Orange leaves flutter down on the autumn wind. A chill runs down the hulking creature's spine, causing his snow-white fur to stand on end. His keen senses were overwhelmed by the brisk, clean air, as a huge, unconscious smile revealed his razor-sharp teeth. It was everything Asriel had ever dreamed of… and more.
Ever since he was old enough to walk, he would sneak to the opening at the end of the Ruins, one of the only places where his favorite flowers would grow. There, he dreamt about what his parents called "The Surface", the adventures he would have, the friends he would make, the fun he would have, creating warm wishes to fill his lonely void. It was during one of these escapades when Chara fell.
Asriel was scared at first. He was about to strike down the evil king of the humans, thrusting his sword into his chest to land the finishing blow when he heard a small "thump" of something hitting the ground behind him. He quickly turned around and pointed the worn wooden stick at the unknown being. The green-shirted human slowly lifted his head, a pair of deep scarlet eyes peered into Asriel's soul.
Asriel's fear faded away when he saw his face for the first time. Loneliness, sadness, confusion, and fear laced the human's eyes. At that very moment, he confirmed to himself that not all humans are like the ones the castle guards told him about.
"Azzy! We have to go! Mom and Dad will realize we're gone!" a voice pleaded, snapping him back to reality.
"Sorry, sorry. It's just so…umm", Asriel responded, struggling for words.
"Pretty?", the voice offered.
"Yeah! But it's not just that, it's the smells too! It's the air! It's everything! It's all so… so new and amazing!" the prince enthusiastically replied. Chara chuckled a little in his astral, nonexistent form.
"After we're done here, you'll get to experience this every single day." The monster and soul were silent for a little while, taking in the scenery. Asriel's monster soul thumped loudly in his chest, anxious about what he was about to do. It was a chance for monsters to rise again, to live in hope and happiness, but he knew it could come at a great cost. "You alright there lil bro?" Chara asked, feeling Asriel's discomfort.
Asriel hesitates for a second, fearful. "When we take the souls… will the humans get them back?"
Chara mentally sighed, telling him the humans would live would be a lie. The amount of magical power they wielded would be enough to destroy the whole village in seconds. Chara's lust for revenge burned within his being, he wanted the humans to pay the ultimate price for what they did to them. The pain, the suffering, he wanted to pay it back tenfold. Asriel's hesitation allowed Chara to see an error in his plan though. He realized that while he could influence Asriel to use his magic, as it drew power from the bonded human and monster soul, he couldn't actually release it themselves and attack, unless…
"Chara? I'm scared… there has to be some other way…"
"Azzy, listen to me."
"Okay…"
"If you're scared, let me take over, if the humans see you show weakness, they'll tear us apart!" Chara warned.
"But… but Chara! I can do this! I'll do it for the Underground! For Mom and Dad! For you! I'm not afraid! I trust your plan!" Asriel almost yelled at the limp body in his arms, as if he were actually alive. Neither of them believed Asriel's words for a second.
As the monster brushed past the last tree of the vast forest of Mt. Ebott, he was treated with the large, expansive, grassy plain. The knee-high grass swayed in the growing wind, cutting at his exposed feet and shins. Asriel's soul trembled in his chest, effectively creating a heartbeat. His hands shook from both cold and fear. As amazing as everything was…
I just want to go home…
"Welcome to my home Azzy," the human said tersely, breaking the silence. Asriel remained silent, unnerved further by his sibling's tone. Sturdy looking wooden homes, not too much different than the ones in Snowdin, lined up in rows, creating a central walkway. The grass had been trodden on, creating a dirt path leading to a circular central plaza. The sun had set, leaving torches hung near the house's door to paint the town a dim orange.
The fire wasn't like the magical fire that Asriel was used to. Instead of a calming aura, with an inviting, mellow heat, this fire was erratic and violent. Black smoke swells forth, filling his nostrils before quickly coughing it out violently, causing a shockwave to ripple through the town. He struggled to walk, he slowly stumbled forward towards the center of the town. Ears ringing, he could feel his soul shake even more frantically. A tear falls, moisturizing the dry, cracked dirt. Asriel gripped the body tightly, pulling it closer,
needing something to hold on to.
"Remember Azzy," Chara began, unfazed, "this is for the future of monsters, everyone will be free if we do this." Chara was excited, ultimate power was at their fingertips. "The flowers, lay my body down in them, they're the only things I liked about this hellhole." Asriel did as he was told, lying Chara's pale, lifeless body into the circular, golden bed. He carefully crossed Chara's arms, and quickly arranged a bundle of flowers and wrapped them in their hand. Asriel slowly stepped back, head bowed in respect, and recited a monster prayer for the fallen as his father taught him.
"What on earth is that!"
"Monster!"
"The child!"
"It killed it!"
A throng of humans, young men, all holding pitchforks, swords, and torches slowly appeared from the surrounding houses, cutting off the streets and giving Asriel nowhere to run. They slowly closed in, jabbing their makeshift weapons threateningly. Cries to "Kill the beast!" rang out.
"Humans!" Asriel squeaked, trying his absolute best to stay calm, "I come in peace! I am only here to pay my respects to my friend Chara!"
"Chara?"
"Ya mean… 's kid?"
"He went to Ebott?"
"Don't believe him! It's all a trick!"
"He was murdered!"
"We must avenge him!"
"Let them fry!"
Uproar broke out amongst the enraged townspeople. The cries grew louder, drowning out Asriel's desperate pleas.
"Die monster!"
"You don't belong in this world!"
"Go back to hell!"
Chara burned with rage and anger, the fused soul shone bright red. Their fury boils to the surface, conjuring a raging fire in Asriel's hands.
"Chara! What are you doing!"
"Asriel. Close your eyes and let it go. I'll do the rest." Chara growled.
"I-I can't! There's got to be another way! If I just talked to them I could…"
"ASRIEL! We have no CHOICE."
"Magic!"
"Witchcraft!"
"It's gonna kill us all!"
"Attack!"
An arrow whistles through the air, digging deep into Asriel's shoulder.
"ASRIEL!" Chara screamed.
The pitchforks come now, their sharpened points finding their mark. One stabs his right leg, another, his abdomen. Asriel falls to one knee, howling in pain.
"ASRIEL!"
His robe catches on fire, the crackling flames lick at his fur and skin.
"ASRIEL!"
White dust flies.
…
…
…
The autumn wind falls silent. A spasm of pain ripples through the hulking creature's being, causing his blood-soaked fur to stand up on end. His keen senses were overwhelmed by a clutch of seven human souls, pulsing and shaking with power and anger. A grimace of agony revealed his razor-sharp teeth. Asriel could not have dreamt this in his worst nightmares.
The monster approached a cave opening, his expression blank and emotionless. A huge arc of rocks and earth, about twenty feet tall at the highest point stood imposingly before them. The Barrier rippled like water as Asriel passed through effortlessly, limping finally to the throne room. Two thrones stood amongst a sea of golden flowers, matching the gleaming walls with the Delta Rune proudly engraved, its prophecy seeming to be completed.
Wordlessly, Asriel brought the souls to his chest, absorbing their power. After a flash of light, Asriel took on a terrifying winged form. His geometric jet black body supported his wings, which flashed the rainbow colors of the souls. He could feel the souls wriggling inside him. Asriel blocks it out as he conjures the soul's energy, forming it into a marvelous, multicolored beam. The souls scream in agony at their forceful use, their power fading quickly. The beam slams against the barrier, rainbows dance around the room. After a few seconds, the barrier begins to cave in on itself, its defense failing. Finally the beam pierces the wall, shattering like glass.
The barrier was broken…
Asriel slumps back into his child form, his signature green sweater torn and ripped. His HP had not recovered. All eight souls burst out his chest. The seven that were taken, dash around frantically, their color dulled. Their once vibrant colors then fade to gray before cracking into halves. Asriel and Chara could hear shrieking. The souls let out their final curses to the duo, until they completely shattered, the pieces disintegrating as they hit the ground.
Asriel's emotions hit Chara's still connected soul all at once. It was indescribable. He could hear the souls' voices still ringing in Asriel's ear. He could feel Asriel's chest tighten, his breathing quicken. Asriel forced out a hollow laugh.
"You lied to me Chara."
Chara said nothing.
"You USED me. You wanted to kill them all, didn't you?"
Chara was silent.
"I understand now. It wasn't the monsters I was saving…" Asriel lets out a pained chuckle. His mouth curls into a smile. "I was saving the humans from YOU!" Chara had no response. "Is this what… anger feels like?"
"..."
"Heh… even though I should hate you. I just can't do it."
"..."
"I told you… Us monsters… are a funny bunch… haha"
"..."
"So please, survive, leave this place. Find peace… wherever that may be…"
"..."
"Ughh…I feel… so tired… Chara. Is this really it?"
"..."
"Chara…" Asriel looks straight at Chara's soul. No longer smiling, rivers of tears flow down his tired face. He grips the gleaming, golden necklace around his neck, holding it close to his chest. The dying monster looks down at his most prized possession, letting out a sob as he opens the locket, revealing the engraved message.. "Chara I…," he weakly utters, slumping to the ground.
"Asriel?"
The monster silently mouthed out four worlds before fading away, his dust spreading throughout the garden. Chara can only laugh.
Years later…
Heavy rain pours down from the angry, dark gray sky. Violent winds whip through the small child's short brown hair. The leafless trees sway back and forth from the pressure, creating a loud, harsh crackling sound. The blue and purple striped sweater did nothing to protect the small child. They ran, the rush of adrenaline the only thing keeping them warm. The thick, sticky mud slowed them down considerably and caked their tiny, underdeveloped legs. The large, looming Mt. Ebott stood before them, its peak slightly obscured by the swirling clouds. They began to slow down, catching their breath, as the cold took hold. The small child hugs themselves in a feeble attempt to stay warm. Small sobs escaped, but they persevered. The thought of home made the girl cry harder, as their reasons for venturing into the monster-infested forest in a brutal storm burst forth in their psyche. Conflicted, alone, and freezing, the girl fell to their knees before a vast lake. The water's reflected gray surface swirls and ripples along with the wind and rain. The harsh waters crash against a nearby rock face, spraying additional frigid water upon the little girl. They curled up into a fetal position and squeezed their eyes shut, searching for any possible respite. Several minutes of silent cries later, they heard a gasp from behind them, followed by fast, deep footsteps, surely a hulking, bloodthirsty monster ready to snatch away their feeble soul. They take in a deep, shaky breath, awaiting their demise. The claws came first as they lifted them up, grabbing their legs and neck from below, their heart dropping from the huge change in altitude. They turn their head to face their killer, opening their small brown eyes one last time.
…
…
...
The throne room lies in complete silence. The sun begins to rise, flooding the bed of flowers in a warm, orange glow as it reflects off the golden pillars that line the regal hall. The flowers seem to bloom a little more, taking in the sun's full, unimpaired reys for the first time in decades. Songbirds from the surface chirp their morning melodies, a new day on the horizon. The only inhabitant of the room, a lonely red soul lying next to a priceless golden locket.
"I should be happy right?" Chara's bodiless form muses. They have been asking themselves the same question the entire night without truly finding an answer. Their soul begins to pound as they recap the night's events, the pain, the taking of control, the screams of the humans. Each soul's voice flashes in his mind rapidly. The battle cry of a young man, the screeching of a woman who pushed her son out of the powerful magical blast, the piercing cry of said child. There is chaos everywhere. Multicolored magic ripples through the town, spreading fires to the dwellings of his tormentors, their inhabitant's lives at his fingertips. Chara wanted to enjoy it. It was a megalomaniac's true paradise. But, for every face of agony that brought a smile to their face, a certain monster's carefree, toothy grin flashing through his memory forced his own smile down.
"'Leave this place,' what an idiot. My soul will crack any second now. My body's too far gone now," Chara spat, brushing it off. After a little while, new emotions bubbled forth. Unable to contain themselves, Chara began to laugh. Something about the situation was so funny, they couldn't help it. They laughed and laughed until they were out of breath, still unable to control their wheezing. Eventually, the laughter gave way to uncontrollable sobbing. A single thought hammering in their head. Asriel's final words, replaying over and over. He tried to block it out but they roared back louder than before, before giving way to a final vision, a vision of their best, and only friend, withering away because of their sinful actions. Tears streamed down his face, but his beautiful blue eyes still shone with hope and compassion. His lips moved, sounding out four words, four words that nearly shattered his soul.
"You couldn't have POSSIBLY meant it right?" Chara said frantically. "How? Why? I just don't understand!"
"WHY DO YOU STILL LOVE ME?"
…
…
...
Asriel wakes up, breathing heavily. Sweat covered his body, his pajamas sticking to him like glue. Despite that, he was freezing. A chill ran down his spine, fearful tears springing from his eyes, feeling alone and frightened. He practically leaps out of his twin bead before tripping over his stuffed bear that had fallen in his restless slumber. Picking himself up, he tip-toes over to his brother's bed. The brown haired human was sleeping on his side, facing away from him. Carefully, he slides next to them, trying his best not to wake them up, and using all his willpower to not cling onto them in fear.
"I know you're there Azzy." Chara deadpanned, sounding perfectly awake despite it being after midnight.
"Sorry Chara…" Asriel squeaked, now thoroughly embarrassed.
"You see, where I come from, kids like us are scared of monsters under the bed. What about you? Is there a monster under the monster's bed?" Chara chuckled, still not facing their brother. Asriel grumbles, but appreciates the lightning of the mood.
"Were you scared of the monsters? Were you scared of us when you came here?" Asriel asked.
"Uhhh, nope!" Chara playfully responded, turning around and grabbing their brother's huge fluffy ears. "I'm much too brave for that! Plus, the first monster I ever met was you! How could I possibly be afraid?
"It just seems like you're not afraid of anything… And here I am, running to your bed like a little…"
"Hey now! Looks like you need another lesson in Chara's 'Toughen up Azzy' class. Don't think I forgot about your homework from last time!" Chara interrupted. Asriel giggled this time, remembering how Chara attempted to "work on his roar" with little success. Despite that, the dark thoughts from the nightmare still swirled through the young monster's head, and Chara sensed it. "Did you want to talk about it?" Asriel sniffed and dried his tears.
"I just wanted to ask you something... " Asriel shakily began, "Will you ever leave me?"
"Of course not," Chara said sincerely, before their teeth widened into a wicked smile, "Why would I ever leave someone as adorable as YOU!" They tackle the monster and tickle his armpits, prompting a wave of laughter and protests. Asriel tries to counter with a tickle attack of his own, but Chara already has the advantage, and his attack fizzles out as he continues to squirm and laugh. After a short while, the human shows mercy, clearly happy with themself.
"Thanks Chara…" Asriel begins, touching a palm to his chest, pulling out a glowing, white upside-down heart.. A gesture of closeness and affection that the human reciprocates with their vibrant, scarlet heart.
"Oh my gosh you dorkus", Chara responds, wrapping the monster in a hug, "Don't ever change okay?"
"I thought you said I needed to toughen up?" Asriel questions.
"Eh… I gueeess I'll just be around to protect you all the time. It's what big brothers do after all." Chara responds, winking.
"But I'm older than you!" the monster whined.
"Details, details. Everyone will think I'm older because I'm taller"
"Barely! Give me a year and I'll be taller than Captain!",
"Dream on Shorty."
"Ughhhh!" Asriel groans, flopping into Chara exasperated. Chara couldn't help but laugh.
"Feel better?"
"Yeah…" The pair remained silent for a while, enjoying each other's company. After a short time, sleep threatened to retake the weary monster.
"Hey Chara?" Asriel yawned.
"Yeah Azzy?"
"I love you."
"I…" Chara pauses, "I love ya too."
…
…
…
Toriel sprints through the forest, weaving between trees hunched over, trying to keep the small human in her arms dry. The child had looked into her eyes, bloodshot and laced with loneliness, confusion and fear, clearly shaken by her appearance and the horrid conditions. She had seen those eyes before, almost 20 years ago, when she met someone else dear to her. Shaking the resemblance away, she warmed her arms up with a touch of royal fire magic and began to sprint back to her nearby home. After a short trek following the edge of Lake Ebott and slightly into the forest, she nearly knocked the door off her small, primitive cottage. Entering her circular, one room dwelling made of logs sewn together by magic, she carefully places the child on her makeshift bed and strips their soaked clothing off. Toriel gasps as she sees the tiny human's frail body littered with bruises and scars that could not have come from a simple fall or scrape in the forest. She then takes off her own oversized lavender robes and wraps the girl in an attempt to keep her warm, coddling the child and bringing them towards her chest. The child finally seemed at ease, breathing steady as they closed their eyes in exhaustion. A strong gust of wind slams against the cottage, sobering Torial up. Laying the child back down on the bed of her own fur, she examines the child's clothes, now torn and caked in mud. Finding a name on the inside of the purple and blue sweater, a tear falls from her face as she looks back at the feeble, malnourished child. "Who could have done this to you…" she sighs. She plants a kiss on Frisk's forehead. "I'm so glad I found you Frisk, the people who did this to you will never find you again…"
After a short while, the rain slows, the clouds part, and the sun shines on a new day. Frisk wakes up in the arms of their savior. She takes a gander at their new surroundings. A small, mellow, smokeless fire crackled in the middle of the circular room. Sunlight beams in from the openings between the wooden sticks that made up the walls, yet an invisible bind kept the inside warm. The crisp clean air of Ebott forest fills their nose, no longer shivering cold but instead warm and safe, something they almost never experienced. The little human hugs the goat-like monster back, a small smile emerges from the creature's mouth. Frisk began to cry once more.
A/N
Hello, it's been awhile. I'm never going to finish this. Just couldn't sleep tonight and needed something to do. It's now marginally better than the original version.
Till next time,
Kai