.

"Which one?" she asked.

"Peek-a-Boo with Fluffy Bunny," he said. "They loved it."

"I am glad to hear that," Toriel sounded relieved. "Wasn't that Asriel's favorite?"

"It was," Asgore confirmed. "I found it as I was cleaning up. Didn't think I still had it to be honest."

"Well, I am glad that Frisk enjoyed it," Toriel said. "Um, they will be up at about seven, so make sure you have some food ready by then."

"I'll make sure," he assured her.

"And remember, it is important that they maintain a healthy lifestyle, so make sure they get out regularly," Toriel continued.

"I will."

"And make sure that they know how to use magic without hurting someone…"

"Toriel, I know what to do," Asgore interrupted. "This isn't the first time I've done this. I know what to do."

"I know. I just… cannot stop worrying," she admitted. "We have a child again. I do not want to lose them."

"We won't. I promise," Asgore assured. "And they'll be back with you in a few days. I can handle them."

"I hope so, Dreemurr," Toriel said, a tone of sadness creeping in. "If anything happened to them…"

"Nothing will," Asgore stated. "Now, I have some things I must do tonight before I turn in. Goodnight, Toriel."

"Goodnight, Asgore." With that, she hung up.

Asgore placed his phone down, glancing back at Frisk's room, wondering what the kid was dreaming about right now. He hoped the dreams were pleasant. Asgore tried to remember that that wasn't Asriel, but Frisk, though it was hard. The resemblance to his lost son was just so striking. Part of him knew that, eventually, he'd get over it, but another part of him never wanted to.

End of Chapter 7

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