THE LAST HOPE
Everyone got dressed in the best clothes they could manage before going to the banquet hall. Undyne lead the way wearing armor to conceal her arms. She wished she had something else to wear but at the moment, she didn't.
A servant led them to the banquet hall then departed to attend to his duties. Undyne opened the doors to see Asgore sitting at the head of the table with Gerson to his right.
"Ah, welcome," the king announced. "I'm glad you could make it."
The fifteen Monsters sat down in seats, Undyne sat to Asgore's left and across from Gerson. "Well, we don't want to be rude," Undyne said. She noticed that no one else was present.
"I thought you all might like some privacy," Asgore said, anticipating her question. "That way we can talk freely and you don't have to conceal anything."
"When's the food getting here?" MK asked, pointing to the empty table.
"My chefs are fixing a hearty meal as we speak," Asgore explained. "I thought after what you've gone through you must be starving."
"Hell yeah," MK said excitedly, getting a kick to the leg from Frisk. "Ow."
"Well, while we wait we have much to discuss," Undyne said, resting her chin on her crossed hands.
"Yes. You've told us a few things about your plans but nothing in detail," Asgore said.
"We need to know what your plans are if this is to continue," Gerson added.
"Well, the overall goal is to change the outcome of the war, but you already know that," Undyne said.
"But you haven't told us how you plan to do it," Gerson reminded.
"Well, first we're going to try negotiating," Undyne explained. "We need to talk to the humans and sue for peace. We hope Frisk can aid that."
"You still think a child can accomplish what our most experienced diplomats can't?" Gerson asked skeptically.
"I'm thirteen," Frisk resented.
"Frisk is really good," MK defended, rubbing his leg.
"Please understand," Asgore requested civilly. "We are at war with your species and, well, we have our doubts."
"We understand," Alphys said. "But we had a year of peace thanks to Frisk's efforts. We believe in them."
Asgore nodded. "Well, luckily for you, there is a meeting I must attend with the humans next week. It's our last hope for peace."
"What will you be doing?" Undyne asked.
"Trying to negotiate a cessation of hostilities between our two species," Asgore explained. "That means…"
"I know what it means," Frisk interrupted.
"I don't," MK said.
"Well, if you think you can manage, perhaps you'd like to accompany me?" Asgore asked.
"Sure thing," Frisk agreed.
"I'll tag along as well," Undyne said. "For extra security."
"My guards can do just fine," Gerson said.
"I don't doubt it, but Frisk is still my responsibility so I have to go," Undyne defended.
"I'll go too," MK added. "It's my job."
"Absolutely not," Gerson denied. "We're going to be talking to the most powerful wizards the humans have. I'm not bringing a child along."
"I'm Frisk's personal guard," MK insisted.
"MK is one of the toughest Monsters under my command," Undyne explained. "He can handle himself."
"Eh, I doubt that, laddie," Gerson dismissed.
"I can prove it," MK said determinedly. "Put me up against one of your guards. I'll kick their butts."
Gerson almost looked amused by that statement. Asgore chuckled. "Perhaps you should let him prove it," the king suggested. "And if he is so confident, how about you be his opponent, Gerson, so you can get a first-hand look at how powerful he is."
Gerson chuckled lightly. "A kid, a monster child, going up against the captain of the Royal Guard? I'd defeat him in ten seconds."
"How about you put your money where your mouth is," MK challenged. "I could last way longer if I didn't defeat you. Three minutes."
Undyne chuckled at his enthusiasm. "This is almost poetic if you think about it."
"Sounds like this needs to be resolved before we head out," Asgore suggested. "Perhaps you could make time for a challenge?"
"Two days," Gerson agreed. "In the training yard at noon. We'll see what you're made of then, laddie."
"I'll be there," MK promised.
Just then, doors swung open and several Monsters in white outfits entered carrying platters with food. "Dinner is served," said the head chef.
"Finally!" MK said excitedly, getting another kick in the leg from Frisk. "Ow."
The Monsters placed the food on the table before departing. "Enjoy," the head chef said before leaving.
Nearly everybody there began tearing into their food. The smell was so good after subsisting on rather poor stuff for months. A few managed to keep their manners about them, using the utensils rather than bare hands.
After a few moments, Asgore resumed conversing with Undyne. "Well, hopes for negotiations aren't high. I worry that even with Frisk it might fail. If it does, what do you plan to do then?"
Undyne paused tearing a lamb leg apart to answer. "If we can't negotiate, then we need to leave, but not to the mountain," she explained.
"To where?" Gerson asked. "The humans could follow us anywhere we went."
"Not by sea," Undyne said. "Monsters during this time control the waters so we can sail away from the humans."
"But to where?" Gerson emphasized. "We'd have to land at some point and humans control the land."
"Not necessarily," Alphys said. She swallowed her food before continuing. "There's a landmass to the north the humans haven't inhabited yet. In fact, they haven't even discovered it yet."
"How do you know about it?" Gerson asked.
"We're from the future, duh," MK pointed out, getting kicked by Frisk again. "Ow! You're bruising my leg."
"We know of this landmass because the humans do discover it," Undyne said. "Eventually, it is inhabited, but by a different group. We can sail there and colonize it before the humans can."
"Would they be willing to just let us go?" Gerson questioned.
"We do have to sail quite a way to reach it and their ships wouldn't have the range," Alphys said. "Plus, they don't know it exists so they wouldn't be able to know."
"But it's a last resort," Undyne explained. "Our best hope of changing the future for the better is living in peace with the humans. We'd only go there if peace isn't possible."
"It sounds like a good plan," Asgore said. "If all else fails, it might just be our best hope."
Gerson nodded in agreement. "As much as I'd like to think otherwise it might just have to be that way. We can't fight the humans because they're too powerful. Some might not like it but I think the majority would understand."
"Then we should start preparing for that eventuality," Undyne suggested. "We should begin making preparations, just in case."
"Perhaps you could start by showing us where this land we'd be retreating to is," Asgore suggested.
"Give me a map, and I can roughly draw it in," Alphys requested.
"Also, we should prep all the ships for a long journey," Undyne advised. "The land we'd be sailing to would take several weeks, if not months, to reach. And we'd be taking every Monster we could with us."
"I'll have my messengers make the journey to every village still intact but I won't send them until negotiations fail," Asgore said.
"And I'll have everyone I can get the ships ready though we do have quite a few that will take a few days to recall," Gerson said.
"Do that now. By the time they make port, negotiations will have either failed or succeeded and we can begin our backup," Frisk suggested.
"I'd also suggest having all the ship dock here. The castle can defend the ports better than other places, as well as provide an easy way to get everyone on the ships quickly," MK advised.
"Very well," Asgore agreed.
After dinner everyone returned to their rooms. Frisk's group finalized their sleeping arrangements as well as take turns bathing themselves.
While Frisk was waiting, a knock came from the door. They opened it to find a cat-like Monster standing there with bundles of clothes in her arms. "A gift from King Asgore," she said. "He thought you might need these."
Frisk took the cloth from the Monster, unfolding them to reveal multiple sets of pajamas. "Give my thanks to king Asgore," Frisk said. The Monster nodded before leaving, closing the door.
Frisk passed the clothes out to everyone. They were loose-fitting but comfortable and sized very well for everyone. They all changed into the clothes, finishing up their nightly routine in the process. MK took his arms off and the sleeves dangled from his shoulders. Everybody laid in their own bed to get the first goodnight sleep they had in a long time. Frisk and MK had to share a bed.
Frisk, though, struggled to sleep. They never shared a bed before and sleeping next to MK was making them uncomfortable. They kept rolling over, trying to find a comfortable position to sleep, with little success.
"Can't sleep?" Flowey whispered.
"This feels awkward," Frisk admitted. "Plus, it's so different from all the… excitement of the past two years."
Flowey nodded in understanding. "Yeah, it's hard to get used to the quiet."
Frisk sighed. "Sure you can't come over here?"
"Can't be out of the soil for too long," Flowey reminded. "And you're not sleeping on the ground."
Frisk quietly groaned. "Wanna talk for a while?"
Flowey nodded. Frisk carefully got up and walked over to Flowey, who was sitting in the windowsill. They looked out through the glass, getting a view of the village beneath.
"So, did you know this place existed?" Frisk asked.
"Nope," Flowey admitted. "Though, in hindsight, I should have expected it. Kings usually live in castles, after all."
"And your mom is around, too," Frisk reminded. "She's… different."
"Well, she's not married to dad for one," Flowey pointed out. "She also hasn't lost me, Chara, and six others over a hundred years. She also hasn't had to watch dad declare war on humanity and see her own people support it."
Frisk could see that. "I just realized this could be our chance to get answers about her that she never would have shared otherwise."
"But we need to be sure she doesn't wind up like she does in our time," Flowey said.
"You sure?"
"I… I don't want her to go down that path, Frisk," Flowey said. "I don't want her to wind up…" He couldn't bear to say it, and he didn't need to.
"I'll see what I can do," Frisk promised. "I can't guarantee we can change her, if we even can change the past, but we'll try. But, for safety's sake, let's not tell her about her future."
"Agreed. Keep that to ourselves, and not tell her that we're her future children," Flowey said.
"So, anything else to discuss?" Frisk asked.
"We gotta got to sleep at some point," Flowey pointed out.
"We will, just… need to get tired, first," Frisk said.
"Okay. Let's see…"
Frisk and Flowey continued to converse for a long while until Frisk eventually got tired enough to sleep. They were careful when they slipped back into bed to not disturb MK, but as it turned out, they needn't have bothered. The lizard hadn't fallen asleep either and overheard it all, slightly resenting Flowey for talking to Frisk. Fortunately, hearing them talk had tired him out as well and he dropped off shortly after Frisk returned.
A few days went by. The castle's newest inhabitants got new clothing from the king, after going to a tailor to ensure the best fit, though Undyne emphasized very forcefully that she wasn't going to wear a dress.
Frisk got a tunic and set of pants made for them. The shirt was light blue and the pants a dark brown, with brown boots for their feet. They had a belt where they stored their trident in its compact form.
MK got a yellow shirt with sleeves, as well as a pair of black gloves for his hands and brown pants designed to accommodate his tail. He still wore his red scarf over his shirt.
Undyne got a suit that was black and blue, gloves for her hands, black boots, and a pin on her chest with the Delta Rune on it.
Alphys got a white dress with a short hem, along with a glove for her right hand and a yellow coat.
Papyrus was hesitant to let his battle body go, but it was so worn out, he had no choice, going for a red vest with a white coat and red gloves, along with blue pants and red boots.
Sans got a blue vest with black pants and black boots on his feet.
Alphys worked with the castle's cartographer to chart the approximate location of where the land they would flee to was located.
Undyne was made part of the Royal Guard. Gerson was already captain, so she was demoted to lieutenant. She also made sure Papyrus joined as well, serving at her side.
Meanwhile, MK was preparing for his fight with Gerson, determined to prove himself to the turtle that he had what it would take.
Frisk worked with Asgore in regards to the upcoming meeting. The Boss Monster made sure Frisk was up to date on the political affairs of the era. Though he was surprised at how practiced Frisk was at the planned proceedings. He needed to teach Frisk very little in regard to etiquette.
While all of this was going down, Frisk used their free time to look around the castle, trying to find Toriel there. They knew she lived here but they had no clue where she lived and the castle was rather large, so locating her was taking a while with how little time they had to look each day.
Eventually, the day of the fight came. Alphys gave MK's arms a look-over to check their functionality. The young Monster had been practicing for the past couple days to get ready for his fight.
"So, any tips for fighting Gerson?" MK asked Undyne as he stretched.
"Not really. He had retired by the time I joined the guard," Undyne said. "Though I'd be careful of his hammer. It probably packs a wallop."
"Noted. Anything else?"
"You're smaller and younger," Frisk pointed out. "Use that to your advantage."
"I was already planning to do that," MK said.
"There's really not a whole lot we can give you," Flowey pointed out. "None of us ever knew this Gerson."
"Fantastic," MK snipped.
"You know, people are going to be watching this," Frisk pointed out. "How are you going to keep your arms hidden?"
"I've already thought of that," Undyne said. She pulled out a pair of metallic sleeves. "These should do better than the cloth."
"Thanks," MK said, slipping them on. The chainmail slid right over, protecting the joint, while the metal plating concealed a majority of the arms. There were shoulder pads that MK connected to his joints, laying the scarf over them. "Okay, I'm ready."
They arrived at the training arena at the specified time. Gerson was already waiting there, leaning on his hammer. There were a few other guards there, obviously eager to see the fight go down. As Frisk walked behind MK they saw a few Monsters exchanging gold coins. They were placing bets.
"Well, step to one side, have your friends go to the benches and we'll get started," Gerson advised. MK walked up to one side of the arena and turned to face Gerson. Frisk and their friends sat down next to the guards present. All of them were cheering for their captain, expecting the fight to last a few moments at most.
"You can have the first move," MK said, getting into a stance.
Gerson hefted his hammer and charged. He swung, going slow enough that he wouldn't damage MK, but the lizard ducked out of the way of the weapon, then raised a hand. Before Gerson could react, a bone shot from the ground and hit him square in the jaw, sending him back several feet.
The cheering of the guards went silent when they saw that. Gerson sat up, rubbing his jaw. He looked at the bone jutting from the ground in front of MK. He smirked before the bone vanished.
"Huh. Neat trick," Gerson said. But he got back up and swung his hammer around in a display. "But it won't help you." He charged again, bringing his hammer down this time, MK side stepping to avoid the strike. Then with a wave of his hand another bone materialized and struck Gerson in the side of his head and before he could recover, another hit him from above.
Then MK materialized a very long bone and grabbed it with his hands, charging. Gerson saw the attack and raised his hammer to parry. The two clashed weapons, MK's bone club against Gerson's hammer. Eventually, MK's bone shattered. Gerson started going on the offense but MK summoned a barrage of bones and flung them at Gerson. The turtle used his hammer to deflect the projectiles and sent them away. He tried to get MK with his hammer again but the lizard easily avoided the strike.
Seeing he wasn't going to get anywhere like this, MK decided to up the ante. He stretched his hand out to the side and magic materialized in his hand, solidifying into a blue spear. He started swinging the spear at Gerson, who was trying to deflect the strikes with his hammer, but MK summoned another spear in his other hand, and started dual wielding them. Gerson was having trouble keeping up with MK's assault. He had to admit it, he underestimated the kid.
Pretty soon, MK started trying to attack from different angles, maneuvering around Gerson to try and strike him from another position, though the turtle's natural armor combined with his metallic one made that difficult. Still, he wasn't going to be deterred and the cheering from his friends encouraged him to keep going.
Eventually, Gerson managed to find an opening in the young Monster's defenses, thrusting his hammer forward and jabbing MK in the gut, sending him back. MK managed to get a grip on the ground, preventing him from skidding any further. Gerson started winding up for a rather devastating blow, but MK had a few more tricks up his sleeve that he was eager to play. He dispelled one spear then raised the now free hand, summoning several more above it. Gerson froze when he saw the spears and just barely got his hammer up in time before MK sent them at him. He deflected all those that would have struck him and the ground became littered with spears.
Gerson took a moment to assess his opponent and noticed that MK wasn't panting yet. The kid must have a well of energy if he isn't winded yet, the turtle thought. Gonna have to end this fight the hard way.
MK was standing with spear raised, ready for Gerson's next attack, which came when the turtle slammed his hammer on the ground and sending a crack MK's way. He leapt into the air to avoid it, flinging another spear at Gerson to keep him off balance. But the turtle recovered fast, anticipated where MK would land and sent another crack that way. MK realized what had happened and flung a spear into the ground and landed on it which sunk into the crack, but he was able to propel himself off the spear, staying off the ground.
Gerson tried to figure out where MK would land this time but he landed before he could strike, and MK sent another spear his way, forcing Gerson to deflect it. He charged MK, quickly closing the distance and tried to bring the hammer down to knock him out. MK raised his arms and caught the hammer, keeping it from his head. It turned into a struggle of strength, a struggle which Gerson noted he was starting to lose, as the hammer was gradually lifted away from MK.
Gerson kicked MK in the chest, sending him sprawling onto the ground. He tried to hit MK again, only for the lizard to stretch his hand out, Gerson readied himself for another bone or possibly a spear. What he didn't expect was a monstrous horned skull to appear, a light appearing in its jaw and then fire it in a beam of energy that Gerson blocked with his hammer, but the energy sent him back several feet.
He looked at MK and now noticed that he was panting. That last attack must have taken a lot more energy which explained why he didn't use it at the start. MK summoned another spear, charging at him, but Gerson decided it was time to stop holding back. He swung his hammer into the ground again, producing five cracks that all circled around to MK. The younger Monster managed to avoid the first two, used a spear to halt the progress of a third and used the same spear to launch himself into the air to avoid the last two. He landed, only to duck again to avoid another swing of Gerson's hammer. He thrust his spear but the turtle spun his hammer to deflect it, then with his reverse grip, swung his hammer and sent MK flying back. He landed on the ground hard and it was clear that one strike nearly beat him.
He struggled to his feet, using a spear for support but Gerson slammed the ground with his hammer again, this time producing a wave of earth that headed straight for the young fighter. MK managed to leap to avoid it, only to wind up face-to-face with Gerson, who had jumped up to him. Gerson swung but MK summoned another of those skulls which blasted Gerson's hammer out of his hands. MK swung the spear he had at Gerson, knocking him to the ground, MK landing a moment later.
Gerson managed to get up quickly, adjusting his helmet. He was surprised MK was able to adjust tactics so fast. The Monster by this point had more than proven himself. He wouldn't be able to take many hits but he was able to avoid strikes and Gerson had to get creative just to hit the slippery kid. Still, he wasn't planning to let MK win this fight. He retrieved his hammer, located his opponent, and smashed the ground again, producing another wave of earth that MK wasn't able to avoid this time. He was tossed into the air by the wave, landing on his back. He tried to get up, but Gerson ran over and held his hammer right above MK's chest.
Realizing he lost, MK dispelled the spear and collapsed. Gerson pulled back, and Frisk, Undyne and Papyrus rushed to his side.
"MK, you okay?" Frisk asked, cradling his head.
"I hurt all over, so no," he groaned.
"NOT TO WORRY, I SHALL HEAL YOU," Papyrus assured, a green glow coming from his left hand, which he placed on MK, the pain fading away.
"You were impressive," Gerson complimented.
"I lost," MK said.
"Yes, but you held out longer than I thought," Gerson said.
"And longer than they thought," Undyne said, gesturing to the guards. "They were taking bets about how long you'd last and they all thought it would last than less than half a minute."
"But you held out for a long time," Frisk said. "That was very impressive."
"Thanks." MK faced Gerson. "So… do I get to go on the mission?"
"I guess so," Gerson agreed. "You've more than proven you have what it takes."
"Thank you, sir," MK said, now healed up.
"Well, when you're able, we'll get you fitted with some armor to make it official," Gerson decided. He turned and started leaving. "See you around, MK."
Frisk helped MK stand, letting him lean on them. "Guess you're coming with."
"Guess so."
"We'll have this summit in the bag," Undyne said.
End of Chapter 4