Disclaimer: Don't own undertale. Don't even know Toby personally. Would be cool if I did.
-Interlude 2: Another side, another story-
Frisk couldn't be entirely sure of it, but it felt as though something had changed. The sound of voices nearby and the smell of cinnamon softly in the air roused them from their unconscious state. They hadn't expected to lose their consciousness when they jumped down the hole. Why they came here? Something to save for another day.
They hadn't expect to find themselves in this bed either, nor with the two people in the same room as them. The tall motherly goat-like one didn't bother them. Warm and safe, they thought subconsciously. The other one though was another human, though they were strange. Humans didn't normally have eyes that red. They couldn't help but jump a bit.
"Hey kid. Easy there. You're safe." They held their hands up in front of them to demonstrate they had no ill intent. " The name's Chara. I'm a human too. One of the cool ones though, y'know?" Another human here besides them? Something about that didn't... feel like it was supposed to be.
Chara... That name seemed familiar to Frisk, a distant part of Frisk's mind telling them it should fill them with the dread and terror of being before the devil itself, yet the reality of the Chara before them was something different... but they still felt Chara wasn't supposed to be here deep down.
The sudden unfamiliarity of things caught up to them. Frisk tried not to, but they started to panic. Why was everything so different? Why didn't they remember certain things? Why couldn't they reach their SAVE? Toriel gave them a reassuring look. "And I am Toriel. There is no need to be alarmed, my child. Are you hungry?"
The effect of her words were almost instant. The kid stopped breathing so heavily and seeming on the verge of fainting again. After processing Toriel's question a moment they nodded slightly, their stomach grumbling softly.
"Ah. Then I will get you some pie. Would you like some as well, Chara?" Chara gave her a thumbs up. "Sure. I'll look after the kid while you go get it." And so it was just the two of them now. "Hey... You got a name? I think calling you kid is gonna get old for us both really fast."
They took a long moment before speaking, their voice barely a whisper. "...Frisk." Chara arched an eyebrow at that. Was Frisk a strange name...? "Frisk, huh. Well nice to meet ya. Kinda remind me a little of when I was your age. How old are you anyways?"
They held up 7 fingers, not feeling comfortable enough to speak more. A thoughtful and worried frown touched Chara's lips. "7, huh?" They smiled... or at least tried to fake smiling. "Well I just turned 16 a few days ago myself, hahaha. Us young folk gotta stick together."
They stared up at the ceiling a bit in thought as Frisk weakly kicked their legs over the bed's side. "Hey. While we're waiting for that pie, want some chocolate?" They rustled into a pocket and offered Frisk a bar of it, probably as a gesture of good faith.
Frisk stared at it a second before shaking their head no vigorously and sticking their tongue out in a fake gagging. Chocolate? Seriously? Gross. Chara was weird. Hopefully the pie would be good at least. It smelled good.
Sitting down cross legged across from Frisk, Chara bit into the chocolate bar. Their eyes widened slightly as if remembering something."Hey... wanna hear a story? Just thought of one. " A thoughtful head tilt before Frisk nodded eagerly. Perhaps Chara's stories would be cool.
"Alright. So a long time ago there was a knight most brave. She had a best friend who was a kind monster wizard prince of great power. This is the tale of one of their adventures together." A human knight, and a monster wizard? Interesting. It didn't take a genius to see that Chara was supposed to be the knight. Who would that make the wizard though?
At one time the knight and the wizard were rivals. Almost adversaries even. However the knight grew to respect the wizard, for he cared deeply for his people and kingdom. The knight could not say the same, being a knight errant who did not truly know what they were fighting for, so on that day she swore herself as his sword and shield.
When she learned of the plight of his kingdom she promised that she would be by his side and see that it was saved. And so their quest began. Eventually they met the scholar. Frisk realized pretty quickly that Chara was describing them to some degree.
The bond between the knight and wizard grew closer as they went on... but then one day the wizard vanished. The knight had lost their purpose again... and something deeper in their heart. The scholar was there however to steer them on the right course. Find the prince. Save the kingdom. Everyone deserves a chance at a happy ending.
She considered Frisk someone to trust it seemed. Frisk wondered if they could be that person Chara believed in. They had determination... but not the ability to make SAVEs anymore. They knew what they needed to do... but perhaps there was something else that could be done? Frisk wasn't sure though.
Then the story was over. Not because there was an ending, but because Chara had run out of ideas to continue. One thing Frisk had realized for sure at this point. Normally they would have tried to leave the ruins by now. They were curious about Chara now.
Time passed as they became properly acquainted with the ruins, and it seemed that Chara had picked up on their desire to eventually leave. "I can understand if you don't wanna stay, but please. Just give it a little time and thought first, before you decide. If you're absolutely sure you want to go... I'll take you myself."
A promise to take Frisk beyond the ruins, like they had intended at first. Frisk decided they would give it some time like Chara had asked of them. Months went by as they really got to know Chara and Toriel. Toriel... kind, sweet and with a deep desire to one day be a teacher, but with deep wounds in her heart. She had lost children, both her own and 6 more that had fallen before Frisk and Chara. It has left it's mark on her. She doesn't deserve that kind of pain. A parent should never have to outlive their children.
Chara... Witty, A bit sarcastic, Has a big heart and desire to help and protect those close to her,and is incredibly determined... however she does not seem to know herself well, and has unanswered questions that always nag at her. If she doesn't know herself, how can she find her place in the world? Chara asks herself that question a lot, even if she doesn't speak it out loud.
Frisk couldn't stay however. They had to go... and they couldn't bare to tell Chara, despite their promise to guide them. It was easy to see that Chara was happy here. They didn't want to take Chara away from that. So one day while Chara was out on patrol they attempted to leave.
However Toriel found them. "My child, what are you...?" It would have been easier for everyone if they just let Frisk vanish. "Please my child, just go back upstairs. It's not safe for one so young down here."
Frisk could probably have made a break for the door here. Been out into Snowdin before she had time to finish thinking... why did they hesitate now? The fear and distress in Toriel's eyes grew.
They quickly brushed past Frisk and stood before the door. "Please, my child. Return upstairs. I only want what's best for you..." But Frisk was determined. This is what they had to do... and it hurt them to do it.
Toriel's breath hitched a bit. "Every human that falls down here meets the same fate. I have seen it again and again. They come. They leave. They die. I..." Toriel tried to make Frisk change their mind... but Frisk was determined. "If you leave the Ruins... I am only protecting you, do you understand? Go to your room." But Frisk refused.
"You want to leave so badly...?" Toriel's head hung, their shoulders shaking. It was difficult to see her face from this angle, but the pain was clear. " You are just like the others... There is only one solution to this it seems... Prove to me you are strong enough to survive."
Toriel looked up, her face a passive mask. The pain in her eyes was deep and profound however. Frisk knew what was coming, even as their soul was pulled into battle. -Toriel blocks the way-
Frisk checked her. Chara got them into the habit of that... -Toriel HP: 440 ATK: 80 DEF: 80, Doesn't want this either- Waves of fire magic passed at either side of Frisk. Frisk could feel the heat slightly, but it never came close to touching them. They stood fast. "What are you doing?" Toriel questioned.
More waves of flame passed. Stronger than before. "Attack or run away!" She was doing what she thought was best, in the throes of fear and pain. Profound heartache. Frisk refused to fight or flee. Mercy was their path.
A wave of her hands and more balls of flame came forth. "What are you proving this way?" Tears threatened to burst forth as her facade started to crumble. "I know you want to go home, but..." Her arms shook and fell to her sides. "But please... Go upstairs now."
But Frisk refused. "I promise I... Chara and I will take good care of you here. I know we do not have much, but... We can have a good life here." Frisk stood, silent as the grave. " Ha ha... Pathetic, is it not? I cannot save even a single child."
"No, I understand." Toriel sniffed softly. "You would just be unhappy trapped down there. The Ruins are very small once you get used to them. It would not be right for you to grow up in a place like this." Toriel finally shook her head, resigned. "My expectations... My loneliness... My fear... For you, my child... I will put them aside." And with that, the 'battle' was over.
She took a heavy breath. "If you truly wish to leave the ruins, I will not try to stop you any further..." She bent down and gave Frisk a warm hug. A slight frown tugged on their face as she let them wasn't what Frisk wanted, they realized... but it was what had to happen. A voice cut through the air.
"Hey, kid. Thought I told you to let me know when you were gonna want to leave." Frisk turned around in surprise. Chara. They had almost forgotten about Chara in their focus to leave. Oh dear.
Chara hadn't forgotten their promise to Frisk it seemed. As things started to play out, and Chara turned what should have been a bitter moment into a happy memory, Frisk started to feel something they hadn't felt in quite a while. Hope. Perhaps there was something to what they said?
Supplies were gathered and heartfelt goodbyes were given as Chara made sure Frisk was wrapped up nice and warm, making sure they were ready for what was to come. "Do you really have to leave?" Toriel asked softly. Chara glanced back to her, smiling. " I do. I made a promise to the kid... and maybe I'll find some answers for myself out there."
Toriel gave a soft sigh, shaking her head slightly, though with a warm smiling. Better than the bitter smile she had before. "...I don't understand. Not at all. But... please take care of yourself." Both Chara and Frisk turned and gave her a hearty thumbs up. "Of course. I'll come back to you. I'll be able to return knowing you'll be there."
Frisk spoke up as well, feeling strongly that this was something they needed to say. " Don't ever give up hope... We'll find a way to help everyone, and be together again." The look of surprise across Chara's face was something to behold. The words of the patient and wise scholar that had been the knight's close companion. Frisk would be Chara's scholar.
They couldn't just leave and be done with it. Not this time. They had much more in mind. They were going to take their life into their own hands now. 'The story isn't over until the kingdom is saved and the three friends are reunited', as Chara put it.
It seemed Toriel was affected by it as well, tearing up like she was. She pulled them both into one last hug. "I don't want to let go..." A gentle pat on her back and Chara spoke through slightly gritted teeth. "You... don't have to. We'll see each other again. But... could you possibly hug a bit less tightly? You're kinda crushing us a bit here." It was a bit tight, actually, now that Frisk thought about it.
With a bit of a surprised sound, she quickly let the two go, possibly worried she actually hurt them. Chara ruffled Frisk's hair back into shape, with a smile. After a moment Toriel spoke. "I will await your return. If it were possible, I would like to join you, but someone must tend to the flowers. Be safe out there, my children."
"Of course, I got a promise to keep." Chara looked to Frisk. " Alright 'scholar'. It seems the adventure party is set for now. Let us set off on our quest, just like in the tales of old, huh?" Frisk looked back to them and nodded. It was finally time to go. Not as someone who broke a loving heart, but as someone who would make them proud while they changed the world.
Together they both pushed the door to destiny open, a gust of icy wind biting at them as it creaked wide. The wintry landscape of Snowdin awaited them beyond. Everyone was going to be free. Everyone. Taking their first steps into the world outside, they set forward filled with determination. There was no telling what the future might hold... but that didn't scare Frisk anymore.
MsYakumo: A look at the events of Chapter 5 and 6 from Frisk's perspective. I was initially unsure if I should do it since it almost felt like cheating a bit, but I decided to go for it since they are a very important character in their own right and I think it'd be interesting and grant a nice bit of insight to see their side of things.
In other news, Undertale has had it's 1st anniversary! Which honestly everyone probably already knows by now, but yay none the less! Maybe this story will actually be done in time for the 2nd anniversary?