One World: Many Souls

Chapter 35: Painful Memories

Frisk's Point of View:

"So, what do you think about this weekend? We'll be starting break. Maybe you can sneak away for a little while from those insane princely duties?"

"Hardy har har. You know if I could, I wouldn't go home at all during the break."

"Go to Angel's then. She and Sans would take you in a heartbeat."

"They have four kids in the house, I'm not going to bother them."

"They could always use an extra babysitter."

Asriel sighed on the other end of the line. "Frisk…"

I could resist giggling at him. Asriel could only sigh at my teasing of him. He greatly hated the fact that he was the prince of monsters and had so many obligations he had to follow. At least his parents had forgone many of the old traditions, such as an arranged marriage. Though they did ask Asriel to please keep an open mind and look for a good marriage partner for a queen.

Due to not wanting to put any pressure on anyone's shoulders or toes, neither Asriel or myself had revealed that we were dating.

It was something that Asriel and I had talked about from time to time. He being a prince would have to take over for his father one day. I knew Asgore hoped it would be soon. Asgore had sat on the lonely throne for so long and he was growing tired of it. Asriel understood that and is learning all he can to become a good leader of the monster people and working with house members of the country above.

But the other comments that he often spoke of was how he didn't want anyone to put pressure on me. If Asgore and Toriel found out we were dating… it was possible that I'd have to be publicly announced, and then have to go through training as well for being a queen. Asriel and I were only in our early twenties. I'd barely been legal to drink for a year yet. I wasn't sure if I was ready to even consider the thought of leading the monster people… It honestly scared me.

My time of being a Terians never prepared me for any high-end roll of any sort. My plan had always been to just… help Angel. She was the one with the determination and the know how to lead. She was head of House Terians after all. I was the second sister. My job would have been simply to assist her and be able to pass on the name should something had ever happened to her.

Thankfully I didn't honestly have to do that since Angel had four kids to choose from to pass the mantle onto one day… but still… I was never prepared to lead… I thought that getting myself involved in politics would help when I was in college, even if my true passion had always been music. Though I supposed if…

No. I shook my head. I still couldn't even begin to fathom myself being the queen of anything. Nothing besides dumbasses…

So, we were just taking it slow. We were close enough friends already that no one hardly batted an eye when we said we wanted to be with one another. Sometimes Sophie, MK, or Jay was involved in they were around. Others, not so much. We were just enjoying our time together. Testing the waters to see how, as people, we did together in a romantic setting. Asriel understood. He'd rather taken his time as well and not tell his parents.

But we knew we could only hold out for so long…

"Maybe we could go get a table at Papy and Lilly's place? Get a bite to eat? Maybe a private room? My part time job over at the campus bookstore has given me bonus for the work I put in. I could cover it."

"You know I can help or cover it. Money isn't really an issue."

"I know that. Neither of us have to really worry about it with the names we're attached to, but… it just feels more special since I worked hard and earned it myself, you know?"

"Yeah… I know the feeling. Getting a part time job is really a pain in the ass. Thankfully I get some money from all the garden work Dad showed me how to do. But yeah, that sounds great actually. Been a while since we gorged out. Think Pap has any new recipes we can try for half off?"

"Actually, last I asked him about it, seems like he's testing around to add a seafood stew to the menu. He actually texted me a short while ago if me or anyone else could taste test for him. He said the best dates to come in when he gets the freshest fish would be Monday or Friday."

"I… honestly haven't had too many chances to try sea food yet. It's nothing like mom's snail pie, right?"

"Sea food and snails don't taste like each other… eww."

"Oh, thank god!"

I laughed with Asriel then while I walked the campus grounds. I was actually going to meet up with him before we could go to lunch with Sophia. Sometimes Asriel and I just wanted a nice walk with just the two of us. We tried to go only when Sophia was busy. She recently decided that she wanted to get into medicine and healing magic. Finally, she'd made up her mind about what she wanted to do.

So, of course, that meant changing her degree and taking a fuck ton of classes to get her ready for the next college she would have to travel to in order to learn about human medicine, but also learn more about monsters, healing, and how they all connect. She'd be one of the first if she could stick with it.

I was worried because Sophia really wasn't the smart one when it came to books a lot of times. She struggled so much in school because of it. But healing magic was something she was good at, and so was caring for others. She said she probably wouldn't be a doctor, but maybe a nurse? They still were really involved. I remembered how there were a whole team of lovely nurses at the hospital that helped me years ago…

"Hey Frisky!"

I paused at the voice I didn't recognize. Turning away from the late winter coated path I was walking to meet Asriel, I saw three men behind me fast approaching. Two of them were coming at a quick speed while the last looked quite nervous about the whole ordeal. I watched them for a good few seconds before I finally figured out who they were.

Members of Luke's old group.

I knew them and I didn't know them. Luke had implanted memories of trust to each of them since they would keep an eye on me. Quite often they steered me away from those that I cared for and pushed me back in the direction of Luke. Last I knew, there were four of them. Angel had kept tabs and informed me about each of them in case I ran into them again. Two of them were rough and tough boys who acted just as horrendously as Luke did, often getting involved easily into his schemes. The other two were much softer, getting dragged in due to peer pressure. I could see one of the softer boys still remained while one was missing. Perhaps he got himself a new life? I hoped so.

But I could feel the knots growing in the pit of my stomach the second they came closer. My sister had warned me that some of them were working at the college while taking classes. They were strapped with community service and fines due to their involvement with Luke's whole plan to take me and the Terians name.

I knew nothing good would come from this interaction…

"Azz… meet up with me?"

"Where?"

"I'm just down the path-"

"Frisky!" One of them called out a second time and came in close. He stood directly in front of me, narrowing his eyes into my own. "Don't you know its rude to ignore someone? Didn't that sister of yours teach you any manners?"

Behind my lips, my teeth were grinning on each other in my anger and fear. The phone in my hands I never turned off, just simply held at my side while magic was building. He'd been such a fool to call out to me before entering the stretch of my magic.

"What do you want?"

"Oh, we're just checking up on our friend!" The second of the aggressor commented. He'd come in close on my left side and tried to walk around me, I wasn't a fan.

A chain easily tripped him up and he fell. To the ground he went and I was able to easily side step out from their predatory tactics. Putting some distance between myself and them, I had to hold them off until Asriel showed up…

"You're no friends of mine." I tried to look intimidating. I really tried. These were some of the only people who I held fear for in my soul. I struggled to hold back any shaking while speaking with them. I wouldn't let them hold me back anymore. "You did nothing to stop him back then, in fact, you helped him perform illegal acts. Why in the world do you think I'd welcome you asshats like fucking BFF's?"

"Oh, come on Frisky! We used to hang out all the time! And we used to have so much fun!" The first one was speaking again, he tried to keep up the intimidation until the friend that landed in the filthy snow got back to his feet. "Don't you remember all the fun times together? Arcades, music, causing a whole shit tone of drama?"

"It took me forever to remember what happened during those years that Luke had control of me, and even longer to learn what I lost because of him." I was shaking then. Granted, if it was from rage or fear, I wouldn't have been able to say. Though… I felt like anger was more of what I was feeling during that time. "And don't think I don't remember how you all used to play around with me too. I remember the comments, the touches, Luke kept most of that at bay since he wanted me to be his only. But that hardly stopped you, you assholes. I hate you. Leave."

"Oh, come on! Don't be so cold, Frisky!"

The two men took to either side of me again. I hated how they kept trying to go behind me. My chains continued to move around me and both tripped that time. They fell into the frozen ground and I was able to move further back on the trail. Both shot up and looked around to the bleak landscape where there were no rocks to find.

"What the fuck are we tripping on?"

"I don't see any rocks here?"

The last man, the shy one who was back where they'd come from so long ago watched me in utter fear. I could only assume that my eyes must have been glowing red for that to happen. He hardly stuck around for his friends and rushed off without a word.

"What the fuck man?!"

"Ignore him, spinless wimp."

"You should follow him. Unlike you he has brains enough to see when he's facing something he can't win against."

Both males carefully looked over in my direction. The second they saw me, their eyes widened and they both rushed to their feet. I figured my eyes were visible, glowing and red, but the chains on my body finally seemed to show themselves, hovering around me and sifting through the snow at my feet.

"W-what the fuck?"

"Oh, that's right, you two haven't seen my magic up closer and personal. Have you?"

All it took was a flick of the wrist and every chain moved. Not a single one was stationary as they grabbed up those boys by their legs and hung them before me. I glared at them both while they tried to find a way down, but couldn't do anything against what held them. The kicked and screamed while I stood there and watched them.

"Did you forget that Luke isn't suppressing my magic anymore? I'm not the same little obedient slave he had years ago."

"H-holy fucking shit!"

"T-this is magic?!"

"That's right, its determination magic from House Terians." My muscles were cramping so much in my restraint as I only tossed the idiots away from me. I didn't want to hurt them. I really didn't. I was trying my damdest not to go all out since they had no way to fight me. I just wanted to get back to Asriel. I was tired of being pushed around, but…

I was scared…

I hated how those fools made me feel. It brought back so many memories just hearing their voices and seeing their actions. I remembered how they treated me. I may have been Luke's prized possession, but that didn't stop their attempts. I hated how they still thought I was weak. I wasn't. I couldn't be. I had to be strong and show them I wasn't the same girl they pushed around years ago.

"I am Frisk Terians! You assholes can't and won't make me into some sort of pet that you can play with whenever you want!" The chains around my body kicked up and slashed close to their bodies. Both of the males shrieked and slid back on their behinds to get away. "Don't you ever come near me again, or it won't be just the whip lash of the chains that you'll be feeling!"

Hundreds of chains grew near my feet. They wrapped together and took form of two snakes. All fitted out with fangs and sparks coming out of their mouths from how fast the chains were moving and running against one another. They slithered along the ground, gaining closer to the men not far from them.

"Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!"

"Let's get out of here!"

"Run you idiot! Run!"

And it was just like that when the two escaped. Both fled back down the path they came and rushed out of sight. When I could no longer see them, nor hear their screams, that was when I released my magic and sighed. The relief I felt that I didn't have to hurt them and that they finally left me caused me to sink to the ground and begin shaking like a leaf.

"Oh… my… god…"

I felt like I was going to be sick. I couldn't believe what I'd just done. I knew that I refused to let them hurt me again and use me like they wanted… but to actually go through with it…

"Frisk!"

I could barely lift my head as Asriel came over to check on me. He was panting while he held his phone in his hand, still actively on the call that I never disconnected. I glanced at him through my hair as he bent down to check on me.

"Hey, you did amazing." Gentle pets were through my hair before he pulled me against him. "I'm so proud of you."

I was shaking as he held me. Asriel held me tightly to him while the wave of panic came over me. It took me a while, but in time, I was able to calm myself. I had to remember that I wasn't a weak little girl anymore.

It still scared me that I could have such a drastic step back in my recovery after all this time, but I knew I'd done far better than I would have done years ago. Back then when I was a worse off mess who couldn't even form words or step outside without going into a fit.

But I was going to be okay. Later on, when I thought back to that day, I realized just how likely they were never to show their faces before me again. I was Frisk Terians damn it, and no one was going to take away my life.

Witch's Note:

Oh yeah! Oh yeah! Oh fucking yeah!

This chapter was so worth it as we see Frisk standing up for herself against some of Luke's old group who followed him around, were mentioned, but we never knew what they did to her... at least until now. But look at her! Fighting for herself and making these assholes realize she's not what she used to be back when she was in high school!

She's grown so much!

She's starting to learn how to stand on her own two feet! You can see the spots where she steps back, but she's really moving forward. It really meant a lot to me as I looked over this chapter before posting! I hope you all feel the same way too!

Anyway! Let's go to reviews!

Thechaosmaster: I love how involved you were with the opening of Papy's restaurant! It does mean a lot and planning it was so fun! You have to include the past with the present. And working out that business plan with their old co-workers and bosses really helps to keep both of their restaurants going!

The only thing that no one seems to know is that Frisk and Asriel are keeping their relationship secret for now... XD

But you have a right to be worried, things will happen. I don't know what this hooded figure that inserted themselves into my story wants, but it can't be good. Mystic Girl especially has been trying to update it all over here to prepare so that there is no chance of a breakout again.

And I have no idea if Mystic Boy plans to help out the enemy or not, we had that weird review a while ago that really surprised us, but there hasn't been anything happening since, so I don't know to feel to be perfectly honest...

Also, it looks like the website is fixed for me. So I just got a whole bunch of messages and hopefully everyone else gets them too!

Shadow8Phantom: Shadow! I swear we share a brain at times! It's scary! So scary when we share thoughts, because you were right about the echo flowers! They were honestly my first thought that would fit the theme, after all, it was Waterfall's distinctive flower.

But the same thought hit me as it wouldn't be productive for keeping customers, and Papy had grown since he first began his new goal almost thirty chapters ago.

So instead of the echo flowers, I changed it over to another beautiful flower that would fit the theme along with the crystals. I figured that would be a lot easier compared to otherwise. Plus, it was a proper way to mix the old with the new of Papyrus' life. To add to this effect, he probably would have learned about those flowers from Angel with her free time in her lovely gardens she adores at her home.

And as for your question, remember that they have servants for the house, even if they try their best to be self-sustaining without them. They would have maids or nannies on hand to help out in those cases that they also would offer to their friends.

MysticBoywastaken: I'm glad you're happy for Papyrus there Mystic Boy! He really has grown up and changed, hasn't he? And Sue? Eh... probably not, but we'll see!

Not A Shady Guy: You are so spot on Shady! Isn't it wonderful to see how far he's come? From his dream getting crushed back in chapter two, then loving and losing someone dear and becoming a parent. School being put on the side burner to raise his son with the help of his family. Then with more help diving back into it when he recovered, and now having a healthy relationship, more work experience and then opening his own restaurant with ties to the old one he worked for to really bring more people to the area. That plan they put together will make the Underground Italiano one of the best restaurants in the area!

And yes! The families are growing! Alphys and Undyne have two little ones now, soon to be three we think, while Angel has four (maybe getting bigger?). Frisk is still a bit off from having any herself, but we'll see what happens with time. Her love interest has come forward at least so we'll just have to see what happens with that!

Oh boy, here is another chapter done! It makes me so happy to show off these lovely moments between the family members as they grow and change. I hope you're enjoying it as well as we get ready for more!

Love you all and see you next week!

Halloween Witch and Mystic Girl