Muffet: Ahuhu?~ This wittle chap's much more laid-back than expected.
Red: Still has it's action, but mostly a bit more laid back and humorous. Probably because we're the youngest of Team Toriel.
Muffet: Oh? You think so?
Toriel: Most likely.
Red: Makes a bit of sense, a little.
Toriel: Also, prepare for quite a bit of these girls banter...as well as how much they care.
Chapter Start!
Red...wasn't the best party person. It wasn't that she didn't know how to have fun during parties, but trying to do on her own would make her feel awkward, because she was currently on an assignment. And because she was on an asignment, she was very much focused on making sure it's completed. Thus it's somewhat hard for her to really enjoy the party she was currently attending, because she understood that the nature of this assignment warned that it could be ruined at any time, without warning. Fortunately for her, she knew how to stay focused and keep a good eye out for trouble. Her human soul of Intuition helps.
...Unfortunately for her, her partner's name was Muffet.
"Wooow! Look at how lively it is in here!~" Muffet smiles as she waves to several passerbys entering the building holding the funraising event. She could tell plenty of wealthy folk were attending given how extravagent they looked and how they spoke to each other politely while entering one by one. And the best part was that these wealthy people were the kinder ones. "Everyone's really looking forward to this! And look at the activities!~"
"Muffet, we need to stay focused." Red tried to tell her.
"They have great food, they have games, silly pictures..."
"Muffet..."
"Lady Cleo sure knows how to throw a fancy party!~"
"MUFFET! We have a task at hand/paw. This is no time to be in awe, this is a time to pay attention!" Red barked, her eyes scanning the large room they were currently in, her nose sniffing around for any scent thay smells malevolent. "Lady Cleo says that there's a high chance that someone will try and steal the money gathered. We have to make sure that doesn't happen. That's our job, and we need to stay on top of it. Got that?" She turned back around...Muffet was holding a plate.
"Look, Red! These hors'douerves are fantastic!" Muffet beamed as she picked up a stick. "This is a strawberry shortcake kabab! Try one!"
"I don't want any hors'douerves! We have a mis-" Red began, only to be cut off by Muffet gently pushing it into the talkative girl's muzzle. She blinked and chewed the shortcakes before swallowing and taking a deep breath. "-sion...okay, that's actually really good."
"I know, right?~"
"...Fiiiinnnne. Gimmie." Red pouted rudely as Muffet happily provided her another. Red grabs it by the stick and immediately begins eating. "Monchmonchmonchmonchmonch..."
"So cute.~" Muffet coos sweetly, then blinking as she lifted her head and turned towards the sound of a gentle hiss. "Ohhh? Lady Cleo is finally showing up front! You see her, Red?~"
"Moooonnnnch...monchmonchmoooonch...monch."
She's totally hooked.~ Muffet thought with a giggle.
In the meanwhile, Lady Cleo slithered halfway down the balcony. Despite not having any legs, she still managed to pull it off with such effortlessly executed grace that many were memerized by her movement regardless. Muffet for one was in a loss for words. So was Red, but that's because she was too busy eating. After riding through the applause, which she obviously appreciated as her head rose, her hood opened slightly as she raised her hands and smiled gleefully. She seemed to love the attention.
Muffet wondered if there could be some sort of ironic friendship/partnership between Mettaton and Cleo. Legs and Legless...ahu.~
"Sssssahahaha!~ Welcome everyone, welcome all! Humans and monsters alike! I see several familiar faces and many new ones! So good to see you all!~" Cleo beamed brightly as she took a graceful bow. "I'm so happy you all took the time out of your night to attend this funraiser! It's a wonderful showing of caring from you all!" She pulled herself up and clapped once. "Once again, the money you donate today will be dedicated to improving the poor state of Mire Town, especially in order to help alleviate their troubles. Such assistances would go towards improved housings, more food, and better protection for the town at large. After such torment, strife, and tradegy the most recent residents have been through, they could really use a repreive, don't you think?"
This statement was met with applause, while Muffet was looking on and listening attentively. Whike Red was still munching on her hors'douerves. "Now who's not paying attention, Red-Dearie?~" The statement partially snapped the rose-haired canine out of it, and her entire face began matching her hair as she set the now empty plate down.
"S-S-Shut up! It's not MY fault that it's so delicious!"
"That sounds like an excuse a baby would make. Rude Baby Red~"
"Knock it off, doggone it!"
As they bickered, Lady Cleo continued as she slithered further down the stairs. "Your contributions are greatly appreciated and will be put to excellent use. So please, do enjoy yourselves snd enjoy as the night is still quite young!~" Another applause sounds out as her hood flares open again with a bright smile.
"She sure likes the attention." Muffet hummed.
"We still need to focus on our objective." Red criticized.
"Like you were focusing on stuffing your face with strawberry shortcakes?~"
"...You know what, let's not talk about that anymore."
"I dunno. It seemed like a pretty important thing you wanted to talk about..."
"Okay, you do NOT get to pull that on me!"
"Hello, new visitors!~"
A third voice interrupted their bickering. Both of them blinked as they turned towards someone greeting them. Muffet managed to recognize her in moments.
"Dark-blue scaled serpentine, golden eyes, pink dress, sweet smile, slightly voluptuous...ahuhu! You must be Valerie!" Muffet noted that she is a serpentine monster as well. Though unlike her mother, she had legs and feet. Must be due to her father. And like her mother, she had a hood of a cobra.
"Oh? You already know my name?" Valerie blinked, then smiled and waved her paw. "Wait am I saying, of course you do. You know my mother, so of course my name would be mentioned somewhere."
Muffet looked back and forth, then gently grabbed her by the paw and pulled her back slightly. "Um...actually...we know your Mom via...other means."
"Other means? What are you...?" Valerie's eyes widened, and she sighed while rubbing her head in embarrassment. "Oh gods, you know about that? Did they do anything? Did they threaten you? Did they ask you if you wanted to play ping pong? Daddy isn't very good at it..."
"We actually went out to seek her and your father ourselves. Though to be fair, we had absolutely no idea that we'd be meeting up with someone of their more low-key occupation." Red supported. "And to be more fair, they were actually very polite and hospitable. They were even willing to help us out with a few important things, so long as we help them in return, which we would have done anyway."
"Is that so? That's...rather kind of you. Very kind." Valerie puts on a friendly smile as she reaches over and pulled another plate towards them. "Do you want a cupcake? I made them myself. Since you two seem to be new guests to this, I figured that I'd give you a snack to help you feel more welcome."
"O-Oh. Okay." Red blinked. She really wanted to stay focused on the assignment...though the cupcakes were calling to her, plus Valerie was being very hospitable towards them right now. She hesitantly takes one and bites into it. "We really do have toohhh dog biscuits this is absolutely delicious! What kind of cupcake is this?"
"A hamburger cupcake.~"
"...No way. That's impossible."
"It isn't.~"
"...That actually EXISTS?" Red gaped in awe, looking at her half eaten cupcake in disbelief, very disappointed that it wasn't much bigger. I have just discovered a treasure among desserts...my life has changed...
Muffet meanwhile bites into her own cupcake, and all five of her eyes beamed brightly as she turned towards Valerie, sparkling. "This is fantastic! is this cookie dough flavored?"
"My, what an impressive guess! Are you a fellow baker?"
"Ahuhu! As a matter of fact, I am!~"
Monch monch...why aren't you more famous...oohhh you're so delicious. Not recognizing your greatness is a crime in of itself...monch monch... Red mentally whined as she ate the rest of her cupcake, licking her muzzle clean as her tail wagged happily. After a moment she blinked and slapped both her cheeks before shaking her head. Flipping dog biscuits! I got distracted again! Grrr...stupid stomach, quit messing with my focus!
"Listen, Valerie. Thank you for the cupcakes, but we're actually on a very important assignment right now."
"An assignment? Whatever for..." Valerie blinked, then sighed. "Wait, don't tell me. My mother wants you to guard this months funraiser toward's charity for Mire Town. She wants you to protect the money and pick out someone who tries to steal it, right?"
"That's...a pretty detailed guess. And a good one."
Valerie sighed. "Mother has many fans, male and female. Unfortunately, she also has her detractors that hate her and her fundraising. This isn't the first time this kind of service was necessary."
"It isn't?" Muffet blinked, more interested than in shock.
"Indeed. Though Mother has always managed to drive them off with her guards and her own power. The fact that she brought you two, who are so young, around my age...she must have great faith in your ability." Valerie nodded. "Well, if she has faith in you, then I do as well. Just please, please be careful. And if you need any help, please let me know."
"We will. Thanks Valerie." Both girls nodded to her, and were about to move forward, when Red's eyes suddenly flashed silver, and Muffet felt a slight bell ringing in her head.
Something's happening outside...!
Ooh! Spider sense is so handy!~
"Listen, we have to step outside for a bit, Valerie-Dearie. There might be trouble afoot." Muffet gently caressed Valerie's paws with a nod.
"You sense trouble...? Then let me help." Valerie requested strongly.
"I don't think that's a good-" Red began, but stopped once she recalled what Levi mentioned a bit offhandedly:
I'd have more people watching over...but she can take care of herself.
"...Alright." Red nodded reluctantly. She turned around and made hernway through several partygoers, mumbling 'scuse me, pardon me, coming through, in a hurry' and made her way up to Cleo, who was chatting gleefully with others. She lightly tugged on her dress, and the tall cobra monster turned to meet her.
"Red? Ah! You met my daughter! How wond..what's wrong?" She began with a smile, but it turned to a worried frown once she noticed the serious gazes the girls were currently holding in their eyes.
"There's trouble outside, Mom." Valerie said.
"I see...everyone! I'll be slithering out for a moment, so please keeo enjoying yourselves and making generous contributions if you can!" Cleo announced convincingly to the crowd as she was slithering away with the girls. I also haven't seen Augustine around. Which can only mean...oh you silly woman! "Come then, we must deal with this in a timely manner."
"How timely are we talking?" Muffet asked.
"Confirm intentions...then crush them."
"...I can work with that.~"
"You can work with a lot of things." Red rolled her eyes.
They quickly made their way outside, a decent enough distance away from the building and near a more desserted area such as an abandoned street district, which was shut down due to the place being a particularly negative influence on people. And their suspicions were confirmed whdn theh could hear the commotion, and all the dirt rising around in a circular motion.
In the middle of the dirt storm, was Augustine, standing against a large group of humans and monsters in blue striped suits.
"You're not having your way! I'll stop you all right here and now!" Augustine shouted to her adversaries, even though she was gravely outnumbered. Muffet recalled what she was told, and she could see the scars on Augustine's, and her prosthetic arm and leg. She was wearing a green dress that was flapping about from all the dirt swirling around from her magic.
"You're wasting your time with this, Lady. Give up. It's not worth your life." One human shouted from atop a crate, identifies as 'Lee'.
"Yes it is! I can't let you steal from them! They need it more than any of us!' Augustine shouted back.
"She's not budging, Lee. I think we have to kill her. I should probably break her neck." Another, bulkier human nearby scratched his head in confusion. He identifies as 'Sam'.
"I'll hold as many times as it takes." Augustine glared as she tried flaring her magic more. "You can't interfere with these charity drives towards Mire Town and...Nikon. As long ad I'm alive, I won't sllow it!"
"Then I suppose we'll just have to kill ya!" A furious roar sounded out as a rhino monster charged towards Augustine. Her eyes widened as she attemped to raise an earth shield in front of her, but be busted through it effortlessly, sending her tumbling across the ground, hitting her back against a wall. Even despite this, she was already trying to vainly push herself back up.
"Ngh...can't...let them...do this...I can't...WON'T...!" She tried, she really did. Unfortunately, she was too beaten for it to matter.
The rhino attempted to charge the downed woman again, horn-first.
"Alley-oop!~"
SMACK!
The opposing side was met with immense disbelief as in came in an adorable spider monster, who didn't look like she had much muscle to her, managed to jump up and kick an adult grown rhino monster in the head, hard enough to interrupt his momentum and cause him to him to land flat on said back with an agitated grunt.
Lee has truly seen everything now.
Muffet landed on her feet, posing gracefully with her arms up. "And I stick the landing! Magnificent!~"
"Honestly." Red sighed as she landed next to Muffet. "Every time I tell you to get serious, you're more likely to do the opposite. Sometimes completely on purpose!"
"Watch me, Red! I'm gonna web em'! I'm gonna stick it to em' with my stick'em powers!~"
"...This is exactly what I mean."
"You're one to talk, little miss hamburger cupcakes.~"
"Hey, that's not fair! You can NOT use those divine desserts against me!"
"You two have such a wonderful friendship." Valerie said with a warm smile.
"...You...two...are here...?" Augustine grunted as she gazed at Muffet and Red, recognizing them through her hazy vision. Why are they...wait...! Does that mean Toriel is here? I need to say t...Augustine's thoughts cut off, falling to the ground, unconscious.
Sam blinked while scratching the back of his head. "What in the world...did that spider just knock down a rhino...does that mean the spider is stronger...or the rhino is weaker...?"
"You can never tell with monsters." Lee sighed. Okay, this isn't a problem. Not a problem at all. Just got to adapt and-
"Hello there, lovely gentlemen. You sssssseem to be having a ball roughing up one of my mosssssst devoted supporters of the charity fundraiser." Cleo slowly slithers up, her gooden eyes taking a turn for the menacing, her fangs baring for the assailants to see. Her hissing grew due to how angry she was. "That'ssssss a grave error in judgement..."
Lee paled considerably, knowing exactly who she was. Ooooohohohokay. SHE, on the other hand, is a MAJOR problem. "Sam! I'm gonna need you to do the thing!"
"You want me to do the thing?"
"Yes, do the thing!"
"But you never want me to do the thing!"
"Tonight's an exception! Do the thing!"
"Kay!~"
Danger is coming...! Muffet frowned slightly. A moment was all it took, sense she briefly wasn't paying attention. She jumped to the side, a web attaching to Red and Augustine's backs and pulled them along, having the large man miss them by several feet. His charge plowed through the wall they were, demolishing it. That was too close...!
"What the dog biscuit...?!" Red blinked as she watched the large man demolish the wall, then come out without any injury at all.
If I had to guess...Strength Magic, it seems. It's simple, straight to the point, no extravagence or flair to it whatsoever...but that destructive force there makes up for that. Muffet deduced while gazing towards the unconscious Augustine. It's no good, she's not waking up. Need to get her to safer ground.
Sam pulled himself out of the rubble, shaking his head and scratching his head. "I flew right past em'...weird. Aha, there you are!"
"Oh, hello! Sorry, but we're kind of busy. How about you stay over there for a second?" Muffet requested politely with a false smile.
"Nah, I'd rather attack." Sam said with a menacing smile.
"Wel...that's fairly straightforward..." Muffet muttered with a pout. He was prepared to charge again, as Muffet called for a larger spider to appear by her side. Get her to safety, now! Muffet ordered. The large spider nodded as she placed Augustine on it's back, as it then turned and began crawling away very fast. When she turned around again, Sam was already upon her, smashing his fist into where she used to be, as she flipped to the side as his ounch created a crater snd shockwave that pushed outwards. My goodness, he's savage!
"You're really ag...agi...good at jumping and leaping. But that's not gonna help you!" Sam shouted as he moved quicker than expected and kicked her hard in her midsection. The attack knocked the wind out of her and sent her crashing across the street, stopping on her side while coughing slightly, which included blood and spittle.
...Owie.
"MUFFET!" Red shouted while chasing after them, only to stop as her eyes flashed; she turned and swung her sword, deflecting a magic bullet shot by Lee, who blinked in disbelief.
"Did...did you just parry bullets with a sword? Magic or not, that's crazy."
"Get outta my way, jerk! I need to help my friend!"
"...So do I."
In the meantime, Cleo and Valerie looked towards the other enemies in their way. Valerie would look towards the girls in worry, which had Cleo gently pat her head to reassure her.
"Don't worry about those lovely ladies. They'll find a way to overcome this. As for us..." Cleo narrowed her eyes and turned back towards the opposition. "You have some ssssserious nerve. Hurting my ssssubordinate and trying to ssssteal from good folk. That's no good, not all. How about you stop all that before this gets worse?"
"Is that supposed to scare us? Ya don't know what'll happen to us if we mess up a job like this?"
"That's why you need to surrender." Valerie gently pleaded. "We can work something out, I promise you."
"There's nothing to work out. It's time to move out of the way, or die."
"Well, you heard them." Cleo sighed.
"Yes, rather unfortunate..." Valerie frowned. Why are we always plagued by the unreasonable ones...?
They attempted to move forward, fully prepared to go through both of them. Though they were soon met with surprise as a blast of water knocked several of them down, the impact being harsh against their chests. Valerie was seen with several balls of water in front of her, and her paws were raised. Then, rather orderly, she punched several times as they shot forward at such speed that once again, being smashed into their chests so hard as to knock the wind out of them and had them crashing against the ground.
"Wait what-" The others were briefly confused, though Valerie didn't give them much of a chance, swiftly moving towards them and kicking them across the face to send them flying, with extra force due to her feet being covered in water, she swiftly turned and slapped them across the face with her tail, sending the ones behind her flying as well.
Cleo folded her arms and nodded in approval. She then noticed that several monsters attempting to attack her from behind. She almost scoffed. Please. She simply raised her head upwards, and to their great surprise, magically conjured snakes rose up from the ground fast, headbutting them hard enough to smash them upwards, then landing on their faces.
"Ugh...what...what happened...?" The rhino monster from before groaned, lifting himself up and shaking his head.
Cleo's eyes twinkled, and she swftly slithered towards him in moments and slapped him hard in the face. The cracking of cheekbones were heard as he crashed into the ground, now utterly unconscious. Cleo's tail slaps were harder and more ruthless than her daughter's. Several nearby humans shivered from how easily she took a rhino down. She slowly turned towards them, with her tongue lolling out slightly, with her fangs bared with a wicked smile.
"You boysssssss made your choice already. Now...it'sssss too late to run.~"
"Mom...you know they can understand you perfectly without all the 's', right?" Valerie deadpanned. Her exasperation indicated that this must not be the first time she's done this for intimidation purposes...or seducing her husband.
"I know, I know, it's not necessary. But it's pretty fun.~" Cleo smiled adorably.
She slithered quickly again as she punched an incoming mobber in the chin, while her tail effortlessly slapped away five more behind her. She sensed brief trouble, as she narrowly dodged a magic bullet through reflexively curling around it. She eyed the one responsible, swiftly moving towards him, grabbing him by the next, and smashing him into the ground, cratering it. As she did, numerous snakes rose from the ground, striking out at numerous mobbers and biting them hard enough to leave vicious marks, and others wrapped around their arms and legs then quickly constrict hard enough to shatter their bones.
"What'ssss thissss? You all sssseem to be more hesssitant now?~" Cleo hissed with a sinister grin and bared fangs once more.
Back with Muffet and Red, the former was once again through across the pavement as Sam hits her hard in the side. She ended up on her back, sputtering slightly as she tried to catch her breath and stand back up.
"W...Well...this is getting rather unpleasant..." Muffet smiled weakly from the understatement. Sam suddenly came in, stomping on her chest, which elicited a brief yelp of pain, which only worsened as he increased the pressure.
"You spiders are seriously creepy, even though you in particular actually quite cute." Sam noted, before his grin turned sadistic. "Well, that doesn't really matter. Still gonna crush you like one.~"
This has now become extremely unpleasant! Muffet thought as her pained yelps soon turned to screams.
"STOP IT!" Red shouted over to Sam, but couldn't get to her due to Lee holding her at bay with multiple magic bullets. She was constantly parrying and others were joining in to corner her, leaving her to parry even more magic bullets. She yelped as several managed to graze her shoulder and her cheek.
"You should worry about yourself, kid! You're in over your head! Give up!" Lee shouted.
Red snarled viciously. A silver flash of light appeared above her head and spread it's wings. The onlookers eyes widened in surprise. The Delta Guardian's eye opened as Red's eyes shined silver.
"I won't ask you again! MOVE!" Red's shout synced with the sudden circular blue shockwave rune that the Delta Guardian powerfully emitted. All her attackers were sent flying away, especially Lee, who crashed her right shoulder first into a wall, dislocating it with an aggravated shout.
"Lee...?" Sam blinked and turned towards his direction in concern. He was rewarded with a magic bomb striking him dead in his chest. He grunted a bit, though the resulting smoke from the explosion gave Muffet the cover to escape from him. "Did..did you just throw a magic bomb at me? It didn't really do much." He turned swiftly as Red jumped towards him and attempted a sword lunge. He managed to catch her by the throat and smashed her into the ground, causing a pained yelp and dropping her sword. "You're a seriously sword-happy puppy. I'm gonna have to put ya down.~"
"Geh...gwah..." Red choked, attempting to pry the man's hand off of him, to no avail. Then she tried an alternative.
CHOMP!
"AGH!" Sam yelled as he pulled back and nursed his now bleeding hand, which disrupted his focus on his magic. "You bit me! You seriously bit me!?"
"Surprised? What you SHOULD be surprised about, is how big spiders can be..."
"Huh...?" Sam blinked in confusion, not hearing a harsh whistling from above...a giant spider falling towards him for a bodyslam.
SLAM!
The attack ruptured the earth and slightly shifted several nearby buildings, but otherwise none of them collapsed. The spider vanished in a puff of smoke, leaving Sam in the center of a crater, his eyes having turned completely white due to falling unconscious. Muffet landed several feet ahead of him, lightly pushing her hair to the side.
"Phew...that was...a little more taxing than I anticipated."
"MUFFET!" Red shouted as shs recovered and hugged the spider girl, her tail wagging with relief. "Are you alright?! Plesse tell me you're okay!"
"I'm alright, Red-Dearie. I'm more durable than I look..." Muffet smiled weakly as she returned the hug and began petting the back of her head, which increased the speed of the tail wagging. "What about you? Slamed into the ground with a rough hand on your throat..."
"I'll...I'll be fine. This is nothing."
Very soon, Lady Cleo and Valerie caught up with them, looking understandably worried. "Are you two alright? You both look pretty roughed up."
"We're fine. We managed to beat the guys." Red sighed whike she and Muffet supported each other. "Muffet...what about...Augustine?"
"She had it worse than we did, and she's still unconscious. It's likely it'll takes some time before she fully wakes up."
"Oh, how unfortunate. Well at the very least, the rest of us are alright." Valerie nodded. The other girls nodded positively at this. It seemed that-
Red's eyes flashed silver, and bells rang in Muffet's head. She appeared beside Valerie snd slashed, right before a magic bullet could pierce through her head. Her guard had been down, it would have been fatal. Muffet's five eyes spotted the offending shooter, and she immediately shoots six webs in that direction with all six of her hands. The human responsible had his eyes widened as he was suddenly stuck to a wall.
Valerie gasped as she placed a paw on her chest, while Cleo slithered around and cupped her cheeks. "Oh my goodness, are you alright, Valerie?!" She asked in a panic, which Valerie positively nodded to. That had been FAR too close. Cleo cursed herself for forgetting that there was also a chance for stragglers to try and get a last shot in. Red and Muffet just saved her daughter's life with their much faster and accurate reaction time. She'd definitely make sure to remember that.
Though at the moment, motherly instinct drove her into anger. She hissed violently as she was upon the human in moments, who pulled him away from the wall and swiftly constricted around him, pinning his arms to his sides. "You wretched ssssscumbag! How dare you take a sssshot at my only daughter when her back issssss turned after you've already losssssst!? I ssssshould kill you right now!"
"W-Wait! Hold on!" The human shouted, his head shaking slightly. Muffet saw right through him, though. He definitely wasn't sorry about the attempt, only that he was stopped and got caught.
Cleo paid him no heed. She felt compelled to keep squeezing and to enjoy the sweet musical sound of his bones breaking down and apart. However, a different idea popped into her head instead; she smiled as she uncoiled from him, clearing her throat.
"My...my apologies. I lost my composure." Cleo smiled, even taking the time to pat off dirt from his suit and straighten it out his collar. "What is your name, human?"
"Um...Raul."
"Raul! Lovely! Look, what you've attempted to do is very wrong. I mean, you tried to kill my only daughter with her back turned, and that upset me quite a bit. But you know what? I'm a forgiving woman. I'll be willing to let this go and never think of it again, so long as you do one simple thing for me, and that is to feed me."
Raul blinked. "Seriously?"
"Seriously! I've been a bit stressful about tonight, and after this, I could really use a pick-me-up. Will you be willing to do so when the fundraiser dies down a bit and people start to leave?"
"Uh...sure!" Raul sighed with relief.
"Very good." Cleo smiled and nodded as she turned towards Muffet and Red, lightly coiling around them both and nuzzling both of their cheeks. "You both saved my baby, ladies. For that, you have my gratitude, and I'm in your debt."
"There's no need for that. We would have done so for anyone we consider our friend." Red said with a shake of her head.
Valerie blinked, her eyes twinkling slightly. "F-Friends...? We're...friends?"
"Of course we are. We had a nice chat, shared some cupcakes, and even fought alongside each other a little. If that's not a delectable recipe for friendship, I don't know what is!~" Muffet smiles brightly.
"Oh! Isn't that cute! Anyway, I'll be heading back and checking on how the fundraiser is going, catch up with me when you can, and of these bad men try to trouble us or the charity fundraiser again, I'll deal with them." Cleo said. She soon turned back to Raul and lightly patted his shoulder in a friendly matter. "Come along, Raul. You've got a very important duty ahead of you.~"
Valerie waved to her mother as she cordially gestured Raul along. After they were both out of hearing distance, and Muffet used her spiders to capture the downed mobbers with magic webbing, she sighed while clasping her paws. "His mob won't be seeing him ever again."
"Huh? Why?" Red blinked.
"Ahuhuhu.~" Muffet giggled mischievously.
"Muffet, why are you giggling? Do you know something?" Muffet smiled as she leaned in and whispered in her ear. Once she finished, Red's eyes widened and she turned back to Valerie in shock. "HAAAAAAH?! ARE YOU SERIOUS?!"
"Yeah..." Valerie sounded calmly resigned, completely unbothered.
"And...and...you don't have a problem with it...?"
"No...not really." Valerie smiled awkwardly. " I simply accepted it as something she sometimes does to enemies who personally offended her, Daddy, or me in a malevolent way. She doesn't do so willy-nilly, but when she does, it's usually personal. Daddy doesn't bat an eye and his subordinates simply accepted it. Besides, it's not the worst thing we've seen in Surripio."
Red blinked. "It isn't?"
"You'd be surprised...anyway, do you mind sitting down with me for a moment?' Valerie requested as she sits down, her pink dress pooling out slightly and her tail lightly swaying behind her. The other two girls sits along with her. She held her paws out as water began coating the two girls with glowing water, and their wounds began to heal.
"Oh, Water Magic! And it heals!~" Muffet beamed. "You seem quite adept at it.~"
"Thank you. Everything I know, Daddy taught me so I can protect myself, being a water dragon. My mother, on the other hand, is a cobra monster with Snake Magic. And that union resulted in me, a water serpent."
"An adorable water serpent." Muffet pointed out.
"Thank you again.~" Valerie smiled. "Daddy has taught me Water Magic after that, and I've become quite adept to it, though Daddy's on an entirely different level."
"I hope I don't offend, but it's pretty obvious. I mean, his name is short for Leviathan. His strength with water is a given."
"Oh no! No offense taken. It's quite obvious, really. I'm happy that Daddy's so strong. Not just in magic and fighting, but as a person. That way, he can protect as many people as he needs to." Valerie smiles kindly. "Daddy does much protecting over the territory he watches over, and both he and Mom usually give as much as each community gives. Mother, as you seen, took up modeling not only because she enjoys it, but so her voice gains a much wider reach to those who need reassuring and safe haven. You'd think mob bosses would be feared by said communities, but my parents became beloved by them for how far they're willing to go for their sake."
"You must really love your parents." Red pointed out.
"Yes...yes I do." Valerie nodded with a small smile.
"...Sooooo! How's it feel to be a princess of mob bosses?~" Muffet smiled.
"Constant pampering, cherishing, gift-giving, protection and love from my parents and their subordinates." Valerie smiled. "Both of my parents really enjoy spoiling me."
"By how much?"
"Just look at my room." Valerie takes out her phone and after several swipes, she showed them. Muffet's mouth dropped and Red's eyes widened.
"THAT'S your room?!"
"Yeah...it's not really much, though."
"Look at how large and extravagent that bed is!"
"It's really cozy."
"The butlers?!"
"We give them paid days off."
"The movie theater?!"
"Now to be fair...that was a surprise birthday present."
"You...have quite a bit of money to spare..." Muffet mouthed in admiration.
"Kind of. I know that my parents' reputation as mob bosses tend to put that wealth into question, and I don't blame those who do so. But due to how rough a place Surripio already is as a whole and how caring they are for who they put under their protection, they're mildly tame compared to everything else."
"That's saying a lot..." Red muttered. "So...your Dad offered Augustine safe haven when she felt incredibly remorseful for her past deeds. He won her loyalty with that, and she's been trying to better herself even further. But as we saw here, she almost got killed over it."
"Yes. I believe Mother will be talking to her about it when she wakes up." Valerie paused. "...Hey. Are...are we really friends? You both called me your friend in front of Mother when you saved my life..."
"Yes we are. We're friends. We don't lie about something like that." Red said seriously.
"We're totally friends, Valerie!" Muffet cooed.
Valerie blinked slowly, then softly smiles. "I...I would really like that. Red, Muffet."
"Very good. Now, we've a couple hours to kill, so let's make our way back to that high-quality charity fundraiser and talk more about those sweet, delectable, mouth-watering hamburger cupcakes!"
"...You're never going to let me get over that, are you?" Red deadpanned.
"Not tonight, no way, nope!~"
"I happen to recall saving your life a little while ago. I think I deserve some more leniency."
"And you shall receive it...tomorrow!~"
"You're utterly ridiculous, Muffet."
"And that, Red-Dearie, is simply one of my many talents.~"
Valerie giggled quietly as she followed the two of them, with Muffet's spiders carrying Augustine along. After a moment of processing, she smiled even wider as she smoothed out her dress as her tail swayed happily, joyful that she made some new friends.
Toriel, Elvira, and Levi were traveling via car. Levi himself wasn't driving, but he did have his own personal driver to do so. Toriel and Elvira were sitting on one side of the cushions and Levi on the other. Toriel looked about a bit while scratching the back of her head.
I'm still processing the fact that I'm working with a mob boss...goodness gracious, why does that make me feel so daring?!
"Everything alright, Lady Toriel?" Levi asked once enogh time passed. "I understand thay you're stikk trying to come to terms on several things regarding us."
"I'm fine. I'm indeed still coming to terms on things. New Kingdom, hostile King, kind mob boss. I suppose I simply needed a moment to catch up with it all.'
"I don't blame you. You kinda got thrown into all this unexpectedly. Luckily you have us to keep you afloat and push you towards success, as well as keep all the gnats off your fur so you can focus on the big goals." Elvira hummed, one leg draped over the other. "We're on your side. We're not the cleanest support, but we're support nonetheless. Think of us as providing...leverage.~"
"Oh? Leverage...?" Toriel repeated quietly to herself.
"Indeed. We are completely on your side." Levi hummed. "So, is there anything else you'd like to know while we're on our way?"
"Hm...well..." Toriel hummed, folding her arms and adorably tilting her head, her eyes closed as lines with her floppy ears swaying slightly. "I was wondering if you could provide some insight on how Surripio's King is chosen. Do Noble Monsters play a part? Is the throne inherited? How exactly did Faust gain the position?"
"All questions I can answer." Levi hummed while clasping his paws. "Noble Monsters do have their specific roles to play. In fact...most mob bosses are lead by a Noble Monsters or humans such and myself and Cleo. The throne used to be gained through inheritance when the first king of this land inherited it. But as time went by, and the land grew more modernized yet more lawless, it's been decided that there is one sure way to decide who's worthy enough to succeed them."
"How is that?"
"Steal it." The statement pulled Toriel out of her position as she quickly sits back up at full attention, her crimson eyes wide with surprise. Levi's expression remained even. "That is right, Lady Toriel. As surprising as it is, that's how a successor is chosen. Stealing money, stealing souls...why would it be different for stealing the title of King of Surripio? The methods matter little. It also matters little if they're dead or alive. If you can manage it, and you can make the ascension stick, then the status is yours."
"That's...unexpected."
"Tori, my girl. I've been here and there in the world, and the way I see it, there's mainly two ways to handle these things when it comes to the big dogs...or cats.~" Elvira hummed while patting her shoulder. "One: Ya bide your time and prepare. Increase your power, gather your resources, and connect with some allies to take your target down/out. Two: You suck it up, discard your pride, and simply serve under them. Surripio isn't the only Kingdom to believe in this philosophy. Several big Kingdoms in Potestas and Numen believe strongly in it."
"What about Exspes?"
"...Yeeeaaah...let's hope ya never have to go there. Most of the continent makes Surripio seem mild in comparison." Elvira said seriously, with a dark frown. Toriel nodded just as seriously. Elvira soon relaxed. "Anyway, whaddya think, Toriel? You think you can allow something like this?"
Toriel thought about this. And the more she did, the more she worried about the ramifications. There was something seriously wrong about how succession works in Surripio, and it's been like this for years, with Faust being the current one, and Levi being the newest challenger. She had a hard enough time accepting how crummy Surripio was under years of mismanagement, the fact that she was working with a mob boss, who was intending to replace the current King. Could she REALLY do that? Helping dethrone Faust and having Levi take his spot might be the best option to Surripio's start of true recovery. Honestly, she didn't know.
Though a distant memory reminded her that Alvina's family-barring Adam-had succumbed to their darker desires and greed here, due to their family line as dark mages, already being terrible people, and the constant temptation surrounding them. Those things tore those children apart and scarred them, to the point where they couldn't even muster sadness over their deaths, one of which Toriel personally caused. How many other families were torn apart in a similar manner by Surripio's deep-seeded corruption, not being nearly as lucky?
The thought resolved Toriel, most of her hesitation went up in flames.
"If that's what it takes...so be it." Toriel said simply, seriously, to the point. Her crimson eyes signified this rather pointedly, how they flared with hidden emotion despite her expression remaining collected. The others could tell quite well.
"I thought you'd agree." Elvira smiled, patting her shoulder.
"While we're still moving...Toriel. Appease my curiosity with your thoughts?" Levi requested, clasping his paws. "I'm quite assured in Cleo's ability to help Red and Muffet for their charity drive. As for Undyne and Alphys, who are leading very significant jobs...do you trust them to succeed?"
"Of course." Toriel answered without hesitation.
"Wow, not even a second went by. You really believe in them that much?" Elvira tilted her head, smirking slightly.
"Undyne and Alphys are the strongest and smartest women that I know. They have helped Asgore for years, and have only gotten stronger and smarter as time goes by. I'm beyond honored to have them as my comrades. As my friends." Toriel said strongly, clasping her paws and crossing one leg over the other. There was a bright fire in her eyes. "Trust me, they'll be fine. You'll soon see that my faith in them is not the slightest bit unfounded."
"...Very well said, Lady Toriel." Levi eventually nodded with a much softer smile.
Lee acknowledged that he was in over his head with this one. What he also acknowledged was that as stupid as Sam was, he was his friend. Which is why he was currently struggling in his webby restraints as much as he could so he could try and go free Sam as well. They both needed to leave the territory as soon as they could, before something worse happens to them.
"...Hold still."
"What?" Lee blinked as he looked up. He was surprised to see a small, blue pumpkin-headed monster, who was cutting through the webs with a blade of snow. He looked over to see thag the same was being done for Sam. "What are you doing...?"
"Freeing you before he comes for you. And believe me, you don't want him to get his hands on you." Jack O'Frost muttered as he eventually pulled Lee up and helped him stand. "Go, it's too late for fhe others. Get your friend, suppress your magic, then get out of here as quickly as you can!"
"Why are y-"
"Every breath you waste questioning this is a second closer to your death! Go now!" Frost whispered harshly. Lee paused, then lifted Sam over his shoulder and carried him away as best as he could, trhyng not to make any sounds too loud. Jack O'Frost sighed, and didn't turn around until he saw them lift a sewer lid and drop down, closing it behind them. He then turned around and went around to a specific corner, to where the other mobsters were defeated.
And were now were violently eviserated. The blood of the human mobs, and dust of the monsters littered the street. The human corpses seemed especially bloody. The one responsible would only hum and grin.
"Hoooh? Look at all of ya, dead on the ground, good and proper!~" Jack O'Ripper hummed as he tilted his head, his flaming scythe in his hands and over his shoulder. "That's the way it oughta be, really. You all lost quite handily, and the loser shouldn't be allowed to just walk away from that so they can come try again. The lesson that they're utterly outclassed escapes them...they won't ever learn. So they hafta die.~"
"Is that really necessary, though...?" Frost muttered.
"It's the only way the others will learn, Frost." Ripper hummed, before swinging around and roughly smacking Frost in the head, knocking him on his back. "And another thing. You're in no position to question me so directly unless you can back yourself up. And judging by how easily I knocked you down, you're not nearly capable of doing so." He grinned menacingly, flames engulfing his head. "So be a good little snowflake and stay your attitude, less ya feel like dying right now?"
"...No..." Frost whimpered, a flaming mark on his head. It was slowly being put out by his snow and ice, but the pain would remain.
"I knew you were at least a little smart. Pick yourself up, we're going after our main objective." Ripper grumbled as he passed Frost and began moving in one direction.
"W-Who are we going after...? The Queen? The Undying?"
"No. While they're both the most powerful, they're not the biggest threat." He pulled a poster out of his shirt. "This one, however...she's the real danger."
Frost looked at the posters, then blinked owlishly. "Dr. Alphys...? Why her?"
"She might be the weakest power-wise of the four wanted women, but her mind is the biggest threat to Surripio's Soul Trafficking operations. The Queen beats Faust? Easily replaceable. Undying frees the supply? Also replaceable. But Alphys...she is very much capable of permanently destroying the means to properly distribute that supply, and prevent the means of creating more. The most convenient and profitable method to gather soul energy, gone beyond all possibility to repair, which will infuriate the dark guilds that most benefit from it. But these leading women are prepared to face the dangers head-on, so nothing is going to stop them aside from death."
"I...I...I see." Frost frowned, not aggreeing with these actions at all...but what could he do?
Ripper grinned as he turned about and began moving in the direction of the facility, hardly able to contain his glee at the thought of killing his quarry, and being justified for it in Faust's eyes. Such a wonderful delight.
He's firmly locked onto Alphys now...
Welp! There's fun/battle times with Muffet, Red, Cleo, and Valerie! Important info shared with Toriel from Levi and Elvira, and Jack O'Ripper intensely locked onto Alphys while being an unfair bully to Jack O'Frost. What a jerk, right?
He's also insane and quite a bit strong, so...something is bound to go quite a bit wrong for someone...huh.
Until the next chapter!~