Warning. Viewer Discretion is advised. The following content may be graphic in nature. - TW in effect
"Papyrus. What an annoying being you are. I give you a blank check, and you ask me to fix a broken child." The man groaned.
This would potentially disrupt his experiments. However, he was a man of his word. That, he believed, was something he had kept, all this time. He thought about tainting the request. Twisting it into something...interesting. Then again that wouldn't be honoring his agreement, would it?
"Very well." The man hummed, motioning, as the life-time of the girl spread out.
A mangled mess of three timelines, countless suppressed memories, and experiences. Even with the restart, a lot of it was still there. And it seemed across the three worlds, the origin was always the same. That would give him a place to start. Something to work through, as he tried to fix this little mess of a 'person.'
"Let's begin."
This was a terrible idea...it is a terrible idea...we shouldn't be here. But...
Once upon a time...
Once upon a time, there was a human child. One found scattered across the multiverse. Playing roles more pivotal, heart breaching, and cruel than they could ever imagine. Someone fate seemed to enjoy the suffering of.
This rendition, was born on the surface. A mystical place, for monster-kind. Some suggesting its a paradise, where the streets are paved in gold. Where the air was filled with the most beautiful songs. Where everyone they love, and have lost are waiting for them. The angel giving them sanctuary, and love forever.
For others, for those who knew better, it's just a place. A thing they'll likely never see in person. But have surely seen, many times, through the pieces of human media that has flowed down to them. A strange, alien world to their own, yet similar in so many ways.
For the child though, it was home. It was all she had ever known. And all she imagined, she would ever know. Abandoned, and unwanted, but found and given a place to exist. Something she believed for a time, was beautiful, in its own right.
"This is the first truly traumatic memory?"
The child lived in an orphanage, in a small town on the edge of a big city. A place she had only seen in her imagination. A place she believed to be full of lights, and hope. Not unlike the monsters and their view of the surface.
Today, today was a special day. A day that came once a year. Usually, little more than a bland moment in time. But today...today was special. For this would be the second time, she had someone to share it with, that truly, honestly cared.
The girl had awoken, stirring from her rest, little eyes scanning the bright illuminated room. The brightness falling, cast from the window she often looked out of. Daydreaming. There were dozens of bunkbeds throughout the room. Each one about the same size as her own. Being just a little too large for her.
Some children still slept. There wasn't a lot of rush to this place. It was...tranquil, in its own strange way. And there was always the scent of ginseng in the air, from one of the people who helped attend it.
Other children were getting dressed and ready for the day. Spurred to action by friends, and relatives who were with them. Those seeking to spend the day running, adventuring, playing.
She yawned tiredly, and sat upright. Wearing a plain white shirt, and brown shorts. Her tiny eyes scanning through the window, to the blue sky beyond. Trying to look out to see the parking lot, as there was always a car on the edge of it, she was waiting for. And there it was.
A rundown little car, with a colorful sticker of golden flowers on the side. An immutable smile forming. Her eyes golden, and shining in their own way. Like the same flowers, growing along the windowsill.
Hopping up from the bed, she was briefly compelled to stretch out and yawn. Near the peak of the yawn, she was inspired to change it. From the squeaky thing it was, into a fierce lioness's roar. Trying to sound tough, and epic. Rather than small, and adorable. It was marginally successful, at least to her.
Excited for the day, she put on her old boots. Bearing no strings. With rubber bottoms that sometimes flapped at points. Paying it no mind, as she sprinted off down the isle. Past the other children. She had no interest in them, not today.
None of them wished her well words on this day. None of them even knew, remembered, or cared to. But there was someone who did. Someone who would.
And today, she believed, was going to be a great day. Maybe the best day of her incredibly short life. And best of all, she knew exactly who she was going to share it with. Rushing out into the hall, before turning, and hopping down the staircase, recklessly, but with surprising grace and agility. Coming to the bottom, nearly falling with a misstep.
A few children burst past her, nearly knocking her to the side. Various adults wandering around. Yelling at some of the others for their reckless behavior. But paying her no real mind.
Her eyes looking people over, before spotting someone. Stepping over, upon noticing her nearly fall. A warm smile, a voice that asked if she was okay.
The memory began to tear apart. Shredding at the seems. Suppressing itself, locking it away. The mind desperate not to revisit what was to come.
"I see she's forgotten what we used to talk about. It simply won't do, to bury these things. They must be addressed."
An unknowable force shattered the restraints of the memory. Permitting...no, forcing it to play out. To continue along its normal ends.
The momentary interaction ending, as the girl hurried over to the figure. Hugging the woman, as she had done many times before. A response that earned little specks of irritation from some of the other adults. She was such a huggy child, it sometimes irritated people. Especially when they were busy, or it became a tripping hazard.
Thankfully, the woman with who had come to check on her, with cinnamon hair and a warm smile, was quite used to it. Even though she was balancing dishes in one hand, she still reached down to tussle the girls hair.
"Well good morning to you too Miss Clara." The woman greeted. "My, my, you're up early. Is there some special occasion?"
"It's today!" Clara, the girl who would become Chara, noted enthusiastically.
"Something's going on today?" The woman asked, nudging her, prompting a release of her legs. "What is?" She asked coyly, before starting over to the kitchen.
"Y-you know...d-did you forget?" The girl asked, following after her. "I...I mean, I almost forgot too so..."
"Hmm, well, I do have a lot to do you know." The woman snickered. "I can't remember much, besides the most special, importantest things." She began placing the various dishes in the sink.
"Really?" The child looked deflated for a moment, before noticing the little smile. "Leah!" She huffed. "You do know!"
In the short life of young Clara, Leah had been the most welcome addition. She was a volunteer at the orphanage. One who worked for no real pay, aside from some minor assistance from the older individuals running the place. She'd showed up, the year prior. And been there for two. Her first day, being the same day, the same occasion as this one.
And she wore something consistent, most days. A green shirt, with a yellow stripe through it. She hummed along and managed a little laugh, at having been caught in one of their little exchanges.
With everything put in the sink, she turned. Taking something from her pocket, before holding it out for the girl to take. The child gasping, at the trinket.
"Of course I didn't forget, your goober." Leah assured. "I was just teasing a little." She snickered, as the child examined the small box that fit in her hands. "Happy birthday, Clara."
The box wasn't a traditional gift box. Instead, it was soft looking. Covered in a pleasant feeling fabric. The child turned it over, finding a little crank on one side. And a set of initials on the bottom of it.
C.D. The girl didn't know whose name that would be. But upon opening it, she learned its true nature. It was a music box. Playing a little song, that echoed into her very soul as she heard it. It would stick with her for a lifetime, and she didn't even know it.
Leah would explain, as they left the kitchen, that the piece of music was special. As she had made it, specifically for the girl. Meaning nobody else, in the whole world, had it. The sentiment was...a lot. And she wasn't too sure how to respond, but treasured it greatly.
The duo heading outside, coming to rest under a tree. Listening to it. As a question formed in the girls mind.
"What does cd mean?" The girl asked, looking up at the woman, who was setting out a small box of art supplies.
"Do you know my last name, Clara?" Leah inquired, as the girl shook her head. "Danes." The woman explained. "And those...stand for Clara Danes."
There was a moment, a pause to grasp the words. The girl knew that names were important to people. Amazingly so. Wondering for a moment, why she would have that one now?
The girl scanning her, before letting out a breath. Beginning to get a little misty eyed, as it clicked. She swallowed hard, and examined the trinket. Before looking back up at her, smiling, sniffling.
"You...want to...adopt me?" Clara asked.
Leah who was seated beside her, kept her soft smile. "I couldn't ask for a better child." She said. "If you'll have me?"
Clara began to cry, warm tears. And hugged the woman. The soft music of the box playing, sitting nearby. A song of the heart.
In truth, she struggled to make friends. And often failed to impress those who came, seeking a child of their own. Holding too much energy, bearing too much enthusiasm. Some even suggesting there was something wrong with her, due to how hyperactive she seemed to be sometimes.
She would seek to share the things she had. To play with them. And in return, someone else would leave with them. Or, she'd 'scare them off' as some of the other children put it.
But the volunteer, was always patient. A softhearted caretaker, in this section of their ruined world. And the first person to celebrate her birthday with her, even though, they just picked the day at random. She didn't know when she was born, nobody did. But that was okay to her. It was their thing, and she as okay with that too.
Leah whispered during their hug. "Happy birthday, Clara."
"T-thanks...Mom." The girl sobbed, hugging her. Unable to find any other words, to properly express how happy she felt.
When she awoke she had been certain today would be a great day. And she couldn't have been more right. It was the best day of her life. And the rest of it was spent, talking, playing, being excited for what was going to be such a bright, beautiful future.
The girl imagined growing up somewhere. Doing cool things, and going on adventures. Of simply existing in a place as warm as a fire, but without the pain of one.
However...it wasn't meant to be.
Some of the staff inquired if Leah was sure of her decision. Some suggesting she wasn't ready to take on 'such a burden.' That Clara was going to be a lot more than she could handle. All, indelicately, saying this within earshot of the child. But the woman didn't shirk from this decision.
So they agreed to get the paperwork ready. However, it would take a little while, and she had something in her car, she intended to give as a gift. Only to realize, she'd left it at home. Something special, intended for her daughter to be.
The day ticking, as Leah spoke with Clara. "I left something at the house. I'm gonna go get it, then I'll be right back, okay?"
"Can I come?" Clara asked. "W-we're going there anyways, right?" She suggested. "We don't...need to be here no more."
"We will, I promise. But it's a surprise. And a little big for the apartment." Leah explained. "Plus, I'd like you to be able to share it with your friends." She poked the girls nose. "Besides, you need to go get your things packed anyways, okay?"
The girl wanted to protest. True, some of the other children were 'like' friends. But she didn't really want to remain a moment longer. Sighing reluctantly, she agreed with a final hug, before hurrying off to gather her things. In all the excitement of the day, she'd forgotten about doing that.
Heading back upstairs, she paused to look out the window at the cars below. Watching Leah get in the beat up car with the sticker, before driving away. She happily gathered her things, saying goodbye to a few people as she dragged the old luggage back with her down the stairs. Sticking out her tongue at a mean boy who told her she was never gonna get chosen. Coming to the seats next to the entrance, she sat down.
Her perpetual smile ever present, as she waited. The first hour that went by, she tried to entertain herself, by humming. Taking the time to play the music box, over, and over, and over again. Getting the motion of it down. Hearing the tune play in her head. Watching the little gears hit, to make the notes sound. Like a piano.
She wondered if she could ever play a piano? Maybe they could learn together? That could be fun, right?
She bothered one of the older men who worked there, for something to do. He gave her a pen, and paper. And she began to draw. She began to draw all the things she just knew they'd be doing. She imagined going everywhere. Seeing everything. And did all in her power to transcribe it. To envision it, giggling, and enthused, as the second hour passed by.
She imagined being a super hero. Imagined herself being an angel. With big beautiful wings.
By the third, she was getting up. Wandering over to the door, and looking out the glass. Whenever someone came in, she would jump to her feet. But it was always someone else. One of the women who worked there, finally noticing her, sitting, unmoving. Assuring her that they'd call Leah, check in. See when she would actually come back.
The girl was worried at this point, but maintained excitement. What was this incredible thing that had been forgotten? What might it be, that it took...this long to get? Was it too late to say she didn't want it anymore? Honestly, she just wanted to leave.
Her smile began to shift, faltering into a frown. Quivering some, when she began growing worried. Listening, as the people who tried to call, were unable to get ahold of Leah.
The girl continuing to scribble and draw, only sloppier now, as the next hour went by. A television in another room, discussing something on the news. A car crash, off the main road, a couple hours prior. But she didn't hear it, she was too focused on the future. She was...trying to be focused on the future.
A terrible feeling came, when she stopped drawing. And merely stared at the door, for the remainder of the hour. Nearly unblinking in a way. Any minute now...any minute now, she told herself.
Eventually, someone came to get her. One of the older women, with a rather solemn expression. Speaking to her in a nice voice she'd never heard from the lady. Someone who had always been so mean to her, calling her nice names, and asking to speak to her. It only made her feel...afraid.
The memory tried to tear itself apart again. Struggling desperately not to replay this. To stay buried, to be forgotten. It...should be forgotten...
"You will never overcome it, if you don't face it."
The unnatural force stitched together the following moments. When the girl was gathered, to 'talk' in another room. She tried to protest. Still playing her music box, feeling terrified. She had to wait by the door. Any minute now...any minute now...
Leah was going to be back any minute. She knew it. She just had to...had to persevere, a little longer. She had to stay determined. But they didn't leave her that choice. She was picked up, despite her throwing a fit, her music box falling to the floor. Her bags taken back upstairs, much to her confusion. As she was taken someplace quiet, and given the news.
The nicest person she'd known. The person who treated her so kindly. Had died, heading to get some stupid thing, she didn't even want. And wouldn't be coming back, ever again.
The girl didn't know how to cope with it. She didn't understand even understand it. She hadn't been exposed to death before. So she tried to bargain, offering her things, think it might help somehow. It didn't. And their attempts to explain it, only made her feel more lost.
And then, she began wondering what she'd done so wrong? What terrible thing had she committed, to make this happen? Was it...something she'd said?
The staff tried to console her, but she couldn't understand. She just couldn't. When their backs were turned, she broke from their office, and sprinted. Taking her music box, racing outside.
She kicked, and fought, and tried to resist as they dragged her back inside. Crying, breaking down. Trying to plead to let her go. That she just needed to leave, that they had so many things planned. That she didn't understand. But they refused.
And she sobbed, and she begged. Before being brought to the room, alone. The other children were moved from the room. As she refused to let anyone else touch her, or get near her. Burying her head in her pillow. Blaming herself, completely. She was an awful child, she had to be.
After all...Leah was fine before agreeing to take her in. It had to be her fault. That was the only thing that changed.
And the soft song played, no longer a song of hope. Now, an eternal reminder, of her heartache, as she cried into the dark. Calling out for help. Calling out for her mom. But nobody came.
In the end, she would get adopted. By a couple who were did so merely out of pity, and pity alone. They didn't understand her. They didn't really try to, didn't want to. And they would grow frustrated when she failed to be what they wanted her to be.
And through them, she would get to see the city. She would get to see the worst, to be offered, on full display. She would come to realize the lights, and luster, were just dreams waiting to die.
And through them, her pain would grow. Their frustration turning to anger when she acted out. Turning to rage, when their punishments only made her more defiant to their ideal, perfect image of what a child should be.
And through them, she would learn to hate humanity.
"What an...unfortunate event." He hummed. "But one must remember, to address these things. So, let's see...what happened next, shall we?"
When the child arrived in the underground, it wasn't what one could call a graceful fall. But, the intent wasn't safety. It was...an easy decision, ultimately. She'd talked about it, to anyone who would listen.
Her little plan. To die. To be rid of it all. And while some seemed concerned, most laughed, or ignored her. She was also so gloomy, so depressed. It was seen as a 'phase' of some sort. Or an imbalance off some kind.
They tried giving her a variety of things. Treatments, medications, remedies, but the worst was the one that her 'parents' had given her during her last days on the surface. A passing preacher suggesting she had some kind of demon in her. That needed to be exercised.
The process was terrifying and painful, and her cries of fear were drowned out with assurances it was all 'the demons' doing. That the 'real her' was within. That the 'good girl' they wanted so badly, was merely prisoner to an evil force.
She had been nearly drowned. She had been burned. Tied down, and tormented. All while she was constantly told, that whatever defiance she had, was the byproduct of some great evil. That she was meant to be a good girl. One who obeyed, one who did as she was told.
That the angels sang for those who listened to their parents. The same people who demanded that she needed to smile more. The same ones who seemed to hate her. She refused, as days went. Given little food, or water.
She was told that her attitude was the problem. Not their actions. Not everything they'd done to her. That she, 'the demon' was just an ill thing, that hurt everything it touched.
And in their own way, they ensured her plan, so well known, wouldn't be stopped. A fall into the dark. Like a fall, into hell. The place she was told, that a 'demon' like her was meant to be.
And on that day, she left her home. She had pretended their treatment worked, and played the part they so desired. Before slipping away, when they were occupied, thanking the horrible man who had hurt her so much.
Fleeing, as the humans panicked. Attempting to catch her, as she ventured out into the woods, and towards the tallest thing she could see. A mountain, known as Ebbot. Escaping her captors, in the mess of trees.
Each step bringing her closer to her planned demise, and every moment, her smile grew. Until, at last, she stood at the throat of the deepest dark. A cave that was unexplorable, and bleak. Giving a final glance back, she found nobody had followed her.
Nobody had come to stop her. And so, she stepped forth. An fell...into a place dark, darker, yet darker still. Eyes closing, as she waited for the pain to stop.
But she didn't die there. No. This was just the start, of a new life. A second chance.
When she stirred from her pained slumber, it was to the sensation of someone helping her up. She had landed on a bed of golden flowers. The kind that stirred a memory she had forgotten, of a being who once loved her. But...it was buried, forgotten. The association with the feeling, became bound then, to the voice speaking to her.
Her name was asked. But was muttered from her lips. Too dazed, too damaged to speak properly.
"Chara?" The voice asked. "That's a nice name."
That wasn't what she'd said, but she didn't care. Not really, not anymore. Perhaps she had never been that person. She was a demon, after all. Only...appearing human. So, maybe that was her name? Her True Name.
She expected something awful, expected a repeat of her lifes many cruelties. Yet, that wasn't what happened. Instead, she was led through warm halls, with heated pipes, tangled through the ceiling. Pushing out, and towards some unknown location.
She was led to a little home, down some path she couldn't recall. To the edge of a city, built within this strange place. The being guiding her, Asriel, bringing her to two others like him. Goat-like creatures. That's what demons looked like, wasn't it? Monsters?
And at the sight of her, the rage, and suffering she'd been promised as penance for merely existing, didn't come. These two beings rushing to them, with concern in their words. Fuzzy, and difficult the discern. And one lifted her up, as blood flowed over her eyes. Through the red, she saw caring, familiar eyes, on an unfamiliar face.
And they healed her injuries. And they took her inside. And they did all they could to help her. To make her comfortable. To understand the nature of her injuries. Beyond the bruises. The cuts, the burns. Mended with magic, and whisked away. Their origins untold to these two, as one remained with her through the entire first night there.
"Interesting." The man examined. "Now, let's try...a positive memory."
Time would pass, as slowly, but surely, the child began to know her new world. Her new life, in its own strange, everything. Her friend, her new friend, was Asriel. And, left with nowhere else to go, she stayed with them.
Asriel was...a bit of a bully, in his own way. But internally, he was sweet, and caring. He would push her around some, to get her to come play, in those moments she was silent, staring at nothing.
"C'mon...don't do that weird thing. It's spooky." Asriel commented.
In response, she turned and stared at him. Unblinking, with her purple eyes piercing his red ones. Slowly, her neutral expression grew. Spreading into a small smile, as he began to squirm. Her head tilting, as he grew evermore uncomfortable.
Asriel huffed. "Charaaaa!"
His little whine making her giggle, and then snicker. It was just so easy to get a reaction out of him. Her eyes closing as she did. Her smile more honest, in that moment.
"It's just so easy." Chara noted in amusement.
"Y-yeah well, you're a nerd, so...pffft." Asriel stuck out his tongue at her, making her laugh more. "Weirdo."
The girl got up from her spot. Breaking from whatever she had been thinking about. She picked up a wooden sword, and a makeshift shield constructed of cardboard, and various pieces of wood. With a grip, made of pieces of rope.
"Ready?" She asked.
"I've been ready." He noted. "You're the one who was just sitting here."
"Sounds like you're not ready." She shrugged. "Guess I'll sit down again-"
"C-chara hang on." Asriel raced over, and gathered his own weapons and armor.
For him, he had a wooden trident, but no shield. Instead, he put on a blanket-like cape, with his shirt padded with others. And, finally, a little helmet with horns on the side. It was made of cardboard, and wood.
Realizing she'd forgotten something, Chara grabbed a jacket as well. It was an old purple hoodie of sorts. A bit worn down, but functional.
"Now, we're ready." Chara suggested.
"Heck yeah!" Asriel smirked.
With their powers combined, they sallied forth. Their imagination, painting them, in a similar light to the ones who were inspiring their present outfits. As they raced down the hall, and out into the garden.
The sides overgrown with blooming flowers. A fantastic tree, bursting in the center. Dark, with beautiful crimson leaves.
In their minds, they were racing through a field. Beyond a majestic tree in the center. The sunlight pouring down on them.
In this daydream, Chara raced with a sword that shone silver. A shield on her arm. Wearing chainmail, with a purple tabard over it. Bearing the symbol of the deltarune.
In this daydream, Asriel rushed with a trident of golden hue. With regal armor, that covered him, like a knight Alongside a fierce helmet. The same symbol, on his cape.
Today, was to be a great challenge for the pair. For today, they would best their mortal foe. A villain, known as Bob the almighty. Their steps hurrying down the ruins, and through the halls.
In the process reaching a room, where a tall goat-woman stood. Double checking one of the traps. Glancing to the side as they approached.
Asriel called out. "Hey mom!" Racing by.
"Hi Toriel!" Chara added.
Toriel was presently wearing her casual clothing. A sleeveless shirt, and plain pants. With the exception of armored boots. She raised her brow, and called out to the two.
"Who ya fighting today?" Toriel smiled.
Chara stopped briefly. "Bob, the Almighty."
"Oh dear. And here I'd imagined you vanquished this foul force, in your last bout?" Toriel asked.
Asriel heard this, paused, and responded. "No, that was just phase one. All the toughest enemies have like, hidden power, extra forms, ya know?"
"Is that how it works?" Toriel snickered. "Well, my children, go forth, and smite this foul scourge on the land." She then added. "All mighty as it may be."
Asriel rolled his eyes, continuing. "It's not a pun if it's just the word mom."
"I'm working on it." Toriel sighed, glancing to Chara.
The human hadn't moved. Instead she was just staring at the woman. Even as her counterpart hurried off. The girl hesitated at something. It was...probably a slip of the tongue, she figured.
"Oh heh, sorry, right-" Chara turned, to start off after her counterpart. "just uhm...cool armor."
"Chara." Toriel spoke, stopping her. "You looked as though you wished to say something."
"It's...nothing." Chara said quickly. "Just...misheard you is all." She started to run away. "B-bye m-er-t...lady!"
She felt rather embarrassed at that odd little fumble there. Why in the world had she said lady? What was she even trying to say? She put it from her mind. There was a great evil to vanquish, and she had to hurry up.
Sliding around the corner, she came to a point that forked in three paths. She came in from the left side. And knew that the center path just went to the market. The right, well, that just led to more ruins. So it didn't really matter to her. But the southern path, which now bore an open door. That was the ticket.
Running out, she came to the staircase overlooking the area. Finding Asriel waiting. He gave her a confused shrug.
Chara laughed nervously. "J-just saying by to m-t-er, why can't...ugh, Toriel. I was saying bye to Toriel."
"Why?" Asriel asked, as she wandered down the stairs. "She's not on patrol today. She'll be home, later."
"Y-yeah, I know." The girl said, feeling odd.
"Oh, I get it." The boy smirked.
"You do?" She asked.
"You're scared of the final boss." He said knowingly, as she gave him a look, rolling her eyes. "Hey, it's okay. I get it. All you gotta do is defend. I'll be able to handle the rest."
"That right?" She asked.
"C'mon, I have the best armor." He pat his chest.
"I have a shield." She noted, tapping her sword against it.
"I have a helmet." He countered.
"I have...mobility." She suggested.
"Why dodge, when you can survive the hit?" Asriel smirked.
"To...not take the hit." Chara snickered.
"You're such a dork." Asriel replied, adding. "C'mon."
The two then went forth, in their imagination, they were approaching the lair of the scourge of the world. A being of incredible threatening power. One who would lay waste to the whole world, if they failed their fight. They approached, and found a mighty castle before them.
A foul laughter filling the air, as they stared up at the final boss. The Almighty Bob. Perched atop the fortress, staring down. A cape billowing in the wind, a grin on his face.
"So." Bob spoke, voice booming. "The heroes finally arrive." They readied themselves. "Our final battle, in the place it all began. How fitting. But this won't end like-"
A rope snapped. The illusion breaking. As two of the three turned.
Chara glanced at her shield grip. "T-time out, hang on."
Asriel sighed. "Did you grip it too hard again?"
"I-it was a big moment." She said defensively.
The space they were in, the room with pipes and flowers blooming had a third party. Sitting on top of a cardboard box, with writing on the side that read 'Tem Shop.' A small cat-dog like monster, blinking, and frowning.
The monster playing 'bob' asked. "I have glue, if that helps?"
"Y-yeah, that would help." Chara wandered over. "Thanks Temmie."
Temmie nodded, hopping into the box, digging out a thing of glue. As Asriel wandered over. The girl taking off the shield, to set it on the box.
Asriel asked. "Is there another way to secure it?" Adding. "I dunno if the glue is working."
Temmie snickered. "Just gotta not hold it so tight." She gave the glue to Chara. "I have small paws or, I'd-."
Chara pat the monster on the head. "No worries. I'll get it."
The process of fixing the shield would be easy. And before long they would continue their game together. But in the now, they cooperated on this task.
"Fascinating." The man commented. "I think we're ready for something more impactful perhaps." He snapped his fingers. "Let's bring together these things. A memory that was conflicted. Tainted by the suppression of another."
It was some time later, when this played out. The monsters having moved from the ruins to New Home. Spreading out, across the Underground. Bringing the child with them.
She sat, waiting. Apparently, Asgore wanted to talk to her today. But both he and Toriel had been quite busy. Even Asriel, in some fashion, with study.
So, for the moment, she was spending time with a strange skeleton. He was rather tall, and had a long dark coat. That was armored, in its own way. He looked like a villain out of an old cartoon. And had much the same mannerisms.
"Human, why are you staring at me?" He asked.
"You're...my new bodyguard. Right?" She asked.
"Sparingly, yes." He seemed disinterested. "I wager we'll see little of each other. I, am quite busy after all."
Chara ran her pen across a pad of paper, finishing the last touches on what she had been drawing. A semi-crude sketch of the individual. She believed she had captured it well.
Admittedly, she didn't know why she needed a bodyguard. Or, why it would be this man. Everyone was pretty nice, but, perhaps it was some sort of formality that she didn't know.
Either case, he wore a near constant scowl. Looking incredibly bored, of simply standing outside, as she drew in the cold garden of their new home. A lot like the old one, but with more snow. It was falling steadily from the sky, and she could see her breath.
She hummed. "Hey...why did the skeleton want a friend?" He didn't respond. "Because she was feeling bone-ly." The girl snickered, at her own little joke, but he didn't. "Hmm...I see...snow way-" She punned. "this drawing won't make you smile?"
"Drawing?" He asked.
She held it out to him. He groaned tiredly, and took it. Before raising an eye-socket. It was...pretty good actually. And moreover, it was of him. Had this been what she was doing for the last half hour?
"Your...name is Papyrus right?" She asked. "I'm Chara."
"I know who you are." He replied. "Everyone does."
"Really?" She asked, before hearing steps.
A tall figure wandered into the area. Wearing a long cape, bearing dark hair, and a certain power to his eyes. Such a serious expression on his face today. She found them come to rest on her, lingering, before turning to Papyrus.
Papyrus glanced. "Welcome back, Asgore." He motioned dismissively. "Am I free to depart?"
"Thank you for waiting with her." Asgore said. "I know it's not in your normal duties, but-"
"Your wife has made it so." Papyrus commented, folding the drawing, placing it in his pocket. "I am evidently the humans bodyguard now."
"Is that right?" Asgore sighed. "Right, well..it won't be needed much longer." He assured, prompting a dark thought in the girls head. "Have a good day."
Papyrus started to walk away. "Farewell you two."
Chara smiled some, and waved. "Bye Papyrus. Hope you feel better."
The skeleton didn't stop, or respond. He just kept walking away. Until it was only those two remaining. The King of the Underground glancing down at her. As she looked up at him. Uncertainty in her mind. His gaze was always so intense, at times.
"Chara. I'd like you to come for a walk with me." He motioned. "We need to discuss something."
The girl had heard some...whispers from people. When they didn't think she was listening. Some people were discussing the idea that monsters could seize a human soul. Not many people seemed to believe this, but she had still heard it spoken.
With it...one would have the power to pass the barrier. That was the belief. Perhaps...she was right before she fell. That all good things came to an end. With a solemn expression, she got up. And mentally prepared herself for the idea. They had been kind to her. So if this was to be her fate. Then...perhaps it wasn't the worst reason to die.
The child thought this, and followed him.
They had walked for some time. With very few words spoken. With passerbys giving them roam to go.
Eventually, they would come out to a place she knew fairly well. It was a long field, with a single great tree in the center. Only a little ways from their new home...from the monsters new home.
It was covered in snow, and was rather beautiful. She sometimes liked to go there to be alone. To sit under the tree.
And to that spot, they went. Stepping through the snow. Silent, save for the wind, and the crunch beneath their feet.
"So..." She decided to ask. "Are you going to kill me?"
His eyes opened, glancing to the little form walking alongside him. In the moment, she wore a black shirt, with a purple stipe across it. Something that had been purchased to replace the damaged green one the girl had worn previously. Her purple eyes glancing up to meet his red ones.
He appeared to be thinking of something, looking surprised at her. Was she mistaken then? He seemed shocked.
"No." He replied, with a little chuckle. "Why would I do that?"
"I don't know." The girl thought. "Because...you could use my soul, right?
"Hmm, that is true." He admitted back. "However, that would require doing you harm. And, I had something else in mind." The duo stopping beneath a large golden tree in the middle of the snowfield. He dug around through his cloak, and produced a box that he'd kept hidden. "Here. Let's take a seat."
The girl appeared confused but complied with this request. This felt...familiar to her. So familiar. Like deja vu. Her mind briefly flickering with the image of a warmer field. And a smiling face she couldn't recall. And then it faded.
Taking the strange, wrapped box, as it was offered to her. She toyed with the wrapping, initially trying to be delicate and not damage it. Initially.
Her curiosity grew, as the struggle to maintain the wrapped followed suit. It was a mess of tape in parts. Telling her that Toriel had been the one to wrap the exterior.
Her will to know overpowered this sensibility. Causing parts of it to become torn, as she sought the explanation dwelling within it. Gradually opening it to reveal some sort of fuzzy jacket, and a framed picture of some kind. It was...a confusing set of things.
She noticed him motion, and she put on the fuzzy jacket. It was...warm to her person. Much warmer than the lack of one she usually wandered around in. It made everything feel much warmer. And she appeared quite satisfied with it.
It was a dark jacket. A parka, if she recalled the word. With a soft fuzzy hood. It was also, a bit too large for her. Making it fell like it would be more fitting as a cape, than a jacket. Her arms not even able to fit in the sleeves, without her rolling them back.
With that sorted, however, she picked up the framed picture. The second item, turning it, so she could see whatever was on it properly. And she recognized it immediately, feeling...looking confused.
"I don't understand." The girl noted quietly.
"It's the picture you drew." He commented. "See, me and Toriel talked for a few hours." He noted. "We wanted to frame it for you." He smiled a little. "It seemed like an ice idea. Or, at least a cool one."
It was rare for him to make fun puns. That was usually more a thing she and Toriel did. And, usually, she'd have been ecstatic to hear his attempts. But her focus was consumed on the frame itself.
The picture itself was something she'd done, of all of them. With their names placed below each of the monsters. Without one, under her self-rendition.
On the frame, where her focus was held, there was text. Etched onto the bottom of it, in beautiful handwriting it read 'Drawn by Chara Dreemurr.' It took a minute to process, before she stared up at him. The feeling came back, deja vu, confusion, and fear.
"But that's..." She seemed a little teary eyed, and hesitated. "that's your name?"
"Really?" He hummed. "I thought my name was Asgore." He joked. "But Chara has a nice ring to it to." The girl laughed a little. "Child of mine...we want you to be part of our family." He explained. "Right now, they're back at home, preparing to surprise you. But I wanted to ask you something first."
The repressed memory clawed at her. She tried not to focus on it. She felt so happy, so confused, and so afraid. Why did she feel so afraid?
The girl sniffled, getting up to her feet. She stepped over and hugged him. Not waiting for him to ask his question, which was fine. The goat-man sighing, while hugging her back. It could wait a moment longer, and perhaps this in itself was the answer. However, he wanted to be sure.
Chara seemed to realize something. "D-did you bring me out here, j-just for a snow puns?"
Asgore smirked. "You did say, I have a 'Dad' sense of humor." She laughed more. "Chara, I do need to ask you. Do you want to be part of our family as well?" She blinked. "This isn't something we'll force. But, if you'll have us, we'd-"
The sensation was overwhelming. It was strange...she suddenly felt like...like they were all going to vanish. A palpable terror forming, dreading the question she wanted to say yes too. They couldn't ask that...they had to know better. She wasn't...worth the risk. Even if she didn't understand what that risk was.
"I-I do...but, y-you don't...want me, honestly." She noted quietly. "I'd...just..."
"Of course, we do." He assured, electing to pick her up. "Chara. Do you know what I see when I look at you?"
Held up, she scanned his eyes, and asked. "A..." She hesitated...wanting to respond with 'demon' before stopping herself. "Uhm, what?"
"I see the future of the underground. I see a passionate artist, with a fun sense of humor." He noted. "I see a girl who taught me that the cactus in the house is the most tundrae of plants." He got the word wrong, but it made her smile some. "But more than that...I see one of my children." He told her. "You will never, be unworthy. You will never be unwanted. And I am sorry that you ever felt that way." She began to tear up more. "As long as we are around. We will strive to ensure you never do again."
The words rang in her mind. And she hugged him as tight as she could. His eyes closing, as he hugged her back.
"That will be all for today."