Authors's Note:
Hello again...I should really stop making promises on when a chapter will be released. It's not exactly useful. But anyway welcome to Chapter 9. I've actually had this one mostly dome for a while now, but I decidee it would be best to have at least a 1 chapter buffer from now on.
I have chapter ten and a small tiny piece of 11 done or started. I'll probably write a few thousand words for 11 before turning my attention to my other fics. I'll make the same buffer, then come back etc...
So please follow and I hope you enjoy this chapter...even if it feels a little iffy for me.
Chapter Nine: The Obligatory Water Park Chapter
Well this dream is a little different isn't it?
It kinda looks just like…home…? But…it's been cut in half…and in that missing end I could see what looked like another building. A beautiful example of a European style chapel, and I think it may have been connected to a large and magnificent palace.
I stepped over to the divide between the two sections of my dream, and I could narrowly make out two shadows speaking. One was a bearded man of European origin, possibly a king of some sort. Maybe Italian?
It was difficult to tell…the other was both less and more clear…his eyes shined with an eerie scarlet light, but his facial features were unknowable. The…king sounded unsure and almost…afraid.
"Please…do not make us do this! They are loyal subjects…loyal allies. They have been a valuable part of us for so long!" The king was shaking, and the other scoffed.
"That…monstrosity was only a fraction of what's to come. They will die…as decreed by the Council."
The king shook his head. "This is madness! They have saved countless human lives asking nothing in return. They have saved my life!" The man cloaked in shadows lashed out and I grimaced as the king doubled over at the point of contact. The man's fist lodged in his stomach.
"This isn't your choice anymore Otto…the masses are baying for blood, which is rather convenient for us."
"No…"
The dream faded to black, and in the last moments I could see a smaller shadow, a burning yellow gasping with horror before fleeing quietly.
I snapped awake, the dream staying in my mind instead of drifting away like the others had…
I glanced around the still bare white walls of my room, the only possessions I had being a single closet, a reinforced wooden cabinet and a fluffy and comfortable bed, with plain green sheets. My phone was sitting on the cabinet, an adapter charging it from the CORE powered electrical grid.
My hand shook, and I ignored it…thinking back on what I had seen…
That shadow's eyes…made me afraid… And I know I had witnessed a glimpse of the events leading up to the War…
My heart ached for a moment and I decided to leave the questions for later…it was time to start the day and…
Sniff…
I needed a shower.
…
A few minutes later I'm in the bathroom with a set of clean clothing for the day. I shut the door behind me with a—
CLACK!
And stared with mild disinterest at the strange device. It looked much like a machine razor, but something felt different about it…and there was a note attached.
Let's see here…
Hello there! It's me Frisk! I decided just before going to work, to get you a little something. It's a special Monster made machine razor, apparently it works a lot better than normal mundane ones. I got one for myself and thought you'd like one too. Anyway, I'll be back in…about two hours. So see ya then!
I crumpled the small piece of paper, dunking it into a small metal trash can. I bounced it between hands, my curiosity peaking at how the monster made shaving device would function.
I'm sure it'll be fine, so let's give it a test run…with the hair on lower stomach rather than my face. No one can see that…so…let's do th—
BZZZTTTTT!
"MOTHERFUCKER OWW!"
I looked on dumbly at the sight in front of my eyes. After the little incident with that razor, I had continued to get into a morning routine. Figured out how to use the razor, took a shower, made some breakfasts then washed my teeth. Spent some time surfing the web for about an hour or two.
I leave the the house to get some…fresh air and I come back to…this.
"ACK! P-Please! I-I'm sorry!" I rubbed my eyes to make sure I wasn't dreaming or hallucinating. Watching with little emotion as a pissed off Chara tried to choke Alphys to death with her bare hands. The yellow lizard was scrambling to get away, her little feet kicking air as Chara trapped her in a choke hold.
"You'll be sorry alright you stupid c—."
"Ahem." Chara froze as Undyne materialized from behind her with a deep scowl. The fish monster coughed and the redhead quickly dropped the lab coat wearing scientist.
The former princess gave her a wobbly smile, failing to look innocent in any regard.
"Uh…hiiii Undyne. How are you doing today on this fine morning?" She slowly drifted away from the frightened, shaking form of Alphys. I felt my chest constrict as pressure hit my body, a deep irrational fear taking control.
Even Chara was sweating, and I had no clue what I was feeling.
Undyne stepped forward…
A wind pushed me a few inches, and I suddenly had Chara trying and failing to hide behind me. I let out a confused hum, unsure of what to say… Though I did enjoy the sensation of her bare legs against my lower back. So there was that if nothing else.
"So…Uh…how are you doing today?" I repeated Chara's question, hoping to cut the tension a bit. Undyne pinched the bridge of her nose, but backed off. Chara relaxed and I continued to enjoy the closeness.
"Good…Good…just going on patrol. Probably a good idea to check for more humans falling." Chara frowned at the idea.
…
But Undyne isn't wrong actually…with how the timeline has changed it's totally possible that more humans might fall. Especially with whatever the hell happened on the surface just after we fell.
At the very least their help might make it easier to break the barrier…but depending on the human it could also be a grave threat. Hundreds of monsters could die…
I turned to Chara next, raising an eyebrow in amusement. "So…why were you trying to kill Alphys?" The redhead using me as a shield, turned a brilliant red, muttering under her breath.
I grinned, a flustered and nervous Chara was a cute sight.
"…you know why…" I shook my head, and her fingers pressed against one another with her nerves. "…what…Mettaton asked us…r…ember?" She turned as quiet as a mouse and I only gave her an innocent, kind smile.
Oh I remembered all right. And while it was a little embarrassing, it was too absurd a question for me to take serious. But it was clear that Chara did take it serious and I could use and would use that against her.
"What? I don't really remember that day too well? What did he ask?" I hid a happy smirk behind my fist.
Chara squeaked and I supressed the urge to squee at her cuteness. She had stiffened up like a statue and was hiding her face behind her hands. But I could see her shining red eyes in the gaps between her fingers.
Chara puffed out her cheeks, a deeper blush on her face."I…you're making fun of me aren't you?"
I tilted my head, crossing my arms. "What makes you say that?" I continued to stare, waiting for the young women to embarrass herself some more.
"Dammit…you win you little midget." I sulked when she lightly rubbed her knuckles against my head with a grin. I tried to pry her off but it's not easy to pull off 80 kilograms of female athlete.
"H-Hey get off!" I wiggled out of her grasp with a brief pulse of telekinesis.
"Hmm…" she smirked and I was ready to fight her.
"R-Right…u-uh I was here to deliver something…" Alphys tapped her claws together at the sudden attention.
"What was it?" She moved forward, pushing three tickets into my hands.
I lifted an eyebrow, carefully reading the text on it
Ticket to Water Park!
Is…is…that really what it's called? Because that is stupid as hell, and I can only blame King Fluffybuns for this travesty.
"What's this?" I asked of the lizard monster with a raised eyebrow.
"U-Uh…apparently your mail got sent to the lab instead of y-your apartment…
so." I nodded, looking at the back of the small card. There was a message written on the blank space.
"Online contestant you have won…five…to…exclusive." I degraded into gibberish as I read the gradually shrinking lettering.
Well…I do remember…entering some Undernet contest out of boredom when I woke up in the middle of the night. So I guess I won…?
"A water park?" Alphys nodded.
"I-It's one of the biggest water parks in the Underground." Her bare claws scratched against the stone street in front of the apartments. "K-King Asgore and Q-Queen Toriel let Mettaton build the park up to cheer everyone up. It's the only place he's built that doesn't have his names plastered all over it."
Neat.
"Sooo…who do you plan on taking? There's five tickets!"
SWEET JESUS!
I slipped and nearly cracked my head on the pavement as Frisk showed up out of nowhere, a blinding smile on her face. She had changed her outfit for today, a low cut tank top with the exact same pattern as her shirt. Below that was a pair of blue shorts, and squeaky red boots.
I scrambled back onto my feet and gave her my strongest glare. Frisk nervously giggled.
"Sorry…didn't mean to startle you." She grasped the back of her neck bashfully and I sighed.
"Whatever…" I shook my head, thinking about what she had asked me.
Who can I bring? The king and queen are certainly busy, I don't like Gaster. Napstablook and sans don't seem the type, and I have no clue what Papyrus would want. Muffet is probably working her restaurant…
"I think I know who to bring…" out of the corner of my eye I could see Frisk point to herself. I rolled my eyes and made my decision. "Chara, Frisk, Asriel, and…" I paused unsure of who else to—
"How bout Alphys?!" The mentioned scientist curled in on herself as Undyne broke in with a toothy smile.
Alphys huh? That might be an option…that'll give us a chance to get to know her better.
"Sure." I don't have a problem with it myself.
"W-What…? Are you sure I…" I waved away her concern, giving her a wide grin. She quieted down with a blush and I tilted my head in fascination.
The way her scales shifted from yellow to red was interesting…maybe she was actually a chameleon? They change colors due to emotions and mood…or Chameleon-Triceratops hybrid? Who really knows…
"Yeah see? These punks are okay with it, and you need to make some more friends besides me and sans." Undyne did her best to reassure her…girlfriend(?)
I honestly didn't know if they were together in this timeline or not. They probably were if Undyne remembered anything but still…
"O-Okay…are you really sure about this?" I nodded and added a thumbs up for good measure.
"That's great! Let me just get Asriel and a change of clothes and we'll be there in a flash!" With a happy giggle, Frisk dragged a shocked Chara by the collar of her…sweater before I could say anything else.
I coughed at the influx of dust, rubbing it out of my eyes as I turned to face Alphys. I hadn't really done much talking to her yet.
"We haven't really met before right? It's nice to meet you." I offered my hand.
…
…
"It's…nice to meet you too…" I smiled once Alphys accepted my greeting, it would have gotten awkward fast.
"So I hear you're one of the Royal Scientist's ehh? Tell me more about that, if you don't mind." Her eyes lit up and mine did so in turn…
"So you guys are the heads of the various different division of the scientists of the Underground? Gaster's and sans in R&D and metaphysical research. You're in engineering and technology?"
Alphys nodded as we happily chatted while walking to the park…it was apparently about a few kilometers away…
Didn't even know monsters users the metric system, but since they're trapped below Iceland it makes sense. Being so close to the European Union, would probably have the metric system trickle down eventually.
But besides that, the revelation of just how massive the Underground really was…it was mind boggling. The sheer expanse was beyond any cavern system the world had ever seen…easily ten or more kilometers from the Ruins to New Home, and just as wide.
Dozens of floors underneath the upper layer home to Snowdin added to the density and volume. So while the Underground is still an overcrowded mess, due to so much of that space being devoted to industry and agriculture. Once they can move that more outwards. They'll likely be able to fit far more people…
Not sure they will though… I did have a distinct question however.
"So Alphys…just out of curiosity…do you know how much energy the CORE outputs?" Alphys was nonplussed by the random question but didn't lag on answering.
"W-Well…the Kingdom of Monsters uses a-about 5 gigawatt-hours of electrical energy and Gaster has told me…that's using up maybe…0.005% of its capacity."
My pupils shrunk as I calculated the number in my head…
"That's ridiculous!" Alphys and Undyne were taken aback by my outburst. "The total energy output of all of humanity is only double that! That's an absurd amount of energy!"
That's…around ten terawatt hours…ten trillion joules of energy generated every damn second! It's beyond anything…
"W-Well that's u—oh we're here!" I decided to shelf my questions for later as we arrived to the park.
I looked up to something that many people would pay hundreds or thousands of dollars to go to…and it was less one water park and more like several.
My jaw dropped once the the sheer scope of the area was more obvious.
"Oh dear god…"
"W-Welcome to Water Park!" I closed my jaws once Alphys started to explain with a nervous tick. "A-At around 180,000 square meters in size, it can accommodate more than ten thousand visitors a day at full capacity. Monsters from all over the Underground come by just to relax and play. There's a bunch of different pools, lazy rivers, water slides, hot tubs and spas. There's something for every monster to love!"
"I-I…it's…it's…"
"Uh punk you doing okay?"
"Amazing."
I couldn't believe my eyes, my neck craning to look up the sign suspended dozens of meters in the air, hundreds of monsters of all shapes and sizes entering with relaxed smiles. This park(and Mettaton) were likely some of their few escapes from their situation.
"You really shouldn't be such a downer Brandon." I flushed and apologize profusely when I realized I had said that aloud.
Wait who am I talking t—Asriel?
The prince gave me a wide toothy grin, showing off thin fangs, his horns rattling with the movement. And now that I was closer…were those plant stems growing out from his horns?
Never mind…
"Howdy. Got Chara and Frisk right on my tail." I waved slowly, my gaze following the two shapes growing closer with every second. I could see Frisk running at top speed, a silly smile on her face as she waved her hand in the air.
She…wasn't stopping, and I turned to Asriel. He whispered…
"Good luck…" he stepped back just as Frisk jumped toward me…
"You son of a b—BLARGHHH!"
A heavy weight crushed me and my head cracked against for concrete for a second time.
…
"Owwww…?" I didn't move, my bones aching with the impact. Frisk's hair tickled my face and I breathed deeply, calming my anger.
"Mhmm?" She unintelligibly mumbled into my shoulder. I counted to ten.
"Frisk? Would you mind stepping off?" My weak grin turned into a scowl and I saw Frisk flinch. She leaned back onto her haunches, giving me a sheepish look, a light dusting of deeper color entering her dark cheeks.
"Sorry bout that. I just always wanted to try that…and you were the best target.." I felt a vein pop, and tilted my head. She brushed her hair back in a shy fashion, and my thoughts were elsewhere.
Wonder what Frisk would look like with long hair?
"Righhhtt… besides that, what's in the bag?" I pointed to the big clothed shopping bag and Frisk bounced back, both onto her feet and into a good mood.
"Oh this?" She had a goofy grin while she explained. "This has the swim clothes we kinda need for the Water Park…we didn't exactly fall into the Underground prepared you know?"
"Okay." I shrugged, turning back to the entrance. "So should we be going then?"
Her eyes sparkled and she braced herself before…
Leaping over our heads.
"Yippee! Let's go!"
We followed her with noticeably less enthusiasm, and stepped through the gate. Once I entered the room I was instantly hit with a wave of heat and humidity, reminding me of when I still lived in Florida…about eight years ago?
It had been a long time, and I wasn't exactly a paragon of…
OOF!?
I caught the bundle of clothes, revealed to be three different pairs of swim trunks. One was green with two blue stripes, the second was a bright red, and the third was…hot pink…
I passed the third pair back into Frisk's hands, and she grinned mischievously.
"Hey, sorry couldn't resist." She started taking Chara to one side of the changing room while I was lead to the other rooms by Asriel. She vanished past the door alongside the other girls.
Asriel pointed to the room with his horns, a small grin on his face. "Come on, changing rooms are this way. The Water Park has always been a good way to distract from…distressing thoughts."
Hmm…maybe a quick check for curiosity's sake before we go?
* Asriel Dreemurr ATK 133 DEF 133
* Prince of Thorns
* Knows you're watching.
He didn't say a word, his walk not slowing even an inch…
To be honest…I have no idea what compelled me to be so spontaneous. I don't even go to places with water anymore(though I did like to swim before…)
And my body isn't exactly the the peak of human perfection. And despite the layer of fur, Asriel is built. I'm fairly sure that if he was human(or a furless monster) he'd have a six pack you could grind meat on.
Poke poke…
I narrowed my eyes when Asriel pressed one of his fingers against my stomach, my gut lurching against the sensation.
"What?" I asked hotly, my temper flaring up.
He pressed his fingers against his chin, a chuckle escaping him. "You're kind of tubby aren't you?"
…
1, 2, 3, 4…4…4…
"What about it?" His calm expression turned panicked and he flailed his arms in self defense.
"Uh…I'm just saying that you look thinner now…is all. You're training is really helping you out." He laughed nervously and I decided to let Asriel have his out.
I had gone with the green striped and blue striped swim trunks, finding them to be the most comfortable and fitting pair. I had also put on a pair of simple turquoise sandals, bundled up with the shorts.
Never really liked sandals though…they hurt my toes and felt uncomfortable.
"This place is really nice…" It really was…I bet that when we break the barrier and find a way home, it'll be a damn gold mine.
People will pay millions to go to a Water Park buried under a mile of mountain. Hell they'd pay just to be in the Underground! It's…it's—
"Why did you want to come here?" Asriel's tone was serious and I froze up, my reverie ended by his interruption. The expression on his face had softened, and I felt shudders through my body.
"I…just needed a distraction…that's all." I felt pathetic, but I didn't tell him that.
"Nightmares?" I shook my head, and his eyes picked up something. "Homesick?"
"Yeah…" I curled my hands in and out, taking a deep, deep breath and releasing the tension in my shoulders. "It's been about a week since we've fallen. I'm wondering how my family is taking it."
My mom would probably be in hysterics…my younger brother probably wouldn't care, and dad…would probably be…stressed.
"Hey," his voice was soft while her spoke to me. "It's going to be okay."
Yeah…I hope so…
"Yoooo! Azzy and Bee Bee!" I flushed when I heard the odd nickname echo across the entrance, and Asriel gave me a pitying look.
"W-What I—."
"Frisk likes giving embarrassing nicknames sometimes…she was complaining to me and Muffet for hours yesterday." He rolled his neck with smirk, and cracking his knuckles. "Couldn't come up with one for you until today."
Right…Bee Bee…is something. Should probably tell her not to…call…me…that…
…
…
"Uh…h-hello?" My voice cracked within moments as Frisk skidded to a halt, some light dust kicked up with the motion. She waved and I wordlessly waved back.
"So you ready for some relaxation?" Frisk tilted her head with her usual enthusiasm and happiness dancing in her ocean blue eyes.
She…oh…god shes hot!
Asriel's head cocked in seeming curiosity, and nudged my shoulder. He was giving me a teasing look and I coughed awkwardly.
Frisk had chosen to wear a simple blue bikini with a skirted bottom. Without the usual confines of her heavy clothing I could see how…errr…curvaceous she was.
Her swimsuit fit her really well, and my vision naturally followed along from her smooth stomach to her lovely bouncy…Nope avert your eyes. No…no…no…no.
I flinched at the sudden finger snap against my ear, and I froze again, as Frisk leaned down to meet my eyes. She flipped her hair back and her expression became more…frisky…
"Hey, How you doin? You seem a little…distracted." My mouth went dry and I looked for a distraction from Frisk's flirts.
Oh…there's Chara, that should be a suitable avoidance mechanism.
"Hey Char…Chara…" I trailed off as the redhead trotted over stopping on Frisk's left.
There was a light blush on her pale cheeks as I stared. The determination mage scratched the back of her head while I(shamelessly) admired her.
She had a red strapless top paired with…
Well men's swim trunks, a reddish orange pair. Despite that she made them look cute actually. But the most notable part of Chara was actually…
Her abs… I'm pretty sure you could grate cheese off of them and I really kind of want to l—
"This was a horrible mistake…" I ducked my head, only to headbutt Asriel's stomach. I looked up to see the blank look of displeasure and I finally collapsed, curling into an embarrassed ball of shame.
His fur was soft…
Please shut up!
No.
…
…
Ehh?
"O-Oh why is Brandon on the ground?" From my low vantage point I could see Alphys bare feet as well her fishy girlfriend's own toes.
"Oh I get it! It's like those human anime beach episodes with nosebleeds?!" Undyne's voice rattled in my ears. "Which reminds me…do humans have nosebleeds like that?"
I groaned.
Chara laughed, her lovely voice somehow calming my nerves. "If humans did that every time they got aroused. I'm 99% sure we'd be dying of blood loss on a regular basis."
Yay…wait does this make it fanservice?
…
…
I should probably stand back up, a floor where hundreds if not thousands of monsters walk all over it isn't…exactly clean.
Ok…easy does it Brandon. Getting back up isn't a complicated action at all. You're perfectly capable of not acting like an idiot in front of two hot women.
Chara was showing clear concern on her person, if her withdrawn body language was a good sign. I cleared my throat, ready to speak. But she beat me to it.
"G'day to you…" She mumbled and I stammered a greeting back.
"U-Uh sorry… a-about that. I'm just not used to…to…" I licked my lips to moisturize them, my ears burning red hot. "Uh…it's nothing, never mind."
"That's alright. Besides you're rather cute when you freak out." Her reassurance didn't help matters, but I did feel flattered. Chara covered herself awkwardly once she noticed the slip of the tongue but didn't retract the statement.
"Uh…right." I rolled my shoulders, sighing at the satisfying crack. I was calm and relaxed again. "Still I'm sorry about that."
"No it wasn't bad…just…unexpected." She didn't meet my eyes, much to my confusion.
"Well if you two aren't busy anymore, maybe you should try out one of the lazy rivers." Asriel broke in, his reddish eyes illuminated by…something.
"Well…the two of us are going to one of the pools! You should meet up with us when you guys are done Kay?" The three of us nodded as they scampered off.
Yeah…the lazy river should be get my mind off of this fiasco…
(Twenty minutes later…)
After that we had made our way toward "The Lazy River One"
…
Yeah, anyway the river seemed to be based off a subtropical jungle with various trees that wouldn't look out of place in Florida. It was a balmy 80 degrees and a bunch of different monsters were already floating as we stopped at the beginning of the winding water path.
There were all kinds of monsters who wouldn't look too out of place. Various furry folk, like jaguars, some scaly folk like alligators and so on. Some rode in on tubes while others swim freely using their bodies or even magic.
"So would you like to tell me why you had a little freak out?" I growled at the shit eating smirk on Chara's lovely face…dammit…
She had an orange float tube while I had a green one, and she used her own to pat my head.
I'm fucking eighteen you gorgeous lady! Not five!
"I'm not feeling like telling you…" I hid the shame of whining behind my inner tube, eyeing the water as an escape.
"H-Hey I was just teasing…honest." I was thrown back by her sudden apology and waved my hands in front of her face.
"It's alright! No worries okay?" She gave me a sweet smile that made my hands sweaty.
Let's calm down…
SQUEAK!
"So I'm guessing you're ready then?" Chara asked as I adjusted my flotation device with a serious look.
"Yep!" She smirked and my danger senses started tingling.
"BOOP!" My mind went blank as a pale mass struck against me and I fell into the slightly warmish water.
Ok…so that happened…let's figure out up from down okay?
Ok floating up…hitting the surface…almost slamming my face onto Chara's face…
"GAHHH! The fuck!" I laughed while Chara flailed in the water, feeling some excellent schadenfreude.
I slowly made it ahead of her as the current picked me up, an embarrassed Chara was then pushed forward by Frisk.
"Hey there…" I grinned and she hid her face in the water while we gently drifted down the artificial river.
"I deserve that…" she brushed her hair, paddling with her legs to move forward. "So what's bugging you really?"
"Am I that obvious?"
Chara rolled her eyes. "No shit Sherlock, you're an open book for us. Just like I can tell you're embarrassed by the swimsuits," I flinched, dropping my head down onto my inner tube. "I can tell something is really eating at you…and Asriel ain't telling."
I paddled backwards, so I could float shoulder to…head with the young women.
"I…want to go home." Her expression was soft and filled with a genuine concern I didn't expect from her. Thought I really should have…
"I…can understand…that…because it's clear you have a family that cares about you." She hesitantly placed her hand on my back, lightly patting it.
"I'm sorry." I apologized, realizing that I had something she didn't get to experience.
"Don't be, that's all in the past now." Her smile was rather fake and I felt guilty for bringing down the mood.
I…
"Surprise attack hug!" I turned around only to get a facefull of—
FRISK!?
"What the hell are you doing?!" I smirked at the crack in Chara's voice, deciding to reciprocate the hug. Out of common courtesy if nothing else.
And don't tell me you wouldn't do the same, if you had the chance. I let go soon after, my depression falling to the wayside for at least a little while.
"Thanks…" I kicked my feet speeding up, and turning so I could swim backwards.
"You're welcome buddy." Frisk bounced in the water as she looked up at something ahead, and a green flare emerged from her eyes.
Several platforms flew back toward us, each containing a distinct fruit…a mango, an orange, and an…apple.
At the sight of the mango, Chara's eyes lit up like a thousand burning suns and she reached out excitedly.
"Gimme gimme!" She punched the platform apart, gripping onto the colorful fruit with a practical death grip. She attacked the tropical fruit in a frighteningly cute feeding frenzy. She munched through its skin with ease, and I grabbed the apple for myself.
What's an apple doing in a tropical forest?
More importantly was the look on Chara's face as I glanced over. Her snack had gone down to her stomach in an instant and I snickered.
"Shut up!"
"I didn't say anything Chara." I did my best to alleviate her concerns, though it did little to help. So I decided to take a bite of a monster apple…
Hmm…pretty good…let's take a few more…anddd done!
"So this is pretty relaxing ain't it?" Frisk asked us as she leaned back on a summoned barrier. Her face split into a wide smile, her eyes glimmering with relief.
I suppose she doesn't like others being sad…
"Yeah…I honestly think this place would make killing back home. People would pay good money for this." The two nodded thought Frisk flushed and yelped as a dark shape emerged underneath her.
"EEEE!" She shrieked, sitting herself down and scowling as Asriel emerged from the water.
"BAHAHAHA!" He dived to the river bottom, avoiding a green wave of paralyzing energy from a searingly enraged Frisk.
I ignored the splash as Frisk dived below the water, leaning over to Chara. She apparently had a request.
Chara pointed to my left, to a mango tree…tilting her head in a desperate fashion.
"Could…could you pass me a couple please?" She added a pout for good measure.
I narrowed my eyes and…
Lift.
Three fruit were gently torn from their branches.
Pull.
They magnetically flew toward me, and gently fell onto a bowl shaped green barrier. I passed them into the clamoring hands of my friend. She tore into them with gusto, and I watched waiting for her to finish .
"So good…Mmm…yesss…" soon enough all that was left was some juice on her hands, which she quickly proceeded to lick up.
This was making me a tad uncomfortable…
"You done?" I crossed my arms, sinking into the warm water and enjoying the current pulling me along.
Chara showed off her teeth in delight. "Yeah! Sorry…it's just that I really like mangoes. Besides chocolate anyway."
"What about chocolate covered mangoes?" Her eyes lit up and I swear I saw her drool for a second.
"That sounds amazing." I rolled my eyes at her gushing, but I couldn't keep a smile off of my face. Her being happy….was a good thing.
"Yeah…"
(Frisk's POV)
I felt happiness as the two nerdy goobers talked and talked. It was the first time I had seen Chara happy to talk with someone who wasn't a monster or me.
"You know it's a good thing he's so open. A SOUL like his can keep Chara at ease." Asriel smiled as we watched them converse.
"Yeah…" a calm silence fell over us, and for a few minutes I could relax and…
Just be.
…
…
"Frisk? Why don't you go over there and hang out? I'm just gonna be chilling here…" I shook my head, my facade cracking at the worry in his voice.
It…was better this way…
Asriel palmed his face and I tried to back away. My attempt was met with no success and I was pulled back by a conjured vine.
"H-Hey what are you—?"
"Enough of this Frisk," I quailed at the anger in Asriel's voice. "It's not a good thing to be doing this…trying to isolate yourself is not healthy!"
Words started spilling out as I broke. "B-But I can't…I did terrible things…unforgivable things. She needs someone better than me." The goat monster rolled his eyes.
"You…IDIOT. You think you're the only one that's done shit. I killed everyone too…I RESET too…and Chara is not some angel. And under the same circumstances…he'd be no different. And he knows that." He was shaking, flames forming steam as he waved his hands beneath the surface.
"I…thats…I…"
"Frisk." I could hear the tiredness in him, and listened. "You're only human. It's okay to want to make Chara happy. But she still cares about you, despite your mistakes. So please stop…"
"S-Sure."
Asriel grinned. "Too bad you'll have to make your leave soon though." I tilted my head until I felt a vine wrap itself around my waist.
No don't you dare…you son of a g—
"HEADS UP!"
SPLASH!
"BLAGHH! Frisk what the bmhmml?!"
"Nice one Azzy!"
(Chara's POV)
"W-Wait really? People make AUs about us?" I asked Brandon a second time while we walked along the artificial beach pool.
"Yep there's a shitload of AU's and sans…I only know about some of them though."
I quirked an eyebrow. "Examples being?"
He started tapping his fingers as he answered. "Uh let's see here…Negatale, Positale, Emptytale, Underswap, Underfell, Negativetale, Outertale, Outerfell, Outerswap, Aftertale, Inktale, Inkfell, Reapertale, Dreamtale, Xtale, Gzfell, Gzswap, Horrortale, Altertale, Alterswap, Afterfell, Swapfell, Fellswap, Storyshift…"
Oh mother of god what have I unleashed…
"H-Hey…Uh buddy you don't have to list off every one of them." Even Frisk and Asriel were caught off guard at Brandon's list off.
"Oh there's also Dusttale, Quantumtale, Epictale, Flowerfell, Colortale, Endtale, Nightmaretale, Lusttale, Candytale, Quantumfell, Quantumswap, Quantumshift, Underlust, Swaplust, Lustfell…and a lot of the different sans are shipped together…for some reason."
Are his eyes glowing? And what was that last thing…?
"S-Ship…as in Sancest…?" Brandon resolutely nodded, his face like stone.
Horror filled me as Frisk opened her mouth. "Are…there…other ships?
He opened his mouth and I rushed to stop him, but he stepped aside narrowly dodging my hands… Damn it anything but this…nonsense.
"Off the top of my head," I shook my head, fear clouding my mind. "Soriel…"
"Sans and Toriel?" Asriel asked with a rigid tone, Brandon gave a thumbs up.
"Where was I? Frans…" Frisk blushed shaking her head at the idea of her and that smiley little bastard. "Charisk, Pappyton, Alphydyne, Sansby, Pappysans…" He shuddered at the last one, and revulsion churned my stomach.
Then I remembered the second ship…
"W-Wait…they ship Frisk and…and me?" I stuttered out the question.
"Apparently." He dryly answered back. His nose curled with some disgust, looking like he had swallowed an egg. "Maybe we should stop anyway…long story short…people ship everyone with everyone…I don't even know why I remember any of that…I've only read a few AU's I kind of like…?"
I breathed a sigh of relief as this conversation shifted. Even more relief flooded in when I could see Alphys and Undyne laying down on the beach right next to…
D-Dad?
The king was the first to notice us, his horns shining in the warm artificial sunlight from above.
"Howdy! You three must be enjoying yourself on this lovely day." D—the King greeted us with his usual happy go lucky attitude.
"Hello."
"Hi!"
"Greetings." The king looked at me with surprise, and I cursed at the slip. Years of living with Toriel had conditioned me to talk like she did.
"Hey dad. Watcha here for?" Asriel asked Asgore, his feet brushing against try sand.
"Ahh…I had decided to pay Water Park a visit after a long meeting with the Delta Council…mostly plans on how to organize after the Barrier is broken."
That makes sense, there's going to be a lot of changes once Monsterkind is free…and this time it'll be for good.
"Yep! I was waiting for you guys to show up!" Undyne cut in with a winning grin, her sharp teeth clicking against men another.
"Why?" Brandon was suspicious, his eyes narrow and dark.
"I was looking to play a human game Alphys told me about…volleyball I think?"
Oh? A game you say?
"Are you sure you want to play that game little fish?" My hands curled into fists, excitement passing through my nerves.
Undyne smiled. "Oh yes I do…and I've got the ball right here." From out of nowhere a ball appeared and she balanced it on a finger with a fierce snarl.
Brandon fidgeted as our rivalry sent an electric tingle into the air. Both of our SOULS flaring magical energy into the environment.
"So…how are we going to do this?" The smallest human among us asked, using what courage he had. "Youngest versus oldest…or humans versus monsters? Or some other configuration?"
"The first one sounds like the best option…what do you think pops?" Asriel agreed, palming his hands together with a competitive gleam in his eye.
Asgore stood to his full height, his shadow casting darkness down upon us. He smirked. "Oh this old goat still has a few good years left."
"Y-Yeah we can do this!" Electricity crackled from Alphys hands and the teams were decided.
The seven of us walked over to a net and took our sides…
"Know how to play?" I asked Brandon and he gave a thumbs up.
"More or less…we had to learn when I still had PE…like four or five years ago? My memory isn't the best." He rolled his shoulders as we got set to start…
"Well…you don't know how how monsters play." Undyne threw the ball in the air and as it landed back down she—
BOOM!
The ball rocketed at supersonic speeds and I leaped striking it back toward Alphys. The lizard lady yelped and I roared as she missed. We had gotten our first point…
This is going to be fun…
Music started to play, and I grinned recognizing their themes. Brandon did too if the excited if nervous gleam in his eye was any indication.
I checked them.
* Asgore Dreemurr ATK 80 DEF 80
* King Fluffybuns
* Big old softy…still a Boss Monster though
He looked more than ready to rumble…now for Alphys.
* Alphys ATK 1 DEF 2
* This nerd is going down
No need to check Undyne…
"Doesn't seem fair going with 4 against 3…" Brandon murmured quietly scratching an itch behind his back.
"FUFUFU! It's just a little handicap…you're no match for us!" Undyne boasted and I saw red.
Fire poured out from my hands, and I spiked the ball. It broke the sound barrier and the four of us roared together.
GERONIMO!
(My POV)
Ughhhhh…
"You doing okay?" Chara picked me up, and I wobbled on my poor feet.
The volleyball game had been amazing and tiring…we had played multiple rounds, with dozens of magical attacks accompanying that ball.
Fireballs…spears…even electrical attacks from good old Alphys…
Chara threw her own fireballs alongside using her bravery strength to punt the ball at even higher speeds.
Frisk and I bounced the ball back with our barriers, though I made use of my blue layer magic a fair bit.
Thought I did take a few smacks to the face whenever Chara got excitable…it was worth it though. She'd get all embarrassed and fuss over me…it was a sight to see. It was the most fun I had had since falling down here. After that we had spent time swimming and trying out the numerous attractions all around.
But now I was starving…
"You look like you're pretty hungry?" A glorious cheeseburger was placed in front of me, and saliva built up in my mouth.
Frisk had brought the food from…some type of mini Grillby's manned by his daughter…she had a towel wrapped around her and I hid my disappointment.
"Yeah that was really fun actually." Frisk sauntered toward me, taking a seat on the wooden chair next to me. "I don't usually do the whole 'hanging out' thing, I'm not the most sociable person."
Frisk shrugged, her eyes closing in response. "That's alright, I'm fine with chilling at home just as much as playing "outdoors" I snorted, staring up the decorated stone and rock above us.
I took a bite of the food, and—oh my god the taste is incredible! Gimme gimme!
…
It's all gone…
Frisk giggled, hiding it behind her left hand. "So I'm guessing you enjoyed that?" I pouted wanting another one. But it would likely be unhealthy.
"It wouldn't be unhealthy. Monster food doesn't have any health risks. You can't eat whatever without it affecting your health." Chara added the tidbit before casually moving back, returning to a chat with the King.
Wait I can do what?!
But then that means…
"I can eat as much junk food as I want and I won't face any consequences…" I whispered the thought.
Chocolate, pizza, candy and salty chips…Mexican Doritos…oh dear god.
"Too cute…" I blushed as the dark skinned girl next to me laughed with gusto. "But you still need to eat normal food for your nutrients."
I waved her off. "There won't be a problem with that…I eat relatively healthy at home. It's just spoiled by junk food."
"If you say so…" I quieted down, taking deep breaths as I simply people watched.
The monsters walking around us, despite their imprisonment in the Underground. They looked happier than any human I had ever seen. Despite our supposed "freedom" they lived better than most humans did…
I almost envied them. The ability to just be…and a small part of me hoped they could teach this to humanity. That their positivity and self love could make us better than we once were…
And I knew my world was out there. And the technology here could stop the impending catastrophes wrought by first our ignorance, and then our apathy. This world's humanity had already failed and we could see the example set for us.
I wasn't a shining beam of sunshine like some of the people down here…but that didn't mean I didn't have hopes and dreams for the future.
"You're pretty tired huh?" It was about then when I realized that I was laying my head down on the soft warmth of Frisk's arm. I thought of removing myself from her presence. But I'll be honest and state I was too comfy to move.
"We're friends right?" I mumbled out the question, yawning between the words. I was not used to this much activity and it showed. Frisk didn't seem to mind, allowing me a resting spot.
"Definitely." I beamed up at her, some of the loneliness I felt deep down ebbing at her words.
I yawned…my reserves spent after a day of fun and relaxation. It was probably time to go home and rest…
(3rd POV)
Night fell on the surface as well as the Underground, the distant snoring of its many denizens echoing into the dark night. Around Mount Ebbot there was no sign of human habitation. Hundreds of thousands of years of time had eroded away all but a few bits of sharpened metal. Countless blades of immaculate make and design, impossibly preserved on timescales beyond human comprehension.
The only signs that anyone was there, was the small trail of crushed grass and broken branches, starting from the base of the mountain and ending more than two kilometer into the air, up a steep slope next to a massive cliff where the open sea and the land below could be seen for many miles around.
Two figures, one decidedly humanoid and the other decidedly not. The two beings looked on in curiosity at the artificial looking square cut into the mountain.
Visible within the hole was a curtain of light and esoteric symbols. The humanoid figure was illuminated by the light emanating from the mountain.
Revealing it to be a certain small child. They had olive toned skin with messy brown hair, obscuring the silver gleam of their eyes. They shivered in the cold breeze their only protection being a ratty long sleeved green shirt with a single horizontal yellow stripe and chocolate brown pants and shoes.
Next to them a truly strange creature was on the lookout for trouble, it's amber eyes filled with cautious suspicion. The strange crocodilian was covered in a jaguar patterned coat of fine down, its blade like claws crunching against the loose soil and rock.
Around the entrance…well over a hundred weapons would have formed an impenetrable fence, blocking any from entering. If it hadn't been for time wearing the steel and iron down to gravel and rust.
The child stepped forward, their small hands stopping just short of the pulsing bubble of impossibly dense magical energy. Her companion sniffed nervously but followed after the child regardless.
The child didn't enter just yet, staring at a single stone mural just on the other side, only barely visible through the forcefield keeping the inside of the mountain isolated from the rest of the world.
"I…" they went silent, their hands grasping onto their pants with urgency, their little heart beating rapidly. Yet their companion nudged them forward regardless.
The human steeled their nerves and with a hand on the archosaurs soft head she crossed…
…
…
"I thought there would be more fanfair but nothing…" the two walked toward the stone mural, depicting a single name as well as an apology. For who neither of them could say, they could only guess.
They kept up the pace after leaving the mural behind, besides placing a few newly plucked golden flowers down. They eventually came across a bountiful garden of well cared for flowers and the young human smiled.
"Whoever lives here must really be into botany and gardening…" The small human frowned at the enormous chair fit for a true giant of a man or women. They decided it wasn't in their best interest to find out and went on their merry way.
The human and beast finally found themselves in a short greyish hallway, a song of love and happiness from further ahead making them smile. But in that light and happy song there was a single note of despair and darkness, a hint of a terrible past that made both shudder with revulsion and terror.
A time and place where it was kill or be killed…and they continued to move forward, looking on in wonder at the hall where people like them are judged.
A light like the sun shined through the ornate window, the stone pillars casting shadow and darkness in contrast to the warm light. Their steps echoed through the hall and they glanced about, checking for any spies. The human's SOUL sensed nothing around them and they moved on.
Their SOUL was awoken by a song telling a tale of an exiled people, of a family of both worlds that no longer was.
They went up the stairs…and found the cozy area bereft of life. So they walked onward, stopping at the entrance. An enormous door of fine wood and a doorknob too high for them to reach. But luck was on their side, the door left ajar by the slimmest of margins.
"Lucky…really. But I said I would make it or my name isn't Kris." The human smiled as they shut the door behind them. But it was then when they realized the scope of their actions, glancing aside to what lay below.
Kris stuttered. "I-It's e-enormous!" They cringed as their voice echoed downward, the bustling city below obscuring the sound. The child's hands started to shake, their lip quivering.
"Is this…what she wanted to protect? Is this why she…" Kris cut themselves off, focusing on their internal song to calm themselves. But the song bounced against the cavern walls, the child flinching as their mana was bounced back by three particular SOULS.
Kris was now curious, and would seek out answers, all she needed to do…was…
Take a leap of fate.
With their friend in hand they flew, thin green barriers forming to break their fall from the open corridor.
They had to know…why they were compelled to make this journey? How did others come here first, and why did this place reek of darkness and light alike?
Kris would get their answers…but what would the cost be?
(Unknown...)
My…my…things are slowly coming into place, piece by piece, step by step. We are slowly reaching the apex…the end…so let me tell you a story. Those listening from across the gulf of time and space, those infinite realities that I and you will never know…
Let me tell you of a LEGEND… a PROPHECY…long foretold…across countless worlds in many different forms…
A legend of HOPE.
A legend of DREAMS.
A legend of LIGHT.
A legend of DARK.
A legend of HUMANS
And a legend of MONSTERS.
This is the legend of the WORLD.
For millennia, there was a balance between LIGHT and DARK.
Bringing peace to the SOUL of the WORLD.
But this harmony was shattered long ago…by those with greed in their HEARTS.
Now a terrible cataclysm is coming…
Soon…the sky of ALL worlds will run black with terror.
And the land and seas will crack and wave with fear.
Then, their heart pounding…
All WORLDS will draw their final breath.
But HEROES of all shapes and sizes will appear.
HUMANS.
MONSTERS.
And OTHERWORLDERS.
Only they can guard INFINITY.
And banish the RAPTURE of the ANGEL.
Only then will the WORLD be set FREE.
Only then will all SOULS be saved from destruction.
But today…the broken BALANCE has shifted once again.
The SOUL of another WORLD is now AWAKE.
The BARRIER between REALMS has shattered.
The ANGEL'S fragments now plot across REALITY.
The HEROES must UNITE, or the UNDERGROUND…
Will EMPTY once more…
BECAUSE I AM HERE.
2nd Author's Note:
Don't have much to say here, I just hope you like this chapter...future chapters should start getting deeper into the lore I've developed for this story. It's a doozy...
(Edit) also uh...if anyone has an idea, any ideas on a good artist for Undertale fanart? I'd like something other a pink diamond mural for this fanfic.