A/N This chapter was originally going to be posted next week, but I decided that last chapter was a bit too big of a cliffhanger to just leave you all on for two weeks. Not that this one is much better.
That being said, I do want to thank everyone who's ever favorited, followed or left a review. I put so much work into these stories, that it's very gratifying to see someone appreciate my work. With that said, I hope you continue to enjoy as we start to head into the main part of the story.
"I don't know how it happened. It was before I was born. All I know is from what the adults said. Apparently, relations between nations started going bad. There was so much fear, anger, and paranoia. One day, there was a massive attack. No one's sure who started it, only that it engulfed the whole world. By the end, everything was gone.
"Though the world has ended, there are small pockets of survivors that constantly struggle to survive. They wander the wastes, looking for anything and everything; food, water, shelter. Anything that could help them survive. I was part of one small group. We're constantly on the move, trying to avoid the roaming groups of bandits that try to take from smaller groups.
"I was born into that kind of world and was taught how to survive. I learned how to fight when I was four and later learned how to use weapons when I was six. At times, we had to steal from other groups of survivors so we could make it. I didn't like it, but I understood the necessity of it.
"One day, we were traveling near this mountain. I heard them talking about it and the legends surrounding it. We were going to try and hide out on it for a while, especially as winter was closing in. But I got curious and ventured far up it. I found this cave and decided to explore it. But it was so dark, I couldn't see anything. I accidentally tripped on something and fell into this massive pit, which is how I wound up here.
"I didn't want to keep this a secret from you guys. At first, I assumed you already knew. By the time I realized you didn't… I couldn't break your hearts like that. I had heard from everyone how much they wanted to see the surface and how that is all that kept them going."
Frisk stopped talking to get their breath back. They looked up at Toriel and Asgore's faces and they were filled with shock and horror. "I'm sorry," they apologized. "I shouldn't have kept this from you for so long. I should have told you the moment I realized." They hugged Toriel's robe, crying into her shoulder. "I know how much you all want to see the surface, but please, please, don't do it. It's so safe here, which is why I choose to stay. But… those other humans, they're the group I was with. They won't be as kind as me. They'll try and take everything from you. I'm sorry I led them here. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
Toriel wrapped her arms around Frisk as they sobbed. She glanced at Asgore, who had a pitying expression. He reached over and laid a comforting hand on Frisk's shoulder.
"It's… not your fault," he comforted.
Frisk fell asleep after a while. Toriel laid them down, patting their hair. When Asgore tried to lay a hand on her shoulder she rounded on him when she felt the ghost of his touch. Ignoring her hostile expression, he pointed to the door and gestured for her to follow. He had to talk to her out of Frisk's hearing.
She followed, but once outside the room she spoke. "What are you doing here, Dreemurr?" she demanded.
"I had questions and only the human had answers," he responded.
"Who told you Frisk was here?" she asked, hands on her hips.
"Alphys did. They're the last Soul we need. But now…" Asgore trailed off. "We need to inform the others." He walked to the main area of the lab, Toriel behind him.
"…supposed to inform me!" Undyne was shouting at Papyrus still.
"BUT UNDYNE…" Papyrus tried to defend.
"I'm your superior, Papyrus. Which means that when I give you an order you have to follow it!"
"BUT…"
"Undyne, stand down," Asgore said sharply.
"But…"
"He did what he felt was right," Asgore affirmed. "Sometimes that's more important than following your orders."
Undyne grumbled but didn't argue.
Sans stood up from the wall he was leaning against. "so, got your questions asked? you were in there for quite a while."
"In a sense," Asgore answered. "I only asked one. The answer to that one answered all the rest."
Sans was going to ask how it went, but he could see it on their faces. "oh, boy. judging by those expressions, what the kid said must not've been good."
Asgore sighed. "Brace yourselves. The news is not good."
Asgore did his best to summarize Frisk's story telling them what had become of the surface. Their reactions were varied and unique to each Monster.
At first, Sans kept up his constant smile but as the story progressed and Asgore talked about Frisk's life, the smile fell and the lights in his sockets vanished and his head gradually dropped.
Papyrus grew sadder as he listened, pitying the humans that had apparently destroyed themselves in a war.
Undyne's eye widened as she absorbed what her mentor was saying and anyone who looked could see her shaking with barely restrained rage.
Alphys had the most extreme reaction. Her legs gave out and her side slammed against the desk and she slid down to the floor.
Undyne rushed to Alphys' side to ensure that she was alright. Papyrus knelt down next to Sans, trying to cheer him up.
Once Asgore finished, no one spoke for several minutes trying to process what was said.
"SO… THE SURFACE IS… GONE?" Papyrus asked. "IT'S BEEN… DESTROYED?"
"From the human's account, the humans seem to have destroyed each other," Asgore answered. "From their descriptions… there doesn't seem to be many of them left."
"Those bastards," Undyne hissed. "It wasn't enough to trap us all down here and take our prince? They had to destroy all our hopes as well?"
"Undyne, calm down," Asgore stressed.
"But it's true! The humans have done it. They've taken everything from us! For years, we've dreamed of a happy ending and with this kid, sunlight is within our reach. But before we could even begin to take it all back it's been gone for some time!"
"How long has it been that way?" Alphys wondered.
"Frisk said it happened before they were born," Toriel explained. "At least eight years."
"That punk has ruined everything!" Undyne shouted.
"Undyne!" Asgore snapped.
Undyne summoned a spear and started walking in the direction of Frisk's room. "That punk is going to get it."
"Undyne, stand down! Frisk is already dying," Asgore insisted.
"I don't care. Kid has to pay for destroying out hopes and dreams!"
Undyne took two more steps before she suddenly collapsed on the ground. Her limbs felt like lead weights. She was able to stand up but walking took more effort than it was worth.
"i'd suggest you calm down," Sans advised, bony hand out of his pocket.
"Let me go, Sans," Undyne ordered.
"no can do, cap," Sans said. "i made a promise to tori there. 'protect the kid.' they may be dying but my promise still stands."
"I don't care," she gritted.
"look, it's not the kid's fault the surface is gone. they weren't even born, apparently. so don't go blamin' them for the actions of others. besides, they're dyin'. not much you can do to them to make it worse."
"I can still make them suffer."
"okay, let me put it another way. my bro here considers the kid a friend and he also sees you one as well. you kill them, he's not going to be your friend anymore and nothing's more important to me than his happiness. so, you upset papyrus…" He blinked and the lights in his eyes vanished and he was right in Undyne's face. "You're gonna have a bad time."
Undyne knew that wasn't an idle threat. Sans might be lazy but he was powerful. She wasn't about to test how far he was willing to go. "Fine," she agreed. Sans blinked and the lights came back and she was able to stand again.
"SO, WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO ABOUT FRISK?" Papyrus asked. "CAN THEY… BE HEALED?"
"No," Alphys answered. "If I had been able to help them a week ago they'd be able to recover. Even if I take the fragment out now the infection is too advanced. I doubt they'll live through the night."
Toriel did her best to hold in her tears. She wasn't going to cry. Not with so many people around.
"well, let's focus on the other half of what we've found out," Sans suggested. "the fact that the surface is gone. what do we do about that?"
"What can we do? We're still trapped behind the Barrier," Alphys pointed out.
"yeah, but soon we'll have the power we need to break it," Sans pointed out. "the surface might be ruined but we can still go up there."
"But it might not be habitable," Alphys informed. "I've been looking up some records of human weapons and I think I might have identified the culprit. It's called an H-bomb. In addition to its destructive power, it has a secondary effect of a cloud of radiation which is like an invisible poison that slowly kills you. Frisk is lucky to be showing no signs of radiation poisoning but we might not be so lucky."
"So even if we break the Barrier we'd still be trapped down here because of that stuff?" Undyne asked.
"Yes," Alphys confirmed. "Though, not forever. Eventually, the radiation will disperse but it could be years. I'd have to run some tests to find out how much longer. Regardless, the surface is not safe."
"HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO TELL EVERYONE THAT?" Papyrus asked.
"dunno, bro. people are gonna take it real hard, though. we're so close to freedom, but it turns out to be a very bad kind."
Asgore was running the problem through his head. How was he supposed to break that news to everyone? That the thing they've been after for so long is now further away than it's ever been. Although… no one knew that. They had all been oblivious until Frisk had said something. He had an idea, but he didn't like it.
"Perhaps, we don't," he decided. When everyone looked at him, he elaborated. "Right now, we're the only ones who know what's become of the surface. So, I'm ordering all of you to keep it that way. You are to not breathe one word about the conditions of the surface to anyone. They've lived their lives unaware for years now. They can go a little longer."
Toriel looked at him incredulously. "Are you really going to lie to your people?"
"I have to," Asgore admitted. "If people learn, they will lose hope. Monsters will be falling down left and right if that comes out. So for now, no one is to know." He turned to face the others. "Understood?"
"Yes, sir," Undyne saluted.
"Yes," Alphys said.
"sure," Sans agreed.
"I'M NOT SURE, BUT I WILL DO AS ASKED," Papyrus accepted.
"Good." Asgore turned to Undyne. "The most immediate problem is the humans in the Ruins. Though sealed, they are still a threat. I want you to up recruitment for the Royal Guard. However, those who join must understand that they are to capture the humans, not kill them."
"What! Why?" Undyne asked.
"The humans are dying out. They may not be friendly but I will not worsen it for them. If we can save their kind, we must. So, your orders from now on are to capture humans, not kill them."
"Yes, sir," Undyne reluctantly agreed.
"Good. Now doctor," Asgore turned to Alphys. "I want you to devise a way to monitor the surface. Find a way to keep an eye on the conditions of the world above and determine when it will be safe for our kind."
"Y-yes, sir," Alphys stammered. "I'll… I'll do what I can."
"Good. Also, I want you to work with Undyne to assist the Royal Guard. Give them the technology they will need to defend the Underground."
"Oh, uh, okay," Alphys agreed, visibly blushing.
"Sans, Papyrus." Asgore turned to the skeletons. "You two patrol the forest outside of Snowdin, correct?"
"yes," Sans confirmed.
"Continue doing that but add the Ruins doors to your route. I want you to keep an eye on them. Let me know if any humans leave."
"SURE THING!" Papyrus said excitedly.
"Alphys, one more thing," Asgore said, getting the doctor's attention. "I want you to look for ways to help the human."
Toriel faced Asgore fully when she heard that.
"Why?" Alphys asked.
"You must find a way to save their life," the king answered. "Normally, I wouldn't have you do this, but the human is but a child. As we no longer need their Soul, at least not for a while, I want you to find a way to help them."
"I don't think it's possible," Alphys admitted. "I don't have the antibiotics to help them fight off the infection. Nor do I have the skill needed to remove the infected tissue."
"Then look for alternatives," he advised. "Find a way to help the human-"
"Frisk," Toriel interrupted. "Their name… is Frisk."
"Frisk," Asgore amended. "Find a way to help Frisk. Anything you can do, do it."
Alphys nodded. "I'll see what I can do."
"Good." Asgore turned to face Undyne, Sans and Papyrus. "You all have your orders."
"But, sir, what about the war?" Undyne asked.
"The war is over," Asgore said. "We have won. But you are to not say anything about that, either."
"Yes," Undyne agreed.
"Dismissed."
Undyne walked out, Sans and Papyrus behind her. Sans turned to face Toriel when she didn't follow.
"stayin' with your kid?"
"I have to," Toriel said. "I… I still cannot bear it, but for Frisk's sake, I will." She turned and went back to Frisk's room.
Asgore nodded to Alphys as he walked out. "Keep me apprised."
"Of course."
Alphys spent the rest of the day looking through all her notes on humans, trying to find a way to help Frisk, to no success. It seemed that there was no way to cure them of this infection without proper medication. Medication she lacked. She sighed as she looked down at her written notes finding nothing of help on the pages.
She glanced at her computer, looking though her files, thinking that there might be something on them. But most of it was on anime, which wouldn't help here. She was just about to pronounce the research a failure when her eye caught something. One of the files was labeled differently than the others.
She read the title, puzzled over its meaning. Notes on human-Monster hybrid cloning was what it was labeled. Curious, she double-clicked it. It opened and had several documents within it, along with photo-copied notes. She highlighted them all and right clicked it, opening them all at once. The material was a combination of data and hand-written theories on the nature of cloning and what would happen when a human and a Monster combined DNA.
She looked over the hand-written ones. She read them and all the theories made sense, as insane as they might sound. Monsters and humans were different species. The idea that they might be compatible on a genetic level was a tad absurd. And yet, it all made sense. It was even in her handwriting. Did she write these at some point? Perhaps she did and forgot about it. Everything was logical and reasoned, though some parts of it went off into rambling and speculation. Strangely though, some of the notes mentioned further research, but she couldn't find it within the file. She decided that she must have aborted the research at some point which is why it remained unfinished.
She scrutinized the parts that talked about how to combine the human and Monster DNA to produce something of a hybrid clone. It speculated that a Boss Monster would be the best candidate, as it had a similar anatomy to humans. Perhaps she could try this. She wouldn't go so far as to make a full hybrid, as that might have some health problems. But she would use Asgore and Toriel's DNA as the base for the clone and use Frisk's DNA so it would be something akin to what they were now. The notes, conveniently, even told her where to look to get the necessary segments.
Luckily, she had a sample from all three candidates. She decided she would start by mixing it together in the right way and if the clone started to grow, she would go from there. She copied the notes to a computer in the True Lab before taking the elevator down. There was a possibility this wouldn't work, but she was going to try anyway.
Toriel was still cradling Frisk, who was resting their head on her shoulder.
"So… the king's not going to tell anyone what happened?" Frisk asked.
"No. He is keeping it a secret from his people so they can hold onto that hope," she said bitterly.
"Good," Frisk said. "They need to hold onto that."
"It is a lie, my child. He is having them believe in a lie."
"But it is still hope," Frisk defended. "And they need that hope. Without that, what's left for any of them?"
Toriel had nothing to say to that.
"You told me the king is a bad person. But… everyone else I've met keeps saying how nice he is," Frisk breathed.
"He has – had – ordered that any human who fell here was to die."
"Maybe he had a reason for it," Frisk guessed. "I can kinda understand, you know. If it weren't for the fact that the world above is gone, I might even root for him."
"It is more than that," Toriel seethed. "He declared war on humanity that day. He… he became something he was not."
"You say that like you knew him personally."
Toriel kept her mouth shut. She didn't want to tell Frisk that she was the former queen.
"Well, if he's changing his policy, maybe you should give him a second chance. If he's really that bad, would he really be willing to show mercy to the humans?"
Again, Toriel had nothing in response.
Frisk moaned before squirming in pain. She placed a consoling hand on their cheek. "Are you alright?"
"Not really," they answered. "My side is still in pain, but at least it's no longer a sharp stab. Now it's more like a dull throb."
Toriel hugged them. "I wish I could do more. You should not have to suffer."
Frisk looked up at her. "Can you sing?"
"I… not for a while."
Frisk pressed their cheek to her shoulder. "I'd love to hear you sing. That way… I die listening to something nice."
Toriel hesitated before deciding to indulge them. She hummed a gentle melody to them, remembering a lullaby she used to sing Asriel to sleep with. Frisk listened to the whole thing and when she finished, they asked to hear it again. She repeated it a few times, until they fell asleep. She continued to hold them until she felt herself succumb to exhaustion. Gently, she laid them down, resting her head next to them, slowly falling asleep.
The next morning, Frisk felt themself slowly wake up. But they could feel it in their body. They didn't have much time left. They looked to their right and Toriel was still asleep. With what felt like the last of their energy, they raised their arm and laid it on her head, waking her up.
"Frisk?" she questioned. "What is it?"
"You're still here," they said, their voice strained.
Toriel clasped their hand with her own. "I… I could not leave you. Not now."
Frisk gave a weak smile as their vision darkened. "Mom, thank you. For everything." They closed their eyes as they lost all feeling in their limbs. They could hear Toriel's voice saying something, but they couldn't understand it anymore. Then everything went dark and their heart stopped.
End of Chapter 6
A/N So, remember when I said there were a few twists in this story beyond Frisk choosing to stay with Toriel? Well, the world ending is one of them. Keep in mind, though, this is all told from Frisk's point of view, and they weren't even born when it happened, so it's not clear what did happen. Someone suggested nuclear apocalypse, but I will neither confirm nor deny that. Part of the reason is to leave that open for future stories should I ever take them to the surface. That being said, I did make this with a specific kind of apocalypse in mind.
On another note, Frisk did die here. So if you think they're just unconscious, sorry to disappoint. Additionally, Frisk isn't going to reload their Save, as it would just leave them still dying. However, this isn't the end of them. Those who have read LOVETALE can probably guess what's going to happen next chapter. I did leave enough hints to allude to that.
Anyways, see you next week!
