8:00 A.M.
How long has he been staring up at the ceiling for? He felt numb initially from waking up. Drake still couldn't fathom what happened last night was real. One day in the Underground and he's already made a fool of himself. What would Toriel and Asgore think of him as soon as he exited this room. He just wanted to curl into a ball under the covers and just not ever leave. He just couldn't face them. Not since the incident of last night. Drake inhales and exhales breathily. His hands grip tightly to the covers. Blinking one. Blinking twice. His head turns to look at the door that was left a crack open. His stomach is going to want breakfast.
Risking the fear that overtook him. They were so open to him and he's causing trouble. His body shifted into a sitting position tucking their knees to their chest. His medium length brown hair covering his eyes again. Did they have a barber down here? Surely. He remembered that fish monster… what was her name again? Oh. Undyne. Right. It took him a moment to think about it. Would he see her again? He had to properly thank her for not allowing him to drown yesterday. Undyne made that promise that he'd see her again. He remembered that she had hair, so it should make sense there's a royal groomer. Should he consider asking Asgore?
Drake's mind was swimming. Many things was on his mind. Mostly his magic was more proficient down here than it was above ground. Next thing he remembered is his heart appearing the other day. And then again during the dream. He remembered it was a bright orange. Something a mixture of bravery and courage. Drake wondered if he could… Drake would furrow his brows and allowed for his eyes to glow a light blue, illuminating his hands grunting lightly.
'Jus' focus, Drake.' A thought crossed his mind as he thought about that darkness That void. Where he had originally made his soul appear. Drake hovers his hands in the air close to his chest curling it close. Nothing at first. He gritted his teeth. "C'mon, darn it." Drake grunted. It wasn't until the sudden surge of tingly sensations rushed throughout his body. It felt… warm? Drake huffed another breath curling his fingers into his palms where he's just imagining as if he's about to conjure another water ball. Drake's heart thumped further and further until a sudden orange glow would begin to slowly manifest in his palms.
"Woah.." The child would murmur in amazement. He's never seen it before. His soul… it felt… heavy? Lots of burden on it. It wasn't even big. It felt like the more he held it, the more it threatened to slip through his fingers. Drake begins to lift it further up towards his face so that way he could get a better look at it. There's… noticeable cracks in the soul. It wasn't large cracks, just subtle enough to know it wasn't whole. His lips would purse. "What is this..?" Drake wondered. All he knows is that whenever he held it, his actual heart was racing. He wasn't fully aware of what it meant. Drake outstretched his arms a little bit to keep it at an arm's length to consider to see if he could let it go.
No. He shouldn't. What if he would break it further if he let it go? It was already heavy and it didn't need any more reason to break. Drake was going to try to touch it with his fingers when a sudden voice startled Drake.
"Woahhh! Is that your soul, Drake?" Asriel's voice would peer in, leaning his body holding onto the doorknob. He must've been so focused that he didn't hear Asriel coming down the hall or hearing the door creak open. Drake's head snapped to look at the younger monster. Drake's mouth gaped open. Is that what it was? His soul? Drake would flutter a few blinks before words could form in his mouth.
"M-my soul…?" Drake echoed back to Asriel. Drake had just thought it was what his heart looked like on the inside. Biology class SURE didn't ever mention having ACTUAL souls. They were always talking about how the brains is what made up their emotions, personality and feelings. Drake would turn back to his heart floating in the air and stared at it dumbfounded. Drake couldn't believe that souls were REAL. Maybe, just a TINY inkling of him always knew. There had to be something that had to make sense inside of his tiny little head. Drake watched as Asriel would approach and closed the door behind him so he didn't allow Toriel or Asgore to see them messing with their souls.
Souls were ALWAYS a sacred thing and should NEVER be messed with. If your soul is left in the open, then it got hurt? Well… let's just say that Asriel learned this the hard way when he-... no. Best not think about it. Asriel would smile softly and hopped up onto the bed next to Drake leaning in to get a better look at the orangey-yellow soul. It beated weakly. "Uh-huh! I've seen a soul before once, but it was red." Asriel beamed. "Yours is orange, huh? I dunno what it means… but it's gotta be pretty cool, huh?" Guess that explained why it was in the shape of a heart.
"I've… seen it a couple times, but, I unno' wha it means. Why's m'soul lookin' loike a heart?" Drake hoped that Asriel could fill in what it meant. Asriel offers a sigh.
"Well, I don't know a lot about it either. Sorry, Drake. Mama and dad told me that souls were really important and shouldn't be played with. How come you're bringing your soul out?" Drake wondered too. There has to be a reason he's doing this. It was like he was compelled to do so. Like something was ushering him to do it. Drake shrugged.
"I-I dunno. I just felt like it." Drake answers unsure if even he believed his own answer. Asriel scooted closer and allows for the glow of the orange-yellow to illuminate on his own face.
Asriel glanced back at the door. "You should put it away. Mama and dad shouldn't see us playing with it." Asriel grimaced lightly at the idea of trouble brewing so early in the morning. Drake wasn't even sure how to do it. Drake would feel a cold sweat rush to the back of his neck and chest.
"H-How..? I dunno how to do that!" Drake said in a hushed yet worried tone. Asriel looked back down at the orange soul for a moment, gaining an idea. He decided to do this quickly so that way they both could get to breakfast without being seen doing this. Asriel would focus on himself and curled his arms to his own chest. Inhale. Exhale. Asriel would pull out his own monster soul causing Drake to jump at the sight of it. It was SO different. It was a bland white and unlike Drake's soul, it was upside down with a few small flakes dropping down every so often.
"Woah.." Drake muttered. So, humans AND monsters had souls? Maybe that's why Asriel seemed so adamant on telling Drake to not mess with it. Asriel had a point. Drake didn't know ANYTHING about souls or what could happen to it. So, Asriel began a demonstration. Drake watched Asriel's soul intently.
"If you took it out, maybe you can put it back in?" It sounded so simple. Easier said than done. But, Drake was going to try any sort of method. "Like this!" Asriel would begin to hover his soul out in front of him, slowly guiding the soul back into his chest pulling it closer and closer until it enveloped inside of his shirt disappearing completely. "Now you try." Asriel began to kick his legs softly against the bed waiting for Drake to copy his movements. Okay. Just nice and easy.
Drake would curl his soul in his hands to hold it firmly. Wow. Even holding it near inches from his fingers would cause Drake to shudder from the heavy tingly sensations rushing all across his body and fingertips. Drake eases it in slowly and steadily. His soul began to thump even faster as if resonating with his heart inside of his chest. Drake just had to push it back in, right? Drake closes his eyes and pushes the soul back into his chest. The tingling suddenly stopped and the cold sweats disappeared as soon as it started. "You did it! Good job, Drake." Asriel approves. "C'mon! I'm sure you're starving and I wanna take you to the Waterfalls today. It's gonna be a bit of a walk there, so we should hurry!"
Hopping off of the bed, Asriel wastes no time into making his way out the door. Drake just watched dumbfounded for a moment. So… a soul, huh? That's new. That's why in his dream he could see his soul through his clothing. There was another pressing matter. That person in the poncho… he's never seen them before. Not a kid he recognized from the orphanage either. Not one with clothing he's seen before. That smile though.
Yeesh. It sent an unnerved chill down his spine. Regardless, it's time to get a move on that way he could get on with his day. He's still not looking forward to talking to Asgore and Toriel about the events of last night. Drake slides off of the bed himself and winces a little bit. The bandages and ointment from last night certainly helped, but it wasn't completely healed. Tomorrow should be when he's supposed to meet with the doctor. He hoped that walking around on it would not make it worse. The last thing he wanted was to have MORE days spent in bed or more medicine forbid.
Opening the door and closing it behind him, he would make his way towards the circular staircase where Asriel would be waiting for him at the bottom of the descent. Drake could at the very least now walk down the stairs without much problems. Even if it did hurt little by little. The creak of the staircase making it clear that he's out of his room and finally awake. Drake rubbed his eyes groggily to push away the sleepiness of earlier. Drake could smell the warm scent of cinnamon and whipped cream through the oven downstairs in the dining room. When's the last time he's had ACTUAL good food instead of quickly prepared sausage, eggs and shitty hashbrowns? It even enticed Drake to come closer to the dining table. There's Asriel, Asgore and Toriel all together. The only one missing is Drake.
"Good morning, my child. I hope you slept a little better." Toriel chimes up. As if what happened last night didn't even happen. Drake stops at the final step of the staircase and furrows his brows lightly.
"Oh, uhm.. Thank you, miss Toriel. I slept a little better." He answers back and finally stepped down to the full downstairs living room and makes his way over to the chair waiting for him. Drake already had a plate of eggs, Pancakes and apple juice all prepared for him. Drake felt like there's such an elephant in the room that he couldn't just ignore.
"Miss Toriel? About last night.. I wanted to-." Toriel interjects.
"Sweetie. I've told you, I'm not mad at you. I was just scared and concerned for your wellbeing above all else." She reassures and places a hand onto the table. "I won't force you to tell me what happened. Just when you're ready. Let's put what happened behind us, shall we? It's a bright, new day and Asriel has been so excited about taking you to the Waterfalls. I wish to discuss something with the both of you before I and Asgore allow it." Drake takes a seat on the chair and scoots himself close.
Asgore nodded. "It's rather important that we both make it clear that monsters haven't seen a human in two years. Asriel already told me he wouldn't go past the bridge to Snowdin, but some monsters are known to go to the Waterfall to talk to the echo flowers. Just in case anything does happen, you come straight home. Both of you. Understand?" Drake didn't know what a 'Echo Flower' is, but he would nod in agreement.
Toriel sighs. "Some monsters aren't as friendly as we are, Drake. Some still hold resentment in their hearts for what humans have done. I am not trying to make you guilty, Drake but it's important that you understand. Please be careful and safe." She placed a hand onto his soothingly. "As long as you both understand our safety concerns I won't hold you both up from your good time."
"I promise mama! We won't go past Snowdin." He giggled in excitement. Asriel's contagious laughter only made the 9 year old crack his own smile. It did sound like a lot of fun when he thought about it. Drake's been mulling over what the Waterfalls had to offer since he saw the sign for it.
"Yeah, same here. I'll jus' be followin' Asriel the whole way. I won't do anythin' neither." Drake would begin to eat at his food. Even from his starvation hunger spree last night, he STILL found some sort of way to showcase how hungry he was. The slop at the Orphanage really made it clear that quick and efficient didn't mean 'delicious' or 'made with love'. To be fair, it IS hard to make something with love when you're looking over about 20 kids in one home. Drake at the very least knew that much. Drake could get used to the food down here. His body desperately needed the energy if he's going to be going out today.
Though he's being mindful of not eating so fast again. He didn't want to make Toriel or Asgore worry for him again about his food intake. How could he hold back if the food down here is just so damn good!? Self-Restraint for starters… Drake's mouth instantly watered at the food he's biting and swallowing. Each bite seemed to be better than the last. He just wanted more of it. More yummy food! Yet, it holds him back.
'Don't be greedy, you pig.'
A part of him chastised himself for actually just asking for food. Why? Why did he? He shouldn't be thinking like this, but he did. Something was actively making him concerned with asking for too much. He's been given medicine. His leg got fixed because of Asgore. He would've DIED if not for Undyne rushing to save his life. He's made a new friend. He felt like.. He felt like he couldn't repay all of this. After what he's heard of the humans done to the monsters, he can't help but feel GUILTY. Like he's one of THEM. Asking for more. More than he should. Because of human's greed, they were done here because of it. War happened because of selfishness. Drake stops eating for a moment, realizing he's been overthinking things again.
And there lies the clean plate in front of him. Oh. He didn't even realize he'd finished his plate. Go figure. Asgore smiled in delight.
"Woah there, bud. I see you couldn't help but finish everything again. That's good!" Asgore approved of Drake eating and sustaining his body. Drake would rub the back of his nape.
"Whoops, I, uh… didn' even pay attention t'how fast I was eatin' again." Asgore flicked a hand dismissively.
"No, no Drake. That's good. I'm glad you're eating. The more you eat, the faster you'll heal up. I'm sure by tomorrow things will be good as new. Our royal doctor and scientist will be coming to see you. He's actually been quite intrigued by the late message I sent to him last night."
"You… did?" Drake was a little flabbergasted that something like that was happening so quickly.
"Oh yes! He hasn't seen a human in quite some time and he's quite eager to meet you. He's very nice, I assure you. He's a little… forward, but he means well." Asgore hoped he wasn't stressing Drake out already by making him meet someone new already. Drake tilted his head.
"He's… not gonna do anything, right?" Drake worriedly asks. Asgore laughs at this.
"No, of course not! He's experienced in all types of fields. He's our head and chief royal scientist for a reason. Actually, remember when I was talking to you yesterday about the Core on the way to Yeshfiah?" Drake couldn't forget. It was such a interesting thing to learn about. Drake nodded in response.
"Well, the Core was designed and built by him. We have food and magic in the underground BECAUSE of him. He's been down here with us since we've been… isolated." Way to sugarcoat it, Asgore. "We've known him personally for decades. He's a good man with a strong intellect. I think you'd find him interesting too." Asgore finishes his plate too. Standing up, Asgore begins to place his plate into the sink and sits back down. "Just give him a chance, you'll see."
Not like Drake was going to ignore the doctor if he's here to help. "I-if he's here to make me feel better, then I guess I don't mind." Asgore is glad that Drake could see his way.
"Very good. I'll finalize the meeting with him today while I'm out doing my duties. It's actually a day to check in with him, so, I'll talk more to him about your eagerness to talk with him." Well, eagerness is putting it a LITTLE forward. He just wanted the doctor to tell him he'd feel better. Drake would notice Toriel reaching over and taking both Asriel and Drake's plate and taking it to the sink.
"I've met him on quite a few occasions. I agree he's quite invested in his work, but he's a father himself. He's got two sons in Snowdin. I'm sure that he'd be willing to let you see them if you're comfortable with it." Toriel beams. Glad to know that this guy, whoever he is wouldn't dissect Drake or whatever. Drake would smile.
"I'd like that. Uh, if his kids are okay with it too. I don't want them to be mad at me or scared of me cause I'm.. human." Drake trailed off with a frown.
Toriel shook her head. "Nonsense. I'm certain they'd be delighted to meet you. I've met his sons only twice, but they're good kids." Drake would slide himself off of the chair which would make Asriel follow in tow.
"Is Snowdin far?" Drake inquired. Asriel chimed in.
"Nope! So since we're going to Waterfalls, it's actually just a small walk across the bridge leading to the Waterfalls. It's so weird cause it's really cold and snowy there but it's so nice in Waterfall." He would groan a response. "Ehhh, sorta. It gets cold there cause it rains a little bit there sometimes, but it's not so bad. We're going on a good day! I checked!" More like Asgore and Toriel checked. Regardless.
"It's gonna be so fun, I can't wait! I wanna show you the Echo Flowers. Did you know if you say something to them, it says it forever? Cool, huh?" Asriel grinned excitedly. It's hard not to be excited when Asriel puts it like that. Well, no time like the present right? Drake wanted to get the day started already. Drake cracked his own weak smile.
"Yeah, I can't wait too. Jus'… make sure you don't go too far ahead of me. I don' wanna get lost." Drake laughs bashfully. Asriel understood completely! He didn't want Drake to get lost. He's his new friend, after all. Asriel would be the best tour guide ever! Asriel guides Drake towards the base of the staircase. He's ready to get the show on the road now that breakfast is over. Drake patted down his, or rather Asriel's sweater to get rid of any crumbs that might've fallen onto his shirt. Drake looked back at Asgore who was reading the newspaper and Toriel was cleaning up breakfast.
"Okay, Mama! We're gonna go now! We'll be back before it gets late!" Asriel calls out and was about to rush up the stairs when Toriel called out.
"Don't forget your umbrella just in case! You know how unpredictable Waterfalls can be!" Asriel nodded.
"Okay, mama! I won't." Drake would follow Asriel up the stairs where he's trying to go as fast as he could without hurting his bandaged foot in his shoes. "C'mon, Drake. I need to grab my umbrella from my room." He would pull Drake by the hand to hurriedly make his way up the stairs.
"Asriel, wait! M'leg remembah!?" It didn't seem like Asriel was listening to Drake. He's just too focused on the day ahead of them and he wanted to make his way out of the castle so they could experience all there was to see in the Underground. Asgore's lips creased into an amused grin.
"That boy. I'm glad he's happy to have someone to play with. Ever since.. Chara, he's been distant. I've been so worried about him." Toriel too sighs.
"I've noticed it too. It's not hard to see it. I was hoping that the kids from Snowdin would be a perfect play partner for him. But I suppose that things just really haven't ever been the same for him. I-I just want him to experience as much happiness as he can. If and when Drake decides to leave through the barrier." Toriel places down the washcloth and knitted her brows. "I just want Asriel to be happy. But it's just too dangerous for him to stay."
Asgore agrees. "I know. Monsters aren't ready for another human. But, I think Drake will be happy too. Ever since last night, I've been concerned what he said about "Seeing them gone" and "It's his fault they're gone". Toriel, do.. You think..?" Toriel shook her head.
"I don't want to think about it. He's just a child. He can't have gained.." She trails off. "Asriel will have to be told one day that Drake will have to leave. But.. until then, I think it's best to let them play and be children.""Okay Drake, just this way!" Asriel would motion for Drake to follow behind him to follow him towards his room where they could get the umbrella from Asriel's closet. Entering into the room, Asriel's room radiated that same coziness as it had the previous night. Drake hands at the edge of the door not exactly entering the room but not out in the hallway either. He's in between the door watching Asriel fumble through his belongings. His little tail wagging in delight. Asriel seemed to have a messy closet. Drake never had to worry about that back at the orphanage. Drake folded his arms. He's last in thought while he waits for Asriel.
That kid in the poncho… why did he get the sense that he would be seeing them again? Out of all times, out of all dreams did that kid come see him? Drake still couldn't get that goddamn smile out of his mind. It wasn't a friendly one, that's for sure. Drake would also wonder why in the same dream, he had that nightmare of his parents. Drake inhaled trying to calm himself. 'Not in front of Asriel'. Drake tries to remind himself. Drake was about to think more about it when Asriel pulls out a little purple umbrella from the sides of his closet.
"Yay! Found it!" Asriel giggled. "We should be all set to go. Don't worry, it'll fit us both." Asriel motions for Drake to follow him, hurrying towards the door. Hah. Couldn't stop Asriel once his mind was set on something, huh? Guess he couldn't help but just roll with it. Drake made his way behind Asriel doing his best to match his speed with the injured ankle. If he didn't hurry, Asriel is going to drag him by the hand again. Hah. That wouldn't be so bad to get a little help on the speed of Asriel.
With Asriel opening the front door, Asriel hopped down the step and looked behind him to make sure that Drake was following him. "Hehehe, you're such a slowpoke Drake!" He teases playfully. Drake takes the little jab in stride.
"Unless y'know healin' magic on m'leg, I can't do much silly." Drake giggled quietly himself, opening the door to push himself through the entrance. But as he was about to close it. Drake could've sworn that he saw someone right behind him. Almost mere inches away from his shoulder. The figure about the same height as he is. Drake jumped in place for a moment whipping around him to see if there was actually someone there. Just as expected. No one. Asriel knitted his brows at the sudden reaction.
"Drake? You okay?" His voice was confused but still energetic. Drake stared behind him only seeing the entrance to the staircase. Drake nodded in response.
"Yeah, yeah. Sorry. Thought-... nevermind." Drake didn't want to worry Asriel. It was probably just him anyway. Drake closes the door behind him.
—-
The walk to the Hotlands was relatively easy for the both of them. Maybe because he had Asriel with him that other monsters didn't bother Drake. Asriel had been talking Drake's ear off about New Home and how it's literally the biggest city in the Underground. Well, the only ACTUAL city if he's being honest. Most other places were towns or small ports. Clearport is one of those types of towns that was mostly meant for growing food and other means of daily life necessities like water. Fresh water and history. Quaint and out of the way kind of town. Usually people didn't visit Clearport unless they were trying to either sightsee or come there for something specific. Asriel didn't have too much information on Clearport since he's been mostly reserved in New Home for nearly all his life. Drake couldn't imagine it, but in a way he could relate to that considering he's been a part of Mossdeep, England for the majority of his stay at the orphanage. It too, was a out of the way kind of town that had a rich history to it.
No many places to go or things to do. That's why Drake liked going into the woods that was tucked away near the orphanage on the hiking trail or visiting the candy shoop to explore the many tasty options. Drake didn't have many pounds to purchase the candies they had there but the shopowners were always so accommodating for Drake. Always giving him little goodie bags of candy to take back home with him. He supposed that is one of the very few good things on the surface was that candy shop. He wouldn't lie, he would miss it. But life goes on.
"...There's only one shortcut from Hotlands to Waterfalls that my family only knows of. It's near the labs. My parents don't want me going there since they tell me it's really dangerous to go inside, and that I should stay clear of it. I don't really think there's anything in there for me anyway, so I do what they say. Just make sure to not tell anyone since it's mostly meant for the royals and stuff." Asriel advises as he would walk around the big, looming metallic building about a good 30-40 feet away from them, gazing at it from a distance. Not like Drake really HAD anyone to tell it to. So, he just agrees.
"You got it. I wouldn' even know who t'tell anyway." Drake sheepishly laughs and walks side by side with Asriel leaving the building alone. Drake felt a sense of sweat run down the back of his neck. It is after all the Hotlands. Lava is everywhere. Asriel seemed to know exactly where to go. Although that left the question: "Hey so, your dad mentioned that there's puzzles or something t'get to New Home. Why puzzles?" Asriel shrugged.
"I dunno. Mama says that it's monster culture. She and dad used to RIG Old Home with puzzles to keep out bad people. I'm guessin' it's the same too. Keep out the bad people or monsters. Not like monsters WOULD have any reason to hurt us, just… for safety." Drake felt a little better knowing sleeping at not, he supposes. That this area was only known for a select few people while the rest who were travelling to New Home would have to deal with the puzzles in order to traverse there. Asriel grimaces.
"I've seen the puzzles and it's really scary. Did you know there's air vents to make you jump across boulders where you have to guess right to get to New Home? The boulders are right above the lava too, so, if you make too large of a jump." He would shiver. "I don't like to think about it." Yikes. Remind Drake to never go do puzzles ever in his life now. As they walk along, Drake notices those Core pumps in the distance, watching as they steamed and hissed and pumped lava to the core. Drake was reminded what Asgore had said about that doctor guy. Drake wondered if Asriel knew more? Toriel and Asgore said that he's a good guy, but Drake wasn't convinced. The experience with Phobane gave Drake a reminder that doctors were incredibly mean and scary. The nine year old boy still remembered that excruciating pain when Phobane had reset his leg. Drake rubbed his wrists for comfort.
"Hey, Asriel? Uhm, can I ask you a question?" Asriel turns his attention to Drake now. He beamed in contentment.
"Yeah, go ahead Drake." Drake wondered if he should wait on asking this, but it's been eating at him a little bit. Drake was already terrified of doctors. And if this head royal scientist is as smart and good as they say, then he shouldn't worry… right?
"When your dad was talking about the scientist guy who wanted to meet me… do you know him? Like have you met him before?" Asriel didn't seem bothered by the question, but he could tell that Drake is.
"Uh, only once I think. I was a little smaller though. I can't remember what he looks like. He's really tall, but that's all I can remember." Asriel grinned sheepishly. "Sorry, Drake. But I don't think there's anything to worry about! If mama and dad trust him, then I think you're in good hands!" Asriel's optimism is nice to listen to, even if Drake didn't believe in it himself. Maybe that's what Drake needed. More optimism and reassuring words.
"Thanks, Asriel." Drake cracked an uplifted smile, seeming to let the words settle in his bones. Asriel's lips creased further happily.
"Hey, it's no worries. I'm sure it'll all work out. It's going to be okay." Yeah, he just had to keep telling himself that. That it would all be okay. It's just going to be a small check up. Nothing more. Nothing less. Why was Drake so worried? He shouldn't focus on that right now. He's trying to spend time with his friend. No… Not just simply a friend. A best friend. Just calling Asriel a friend simply would feel insulting to the other. Asriel's shirt on his back is reminiscent of that. Would a simple friend be so willing to drag them around so excitedly? To give the shirt off their back for someone they just met?
Maybe Drake is just being biased because he's never had an ACTUAL best friend before. Drake is happy that Asriel could be the first. Drake would stride along the rest of the way out of Hotlands. Though Drake had noticed that they've been walking for quite a while through this 'shortcut'. They shouldn't be too far off now. Their approach to Yeshfiah is an indication they were close. The townspeople inside of Yeshfiah were glancing every so often at Drake and Asriel, but they didn't mess with them. Just like in New Home. They could whisper or murmur amongst themselves about the human.
They recognized the prince. If they hadn't, then the familial similarities of the queen and king should be evidence enough that he's important. It's not hard to miss. Drake felt exposed. While he had Asgore's intimidating size and royalty status to protect him, he felt like he could get swooped at any moment by another monster. They're both kids and they're weaker.
Drake stopped for a moment seeing the Starry Bound Inn. Phobane's inn. Drake didn't want to push his luck with Phobane any more than he should. Phobane didn't like Drake. Asriel would halt a few feet away from him, noticing Drake staging at the inn. "Hey, Drake. What's wrong?" He strided a few steps back to where Drake was standing looking at the inn along with him. Asriel didn't see anything wrong with the inn. "Drake?" He asks again trying to get Drake's attention. Drake shook his head fast getting himself out of his trance-like state.
"Oh! Uh… sorry, just… thinking." Drake turns to face Asriel. "I was staying here for a little while." Drake admits to Asriel. Asriel seemed to understand now. That's where he was hiding when his dad left to get Drake. Asriel smiled as he turns to face Drake.
"Wanna go inside?" Drake hisses a breath, knowing that's an incredibly bad idea.
"I'm good, Asriel. I kinda made the owner mad at me for being in there. He doesn't like humans." Drake said, tugging at the pink scarf close to his lips uncomfortably. Asriel studied Drake for a moment, turning his gaze back and forth between the inn and Drake. Asriel frowned lightly at this. Toriel DID say that to Drake that there weren't always going to be friendly monsters. Asriel had promised that they wouldn't get into trouble. If Drake REALLY is okay with it, then Asriel wouldn't force Drake. They still needed to make their way towards Waterfall anyway.
"Probably a good idea. Mama said we shouldn't get into trouble. I-I.. I don't really know many monsters outside of New Home. I don't think I'd know what to say anyway." Asriel tries to override the tense moment with a smile to cheer up Drake. "We're almost there. Let's go!" Asriel guided Drake away from the Inn leaving it behind them in the past. Drake would've liked to see Phobane again to see how he's been doing hours later, but Phobane was already agitated with Drake's presence. Earlier was evidence of that…
—-
The travel from Yeshfiah was without incident. Drake got to laugh a couple of times with stories of Asriel's past of antics he got into when he was smaller. Drake too, would share his own stories. Before the accident. Before things went to Hell. Memories of a time that were pleasant and comforting. Examples of stupid science fair projects a year or two ago.
He remembered kids volcano projects who literally flooded the floor with baking soda causing the janitor to have to clean it ALL up. Or how kids were trading snacks during class like it was a drug trade. They were caught, but it just made everyone laugh at their expense.
Asriel laughed at each moment. He doesn't entirely get it, but Asriel could only imagine what human schools did as far as messy accidents that made everyone laugh. Drake made it sound like his school was SO much fun compared to Asriel's tutors and classroom lessons if he could call it that. Asriel didn't go to a normal school like most kids. Asriel was assigned special tutors for specific subjects. Mostly about history, magic, politics, music and SOME biology as far as what monsters were made up of or how to defend yourself against sickness in case your soul did get hurt.
Drake doesn't dare talk about the accident or that he's alone. Could Asriel really understand? The loss of someone special? Drake knew that everyone lost someone eventually, but all Drake could see was smiles and laughter. Just… innocence. Drake would give anything to have that. To never have to worry about being scared. To never have to worry about being alone or distrusting others. It must've been a really nice feeling. Drake shouldn't compare. Asriel lives in a hole in the ground for god knows how long. His PARENTS were living in this hole for basically a decade now. At least Drake had FREEDOM.
It still doesn't help but bother him that humans were all the cause of this pain and misery. It ate Drake's heart and stomach. To share experiences on the surface. To tell him what Mossdeep was like without revealing too much about Drake's past. To share what FREEDOM tasted like. He's being mindful of not saying anything beyond that. Drake continues. "...There's a candy shop you'd LOVE. It has taffies there that are JUST the best. The shop owners like t'give me extras they couldn't sell. Man, if I could give them to you, I would."
"That sounds super yummy, Drake. Do you think when the barrier is taken down, you'd take me to Mossdeep? My parents can take us there!" His eyes shimmered in… hope? Hope that things would get better. That all these stories and all these laughs could be shared to the surface. Monsters could truly see what life could be like on the surface. They just had to wait and see. Drake didn't want to get Asriel's hopes up. Drake didn't even know how he'd get back up to the surface. There's nothing waiting for him there anyway. He beamed warmly.
"Yeah. I wouldn't mind. It's a lil' chilly in Mossdeep, but there's everywhere to explore! We could go play in the woods. I know a super secret spot no one knows of. Just me!" Excluding company now, of course. Drake stopped for a moment seeing the sign with Asriel looking up.
...Waterfall
...Hotlands
v…Clearport
Asriel giggled excitedly. "We're here! Just this way!" Asriel would hold onto Drake's hand at this point and pulled him along towards the entrance to the Waterfalls.
It takes them about 10 or so minutes, but the heat of Hotlands immediately extinguished into a chill that Drake could only describe as being the same as Clearport. Lava slowly turns into running water that filtered over the edges of the cave falling into a vast, and empty void. The pitch black kind of darkness that he had experienced before he had fully arrived to the Underground.
He still wondered if that was even a reality, or if it was a dream. It still swam in the back of his mind. Drake wondered if he had wandered right above Watertfall somehow only to end up in Clearport by the time he fell. Drake clutched tightly to Asriel's shoulders afraid to fall off of the bridge that was standing only by a pillar underneath it. The wooden boards were secured firmly at the least, but it didn't make Drake feel any better at all. Drake should just keep his focus on Asriel's sweater that he's death gripping.
Drake felt like he's going to fall over at any moment. Fall into the inky, black darkness. Never to be seen again. His heart racing out of his chest, thumping in uneasiness. "A-Asriel? Are y'sure this is safe?" Drake just had to ask. He needed Asriel's comfort that they were going to be just fine. Asriel turns to face Drake as their hands are held tightly together walking slowly across the boards. One hand is one Asriel's shoulder, and the other is held firmly in Asriel's smaller hands. His smile never left him. He could feel the human quaking on his sweater. Asriel nods.
"We'll be peachy-keen! I've been here countless times before. Don't worry, I know just the way." Okay. That's all Drake needed to hear. Asriel's the guide here, Drake had to remember that. Take a deep breath Drake. It's just for a few moments, right? Drake just watches in front of him feeling the weight of the wooden boards underneath his feet. They didn't tremble or sway. The planks were truly fine and secured on the path. Drake decided to focus on something else. Namely the boards were getting lesser and lesser and now there's a sight to behold in the distance.
Drake gasped out softly in wonder as he stopped moving, finally having footing on ACTUAL dirt and ground instead of the wooden boards. Exiting out of the inky blackness beneath them, in the distance could the New Home castle be seen. Holy crap.. They've been walking FOREVER now haven't they? Drake blinked. It's been about an hour now since their initial leaving of Hotlands. Drake didn't even comprehend HOW far they've come to this place. The silence is a little bit deafening. The only noises being produced in the distance were the waterfalls.
Asriel stopped as well to take in the pretty sights. With them on safe and dirt ground, Asriel finally lets go of Drake's hand. Drake took the hint and did the same too feeling better that they weren't dangling above the darkness. Drake's blue eyes twinkled to himself with his mouth gaped open in silent splendor. Asriel wasn't kidding. This place really DID have the best views, and they weren't even in the main part of the cave structures or the waterfalls themselves. 'Stars' twinkled above the cave shining bright like diamonds.
Never and Drake meant NEVER could've believed that something so majestic and pure could be down here. Drake's hands curled to his chest standing in bewilderment. He had to blink a few times to make sure that he wasn't seeing things. His gaping lips in a silent gasp turned into a toothy smile. "Woaaaah…" Drake mustered out. New Home looked so big, yet so small all the way from here. Asriel could tell that Drake was stunned by its beauty. Asriel shifted closer and guided Drake to sit down so they could talk for a moment.
"Cool, isn't it? The castle looks so small from here!" Asriel giggled and leaned forward as he sat down. Their eyes were so fixated on the structure in the distance. "You know, in my history lessons… they say that this part of Waterfall was supposed to be a "shining beacon" for monsters to come to New Home. That they could be welcomed any time they wanted." Asriel's expression was one of contentment and bliss. "I want monsters to feel the same when they come to the surface. I want them to see things that they've never seen before. I want them to be happy and amazed."
Asriel had a point. All this time hiding in the deepest darkest reaches of this mountain… there held something so magnificent and wondrous. Who knew that monster kind had something just waiting to be shared. Asriel talks a lot about monsters visiting the surface, but what about humans? Couldn't humans see this kind of thing too? Is it insensitive to share something that humans had purposefully done to these monsters? Drake's mind thought about it.
"Do… do you think when you guys leave this place, that humans could come see nice things done here too?" Drake turns his head to face Asriel whose expression hasn't changed in the slightest.
"I'd like that, Drake. I think humans should see that we're not all bad anymore. It's been a little while. Dad says it's been 13 years, but I'm hopeful that humans have changed during that time." God if Asriel only knew. Drake didn't want to bring it up, but the humans that Drake's known hasn't changed. They were selfish, mean and ignorant. The accident was a reminder of that. Then the orphanage. The bullying from
The other kids. The blissfully ignorant behavior of the staff.
Drake wanted the humans who were good and kind. He knows not all humans are bad, just as all monsters weren't bad. But Drake felt like the majority of the humans Drake knew seemed to overshadow the good ones. Drake's fingers on his knees tightened, frowning a little bit.
"I hope so. I don't want monsters to be scared of humans anymore." Drake's guilt hadn't gone anyway. He wanted monsters to be happy too. He's only known this face for a day, and already he wanted so badly he wanted to give them everything. It was weird. It was like emotions seemed to overwhelm seeing how the monsters lived down here. They all were just so similar to humans. They were just trying to live. To survive.
"Cause I wanna bring the good humans to this spot one day. I wanna show them what they missed out on." Drake's smile returns hopeful. Asriel's dreams and determination to see the good in humans seemed to shine over to Drake. Asriel stays silent for a moment. As if trying to contemplate what to say next. His eyes turn to Drake.
"You remind me of my sister, Drake." Drake's eyes turn to focus on Asriel's black hues. Asriel… had a sibling? This was news to Drake. Drake could tell that Asriel felt comfortable sharing this with Drake. "Remember when I said earlier this morning that I saw a soul like yours, but red?" Drake nodded, wanting to show Asriel he didn't forget.
"Well, she was human." Drake's brows would raise in shock at this. Asriel had a human sibling?! Guess Drake did see it could make sense since monsters already could tell what humans looked like. Drake wanted to say something, but he couldn't find the words of what TO say. Instead, Asriel continued. His voice calm but reminiscing.
"She loved the monsters a lot. She always went out of her way to make other monsters happy and because of that, she made me happy too." Asriel's brows tightened. His smile lessened. "I remember I took her to this spot once. We just sat here and stared off into the distance just watching the castle. It was the best time in the world." Asriel kept saying 'was' and 'before'. Drake would too furrow his brows. Drake felt like he should've shut up about this next question.
"What.. happened to your sister, Asriel?" Yeah, that was a question he should've kept to himself. Asriel's eyes half lidded, stared at the ground. It's obvious she wasn't around anymore as she wasn't living at the New Home. Drake felt like the silence between them was starting to hurt him emotionally. "Sorry I asked, forget it." Drake tries to take back what he said.
"No, it's okay… I just don't like talking about it." Asriel answers. Drake just assumes that she went through the barrier and she hasn't been seen since then. Drake should've kept his mouth shut about. He shouldn't have pressed for information that Asriel wasn't ready to talk about yet. Drake would stand up and offer Asriel a hand. He didn't want to see Asriel sad. This was supposed to be a fun and special day. No more sadness.
"C'mon, Asriel. You still haven't shown me everything yet. You said you wanted to show me the Echo Flowers?" Drake offers a forced smile. Even if Drake felt bad for Asriel. He wanted to be the friend that Asriel needed right now. Asriel nodded and took Drake's hand. He stood up his position off of the ground. They've been sitting here for ages. Drake's right. There's still so much to do and see.
They left the vicinity of the hallway leading from the boards that they crossed to get here. Leaving the sadness behind and the pain of Asriel having lost Chara. Asriel hoped he hadn't made Drake uncomfortable by talking about his long, lost sister. Drake shouldn't have to hear that from Asriel. Asriel just did his best to not think too hard on it. Focusing on the present and being able to make new memories.
Yet, something lingered here. A silhouette of a figure would scuff along the dirt of the sight to behold in the distance. Their shoes held together by stitches at this point. They stared off into the distance of the New Home. Their hands crossed underneath their poncho. They didn't say anything at all. Just standing there. As if a memory had brought them here after the two other children had left. As if wanting to get a moment alone now that they're gone. Their hair hiding their eyes. Hiding their true emotions. Knuckles tighten. Then loosen.
They wondered if they should follow after the two. This spot was sacred for many monsters, after all. They see the 'stars' twinkle in the darkness. To see how it shimmered and brought the hopes of monster kind that things like this wouldn't last forever. That they'd see true planets and stars and the moon. To feel the night air crisp against their throats. Just like they had.
—-
The pathway from the distant New Home towards the more secluded area of Waterfall where it's a direct path led by signs and monster-made dirt roads. To make sure that they didn't get lost. Waterfall is EXPANSIVE.
They could get easily lost if they weren't careful which is why Asriel is glad that he's been here countless times enough to where what path to say. As nice and cozy as the castle could be at times, to be able to be one of the few who could ACTUALLY see the sunlight. To feel its warmth through the colored glass inside of the castle. He wishes that more monsters could experience that. But Asgore only allowed certain people into the castle or if they had appointments with the king.
That's why Asriel was so lonely these last few years. To be able to share something so sacred with someone so special. That's why Drake was the closest to someone special he'd get in a long time. Chara was the first special person to fill Asriel's love and heart and soul. Asriel didn't want to think of Drake replacing Chara. Just like Asgore said. Chara could NEVER be forgotten.
But Drake needed a friend. He needed someone special. Just like Chara did when she fell. Chara left her home because of how horrible humans had treated her. How vile the humans were so quick to forget her. To make her hate humanity. No matter how much Asriel tries to reassure his sibling that there's always good out there, she still wanted to have humanity burn. He wanted to correct his mistake with Drake.
The only difference between Drake and Chara is that Drake didn't SEEM to hate humanity. He didn't seem to be keen on talking about his home or what humans were like on the surface. Drake seemed to want to have humans have a place down here just as much as he wanted monsters to have a place in the surface. Asriel had hope that Drake could be the one. The one to break the barrier.
The only problem is, you needed seven human souls in order to break the barrier. Or with enough determination. Determination was a word that was cropped up here and there in his tutor lessons. Apparently that it was the strongest and most potent human soul of their race. Chara was the one who had determination, but… she's gone now.
Asriel would swing his arms back and forth with Drake's hands intertwined in his own, guiding him along towards where there's an abundance of Echo Flowers along the bank of the waterfalls river. Apparently these flowers were incredibly invasive.
They were just EVERYWHERE in Waterfall. Thankfully, that's where they stayed. Monsters didn't seem to mind it though. It's just how monsters were accustomed to these flowers. Spilling their secrets. Talking to the flowers as if they were monsters best friends. That's why Asriel was so adamant on showing Drake these flowers. He wanted Drake to see how magical it was to be able to hear your own voice played back. To have a memory imprinted onto the flower.
They both sat down next to the bank of the river watching the fishes inside of the river swim around lazily with no apparent goal in mind. They just wanted to spend the time they had together. Asriel's knees sitting close to one of the flowers turning his gaze to Drake. "These are the Echo Flowers. They're everywhere, aren't they? Monsters aren't sure where they come from. But they don't seem to mind. I think it's pretty neat." Asriel says picking up one of the flowers from the root and hands it to Drake. "Watch."
Asriel would lean his snout close to the petals of the flower and whispers something into the center of the flower. Drake couldn't make out what he said, but he waits. After a moment, Asriel pulls away from the flower, tilting the flower to angle towards Drake's direction.
"My best friend is a human."
The flower would suddenly echo to Drake making Drake lean in closer to inspect it. Only with a little bit of contamination, the voice replicated Asriel's voice right down to the pitch. Drake's smile widened. "That's actually cool, Asriel! I wanna try now." Drake would look around for a flower to pluck. As if looking for JUST the right one. There's about a dozen flowers sitting in the patch. So realistically any of them would do. Drake choosing one at random, plucks a flower from the ground and decides to do what Asriel did. He doesn't say outright what he's saying into the flower. Settling on what he wanted to say into the flower, he pulls away.
"I'm glad I met Asriel."
Asriel bashfully giggled. "Awww, I'm glad I met you too Drake. You needed a friend, it was nothing." Asriel doesn't get it though. Drake REALLY is glad he fell down here. He isn't sure how he did, but he's not going to argue against it. Drake shook his head.
"I mean it, Asriel. You're the only one so far who isn't afraid of me or… you know… weirded out by me." Drake pitifully laughed. Drake still didn't want to tell him about the bullies he suffered up there. But here? He's happier. He can try to hide it all he wants that he's bothered by things here and there, but Asriel seemed to just uplift Drake when he needed it the most. Drake puts down the flower right next to Asriels' flower. The two mimicking one another's voice. Asriel's flower copying what he said on repeat and Drake's flower doing the same. Like they were meant to be side by side.
Drake would laugh at this and sat down on his elbows to listen to Asriel's flower over and over again.
"My best friend is a human."
Drake's thoughts would be suddenly interrupted by the sound of grass rustling across from him. Drake's deep blue eyes raise up, noticing a pair of three monsters, who also wore sweaters themselves. Two of them wore the same color of red and black. If he had to guess they were siblings. Brothers. The other monster wore a dark blue and green striped sweater. Their eyes scanning the pair of children laying down in the grass. Drake and Asriel could tell that something was about to happen considering that their glances were not very friendly. Trouble brewing already as soon as they got here. Dammit. Toriel's words playing back in his mind.
"If anything should happen. Come back home."Asriel and Drake had promised that they wouldn't get into trouble, but it seemed as though that trouble was going to find them regardless. The ringleader, who must've been about 12 or 13 in human years.
"Hey! You! Human! What do you think you're doing here?" His voice demanding. Drake would sit up onto his knees and looked at Asriel as if trying to ask him for help.
Asriel too sits up onto his knees and pouted his lip. "Nothing. We're just playing with the Echo Flowers. Why?" One of the kids hushed a breath.
"Wait, dude… isn't that the king's kid? We should go." As if one of the monsters had a brain and was trying to deescalate the situation. But the ringleader teenager seemed quite adamant on standing his ground.
"Nah, see- I'm not about to let another human walk all over us. They're the reason we're stuck down here to begin with." He said with a growl. Drake's brows furrowed.
"Cut me slack, I just got here! I'm nah even doin' nothin'." Drake tries to protest. But his protests were ignored completely but what could be described as seething resentment.
"You being here is trouble enough already, human. You're supposed to be up there! Like how your kind trapped us here forever. We'll never get to see the surface and it's all your fault!" Drake didn't like being accused of something he didn't do. He stands up now, trying to stand his ground.
"As. I. Said. I didn' do nothin'. Leave us alone!" Drake's voice held a subtle warning. Drake isn't defenseless and he's trying to prove that he can protect his best friend. The monster got closer to him. Drake wanted to stay in place, but the monster is bulkier than Drake meaning that Drake had no choice but to defensively back up away from the monster. Asriel curled his arms around Drake's elbow to pull him away.
"Drake, we should just go. I-I don't wanna get in trouble." Asriel pleads with Drake. Drake felt hot, burning anger that this was SUPPOSED to be their special day. That they were supposed to come here and have a good time. They came here because they wanted to play with the flowers and the fishes. Instead, a group of bullies is pushing them away. Drake knows internally he should just back off. To heed Asriel's words that they should leave to go back home. They could come back here another day. But, if they didn't stand their ground to these bullies, they'd never get their chance.
Asriel doing his best to calm Drake down and just take him to another part of the Waterfall. They could go back to the scenic route of the castle again. All Asriel wanted was to spend the day with Drake. It didn't even HAVE to be at the Waterfalls themselves or at the echo flowers. Drake soothes himself down from his glare at the teenagers. Asriel inching but surely pulling away Drake from the flower beds. Drake turns around and huffs.
"Let's go, Asriel." Drake murmured. They both begin to leave from the three teenagers when one sentence sent Drake into what could be described as uncharastically into a blind anger. Drake couldn't describe it. It was like something took a hold of him to defend Asriel's honor.
"Tch. That's what I thought. That's why the human that died down here was weak. Makes sense that all humans are the same." Drake stopped. Asriel too. The look on Asriel's face was complete anguish. Like that was a sentence he couldn't comprehend hearing. Drake's knuckles tighten at this. He's tired of being picked on. He's tired of being stepped all over. Drake has had ENOUGH.
Without a second warning, Drake whipped around, sending a thrust of an arm from targeting the river coating the three teenagers in soaking, freezing water. His eyes glowing a luminescent blue just like he had shown Toriel. Drake's face completely in a scowl of defiance.
"Drake, STOP!" Asriel exclaimed, trying to pull Drake away from the scenario even further. This isn't what he wanted! He didn't want this! Oh, god. They're gonna be in SO much trouble! Asriel is trying to calm Drake down. Even if those words hurt specifically. He knows Drake is just angry and is trying to protect Asriel.
"You… you BASTARD." The teenager growled viciously as the sharp claws of the ringleader bully would send a magical attack of claws into the ground. Everything went completely black around them. Drake's soul suddenly entering into a FIGHT. Drake's never BEEN in a FIGHT. He didn't know the first thing about magic or checking, or MERCY. But this boiling anger. This desire to protect themselves from being stepped all over. He doesn't know where it came from. But Drake didn't even think twice on it as the other two bullies were forced to join the fight as well.
Asriel's soul resonated right next to Drake's orange soul as if they were fighting side by side. Four monster souls. One human soul. Drake would dodge the sudden rakes of claws that were thrusted into the ground and clawing after Drake. His soul stuck in a box along with Asriel who was trying to dodge these attacks along with Drake. Asriel knew he wasn't strong enough like most monsters. He wasn't TAUGHT to fight like most monsters. Asriel didn't even CARE or WANT to fight. He wanted to protect and save. After the sudden waves of attacks, Drake would send another wave crashing at the teenagers.
' '
It was like an inner voice was telling him to show these jerks what a human soul could do. Drake could see that his wave attacks were working as two of them were sent flying away against a wall causing two HP damage. The ringleader stood his ground still. His soaking, shivering form was angry and rage filled, just like Drake was.
"DRAKE! Please, JUST RUN!" Asriel was trying to get Drake out of this headspace that he's found himself in. Drake doesn't listen, instead he charged forward with his knuckles being coated in a form of 'gloves'. He's ready to punch the ever living shit out of this monster kid. Drake's eyes were strained and focused. But, he doesn't pay attention to a sudden rakes of claws heading towards him from the side of the monsters that he just washed away leaving slight cracks in the cave rock.
Drake's eyes widened, unable to comprehend or dodge. Drake was ready to receive his first attack on his soul. Drake closes his eyes for a moment as if battling between rage and protecting them. Thankfully a sudden rainbow like beam would cause the claws in the ground that was racing after Drake oversizing him to shatter into a million pieces. Drake whipped his head around seeing a scared and desperate Asriel hovering a small, but noticeable canon like object above his finger controlling the firing by angling his finger to the ceiling. Asriel was panting. He's never had to do that before. It was like Drake being in danger and about to get sliced up had motivated Asriel to step in.
The way that Asriel looked at him… it was like he wasn't even LOOKING at Drake anymore. No… this wasn't Drake. Not the timid and apologizing kid that he's known yesterday and this morning. Not the same kid who was smiling and amazed. Not the Drake that WANTED to help monsters see the surface again. Asriel was… terrified and confused. This unfortunately left Drake unguarded for just a brief moment for the monster to suddenly swing his ankle to Drake's injured leg causing a sharp and painful cry of misery sending Drake to his feet placing his palms onto the ground.
Tears would begin to well up in burning suffering of his injured leg being targeted. "Drake, no!" Asriel would try to rush over to Drake, only for that same burning anger to resurface once more, causing Drake's knuckles to coat in the same watery aura, this time with a extra addition of 'edges' to Drake's knuckles. In a swift and decisive moment, Drake would instantly push himself off of the ground and connected his brass-like knuckle aura-covered fist into the cheek of the teenager monster. He probably knocked out a couple teeth by the sudden cry of pain from the teenager sending him flying a foot or so backwards.
The strength wasn't his own, no. He's never PUNCHED anyone before. He wasn't violent or angry like this! It was… unnatural. Drake panted a few strained, hissing breaths tightening his knuckles. Standing up and dragging his now re-injured leg to the teenager, he stood over him while the teenager monster was crying a few breaths. "How dare you say that to Asriel?! You better apologize to him right now!" The teenager whimpered a few breaths.
"I-I'm sorry, I-I.. di-didn't mean it." The monster said in whispered cries. Drake felt like that apology was unacceptable when a sudden curl of an arm would coax Drake out of his strained and painful state. He turns his gaze to Asriel who held Drake firmly trying to pull him away once more. The goat child monster's eyes… they were terrified. Drake actually SCARED Asriel.
"Drake… please.. Stop." Drake stared at Asriel for a moment. And just like that… his emotions suddenly and abruptly subsided. His eyes blink a few moments, regaining his composure. The other two monsters stared dumbfounded at the human and prince. They didn't say anything. Scared that they'd end up next.
"I-I… What.. What did I do..?" Drake questioned if that was really him, or if he had just had enough of people bullying him. Drake looked down at the monster who just lied there on the grass in misery. Noticeably from his bottom and upper teeth was missing. Drake couldn't believe that he just did that. He wasn't even trying to be aggressive. He just wanted to protect Asriel and stop a bully. He didn't mean to get carried away. Drake backed away with a few whines of pain. Asriel is incredibly concerned for his friend who initiated a FIGHT.
They should go. Without an exchange of words, Drake and Asriel hurriedly leave the patch of grass of Echo Flowers. They had to get away before the guards got called. Even then, Drake REALLY hoped that they had a half of a mind to keep their mouths shut. Because Drake knows if that the guards were told of Asriel and Drake's involvement of the beating of this monster, it would NOT look good on Drake…
—-
Hello everyone! Thank you so, SO much for your patience for this chapter. I'm really glad that I could get a little more action scenes in and question if Drake is really himself or if from the years of bullying from the orphanage kids just took a toll on Drake. I've actually been meaning to ask if you guys would be okay with me dropping two new characters to add to the story in the next chapter since I feel like I've hinted and shadowed them long enough! I think it would be awesome to see these characters interact with Drake and cause a plot twist for the story! :D. Let me know what you guys think! Until next time! 3