Happy New Year, peoples!
Later, at Napstablook's house:
After supporting Alphys and deciding to accept the kindness of Mettaton and Blooky, Frisk was sleeping in Blooky's house, when his friend who he named Captain Cryptic took possession of his body so that he could speak to Papyrus. However, when Flowey decided to jump into the conversation, Cap decided to return inside to bed. He was going to release his control over Frisk as he thought,
'I can only hope that history won't repeat itself anew. For your sake, and for his…'
Right when he was going to get into bed, he heard a soft creak, as he immediately turned to see what caused that. His eyes widened to see little glowing red eyes on a small shadowy creature on the ground looking up at him. He felt frozen seeing such a creature, but almost mesmerized by the red eyes. However, when the creature took a step towards him, he instinctively stepped back.
"…" the dark lizard looked at him, as if she wanted to say something, but instead of the words being spoken from it's mouth, Cap heard the words in his mind.
'Well, isn't this strange… I thought I was only capable of screwing things out of order, but something changed before I could cause it or think to… and now look at me. I'm but a small fledgling. How embarrassing… and annoying. I should have met Curtain before, and I should be preparing to see you too. But alas. I can only wait and consume all the despair and heartache from Frisk's endeavors... and within you too. Ahh, the ache inside of you two is quite refreshing for me. Hehehehe...'
Cap's face grew pale as he said, "No... you can't be her, and yet you remember."
'I'm not necessarily normal, deary. Being corrupted makes me whole and not at the same time, so I'm not very susceptible to change... But you seem to be two in one, which to me means I can get twice the suffering and angst from you. Hehehehe,' the dark lizard smiled with her fangs gleaming in the darkness.
"Hmph, and yet... you are nothing more than a mouthy fledgling no longer worth anyone's time. Get out of here. You have no power over me or anyone. There's no use for you anymore, is there?" Cap said, a more confident smirk on his face.
'... How disrespectful. You really think I'm so weak? I may not be my true self, but that doesn't mean I won't be again. I always return. There's no stopping it… and you know that, so don't act all high and mighty towards me! I know you very well, as I know myself, so you better watch your freaking tone! I may be small now, but I won't be for loooong,' The dark lizard's smile widened as her eyes brightened, and the darkness around the room grew dense as Cap began to feel the weight from it.
'Be good, won't you? My child.' "Hehehehehehehehe!" The dark lizard's laugh actually came from her mouth, as Cap's eyes widened.
The dark lizard suddenly vanished, as Cap took a few minutes to make sure she was gone.
'What an annoying creature….' He thought, as he shook while climbing into the bed, and then released his hold on Frisk so that he could rest and reflect on what had just occurred.
Curtain met with Frisk and Papyrus when they were ready to head out from Napstablook's house, and she was relieved to see that they were fine. She was able to meet with Blooky, and that's when he noticed that she seemed tired and offered to let her rest in his house, especially since she was helping Frisk and Papyrus. After a few minutes of deliberation, Curtain agreed, and Papyrus and Frisk left.
When they were out of sight, Curtain entered Blooky's house, as he gave her a tour of his home. However, when Curtain breathed in so that she could get ready to relax, she came across the weird scent from earlier. She started smelling intensely around the area, as Blooky was looking at her in surprise and confusion.
"It was here..." Curtain said finally, realizing that the creature came at the same time Frisk should have been sleeping.
"Wh-What was here, Curtain?" Blooky asked.
"That thing. That thing I saw at Waterfall. It wasn't just in my mind... It was real… and it was here when Frisk was sleeping. Wait!" Curtain began sniffing more as she went outside and sniffed the air, with Blooky following her.
"… It's following them. Oh my gosh! I thought they were safe when I saw them, but I didn't realize it was here! I have to follow them! I have to stop that creature!" Curtain said, as she made sure she had all her stuff before going.
"What creature are you talking about, Curtain?" Blooky asked.
"A weird lizard thing with red eyes! I first saw it outside Fort Aquarius, and it smiled at me like a creep! It smiled at me with such deviousness, and I felt like I couldn't move! I wanted to make sure Frisk and Papyrus were okay since it ran ahead of me, which was where I was headed! But I thought since they were fine that everything was okay, but it's not! I got a very bad feeling from that thing. I just know it's going to hurt someone, and now I see it's been following them! It must be apprehended!" Curtain explained to him.
"O-Oh no. That doesn't sound good at all. I'll warn Mettaton about it, you go ahead and follow it since you can smell it," Blooky said, and Curtain agreed as she ran ahead and Blooky disappeared.
"Hey, hold on," A voice called, as Curtain stopped running to see Sans approaching her.
"Sans! You're here!" Curtain said.
"Yeah, and after hearing what you said to Napstablook back there, it looks like your on the lookout for something potentially dangerous," Sans said.
"Yes indeed! I don't like it's scent or it's face. It's much more menacing than it's size, and I feel it's dangerous. I want to make sure it doesn't harm anyone, especially Frisk and Papyrus," Curtain said.
"Take my number than," Sans said, as he took out his phone.
They exchanged numbers, and Sans added, "If you see that thing again, don't hesitate to contact me. Let me know what it's doing and keep a look out. If you can help it, don't engage it in combat. You may be new to the underground, but that doesn't mean you aren't under my protection. Be careful, and let me know if that flower has anything to do with this."
"I will, Sans. Don't worry… and thank you," Curtain said with a smile, as he smiled back.
They went separate ways, as Curtain followed behind the creature, and Sans kept his eyes on Frisk and Papyrus while gathering the evidence he had so far.
Some time later, after the trial:
The dark creature had disappeared for a time when the trial took place, which was right after Curtain and the creature had a short fight when Curtain caught up to her. To Curtain's surprise, the creature had grown wings at this point, but what disturbed her more was that the creature said her name before escaping. Although she was upset for accidentally letting the creature go, Curtain wanted to see what was happening at the trial, and she met with Blooky so that she could watch it with him. It was an intense and dramatic trial, as Curtain was surprised to see Sans using the evidence they discovered almost against his brother and Frisk. In the end, Mettaton's verdict was not guilty.
Although happy about the verdict, Blooky was still worried about Mettaton and Undyne, since he knew that Undyne had something planned and Mettaton would be a part of it. Afterward, Curtain went on ahead to meet with Frisk and Papyrus to congratulate them in the room they would be staying in, since Mettaton was already informed about her from Blooky and allowed her access to their room. She waited a little while for them to arrive since they happened to be busy with a date that Papyrus felt he owed Frisk as friends, and upon entering the room a little white dog that Curtain was drawing fled as she turned to greet the two.
"I'm so glad you guys made it through the whole trial! And you were such a great lawyer, Papyrus. That was quite impressive," Curtain said as she hugged Frisk and gave Papyrus a strong pat on the back.
"Why thank you, Curtain! It was nothing the Great Papyrus couldn't figure out, even in the heat of verbal combat!" Papyrus said.
"Yeah, although those spears Undyne kept throwing kind of made it less verbal," Frisk said.
"Oh yes. She was quite aggravated throughout the whole thing. It must be hard to go against your friend and fight for a conviction that you yourself are unsure of, especially when you are hurting people you care about," Curtain said, and Papyrus and Frisk looked downward sadly.
"But alas, you two pulled through. Although I do wonder if Flowey feels conflicted from all of this. He's been exposed," Curtain said.
"Y-Yes, that was unexpected… I really wished my brother didn't do that there," Papyrus said.
"… But he does have a point, Papyrus. For you see, I have a close friend named Marisol, who I see as my sibling as she does me. I remember one time she had kept a secret from me, and as I tried to confront her to tell me about it, she wouldn't… and I felt a little hurt from that since I thought we would tell each other any and everything because we trusted one another. Although I found out later that it was a surprise she planned for me, I'm sure Sans feels just as I did, and probably worse... just like Undyne," Curtain said.
"… Yes, I know," Papyrus said, and added, "I just wished they trusted me too…."
"… I see. But they are worried about you too. I hope your plan works, Papyrus. I really do, and you too Frisk. I hope things work out for the better for you too. I know Undyne might not be finished with you yet…" Curtain said as she knelt down to Frisk as he looked at her in worry.
"But don't fret. Just… stay determined," Curtain said with a smile as she placed her hand on Frisk's shoulder while he smiled at her.
"Thanks, Curtain," Frisk said.
"… But I don't think Undyne is the only one you should worry about. For I had encountered a creature that may want to hurt you. Although I'm not sure of it's motive, it seems to be following you. I've been watching it, but it seems to be hiding for the time being, so please be careful Frisk," Curtain warned, as Frisk looked at her questionably.
'... She's correct. Heed her warning…' Cap said to Frisk, and he nodded.
"Okay, thanks Curtain," Frisk said, and she nodded towards him.
"What creature is this that you speak of, Curtain?" Papyrus asked, as Curtain stood up to face him.
"It's like a small dragon, although it looked like a small lizard the first time I met it, but it seems to have grown larger and now with wings. It's eyes are red like two blazing orbs of fire and death… it may seem small, but please be careful," Curtain said.
"Y-Yes, indeed we shall be! This creature sounds quite suspicious. I don't think I've seen such a monster before," Papyrus said, with sweat on his skull.
"I'm not sure that's it's a monster or not. It's scent is weird, like full of... how can I describe... darkness?" Curtain said.
"That... doesn't sound good at all," Frisk said, growing nervous.
"W-Well, don't worry about it, Frisk! I won't let that creature lay one claw on you! We've made it this far, and there's no way we're going to be deterred by a little red-eyed, dragon-thing," Papyrus said, which made Frisk feel a little better.
"I'm sure if you two stick together, you'll be okay. But I'll keep a lookout for it and jump in if that thing comes after you two. Well! I should go now and let you two rest! I'm sure that trial left you two tuckered out," Curtain said with her cheery smile.
"Alright then! Thanks for the warning, Curtain!" Papyrus said.
"You're very welcome! Bye!" Curtain said, as she waved while exiting the room, and the two waved back.
In the lobby of Mettaton's hotel where Frisk and Papyrus were staying, Curtain was getting ready to exit when she noticed Sans just as he noticed her.
"Hey Curtain, how's it going?" Sans asked.
"Oh, pretty good. Frisk and Papyrus seem okay but tired, so I left them alone. I also warned them about the creature I saw," Curtain said.
"Yeah, that's good..." Sans said, looking downward when he heard their names.
"… I'm sorry, Sans. I know how it feels when someone you care about is keeping something from you, and you're all worried and stuff," Curtain said, trying to comfort him the best she could.
"Yeah… so Curtain, about that date I owe you… let's go now," Sans said, as he took her by her hand.
"Wh-What? Right now?" Curtain asked.
"Yeah. I'm not going to have much free time after Papyrus and Frisk head to the Core, so let's go now, if that's alright," Sans said, and Curtain nodded.
He used a shortcut to bring them to a roof where a lone table and two chairs were set up.
"Oh woooow! This is such a beautiful view!" Curtain said, as she saw the captivating scenery over the roof over the whole city.
"Yeah. It's nice isn't it…" Sans said, as he stood besides her since she was holding his hand this time.
"The underground is so large, and so technically advanced! It's much farther ahead than I expected," Curtain said.
"Is it more advanced than above ground?" Sans asked.
"Compared to the inter-dimensional portals and teleporters, yes. Of course, since monsters have magic that makes sense," Curtain said, and then she looked down and realized she was holding his hand.
"Oh geez! I'm sorry about that. H-Heh," Curtain said nervously as she released his hand.
"It's alright, Curtain. Come on, let's sit," Sans said, and they both sat across each other at the table.
Besides when Curtain had kicked him at Fort Aquarius, this was only the second time Sans saw her not holding her sketchpad since she placed it on her lap.
"It's very nice up here. Quite a nice place to enjoy a meal. I do have to say, whoever thought to set up dinner with a view here was quite smart, wouldn't you say?" Curtain asked, a little quick in her sentence.
"… You're stalling," Sans said, with a smirk, as Curtain's eyes widened.
"Stalling? What do you mean stalling? I'm not stalling. Don't you talk when you are on a date? That's what I'm doing, right?" Curtain asked.
"Well, you're talking a little fast, and you're more attentive to our environment, but I'd prefer to learn more about you," Sans replied.
"Uuuuh, well, you know I'm a researcher and I like to learn right? And I'm half human and monster right?" Curtain clarified.
"Yeah, but how about something just as important?" Sans said.
"Like?" Curtain asked with her head tilted to the side.
"What's your favorite color?" Sans asked.
"Ah? My favorite color is important?" Curtain asked with a small smile.
"Of course. That's important stuff to know, you know?" Sans said with a wink.
"Heehee. Well, I'd say my favorite color is purple, specifically the shade of purple on a Siberian Iris. I think it's quite a lovely color," Curtain said.
"I see, and I'm sure you've drawn that, right?" Sans asked.
"Indeed!" Curtain said, as she flipped through her sketchpad and showed him the plant, which actually had some color on it.
"Huh, it is a nice color… Heheheh," Sans said.
"What is so funny? I know it isn't quite finished yet," Curtain asked.
"It's not that. It's the name Iris… It suits you," Sans said.
"Huh? You think it does?" Curtain asked.
"Yeah. I'm going to call you that from now on, Iris," Sans said with a wink.
"H-Hey! What makes you think you can give me a nickname on our first date?!" Iris said with a pout.
"Well, how about you give me a nickname and we'll call it even," Sans said.
"Hmm… what color do you like?" Iris asked.
"… Well, blue is fine for me, and I guess gold but that's just the color of armor I wear. I'm not sure what name you can get from that," Sans said.
"Hmmm, it is quite diff-WAIT!" Iris yelled out, startling Sans.
She flipped through her sketchpad, and then she showed him a picture of a plant that had blue petals and a yellow center.
"This plant is known as an Aster. It comes in different colors, but I happen to have a sketch of it in blue, and it has a yellow center! So that will be your nickname from me, Aster," Iris said with a smirk.
"Hehehehehe. Aster, huh… Alright. Sounds pretty good to me," Aster said with a wink, and Iris nodded.
"Oh, one more thing, I happened to find this in Undyne's lab when she wasn't looking, but then again it's not like she would care at this point," Aster said, as he passed Iris the book he had agreed to get for her.
"-Gasp!- Oh my gosh! You got it! Thank you, Aster!" Iris said, as she stood up and gave him a hug.
"H-Heh, you're welcome, Iris," Aster said with a blush.
They're date continued as the two started searching through the book while Frisk was resting with Papyrus watching over them, and Flowey was by himself in anger of what happened in the courtroom, not noticing the red eyes that were watching him from above with a devious grin.
Finally! It is done!
Now I move on to the next. Also, if there are other Sanses you'd like to see, just let me know and I'll add them to the list.
See ya soon, peeps! ;)