Chapter 3

Chara woke the next morning with Frisk in his arms. Sometime during the night, he'd woken to her quiet sobs, and spent a good hour rocking her, petting her hair, and whispering that it'd be all right. When she'd finally fallen back asleep, he'd cuddled her close, holding her the way Asriel had once held him ten years earlier before falling back asleep himself. He lay there for a few minutes, watching her sleep, one hand rubbing her back. After making sure Frisk was warmly bundled, he sat up and looked over at Asriel.

The bedroom they shared was huge, easily fitting two canopied, four poster beds meant to hold full grown goat monsters. The beds didn't even take up half the blue carpeted room. Asriel slept soundly, his short tail wagging in his sleep. Chara contemplated waking him up to work out together before deciding he wanted to be alone. Walking to the other side of the room, he moved aside the decorative privacy panel to reveal the mini gym he and Asriel had built over the years.

Somewhere in the middle of his routine, he glimpsed Frisk going into the bathroom and coming out again. She laid back down, but didn't sleep, watching him instead. Ignoring the audience, he finished up, quietly putting the equipment back in place. Carefully opening the door to his closet to keep it from squeaking, and waking Asriel, he stared at the double row of hanging clothes, trying to decide what to wear.

Guard members were likely to see Frisk as an invitation to harassment, a way to push him and check where his boundaries with Frisk lie. If push came to shove, the guard who'd shown wisdom yesterday would be a good target for reminding the group as a whole where they stood. He stuck with yesterday's black, and chose a dark gray shirt reminiscent of a very specific kind of dust. It would serve as an early warning of lethality.

After hanging the clothes on a hook just inside the bathroom door, he disrobed, throwing his sweaty clothes in a basket next to the door. The bathroom itself was as blue as the rest of the suite, with a white tiled floor, four sinks in a marble bank along one wall, enclosed toilet, open shower, and a large mural of flowers floating on a beautiful lake over a tub big enough for several people to lounge in comfortably.

He reached for the faucet only to look over his shoulder when the door opened, expecting to see Asriel and gaping when he saw Frisk.

Chara grabbed the nearest towel and wrapped it around his waist. "Excuse me?! Taking a shower, here!"

Frisk snorted. "So? I need to brush my teeth."

"I'm naked!"

Frisk gave him a sarcastic sigh. "Oh, so you're allowed to see me naked, but I don't get a look at you? Chauvinist."

Chara's eyes narrowed. "Fine." He dropped the towel and stood with his hands on his hips. "Happy?"

Frisk shrugged. "I've seen better."

Chara rolled his eyes. "Oh yeah. Guys with six packs are just all over the place. And there's no way you're going to sell me that you've seen the full monty before."

Frisk gave him a smug smile and turned to the sink.

Chara crossed his arms over his chest. "No way. There is no way any guy is stupid enough to lay his hands on a Everdawn."

Frisk paused before brushing her teeth. "You are, apparently."

Chara bit off a groan and turned to the shower. "Whatever."

Asriel waltzed in with a wide yawn, stopping at the sink next to Frisk and leaning over to wash his face while Frisk brushed her teeth. The goat prince stood upright, drying his face with a towel.

"So what's on the agenda today?" Asriel looked over at Chara, back firmly to them as he scrubbed his hair, frowning at the lack of response. The goat prince waited until Frisk was finished brushing her teeth. "Is he all right? Chara usually doesn't ignore me."

Frisk smiled. "He's embarrassed that I'm in the bathroom while he's showering."

Asriel's eyebrows came together. "Why?"

Frisk blinked. "Do you not…"

"Monsters in the underground don't have experience with humans," Chara called, back still to them.

"Oh. You never got the 'human talk.' I can handle that." Frisk smiled.

"Oh Lord…" Chara groaned. He shoved his head under the water's spray.

Frisk took Asriel's long, thin hands in hers. "You know how monsters have a baby by combining their souls and that combination leading to pregnancy for the female member of the pair?"

Asriel nodded, interested. "Yes. It's often a heavily celebrated, public event for the couple."

"That's because you are magical beings. Humans are biological beings and our evolution has equipped us with an innate drive to reproduce. We do so by combining our bodies in a very private event that isn't celebrated, though the child that may result from such a union is. But that drive also means that, once humans reach a certain age, male and female do not mix privately unless they are related by blood or marriage."

"Oh! So this is completely inappropriate!"

Frisk nodded. "And provides an uncomfortable amount of temptation to such an act best left to a couple who has already made public vows of fidelity."

Asriel nodded. "So why are you in the bathroom?"

Frisk's eyes flicked to Chara as he turned off the water and wrapped himself in a towel.

Asriel looked over at his brother and caught a blush on his cheeks. "Ah. Revenge. Gotcha." Asriel smiled deviously. "After a long day, Chara and I like to relax in the tub after a quick shower. Would you like to join us for the next soak?"

Chara's jaw dropped. "Asriel!"

Frisk smiled widely to keep from laughing. "That sounds lovely." She looked around Asriel to Chara. "Nice ass."

Chara pulled on his pants. "Nice rack."

Frisk looked down at the t-shirt she'd stolen from Chara's closet despite having been provided pajamas and shrugged. "Best you'll ever get to see."

Asriel leaned down. "Should I leave you two alone to commence with the combining of bodies?"

Chara stopped dead, his hand on his shirt. "Excuse me?"

Frisk giggled and turned back to the sink to wash her face. A loud knock came from the door into the suite.

"Breakfast!" Isadora called.

Frisk froze in the middle of drying off her face, eyes on Chara.

Chara pulled his shirt over his head. "It's all right. Isadora is with us."

He pulled on his socks and opened the adjoining door to the living room as the orange rabbit came in, pushing a cart with a silver dome on top. The bottom of the cart was filled with packages. The rabbit kicked the door shut behind her before pushing the cart over to the coffee table. Frisk followed Chara out of the bathroom, while Asriel ducked back into the bedroom.

Isadora lifted the dome and the room filled with the aroma of several foods. "I have muffins and oatmeal for you, Your Highness. The usual for Lord Chara. And, I forgot to ask you what you wanted last night, Miss Frisk, so I brought you pancakes. Is that all right?"

Frisk smiled gratefully. "Yes. Thank you."

Isadora smiled, ears going up. "I have a few things for you." She reached under the cart, retrieving the packages. "When I went out yesterday for clothing, all the retailers were very keen on why, so I expect several very trendy things to come in for you today and tomorrow. For right now, there's a complete outfit in here that will match Lord Chara's attire for today." She handed Frisk a box. "I wasn't sure what you might want in shoes, so for the three pairs I chose, I went with comfort."

Frisk took the box. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Isadora sighed. "I'm just sorry that you're stuck here and not in one of the safe houses on the other side of the cavern. At least you have His Highness and Lord Chara with you." She stacked the rest of the boxes next to the couch. "I'll be back later for clean up."

Chara lifted his plate of eggs scrambled with vegetables. "Thank you, Isadora."

The rabbit monster bowed and left with the empty cart. Frisk slipped back to the bedroom and came out a few minutes later in a black tunic, lacy gray skirt, and gray, thigh high socks. As requested, Frisk matched Chara and looked pretty. She sat next to Asriel as the goat monster stirred the heat out of his oatmeal.

"Back to my earlier question. What's on the agenda today?"

Chara shook his head. "Nothing. Tomorrow we'll be all over the place, but today is open."

Frisk leaned over the coffee table, cutting her pancakes. "So what do you two do all day when you aren't saving random humans?"

Asriel shrugged. "It depends. My dad is really intimidating to your everyday monster. It doesn't help that he's judge and jury in legal cases that rise to him. Lots of fear there. So it falls to mom to handle all royal engagements. Since she can't be everywhere at once, Chara and I fill in, and a lot of monsters will ask for Chara or I specifically to appear for this or that function."

Chara lifted the little lid off a mug of hot cocoa. "When we don't have to appear somewhere, we'll go watch the New Home Blitz play soccer- congratulations, you are their newest fan- attend the theater or a concert, hang at the craft guild, visit the amusement park, go swimming in waterfall, or go diving for cool stuff at the dump."

Frisk nearly dropped her fork. "Really?"

Asriel nodded. "You can find lots of awesome things at the dump. Stuff comes down the waterfalls from the surface and sometimes you come away with something cool."

Chara took a sip of his cocoa. "Television doesn't exist down here, so whatever we have in dvds and video games we get from the dump." He gestured to a painting on the wall over the fireplace. "We were able to save a nice flat screen and it's hidden behind there. When we're up for a movie or game, we just hook up the required system."

"Why is it hidden?"

Asriel frowned. "Because sometimes the guard likes to be assholes and destroy things. Though they haven't made an attempt on our room since Chara dusted one, and mixed the dust with paint that dad forced them to use to decorate the guards' office." Asriel shivered a little. "Anyway, we do have a couple radio stations down here since the signal travels well through the cavern and they publish their schedule in advance. One of the stations does radio shows and another does dramatic readings of books. Those are good for passing the time. And we have a pile of board games in the linen closet."

Chara finished his cocoa with a lick of the lips. "Speaking of entertainment, do you have any hobbies?"

Frisk nodded and set her empty plate down. "I like to read, embroider, cross-stitch, and crochet."

Chara nodded. "We'll go out to the craft and book shops downtown today." He sighed. "Your everyday monsters in the cavern are sweet and wonderful people. They will be very interested in you and treat you kindly. Even so, remember that when you step out that door, you are my pet human. Don't slip the persona. The wrong word in front of a member of the guard or a talkative monster can go badly for us."

Frisk frowned. "I guess that means I'm going to get it today for this morning, huh?"

"No."

Frisk eyed him suspiciously. "Oh?"

"How I treat you in public will cue everyone else on how they should treat you. If I abuse you, the guard will see it as permission to do the same. And I want them to know that if they lay a hand on you, I will dust them. That said, remember that I'm an asshole."

Frisk frowned. "Hard to forget."

"Put some shoes on and we'll head out."

"Speaking of which," Frisk lifted one of the boxes, "where do I put these?"

Asriel poked her side. "The closet next to mine is empty. We'll make that one yours." He frowned for a moment. "Since you're from the family that made the prison, there's something I wish to know and I hope you have an answer."

Frisk turned to him. "All right."

"I get imprisoning human hunters and by the size of the current population, I understand that it was an army being locked away. But does that really mean their children must live with their parents' mistakes? Are all the monsters locked away down here forever?"

Frisk took Asriel's hands in hers. "The prison and it's construction are a major part of magical history so the question you ask is not an uncommon one. I asked the same thing several years ago. My father told me that the barrier would open once all the human hunters had passed."

Asriel sighed deeply, his head falling forward, eyes shut.

Frisk reached up, gently touching his snout. "Asriel?"

"Even if I've come to terms with the idea that my father must die and that I will likely be the one to destroy him, that doesn't make it easier to bear. Knowing that he is a murderer doesn't erase the memory of his love for me or mine for him."

Frisk put her arms around Asriel, hugging him tightly.

Half an hour later had Frisk walking dutifully behind Chara, eyes down cast, and face neutral through the palace. Chara's steel tipped boots and long black coat completed a look that had every guard in the palace stepping back, and several refusing to look at him though all had eyes on Frisk. They ran into Asgore in the hallway leading to the front entrance. Frisk curtsied low, eyes on the ground.

Asgore raised an appreciative eyebrow. "Going out?"

"A shopping trip in town." Chara spared Frisk a quick glance. "She pleased me greatly last night and I prefer to encourage the good behavior with a treat."

Asgore chuckled darkly. "I suppose you are of the age that a human would enjoy such pleasures. The staff tells me that you've named her 'Frisk.' It's an interesting choice."

Chara shrugged, smile just a bit lewd. "She's rather 'frisky' in the performance of her duties."

A bright pink flush came over Frisk's cheeks and Chara knew he'd pay for this conversation later.

Chara gave the king a slight bow, hand on his heart. "If you'll excuse us."

"Enjoy your day out, Chara."

Chara gave him a smile and turned, walking toward the door. Frisk curtsied again and Asgore's hand gently rested on Frisk's head. Chara paused, eyes on the king.

"I think 'Angel' would make a better name for such a sweet girl, hmm? Ah, but I suppose it will just have to be my nickname for you." Asgore's huge hand cupped Frisk's cheek and lifted her chin so she looked up at him. "Before you go out, I'd like to perform a test. I want to see the power of your soul."

"As you wish, Your Majesty."

Chara's hands slid into the pockets of his coat, gripping the dual swords hidden inside. Asgore held his other hand over Frisk, drawing her soul from her chest. Frisk watched her soul float there, expressionless. Asgore stared at the dull red-brown color of the soul with a frown. He dropped the spell and Frisk's soul disappeared back inside her body.

"Not what I'd hoped for." Asgore sighed and gave Frisk a gentle smile. "Still, you will make a fine paramour for my son." He turned away. "Enjoy your walk, Angel."

"Thank you, Sire."

Frisk curtsied again and followed Chara out the door. As soon as Chara was sure they were far from the eyes of a spy, he pulled Frisk to his side, trapping her at an alcove on the outer wall of a building to lean over her.

"What was that? Seriously, I don't get it. He used the test for magic on you and it did nothing. Are you really an Everdawn incapable of magic?"

Frisk smiled.

Chara's jaw dropped and his laugh came out a little choked. "You used magic in front of him and he didn't even notice!" He leaned on the wall, shaking with silent laughter. "I didn't even notice!"

Frisk reached up underneath Chara's coat, grabbed the lining, and pulled his face to hers. "Let's get something straight. I am one of the most powerful mages in the world. And if you ever make a joke of my name again, I will make you regret it."

Chara held up both hands. "Conceded."

He put one hand on the wall next to her head and stepped close, leaning over her. Frisk took the cue and let go of his coat, sinking back into a submissive posture. His other hand came up, cradling her cheek.

"Please don't hurt her, Lord Chara! I don't know why you might be angry with her, but please don't!"

Chara turned his head to see a bird monster looking up at him with big eyes, wings held in front of her like hands clasped. He gave the monster a small smile.

"I'm not angry with her. I am, in fact, very pleased." He looked back to Frisk, and the hand cupping her cheek slid down to hold her hand. "Come along."

Frisk smiled softly, blushing a little as Chara led her away and into downtown New Home. The streets were packed with monsters and all gave them happy smiles and waves, a few stopping to get a better look at Frisk. For her part, Frisk returned the smiles and waves, but her eyes kept rising to the buildings reaching up into the dark cavern, and the bright lights of a true city, lit in the dark. Chara led her into the craft store, a massive, two story space of white walls and large sections dedicated to a specific craft.

Frisk looked up at Chara. "This place is huge."

Chara shrugged. "Like I said. There's no tv. And handmade gifts are a thing." He smiled. "Go pick out a few things."

Frisk rushed to the embroidery section first, Chara following behind at a leisurely pace, eyes watchful for members of the guard, but, as was typical, they weren't to be seen. Instead, Chara stood back and watched a variety of monsters offer Frisk tons of advice on what to choose with several asking him if they would be allowed to give her gifts. By the time they managed to get away from the craft store it was well into lunch time which brought on a new round of requests to treat them both to lunch. While he granted the various gifts and accepted the offers to deliver items to the palace, Chara gently turned down the lunch offers. Getting some sandwiches to go, he secreted Frisk away to a hidden place in the royal gardens.

Frisk pointed at the blanket already on the ground, surrounded by large flowers. "Is this where you bring all your girlfriends?"

Chara rolled his eyes. "Azzy and I like to hang out here and I'm sure he'll pounce us at some point." He sat down. "Actually, I wanted to ask you something and didn't want Az's nose all in it."

Frisk sat down next to him. "Okay."

Chara sighed and looked away. "You've met people from other wizarding families, right? Have you ever met Carol and Evan Nightfall? Or Michael Nightfall?"

Frisk perked up. "Of course! After their youngest son disappeared, my parents went to visit them all the time. I think they were hoping that my being around would help them cope." Frisk smiled. "I ended up being around so much that Michael jokes that I'm his little sister! Michael works with my father. He and Abigail Philman got married a year ago. They're expecting…"

She trailed off at the tear that slid down Chara's cheek. She gasped, "You're Christopher Night-!"

Chara swiftly twisted in his seat, clapping his hand over her mouth, hissing, "Don't say my name!"

Frisk stared up at him wide eyed and he moved away shaking.

"Don't say my name. For the same reason we don't say yours. I'm Chara. The missing son of Nightfall is gone."

Frisk leaned in, putting her hand on his arm. "They miss you. Your mom and dad still talk about you. It's like this aching hole in your family's heart. They want you back."

Chara shook his head. "They aren't getting me back. If we ever get out of here, and that's a very big if, I will still have to stand trial for the amount of monsters I've killed to maintain my position and authority. Even if I'm absolved of those crimes, I sealed my fate when I put my hands on you. My family isn't getting me back. It's better to pretend that Christopher is gone forever."