:-"A basic Magic lesson"-:

* ONCE AGAIN, IN THE ALL TOO FAMILIAR VOID, FRISK DRIFTS.
* ECHOES OF SOMEONE LONG FORGOTTEN SHIFT AROUND, NAGGING AT FRISK'S PERIPHERAL VISION; THEY ARE NEVER TRULY SEEN.
* THEY SPEAK QUIETLY, THEIR VOICE ECHOING JUST AS THEIR FORM IS, BUT SLOWLY THE ECHOES BEGIN TO FORM COHESIVE WORDS.
* SOON THEY CAN BE HEARD CLEARLY.

'FRISK... Li...T...ste...o...n...Me!' Every emotion is present in the unknown speaker's echoing voice.

Frisk speaks in a scared tone.

"Who... who is there?"

'My...Na...I...me...s...Chara'

"...Chara...? Aren't you... Dead?"

'Your... Deter...mi...na...tion...Brou...Me...ght... Back...'

Hesitantly, Frisk replies "my... Determination?"

'...Yes...'

Feeling somewhat relieved, but still on edge, Frisk continues. "...What do you want?"

'Save...Him...'

"Who?..."

The anger in Chara's voice is more clear as they speak. 'YOU KNOW... WHO I'M... TALKING... ABOUT!'

Frisk replies, scared and worried. "I... I'm not sure."

'SAVE HIM! !... SAVE ASRIEL! ! !'

Thinking back on their last encounter with Asriel, Frisk replies dejectedly. "I... I can't..."

'THAT IS BULL CRAP... AND YOU KNOW IT! ...AFTER EVERYTHING YOU HAVE BEEN THROUGH, ...EVERYTHING YOU HAVE DONE!'

Now more annoyed than scared, Frisk patiently asks "...Can you please stop yelling?"

The sound of anger fades as Chara continues to speak. 'Fine... But you have to promise to try to save him; don't just forget about him... like you have been.'

Downcast, frisk replies. "I don't even know where I would begin, how do I save him?"

'...We'll figure it out together.'

"What do you mean 'together?' Are you... possessing me?"

'Ever since you fell I have been with you... I'm not possessing you, I'm just... here.'

Frisk asks, with a curious voice "Why didn't you say anything sooner?"

'I've been trying to... but it's kinda hard to talk without a body.'

"Right... So, you're the culprit behind all the creepy whispering at night?"

'...I sure hope I was... Stupid questions aside, do you promise?'

Somewhat annoyed, Frisk replies "your sarcasm isn't helping... But yes... I promise... how are we going to save him?"

'I... don't know but, like I said, we'll figure it out... I know it's kind of early, and I just yelled at you... but I have a favour to ask.'

"Ok?"

'Can you take me... I mean... could you go visit him? I would really like to see him.'

Hesitantly Frisk answers. "I... I suppose I could... That is, if he's willing to show himself."

'Thanks... The door is here, time to wake up...'

Frisk asks curiously "Before I go... If you've been with me the whole time, what changed? Why not talk to me in the Underground?"

'...It wasn't until after watching everything you did in the Underground that I realized how wrong I was...'
'Now I'm being given another chance... So I have to try to save him, and give him another chance too.'
'At first I thought you were going to try to save him, but I noticed that... you were trying to forget instead.'

"Hmm... Then maybe it was a good thing I tried to forget, because otherwise you probably would've just been in my head; all alone..."

Chara does not respond.

"Well, I suppose I should wake up now..."

* FRISK APPROACHES THE DOOR AND LOOKS AT THEIR FRIENDS AND FAMILY.
* THEY LOOK AS HAPPY AS EVER.
* LIGHT GRADUALLY FILLS FRISK'S MIND AS THEY WALK THROUGH THE DOOR, AND THEY RETURN TO REALITY.

:-:

Frisk wakes slowly, trying to decide if what happened really happened... Thinking back on it makes Frisk think it couldn't just be a dream.

Frisk takes another moment to think before starting their normal routine. 'I wonder if we can communicate outside of dreams too...'

They don't think for too long since they may not like the answer, that encounter was... unpleasant. Frisk changes and then heads off to complete their normal routine, this time though there are no trap shenanigans from last night; somewhat disappointing, really. Breakfast goes smoothly, and afterwards Frisk decides to give Bernard a visit; getting their mother's approval beforehand, of course. Before they leave, Frisk checks their pockets.

Pockets: Dream x2

'Looks the same as when I last checked.'

Frisk heads out and tries to find Bernard, first looking at his usual spot near the water tower, then looking in the center of town... but he isn't in either of those places. Frisk decides to ask one of the guards.

"Excuse me, mister guard, do you know where Bernard is?"

The guard looks down at Frisk, raises their armour's visor and replies in a contemplative voice. "I suppose the armour does hide my feminine features... As for Bernard, he is checking up on the scouting parties; wont be back for a day or two."

Disappointed, Frisk replies. "Oh... Well... That's OK. See ya later Deborah."

The well armoured guard replies "See ya Frisky," then shuts the visor on her helm.

Frisk walks off, picks up a stick along the way, and swings it around like a sword while making their way back to the manor. Frisk realizes that they didn't check their phone when they woke up.

Frisk's Cell reads: 9:38 A.M. April 4th, 2045 | 2 Messages

Frisk decides to wait until they are back at their house to check their messages.

From: SirGrandpa
Frisk, I am going to check on the Scouts.
Need to see how long till the things
are close to the village.

Frisk regrets not having checked their phone when they woke up, but it is OK.

From: funnybones
hey kiddo, don't forget that your magic
lessons start today. i have the perfect
place to start teaching you all my
'tricks.'

That last one is from a few minutes ago; good thing Frisk is going back home, they almost forgot! Now with more energy in each step, Frisk walks a little faster to their scary spooky manor. They take a moment to SAVE.

* FILE SAVED
* FRISK FEELS REJUVENATED.

:-:

As they go inside, their mind is full of all sorts of possible things they could learn... like making stuff disappear, but for real! Frisk is excited. They head to the library, where Toriel usually stays when she is not in the Study. The library is fairly large, it takes up two stories and looks like it could fit a bus in it snugly. The books along the walls are mostly intact, but many of them are falling apart or otherwise damaged. There are a few chairs in key locations, like one in the middle and at the two far ends. In the center of the room there is a grandfather clock, and a small table. The rug is a dingy off-white colour, but the walls are the same as the rest of the house.

Frisk eagerly asks "Toriel! Can we start magic lessons now?"

Holding back a giggle seeing Frisk's eagerness to learn, Toriel replies. "Of course Frisk, let me get your mother."

"Oh, and the books she has, right?"

With a slight sigh, Toriel responds "unfortunately those books are not what we need, they are books written by cultists who tried to use 'dark magic;' but there is no such thing. Even if there were, there is no way I would teach it to you."

Not particularly disappointed, Frisk replies. "Oh, okay."

Toriel leaves, and after a few moments she returns with Marceline in tow.

"Alright, Frisk, Marceline, today we are going to learn how to feel and connect with the magic within ourselves; no bullets or 'spells' yet."

Frisk replies, slightly disappointed "Aww... Okay..."

"Now, first we must meditate to clear our minds and our emotions. We will do this for about half an hour, longer if needed. Then we can begin learning how to manifest a bullet... Unfortunately I am only versed in Monster magic, but I know humans can make bullets too."

Intrigued, Marceline replies "I didn't know that monster and human magic was different."

"Human magic has less... how to put it... it has less of a strict form; so where one human would make fire one way, another human would make fire in another way; but for monsters, we all make fire the same way. There is also the matter of incantations, spells, and other things... I think my best example would be the human that summoned a bear to protect their shop. Monsters cannot do that, not easily at least and not without great risk to the monster. It would take a group of monsters to summon a bear."

"I see, but humans can also use monster magic?"

"Yes! Actually, monster magic is just magic, but with different standards and methods than human magic. Monsters cannot practice human magic, however, because human magic requires more... power, I think. At least, it requires a different kind of power, which we do not have."

"Ahh, well hopefully the Sanctum has books on magic that can help clear the mystery. Lets continue with your lesson."

The group sits down in a circle as Toriel instructs them to cross their legs and rest their arms, after which they begin to meditate. Frisk is a little restless, but eventually gets the hang of it. Half an hour is spent trying to help Frisk settle down, so they all sit there for about an hour and a half.

Toriel begins to speak again; in a calm and even tone. "With our clear minds, we can now begin to exercise connecting with our body's natural magic. First, we will attempt to manifest simple light from our palms. Take your arms and hold them out, palms up."

Toriel waits for a moment for her instructions to be completed before continuing.

"Now, envision energy coursing through your body, or from your SOUL, and guide it to your palms leading it out and letting it flow. Do not worry if nothing happens right away, it takes practice."

Frisk and Marceline do as instructed... but nothing happens; Toriel's hands, however, are little light shows of orange, green, and cyan sparkling in a pure white light. For Frisk there is some tingling, but nothing else. Toriel continues to speak.

"It is perfectly normal for nothing to happen at first, just remember to remain calm and keep a clear mind. Magic relies on Intent and Will. Without clear guidance it cannot take form."

The two try again, but there is still nothing to show for their efforts after several minutes...

Toriel speaks again. "Do not worry, this is perfectly normal. Now, I did not truly expect either of you to be able to manifest magic any time soon, especially since magic was drained from the world; It may just not be time yet."

Only slightly upset, Frisk rests their hands on their knees. Marceline continues to envision the energy flowing through her body, she can feel it; but for some reason, the faint whisper of energy doesn't want to listen to her.

The trio stay in the library practising, trying to manifest magic to no avail, until lunch time comes around. After lunch, Frisk starts on their usual work of math, reading, and science. Not long after Frisk finishes with schoolwork, they catch a glimpse of Sans waving them over.

"hey kiddo, you look pretty disappointed, i take it your lessons were dish-appointing?"

Frisk only slightly huffs in an amused manner, before replying "yea, I guess you could say they were really bore-ing."

"don't worry kid, i'm shore you'll get it.. maybe not here, but somewhere."

A little confused, Frisk asks "what do you mean?"

"simple, there isn't enough magic here. c'mon, i know a spot we can go to practice."

Frisk follows Sans outside the house and around the back. Before Frisk realizes it, the world goes dark for a moment and they are walking out from behind Sans' Snowdin home. It's colder than they remember... they shouldn't have worn a spring shirt today.

"we'll be practising in waterfall, but i need to get something from here first... ok?"

Shivering in their tee shirt from the sudden change in temperature, Frisk replies "O-ok-kay."

Sans and Frisk walk into the house, just as small and slightly messy as before. The sock with sticky notes around it is still next to the kitchen entrance, the pet rock is still on the table on the right side of the room (complete with sprinkles), the T.V. and couch are mostly dust free, and the quantum physics/joke book(s?) in the back left corner of the room is still there. Sans heads up to his room, Frisk can hear shuffling and drawers being opened and closed. Sans walks out.

"hey kiddo... you don't happen to have the key to the basement, do ya?"

Frisk thinks for a moment, then takes their phone out. 'Yep, there it is... how could you forget?' Frisk hands the key to Sans.

Sans tells Frisk "sit tight, i'll be right back" and then leaves. After a couple minutes, he returns with a book.

"this" Sans says as he holds up a book "is the best book you will ever get about monster magic right now. even though most of it is not useful to you, we will use it to practice today... lets go."

Frisk, curious, asks "where are we headed now, mister Legendary Fart Master?"

Sans chuckles "that is so juvenile... don't let anyone know my secret code word. kay?"

Frisk puts on a playful voice and says "Kay."

"great, with that settled... we're gonna head to waterfall, snowdin is probably too cold for you... and i'd rather not lose the stuff in this house."

"Makes sense." Frisk follows Sans out the door expecting to exit out to Snowdin, but they really shouldn't be surprised that they didn't. Sans took them to the room where the Legendary Artifact sat.

"alright bud, first things first, we gotta meditate. i know i know, you did that all earlier, but this is really important... if you dont keep a clear mind, you will have a bad time. got it?"

Frisk nods. Curious now what Sans is going to teach them.

"alright, sit here."

Sans points to a part of the floor and Frisk moves over to sit. As they do, a whoopee cushion goes off... Sans chuckles.

He looks to the side as he says "whoops, i must have dropped that while i was pointing at the ground. here, i'll take that." then takes the whoopee cushion.

"alright, now here is where the fun really begins. i've seen your soul, i know what you are capable of, and how you need to train. pretty lucky for you, huh?"

Frisk nods as Sans opens up the book to the first chapter.

"heh, well i'd like to go back to doing nothing so lets get started. first, meditate. i'll let you know when you are ready for the next step."

Frisk begins to meditate, and Sans watches to make sure they meditate properly; telling them how to sit and to keep their hands out with their palms facing each other. Once meditating properly, it takes a while, about an hour, before Sans says anything else.

"heh, your face looks pretty focused. maybe you should relax, instead of focusing so hard on not focusing. just pretend you're me."

Frisk realizes that thinking about not thinking is not helpful, and how much of a contradiction it is... They let their mind relax... and after about ten minutes... the whole world... slows down... very slightly.

Sans speaks softly, "you look pretty relaxed now. i knew it'd be easy for you. i bet you're actually pretty lazy, aren't you? anyhow... focus on your soul. don't imagine your soul, feel it. let your mind fill in the rest."

Frisk follows Sans' instructions, they focus. It's difficult to keep their mind clear, but after about half an hour they can feel their SOUL within them... their mind begins to show them something... it's so Red... so Pure... they can see energy flowing through them, going to and from their SOUL... it's so wonderful.

"that look on your face... i bet you can see your soul. red with energy flowing all around and whatnot. your soul was ready to start magic lessons yesterday, but i was too lazy to tell you."

Calmly and carefully, Frisk asks "whats next?"

"geez, you're a real slave driver kid... so much work... heh... next you need to feel that energy you see, focus, and feel how it feels when the energy moves. once you're familiar with how the energy feels as it moves around, mimic that feeling and try to direct it to your hands."

Frisk follows the directions and Sans occasionally tickles tickle Frisk's nose with a feather. Frisk eventually sneezes before catching on.

Frisk hold back laughing and says "Hey! I'm trying to focus!"

Sans chuckles "gotta be able to keep your focus in any situation, right?"

Frisk returns to focusing, Sans doesn't interfere this time. It takes about an hour, but they begin feeling the energy within them. Stirring, moving to and fro. Frisk beings to mimic these feelings and slowly guides the energy to their hands... After what feels like an eternity, but is really only four minutes, a brilliant red light begins to shine from their hands. Frisk opens their eyes as they notice the difference.

"This is sooo cool! If only mom and Toriel were here to see it..."

"don't worry kiddo, you can show 'em when you get back. you should've absorbed enough magic power from the area to fully recharge. humans are like magic batteries, but monsters are more like fountains. you have to recharge, but our magic makes us what we are."

Excited, Frisk asks "Oh ok! So... what next?"

"well, next you need to calm down or you could explode. literally. after that, let's try healing magic first. normally humans have to figure out what aspects they can use, but you have 'em all. aren't you lucky?"

Frisk nods energetically, the red light in their hands almost goes out in the process and so Frisk tries to calm down.

"alright, now i want you to turn off those stage lights on your hands and make a bullet instead. same as before, but this time i want you to feel the energy take the shape of something in front of you. as you do, remember what it feels like to be healed by magic and give that feeling to the energy."

After about fifteen minutes, Frisk is able to shape the energy pouring out of their hands. It takes the form of a Green band-aid, not surprising.

"interesting choice. let's see if it worked. dont freak out... but if i take any damage i'll die, so you have to be the one to take the hit. that ok?"

Frisk nods bravely. After which, Sans summons a single bone and sends it after Frisk. It only does one damage.

"alright, now, touch the band-aid shaped bullet."

Frisk does so, they feel better "It worked!" Frisk nearly shouts in excitement.

"heh, good job kiddo. alright. well, i think that is about it for today. lets head back. remember, these lessons are secret. if you tell anyone, i'll deny it. can't have you ruining my good name with rumours of actual work, even if i am just standing here doing nothing." Sans winks and puts the book away... somewhere.

Somewhat disappointed they wont learn more today, but still excited, Frisk nods and begins to follows Sans back to the Manor... but they remember the promise they made.

"Hey, Sans, there is actually somewhere I need to go in the ruins; someone I promised I would go visit... can we stop by there before we leave?

"sure, follow me."

They round the corner, in the opposite direction of the ruins, and end up outside of Home.

"Thanks Sans, I'll be right back. I... would like some privacy for the visit if that is OK."

Sans thinks he knows what Frisk means, Chara is buried here; so they must be going to pay respects... he isn't worried. "sure, bud, take all the time you need." Sans begins napping.

Frisk heads back through the now empty ruins, all the way to where they first fell... Approaching quietly, in case Flowey doesn't want to be seen, Frisk sneaks into the room. Sure enough, there among the golden flowers is one that is taller than the rest. It's petals are drooping. Frisk begins to speak, quietly.

"As-...Flowey?"

Somewhat surprised, Flowey looks up to see where the voice was coming from. He replies. "... Don't you have anything better to do? I told you to leave me here, idiot."

Frisk, somewhat worried, replies. "I.. I made a promise to someone, that I would visit you. I know you didn't want me to see you like... this... but that person really misses you."

"Well you can tell Papyrus the same thing, just forget about me."

Hesitantly, Frisk replies "It... wasn't Papyrus, and I don't know how to explain who spoke to me; or how..."

"You know, you are really irritating me right now. Why don't you just leave?"

"Why don't you come down to the village?"

Now visibly aggravated, Flowey states "You are even more of an idiot than I thought before! Why should I go down to the village? They are the ones that killed me in the first place!"

Frisk, now also riled up, retorts "my family is nice! I bet you would enjoy living in my house. Besides, other monsters are living in the village now too... and no one would recognize you anyway."

Flowey is silent for a few moments, thinking. He looks over to the bed of flowers, and his petals begin to droop...

In as even of a tone as he can muster, Flowey replies. "No thanks, I'm gonna stay here... Now stop being an idiot and leave already."

"...I'm going to come back and visit you again. And again, and again, and again, until you come to the village with me."

"Whatever..."

"See ya later, Flowey."

Flowey remains silent. Frisk leaves. Now back to where Sans is napping, they wake him up, leave the Underground, and go back to the manor.

:-:

Before they enter the manor, Sans says "hey, bud, don't forget to practise. it came pretty easily to you today, but that wont always be the case. i suggest you keep practising for the rest of the day; ok? just be careful, and don't try to make anything dangerous. stick with healing."

Frisk nods and begins to head off to the play room to practice... then turns around suddenly, causing themselves to trip on the edge of a rug. They almost forgot that they want to show Toriel and their mom. Frisk gets up and runs off to show them.

First, Frisk goes to the study to show their mom.

Barely able to contain their excitement Frisk holds out their hands, palms facing each other, and says "mom! Look look!"

With a hint of amusement, Marceline looks and asks "what am I looking at sweetheart?"

Having not thought about it before hand, Frisk was a little unprepared and slightly embarrassed. "Uh... give me a moment..."

Frisk clears their mind, then relaxes. About ten minutes later, Frisk repeats the steps Sans told them and starts to produce a single green band-aid... it takes about fifteen minutes in all. Frisk opens their eyes and produces an almost visible smile as the Band-aid bullet forms.

Marceline is surprised by the sight but filled with joy as she responds "how wonderful, my sweet little angel is a bone-fide witch! Have you shown Toriel yet?"

Frisk shakes their head and says "not yet, but I'm going to show her next!"

"I'm sure she will be just as proud as I am."

Frisk lets off another almost visible smile and runs off to find Toriel, nearly bumping into Papyrus on the way. The band-aid shaped bullet hits Papyrus and disappears.

"Oh, sorry for almost running into you Papyrus! I am on my way to show Toriel my magic!"

"NO NEED TO WORRY FRISK, I FEEL FINE! DID YOU SAY MAGIC? THAT IS WONDERFUL, MAYBE SOMEDAY YOU WILL BE AS GREAT AT MAGIC AS I AM! !"

Frisk replies "don't forget that it's a secret!" as they run off to tell Toriel.

Once at the library, Frisk approaches Toriel slowly. They see that she is napping and turns around to leave, but Toriel stops them.

Sleepily, she says "do not worry, Frisk. I was not asleep yet... Is there something you need?"

Frisk turns back around, and gives a nearly visible smile while saying "I figured it out!" Frisk repeats the steps once again, clearing their mind, then relaxing, then focusing on the magic within... This time it went by faster, slightly.

As Frisk holds the Green band-aid shaped bullet afloat in the air, Toriel moves her paw to her chest and smiles wide. "Oh my! ! That is wonderful Frisk! You seem to be doing quite well so far, but we don't want to rush. Tomorrow you and your mother will need to keep practising, we will have another lesson next week; alright?"

Frisk, though a little disappointed, nods and allows the bullet to vanish. They understand that magic can be dangerous... Frisk remembers about the book Sans has and leaves the library to look for him, but they find him... no where. Frisk, however, is determined to find him. They search high and low, until they give up... which only takes a few minutes. There is only so much house that can be searched, even in a manor. As Frisk turns to go to the play room and practice magic, however, Sans rounds the corner Frisk just left.

With his usual grin, Sans asks "you looking for something, or someone?"

Happy to finally find him, Frisk replies "Yes, I was wondering if I could borrow that book on magic you have?"

Sans thinks about it for a moment "hmm... i dunno."

Frisk puts on a slightly noticeable cute face, because they don't have to try as hard for Sans to notice.

"aw c'mon kiddo, don't make that cute face at me... buddy... that... that isn't fair... ah... alright, you win. but first, you have to answer something for me."

Frisk is happy, but cautious, and replies "sure, what 's your question?"

"what's brown with black roots?"

Frisk is confused, they turn their head to the side. "Huh? Brown with black roots...?"

"heh, yea. don't worry, i'm sure if you use your head you'll figure it out."

Frisk thinks for a few moments... then has an idea "is it a potato with root-rot?"

"nope"

"Hmm... can... you give me a hint?"

"sure. the hint is, 'are you using your head?'"

slightly frustrated, Frisk replies "yea, of course I am!"

Sans chuckles. "well, if you can't answer that question... i could ask you another question."

Frisk is skeptical, the new question could be worse... They go for it anyway. "OK, what is your other question?"

"i noticed the roots of your hair are turning black, why is that?"

Frisk holds a hand to their face for a moment, frustrated with themselves... they have been overcomplicating his original question.

"you alright there?"

Frisk settles down and replies "yea, I just realized that I was putting too much effort into your question... A couple months ago, Bernard was scouting an old settlement for supplies and brought back a hair bleaching and dye kit; I wanted to see what I would look like with brown hair. It was a late birthday present. The last of it was used a few weeks before I fell into the underground, so now my hair is going back to black."

"huh, well i'm dyeing to see what your natural hair looks like."

Frisk gives a slightly amused huff and says "well, you have your answer. I think the rules of shenanigans command that you keep your end of the deal."

Sans replies as he pulls the book out, from... somewhere, and hands it to Frisk. "yea i think so too, here you go, i marked the only useful page for you. the rest is all monster specific."

Frisk takes the book carefully, replying "thank you Sans, I'll return it when I'm done!"

Sans waves dismissively, saying "don't worry about returning it, i don't need it anymore. give it to toriel, say you found it or something."

"Oh, ok... if you insist"

Sans heads off and disappears, and Frisk returns to the library with the book. Frisk shows the book to Toriel and they go over it together, mostly sticking to the part Sans marked. Toriel gives examples of using bullets in different ways, as best as she can. The two are so focused on the unexpected lesson that they forget to keep track of the time. Eventually, the Grand father clock chimes.

Toriel looks up at the grandfather clock and says "Oh my! It is almost time for dinner, I should go and get everything ready. Would you like to come help Frisk?"

Frisk thinks for a moment... "Hmm... Well, I would like to practice magic more... but I also want to help... I like helping... Ok, I will help!"

Toriel and Frisk leave the library and go to the kitchen. And on the way there, Frisk has an idea...

"Hey, Toriel?"

"Yes, Frisk?"

"Would you be willing to make cooking into another magic lesson? Like... how to cook with magic fire?"

Toriel thinks for a moment before responding. "Hm... Well I don't see the harm in it, but I don't know if you can use Fire magic... I was never very well versed in human magic, to be honest."

Excitedly, Frisk replies "Oh! Don't worry about that! I know I can use fire magic-... well, I feel like I can at least!"

Toriel replies with a soft giggle. "If you say so, but you are not allowed to try using fire magic yet. Do you understand?"

Frisk nods, saying "alright."

At the kitchen, Frisk waits around while Toriel checks the fridge and cupboards for ingredients.

"Frisk, what would you like to have for dinner?"

After taking a moment to think, Frisk replies "A variation of a Shepherd's Pie, easy to make with random ingredients; doesn't require meat."

"Hmm... That does sound like a good idea, given the... lack of ingredients."

Frisk reassures her "Don't worry Toriel, we have grains stored for the spring. Meat is mostly for the winter. Can't grow crops when everything is frozen, and it takes time for them to grow, so we save most of the grains over the winter for the next spring."

"Well, I am glad you are all well prepared. Let us begin, shall we?"

Toriel and Frisk begin mashing potatoes, cutting up various vegetables, and picking spices. As they do so, Toriel talks to Frisk about fire magic. Dinner is ready fairly fast. The most cooking that needed to be done was for the potatoes, and for a few fried vegetables, then putting everything in the oven to soften it up. Frisk calls every one for dinner, in the best Toriel voice they can muster. As every one arrives and eats for dinner, it is mostly quite. Frisk talks about how they figured out how to make healing bullets, Sans feigned knowledge of the fact and acted surprised, and the rest chatted about their day. Near the end of dinner, as is now customary for important talks, Alphys beings to speak.

"S-so I have been working on a... device... that will allow us to pull energy from the CORE and supply it to the village, and so far it seems like it works... but I need to go back to Hotland to c-connect it up so I can test it for real."

Toriel is the first to respond. "With the small amount of energy the village uses, is that really the best option? That seems like too much."

Alphys replies "a-actually! It would allow the Addams Family's generator to be a backup, and reduce the workload. Less people needing to get wood to burn for stoves and the generator, the better. It will also allow more houses to be set up with power... and enable better defences... and... security cameras to track the movements of those... creatures."

Asgore responds. "I think it is a wonderful idea, Alphys. With access to more power, we can improve their living conditions significantly."

"E-exactly! So... the real problem is... heh... I-I need someone to go with me."

Undyne doesn't hesitate. " Where ever you go Alphys, I'll go with you! You can count on me!"

Frisk raises their hand. "Oh oh! Can I go with too? I want to say hi to some of the monsters, and do ambassador stuff by seeing what they need in order to live on the surface."

Alphys looks at Toriel, who looks to Frisk's parents, who nod.

"Sweet!"

Sans pipes up "heh. kid, you have an unhealthy desire to work. You're gonna turn yourself into a skeleton if you keep working yourself to the bone."

Papyrus is visibly frustrated, but instead of retorting he says "I WILL ACCOMPANY YOU AS WELL ALPHYS! !"

Sans adds "i should go too, there is something i need to check on."

Everyone at the table, except Frisk's parents, stopped and looked at Sans, who merely shrugged and said "what? i need to see if i forgot to close my bedroom door."

After briefly looking at each other, they return to their meals. Sans winks at Frisk with a hint of mischief, stands up, and put his dishes in the kitchen before heading off; presumably to bed. No one else has anything to say, so they finish dinner and follow suit. Frisk heads to Sans' room first, to see if he is really sleeping. He isn't.

Curious, Frisk asks "Hey Sans, what' up?"

Sans replies "i heard toriel isn't going to give you a lesson till next week, so my lesson will have to wait too. there is something i have to check out while at the underground though, i figured you might be interested in joining."

"Hmm... i don't know... maybe. I'll have to think about it."

Sans shrugs and says "alright, let me know before we head out."

"Ok, goodnight Sans"

"g'night kiddo."

With the exchange done, Frisk leaves and goes to their own bedroom. As Frisk lays their head down, the events of the day come flooding back... The night is calm, the bugs are still annoying, and the stars are shining bright... Frisk drifts off into peaceful slumber.

:-:

* Being one step closer to their dreams of being a "magical-anime-warrior-princess" fills Frisk with... DETERMINATION.

:-:

* A STRANGE SENSATION CAN BE FELT THROUGH THE VOID.
* FRISK CAN NO LONGER FEEL ONE OF THEIR SAVE STARS.