Author's Note:
A little late but Christmas tends tone distracting at times. So, read and enjoy.
Chapter Six: Dating Start
"I still don't entirely understand what that Anomaly is. I know it's incredibly dangerous and destructive but…" Chara had a frown on her face while I quietly ranted. She let out an irritated huff and I stopped, feeling that maybe I had annoyed her.
"That's the damn thing…the only one who might know is Gaster. What I know is that it's some dimension hopping demon like entity. It persuaded determined souls to give it their souls to increase its power. But where it came from or how it was made is still rather unknown to me." She looked equally curious, another thing we had in common apparently.
I sat against the bench, crossing my arms over my silky smooth black shirt. There was little to do really…we decided to take the day off for any revelations outside of training and that wouldn't be going on for another few hours.
This would…mark my fourth day in the Underground, and that would make it…
October 30th back home…almost Halloween.
Wonder what shit we're getting into now…
Makes me ask myself if humans here are just as stupid…
Then again these are the same people who decided people like freaking Papyrus were a danger to humanity.
"So…" I turned to face Chara as she tried to make conversation. She looked rather abashed, fiddling with her hair just a bit. "Do you have any idea why Frisk has brought us here?"
I shrugged. "I have no idea." She pouted, tapping her nails against the bench as we waited.
For whatever reason Frisk had woken me up(by jumping on me!) forced me to change into something relatively neat, but not too neat. She proceeded to send me off with Chara on top of that. So we were waiting for her, while being forced to make awkward and stilted conversation. Though we did manage to find an occasional topic to talk about. Though it veered off into some weird territory at times.
Before my questioning on the Anomaly we had been going on about all the times we had put our foot in our mouth. Whether by accident or even intentionally…
Yeah…Chara's said some really fucked up shit in the past. Definitely more than I have, and I told someone I wanted to eat Guinea Pig.
Chara perked up as I heard the sound of boots against wood, and bursting out from the entrance was Frisk…
In a tuxedo?
Huh…you know what I think I kinda dig a girl in a tux…
"Oh hey Asriel…" I waved politely as Asriel followed behind the fallen human with an exasperated look.
He waved with a weary smile, his sharp teeth visible. "Howdy…and I'm sorry for Frisk. She's gotten an odd idea into her head. And I can't really stop her…"
What is that supposed to mean?
A dark shadow emerged from behind us…
"Wait…Frisk what do you have in your—?!"
"SURPRISE ATTACK!"
I yelped as I was slammed into by Frisk, who proceeded to grab me by the back of my shirt…she braced her legs and feet…
No…no…no.
Don't you—DARE!
WHOOSH!
What exactly is this?
I glanced down at the sleeve of the baby blue dress shirt I was forced to wear by a giddy Frisk. It was paired with silky smooth black slacks, and some black dress shoes…
"What exactly is this?" Asriel had a sheepish expression and I narrowed my eyes. I believed I deserved the right to know after being dragged all the way into Hotland at half a mile a second.
"Uh well," I crossed my arms waiting for my answer. "Frisk sorta…got the idea to set you and Chara up on a…"
"A what?" My confidence dropped as my suspicions grew.
"A date…" he spit it out and I blinked dumbly.
"Come again?" I asked him, confusion tinging my tone.
"No…no…stop you stupid cunt! Don't you fucking dare!" I tilted my head at Charam voice, and I could hear a scraping sound as she was pushed against the fancy floor.
The door was thrown open by the still tuxedo wearing young women, a broad smile painted on her face. Next to her an uncomfortable Chara…
Oh…
Oh my…she looks…
"F-Frisk? W-What the hell are you doing?" I flushed as my eyes drunk in the sight in front of me.
Chara cleaned up rather nicely.
Chara had been forced into a rather form fitting black and white cocktail dress. The dress swooped down from her hips, and I couldn't help but stare. Her hair had been combed a bit though it was largely the same as usual, outside of a little bow that Frisk had probably added.
I…had no words…
A prickle of embarrassment started to peak out from behind my bewilderment and Asriel's previous statement entered my mind.
"Are you serious?!" I hissed toward Asriel and he shrugged helplessly. I glared at him, not knowing what to do.
"Come on it'll be fun. You both seem lonely so I just thought…" Frisk trailed off as she read our expressions.
"What made you think this was a good idea?" I decided that the blunt choice was the right one.
It was sweet of her to try but…
But…why is she making that face?
"Frisk…don't make that face. You aren't going to get your way here!" Chara's voices cracked, and I flinched as Frisk's lip started to tremble, how her eyes drooped as they were filled with sadness.
"W-What are you doing…? Don't do that! I'm warning you! Don't—."
I nervously tapped my fingers against the fancy table, sighing at how how easily I was manipulated.
Chara was doing the same, the girl placing her head down against the table.
"I can't believe we fell for it…" The redhead groaned into the table, and I nodded in agreement.
"It's not exactly easy to say no that face…but this isn't so bad right?" She mumbled into the sheer protecting the glass table and I breathed out.
"Well…it wouldn't be if it wasn't so…public." I glanced around nervously, swear dropping at the subtle glances the monsters around us were having. They all seemed rather curious and it made my stomach turn.
But I still wanted to throttle Frisk regardless.
"What restaurant is this anyway?" She shrugged and my eyebrows furrowed at the decor, various spider web designs scattered throughout this place.
Wait is this…?
"The Little Miss Muffet Bakery." Asriel appeared out of nowhere, showing up in the same tux as before with an added name tag.
"Did…you really get a job working for little miss spider queen?" Chara's face split in a wide smirk, and Asriel growled.
"Hey!" But he quieted down as from out of the corner of my eye I could see a certain spider monster, give him a disapproving glare. He shut his mouth, and passed two purplish menus into our respective spots.
He coughed.
"Uh would you like any drinks?"
As a matter of fact…I was rather peckish…and thirsty.
"Uh…sure?" Chara gave me an inquisitive look and I gave her a look. I pointed to my stomach and after a moment of hesitation, she understood rolling her eyes but agreeing to my pressing need.
I read the menu…
Spider(Apple) Cider, various sodas I don't recall the name of…some alcoholic drinks I'm not going to bother with…that…Cola…seems like it would work.
"Uh…a Boss Cola?" Chara gave me the OK sign. "...two Boss Cola's…"
"Good choice…" he walked up to leave but I stopped him with a glance.
"Uh…so is this…do you actually work here? Because if I know Frisk well enough, she didn't necessarily have time to plan this right?"
Asriel puffed out his cheeks and I almost laughed. "Well yeah. Muffet pays pretty good…and uh…yeah." Behind us Muffet smiled, revealing cute fangs and he seemed to flush.
I feel like I'm missing something here but I don't know what.
He proceeded to haphazardly leave the scene, and Chara's eyes followed him, amusement dancing in her mesmerizing orbs.
Hmm…
"Where's Frisk anyway?" Chara pointed behind me, and I turned a bit.
Just a few meters behind us, Frisk was fidgeting in her tux while Muffet inspected her. I couldn't hear much of what they were saying…
"Hey," I met eyes with Chara, a question on the tip of my tongue, but I let her tell me herself. "I want you to try something…" I nodded my head and she gave me a small smile, her face lighting up with the action.
"Yeah?"
She grinned, and I felt a smile pull at my own lips. "Ok mini magic lesson here. You've done Reinforcement already with a sheet of paper right?"
I nodded my head, my thoughts going back to some more subtle tries. Managed to find an old penny, and reinforced it. I guessed that it could take a few bullets before breaking.
"You can reinforce parts of your body too." I blinked at the revelation but didn't understand where she was going with this. She pointed to her eyes and ears. "Reinforcement isn't just making things stronger, it's strengthening their very purpose of existence. You got a sword, it's sharper and stronger, got a gun it'll shoot with more power and velocity. You have ears and you…"
"Make them hear better." I breathed, as the idea sunk in.
She snapped her finger. "You got it in one…are…are you ready."
Thumbs up.
"Ok when Reinforcing organic matter you have to think about it's composition, it's structure. Got it?" I nodded and blue and some purple energy flowed, pumping out from my chest and up past my shoulders blades and Adam's apple. Climbing and nesting within my three ear bones and ear drums.
Reinforce Hearing 300%
I flinched at the sudden cacophony of sound, and with a deep breath I eavesdropped on Frisk's conversation.
"Ahuhuhu! Oh you're a real treat aren't you?" Muffet had a really fancy and almost sophisticated tone, fitting for the monster girl. Though it was rather high pitched at the same time. I almost expected her to do that weird anime laugh some girl characters do.
Frisk was twisting her hair into twirls, a shy grin painting a pretty image. "Heh…yep! So what do you say about me getting a job? And if you need a full interview I'll give it."
Muffet shook her head, her multiple arms swaying with her. "Oh there's no need for that. You'll start now if that's okay, your wage will be 15G an hour. I suppose that should be suitable?" Frisk nodded. "Part timer? How many hours?"
"Does eight hours sound good?"
I tapped out of the conversation, promptly informing Chara of what I had learned.
"15G an hour is pretty good pay actually." I followed along, though there was an important question on the tip of my tongue.
"Uh Chara?" The young women leaned back, her head tilting the slightest amount.
"Yeah?"
"Do monsters use actual gold as their currency?" Chara's face scrunched up at my question, and from…somewhere she summoned a single tiny gold coin, dancing it between her fingers.
W-Wait…but…
"Can I see that?" She nodded and I tried something…
Perseverance souls specialize in analysis…and with how much their magic reminds me of the Nasuverse.
My aura surged from my fingers, and I gave an estimate of about 3 grams of gold within this coin.
…
"This gold coin is worth a hundred and eight US dollars." My…friend froze at my statement, and her jaw dropped.
"Oh my god."
"Yep." If Frisk worked eight hours a week for two weeks…and exchanged her coinage for money…
That's…almost twenty six grand…
And if 15G is an average wage for monsters…since they probably don't need to mine much new gold, that's easily two trillion dollars of pure gold, and other precious metals.
Chara looked rather tickled by the implications, a small smug smile written all over her face.
"That is…rather interesting isn't it?" Oh her tone was smug as hell.
Which made sense since it meant that Monsters would be among the richest nations on the face of the Earth. And with how effective their mining machines are, their material output could potentially rival nations like China and the United States.
China…made…in.
Made in New Home…
Pfft…
"You ready to switch with dear Azzy human?" Chara perked up, turning her head to gaze at someone behind me.
Her expression shifted substantially, her face slacking, and her cheeks burning. I didn't have a clue what was going through your head.
I turned myself, curious on what would send Chara into such a tizzy as some(no one) would say.
…
Frisk in a maid costume…
She smiled at the both of us, an exasperated Asriel shaking his head but leaving her be for now. It was a traditional(stereotypical?) maid service outfit, and she looked utterly adorable.
But…
I had to mechanically lift my eyes from where they had drifted up to her sizable chest. I might be living with her, but I haven't been thinking much of it, my mind focused…on other things.
"So…?" I blinked while Frisk smirked, her eyes filled with an amused delight. "Are the two of you ready for me to take your orders?"
My mouth suddenly felt rather dry.
Frisk's hips bumped against our table, and I pretended that the burning sensation in my cheeks was in my head.
Right what…oh a croissant? With eggs, ham and bacon? That sounds like a perfectly normal choice of food…
Y-Yes…perfectly.
"Uh I want the…Spider Muffin Burger." Chara coughed, her cheeks darkening as blood rushed to them. Frisk swiftly wrote down her orders, a sardonic smile on her face.
"Will that be all?" We nodded and mumbled respectively, and she took that as an answer turning away from, sashaying rather…intentionally.
I blinked away my stupor and gave Chara an incredulous look. "What the hell was that?" Chara grumbled, refusing to answer my question. She pulled down her bangs, forming a curtain to cover her eyes.
"That's just what Frisk does…she did it back during the early Resets…I honestly have no clue where she got those kinds of habits." Chara was mumbling, and I couldn't help but find it rather cute.
Which made the fact this was technically a date rather uncomfortable…
"It's definitely something." She gave me a knowing warm smile, and out of the corner of my eye I could see Frisk learning on the job. She was doing pretty well actually, she must be good at making small talk.
Certainly better than myself…
"Ughhh!" Chara leaned back, clicking her tongue in almost disgust. "You don't have to be so stiff! We're still buddies no matter what kind of ideas Frisk gets in that pretty little head of hers."
Makes sense. This doesn't have to be a date, just a normal hang out with a friend. Getting to know each other.
Which reminds me…
I don't really know much about either of them. I don't know anything about their non-Underground backstory, their origins, do they have family?
But…I'm curious to find out, at least…some of the small stuff.
"I suppose…now uh…so what do we…uh do?" She chuffed, her face scrunching up.
"Hmm…we…could just get to know each other? I mean I think it's what you're supposed to do when you meet someone new. But then Frisk is the only human I've ever really befriended barring one exc—." She cut herself off, her breathing quickening for a few seconds.
"Uh—."
"It's okay it's just, some old memories from…a long time ago." I gave her a weary smile, deciding to leave that topic for another time.
What to ask…what to ask…?
"So, umm…I don't know much about you," She looked wary, but seemingly open minded too. "Is it fine if I ask about…I don't know your likes, dislikes?" She frowned, confusion filling her eyes.
"I guess? What do you want to know?" Her arms rested against the table as she got comfortable, unfortunately(or fortunately?) giving me a good view of…certain parts of the female anatomy.
"Pervert." I blushed at the accusation, resting my eyes on her nose instead.
"I'm sorry…I didn't…well I…" She lifted her right hand and I relaxed. She didn't look mad, so I think I'm in the clear.
"Don't feel too bad. I already know you think I'm hot."
She was messing with me wasn't she?
"Still sorry I…don't want to make you feel uncomfortable."
I really didn't…I might be a bit of a perv in my…likes but if I'm going to be a weirdo it won't be for those reasons.
"You…didn't make me feel uncomfortable." I head her mutter "surprisingly" under her breath. "You're just not…very threatening."
That's a good thing I suppose, even if it's mildly insulting. Better I be a harmless midget with some extra fluff than a potential axe crazy murderous human.
"So uh can I ask my questions now? When I'm done you can do next, or uh we switch?" She shrugged with an accepting hum, and I tapped my fingers against the table before beginning.
Oh, I've got one.
"So I know you're interested in…science I guess?" She nodded. "Is there anything more specific on that? I'm interested in genetic and biological sciences myself."
She showed her teeth with a half-grin. "For me, I really love anything involving space. Astronomy, Astrobiology, Astrochemistry…?" Her eyes were lighting up as she grew more excited. "I'm sure you understand right?"
I felt a grin on my own face at her words. Though it went away as I thought of another question.
"Yeah I do but…I do have another question if that's fine?" She gave a casual thumbs up.
Here goes…
"What are your thoughts on dinosaurs?" I cringed at the words coming out of my mouth. I tended to stick to topics within my own field…so I tended to end up scrambling for any topic that might interest me.
I should…really try to show some interest in what other people like. But this is a good starting point to veer off into other things.
Chara snorted, and I crossed my arms out of habit, feeling some embarrassment creeping up. "Well I think they're pretty cool…even with feathers…"
"Really?" That was a good sign.
She waved her hands in the air, looking indignant. "Well fucking duh. They're dinosaurs! They're one of the few lights I've had in my shitty life. And besides, my d—King Asgore looks like a total badass despite his fluffiness. Why can't a Tyrannosaurus Rex do the same?"
I looked around, finding that the neighboring tables were finally minding their business. I no longer had that sensation of being the center of attention.
"Well it seems we're in agreement then princess." She brushed her hair back at the statement, her eyes twinkling.
"So…" She stopped as footsteps sounded out from behind me.
Must have been Frisk with the drinks…
With a light clatter two cups full of monster made soda were placed down onto the table.
"Here are your drinks. Are you two having a good time?" Frisk looked completely ecstatic, her eyes darting back and forth as if magic was happening. I still wasn't entirely sure on what was going through her head with this.
I'm not sure if her meddling was just as a distraction from yesterday or a genuine effort to "help" us in some way. I'll leave her be for now…long as she doesnt try this again I'm good.
"I guess…but what exactly did you think was going to happen? We've known each for less than a week. It takes more time than that to even develop a friendship."
Frisk chuckled nervously. "Honestly…not much. I just thought it would be something to do, and it gave me two cute people to occasionally oogle at."
That's…flattery right? Because I wouldn't consider myself to be that attractive, at least in comparison to the two of them. But then again that might be more due to lack of self care than an actual reflection of myself.
"Shut it Frisk." Chara growled and Frisk backed away, her hands gesturing in a placating manner.
"Well sorry grumpy pants. I'll leave you two alone." Again we were left alone by the brunette young women and she got back to work.
"Frisk's a pretty nice person huh?" Chara seemed a tad despondent, resting her chin against her right hand. I didn't have much to say, so I decided to take a sip of my drink.
Mhmm…holy shit it tastes just like Mexican Coke…
I sipped through the given straw with a happy hum, ignorant to what my table partner was doing. Though a similar sound coming from her direction told me my reaction was enough to convince her to take the plunge.
"I suppose if we're still on the topic of a certain subgroup of Avemetatarsalians I'd like to ask what your favorites are?"
Ave…? Oh she really knows her stuff…that would be all archosaurs more closely related to birds. Good…I like a girl with a good knowledge base of Taxonomy.
"I suppose I have a strong preference for both Tyrannosaurs and dromaeosaurids. Though I guess I could put them all under Coelurosauria if I wanted to."
"Why them specifically?" She looked curious and I was more than willing to answer her.
"Feathers of course my good lady as well as above average intelligence. The most bird like and intelligent of all Dinosaurs, and among the most diverse. Seriously while the Tyrant King himself didn't have any, I just think feathered dinosaurs are cooler."
"You seem pretty passionate about this. For me I kind of like the Megalosauridae more. Especially the spinosaurids and their itty bitty legs. Like sailed super crocodiles!"
"Good taste." I complimented her.
She was right…the spinosaurids might not be the Tyrannosaur killing monsters we thought they were, but we shouldn't think of them that way.
At their smallest the Spinosaurini weigh as much an Asian elephant, and are basically crocodiles with fucking death arms and giant sails.
Imagine finding that in the Nile River…
"Too bad they're all gone…" We paused, giving a moment of silence for the extinction of such a fantastic line of animals.
"Well ignoring birds anyway, they're still dinosaurs."
Yep…
"Anything else you want to talk about?" I failed in snapping my fingers as I got an idea, having never learned how to do that.
"What kind of magic are you capable of? I've seen some of it but…"
"Oh my trait would be Determination obviously, followed by Justice and Bravery in even amounts. I'm supremely built for combat in my distribution of magic. Frisk is more or less the opposite, almost all defensive in nature. And you're…a bit of jack of all trades. Kinda unique actually, most people are a little more specialized."
"You think it'll be hard for me to learn?"
Chara shrugged. "Who knows? But as long as you put in enough effort, things should be dandy. Besides most thing worth doing in life take effort."
She's not wrong…
I took another sip, but just as I opened my mouth, it turned out Chara had questions of her own.
"What is your world like? How different is it from mine?"
…
That's two hard questions to answer, though I may be exaggerating.
"Weelll…" I lengthened the word as I answered her. "My world doesn't have any monsters whatsoever. They never existed in the first place outside of stories. I think we're still in the same time period as when you originally fell." She blinked at that, curiosity brimming.
"So what…the late 2010s?"
"Late 2018 to be specific," She gestured for me to continue. "And continuing on that, I really don't know how similar or dissimilar our worlds really are. There might be countries that don't exist in your world, and countries in your world that don't exist in mine."
"That's why I want to know. Because I want to know whether your humanity is better or worst than mine."
…
I wouldn't know…I would put them around the same level probably. At my silence Chara frowned, muted disappointment in her eyes.
"Hmm…? Is there anything more mundane that you like? Like anything you like to watch or…" I cut myself off, waiting for the redhead to mull over an answer.
"I like anime…" her voice was quiet.
"That's great. I like anime too, though I haven't been watching too much of it recently. I've watched Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood…a bit of Black Lagoon, and I'm thinking of watching some others."
"Oh I think I have a few recommendations! Maybe we can watch Gurren Lagann…if you'd like."
"That sounds kinda nice…I wouldn't mind that."
…
So this should make us friends right?
"Sooo. How are our two lovely customers doing today?" I groaned when Frisk came into the picture, a coquettish grin on her face. She held two plates, one for each hand. She placed them down gently, giving us our respective orders. I eyed Chara's strange burger, the meal reminding me of the McMuffin from...well McDonalds…
"Frisk please…" Frisk pouted, placing her hands on her hips.
"Come on I'm just teasing. It's no big deal." I only raised an eyebrow but before we could continue, someone nearly ripped the hinges off of the local restaurants door.
—Play Metal Crusher—
"Well helllooo darlings! What a fine establishment for the humans to eat at!" I could see Muffet working at the counter…she was not pleased, if the cracks she left in the wood were any indication.
"Oh no…" I don't think Mettaton was among Chara's favorites either.
I stiffened as as Mettaton and his little entourage approached, the square robot, letting loose glitter with every roll of his wheel. Asriel was at the next table doing his job, and his eyes narrowed while he served a hot drink to a lizard monster couple.
I didn't say anything as the robot rolled up to us…
"Hello humans! I know you're new around here! But surely you must of heard of me? I am Mettaton! Star of the Underground!"
"What the hell do I say?" I whispered sharply and Chara shrugged…
"Hmm?"
"Uh sure? I've heard of you once or twice."
"Oh excellent darling! If it wouldn't be a bother, would you do yourself the honor of being interviewed by me."
The fuck…? Why the hell…
Chara gave me an encouraging nudge, but I knew she wasn't doing this for my benefit.
I can see the amused smirk you have…I know you're doing this to get you kicks…you crazy beautiful b—
"He would love to…"
Son of a—
"That is great!" My eyebrow twitched momentarily. The microphone was lifted up, Mettaton nearly knocking my chin off with the sound amplifying device.
"Fine…What do you want to ask?"
I took a single bite out of my croissant, taking delight in the taste of the monster food.
Seriously…monster food is all so good…I wouldn't mind eating this forever…
Mettaton stopped whirling, now only bouncing in place.
"My first question for all our lovely viewers out there. What is your name?"
Huh…? I guess we never did mention our names to the Underground at large. Suppose it was fair for tell them, since we were their guests and all.
"Well I'm Brandon…" I made eye contact with Chara and then Frisk. They both nodded. "These lovely ladies here are Chara and Frisk." Mettaton briefly raised his Mickey Mouse hand to where his mouth would be, and I was left confused.
Ehh…doesn't matter…
"What brought you here to the Underground?" I flinched at the question, for two reasons. One I still had no clue how I fit into this mystery, and the second was that Frisk and Chara had not come here for happy reasons.
"To be honest…I have no idea?" The monsters listening in sounded intrigued and I internally groaned. "Could have been due to hitting my head, or some cosmic accident but I only remember going to bed before waking up here."
"Ohhhh! What a mystery…surely you are seeking out an answer to your arrival here? Perhaps one of our Royal Scientists can help?"
"They're researching I'm sure…" I chuckled nervously, not used to being the center of attention.
Bzzzz…
Some type of text sound was shot out from Mettaton's speakers and he let out a passionate "ohhhh!"
"It seems one of our viewers has sent me a question on UnderNet funded and supported by MTT. And it is a very spicy question."
Chara crossed her arms, and I again ignored my hormones, being more or less used to doing that after a few days.
Chara didn't seem to have the best impression of Mettaton and I couldn't blame her. In the original Pacifist timelines he was never the nicest person, though he did learn from his mistakes.
"Hello…?"
But then again with this new messed up timeline he could end up being even more of a diva than before. But it did make me rather curious on the Surface.
"Uh human? Are you there?"
What was the surface like? They were a century or so ahead of us calendar wise. So that could mean they're our technological superiors, but their apparently smaller numbers could negate that advantage.
…
I wonder if the surface had a Mage school? I could teach it to people back home…
The only issue would be the legal ones however. How exactly do you regulate a magical power capable of causing incredible damage. As I am now I could tear a squadron of tanks apart with my bare hands. The stronger monsters could take apart naval vessels. I don't think a nuclear carrier could take more than a few full power attacks from Undyne or Asgore.
Heck Undyne could match the output of an 8000 pound high explosive bomb with only a few spear attacks.
"Is he okay?"
"He's fine…he's just a bit spacey at times. I'll get him for you…"
POW!
"MOTHERFU—mhmm…" Chara covered my mouth and my hand swatted against the side of my head, and I could now feel a throbbing headache.
"Chara what the heck?!" She pointed to Mettaton with a blank expression of displeasure and I winced…
Ohh…right. Shouldn't be ignoring that…
I apologetically cleared my throat. "What was the question?"
"This is from ALPHYS. Her question is…are the three of you and Asriel in a polyamorous relationship?"
…
…
Excuse me?!
(Undyne's House)
"I can't believe you sent that Alphy!"
"W-Well it's Asriel's fault for saying Mew Mew Kissy Cutie 2 was a masterpiece! H-He got what was coming to him!"
"You know he's going to get pay back right?"
"It won't be that bad, he's too much of a softie…"
"It isn't Asriel you'll have to worry about. You think Chara will really let this go?"
…
…
"I-I think I've made a terrible mistake…"
Chara's face was utterly blank. I could not even see a hint of anger, happiness, embarrassment or fear. Only an utterly empty look.
Mettaton had been taken aback by her reaction, and cleared his nonexistent throat.
"Based on your reaction, I take it that this presumption is incorrect no?"
"I'm going to kill her…I'm going to kill her…" it wasn't Chara who had spoken up, it was an angry Asriel.
"Is there anything else you needed?" I stepped in front of Chara, unsure of whether or not she was going to lunge at Mettaton's body.
The robot Star was silent for a moment and I felt a surge of magic leap out form his body.
He jumped once, and I could hear Muffet hiss as the floor was cracked under his weight.
"Indeed there is human! Prepare yourself! Because I have been enlisted in challenging you! We shall meet in the battlefield in several days time. And all of the Underground will watch it live! Goodbye darling, see you then!"
The diva straight up leapt out of the window shattering it, and with it threw several hundred G in the direction of a shrieking Muffet.
"Come back here you stupid rectangle! My pet has some words for you dearie!" Muffet screamed launching a bagel at sufficient velocity to punt Mettaton across the street. The diva wheeled away to safety from the spider monsters wrath, and Chara sagged into her seat as the cameras left.
"I think I want to leave." Chara places down the needed coinage for now our meal, and I quietly asked Muffet for two cups to take our drinks with us.
"It's okay dearie. I'm sorry…that…robot…interrupted your meal. With such…provocative questions."
"Especially when they…are so wrong. I don't like them that way. I can promise you that." Asriel met eyes with Muffet, though he glanced away swiftly.
Why…would…
Oh…
"My god…Azzy…are you…are you into…?" Asriel floundered away, cutting off Chara before she could actively tease her brother.
And into what?
…
Oh my god Asriel is crushing on Muffet…
Huh…? That's an interesting sight to see. And not one I expected. But then again this is the only timeline where Asriel never died in the first place.
Woah!
"You got your food?" I grumbled quietly as my hand gripped my sandwich for dear life, and out of laziness if nothing else, threw two balls of blue picking up our sodas.
I flushed as Chara easily picked me up by the scruff of my neck and we left Muffet's restaurant away in hurry. Waving goodbye to a sheepish Frisk…
We were off…to…do something…
"So, uh where are we going?" I pretended not to notice how close I was to her while she sauntered off.
A smirk formed on her face. But I didn't have the same sense of danger any longer. So I didn't worry this time.
"Let's do something less…"
"Romancey?" I asked her with a raised eyebrow. She shrugged helplessly and I agreed. This was nice and all but Mettaton kinda made this weird so…
Wonder what she has in mind…?
(Frisk's POV)
"Hah!" I smiled sweetly as Brandon cheered at his victory, the boy smiling as he knocked his opponent off the road.
Where they had gotten a game of Mario Kart and a gaming console I had no idea. The two had changed into more informal clothes, Brandon had exchanged his dress shirt and slacks for loose fitting jeans and a plain black t-shirt.
While Chara has gone for a slightly revealing(if comfortable) blue tank top and black yoga pants and no socks. Her toes curling inwards as she kicked the air.
I sighed at how dumb I had been…
I shouldn't have been so pushy with them. It was clear that both wanted to at least try to be friends with each other. But…setting them up together was rather amusing and kept my mind…
Off…other things…
"Piss off you bloody midget!" Brandon growled, continuing to move his character forward on the track racing ahead of Chara.
"Meh!" He stuck out his tongue, grinning wildly as he raced past the finishing line.
"Damn…yo Frisk! You want to play?" Her red eyes were full of competitive spirit and my own Determination rose up to challenge her.
Yeah…I think it would be fun…
"Sure…" A smile pulled on my face as I jumped onto the couch, landing in between my two fellow humans.
…
Despite my current mood…there was still a lingering feeling…of worry.
Like something was coming…
…
Meh…I'll take things as they come. It's how I've always dealt with things and it hasn't failed me yet.
Mostly…
(Gaster's POV)
Ahh…how fascinating…I can sense a ripple in the wall between worlds…
Is someone watching? And just who is watching…?
The Anomaly? Or something more benevolent, or even neutral…
Who could say? But I digress, the concerns of my liege is more important.
"You say they willingly gave their SOULS to you?" Asgore sounded uncertain and nervous.
I nodded, looking upon the drifting soul projections with affection, developed after decades of raising them from their youth.
"Indeed the Surface…was not kind to these children and I thought to give them a better one."
"Yet you isolated them?"
I waved off his concerns. "Their choice. They wished to remain hidden for reasons I have yet to discern."
They wished to keep their existence a mystery to the Anomaly…
"So how will you do this? Destroying the barrier requires someone to absorb their SOULS and the only candidates would be a monster. And power like that is incredibly dangerous." Toriel was clearly against my plan and I shook my head sadly.
"Indeed…it must be done…because I fear that events beyond our control are unfolding. Anomalies in time itself, something you've already seen in your son."
"I…what?" Toriel cut herself off at my statement, and I darted my eyes to the chart I had created, years of dust from disuse being brushed away.
"You…remember…the incident when Asriel was only eleven years old? How you stopped aging, despite his continuing growth. How a potent source of power started feeding him…changing him."
Toriel schooled her expression, her paws shaking. "I-I do…"
"And Asgore. You remember the strange boost in power in your pupil. In the Judge?"
Both King and Queen looked disturbed and I could not blame them.
"There's something more isn't there? Something you are not telling us"
…
"I see how it is Gaster. Did you ever plan on telling us?"
I sighed. "I did…but I needed to gather information. The truth I have to tell you is difficult to hear. And I hoped to put it off as long as I could…"
"Will you tell us when the time is right?" I nodded solemnly and it seemed enough for my king and queen. They stepped away from me, still shaken by what little I had told them.
I hoped they were strong enough to learn the truth…
WHOOSH!
I was now alone…
'We still remain Doctor.'
I chuckled darkly. "That is true my old friend."
'Do you wish to watch the KALEIDOSCOPE?'
Must you even ask?
A holographic screen flickered to life. And in the distance I was given a surprise as I watched an image of an almost alien forest on the surface, full of life unlike any I had ever seen in any Reset.
What interested me most was the child drifting ever closer to the mountain above us. One who looked so much like the first and the eighth…yet clearly they were not the same…
Whether they would prove a danger or a blessing…who could say?
(Kris's POV)
Walking.
Is.
So.
Painful!
Oh gosh my feet hurt so much…maybe…I can rest a bit.
I sat down on a rock, relaxing as I stepped off my aching feet for at least a few minutes.
Better this than back there…with that person. Here…I could be free…I just needed to find that mountain. My instincts were telling me it was where I needed to go.
Don't know why though…
Just…familiar.
"Hisssss!" My hand reached for the small blade hidden on my person yet whatever had made the sound didn't attack. I craned my neck, my eyes focusing on a small rustling in the bushes. I glanced about just to make sure it wasn't a horrible ambush.
Whatever it was…sounded hurt…
"H-Hey." I made my voice soothing for their benefit. Slowly…gradually I could see a shaky four clawed foot step silently into the plant full forest floor.
My eyebrows scrunched together…I don't know what that is.
Kind of reminds me of the foot of a crocodile…but the toes are too long to be that…plus it's standing on its toes…more like a four fingered bird foot than a webbed croc foot.
It stepped out of the bush and I kept perfectly still, unsure of what to make of what I was seeing…it's not everyday you see…whatever that thing is.
It was small, maybe the size of small dog, ten…twenty pounds? I guess? I'm no biologist…
It's jaw was short, with long cat like canines showing when I yawned…it's eye resembled the eyes of a bird instead, built for…
Uh binoculor vision?
It silently stalked me despite its limp, but what I noticed the most was the thick and dense coat of fine…hair(feathers?) covering its body. It's tail was semi flexible, gently waving in the air as it moved.
"I don't think crocodiles are supposed to have feathers…" I muttered out while we circled around each other. It's feathers blended into the environment, a blend of tawny yellow, kind of like a semi reptillian jaguar.
Which is…cool I think? But there was also a dash of purple stripes along either side of its face.
Is…I can smell blood…
I took a step forward and it let out a growling boom. It's jaw shivering and I was now only a foot away from biting distance
I offered it a hand…hoping it wouldn't try to bite me.
Because that would hurt it…more than it would hurt me…
My hand shimmered with green and red, and the…whatever it was pressed its oddly fleshy snout against my tiny hand. I pulled out the little vial I had taken from d—him.
Apparently it could heal injuries…
"H-Here…girl?" I carefully opened up the glass bottle, and it drunk the fluid without complain.
Soon it's injuries, the various cuts and bruises on its body disappeared and I smiled.
I stepped back…
I need to get to that mountain…
I could hear the rustling behind me…
I turned back…surprised to see it...her following me…the weird…cat croc thingy tilting its head in curiosity.
"You…want to come with me?" The animal didn't seem to understand me, but I still got what it wants.
…
"I should give you a name." I offered my hand and it bounded over to me, each of its steps like a spring.
Suzy…Susie? Nah…doesn't fit…
Ralsei? Not that would be a goat name…for some reason.
Wait…Kaprosuchus!
"How do you like Kapro?" Again she didn't understand. But she didn't need to. I would teach her.
Now off to adventure?! And freedom…
"You're not from here, are you?" I had never seen even one animal like Kapro, but I did pick up that his coat had been waterlogged.
And there was…a bad…and scary storm a while ago…
Maybe he was from the continent? No the storm was from the west…
She must have been brought on a log from the America's….
"Really far…"
I couldn't imagine how scared she was…
But she here with me, safe and sound. I would keep her safe.
We were moving across a strange place a town with a lot of magic painted all over it, and I found a house that felt so…
Familiar…
I was resting on the bed, my eyes seeing through the leftmost bed, rotten and full of pests that Kapro had eaten.
Maybe…I flinched at the sudden chirping of birds, and I noticed the small homes set up by them. The little birdies were staring at me…
Good acoustics…maybe a song would make me feel better…
I breathed out, Kapro perking up.
"Familiar… Why is it so familiar? The song rang out, echoing across the house.
My lips quivered…the confused birds chirping in tune with my voice.
"Familiar… Like something I used to know."
They only picked up the pace growing louder.
"Familiar… Staring up at the Ceiling." My voice broke near the end.
"Familiar... I swear that I know this feeling." I pushed my small lungs to their limits. "Where everybody wants me to be mom. And everything I do, I do it wrong. I sway them with a joke or a song. And maybe that'll help us get along."
I remember…the days when everything was right with the world. Where everyone was still around…
When…he still loved me. When I didn't remind him of her…
"Familiar… Why is this so familiar? Familiar… Like something I used to do?"
The days we spent just playing and having fun…learning, them teaching me like mom was supposed to…
"Familiar… She used to throw a tantrum, Insisting that hey I'm a Magi too."
…
…
I just want things to be back the way they used to be. Is that really too much to ask? Is it?
(Gaster's POV)
…
…
…
…
I…have nothing else to say…