Settling In

It didn't take long to unpack their clothes and organize the few items they brought to the school. Since kids clothes are small, the dresser had more than enough space for all of their clothes. Besides clothes and toiletries, the only personal items they'd thought to bring were their journal and a small goat plush. The journal got a spot on the desk while the goat got a spot on their pillow.

After that, there wasn't much to do.

"So what do we do now? This is a school, so is there some kind of schedule we have to follow or something?" Frisk asked Susie.

"Not really. If you had homework, you could do it, but you're new. Other than that, weekends are free time to do what we want as long as we show up for meals. At supper, Miss Eleanor will probably introduce you to the other students. Until then, you can do pretty much whatever you want." Susie replied, "But since you're new, you won't know your way around yet. Guess I should probably do the honours of showing you the building and the yard."

Susie motioned for Frisk to follow her. She showed Frisk the bathrooms, the layout of the dormitory area, and gave a brief tour of the yard. There were several kids hanging around outside and enjoying the weather while it was still nice out.

One girl was leaning so far over the turtle pond that it looked like she might fall in. Her hair was wet, so she may have already done so. Some other girls were sitting and chatting in the shade of a large tree. A couple of girls could be spotted up in the leaves of some of the larger trees with low-hanging branches, and some girls were scattered around the cleared space doing exercises of some kind. Frisk found it interesting that none of the exercising girls were exercising together.

"And that's most of it. The dining area's on the main floor of the dorm building, so all you gotta do is go there when the food's ready." Susie looked around quickly before turning her attention back to Frisk, "The school and therapy stuff you'll learn on Monday. Newbies spend the first day with Lundy before going to class. And don't try to call her anything else. She's scary smart and could probably outwit a lawyer when it comes to contracts and loopholes. That's the only warning you're gonna get."

Susie paused for a moment, then amended her statement, "Well, not just that. It might not be a problem for you 'cause you're such a shrimp, but never look down at her or treat her like a kid. She looks like a kid, but she's actually like sixty or something. So be careful to treat her like a real adult."

"Got it." Frisk said. They didn't know who Lundy was supposed to be, but they'd meet her on Monday so it didn't matter too much right now. "So what do you normally do in free time?"

"Not homework!" Susie laughed, "I was never big on school anyways. If I stuck around Earth, I'd end up like my Ma and work some dead end minimum wage job and never have enough money to pay the bills. I practice for when I find my way back to the Dark World."

"Practice what?"

"Combat. I'm a knight and an axe is my weapon. I know you saw it in our room." Susie commented, "Because it's a large weapon, I need a lot of space. There are too many people here to practice safely right now. I'll probably go through my routine after supper when most of the others are settling down for the night."

Frisk frowned, "After dark? How is that any safer?"

"If I'm close enough to the main buildings, there are lights."

"Cool." Frisk said. They paused for a moment, "Could I join you some time?" Learning to fight sounded pretty cool. And - this was their mind so swearing was okay - axes are pretty badass.

Susie started howling with laughter. The sound drew a lot of stares, "You? An axe? C'mon, I doubt you could hold one!" She kept laughing until she could calm herself down, "But learning to fight isn't so bad. Is fighting something you had to do in your world?"

"Well, kind of? Monsters would throw? Shoot? I dunno it was magic. They made magic bullets and sent them at me in patterns. Mostly I tried to dodge them all since Toriel, uh, the caretaker in the Ruins told me that monsters used these bullets as greetings and self expression. But when they hit my soul, it hurt a lot. So I got pretty good at jumping around and short sprints, but I never tried to hit back. There weren't really any weapons down there, other than a small knife I found in a kid's room in the King's house. And a stick, I guess, but it was easier to throw it for the dog monsters than to actually fight with." Frisk explained.

"I see. Well, if you do get back there, you could always just give 'em a quick bop or something to make them back off. Maybe you could learn a bit of self defense? Or how to use a knife? Something small, light, and sharp would be perfect for you!" Susie seemed more enthusiastic about the idea now. She grinned, "I don't know much about using small weapons, but I know how to intimidate people and when's the best time to strike."

"So can I come with you after dinner?" Frisk asked.

"Pfft no. That's axe time. You'd just be in the way." Susie said, "Maybe ask one of the others? Uh, the girl with the stick is probably substituting that for her sword, but maybe one of the other girls is used to small stuff."

"Hmm. Maybe. I think I'll wait until next weekend. It's probably safer to meet them in class than interrupting them now."

"What do you mean safer?" Susie asked.

Frisk looked at the ground and twisted their hand in their shirt. "You know, just being a bother and getting in the way, like you said."

Susie snorted, "Yeah, and my skin is still pink. I hate liars almost as much as I hate quiet people."

"I didn't come here just because I had an adventure and want to go back. If I can't go back, that's fine. I want to go back and do it again and make a better choice if I can though. But really, if I think really hard about it, I just wanted to get away from everyone back at home." Frisk admitted.

"Bullies?"

"Yeah."

Susie waved her hand in dismissal, "Bullies are easy. You just gotta be better than them and they'll leave you alone. Why do you think everyone's keeping their distance now? They know that I'm the best and they can't do anything about it."

"But I'm not better than them! I'd be asking them for help and I don't know if that's something that's okay for me to do yet. I'll just wait until after school."

Susie shrugged, "Suit yourself. I'm gonna go back inside. Fall weather is a bit cold for my tastes unless I'm working out. Miss Eleanor will come find you before dinner, so do whatever you want until then."

With that, Susie left Frisk alone. They took their time to wander around the area. It wasn't noticeable most of the time, but they found the sun a bit more annoying since their fall. Perhaps their time in the Underground left them somewhat more sensitive to light. Or maybe it had something to do with their eyes changing colour.

Regardless, they made their way to the edge of the forested area. They didn't go far in. They made sure that they could always see the school buildings so they could make their way back at dinnertime. There were many bumps and curves in the ground where tree roots had shaped it. Jumping from root to root was good for their balance and trying to sprint without stepping on a root at all helped them learn to place their feet.

If they ever got the chance to go back to the Underground, Frisk wanted to be in top condition to dodge the bullets. If movies and TV shows had taught them anything, it was that footwork was essential for combat, whether it was defence or offense. Susie was right about practicing. If they wanted to go back, they needed to keep in shape so that they could do what needed to be done next time.

If they made it back Underground, they'd ask the voice if it could bring them back before Asgore died. It had preserved them right? Worst case, it would bring them back when they were fighting Undyne. They knew it had preserved them at that point, so it should be able to bring them back to that point. If it preserved them at a later time though, that would be more convenient.

Living in the Underground wouldn't be so bad if they stayed with the King. Asgore seemed like a genuinely good guy. He even got the gender thing too. He said one of his kids was like them too, so that wouldn't be a problem. They could stay in the Underground, where they belonged, until the monsters had enough collective determination to free themselves. Frisk, as an adult, could donate the remainder and free them when the time came. And as a free adult, they'd have privileges that kids don't have. They wouldn't be stuck with their parents and could finally have a real life.

That is, if they wanted to leave the Underground at all. Maybe they could convince Asgore to let them live out their life there and use their soul to break the barrier upon the death. Then they'd never have to see anyone who called them a girl ever again. They could live their life among magic and monsters and be themselves.

Still, that might all just be a fantasy. First, they had to find their way back and hope that the voice could undo Asgore's death.

If nothing else, in a world of magic, hopes and dreams should prevail.

Looking back towards the school, Frisk could see Eleanor – Miss Eleanor? - walking and looking around. She was wearing a brightly coloured striped shirt and clashing neon suspenders. It was quite the change from the smart blouse and pants she was wearing before.

Susie had said that she'd find them before dinner so that she could introduce them to the school. Frisk made their way out of the treeline and waved at her. She smiled and beckoned them over.

"Frisk! Good to see you. Are you settling in well?" Eleanor asked.

"Yeah. Susie showed me around El- I mean Miss Eleanor." Frisk said.

Eleanor clicked her tongue, "Now don't go picking up on Susie's bad habits! It's just Eleanor. Calling me 'Miss' just makes me sound old and boring. While I am old, I make a point to never be boring! Susie calls me 'Miss' out of respect for my station and while I don't like it, I allow it because it is not my place to tell a knight how to behave."

"Okay then. So uh, what's going to happen at dinner?" Frisk asked.

"I'll let you pick up your food and then have you stand up with me for introductions. Then you'll find somewhere to sit and eat." Eleanor explained, "Oh, and your parents didn't say anything about dietary restrictions or allergies, but we know here that different worlds lend themselves to different tastes. We try to keep meals familiar if we can. Is there anything in particular about the food in your world that you like or dislike?"

Frisk didn't need to think long, "No sausages. Especially not the vegan kind please. And no ketchup. But uh, is it really okay to make requests?" When Eleanor nodded, they continued, "The caretaker of the Ruins would often make snails for us. Most food was made of magic, but snails and certain plants could be farmed reliably. After eating snails for the weeks or months or however long I stayed with her, I kind of like them now."

"That's simple enough. Unfortunately, fresh snails are hard to come by in this country, but canned snails are sold in major grocery stores. There's no reason we can't get you some snails for a few meals per week." Eleanor told them, "And no sausage or ketchup. There are always options at meals so that's simple enough for you to avoid."

Just hearing that made Frisk hopeful. Their mom used ketchup in her meatloaf recipe and ignored them when they asked her not to use it. It wasn't that they disliked the taste or anything, but they couldn't separate ketchup from Sans and he was a creep. One reason they hoped to stay with Asgore is to stay away from him. After the ketchup incident, they didn't bother trying to ask their parents for snails.

"Oh ho! Your eyes are sparkling now. It is my pleasure to help you feel welcome here." Eleanor smiled. The green glow from her chest shone through the wild colours of her clothing.

"Your soul is so pretty!" Frisk commented without thinking.

"My soul?"

Immediately, Frisk looked at the floor. They didn't know for sure, but they were confident that the glowing that they sometimes saw from people's chests were their souls. It was the right placement and the colours just felt right for the people, even when they didn't know them at all. It didn't make sense, but their brain thought it did anyways.

"Um. I don't know for sure, but it seems right to me." Frisk said.

Eleanor giggled, "I suppose this was a feature of your world then? Tell me what your soul looks like! And mine too! I'm so curious."

Frisk snuck a glance at Eleanor. She seemed sincere and her soul was still glowing green. "I can't see the shape of yours. It's stuck in your body, but the light is a really pretty green. My soul is heart-shaped and red. It's the same colour as my eyes."

"That's so interesting! Do the colours mean anything?"

"Yeah," Frisk nodded, "It's apparently something to do with the amount of magic you can wield and what kind of powers you can unlock. I don't know what mine are yet. Maybe my powers stop at seeing souls, but that doesn't make sense for a red person. Green people like you are supposed to have copycat powers. So you can do something others can do but you can do it with magic. I think that's how it goes. Or I guess you could if you unlocked your magic? The caretaker in the Ruins told me that exposure to monsters and magic food is the way to unlock magic ability."

Eleanor clapped her hands together a few times. "I think you'll be quite popular once people know what you can do! But before that, this explains the behaviour of the other Underground students we've had in the past. What do you know about yellow and blue powers?" She asked.

"Yellow souls get mind powers and blue souls have magic to reinforce physical ability. That's what I was told, anyways." Frisk replied.

"I must get you in touch with those three. I'm sure you'll have plenty to talk about! If you want to, of course." Eleanor said.

"The other three?"

"The other three students who passed through the Underground before you. A child finds there way to the Underground every twenty years or so. This school has been open for a little more than eighty years, and you're the fourth child from that world to attend. The others told me that their soul colours were green, yellow, and blue in that order. They weren't able to see others' souls though." Eleanor explained, "I keep in touch with students who graduate and continue to live on Earth, so you could send them letters if you wish. You're from the same world, so you should have plenty to talk about."

Frisk considered it for a moment. There were three other people who went on the same journey as them and they were still alive? Maybe they could ask about why they chose to come back instead of stay. Why did they make the choice to abandon the monsters too? And how did they discover their magic?

"I think I'd like that. There are things I want to know that they can probably answer." Frisk said.

"Excellent! I'll bring you their mailing addresses tomorrow. Now, on to supper!" Eleanor said.

She walked towards the dining area with purpose and showed Frisk where to pick up their food. Once they had a tray of chicken nuggets, carrots, and barbecue dipping sauce in their hands, Eleanor brought them to the front of the room and got the attention of the student body.

"Attention everyone! We have a new student joining us today. Their name is Frisk and they're from a Virtue world called The Underground. They are twelve and nonbinary. I expect you all to be kind and treat them respectfully as they settle in here." Eleanor announced. "Go take a seat now, everyone else can start eating!"

Eleanor went to get her own food as Frisk looked around. Everyone seemed to be in their own small groups already. The three boys were together, and the rest of the girls were in groups of two to five and scattered around the room. Most of the tables had space, but Frisk didn't want to intrude. It felt awkward to ask if they could sit somewhere when they didn't know anything about anyone they'd be sitting with.

And would they even be welcome? Eleanor was cool and Susie was cool, but that didn't mean anyone else would be cool and use the right pronouns for them. Sure, Eleanor just told all of them that they should be nice and respectful, but that would only last as long as she was around. It might be exactly the same as their old school.

But this time, they'd be at a disadvantage since they were the new kid.

One of the boys was walking over to them, the one with black hair and tan skin and who looked about sixteen. Frisk panicked on the inside. What did he want from them?

"Hi Frisk. I'd like to properly introduce myself. I'm Kade. I manage clothing here and collect information about the worlds we travel to. The Underground has already been mapped, but I'd still like to hear your stories sometime." He said. So far he seemed okay, "Moderate Virtue right? And moderate Nonsense. The various records we have suggest that it falls on the Linearity direction and could possibly be a high Virtue world if the right conditions were met. I'm from a high Virtue world myself. Also high Logic."

He wasn't doing anything to them yet. Frisk nodded. "I don't really understand the map thing yet or what all these nonsense and virtue words really mean yet, so I'll take your word for it?"

"Feel free to drop by my room whenever you need new clothes or alterations. Or if someone gives you a hard time about your gender identity. Just… Mind the sign. I know you Nonsense kids usually take it as a challenge but please don't."

"Uh… okay?"

"Alright then. See you around." Kade gave a small wave as he walked back to the boys.

By some miracle, they survived a chat with a high schooler.

Suddenly, a hand clapped their shoulder and they froze. This was it. Time to die. And this close to Eleanor too. Maybe she'd intervene before any real damage was done.

"You're eating with me until you get some proper friends here." Susie spoke quietly in their ear.

Thank. God. It was Susie. She was safe. They'd be fine.

Frisk nodded and followed Susie to the empty end of one of the long tables. "What about your friends? Wouldn't you rather eat with them?" They asked.

"Me? Friends? Don't need 'em." She grunted. It looked like Susie had chosen the same chicken nugget meal, but she also had some candy cigarettes on her tray. Frisk couldn't understand why. Those things tasted like chalk.

Frisk looked at their food and started ripping one of the nuggets apart. "Who's the liar now?" They accused quietly.

Susie snorted. "It's not a lie. The others don't like me and I don't like them. Never really had friends until I went to the Dark World. Now that I'm back on Earth, nothing's changed. Still don't need anyone here. Everything and everyone I need is back in there."

"Isn't it lonely though?" They asked.

"Nah." Susie dismissed the notion, "And I'm not talking feelings here. They already try to make us do that at group, and I'm not into it. Besides, I've got three more years to find a new Dark Fountain. Plenty of time before I'm forced to graduate and leave. I'll find my way home."

The two continued to eat in silence until Susie took her first candy.

"You really like that stuff?" Frisk asked.

"Yeah, so what?"

"Nothing. It just tastes like chalk. I don't know anyone who like it."

Susie glared at them, "So what if I like the taste of chalk? Why does that matter to anyone?"

Frisk put their hands up defensively, "It's nothing. I was just curious!"

"Oh poor Susie. Mama can't afford to feed her so she has to eat chalk. I've heard it all before, but I especially can't stand to hear it here!" Susie said angrily.

"I didn't say that!"

"You don't have to! It's what everyone thinks, so stuff it!"

With that, Susie ate the rest of the chalk candy in a couple of bites, then took her tray and left. Frisk had no idea that asking about her candy was such a touchy subject.

They then realized that they had managed to screw up the only friendship (if they could call it that) that they had here. What's worse, is that Susie's their roommate. Susie said that she would respect Eleanor's request to not kill them for a week and to try to be nice, but that will only last until next Saturday.

Next Saturday, they'd be toast. Dodging would only go so far when their opponent was larger, stronger, more experienced, and carried a large weapon with good reach.

Eleanor never said that the murder attempts were metaphorical.

Frisk quickly finished their food and hurried back to their room. Susie said that she was going to practice with her axe tonight, so they had some time to settle in, get ready for bed, and be prepared to hide under the covers when Susie came back. If nothing else, they could stay out of the way.

Sure enough, when they got back to their room, they were alone and Susie's axe was missing. They didn't know how long they'd have until Susie returned, so they put on some pyjamas immediately and paced close to their bed. There was little else they could do to work out the nervous energy.

In their trance, they didn't know how much time had passed. Susie came back loudly and quickly. With all the speed they could muster, Frisk grabbed their goat toy and jumped onto their bed. It was all they could do to stay out of her way. They just hoped it would be enough.

"Lighten up. I'm not gonna hurt you." Susie said. There was no anger in her voice, just resignation, "I missed my workout earlier and blew up at you for no reason. You were just asking about the candy and you weren't being mean. I know that, you know that. Can we just like, pretend that didn't happen?"

Frisk didn't know if they could trust her. They nodded anyways and spoke slowly and carefully, "Of course. Water under bridges, right?" Compliance is key to survival.

If nothing else, they were good at going along with any situation to get by.