Sweet baby Jesus, this was both fun and heart-breaking to write! You don't know how tempted I am to just write a happy, fluffy epilogue for them and give them their happy ending right now. But, no! We must be strong, my friends! But I'll admit, the epilogue will be kinda cute .
Four things before I go, I'm gonna be on Spring Break half this week all through next Sunday, so I probably have time to post both the epilogue and the first chapters of Evermore. Yay!
But I need your help, I don't know which AU to base it in; I'm stuck between Mobtale, Mafiatale, or doing my own spin on Human Sans with Underpray. Which one do you want to see?
Now, this is a little warning; I am trying my hands at two new things with EM, a frame story (Story within a story) and a love triangle, if you don't like those, I'm super sorry. I just can't leave out precious Error! He is just too awesome!
Lastly, there's an Easter egg for game fans. If anyone notices it, I'll give you a digital cookie!
Disclaimer:
I do not claim to own the original game nor its many AUs; as such Flowerfell and Echotale, or other AUs are mentioned, but this plot and possible original characters/AU belong to me. Any famous songs, TV show/movies/books/games and manga names, and brands that are mentioned in this work belong to their rightful owners. This is purely for fun and my inner fangirl.
© Willa Field
.-.-.-.-.
19:
Bad Blood
Sans and Frisk
(Third POV)
-.-.-.-.-
Frisk was staring at the white walls, her on her side. She spent two days in her mind as she replayed the last experiment, not knowing why. It wasn't too bad, but the words of Gaster chilled her to her core just before he locked the flower back into her cell. Remembering them again, she shivered deeply:
You won't win, love. I know how to break you. Why don't you be a good girl next time and it will be easy for you, okay?
The simple statement didn't sound menacing, per say, but her gut throbbed with dread. She came to realize that Gaster had this way to play threats off as a soothing, fatherly suggestion, with that crazy grin still spread across his face. Frisk smiled and nodded as he slammed the lock down, but inside, she wanted to crumble to her knees and cry. The mad scientist filled the poor girl with such fear, she wondered why she still stood tall.
Because you are Princess Dove, Frisk. I know she would be proud of how you turned out. Chara's voice flowed through her thoughts, earning a chuckle as she moved to a sitting position with her knees pressed to her chest and her blues glowing dimly with tears:
A weak human that couldn't fight against Gaster? Who always has to be saved?
You are the one who defeated me many times, aren't you? You aren't as weak as you think, sis. The only reply the older brunette got was a small huff as Frisk buried her face in her knees. The younger sister knew her mindmate was trying to make her feel better, she didn't do a good job though.
It was true that the brunette wasn't so weak that she couldn't stand up for herself and the others when it was needed, but she was getting tired as she continued her 'stay' with the mad skeleton. She still fought any attempts he tried to break her, of course, however; it was starting to get to the poor girl:
As the week grew longer, she was proud that she didn't let him creep her out. In fact, she dished out as much as creepiness back, but then he just turned the creepiness up a notch when she did. She bit her lip hard as she fought a shiver back, wishing she was a little stronger. A little more like…...her.
She didn't know much about her earliest version, but Frisk felt that Dove was the type that held a secret strength no one knew she possessed. She was the type of girl who had a sweetness to her, but when it came to her family, that sweetness melted away to reveal an angel with cold hands; ready to erase anyone who hurt them. But all Frisk could do was buy herself time until the others could come rescue her, using her brain rather than her strength to keep dangers at bay.
She breathed a sigh, standing from the bed, and paced the small room. She knew that wasn't so bad, seeing it was working for now, nevertheless, it would fail soon enough and when it did; she would become his puppet to do with as he pleased. She growled at that thought, falling to her knees and hit the floor. Why must the flower rely on others to save her? Why was she weak?
Oh, Frisk. Don't you know your own strength? You're much stronger than you realize, beloved sister.
She smiled at her sister's proclamation as she propped herself against the bed, touching her forehead in thanks before her hands found her locket. She smiled again, tracing the face of the red heart for comfort. The simple locket was the only one that held her sanity intact, keeping Gaster's eager hands away from her mind.
Frisk still didn't know who gave it to her, but she was thankful to whomever it was. The beauty always knew she was safe whenever she touched its smooth surface, whenever she felt it brush against her skin. That somehow, it was proof that someone was out there, chasing the wind as they raced to save her. As the stories go.
The brunette let a giggle fell from her mouth, imagining Sans doing so, just as her fingers brushed a strange curve. Her brows furrowed in confusion as she turned it to its back, revealing the strangest engraving the young flower had ever seen. It was as if they wrote it in the Wingdings font to hide the real message. A frown appeared on her face while her fingers gently danced across the bumps:
"What in the world?" The teen questioned as her confusion grew, not really expecting an answer, but Chara's echoing chuckle met her question before her voice filled her ears.
Well, I'll be, your comedian is smarter than I ever thought. He hid a message for you, love.
Frisk cocked her brow, feeling she was missing something. Again, she sighed deeply as she returned from her thoughts when Chara spoke once more. She really hated her memory loss. But her frustration at her missing memories slowly faded as the next words met her ears, replaced with the mixture of sadness and warmth.
It's the Skeletal Language. It says, 'Always for you'.
She gasped, her grip tightened around the small heart, as her mind flashed back to that day in Snowdin. As the snow crushed under their feet, the male had whispered those words against her neck with tears hitting her shoulders.
At that time, all the flower could do was silently comfort him, her mind rushing and wondering why it sounded so familiar, so right. But now, as her eyes closed, and the heart nuzzled in her hand, the teen understood why.
He vowed that many a time as Raven when she needed comfort while his teeth showered her skin with kisses. The young prince would vow that he would always be there by her side, would always fight for them, and each and every time, it would soothe the girl's fears. The brunette didn't know how she remembered that, and right now, it didn't matter:
All that mattered, she promised herself as her forehead leaned against her closed fist, was she would always find her skeleton. Frisk Dreemurr would always belong with Sans the Skeleton. She could feel her strength rush back to her while her vow took root in her heart. She would fight, always for him.
Finally. Chara huffed in her mind, sounding relieved with a hint of annoyance, before the older brunette faded back to the darkness. She felt her sister needed time alone with her thoughts. A moment of silence before the storm began, no matter how short that moment might be.
The young brunette chuckled in thanks while her head met the top of the bed, her fears mixed with her strength as she let her mind rushed. She was lost in her thoughts when a booming crash suddenly sounded, snapping her awake as her blues flew opened and moved to the cell's door before she jumped up to her knees.
The young woman gasped deeply, her eyes went wide, as she stumbled back on her feet; her heart matched her footsteps while she rushed to the cell door and she gripped the bars tightly as a small smirk appeared over her lips. They were there, she cheered in her mind while she searched for a way out, they were there to save the princess:
A few moments of searching later, a growl slipped from her lip as her fist slammed against the wall. Gaster planned this well, she groaned as she slid down the door, trying to find another way to escape, but with no avail. He made sure the flower was locked away without a way in or out, putting her under lock and key. The brunette growled, banging her head against the door as this sole question rung through the rooms of her minds:
How would she get out, how was going to help? The teen didn't know, but she was going to do. No matter what, she was fighting with her family and they were going to win. She vowed that, and she was going to keep it.
Her head snapped up when her kidnapper's laughter echoed into the cell and a growl answered as the flower jumped up to glare through the bars with a smirk laced to her lips.
"They're coming for me." Frisk lowered her voice to keep the pain at bay, but anyone could hear the anger in it, biting him with each word. However, it looked like it didn't bother the mad scientist one bit as his sick-looking smile grew while he leaned closer to her shadowed face:
"Looks so, but have no fear, my dear. I won't let them derail our big plans. You will be his still." He teased darkly, sliding back before her hand should grab him
The brunette scowled deeply, banging hard on the door while angry and hot tears rolled down her cheeks; tinting them red as he faded from view. Please determination, she begged while her hands started to bleed, don't fail her now. Let her be able to fight beside her family.
Don't let her fail now:
"I will never be anyone's but Sans', Gaster! Never love anyone but Sans! Do you hear me?!" Frisk shouted after the male, to only to be met with another laugh.
Another growl fell out her mouth, her eyes roaming again for an escape, not willing to not give up. And by luck, she birthed an idea by landing her blues on the thin blanket and a grin spread across her lips before she rushed towards the bed as her mind echoed a thought to her sister:
Chara, I need you. Are you there?
I'm here for you. What do you need?
Teach me how to tie a loop. She ordered as she sat down on the dirty floor, the determined shine was still sitting in her eyes.
A moment later, her face took on the determined expression as her feet moved her toward the door, her makeshift rope in hand as her gaze pointed to the keys hanging on the other wall. She nodded firmly before she swung the loop through the bars, her tongue peeking out as she wiggled it toward them over and over until she met the keys. Frisk wouldn't give up until the damned things were in her hand. Until she was out.
But, as the minutes honed on, she felt the fire go out. The brunette watched as the rope fell to the floor and the teen fell to her knees with a cry passing her lips, her hand tightened its hold on the rope. How would she get to them, to Sans?
Then, oddly, the sound of tapping filled her ears, making the brunette snap her head up to the door's bars, revealing a familiar face. Frisk gasped loudly, both shocked and relieved at the sight of that grin; but then the teen grinned hugely as the lock was released and the door swung opened. Her eyes lit up at the sight of the dimly lit hall as the shadow held out a hand to her:
"Ready to fight, Frisk?" The shadow required, their smile growing while her hand met theirs. She looked so fiery at that moment that, as any other father should have felt, they felt pride blooming in their chest.
"I am, papa."
Asgore chuckled deeply, pulling his daughter behind him, not into danger with and worry in his heart, no; the king was leading his warrior princess into fear battle. He knew she would be alright, feeling her strength from the touch. She was strong, and she was needed, so as her father and the king, he needed to let her go. Without fear, worry, or delay.
And through Alphys' cameras, he had seen her grow as the weeks; how her memories returned to Frisk, the memory of Dove. The fighter he loved and raised long ago.
His big eyes closed at her name. Not now, he reminded himself as he opened them again just when the lights became bright. Now, it's time for her to show her stuff...
-.-.-.-.-
Three days earlier
-.-.-.-.-
Sans walked into the cave as his hands sat in the jacket's pockets, the footsteps of his combat boots echoed loudly off the walls and the smell of baked goods lingered in the air. The male scowled, hating that he needed to trust her, but they needed her now.
They needed the Princess of the Spiders. They needed her skills. He knew that, but that doesn't mean he didn't hate that fact:
"Well, well, what do we have here?" A female voice crooned, a puff of sweet smoke swirled around to him as Muffet came into view, returning him to the reality with a slight growl:
"What brings you here, mi cherie? I know you're not my biggest fan." Her French accent peeked through as the female spider placed her purple cigar to her lips, a smirk hiding behind it.
The spider hoped something would happen, her cannon has gotten dusty and having no free time away from her many siblings was getting on her nerves, so she was thankful for Sans' sudden appearance. It was a break from mundane baking and duties. But, the ravenette monster didn't see her chance coming in the form of the rough skeleton.
And from the cutting glare he pinned on her, she sensed he didn't want to be here. The baker was seriously curious why the skeleton had come to her cave, and importantly, her cave alone. Muffet heard rumors that he wouldn't go anywhere without the new human 'princess', but here he was, standing in front of her with that signature scowl of his without the human.
Finally, his growl woke her from her thoughts and she raised her violet eyes to his sockets as one of her many hands reached to tuck her loose hair behind her ear:
"I am here for help, Muffet. I'll even pay you." Now, this was serious, the female realized as her brow rose.
Her lips pursed as she walked to him, a tail of smoke following behind her, and sized the skeletal male up before she took a breath of smoke in and spoke.
"This must be serious if you are willing to pay moi for help, Sans. What is the matter? I know we aren't best friends, but I do worry about you." Muffet required as she took another huff, cocking her head in concerned confusion.
Sans tsked as he leaned on a wall, staring out of the mouth of the cave before the purple-skinned spider could see his tears. He knew she wouldn't let him live it down if she caught sight of him breaking down, even if he was thankful for her concern. Right now, the male didn't need her teasing.
As the days went on, his soul felt like it was getting ripped into small pieces as he spent more and more time without Frisk. He thought the hours she ran off almost killed him, but he now knew that was nothing compared to this. If they couldn't get to her soon, he feared that he would do something stupid and put his sweetheart in even more danger.
But Sans swore to the stars, the skeleton was going to kill the scientist for causing the most important person in his life pain, for everything he put Frisk through and the pain he put her family through. And Gaster was going to pay dearly.
He sighed, rubbing his skull in frustration as the memory of Asgore and Toriel's harrowing expression when Asriel had to fill them in about everything, including the truth behind their story, and the guilt twisted his non-existent gut again. He had promised them he would keep her safe, but the skeleton had failed. He failed Frisk once more:
But not again, Sans was going to save her and this time, they shall be free from this fate. He would be no longer tied to the doleful desires of his father, his brother and him would no longer be just his dutiful pawns in his sick games. It ends now, he pledged deep in his soul before he returned his attention to the spider princess with such a fury behind his glowing sockets:
"Gaster has my bond, Muffet. And I need your expertise to get her back. What do I have to pay to have that?" Sans seethed with every word as he showed her all the gold he had, causing her to smile bitterly as she shook her head.
For once, all she wanted was to help. For once in her life, gold was the last thing Muffet wanted. The ravenette moved one hand to his and pushed them down, the long sea of black fell along her shoulders to hide the sad smile on her lips.
"I just want my family and people to be free. If your human can do that, that would be enough of a payment."
Sans snapped his head up just when the female placed her giant cigar back to her mouth, shocked was clearly written over his features. For as long as he knew her, Sans has never seen her refuse gold, or even rarer, knew her to be selfless on someone's behalf outside of her family.
"What has changed for you, Muffet? This isn't like you." Sans questioned, almost accusingly, letting the gold coins trickled to the floor. Sans didn't care about the coins really, if he left them for the tiny bugs to carry away after he faded from view; that would be okay with the ancient monster:
He only cared for her and her only. Sans needed to find Frisk and he was only focused on her.
The female chuckled as her thousand eyes turned to see the sun chased the night away from the sky above unseen by monsters before her reply echoed off the cave's walls:
"Sometimes, a ruler needs to see the big picture, and right now, the Underground is my big picture." Muffet smiled once again, letting the wind dance across her skin, before a sigh escaped her mouth and she turned her back to the stunned skeleton.
"Just tell me when and we'll be there. Oh, and Sans?"
"Yeah?"
She grinned at the familiar drawl of his lazy reply, her eyes shining in the shadows as she cocked her head back; her grin growing:
"You've changed, too." And with that, she disappeared into the smoke the webbed cigar created.
Leaving the skeletal male with his thoughts, they rushed through while his heavy footsteps carried himself down the tree-dusted path. He hadn't thought about it with everything else going on in the past months, but he realized that the spider princess was right.
Sans had changed.
And it wasn't just his physical looks, but him himself. Since Sans learned the truth behind this whole sick game and his bond to Frisk, he became serious, if that's even possible for him.
He chuckled at the thoughts as he stopped to lean on a tree. Sans was always a jokester, a chilled guy, but then he slowly changed. He idly wondered if the change was Raven trying to peek through the many other levels of him, trying to say that he was still there. As if he was finally free to swim to the surface and claim his piece of Sans' soul after being buried for years.
He actually had to smile at the thought, liking the idea of Raven molding into his personality; linking him to his forgotten past.
Sans smiled again before he sighed and continued his journey back to the group, looking up just when Hotland turned into Waterfall and the mock stars shined through the sadness that returned to his soul:
"We will save you, Frisk, we're coming for you; just hold on, be brave, and fight, baby girl. I will get you back…." His words echoed to the sparking lights, almost like another vow as stinging tears pooled over and down his cheekbones, his soul wishing that they could get to her faster.
What the male didn't know was he would get his wish. However, it won't end very well. Both halves of the bond will have to face their worst nightmare, ending with a familiar sight.
-.-.-.-.-
Present—Hours before
-.-.-.-
The skeleton stood in front of the many windows of The Judgment Hall, his soul turning and twisting with anxiety as the sounds of everyone else busying themselves with the preparations met his ears. Sans wanted to join his family in the preparations, but his mind and soul was such a mess that he couldn't move a muscle. The male just kept seeing Frisk's face, pained and tear-stained as she reached out to him in vain. The mental image almost sent him into a panic attack.
What if he was too late? What if he already lost her?
Everyone behind him saw the worry clearly on his face in the reflection and they thought it'd be better to just leave him be.
The skeletal male was too deep in his mind to help and knowing what he was going through, the other monsters didn't bother to try to engage him. They didn't want him to freak or breakdown as the battle was heading to them rapidly.
But Asriel wasn't about to leave Sans to spin even deeper into anxiety, not when the most important battle was coming:
"You know we will get her back, right?" Asriel questioned, leaning against a pillar as he waited for a reply, but only silence met the goat.
Sans finally noticed him as he sighed deeply, absently nodded to not concern his friend even more. But the skeleton had to wonder if they would before he leaned back against one of the windows and another sigh escaped his teeth.
"Yeah, I know. I just worry, we have been here before, what if it ends the same; Asriel?" Sans' voice sounded so strained that the goat prince began to worry. Maybe he really would fall into a panic attack, he ruminated worriedly before he moved towards the tall monster and landed a paw on his shoulder.
He never knows how to calm him when Sans got like this, anxious and unsure, but Asriel knew he had to do something before the skeleton slipped even deeper into the anxiety. They needed him strong and confident to ensure that Frisk would be back in their sight:
"Look at me, Sans."
He took his sweet time before he obeyed, revealing his tear-streaked cheeks. Asriel breathed sharply, not expecting that sight, and the sight shook the goat to the core.
The last time he saw Sans cried, he understood why. But now, as the tears continued their path down, he felt like he could never understand. The expression his features held was as if the skeletal male gave up on his happy ending but vowed to kill the one that stole it from him and to save his sweetheart once more before he had to say goodbye.
Because he knew that would happen, the other monster could see it from the empty stare in the blank, dark sockets. He had lost all his hope in the brief time since Gaster forced their hand. He didn't know when he did, but he prepared himself for the worst. He was prepared to lose Frisk that day, he was ready for the dreaded reset:
It hurt to see him so defeated. The prince breathed in, trying to fight his own tears and pulled him into a tight hug, unable to do more to comfort him; no matter how much he wanted to do more for Sans in the moment. They just clung to one another for another long moment before Asriel's soft, but strong voice whispered in his ear canal.
"We'll find her, Sans, you know we will. She won't be going anywhere anytime soon. And when we do; you know you won't lose her, she will fight by your side. You two can give Gaster payback for all he has done to Frisk over the days he had her, I promise." Asriel whispered quietly, the beating of their hearts echoed off the walls mixed with the buzz of activity behind them.
Minutes passed and that were the only sounds in the room besides his friend's muffled cries when Sans finally spoke again, his growl laced with tears:
"I hope you're right, but I have a feeling that we won't get a happy ending."
"I beg your pardon? You are just giving up? That's not like you, 14."
They quickly turned to see Error walking toward him, a comforting grin was pointed on him as he placed a hand on his shoulder. Suddenly, all his doubts disappeared while they locked sockets. The skeletons both knew what they needed to do.
Fight like hell.
-.-.-.-.-
They transported into the blank room, careful to not make any noise to pull the mad skeleton's attention to the small group. Sans scanned the empty room, then peeked around a corner, and released a relieved sigh. They were alone, for now at least.
Time to move on with the plan, he thought firmly before the skeletal monster turned his skull to the giant king with a firm glint in his sockets:
"You know what to do, be careful." Asgore nodded determinedly, touching his shoulder as he quickly rounded the corner, trying to give the young monster comfort and luck with the simple touch.
Then, after the skeletal male watched the other figures faded from sight before he closed his sockets to steady himself, knowing what was next for him.
He was about to face his father, punishing him for all his past crimes, and the male was terrified. Not because he feared his crazy father, no the male was itching to face him, but he feared what would be waiting for him at the end.
Taking a breath and opened his eyes; he quickly and quietly moved to a wall, pinning himself to the wall. There was no time to hesitate, it was time to take his life back.
Even if there was going to be a reset and Sans was doomed to search for Frisk again, he was going to make sure he wouldn't have a chance to derail them. He was going to ensure the next timeline would be the last.
He peeked around the corner for any loose glitches, but as soon as Sans heard Muffet's cannon; he rushed out of his hiding spot. The others were doing well at distracting the minor enemies, but the male knew he had to hurry and get away as far as he could. He had a feeling that the battle would be messy.
He ran down the hall, careful to not to make any noise; but Sans knew it wouldn't matter. Gaster would find him soon.
And soon enough, his bad feeling came true. As soon as the skeletal monster rounded the next corner, he came face to face with the male he wanted to see:
Gaster smiled coolly, his hands folded in front of him in his usual stance for a few long moments before he moved towards the younger male. Sans growled deeply, backing away as the scientist came to a stop just inches away from him. His hot breath fanned across his face, turning his stomach at the smell, but his growl deepened when Gaster tried to reach for his face.
"Well, is this pleasant surprise? My baby boy's here to take me down, right?" Gaster questioned, his smile faltering only slightly as he dropped his hands back to his sides; all the while staring hard at the young monster in front of him.
The skeleton smirked harshly as he stepped closer to the old King ready to rip him apart.
"Yes, and this time, I won't go so easy on you. It's just you and me, old man!" He slowly shouted, the sound of his voice echoed off the walls around them before he called forth his bone dragons.
He was ready for this. He has always been ready.
The older skeleton smiled sadly, waving one of his clawed hands to call his own blasters. He looked like he didn't want to this but the other monster left him no choice, almost like a real parent.
The skeleton had to admit he missed that look, but now; it was twisted. It looked as if he was the mad scientist in Mad Father, a game he and Paps found once. And Sans was terrified, knowing how the game ended:
"Are you sure you want to do this, my boy? You have to know that witch cast a spell on you, I can save you. Just let me." Gaster begged as he attempted again to touch his cheek, only to see Sans backed away with a scowl.
He really didn't believe in Soul Bonding? Was his mother just an end to meets for him? To have strong heirs? That thought repulsed him so much, his power burned brightly as a low, beast-like growl fell from his teeth before his hand moved towards his father. He could feel his power raced through his non-existent veins as this question seethed in his growl:
"You really don't understand, don't you, father? I love her."
With that simple utterance, he allowed his power to release and the battle for their freedom begun.
Yellow and purple clashed as Sans howled out his anger and pain before Gaster spoke the last spoken words between them, returning the gut-twisting disgust to him as the skeleton took a hit to the stomach, unable to block the blast.
"I'll make you see, darling boy. Don't worry, daddy will save you."
That was when Sans realized how truly crazed the older skeleton has become, truly believed he was under an evil spell when all he ever wanted was to be free in choosing who he was going to court. Sans growled again, climbing back to his feet with his hands glowing at his sides.
The skeleton will teach this real monster a lesson in male bonds. He will show him the power of a bond.
-.-.-.-.-
The teenager ran out to the bright light as her father slowly and carefully pulled her through the raging battleground, her eyes went wide as she took in the many forms of the Monster Race facing the poor creatures who protected her in Alphys' lab. This was why it curled around her, it was keeping Gaster at bay.
But now, they were just pawns to keep the others busy. They were lambs to slaughter, only to be thrown away. Frisk crashed her teeth together before her sweet nature took over, ignoring Chara's screams and her father's terrified yells as her bare feet beat against the floor. She couldn't let Gaster hurt them anymore.
"Frisk! Wait!"
But she didn't listen as she neared one, it was forming at the mouth as it howled at her, ready to swipe her away. All she did was smile soothingly with a hand out to it, whispering softly as the others began to try to get to her while their panic set in:
"I know, you're hurting. I'm so sorry." She inched closer when it laid its paw down, snorting as it stilled with its head cocked. Frisk giggled and reached her hand to it snout just when Chara cut through her mind, making her slightly cringed at the volume of her yell.
Sis, I love you, but this isn't the time for mercy! Run!
Shush, I know what I'm doing.
And sure enough, she proved her point as the creature slowly settled and nuzzled her hand. She smiled sweetly, toning out the many gasps around her, and bent down to lean her forehead against its own. Their eyes met as she called forth the mercy button, humming a soothing hymn while she let it lick her like a happy pet.
"You are free, my friend. Shh, he won't hurt you anymore. Will you help me?" She asked, smiling when a slight purr its mouth as it snuggled under her arm.
Frisk nodded at it, petting it before she turned her eyes to the shocked glances of the monsters with a firm glint locked in her blues. They were astonished by how much she looked like a leader, even in a hospital gown, in the moment as she stepped forward with the mingled creature following close behind.
Her voice was still hoarse by her disability, but it sounded so strong and sure that it was hard for Asriel not to smile proudly. Frisk was finally showing her Dove side, a strong leader.
"They aren't the enemy here, Gaster is. He caused everything, the Underground and the hate, and he is the one who deserves your hate. I'm going to bring the battle to him. Who will come with me and fight for freedom?"
Asriel chuckled deeply, moving to her with a hand stretched toward the shy creature; careful to not scare it while he moved his ambers to her eyes and gave her a nod before landing a paw on her shoulder.
This was the Frisk he missed, the fearless and confident Frisk. Asriel knew that the flower still had problems, however, she had no time to worry about them. She needed to focus on the task at hand and he could see it from the determined flash in her eyes that she was ready.
"I can't speak for the others, but I will follow you anywhere; sis."
Frisk smiled, nodding before she turned to the others just when they grinned their agreement; she breathed a relieved sigh as she rushed to her mother to get a soothing touch before she stepped back, feeling her soul swelling with determination as she moved to the other creatures.
"You're alright now, darlings. Shh, it's okay." Frisk crooned softly, reaching out a hand once more, causing them to crowd around her curiously. She smiled at the closest one as it cautiously touched her hand with its scout, kneeling next to its side and leaned her forehead against its own as she vowed to them.
"I'll free everyone from him, I swear it."
With that quiet vow, the young woman led the small group to the sounds of fighting in the comfort of shadows, trying to calm her heart but the thought of Sans fighting Gaster alone was sending it to a frenzied drumming.
The brunette knew he had to, but as they all knelt on the second-floor balcony and caught sight of Gaster blasting him into the far wall, she had to cup her hand to keep a loud gasp from escaping her mouth, drawing the mad scientist's attention to them. Frisk had to dig her nails deeper into the apples of her cheeks while Sans threw a kick in answer for the blast with an angry growl, which Gaster blocked with one of his smaller blasts, making Frisk's whole body itch to jump to his side and fight with him. But, her responsibility now was to protect the group.
She gasped for a soothing breath before returning her gaze as her brother tried to comfort when they spotted the younger monster hit his father a few times, both with his body and Gaster Blasters, all the while Sans was getting beaten hard. And all the crazy monster was smiling maddeningly, like he viewed this fight as a sick punishment for standing up against him and he would learn better. He would learn to feel only what he wanted him to feel.
To become his perfect little puppet. The thought sickened the brunette, twisting her insides into a painful knot.
Did he really think that this was okay? To beat obedience into him, his own son? The one he claimed to love and miss? No one could be that nonsensical, could they?
Yes, they could, Frisk was looking at proof as Gaster continued the senseless beating; giving Sans new injuries. She gritted her teeth, tightening her hold around the railing to hold herself there, keeping her from attacking the twisted skeleton. But he didn't make it any easier for her with his next words, sending anger raging through her veins like a burning fire:
"You would be happy with that pretty Death girl. She was feisty and strong. She'd given you strong sons. But no, you just had to have a Bond with a Life. This 'Soul Bonding' thing is ridiculous, Sans. You will never be happy with that girl, come, boy. You have to know that." A growl answered him, Sans struggling to his feet as his socket glowed like the forbidden sun above ground.
She really disliked him right now. Frisk wasn't ever the type to hate someone, even with everything she went through before, but this monster. Man, the flower was close to hating him. And the heat of hatred made the teen very uncomfortable before she heard the familiar sound of Sans' and she was shaken from her head. Frisk sent a thankful prayer to him before she turned her attention back to the pair.
"Was mother that for you? A breeder? Why in the hell don't you believe in Soul Bonds if you claimed to love her?"
For an answer, the younger male was pinned to the wall by the growling scientist, his sockets became even crazier as he held a glowing hand next to his skull, hissing lowly:
"How dare you?! I loved your mother, but not because of a silly fairy tale! Come on, boy! Wake up and realize what you claim to feel isn't real, it is just a damned fantasy!"
"Isn't real? You got to be kidding me. My soul feels like it's being ripped in two whenever I'm not with her! Don't you have any idea how that feels like?" The young monster hissed back, kicking him in the stomach and sent him flying into the other wall before he returned to his crouch, prepared to keep fighting.
And that was the last straw, the brunette couldn't wait any longer to help. She needed to help him. She looked to her brother, who was staring at her with knowing eyes, and sent him an apologetic look before crept along the railings; calling out to Chara throughout her mind.
Chara?
Yes, I'm here. She sounded strained, as Frisk closed her eyes, she knew what she wanted.
Do you have it? A tired sigh escaped through her mind, before Chara answered softly as the younger woman slithered down the stairs.
Yes.
Then call it.
Are you sure?
Chara, we don't have a choice. Yet another sigh before her reply.
Okay. Frisk, if I don't see you again, thank you and I love you. Frisk smiled sadly while she quickly hid behind a weird machine as the battling sounds grew louder.
I love you too, C.
And with that, Frisk was left on her own, waiting for it to appear. Frisk hated that she had to do this, to break her promise again. But this was the perfect opportunity to use it. The fighting has gotten louder and louder, the brunette couldn't just sit there while Sans and Error fought for their freedom.
Wait, Error? Who is Error? Frisk's brows furrowed as she realized there was a new voice in the mix, almost sounding like a broken version of Sans' growl. Curious, she peeked around the corner:
And she gasped behind a hand as she watched two Sanes battle hard against the raging scientist with the same fury through their movements. She remembered now, he was the one who killed the first time, sending him into insanity. But now, he seemed to be trying to atone for his sins. She smiled sweetly at the thought, hoping he can find his Frisk one day, before a dulled light woke the brunette from her thoughts and back to reality.
She let a calming breath fall from her lips before she turned the button she was waiting for. It was time, she calmed herself and she crept on her knees to a fallen piece of white wall, the button following close behind.
With another calming sigh, the teen stumbled back to her feet and threw the piece at Gaster's skull, screaming as loud as her lungs could allow:
"Hey Gassy! Over here!" A loud growl met her shout, but she stood her ground. She wanted to fall to her knees as she watched Sans clawed against Error's hold to get to her, tears falling while his screams echoed around her. But Frisk had to be strong.
She breathed a deep breath, taking a step toward the older as a strange burning built inside her chest. They were coming, she lamented with a sad smile, before she reached and tugged the faded ribbon from her hair; letting the brown tresses fall as they stood a foot from one another. Gaster chuckled as he crossed his arms, raising a brow expectedly:
"What's this? Offering yourself in his stead, my dear?"
"No, I have a better idea." Frisk countered in a low tone, finally revealing what she was hiding with a flick of her wrist.
The gasps that sounded shook off the walls as they realized what she was planning, followed by demands and futile threats. The teen closed her eyes with a sorrowful smile placed on her lips and stinging tears rolling before the other seven souls answered her call.
It was time to say goodbye. For now.
The True Reset glowed brightly in front of her, her hand hovered over it as she cut her eyes to the raging skeleton before she proclaimed as loud as her voice could allow:
"I am Dove Of Love, daughter of Moon and Star; sister of Sun, and the Bond of the Death prince, Raven. With this, I free myself from your curse!"
And slammed her hand down, her blues glowing with determination as the souls began to dance around her body; drowning out all the others' screams but Gaster's. He was snarling up at her, his blaze glowing brighter with anger as he hit the floor while the giant room slowly began to crumble around them.
She tried to feel pity for this deranged monster, to see the good in him, but all Frisk could do was looked down at him with disgust. Maybe there was once a soul within him, but now, he was a hollow shell of the former God. Twisted beyond repair.
"How?! I hid it well!" He howled, his sockets turning crazier as the room started to be swallowed by darkness.
The brunette had to grin at that before she opened her hand and stared at the heart nuzzled safely in it, letting these words fall from her mouth.
"I just remembered who I was, who I belong with.
"You're going to pay for this, bitch!" Gaster growled out before he was too gone. A final wasted breath before he would be reborn.
The young woman sighed sadly, letting the souls lowered herself back onto the ground:
"No, Gaster, it's over."
She let that whisper fade into silence before she moved to her skeletons, kneeling as their mixed cries surrounded her. She smiled while she grabbed each of their, folding an item under their phalanges and the flower leaned close to each their canals as she faded into yellow flowers once more.
For the last time.
"Always for you."
-.-.-.-.-
As the world was recreated, Error stood there in the shadows, staring at the faded ribbon while the tears began to sting again. He didn't exactly know what kind of tears they were; happy at the thought that the nightmare had finally ended or sad at Frisk's last sacrifice. Or maybe angry because she let herself be a martyr yet again.
But he knew one thing while he watched her being carried to the nursery ward to await the arrival of her adoptive parents, her cute cooing lulling him into calm.
He could not fail Frisk, he and Sans already failed her so many times before, and she got hurt, now Error will protect her like he promised years before. Even if his life is lost in the progress.
He smiled, closing his fist around the ribbon. This time, their fairy tale would have a happy ending. This time, Error would make sure of it.