Chapter 10: Return to Normality?
Author's note: Holy crap this took me a lot longer than I wanted it to. But finally this is finished and so is this story. Its been a while since I finished a story, but glad to get this one done. I hope you all enjoy because its been a treat writing this and exploring this deviation from the canon. Until my next work, this is TheFoolOfTheNoon, signing off!
/
The team left the fountain behind them as they were greeted by the crowd of Darkners of the castle. They were welcomed with open arms with the exception of King who was grumbling to himself. Lancer ran up to the team bouncing with joy, "Heck yeah! I take it you took care of those things that hurt my dad? Also other dad?"
"Other dad?" Susie asked puzzled.
"Rouxl Kaard, he watches over my son when I am not," King said plainly, "My son gave him that odd title."
"Well okay then, but yeah, we managed to beat one of them. The other ran away but if they show their mug again we'll beat em back. That you can count on."
"That's my friend! Though…you have to be leaving soon, right?"
"Well…"
Ralsei stepped in, "I'm sorry to say, but they have to. They people back in their world waiting for them. Don't be sad though they can still visit us. There is a place where you can all move to so it will be easier for them to visit."
"Oh really? Then its fine then, just make sure to come and visit!"
"Hehe will do Lancer," Susie smiled nonthreateningly. One of the rare times she would give a genuine smile.
"*Sigh* Despite my…grievances…you lightners came through when you were most needed. I…still can't let go of my grudge…but I am too tired to take any action," He looks at Kris, "Even then, my subjects have spoken…maybe I should have held onto hope longer. Still the past is the past."
"I suppose it is…" Kris felt the words echo in his mind. Some buried memories threatened to resurface, but he kept them down, "Just don't let it keep you down for long."
"I'll try…its…weird to think that at one point I was ready to kill you all. *Sigh* I am too tired for this; the fountain is at your mercy. Do as you wish…I'm done," The King got up and started walking away. Not even a single goodbye as Lancer looked over to him.
"Well I better go follow him. Me and Vice dad gotta make sure he is nice and comfy. See yah guys! Make sure to visit!" Lancer ran off, dragging the still recovering body of Rouxl Kaard with him.
"Ah I miss the little guy already," Susie yawned a bit, "Man, with all the excitement dying down. I can feel this adventure catching up to me."
Ralsei smiled, "That's quite fine, I think its appropriate to say our goodbyes now," the darkner prince removed his hat. Almost like magic his dark black fur turned white. Kris's eyes widen as it was revealed that he looks like a goat monster like his mom, dad and brother. The only thing separating him from them is his innocent face and reddish almost pink horns.
Kris felt SOUL stir in his mind. The power up they had must have knocked him out after it was over. That is what Kris reasoned what happened anyways, but it does explain why he was silent this entire time.
"Oooh…that was intense. Did we win?"
"Yeah we did, just saying our goodbyes now."
"Oh shoot! Did I miss out on some important goodbyes?"
"Just Lancer and his dad, but you didn't miss Ralsei though."
"Whew that's a relief…"
The team said their goodbyes to the other darkners until it was Ralsei's turn, "Kris, Susie, SOUL…things may have not gone as I imagined it would when we started our adventure. However, I enjoyed my time with all of you and I think I grew from it as well."
"Same little man, you're alright and can hold your own," Susie smile as she patted the goat boy. Causing him to blush a bit from the positive action.
"We wouldn't have gotten this far without you Ralsei," Kris added, "You did your best in everything we face. I wasn't sure about you at first…well I guess same with everything, but I would be lying to say your presence didn't help."
"Aww…thanks, oh boy I think I'm turning red here. Still I can't take all the credit. SOUL helped as well. Um…he is listening, right?"
Kris smirked, "He is but I think its better that he speaks for himself," He then pokes his head, "Hear that? I'm letting you take control for this. Don't waste it."
In a quick moment Kris's personality shifted and a new aura surrounded him. SOUL is in control, and he smiled sheepishly, "That is very kind of you to say Ralsei. I…honestly didn't know how this adventure was going to go. Being what I am after all. I came into this as a stranger and well…essentially an unwanted add on. However, I do consider all of you my friends and I'm glad to have met you all. Even when I'm letting Kris mostly drive. To which…I do hope I can have more interactions like this in the future. It's the only time I really can reach out and touch you guys. On that note…um…is it too much to ask for a group hug?"
"Aww…you know I'm always open for a hug! What about you Susie?" Ralsei looked over to the dino monster girl.
"H-Hey, don't get it twisted. I didn't sign up for any hugging alright?" She adamantly declined, but her wandering eyes imply otherwise. SOUL upon seeing this just shook his head.
"Come on, you'll like it," Grabbing her hand, he brought her into the group hug circle as the teammates embraced. Susie was both angry and embarrassed, yet somewhat content with the hug. Ralsei was just over the moon and was more reddish than white now. Meanwhile SOUL was mentally subjecting Kris to the hug, much to his protest. By the end of the hug, Kris was back in control with a frown and a shiver going down his spine.
"For future reference, I am not a hugger," Kris flatly said as he recomposed himself, "That being said, I guess we're all done here. See you next time Ralsei, if my mother doesn't ground me for being away this long."
"Don't be a stranger you three. I'll be waiting to welcome you back with open arms."
Kris smirked, "We'll remember that."
/
With last-minute goodbyes given. Kris and Susie return to the fountain room. The two looked at the object with awe.
"You know I never got a good look at this thing because of the battle with the other me…speaking of which," She looks at the body, "Yup…still there…"
"Don't think about it too much. It's not you, it can never be you."
"I know…still…freaky," she turns back to the fountain, "So how do we close this thing?"
"SOUL got this; I just need to…reach out right?" Kris extended an arm towards the fountain. After a short moment he felt SOUL's power coursing through him. He could feel another hand reach out from his to touch the fountain. Then a bright light shined out, the image of another person standing next to him was the last thing Kris saw before everything went white and then dark.
Opening his eyes, he felt like he woke up from a dream. Shaking his head he noticed he was back in his world again. He was no longer wearing the armor he was wearing in the dark world. Looking around he saw various familiar items lying about. Playing cards, toys, and games familiar to everything he saw in the dark world.
"Oooh…are we back?" Susie groaned as she slowly got up from the ground.
"I say we are…this is the unused classroom of the school. How we end up here though?"
"I don't know but I'm just glad we are back. I wondered if anybody was looking for us?"
Kris looks up at the clock, "I don't think so…school is already over. Heck the school should be closing soon."
"Really? Shoot, we were in there for a long time then. That really was an adventure."
"One that I don't think people will believe."
"That's…true. *sigh* Well I guess it's something between us only. Though if anybody asks, we just skipped school today. That is more believable."
"That's fair," Kris stretched a bit, "I can't wait to get home though I probably should take a walk around town. Just to make sure people know I'm still alive."
"Also to give SOUL a little tour. As for me, I might do the same…to process what we went through. Anyways, lets get out of here before we get into more trouble."
"I would say ladies first, but between the both of us I'm the fairer one around," Kris gave a mischievous smile as he reached for the doorknob. Only to be intercepted by Susie who beat him too it. All the while there was a somewhat miffed look she was wearing.
"You are lucky I've grown very tolerant of your presence. Or else I would have bit your face off," she looked around a bit before mumbling to herself, "I can be fairer if I wanted to be."
Kris simply smirked and gave a small shrug as he followed her out of the room. The duo noticed the afternoon sun setting. With Susie cracking a joke that it should teach Alphys not to trust them with anything. As they reached the doors that started their adventure, they paused and stared at them. Thinking about the crazy adventure they had together.
"We really should visit again tomorrow, alright?" Susie smiled, "You know, I used to think that you were just some mute werido. Now I know you got bite, hehe. Well, see you around."
She walked off leaving Kris alone. He had a smile before he looked at the door again. Recalling the other knight, they met and now it's loose in his world. While the fountain here is closed, he knows it's only a matter of time before another is made. The Knight and the other knight, that is one too many to deal with. To prevent, The Roaring and now to prevent whatever the other one is doing. Kris thought about his friends and his family and worried about them.
"Whatever comes our way Kris, as long as we work together, we can overcome them. Don't forget that."
"I know…just didn't think I would caught up in something like this. What a way to start a school week."
"Yeah, let's not hang around for too long. You still got a tour to show me."
"Right, right…let's get out of here,"
Kris headed towards the exit of the school before a ringing came from his pocket. He jumped a bit in surprise, but immediately knew what it was. Reaching into his pocket he pulls out a mobile phone. One look he saw it was from his mother and with a deep breath he answered it.
"K…Kris?! Whatever have you been doing?! I sat in the car waiting for you after school for half an hour…! I called and called but you never picked up! You had your poor mother worried sick! Kris, I am afraid I am going to have to punish you…"
"Sorry mom, its…hard to explain, but the short of it is I was spending time with a friend."
"…Huh? …A friend? You were spending time with…a friend?" There was a brief silence, "Kris…I will make an exception this time. You can continue your adventures a little longer. But when you return home…You are going to have to go to bed early. See you soon, honey."
The phone call ended, and Kris gave a sigh of relief. He knew he was going to get an earful from his mother. However, the mention of him hanging out with a friend placated her wrath for now, "Whew…dodged that bullet."
"Your mother this protective of you always?"
"I am her only child in the house. My brother is off at a university, so I get all the attention. Honestly, it can be a bit much sometimes but what can you do?"
"I wish I can relate, but…you know."
"I know, but hey we got the green light to walk around town. The tour can go as planned."
"Hopefully I get to meet the other people you see on the daily."
"Yeah…sure, if they are there."
Exiting the school the single body duo made their first stop at the library. There Kris ran into Berdly whose big personality was shining through. SOUL was wondering why he has a need to feel superior. Despite his earlier concern with Susie he felt a need to try and act charitable. After him were short conversations with other people within the building. It was uneventful minus the dog working in the computer lab and the manga review that SOUL really wanted to read into.
Outside they walked past a traffic situation where a fish lady monster was between two cars and seemed to be holding them up. Kris would explain to SOUL that it is Officer Undyne. She takes her job very seriously with aggressive motivation. She is effective at her job, but sometimes she caused issues like the ones they witnessed. Granted nothing serious happens in the town that warrants her energy. Or perhaps her presence is preventing such crimes from happening in the first place. Kris did stop by to say hello and had a small conversation at the expense of the drivers.
The hospital was the next destination. Kris paused for a moment and looked up at the building. Having some kind of apprehension that SOUL felt, but didn't comment on as he stepped in. A big mouth monster was working the front desk and greeting Kris. They would ask if he came by to play the piano as usual. While the patients may not hear it, they personally enjoy it.
"You played piano?"
"It's a hobby. I like to play when not a lot of people are looking."
"Do…you want to play it?"
"…Not right now."
Moving from the lobby, Kris made a beeline to a specific hospital room. Opening the door, he dropped in on a conversation with Noelle and her father. He wanted to immediately turn around upon seeing her having a moment with her father. However, he felt like his feet were glued to the ground. A weight piled on him and trying to crush him.
"Kris? Kris! Come on buddy, snap out of it. Your thoughts are racing here!"
"W-Why did I think it was a good idea to…come here?" Kris barely managed to whisper while trying to maintain his composure."
"Relax, try to push away those thoughts for now…uh whatever they may be. I can't see them. You are somehow blocking me from seeing them…ugh never mind! Uh…maybe if I do…this?"
Kris felt a shock go through his system and his anxiety melted away. He was confused as he looked at his hands and realized he wasn't shaking, "SOUL? How did you…?"
"Not sure, but I just imagined poking your brain generating stress…I guess that worked?"
"Huh…well…thanks?"
"No problem, I guess? Anyways look alive, Noelle is coming."
Kris adjusted himself as the reindeer girl came his way. Looking quite surprised he was here, "…Oh? Hi, Kris…?" It was genuine confusion which hurt him a bit, but he understood. He usually doesn't visit her father while she is there. He simply moved aside to allow her to pass him. He didn't utter a word to which SOUL told him he probably should have said something. He just sighed as Rudolph Holiday took notice of him.
"Well jingle my goshdarn bells! Looks like Krismas came early!"
"I get the distinct feeling your name gets punned a lot with him."
Kris ignored SOUL's comment, "Heya Rudolph."
"Alright, Kris. Just gimmie the straight shot. Why you here? Did your mom make you come here?"
"Yeah, she did. You know her wanting me to get out more," Kris lied, keeping away the fact he came here of his own volition as his own business.
"Hahaha, that's what I thought! She is a PEACH, huh? Fuzzy n' sweet on the outside, a total NUT on the inside!"
"What about my dad?"
"Oh, your dad? Yeah, he's a real fruit himself too. Which one? I dunno, a hairy one…like a kiwi. Hahahahaha!" He had a brief fit of laughter before returning to a more serious-ish face, "Okay, okay, seriously, you wanna chat or something?"
"That is what I came here to do. Like I done before…"
"Like you done before? Oh, wait I remember, yeah you would just poke in here unannounced. You didn't say much. Like the creepy kid I remember you being. Same kid who would scare my daughter for fun. Also get tangled in our decorative lights. If anything, you talking right now is more of a surprise. You don't usually talk much."
"Yeah, I had…my reasons. Though let's just say some recent experiences changed me a bit."
"Whoa, judging by the tone in your voice it was a big one! You're growing Kris."
"Well…it had to happen eventually. So, how's the illness? Is it bad?"
"That? Nah they are just going to run some tests. It isn't anything a Holiday can't beat. I'll be out here in no time."
"If you say so Saint Sickly."
"Hehe, I think I am going to need to extend my stay after that burn. Utterly devastating."
"Your sarcasm has been noted."
"Hahaha, yeah work on your material with me, Kris Kringle. Enough practice you may yet topple me. So, anything else on your mind? Like I don't know your little freakout when you came here?"
Kris eyes bulged a bit, "Y-You…"
"Saw? Kid the only one who didn't notice was my sweet daughter. It's alright that you don't want to talk about it. However, I have to ask…is it because of Noelle?"
Kris didn't say anything. Mr. Holiday nailed it on the head, and he found himself silent.
"I take your silence as a yes. *Sigh* It's quite alright. I know you two have been growing distant, but even though you're the creepy kid that hides under beds. I trust you to look out for Noelle. My girl is sweet, smart and kind…I couldn't ask for a better daughter. However…she is just so defenseless. Bugs, scary movies, Santa Clause…everything scares her. Well…you didn't exactly help with that bit," He gave a raised brow to the young human, "But being in here makes it tough knowing that I can't be there to protect her. I know I know fatherly instincts, but hey can you blame me?"
"…No sir."
"Hey hey don't get quiet on me now. Despite terrorizing her I remember you two being peas in a pod. Nobody else I can think of to look out for her. Especially now my little girl has a crush on this Susie girl."
"Oh boy…that's an interesting pairing if I ever saw one."
"Oh? You sound like you know Susie very well."
"I befriended her today. She's rough around the edges, but there is a soft spot there. Though don't tell her I told you that. She may try to eat my face."
"Hahaha! My little girl knows how to pick them! Well, if you can spare any advice to Noelle it would be appreciated. Unless you're after Susie as well. Are you?"
Kris smirked while shaking his head, "I don't think Susie understands romance. Even if I were. I don't think she would notice."
"If you say so, but hey wouldn't that be a competition?"
"I rather not go up against Noelle. Its just better that way."
Mr. Holiday just chuckled and the two would have one more conversation involving Kris's parents and thinking about Ralsei's possible dorm life. When the conversation was over the young human said goodbye to the bed-stricken man. On his way out, Kris made a small smile and decided to play a small tune on it. Muscle memory took over as he played a light yet melodic tune that he put a bit of heart into. When he was done the receptionist was giving him a small applause.
"That was oddly more beautiful than what you usually play. Are you in good spirits?"
"You could say that…" with a small smile he left the hospital to continue the tour. Feeling a bit lighter than normal. SOUL shared his smile, glad that Kris was looking in better spirits.
The tour continued around town. Visiting the nearby church and bothering Father Alvin for fruit juice. The memorial cemetery which only seems to have four buried. Town Hall was a bust since there is no way to meet Noelle's mother, but the idea to start a crisis was a bit tempting. If there wasn't already a looming threat in the shadows. Going up they ran into Sans who gave a simple friendly hello. Kris quickly explained he and his brother are new to town, yet San always had this presence like you met him before. He owns the grocery store despite being lazy. Yet he did look at Kris for a bit before playing it off as a joke. Also requesting that he play with his brother if he gets the chance tomorrow.
Walking around more greeting people. Kris walked into an alleyway and found Alphys with saucer of milk. She turned to face them and was surprised, "…O-Oh! Kris! Kris, you're okay! I…I was really worried when you didn't come back… Where did you go…? Did you skip class…?"
"You could say that. Susie and I just kinda left."
"W-Well, don't worry about it. I'm the cool teacher y'know. You're not in trouble," A brief awkward silence filled the area, "W-Well, let me know if you need anything…"
Kris decided to talk to her, and it went as well as he thought he would. Awkward behavior and a near endless one-sided anime conversation. Kris would classify her as a dork but in a fun way. He does think she might be trying too hard to be a 'cool' teacher and well she needs more confidence in herself. A sentiment that SOUL agrees with as they leave her on friendly terms.
Heading back, Kris entered the diner and greet Catti. The large goth cat was busy working, but she did think him surviving Susie was nice. There wasn't much to do but bother the workers and customers. When it came to the rabbit lady at the register, she brought up some old memories that took his smile away. Memories of better days, simpler days that he enjoyed more. He didn't say anything after a heavy sigh to which the lady gave him some hot chocolate to go. It bittersweet like the memories he shared with his brother but warmed him up all the same.
After that was the nearby pizza place with three mascots doing greetings outside of it. Kris recognizes them as all the workers, but of course one in return recognized him. It was Pizzapants, the worker that Kris thinks might be neurotic. Kris found his ravings quite funny like he was a living cartoon character. Though he does agree that Asriel thinks he doesn't apply himself in anything. His ravings were just a way to vent his situation. Moving away from him and reaching the homely neighborhood. Kris ran into Catty and her energetic manner of speaking. He tried to keep things short with her, but her energetic gab kept going until all topics were burned up. He found talking to her to be exhausting in its own right.
With a sigh Kris thought that maybe he could finally end the tour, but paused as he remembered there are a few stops he must make. More importantly, however, Noelle was in front of him staring at the gate to her home. He felt anxiety creeping on him again as he noted that she might have been stuck outside her house.
"What's wrong? Now is a good time to talk to her."
"I…can't. I am not sure how to approach her…"
"Well, I'm sure you have your reasons, still it would feel wrong not to talk to her after speaking to her dad. You should at least try since your friends and all."
Kris debated for a bit and concluded that despite their drifting, He should at least speak to her. Let her know that maybe they can start repairing their friendship. Taking a small breath and with some encouragement from SOUL he walked somewhat slowly toward her. Some of his instincts are telling him to back out, but he powered through.
"Um…Hi Noelle…"
"Oh, hi, Kris! Did you need help with your homework again? I know you were having trouble last time, so, um, I actually got a few things ready for you, in case – Ah, wait, sorry! I can't right now… I forgot my house key again, and… Sorry, Kris, I'll help you later if that's ok."
Kris gave a deep sigh which surprised Noelle, "Its quite…fine Noelle. I appreciate the thought. Um…sorry for cutting you off like that. I just needed to get a word in."
"Oh, it's fine Kris! Just…well…I didn't expect you wanted to talk. Just you usually…don't…um, well."
"It's alright I get it. Let's just say I had a bit of a life changing experience today. So, I am feeling more talkative than usual. That's not…weird, is it?"
"No, it isn't Kris. It's just not something I am used to. Though I am glad we're talking again. (I always felt kind of weird being the only one saying anything.)"
"That's good, I take it that you forgot your key?"
"Yeah…I did a goof and well…here I am! Just…standing here in the open. Um…don't worry about me I'll just go to Catti's place."
"Well, I guess that solves that problem."
"It does for now, though you have me curious Kris. You were gone with…Susie for the entire school day. You two um…got up to anything?"
"Yeah, remember that life changing experience thing I mentioned earlier? It was with her, it's a long story. The short of it is we kinda went on our own little adventure and somehow along the way we became friends. Something I didn't expect to do today."
"Oh! You two are friends now? I'm glad you two connected (I wish I could be that closer to her). Though you really had me worried when you didn't come back to class. Glad it turned out alright…I think?"
"Yeah…maybe I can introduce you to her more officially and maybe you two can get to know each other better as well?"
Noelle blushed a bit when Kris said that, "Y-You would do that? I-I mean…I am curious how she's like and what she likes…um…you don't suppose you can tell me a bit about her?"
"I don't see why not? Well for one she likes to eat chalk for whatever reason."
"Chalk? Like a snack?"
"Apparently, she is the only person I know that is capable of eating those things. Frankly, I am impressed."
"Hmm…well that's odd but gives me ideas. Like a gift for our first meeting."
"Also…" Kris looked around in case Susie is nearby, "She is nicer than she looks. Behind that tough scaly exterior is a softie."
"Oh! That's great! I mean I was always hoping that she be nice…and um…well and…" Noelle continued to fumble with her words. Kris couldn't help but smile warmly as he found it kinda cute from the reindeer girl. Reminded him of times he teased her about it, "Ah, you're not trying to pull a trick on me, are you?"
"I mean I pulled tricks on you before but trust me this is no trick."
"I hope so! Because if I die you are paying for my funeral mister! (Granted I think I might die anyways from happiness…)."
"I'll keep that in mind…anyways I think I should get going. I got other stops to go to before I head home."
"Oh alright, it's been nice talking to you again Kris. We should do it again sometime…when you aren't busy, I mean."
"Don't worry I plan on it, see you next time Noelle."
"Till next time, Kris Kringle!"
Kris just rolled his eyes with a forced smile as he walked off. Making a beeline towards the flower shop. SOUL noted his heart rate did spike during the conversation with Noelle. Clearly, he was anxious as heck, but powered through the issue. However, he did need to wind down and talking to Bratty didn't exactly help since he always found her kinda weird. Also, his mom thought she was a bad influence. In his opinion she does look trashy, but considering what he usually gets up to. He isn't one to judge.
Passing her and some houses he found his father's flower shop. He makes an effort to visit him when he has the chance. Despite the divorce he manages to get by somehow.
"So, your father works here?"
"Works and own the place…and lives in it."
"Well, it's convenient that's for sure. So how is he personally?"
"He's quite…affectionate. Some would call a big fluffy lug. In other words, he's a nice guy."
Kris walked into the shop and immediately found his father tending to the flowers. Singing a little tune to himself all alone in the shop. Business must be slow, Kris thought to himself.
"Oh? Is someone there?"
"Just me dad, how are you?"
The large goat monster turned around immediately with joyful surprise, "Oh! Kris!"
Kris eyes widen when the large man ran up to him and gave him the father of all bear hugs. It was suffocating to say the least and Kris was growing uncomfortable. He was barely able to muffle out a response to his dad to get him to stop.
"It's nice to see you too dad."
"I'm sorry son, I forgot you don't like hugs like that."
"It's fine dad, you were just happy to see me. So, how's business?"
"Oh, just same old same old, son. How was school today?"
"It was eventful, to be honest I ended up making a new friend."
"Oh! That's wonderful son! Who is it?"
"It would be Susie, dad."
"Susie? Huh, didn't expect that but I guess appearances can be deceiving."
"Yeah, but she has quite a shell on her. So, I don't recommend trying to hug her either."
"Oh okay, well I am not doing much at the moment. So feel free to look around the shop."
"Thanks dad, I'll give it a look."
His father gave him a thumbs up as he looked around. SOUL asked questions about the flowers and Kris did have some knowledge on the type sold here. However, moving into the back room of the store. Also, his father's living space are these special-colored flowers protected by glass. Kris would explain that they are some personal projects his father tends. Really for no reason other than to pass the time, he believes. They are strange flowers though as they seem to be the same kind, yet their color variances are wide. In addition, they only grow well under specific conditions. Conditions his father was able to achieve, but not easily as he would tell him.
Looking more around he sees the sorry condition his father is living in. He sighed as he knew despite his father's bright demeanor, he is only living off the bare essentials. He doesn't completely understand the reasons for the divorce. He is sure his mother had her reasons but it's just hard to see his father living like this. He did notice some stuff Alpyhs gave to him to which he wonders why his father would be interested in such things. The fridge just brought back some memories like a bitter pill. Eventually he believed he had seen enough, and it was time to leave. His father brought up the idea that when Asriel returned, they should go out to the diner together.
"That…would be nice dad."
"Oh! Before you go, I need to give you something. It's for your mother,,,its our secret."
Kris just smirked. It's a bouquet of flowers that he knows his mother will find out immediately is from him, "Sure thing dad. See you next time."
"See you son. Have a great day."
Exiting the shop, Kris gave a big stretch as the day grows more into a close. Finally, he made it his way home.
"Well, that should conclude the tour for now SOUL. What do you think?"
"Honestly, it's a great place here. You have a lot of people who care about you."
"Yeah…I do, I forget that sometimes. Well walking around kinda helped me remember that."
"Glad to help, let's head home. Its about time we call it a day."
"Yeah, my bed is looking very comfy right now."
Heading to Kris's home, the young man entered the building to be greeted by his mother who was sitting and reading a book.
"Welcome home, honey!" She greeted happily.
"Hey mom, its great to be back."
"Did you have fun with your friend today?"
"More than you think, hehe."
Kris saw his mother beam with joy, "I'm glad to hear it. By the way, I just finished baking a pie. If you go to bed, it will cool when you wake…but do not eat it all this time, all right?"
"Crystal mom."
"You're going to anyways, aren't you?"
Kris didn't respond to SOUL as he walked up to his mother and presented the bouquet of flowers, "Oh yeah, mom? I picked something up for you on the way back."
"Oh, Kris…? Flowers? For your mother…?"
"Thought you would like it."
"How sweet…" Toriel gave them a look over and gave a knowing stern look, "These are from HIM, are they not."
Kris thought to himself that it must be some kind of superpower his mother has. She just seems to know something is from his dad. No matter how he tries to hide it.
"Err, don't worry sweetie. I'll find a place for them…somewhere."
"Well alright then…I'll leave them in your capable hands," Kris set the flowers to the side, "Now if you excuse me, I got a bed to sleep in. Night mom."
"Night, honey. Have a nice rest."
Kris smiled as he left to his room. It was dark as night as he entered the room. With a yawn he removed his shoes and just leapt onto his bed.
"What a day, huh SOUL?"
"To think our story together started from this same bed as well. It's kinda poetic in a way."
"Yeah, I feel like something was supposed to happen now, but I don't know what it is."
"That is certainly odd. Still we should rest. We may never know what awaits us tomorrow."
"Pie, pie is one thing waiting for us."
"Just remember what your mother said."
"I make no promises! Okay maybe for mom."
"Hehehe, well night Kris."
"Night SOUL," Shutting his eyes and letting his bed take him into slumber. The duo finally rest from their long journey. First at odds but now allies in arms. The Vessel and SOUL as one. This cooperation must continue for they are to face the two major threats to their home. Until then, they are at peace.