Author note: How are you guys doing today? Good? Enjoying the story so far? Don't be shy to leave a comment! Leave a kudos. If no one is really reading or enjoying the story, I lose my motivation about continuing the story. Imagine making art that no one cares about its hard to put a lot of energy into something no one but you care about. As always, I own nothing but this plot. Remember to check out my other works since I've been forced to go into constant hiatus. And I will be taking my lightest course load ever with one ever with 3 free electives so easy for me they might as well get my A now and a class that is my titan. So, I will be updating regular all this summer and for the foreseeable few months. Thank you guys you rock, and I thank you for your patience. It held me ashore while the stress was dragging me down.
The bar was packed full of monsters, who were waiting for others to come in. The earlier pandemonium still on their minds the other resting in the warm shelter the bar. Taking a moment to find a way home if their cell phone conversations. That Frisk couldn't help but overhear. Other than fashion style and different looks they weren't much different the average human above ground. I swear the twittering of women my own age based on how they held themselves. It was eerily similar to a conversation she had with friends a month ago at brunch. A cat monster with blonde highlights and alligator monster talking about how their own double date is sunk. But they could always dance the sorrow away at the capital, before going to work tomorrow. But the company of the bar and the clean booth we were seated in? More than made up for that. It's not like there was someone already singing limericks badly. Something that I might expect from a typical bar fly, but everyone was mostly shaken up or trying to be optimistic about the rest of their day. There was the occasional drunken yell, but it seemed like nothing out of place at any bar at this time a day. Much less like any other bar I've been at this time of day. I doubt it's much later than noon too early for someone to be wasted in the first place, but who am I to judge? I'm neither their parents or their boss if they want to drink? That's a choice they get to make. Looking at the group of monsters in full body armor all smiles as they sloshed their drinks in a cheer. Let them enjoy their free time, they get who knows when they will get their next chance. I already saw how much work they got to do now. I saw that first hand as the guards were still fighting that tried to kill me when they brought me back to Asriel. And the cleanup and taking a monster to the capital to get more intense medical help.
Papyrus looking at me with his skeletal smile prominent and taking front stage. It was a lot more comforting then I thought it would be. I felt calmer than I had in a long time. Almost dying earlier, makes the friendly face of the prince all the more endearing. Everything seemed a lot more pleasant, and she couldn't be the only feeling the same that rush of enthusiasm. She wasn't the only one they got flung away from the festival. I noticed a few monsters still shaking from shock even they had already been attended to and give some first aid. Almost dying and batter them as much as it did me. I was able to recover a little quicker, I think. It's a fact I know Asriel was at least here I doubt I wouldn't be just as panicked as the rest if I were left to my own devices after that. Just a lot more I was still really unsettled that I got flung off a cliff. We sat in what I considered companionable silence while Asriel finally got the food. Asriel had more significant order then I realized. as they're a hot fudge sundae on top of the smoothie burgers, shakes, fries, onion rings, and what I can only assume is fried pork chops bits.
The bar was packed full of monsters, who were waiting for others to come in. The earlier pandemonium still on their minds the other resting in the warm shelter the bar. Taking a moment to find a way home if their cell phone conversations. That Frisk couldn't help but overhear. Other than fashion style and different looks they weren't much different the average human above ground. I swear the twittering of women my own age based on how they held themselves it was eerily similar to a conversation she had with friends a month ago at brunch. A cat monster with blonde highlights and alligator monster with long hair talking about how their own double date is sunk, but they could always dance the sorrow away at the capital before going to work tomorrow. But the company of the bar and the clean booth we were seated in? More than made up for that. It's not like there was someone already singing limericks badly something that I might expect from a typical bar fly, but everyone was mostly shaken up or trying to be optimistic about the rest of their day. There was the occasional drunken yell, but it seemed like nothing out of place at any bar at this time a day much less like any other bar I've been at this time of day. I doubt it's much later than noon. Too early for someone to be wasted in the first place, but who am I to judge? I'm neither their parents or their boss if they want to drink? That's a choice they get to make. Looking at the group of monsters in full body armor all smiles as they sloshed their drinks in a cheer.
Let them enjoy the free time they get who knows when they will get their next chance; I already saw how much work they got to do know I saw that first hand as the guards were still fighting that thing that tried to kill me when they brought me back to Asriel. And the cleanup and taking a monster to the capital to get more intense medical help. They more then earned some R&R. Noticing that Asriel took his place with the food in his paws . His paws had one tray while Papyrus had the other . Papyrus taking the spot right next to me . Asriel taking the one across from me.
"Thanks for buying me lunch your highness, Asriel! I actually feel tip-top; this is some good food I'm impressed." Papyrus winced he must really get annoyed the royal title, but I was in character, and the family I'm pretending to be apart of is isolated. I smile genuinely. Asriel seemed to pick up on the act.
"NOW NOW! CALL ME PAPYRUS. IF YOU MUST BE FORMAL THAN CALL ME LIEUTENANT, I ACTUALLY EARNED THAT TITLE!" Papyrus smiles at me the eye lights showing the pride he had in that fact. Asriel earlier statement really being on the nose about his own esteem at being royalty. But I had to make the backstory they gave me make sense. if the eyes of the bar patrons were anything to go by, he was under the spotlight of attention. and as much as he ignored it, everyone is looking at him the women flirting in his direction which he's oblivious of.
"But I must agree with your assessment compared to his greasier fare. I think Grillby learned I like my food with a little less grease, the milkshake is superb. Maybe when my shift ends, I'll get my brother's special." a shudder suddenly ran through Papyrus at the thought of bringing his older brother his food apparently.
"WHAT WE DO FOR FAMILY, RIGHT MISS DOOMFLOWERS?" He said his skeleton grin clear on his face. A wistful tone in his voice .
"Yeah family makes us do crazy things! How is the relationship between you and your brother the king?" I give Papyrus a meek smile. Using my hood like it was hair to shield my face. Assuming that the best way to convey feeling bashful.
Asriel is looking at me like a crazy woman. I was acting suspicious but honestly based on what I know? I ask more to get perspective Toriel kept mum about the king and Asriel hadn't brought up his opinion. And I have someone who lives day in and day out with the object of my most recent nightmares. When the mystery monster hadn't made an appearance? The nightmare to their place it was always a shadowy figure ripping into my spine. If anyone gives me a blunt and honest opinion, it would be his brother.
"SANS AND I ARE AS TIGHT AS TWO BROTHERS CAN BE AT LEAST I THINK SO. THOUGH I WISH MY BROTHER WASN'T SUCH A LAZY BONE! IF IT WASN'T FOR ROSALIE HIS PERSONAL ASSISTANT AND ORGANIZER? I DOUBT MY BROTHER WOULD GET MUCH DONE! REGARDLESS MY BROTHER IS A GREAT KING ABLE TO HELP THE UNDERGROUND PROGRESS MORE THAN EVEN I CAN IMAGINE. WHERE WOULD WE BE AT LEAST ACCORDING TO MOST OF THE VETERANS AND EVERYONE OLDER THAN ME. THEY SING MY BROTHER'S PRAISES HOW HEALTHY, AND STRONG WE HAVE BECOME COMPARED TO WHEN WE FOUGHT AND LOST THE WAR. WE ARE STRONGER NOW THAN WHEN WERE FORCED DOWN HERE. WE HAVE CALLED THE BELOW, THE UNDERGROUND A VERSION OF HOME. SOMETHING SO SUITABLE AND MAKE US STRONGER TO SURVIVE. WE HAVE FARMS, TECHNOLOGY, AND TRANSIT. I'M PROUD OF US. I'M GRATEFUL THAT I WON'T HAVE TO JOG FROM SNOWDIN TO GET TO THE CAPITAL. I CAN COMMUTE TO THE TRAIN, BUT I'LL MISS THE SCENIC JOG. BUT IT'S A SACRIFICE I PREFER WHEN IT MAKES MOVING AROUND THE UNDERGROUND SO MUCH EASIER." He seems to sigh with remorse of the fact. But I noticed that others were listening but because Papyrus voice seems to carry and brings attention to him. Even if he was whispering, he would have the focus of those around him.
"You just going to miss visiting Napstablook on your jogging route."Asriel was talking in a very sing-songy and funny kind of way. Annoying almost like a friend you've known for a long time. The way he seems to just treat him as a good friend. Someone, he's comfortable with making fun of and handling him with that kind of familiarity. Similar as I do with my group of friends above ground. Particularly my banter with Stephanie.
"ASRIEL DREEMUR! THERE'S NO NEED TO SPREAD RUMORS TO MISS DOOMFLOWERS."
"Come on Paps you're over the moon for him! How many times have you asked me to tag along to the Drain Pipeline when you know he's DJing the club those nights?"
"HE'S JUST A TALENTED MUSICIAN! HIS ORIGINALS ARE JUST TOO GOOD NOT TO HEAR LIVE, AND IN PERSON, HE IS ONE OF MY CLOSEST FRIENDS AFTER ALL!"
"Let's change the subject I doubt sire. I mean … Papyrus wants to talk about his whether he wants to date his good friend or not." the smile that shown at Papyrus I say I can feel myself losing in the role in being one the DoomFlowers children.
"QUITE RIGHT YOU ARE MISS, MY RELATIONSHIP WITH NAPSTA IS NOBODY BUSINESS BUT MY OWN!"
I raise the eyebrow about the nickname and Asriel seemed to smirk at the denial really used to this behavior by now I'm sure.
"NOW, WHY DID YOU LEAVE YOUR FAMILY ESTATE? THE DOOMFLOWERS ARE A VERY SECRETIVE FAMILY. THEY ALWAYS HAVE BEEN SINCE WE WERE BANISHED INTO THE BARRIER. WHY LEAVE YOUR HOME AND DECIDE TO EXPLORE? I'VE ONLY INTERACTED WITH YOUR FAMILY SELDOMLY. WHEN THEY ASKED FOR RECOMMENDATIONS TO MAKE THEIR BUSINESS EXPAND TO THE NETWORK IS NOW. OR THAT ONE EVENT WHERE YOUR FAMILY WANTED AN AUDIENCE WITH MY BROTHER, I WASN'T ALLOWED TO ATTEND, BUT I KNOW IT HAPPENED.
"Honestly? My favorite siblings had left, and I knew the underground was a heck of a lot bigger than the estate. It was lonely growing up even with having siblings, it's strange learning from tutors and other then family. everyone else you have met is employed by your family. I want to make my way in the world. Sometimes I would hear the whispers of other monsters. They sounded so hopeful that we would break the barrier very soon. Mostly the monsters my parents would employ on the estate or those that delivered the goods. If that does happen? I want to see with my own eyes. "
I was talking out of my ass but the way I see it? It's like an acting gig, where I have to improve my lines based on the few established notes of the family, I'm impersonating. I feel slightly scummy but I'm trying to survive another, and the truth will get me killed.
At least I won't need to lie to anyone else it's hard to lie to so many kind-hearted monsters, that are putting themselves without frills or posturing. Which is more than I can say about some of the people I've worked with and for. It seems like most people are as fake as a dye in their hair. Only worried about getting ahead with not a care for their fellow human being unless it's convenient to them. People can be cold, but it's not everyone. My family, Stephanie, my friends they are there when I'm feeling my lowest. my biggest supporters my loves who were there the people who are good Samaritans and take the time to do good things only because they want to. Or just the things people do because they want to that are inherently good. While there are a lot of bad people and I'm sad that the monster might spend their entirety living down here. I'm claiming hope of their freedom like I, or anyone else can release them from this place. They were trapped down by mystical forces and forgotten about. Who knows if human, if they knew they were down here, would take time to care and want them released. instead of taking the side of their ancestors and letting them rot forgotten? Letting my thoughts get too carried away. with her thoughts but there was no more I could do for them then she can do for herself, hopefully. she'll be able to do something once I'm out of danger maybe free them from the rule of their king without having to kill him. Imprisoning him or murdering all the people before him is several life sentences easy. That seems like thought and concern for the human government, and hopefully, they don't take the actions of the leader? as the sentiment of all monster kind as a whole.
"WHERE ARE YOU PLANNING TO MOVE MS DOOMFLOWERS? I DOUBT YOU PLANNED TO MOVE IN PERMANENT WITH THE DREEMURRS?"
"I thought about just that! I was considering moving much more north, to heated heights sounded nice though. I wonder if I can deal with the amount of heat and my robes might be too hot for me. I am interested in going to college or the university making a name for myself."
"If you are interested in school, I say go to the old alma matter Capital U it was a nice four years got a degree justice studies and minor in psychology. if there is anywhere you want to go it's the capital." I can tell that Asriel was telling me that's where I needed to go.
"LOOK AT THAT ASRIEL! GRILLBY IS SETTING UP THE KARAOKE MACHINE. I CAN CALL FIRST BEFORE AARON AND DOGGO HOG THE MACHINE ALL NIGHT AND I DON'T EVEN GET A TURN."
"Go for it buddy we can wait."
"Thank you, my friend, I, but I won't be but a moment." Papyrus all but sprint to the sign-up list. cutting in front of both dog squad who were slowly staggering to their feet's. as well as a monster I could only describe as a muscular seahorse monster. both were swaying in their seats the drunkenness had already settled in for the day. Asriel gave me this look tilting his head in the direction of out the front door. following him outside like we
"You know Doggo's shift." Asriel pointed at the particular dog monster. "Isn't until the nightfall. Aaron's security gig at Temmie college was off. They never hold classes on weekends anyway. but he's a part-time bouncer at The Drain Pipe."
"You're informing me of all of this why?"
"Because Papyrus is going to be gone another hour at least because Doggo and Aaron are both music lovers. Doggo is a punk fiend, and Arron has a thing for using love songs to flirt with the single women in whatever town he's currently in. Right now, we could be in a FIGHT no holds bar trying to kill each other, and no one would notice. Doggo is beloved by most of the patrons in the bar. and Papyrus is the prince I would be surprised if anyone even notes our missing presence until Papyrus sits down. Again, leaving enough time to make a plan and actually talk I felt like you have had a moment to breathe for a moment."
"Thank you, Asriel. I'm used to improvising, but I'm lucky he didn't read through it and still feel horrible Papyrus seems like a sweet skeleton. "
"To be fair, you listen to my mother. I thought the same thing about Sans. I've met him a few times. He seemed nice a lot more at ease than during a speech, and he makes jokes and pretty happy go lucky. Looks are deceiving and his blood lust? He is a danger to both you and Chara. If you can get her out of here with you, I know that you want to get out, but she is any safer down here with me.
"But aren't you two soulmates? Can you really let her go?" I felt the shock of the fact he was selfless about her own happiness and welfare about the fact having her there was his ultimate happiness I have no doubt.
"I could easily if I know she will live. And I will find a way to her. That I have no doubt in my heart. Isn't that the human saying?" he said with a smile almost at peace with having to do something like this. That's what love truly is an able to sacrifice your own happiness for their benefit. Because they matter more than you do. I felt myself blush like I was intruding on a personal though coughing to get him to focus.
"If I see Chara on my way I tell her to follow me. I'll try to help her settle in with me. maybe I can help back to her family." I say legitimately coming up with a plan of what to do with the other human woman. Quickly thinking of how to make sure this woman isn't in the wind fending for herself above. Who knows how long it's been since she has seen the sun?
"The capital huh?" I say as I kick some snow up with my cloak since it was allowing me to hover slightly off the ground. It's kind of cool floating down to the earth and hearing the snow crunching under my boots.
"Yeah, for you to escape to need to pass the barrier is within the castle in the capital which right behind the throne room. It's difficult, but dad might be able to get you at that end but after Snowdin? I can't help you go past here if I do it will be looking like I'm shirking my duty. He seemed upset about that he could help me farther than here. Knowing I needed all the help that I could get.
"but I will be messaging you and talking with you. every step of the way hopefully you bump into Chara in the core since that's where you might pass to avoid most guards. It's a place civilian are known and well told to avoid but other than scientist and construction workers? No one there is going to notice you on their way. Just keep going forward the road will lead you there, and the charming self will lead you forward. You were able to make Michelle and Tiffany makeup and they had been at odds and fight for years. And considering when we were in high school together those two were best friends."
"I couldn't help it. They seem like they needed to talk to each other."
"And the underground thanks you for that. That tension could be felt anyone anytime with breathing distance of those two. You did us a service, and I hope others know it too. Hopefully, you can save yourself and Chara. Hopefully. Let's go back inside the crowd might not miss us but Papyrus would notice our absence and I want to dig into my curly fries."
"Yeah yeah if Papyrus calls me up there, I'm blowing the bar away with my singing."
"Fine by me these drunk hardly ever can carry a tune! Papyrus has a better voice then I do."
That how the next two hours went with cheers and boos at the people who had signed up. everyone getting wasted or buzzed minus us three. But we were enjoying ourselves regardless. Letting papyrus know I'm heading after Heated Heights in the next hour or two. He gave me a sad smile seeming to want to spend more time together. But he could see something flaring her that made it clear she was hard set to for going forward.
Final note well I'm sorry to say I'm going into another hiatus and blame the fact I graduate I might update twice in the next six months any of my stories. Like I'm making college my priority I doubt I can even participate in Frans week that's how much schoolwork I got. I'm updating now and promising you an update sometime in April. Like I have a bunch of things I want to do but finishing college is my goal.