THE LAST HOPE
Gerson looked up at the castle walls in despair. The ropes had fallen down when that barrier went up. He heard the horn and realized they had been captured. He was standing against the bricks to avoid the searches on the wall walks. The orange lights from their torches were easily seen, letting him know when a patrol was nearby. Luckily, they weren't looking down because they expected any intruders to be inside the walls.
He had been against this from the beginning and part of him was mollified to see he had been right. But what good was being right if his king was captured? He needed to rescue them, but how? He was one turtle and thinking was never his strong suit.
Flowey emerged beside him. "They got Frisk. They got everyone!" he said.
"That's kinda obvious," Gerson snarked.
"We gotta do something."
"Like what? It's just the two of us," Gerson pointed out.
"I don't know, but we can't just stand here and do nothing," Flowey said. "We gotta come up with a plan. Maybe if we tried to sneak in…"
"Already tried that. Didn't work," Gerson shot down. "I may be a captain, but even I can't go toe to toe with an army of humans, especially wizards."
Flowey huffed. "Well… we got to do something. I refuse to just let them stay there!"
Frisk stumbled as they were thrown into a new cell. The door slammed behind them, several others ringing out as their friends were captured as well.
"Isn't this just delicious," Volos said. "Here I was, wondering how to take the fight to the Monsters, then their king comes here on his own to rescue this pathetic child."
"Frisk's not pathetic!" MK protested. "They're stronger than you!"
Volos snapped his fingers and one wizard slammed his staff against the bars, electrifying them and zapping MK, causing his arms to spasm.
"Leave him alone!" Undyne shouted, kicking the bars and denting them. Many of the guards there jumped at the sight of that, Volos' eyes widening. "Yeah, that's right. You can't keep us in here. We'll break out eventually."
Volos shook his head. "Poor move to show your hand like that. Oh well, at least it explains how you got the kid out." He grabbed the pommel of his sword, and with a wave of his hand, the bars fixed themselves and even thickened on all the cells. "Try that again and maybe I'll enchant the bars so they aren't just stronger next time."
"We're still gonna try to escape again," MK retorted, swinging his arms around. "We broke out once, we'll do it again."
"Perhaps, given time," Volos said. "Though, question is, will you have that time?" With that ominous remark, he and most of the guards left, leaving two behind to watch them.
"THIS DIDN'T GO AT ALL ACCORDING TO PLAN," Papyrus lamented.
"You tried your best," Frisk assured. "Thanks for coming to rescue me."
"We'd always try," MK said, making gestures with his hands that Frisk caught.
"Yeah, you're one of us," Undyne added, making her own gestures. "We'd take any risks necessary."
Frisk read those motions, making a single gesture to inform them that they understood. Two others were still out there. Frisk could only hope they'd come up with a backup plan.
Dobromil walked into Volos' chamber. "I heard we managed to capture the king of Monsters," he said.
"Indeed," Volos said. "I imagine he's 'enjoying' his new accommodations. Never would I have predicted that they'd be so foolish as to try a stunt like this."
"Yeah, it's surprising," Dobromil agreed. His talk with Frisk earlier was going through his head right now. "Perhaps we should talk to him, discuss terms of surrender."
"And why would we do that?" Volos asked, surprising his colleague. "We have a one-time chance here. With Asgore out of the way and no clear heir the Monster kingdom will fall into chaos."
"Out of the way?" Dobromil asked.
"We have a chance to end his bloodline for good," Volos said with a dark tone that scared Dobromil. "If we execute him, it will be a testament to our strength and show the Monsters who is in charge. After that, we can swoop in over their villages and kill them all."
"Isn't that a bit… extreme?" Dobromil asked.
"This is war. Extreme is necessary for victory," Volos declared.
"Are you sure you can do it? I mean, the other Monsters who are here might try and stop it," Dobromil pointed out. "Not to mention the kid. They are loyal to the Monsters. If we kill them, what will they do?"
"It will not matter, because we will execute it as well," Volos said, shocking Dobromil.
"What?"
"Prepare the guillotine and make sure everyone is gathered in the plaza," Volos instructed. "Tomorrow everyone will see what it means to side with the enemy."
Dobromil wanted to protest, wanted to resist, but Volos still had the backing of the king and going against him was a ticket to treason. "Very well."
Haward slipped out of the gate without anyone noticing him. He had his spear in hand as a precaution and no torch so he could see better. He stuck close to the stone walls, walking in the direction the Monsters had come in. He had a feeling that not everyone who came to rescue Frisk had been captured and he still needed answers. Part of him wanted to think that Frisk might have a bias towards the Monsters, but another part wanted to believe Frisk.
As he got close to where the Monsters had entered, he heard a pair of voices. Stepping lightly, he got closer to them. Before long, he could make out words.
"Maybe if we tried to ambush them, we could bust them out," a high-pitched one said.
"Won't work," said a gruffer one. "That would require knowing where they are going. Keep in mind we have no way of entering this place."
Haward rounded around a turret and could faintly see one Monster, who looked vaguely reptilian, conversing with a flower.
"There has to be something!" the high-pitched voice said, Haward realizing it came from the flower. "We can't just abandon them!"
"Hey, I'm just as eager as you, but we need to be smart about this," the gruffer voice said, which came from the reptile, Haward realizing it resembled a turtle. "If we aren't careful, we could get captured, too."
The flower let out a growl of frustration. "It's not fair."
The reptile sighed, leaning against the wall, his eyes drifting, and by chance, landed on Haward. The moment he realized Haward was human, he stook up, a hammer in his hands. Haward responded by raising his spear, though he knew it would do little good.
"Who are you and what are you doing here?" the turtle demanded.
"I could ask the same about you," Haward retorted.
"How much of that did you hear?" the flower asked.
"Enough. You're trying to plan to rescue your fellow Monsters, but you can't come up with anything," Haward answered.
"So what? You gonna take that information back to your fellow man, or try to take us?" the turtle asked.
"If needed, yes," Haward said.
Then, the turtle's hammer lowered slightly. "Wait… are you a kid? You're voice ain't low enough to be full grown."
"I'm technically an adult," Haward said. "I'm sixteen now."
"Still young," the turtle said. "But don't think that means I'm gonna lower my guard."
Haward kept his spear up. "Neither am I."
"Why are you out here?" the flower asked.
"To see if there were other Monsters here," Haward answered.
"And that's all?" the flower asked, his petal head twisting slightly.
"No. I want answers. I talked to that one kid you've somehow swindled onto your side," Haward said.
"You mean Frisk," the flower realized. "Are they okay?"
"Why do you care?" Haward asked.
"Because they're one of us," the flower answered.
"You mean a Monster?"
"Not in the sense you're thinking," the flower clarified. "They're flesh and blood, like you. They're just loyal to a different species."
"Why? Why fight for you guys?"
The flower chuckled slightly. "I'm not entirely sure myself. But part of the reason is because the Monsters have shown them more kindness than you guys have."
"Strange, they said the same thing," Haward muttered.
"Frisk's life before the Monsters was bad. So bad that they don't talk about it, ever," the flower informed. "We don't know the whole story, but they were abandoned by their parents as a baby and survived on their own for a few years. Then they were found by the Monsters, and they took care of Frisk, fed them, clothed them, gave them everything they could ever ask for. Why wouldn't they be loyal to the Monsters for all that?"
"But my father says you guys are evil," Haward said. "That you're cruel, heartless, and greedy."
The flower's head cocked slightly. "You sure he isn't talking about himself? Because no Monster worth his salt is like that."
Haward was surprised by that. Frisk had told him all of that.
"You're Haward, aren't you?" the flower asked. "Volos' kid."
"How did you know that?" the turtle asked.
"Not that hard to guess, especially considering his dad is the reason the war is still going on," the flower said.
Haward was surprised this flower figured that out so fast. "Yes, I am Haward," he confirmed.
The flower seemed to be pondering something. "Your father is not a good man," he said. "He's provoked all this to satisfy his own needs. I might not have seen him, but I've heard enough to know what kind of person he is. He is a real monster. He's given in to his desire to kill and seeks to get as much power as he can. And by keeping the war going, he's doing just that."
"Do you expect me to believe that?" Haward asked.
"I think you already do, otherwise you wouldn't have come alone," the flower retorted.
Haward was stunned.
"Look, I know it's hard, but your father has crossed a line there's no coming back from," the flower said. "Help us rescue our friends before it's too late."
"And do what? Condemn my father?" Haward retorted.
The turtle seemed to understand what was going on and lowered his hammer. "I don't think you're ready for that. But ask yourself what's more important? You people have values that we respect, but take a good hard look at yourself. Do you really think this is the right thing?"
Haward was shaking, his spear no longer up. "I… I don't know. My father says that you're the enemy and that you would try and take our Souls for your own benefit."
"If we wanted that, you would be dead," the flower pointed out. "We don't want your Soul. Help us."
"Just to save your friends?" Haward asked.
"No, not just that," the flower said. "To save a chance at peace. To save your own kind. To save your own Souls. Not from Monsters, but from hell."
Haward trembled for a moment, before sighing and dropping his spear. "Okay, but what now?"
"We need to rescue our king and the others," the turtle said.
"You don't have much time. My father is going to execute them all tomorrow," Haward informed.
"The three of us can't pull it off," the flower realized. "But if we got some more help it might be possible."
"How? It could take days to get a message to the Delta Keep," the turtle said.
"And the execution is going to be public," Haward informed. "My father is going to have everyone witness it."
"We don't need Monsters," the flower said. "Surely there are other humans who feel the same way you do and would be willing to help us?"
Haward wanted to say no, but realized that wasn't quite true. "There are a few. Some wizards who want this war over with."
"Would they be willing to pull off a rescue?" the turtle questioned.
"With some convincing, perhaps," the flower said.
"I can talk to them," Haward said. "Not sure how many I'll get before tomorrow."
"Get as many as you can," the flower said. "By the way, my name's Flowey."
"And mine is Gerson," the turtle said.
Haward nodded. "I'll talk to the other wizards, see who I can get."
Dobromil was in his chambers, looking over some papers. He didn't like this. Executing a child, even though they were a traitor, that was going too far. But there wasn't anything he could do.
A knock sounded at his door. "Enter."
In stepped Haward and the young one looked like he had something on his mind. "What is it?" Dobromil asked.
"Dobromil, can I ask you something?" Haward asked.
"I guess."
"Do you think we're on the right side of this war?" Haward questioned.
"Where is that coming from?"
"It's just… Frisk doesn't seem like a traitor, and yet my father is trying to have them executed for treason," Haward said. "And what's more, the negotiations didn't go like they should have."
"The Monsters did attack us," Dobromil said.
"Did they?" Haward asked. "Was it really them, or is that what my father wants us to think?"
"Where are you going with this?"
"We can't let my father execute those people," Haward said. "It's immoral."
"I tried talking your father out of it. Volos will not be swayed," the green wizard said.
"I know. Which is why I'm planning to rescue them," Haward said, surprising the man. "With the help of others, we can get them out of the castle."
"Haward, that's treason," Dobromil warned.
"Maybe, but it's better than letting my father execute a child," Haward said. "Can you help me?"
"I can't," Dobromil denied. "I have to follow my orders. The king wants Frisk dead."
"He does, or does my father?" Haward questioned. "When was the last time you got an order from the king?"
The green wizard was silent.
"I'm going to free those Monsters, but I can't do it alone," Haward said. "I need help."
Dobromil sighed. "I… I can't help you, I…" he looked at Haward, and saw the determined expression. "I can't tell you that there are many in the barracks who are opposed to this and might be willing to listen. I would be breaking several rules to mention that."
Haward smiled. "Thank you." He turned and left, closing the door behind him. Dobromil was alone in his chambers with his thoughts. He grabbed a paper and quill, dipping it in an inkpot before drafting a letter. He needed to inform the king of recent developments if nothing else.
The next day, everyone was gathered in the courtyard where a large guillotine was set up. Frisk and the Monsters were being escorted from their cells to a stage. When Frisk came on the stage, people were murmuring to themselves, wondering why a child was up there amongst the Monsters.
In the crowd, a large cloaked figure moved between the people. If anyone paid attention, they would have found his large back odd. Haward was by their side, spear in hand. He looked around, many wizards present. He locked eyes with many and they all nodded. Up on stage, he looked at the yellow and teal wizards and they gave an imperceptible nod.
Volos stepped onto the stage. "Peoples of this kingdom, hear me and bear witness!" he declared. "I present to you, Asgore, the king of Monsters, our greatest enemy!" Many shouts were heard from the crowd as Asgore was brought forth. "For years, the Monsters have been a threat to our empire, but now their great leader is at our mercy, and today his threat will be ended! He will share the fate of his fellow Monsters for their unholiness. But that is not all, for I present to you a traitor to our own kind!"
Frisk was forced forward and people gasped.
"Your eyes do not deceive you," Volos said. "This child has chosen to side with our enemy and go against the gods and everything we stand for. They will share the fate of all who side with the demons!" People started to cry out, asking for mercy. "Calm yourselves. This traitor to the human race will pay for its actions. Rest assured they will not continue their treachery. And for any who may dare to side against our gods, let this be a warning."
Frisk was roughly handled, forced to the guillotine, their head placed on the wooden dip. Volos stepped forward, kneeling down so he could speak to Frisk privately. "May the gods show mercy in whatever life is next. But as for me, I'm going to enjoy this. And know that your failure is going to lead to the deaths of all your friends."
Frisk bowed their head and they could hear their friends fighting their captors to break free.
In the crowd, Haward looked at the hooded figure, sharing a meaningful glance with them. Then he looked to the stage, where the two wizards from earlier had their hands on their weapons, ready.
One soldier was holding the rope, keeping the massive blade up, ready to release on a moment's notice. People were crying out, trying to tell Volos to stop, but he just raised his hand.
"Ready," Haward whispered, the cloaked figure's hand grasping a hammer. When Volos' hand was up all the way, he swiped it down. "Now."
Just as the soldier released the rope, the hammer was flung, sailing through the air, smashing right into the blade, destroying it and the wooden stand. The figure tossed their cloak off and Gerson ran forward, Haward at his side.
Volos was stunned by that turn, but didn't have time to process it as the teal wizard conjured blue tendrils that incapacitated the guards and snatched Volos' sword. The yellow wizard then sent balls of energy at the Monster's captors, knocking them out. Undyne and MK easily broke the iron shackles imprisoning them, then did the same to Papyrus and Asgore. The teal wizard helped Frisk to their feet just as Gerson and Haward leapt onto the stage.
A few guards tried to attack the turtle Monster, but their weapons were turned to stone by several other wizards. Haward stepped forward, holding his spear to his father's throat.
"What is the meaning of this?" Volos demanded.
"Sorry dad, but I'm not going to let you execute these people," Haward said.
"Traitor," Volos accused.
"Maybe, but I'd rather be on the side of what's right," Haward defended.
"The Monsters are your enemy," Volos nearly screamed.
"The only enemy here is you," Haward shot. "You've murdered I don't know how many innocent people and you were about to murder this child."
"They're siding against their own kind!" Volos accused.
"No, they're trying to stop us from making a terrible mistake," Haward said. "But you don't want to hear that. You just want a war to satisfy your desire for death. Well, I won't be part of that anymore."
Volos tried to lunge for his son but the yellow wizard grabbed his hands to hold him back. He looked around,and noticed the blue wizard had his staff at the ready, alongside the teal wizard. "So you're all traitors then? You're going to side with the enemy over your own people?"
"Better that than be party to murder," the yellow wizard declared.
"You will all die for this," Volos warned. "You will be hunted down and butchered like the animals you are siding with."
"You will try," the teal wizard said.
One of the other wizards came up and handed Asgore back his trident. The king pointed it at Volos. "We are leaving. We have what we came for. Now we leave you in peace."
"This way, your majesty," Gerson said, having retrieved his hammer, going towards the crowd, people parting before them. The Monsters, Frisk, Haward, and the wizards that turned on Volos followed, a few others joining them as they left.
"After them!" Volos screamed to the guards. "Bring me their heads! And get my sword back!"
The people parted to allow the Monsters to run, but hearing Volos' shout, they immediately blocked the path again, preventing the guards from following and even pushing back. Volos watched as the traitors escaped and the crowd preventing the army from following. What was worse, more wizards were actually joining the retreating figures. He clenched his hand into a fist, anger boiling within.
Haward managed to escort everyone outside the gate. There were about a hundred wizards protecting their group. Frisk was handed back their own trident.
"I don't think they're following us," the teal wizard said.
"Thanks for saving us," Frisk said. "But, why?"
Haward faced the younger human. "I thought about what you said and I realized you were right." Haward looked to the Monsters, specifically Gerson. "I talked to Gerson, and he helped me realize the truth."
"So you're really willing to go with us?" Undyne asked.
"Everyone here is against Volos," Haward said. "My father said he was doing this for us but he's just out for himself."
"Yeah, we want to fight for what's right," the yellow wizard declared. "And murdering a kid is wrong in so many ways. And waging a war against an innocent race is more so."
"You believed him before," MK pointed out.
"That was before you showed up," the blue wizard said, pointing to Frisk. "You were willing to die for these people. When someone is willing to die for a cause, you have to reconsider what that cause stands for."
"It took me most of the night to convince everyone," Haward said. "But we will fight for you." The teal wizard handed Haward his father's sword. He held it up in its sheath, then placed it against his chest. "I swear to fight for you, king Asgore Dreemurr, and all Monster kind. I, and everyone here, pledges ourselves to you and your people. We will fight for you, and die if needed."
Asgore was taken aback, before standing tall. "And I pledge that you will always have a place in my home and my castle. What's mine is yours and always will be."
Frisk looked on in amazement at that. This was a surprising turn, and definitely not in their history books. Perhaps history could be changed. If so, that meant they could turn the tide of this war, and perhaps instate a better future for all.
End of Chapter 9