To stay, or to go. The choice was made before they found the door. There was a sort of will that extended through them, defied the hesitance.

Some might call it curiosity. None had been beyond the ruins, to what lay outside of it. At least, when it came to the underground. The two monsters bearing the most hesitance, for all they had known, was this.

The ruins, old home. It was all quite small when you got used to it. Hidden roads, and pathways, diverting through secret entrances were rumored. Yet, as with this passage, they had not been discovered.

And yet, they persisted, they could not remain. A sense of Determination, to see their chosen task to its completion compelling action. Of course, Suzy stopped and asked for some of the chalk to leave a note.

Noelle asked. "You sure that's smart?"

Suzy argued. "Well...we don't want her to worry. That'd be mean."

Noelle glanced to Frisk. "If we go telling her, then she'll try and catch up with us. Then the missions a bust. Right?"

Frisk was presented with a choice. To leave a note for Toriel, or to leave without one. The nagging need to see this task through called to her, to the point she'd hardly really considered the ramifications here.

|Leave a Note|

|Just Leave |

Frisk chose to-

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The human flinched. "It's...probably for the best we don't." She reasoned. "If she stops us too soon, she'll just make us come back."

Suzy fidgeted with the chalk. "Are you sure?" She added. "We could j-"

Noelle swiped the chalk. "Oh c'mon, it'll be fine. We'll just hurry up, find her and come back." She then added. "Can't be that hard to find a human. Especially if she dresses like Frisk does."

The deer let out a little chuckle, while Suzy frowned. Frisk however, was shaking off a dull ache. Moving forward, the human pressed the door open, letting a wave of cold in. This action drawing the attention of her peers, as she continue on.

Into the dark, they traveled. The chill brushing against them, making each thankful they had layers. The passage led, eventually, to a clearing, and then to a final door. This one, when opened, presented far more light than the space before.

Blinking into the clearing beyond, snowfall trickled down. Sent along a rush of cold, flooding into the passage they'd only just left. This place here, was dark as night. Yet, the snow carried a sort of illumination from whatever light could be found in this underground world.

Frisk couldn't help but feel surprised witnessing snow, underground. She faced the sky, and felt it falling down. Where was it coming from? How did something like this work?

A gasp drew her attention to her peers. The other girls examining the sight, having stopped at the door. They seemed, bewildered at the sight of it all, prompting Frisk to tilt her head.

"What...is this?" Suzy asked picking up a piece. "I-it's so cold?"

Noelle examined the snow, stepping on it. "It's smushy, but crunchy...and soft?"

This response to snow prompted a look of confusion from the human. Inspecting her companions with doubt at first, and then more genuine surprise. Had they never experienced snow before?

She vocalized that exact question. "Have you two not seen snow before?"

Suzy replied. "This is snow?" She pushed a hand into it. "It's...like, fluffy ice." She added. "It's all over the...wow. There are...so many trees?"

"Weird..." Noelle observed this, before kneeling down. "So, snow...you can pick it up?" She began to crush some of it together. "Dude."

The realization that it could be compacted led Noelle to gather more, creating a decently sized snowball. At first Frisk imagined she might throw it. Instead, she bit a big chunk out of it, and swallowed.

Frisk winced. "W-wait, Noelle, you shouldn't...have done that."

A moment passed before Noelle recoiled from it. Panicking some, while tossing what remained to the ground. Suddenly bearing a pained expression.

"A-ahh, ughhh, b-brain freeze!" She groaned, taking the stick slotted in her belt, attacking it. "E-evil uughh, snow!"

Suzy used |U-Healing|

An orb of light colliding with Noelle, as Suzy tried to help. Noelle slashed madly for a moment longer, before losing strength and plopping onto the snow. Her spurs jingling as she fell, leaving her panting tiredly from her failed genocide of the snow.

Suzy hurried over, and asked. "A-are you okay?"

Noelle let out a little huff. "I-I should have...seen that...coming." She admitted. "It has...bested me."

Suzy looked concerned. "U-uhm. I can...I-I can heal you again?"

Noelle sighed. "Go on without me. Bleh."

The deer stuck out her tongue for dramatic effect. The dinosaur blinked, and seemed to realize it was all for show. Pouting some, while getting back to her feet.

Frisk laughed warmly. "You two are adorable." She sighed. "But you shouldn't just, eat snow." She suggested, flirting after. "Even if your reaction makes you look even cuter."

Noelle blushed at that, her eye briefly visible below her hair. "It d-does not!" She got back up, and crossed her arms. "It was uh, just like, a joke."

"Noelle..." Suzy examined her, smiling. "Are you blushing?"

"No!" Noelle pouted. "Y-you're both just being stupid." She stated, adding. "A-and Frisk is being weird with those flirts again."

Frisk put on a sly grin. "What I can say?" She stepped over. "Anything for you, dear."

Noelle rolled her eyes. "Oh please. You flirt with everyone!"

"I only flirt with everyone once. I flirt with you two, because you're my friends." Frisk suggested. "And cuz you look so tough, and adorable when you're upset~"

This earned a look of utter bewilderment, the deer girl scoffing as she turned and walked away. Muttering to herself in clear protest of the jokes. It managed to make Suzy snicker, as she hurried to keep up.

Suzy added. "You know she's just joking."

Noelle just rolled her eyes. "Yeah, cuz she's a dumbass."

Frisk jogged up to her side, adding. "Sure. I can't help but be a fool for you."

"Ugh, you're impossible!" Noelle exclaimed in exasperation.

This earned a shared bit of laughing between Suzy, and Frisk. As the pair passed by the indents of a snow-angel, partially buried in the snow. Alongside faded footsteps.

Suzy asked. "Where did you learn to flirt, Frisk?"

Frisk thought back. "So, funny story. Me and Aliza, another human, we were trying to get away with some food we uh, 'found' one day-" She began. "And I hid in, and then got locked in a library."

Suzy tilted her head. "Why did you say it like that?"

"Huh?" Frisk raised a brow.

"Found." Suzy clarified.

Noelle turned and began walking backwards. "That's cuz 'found' means stole." Her spurs jingled, as Suzy gasped. "Right?"

Frisk laughed nervously. "W-well...it's...complicated. It was for the cats. Anyways-" She cleared her throat. "While I was there, I found the section on dating advice." She smiled some. "But that was super boring, so I just found a book full of cheesy pick-up lines, and effective flirts."

"How'd you get locked in?" Suzy asked. "Uhm, the library, I mean?"

"Well, that's easy. I fell asleep reading dumb dating books." Frisk replied.

Noelle asked. "Why were you reading those?"

"Couldn't find the ones with cheesy pick-up lines." Frisk smirked.

The duo passed a crushed branch, while talking about this. It briefly drew the attention of Noelle, who compared it to her own. She decided to ignore it, what good was a broken stick?

Suzy hummed, and asked. "No but, why were you looking for those?" She added. "Oh, was it to date the other human?"

Frisk got a confused expression. "Who...Aliza?" She shook her head. "No. I did like uh, joking with her though. But she was...kinda weird. So it tended to get a fun reaction."

Noelle inquired. "Weird how?"

"Talked to animals." Frisk smirked. "It's a whole thing."

The two monsters exchanged confused looks at this. Frisk however, fidgeted some. She did wonder, however briefly, if her surface dwelling counterpart was alright.

It wasn't too much longer then, until they came to some strange pit. With a fairly peculiar looking gate over it. Running through it, was an awfully rickety looking bridge.

Noelle peered over the side. "Woah...that's like...super deep."

Suzy carefully tapped the bridge. "I-is it safe?"

Frisk examined the trees, looking for an alternate path around. At one point, she thought she saw one, or a potential path to one. But at this point the snowbank was a little bit too high for them to climb up normally.

Frisk stepped forward. "Only one way to know."

Determined as ever, she proceeded across the bridge. Hearing it creak as she went. Thankfully the bars of the strange gate were too wide to stop someone trying to traverse it. Though, she did have to squeeze past one, before reaching the other side.

Once across, she beckoned them to follow.

Noelle glanced at the bridge, noticing Suzy looking at it anxiously. "You okay?"

"I-I can't..it's...what if I fall?" Suzy asked worriedly.

Noelle examined the bridge, offering her hand. "Here...I won't let you fall."

"B-but-" Suzy stammered.

"Do you trust me?" Noelle asked.

Suzy didn't respond, and instead, she took the reindeer's hand. The two girls heading across slowly, and carefully. Each step marked with a jangle of spurs, and the creaking of the bridge.

Suzy whimpered at they went, closing her eyes while being guided. Noelle keeping a tight grasp of her hand, before they finally reached the other side. Once she released it, Noelle was suddenly hugged by Suzy, prompting her to blush hard.

"Thank you." Suzy said in soft sincerity.

"E-eh, uhm, heh, y-yeah, it's fine, or whatever." Noelle muttered. "B-but..uhm, you're l-like hugging again. S-so..."

"Oh, right, sorry." Suzy apologized, releasing her.

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The humans arm shook for a moment, an eye open, observing them. Focusing, the shaking was brought to an end. Frisk had contemplated a joke, but decided against it. It was nice to see them being happy.

She cleared her throat. "We uh, should probably continue...away from the pit, right?"

"That sounds like a super great idea." Suzy agreed, before noticing the sentry station in the corner of this space. "Oh, what's that?"

Noelle looked it over. "Some small house?"

One by one they wandered over to the small structure, nearer to the trees. It was a small building, whose windows were shut. There was a sign indicating the sentry would be back in the morning. It was written in a goofy, lazier sort of font. It felt, oddly familiar to Frisk.

Noelle wandered around the back of it, while Suzy paused t read the sign to herself. The latter finding a small door in the back, that was closed as well. It didn't appear there was an open way to check what was inside.

Frisk told them. "It's...some sort of sentry building. Whoever was meant to be here, left for the night." She glanced back at the ruins. "Are they, from the ruins?"

Noelle shrugged. "Maybe. My Dad used to say some monsters left the ruins." She suggested. "Maybe one of them...not that it matters. What's the point in having a guard post if nobodies here to guard anything?"

"What were they even guarding?" Frisk pondered to herself.

Suzy peaked over. "Maybe they're guarding the door?" She offered. "I bet has friends out here. Maybe it's one of them?"

It sounded somewhat plausible to Frisk. The human however, wagered there was likely a different reason for its presence there. Giving the station a tap, thinking on that.

"Oh well. No sense wondering now." Frisk suggested, while starting on. "C'mon. We wanna get back soon, right?"

Suzy nodded. "O-oh right. Coming."

Noelle tried to open the door. "Yeah, I'm comin."

With the sentry station assessed, they continued on the path forward into the next area. As they did, the human noticed a shining light, that only she could see. Briefly stepping over to it, her hand was held out.

Exploring someplace new, yet familiar, filled her with DETERMINATION.

She chose to |SAVE| her progress. Frisk had learned the hard way, that it was wise to do so. Just in case.

Upon saving, Frisk observed her name highlighted in a golden glow. Alongside it, was LV2. She tilted her head at that. Thus far, she hadn't obtained any experience, and wasn't specifically sure how one was meant to.

The human wondered, if perhaps it rose because she found a new place? Perhaps it was because of her companions? Maybe it was something that passively grew?

It made her head hurt, trying to think of, or recall how such a thing might have happened. A dull ache that grew ever more intense. Prompting her to move from the thought, and continue along. It probably didn't matter.

Aside from the light, the next thing of note was a box. It was a big brown box, sitting in the middle of nowhere. Something which demanded investigation.

Complying with this urge, Frisk examined the sign beside it. Sadly the words were scratched out and there had been something written overtop of it. But that text was smudged and smeared as well. Seemed someone didn't like the sign.

Opening the box, she found that there was a strange toy knife inside. Curiously she picked it up, and examined it closer. It was made of an oddly thick plastic, and the end felt a little sharp.

"Is that a knife?" Noelle asked, grinning. "Awesome."

Suzy laughed nervously. "Should we really be taking random knives from a box?"

Frisk stated what it was. "It's...just a toy knife. I mean, it could be dangerous...but not really." She pocketed it, scratching in her mind. "Be a shame to leave it."

"Okay, but if we find someone who's missing one-" Suzy began. "we'll...return it, right?"

"Of course." Frisk assured her. Suzy seemed happy with that answer.

Noelle suggested. "Hey, maybe we could attach it to a stick. Make it like, a scythe blade?"

"That feels...like it'd be a bit much." Frisk told her.

The deer scoffed. "I figured you'd like it. I mean, it'd go with your get up, don't cha think?"

Frisk examined her outfit again, and replied. "This was...practical. Defensive."

"Hey, you're weird, it's cool." Noelle assured, snickering. "No need to justify it."

Suzy huffed. "Be nice Noelle."

"Oh c'mon, I'm just kidding. She knows that." Noelle said, patting Frisk on the shoulder. "Don't cha Frisk?"

Frisk hummed some. "Yes. I guess?" She shook it off. "Let's continue shall we?"

The group progressed forward, barely registering the path to the left as they did so. The road here was longer, though, it did eventually bring them to another Sentry Station. Marked as informational. It was fairly well crafted, but also closed down for the night.

Once more they walked, Frisk hearing Suzy yawn, however briefly. It was a bit late in the evening. Hopefully, they'd find Chara before too long.

While she was thinking about this, the trio came across a familiar sight.

Noelle spoke without enthusiasm. "Hey, lookit that. Another Sentry Station."

Suzy muttered. "It's not as nice as the last two."

As they approached, Frisk noticed that there was someone inside. A wolf like monster, who appeared to be resting, tiredly. A lantern at the desk providing illumination to the area. Only then making it obvious how dark it was. Ears twitching as they approached, the wolf monster glanced in their direction.

"Hi there!" Suzy greeted.

Noelle gave her a look. "H-hey, what are you doing?"

"W-what, I was...oh, uhm..." Suzy trailed off. "Oh...I messed up again, I-I'm sorry."

"Wait, hey now, don't be upset." Noelle laughed nervously. "I just, ya never know with people, right?"

The wolf overheard this, looking progressively more annoyed. "Oh, for fucks sake." He stretched, and yawned. "By the angel...chill out." He rubbed his eyes tiredly. "Wait...kids?" He tilted his head. "What in the world are you all doing out here?"

Suzy asked. "Are...you a good guy?"

"Good guy, what?" He blinked a bit, seeming to have trouble seeing them. "I'm a sentry with the royal guard. So...yeah, I dunno, I guess?"

Frisk asked for clarification. "Which...means?"

"My name is Wolfo. I work for the king to protect people, blah blah blah." Wolfo sighed tiredly. "Yes, I'm a good guy. Well, close as you can get anyways." He squinted. "Didn't answer the question though...what are you all doing out here?" He glanced, sniffing some. "It's dark as hell out here, and definitely past even your combined bedtimes."

Frisk thought up a lie. "We got lost."

Suzy chimed in. "We're trying to find our way back home?"

Noelle noticed the sign, and smirked. "Snowdin."

Wolfo blinked slowly. "And you're out...how did..ugh." He grumbled tiredly. "Don't you realize it's dangerous to...whatever, whatever. You're lucky todays been a good day brats." He stood up, taking the lantern, while leaving out the back of the station. "It's my break anyways, so I'll make sure you get home safe." He smiled a little. "Could even get a raise outta it. Heh. Wouldn't hafta sleep in this thing."

The trio exchanged looks. Without knowing the exact location, it was evident this was probably their smartest choice. Even if the wolf monster didn't sound the most thrilled to be helping them.

Frisk spoke. "Thank you very much."

"Hm, yeah. It's fine." He replied, while starting down the path. "C'mon. I have the way memorized."

The group followed the wolf, as he traveled, holding the lantern out. Though, Frisk was the firest to follow along, the others joined her shortly. Noelle pausing to peek inside the sentry station, before jogging to catch up.

Suzy examined the wolf. "So, you had a good day, right?" He nodded in response. "Well, what made it good?"

Wolfo asked. "Does it matter?"

"W-well...I mean, maybe not?" Suzy laughed nervously. "Just, uhm..."

The wolf gave a glance with his cloudy eyes, and sighed. "Well, the uh, boss made something halfway decent. So, I actually got to eat today." He scratched his own chin. "Nobody played any pranks on me. So, that was nice. Well, maybe..."

Noelle snickered. "What, you don't know if you got pranked or not?"

"Vision isn't my strong suit brat." He replied harshly, causing her posture to shift. "But uh, I dunno. I got pet by this...thing that wasn't moving." He muttered. "I've never smelled that smell before. It was...unnerving."

Noelle got a curious look and glanced at Frisk. "Do you smell it now?"

"I dunno." He admitted, sniffing as the other two girls shot her a look. "Hmm...well, not quite. It does-" He glanced at Frisk. "smell 'kind of' like you. Or did I guess."

This perked Frisks attention. "So...it's...similar to me?" She asked. "Is it...nearby?"

"No idea. Haven't smelled it since." Wolfo told her. "Then again...maybe it's just that lasagna playing havoc. I knew it had to have some side effect." He groaned, the group reaching some patch of ice. "Walk around the ice. I ain't pick'n ya up if you go slidin." He led the way, as they followed him. "Now, I gotta know. How did you all manage to get this lost?"

Noelle who examined the ice for a moment said. "We got into a fight. Which, we totally could have won."

Suzy chimed in. "But we decided to be nice instead."

Frisk finished the thought. "Better to make a friend, than an enemy, right?"

Wolfo stopped for a moment and examined them all. "That's...yeah, sure kid. Listen, don't go pickin fights. Some folks are really dangerous. Like..." He looked around. "Real dangerous."

"Who?" Frisk asked him.

"Captain of the Guard, for one. But that's...a whole thing." Wolfo gave a little wave of dismissal. "Just don't go picking fights. Else you may end up dust." He grumbled, as the group continued, drawing near another bridge. "Careful on the sides. You go over that cliff, and ya ain't getting back up."

For a moment, Frisk gazed off the side of the bridge. The underground was far more expansive than she imagined. And the forest and snow seemed to go on forever. Suzy hummed, and tilted her head, looking back, drawing Frisks attention.

Frisk inquired. "What?"

Suzy replied. "O-oh, it's nothing."

The Wolf sniffed the air. "We should keep going." He muttered. "Don't fall behind."

Noelle asked him. "What, what's going on?"

Their guide didn't bother answering, prompting the trio to be a bit hesitant. Electing to keep a bit closer as they followed along. The human glancing back now and then, wondering what Suzy saw, and what Wolfo smelled.