Chapter 7
"So…*hic* are ya outta town or smthin?" The bunny woman, Damaris slurs, downing another shot of a strange amber liquid. She sways unsteadily on her bar stool, grasping at the wooden fixture in front of her to steady. The girl appears barely out of her teen years, dressing quite proactively in her ruby gown.
"Something like that." I frown, tapping my fingers against the glass of water. The bar emits a warm, homey feeling like a house during the holidays. People chatter among their group of friends, often greeting those who walk through the door. The color is a monochrome of various shades of brown, red, and orange sans the bottles behind the bar. Various monster branded alcohols in different tongues stand in the shelving unit behind the bar with a few smaller bottles breaking up the numerous tall necks. Booths line the east side of the wall, giving the patrons a nice view of the people passing by on their way home for the night.
I sigh, staring absentmindedly at the bartender as he walks between the bar, the back door, and the dining floor. His body is fit, adorned with a sleek suit-like outfit. His appendages appear to be held solely by magic as demonstrated by the flickering flames leaving no scorch marks on his guests. Damaris smacks my arm, her drink sloshing all over her arm.
"That's Grillby a real hottie. He doesn' date though. Too prudish to try any of this." She mumbles absentmindedly, sighing wistfully at the bartender's backside. He has his arms full of red plastic baskets containing various bar menu items. Dog monsters bark at Grillby excitedly, thanking the elemental for the meal. The two in the black trench coats hand the other a bite of their meal, much like an old married couple still hanging strong. A tiny headed dog carefully eats his food, his metal suit clanking at each little movement. The dog all the way to the left of the table mumbles under his breath, what appears to be a dog treat smoking between his lips.
"Grillby! How's bout nother shot?!" Damaris screeches like a pterodactyl, shifting her glass closer to the edge of the bar. I wince, shrinking further in my seat as the patron's eye gaze over. A few around us snicker under their breaths, making jokes about the drunk bunny. Grillby crackles, the tone sharp with some baritone. It gives off the impression of a friend chastising the other for being completely smash faced. Still, his flaming hand picks up the glass on his way behind the bar, filling it with something out of sight. When he slides it back down, a clear liquid replaces the amber liquid she was drinking.
"Thanks Grillbz!" She hiccups, downing the liquid in one swoop. Damaris mumbles something under her breath, the sound incoherent. I quirk an eyebrow at the strange flaming bartender. He levels my stare with one of his own, the quiet crackle of his flames filling the silence. Grillby shrugs, refilling her small glass with another shot of water.
'Amazing. He does not or perhaps cannot touch the water therefore he pours from another source. Although made of magic does not negate the ability water has to quench a fire.'
Despite his body being completely made of fire, his face is similar if not more expressive than a human. I snap out of my daze as Grillby moves, his hand in close proximity to gather my attention. He raises his invisible eyebrow, gesturing to the glass of water in front of me. I blush, blaming his heated body for the sudden cell explosions under my skin.
"I am good, thank you." I smile beneath the hood, taking a rather large swig. He shrugs again, walking through a door marked 'Fire Exit'. I smirk wryly at the joke, taking smaller sips of the cool liquid.
'I am pretty sure Sans thought of that for the elemental.'
"S'ome good shit." The bunny slurs, laying her head against the bar. "Grillbys hawt but someone *hic* else is hawter."
"Oh?" I lean in, giggling quietly as the bunny nods her head. It squeaks against the polished bar top, but she pays it no mind.
"Yeaahh. He's troo hawt for words. Fawked *hic* him a fheww timesss." Damaris pretends to count on her fingers, but based on her lack of focus, she really is not counting. I shake my head pushing my glass in hopes she will sober up.
"That is quite a lewd thing to say Damaris" The bunny girl giggles, resting beige paw on the bar top.
"'s true though. *hic* Was sooo guuud." I open my mouth, ready to give the young girl a lesson in protection. A gust of cool wind bursts through the warm room, breaking the peaceful barrier. The patrons around us begin to greet the arriving patron wholeheartedly. The color slowly drains out of my face as a familiar name echoes around the bar.
"Sans!"
My blood runs cold, the feeling of a black hole opens beneath my heart. "Thwats him!" Damaris coos, sloshing her shot glass water into the air. The contents slosh onto the counter top above her head.
'Speak of the devil himself and you shall receive.'
My body stiffens, the warm air feels stuffier now, constricting even. My fingers death grip the bar edge, the knuckles turning white under the strain. The sound of a chair deflating a few seats down perks my attention, the sound of phalanges tap on the bar top patiently. Grillby walks by swiftly, a few flecks of embers floating off his body. The tapping ceases, the bones clattering quietly as they rest on the bar top.
"Sup Grillz. Seems like this place is on fire tonight. Really this business is smoking right now." The elemental crackles, the sound like a huff of annoyance and laughter mixed into one.
"Nice to see you too old friend." The sound vibrates in a rich crackle, the base of his voice low like a blooming fire. My eyes stare at the elemental in awe, quietly ease dropping in on their conversation. Damaris murmurs something in the background, her voice drowning into the background static.
"What can I say? I need to ember my friends from time to time. It would be an ashen if I forgot." Grillby groans, picking up a glass to polish with his rag procured from under the bar.
"Would you like your usual?" Sans puts his hand up, giving his skull a slow shake.
"Need something a lil stronger than the usual." At the hint of information, the elemental quirks a non-existing eye brow, but gathers a drink for the skeleton. The bartender grabs a blue bottle off the top shelf, pouring a strange deep rich maroon color into a small tumbler glass. He watches patiently as the skeleton takes a small swig, a small nearly inaudible sigh escaping through his teeth.
I pretend I am busy talking to Damaris, making hand gestures and lip movements but not saying a word. One eye trails back to the duo, watching Sans perch himself up with his arm. One phalange skims across the rim of his glass, his eye sockets appearing to be somewhere else.
"Thanks Grillby." Grillby gives a silent nod, turning his attention back to the two of us. I quickly make with a topic, cursing silently as an unconscious Damaris snores loudly on the table. The elemental walks by on his rounds, raising his eyebrow in a silent question. I feel a guilty smile make its way onto my face, shaking my head in response.
'He probably knows I was eavesdropping on their conversation…' I take a curious look at the skeleton who now has the strange bottle in front of him. His first glass is gone and what appears to be a second glass is being poured through a blue tinge. An involuntary shiver races through at the sight of his magic, the inflicted wounds tensing in fear.
'Now that Sans is here it is the best time to sneak out undetected.' Reaching into my pocket, I thankfully scrounge up few dollars for the drink, pushing it toward the bar as the elemental comes back around.
"Thank you for your hospitality." I nod, hopping off of the bar stool His face shifts into one of slight shock, but says nothing as I turn to leave. I keep my head down as I walk away, the patrons' eyes prying into my body.
'Don't look up. Don't make a sound. Don't do anything to be noticed.'
'He might notice me. I hope he doesn't notice me. Nothing is worse than being a hu…'
I yelp, feeling a hand bring my mind back to the present. A warm orange glow illuminates the left side of my face, the tendrils of fire creating the elemental's fingers holds fast against the fabric.
"Child. If I may ask." His voice crackles deeply, the tune threatening. "Where did you get this money from?" I shiver, carefully plucking the monster's fingers from my shoulder. Without turning around, I shrug, fear rooting my feet to the floor. A few surrounding conversations hush into a whisper, their nosy eyes invading the moment.
"…" Words do not come, remaining in a cluster within my throat. Something to tell him I am not a human. A lie of course, but any lie can become believable. A quick whirl of scenery has my face meeting Grillby's body, the flames flickering the brightest around his head. His flaming hand grasps my chin, yanking my eyes to meet his glassed ones. They appear to squint behind the rectangular frames, disbelief flickering in his golden gaze.
"I will ask you again child. Where. Did. You. Get. Human. Money." Silence follows in the bar, the patrons coming to a full halt around us. Someone accidentally clinks their glass, causing a small ripple of sound in the tomb like silence. We stare at each other for a few long seconds, my heart beating erratically in my chest. I am the first to move, ripping my head out of his hold. He is caught off guard, his hand creating leverage for my body to swing an odd way. The flight or fight response kicks in; the pain within my hand throbs uncomfortably. My feet go to turn, to run away from the elemental, but instead tangle.
"Shh…!" A half curse leaves my lips as my body falls to the floor, the loud 'thud!' bouncing off the bar walls. My hand hisses with nerve pain, the strange soft glow lighting the floor beneath. Both hold my form up, the vibrations from impact rattling the bones beneath. The bones hiss, the muscles contract, rushing the adrenaline through the system to numb the pain. Darkness swims in my sight, the room disappearing behind it.
'Wait…When did I close my eyes?' I open my eyes, glancing up to accept the judgement. My eyes widen slightly, Grillby's reaction far from what was imagined. His yellow orbs widen past the frames, seeming comical despite the situation. His hand reaches out, as though to grasp at something of value just out of reach. My head swivels around the bar, watching as the patrons each take in the situation, some with eyes wide in either shock or fear. I carefully reach up, in hopes to burry my face deeper within the hood. The blood rushes out of my face as my hand taps the bare top of my head, my identity no longer hidden.
"Is that a human?"
"No way…a human? Should Undyne be informed?"
"Humans are dangerous. I hope Grillby is okay."
"…Nix…" My head whips at the sound of my name, the nerves beneath the skin coiling. Grillby squats, his hand hesitantly reaching out. The flames around his body recede to a normal level, the simple warmth radiating off him invokes the fictitious feelings of safety.
'How…does he know my name…' I shiver, feeling the fear seed within my soul. Something deep within his gaze holds residue shock but the recognition supersedes all other emotions. 'He looks…as though he knows me…' My body instinctively scuttles back, wincing at the close proximity of his flaming figure. Breathes come out ragged, my soul flutters against its confines, begging, pleading, to run, to escape. Adrenaline swings at full peak, my senses instantly picking up movement from either side of the peripheral. A few of the dogs reach for their weapons around the table, other patrons grasping at their table ware as a make shift weapon. I glance behind the bartender, meeting the only calm face in the place. Sans sits idly on his bar stool; his sockets void of the white lights. Instead, his left eye glows with the familiar blend of blue, gold flecks dancing along the tips of the flame. His phalanges tap at the empty glass, the rich maroon liquid gone without a drop to waste.
"Nix, please come here." Grillby's voice snaps my attention, his form hovering dangerously close to my own.
'Shit when did he get this close?!' I whip my head around, noticing the monster crowd creating an impenetrable circle around the two of us. "It will be okay."
'No…' I shake my head slowly, my body refusing to move from its spot.
'No…someone…anyone…please…' The monsters move in, drawing the point of their weapons in my direction. A few snarl, whispering insults under their breath.
'Someone…anyone…save me…'
"GET ME OUT OF HERE!" I scream, the sound bordering on hysteria. There is a moment of murmurs among the crowd and then, a deafening sound. A crackle reverberates through the air, jolting the monsters back a few inches. Bright orange lights surround my body, the light shielding my eyes from the scene. Various lights flit past my closed vision, covering my body in a warm mist. Air rushes by my face as the spare lights begin to circle in a dangerous manner. The sounds of the bar goers mutate into a roar of confusion, Grillby's voice piercing the veil in vain as the warm glow envelopes my body. Darkness covers the light, the warmth blanketing my body. Silence follows shortly after, the darkness lulling my senses to peace. The urge to sleep is strong and for once, I comply, falling into my own darkness.
"Mr._ why does _ and _ have bruises on their bodies?" I huff, folding my arms over my chest. My cheeks puff out in irritation, the urge to stick my tongue out is strong. Daddy says however, that if I wish to be an adult, I must not stick my tongue out.
"They were simply playing my child. Isn't that right?"
"Y…yes…just like we told you…" The short one mumbles, tugging at the elder sibling's sleeve for comfort. I roll my eyes, untangling my arms to grasp both kid's hands. They both wince, hiding slightly behind my body. Each give a gentle tug that I promptly ignore.
"That is a load of Jerry malarkey and you know it!" I hiss, pulling the kids to stand behind me as I face their parent.
"Oh? To what extent of evidential proof do you have against me young one?" Their father huffs, his trinket on his work desk long forgotten. He folds his arms in a similar fashion as I did, his stupid adult face smirking down at me.
"On day 3 the boys came to class with no signs of abuse. Teachers did not talk about it but when greeting them with a hug, both winced. Conclusion, bruising beneath the surface."
"Day 8, bruising under clothing ceases to heal, pain appears to intensify until both are refusing hugs all together."
"Day 16, one child is taken to the nurse's office for an incident in class. Nurse pulls up shirt sleeve to find a gash from the incident and an insidious purple splotch across the bone. Child blames it on an incident."
"I could go on Mr. _ but I feel you have the remaining puzzle pieces." Their father stands with his stupid poker face, void of any emotions. A small smile spreads across his face, his hands unfurling to clap.
"Well done _! You are a little genius just like your father says!" I blink, staring up at the man like he has three heads.
"This was a mere test child. To observe your observation skills and problem solving. To say I am impressed is an understatement." Anger boils under the surface, the youngest sibling whispering muted words from behind. I clench both hands tightly, glaring at the man before us.
"This was a test?!" I scream, the room shakes with the sound. "Why did you have to hurt them?! That is not fair to your kids! How could you do that?!" His smirk raises further up his face, the corners cracking into something sinister. The normal relaxed feeling is gone, malicious intent swirling within the air.
"Why, for the sole purpose of science my dear.'
(Third Person PoV)
The patrons stare in awe, their minds finding no feasible solution to what has occurred. 'Mage' flits through some patron's memories. They are the first to break away from the circle, racing out of the bar on their own mission. Grillby remains crouched onto the floor, his fist closed around wisps of air. The elemental brings his fist back, opening his palm to reveal the only treasure he could grab. A simple orange and red striped hair clip blends nearly seamlessly into his palm, the aluminum slightly bent from force.
'She was…so close…I almost had her.'
Grillby sighs, clenching his fists as he stands. He keeps his back to the patrons, his gaze looking pointedly at the back of the bar.
"I need everyone out please." He murmurs, his eyes fixated onto his best patron and friend.
"But Grillby, the human…"
"I SAID GET OUT!" He flares, the flames stretching to the outer part of the circle. The patrons waste no time getting out, a few dragging the unconscious as they flee. Gold coin is tossed on various tables as they race out, mumbles of thanks hang under their breath. Within a few moments, the bar is empty, the door swinging haphazardly on its hinge. A few chairs and tables lay against the floor, forgotten food strewn across the hard wood.
"Geez Grillby, didn't think you would finally crackle." Sans muses, using his powers to pick up the fallen furniture. A faint blue aura covers most of the items, settling them back into their shadowed imprints on the floor. The elemental shoots him a razor-sharp look, silencing the skeleton in his tracks.
"I…apologize." Grillby sighs, walking to the door to flip off the 'Open' sign to a 'Close'. He pulls out his key ring, locking the front door early for the night. He makes his way back up to the bar, the furniture in place as when he started. He gives Sans a grateful nod.
"You guna explain what exactly that was 'bout Grillbz?" He nods, taking the blue bottle from earlier off the shelf. He notes it is slightly lighter than it was earlier, chalking it up to his friend before him. Grillby grabs himself a glass, pouring the liquid into both glasses until the nectar borders overflow. The liquid swirls around temptingly, seducing the bartender with silvery strokes to take one, long swig of it before beginning. He refrains, allowing himself one greedy sip before restraining to smaller sips. One of his more prized concoctions: muddled berries, silver light, and a touch of burn from his homemade vodka. Grillby sighs, his time arriving a lot sooner than he would like.
"Did you know I was part of the Monster-Human war?" He begins, staring into his glass as the memories surface. Sans shrugs, taking a sip of his drink.
"You did mention that before. Though what does this have to do with the human?" Grillby glances up, his face drawing concern from Sans. It appears older than he is, fatigued with the weight of the memories he holds. Flashbacks of life before the Underground flicker past the golden eyes, lingering on one feeling. Beneath it all, Sans can see the elemental holds a strong string of grief lining back before the war.
"Did you know what I did before the war?" Grillby continues, the question rhetoric. "I was living on the surface with a human female. Strong, independent, beautiful, her soul shined brighter than any of those I have seen in my day. Still is." Th elemental chuckles sadly, sipping at his drink. "I was finishing my degree, saving up the money for our upcoming wedding. We were to be wed a week before the war even began." Sans nearly spits out his drink, staring at the bartender with wide sockets. 'Grillby with a…human? They were…to get married?'
Noticing his friend's shock, Grillby chuckles. "It was…a different time back then. A…peaceful time." Grillby closes his eyes, leaning his head back as the band aid over the memories lifts.
"The woman and I…Mira…have four beautiful children. They take on the human form, transforming into their elemental forms when their emotions peaked." He chuckles, imagining their faces during the first years. "They were…quite a handful." Grillby opens his eyes, taking note of Sans' intrigued face.
"Mira loved her children greatly, treating their magic abilities as a gift than a curse. Two daughters and two sons, each with a unique flame color far from my own. Astral and Domin, our two eldest twins, the girl born of white fire and the boy bearing my similar tinge. Ronax our strong little boy, was next to receive his gift. He was born within the forest of green fire. Bubbles, our cute youngest, so full of joy. Born under the ocean's beautiful blue flame blessing. Each hold abilities unlike any that I have seen in my time, their powers often out doing my own." Grillby chuckles, running his index finger around the rim of the glass.
Sans waits patiently, watching the fire elemental's body slowly relax at the calm memory. With the alcohol in his system, Grillby finds it easier to relax and allow the memories forth. He takes a swig of his drink, refiling it to the top once more.
"Mira approached me one day, her body language shy compared to her normal confident demeanor. She wanted another baby, to fill our ever-growing happiness even more. She was afraid I would not want any more children than four. I proved her wrong, scooping her into a kiss as I agreed. We began to try procreating, trying every human known method to increase the odds of a child. Months began to rush by, each less fruitful than the last while bearing the lingering shadow of doubt. She began to panic, thinking herself infertile, thinking myself as infertile, or a combination of the two. She would cry herself to sleep some nights, clutching yet another negative pregnancy reader." Grillby straightens his posture, his stance a complete one-eighty.
"I could take it no longer." Grillby takes a healthy swallow, fearing the next bit of information. His slightly blurry gaze stares at his old friend, the older Sans shrinking into the baby bones he saw once before. Before his brother came into the picture, before the skeleton himself knew what his magic potential is. Sans' bones appear to pale, his phalanges digging into the glass. It shatters, the glass falling to the floor, chiming in to fill the tense silence. Taking a deep breath, the fire elemental gives him a level stare. The next words surge through the skeleton's cranium, refusing to sink in.
"I asked your father for help."
