Chapter 3: Learning

Kayla was looking over books that her father had, reading more about the human-monster war that had trapped the monsters under Mt. Ebbot. But from what she was reading, the monsters were generally very peaceful, but some didn't care for humans, which no doubt might have started the war in the first place, along with a lot of humans being close-minded. She could relate to that with her foster parents sending her down into here where she might not have made it if it hadn't been for River Person. She looked up at hearing him come in.

"Papa, from what I've read, Asgore made it law that if humans were ever found down here, they were to be brought to him," she said, signing her words too as she spoke. "Is that law still in place?"

"As far as I know, yes," River Person replied, also using sign language. "But he might have changed his mind ever since the queen left him."

"Queen Toriel?" Kayla asked. "Why would she leave him? Her children were killed by humans, right?"

"Yes, but one of those children…was a little human girl."

He turned a few pages of the book and pointed to the passage about how the prince had found the human and helped her, becoming that human's brother. The two didn't see that they were two different species. They saw themselves as siblings and even the king and queen accepted the young girl as their daughter. "The child enjoyed many happy times until she grew very sick one day," he continued. "Sadly, there was nothing anyone could do and she passed away."

"That's awful," the twelve-year-old said. "How old was she?"

"Only a couple years younger than you," River Person replied. "Her death hit the royal family very hard and the prince, Asriel, tried to do the right thing by returning her to the surface where she could have a proper burial, but the humans didn't even give him a chance to explain and he fell."

Kayla felt a lump in her throat. "That means…King Asgore and Queen Toriel…lost both their children that day."

"Yes." The cloaked being she looked up to as a father hung his head. "A senseless killing that drove the king to decree that any humans found down here would be brought to him and they would die while he would trap their souls to break the barrier. He now just needs one more and the spell that keeps the barrier up will be broken and we monsters will be free."

"But what would the monsters do when freed?" His daughter asked.

"Some would go and seek revenge on humans," River Person said. "Others would try a more peaceful path, but that may prove harder than they hope. Not all humans…are open-minded and mean well."

She nodded. "I know that all too well," she said softly before feeling her father's hand on her shoulder.

"Yes, but I hope there are more humans like you who understand and are open-minded," he said.

"To be honest, Papa, I haven't seen too many," Kayla stated.

He nodded. "It certainly doesn't seem that way, but I believe there are," he said. "And if Asgore can be convinced, perhaps the barrier can be broken another way and humans and monsters can once again get along with each other, help each other out, and share the Earth as we once did centuries ago."

Kayla stood up and hugged her father. "I hope that does happen soon, Papa," she said.

"Believe me, my little one, so do I," he replied, hugging her back.

Later that day, the twelve-year-old grew hungry while her father was out at his job and she remembered he said that Grillby's was the best place to go eat. While she mostly kept to herself at home, she did want to go out now and then and always made sure her disguise was in place.

Now donning on her cape and gloves before pulling up the hood of her cape to hide her face, she headed out for Snowdin, where Grillby's restaurant was. She was soon there and she went inside the restaurant to find it empty, which suited her fine as she went up to the counter where Grillby was cleaning. He glanced up at her before setting down the glass and dish towel and going over to her. "Hello, Kayla," he said.

She gasped in fear. No one except her father knew her name as for her safety, they decided that no one should be told her real name. She went to stand up, but Grillby grabbed her arm in a gentle, firm grip. He quickly guided her to come around the counter and behind the bar and gently pushed her down to hide. She was about to ask what he was doing when she saw a protective barrier of quiet fire surround her and fell quiet, listening to see what was going on.

"Ah, hello, Undyne," Grillby said conversationally, making Kayla freeze in fear. River Person had told her that Undyne was the Captain of the Royal Guard and hunted for humans and was ruthless. He even showed her a picture of the fish woman to that Kayla could avoid her. She now stayed very still, afraid that Grillby had captured her and was going to give her to Undyne, but if that was the case, why did he pull her behind the bar? Maybe because he wanted to take her to the king himself? She hunkered down, afraid as she listened to the conversation above her.

"Grillby, have you seen a human around here?" Undyne asked.

"Why, yes," Grillby replied. "I saw one run by and it looked be really running."

"Which way?" The fish woman asked.

"I looked out to see them running into the woods," he said. "They might be using it as cover to get to Hotland or the King Asgore's castle."

"Not on my watch," Undyne growled. "Thanks, Grillby."

With that, she left, not even realizing she had been tricked and that the fire monster was hiding a human girl. He now kneeled down beside Kayla, who gave him a fearful look and was shaking. "Shh, don't be afraid of me, Kayla," he said soothingly. "I'm not going to hurt you."

She looked at him. "Why did you capture me?" She asked.

"So that Undyne wouldn't see you," he said. "Like your father, whom I'm good friends with, I don't believe in killing innocence people or children."

Kayla looked up at him. "You know Papa?" She asked.

Grillby nodded before opening his arms to her and she was hesitant, but after a moment, let him pull her into a hug, one that she accepted and clung to him. "Papa doesn't know I'm here," she said. "He's with his boat."

"Don't worry, I called him while I was speaking with Undyne," he said. "He's on his way."

She looked up at him. "Thank you, Mr. Grillby," she said, realizing that the fire monster had just saved her life as her father had done for her, something she was grateful for.

The door to the restaurant opened right then. "Kayla? Grillby?" River Person's familiar voice filled the room.

Grillby stood up. "Ah, River Person," he said. "She's right here."

Kayla stood up and ran around the bar, into her father's arms. "Papa!" She exclaimed, clinging to him.

"Undyne came in here?" River Person asked.

"Yes. She heard that there was a human in the Underground. I pulled Kayla behind the bar before Undyne walked in," the fire monster said.

"Thank you, my friend," the cloaked being said gratefully as he rubbed Kayla's back soothingly, holding her comfortingly. "I'm here, my little one," he soothed.

The poor girl finally calmed down and looked up at her father. "Papa, remember you said you'd teach me magic if I wanted?" She asked.

"Yes?" He asked.

"Well, are there protective and reflective magics?"

"You mean like the fire shield I created when Undyne was here?" Grillby asked.

"Yeah," Kayla said. "And maybe, if I can reflect the attacks to land harmlessly elsewhere, I can then defend myself in case I run into Undyne or someone else who wants to capture me."

"That wouldn't be a bad idea," River Person said before nodding. "Alright. I can teach you those magics, but you'll have to really work at mastering them so that you can effectively use them."

"It might not be too hard," Grillby said. "Kayla has been here for about a month, correct?"

"Yes," the young girl said.

"Her body then has surely absorbed at least a little magic that can be shaped into the magics she wishes to learn."

"Yes," River Person nodded. "You're right, Grillby, but Kayla, you must still work hard to maintain your powers so that you don't lose control of them."

"I will, Papa," she promised before looking at Grillby. "Did Papa tell you about me?"

"He did," the fire monster said. "And don't worry. I'll keep your secret."

She smiled as he had already proven he would. "Thank you," she said gratefully, glad that there was at least one other monster she could trust and possibly go to if trouble arose again.

For now, she was ready to learn some magic.

Talk about a close call, huh? :)

Next chapter: Kayla not only learns magic, but also learns her main traits.

Please leave a review, but no flames!

GoldGuardian2418