CHAPTER 5: Accidents Happen
(THIS CHAPTER FEATURES THEMES OF PAST TRAUMA. Please remain aware.)
There's no turning back now, is there? Drake turns over his shoulder to watch Asgore close the door behind him leaving Drake fully in the embrace of the Dreemurr Home. It all felt strange. To be welcomed into the monster's home after having just learned what he did earlier. Not only that, but the literal king's home. A king who had gone through so much with the humans. A part of him felt as though that was wrong. That he shouldn't even be here to begin with. But, these monsters. No.. the Dreemurrs. They were just so.. Accepting of him. Why? He's a human, isn't he? He's not going to turn down help, don't get him wrong. If it had not been for Asgore's perseverance and help, Drake would have been still stuck in Clearport with the misaligned leg forced to suffer. He's grateful! Yet, why did he feel so bad? Drake could only think about what Asgore said about Phobane's son. What his species did to monsters and their families.
Asgore would begin to leave Drake to head towards his room to put away his attire leaving Drake with Toriel. He is sure that Drake will be okay with Asriel and Toriel.
"The kitchen is down here, little one. We still have plenty to go around. Feel free to eat as much as you need." Toriel offers to Drake. His attention turns back to Toriel who began to descend down the staircase to have plates set out for Drake and Asgore as Toriel and Asriel had already ate. Drake cautiously followed behind Toriel down the stairs. Whining of pain every now then. Clutching his palms to the railing to go downward very slowly to avoid hurting his leg more than he already had.
Toriel catches notice of the way he came down the staircase. His movement seemed out of place. "Oh, dear. Are you still hurt?" Toriel inquired, approaching Drake holding a hand out for Drake to take for the next few steps. Drake watched it for a moment. His own hand acting on its own to reach out for it to take it. Drake's nervousness spiking. It's just to help him climb down the stairs the rest of the way… yeah. Drake decided against refusing her help. He's a guest! Guests should be acting more… 'guestly'? Drake cringed internally.
"T-Thank you, m-miss Toriel. This is really embarrassin', m'sorry." Drake couldn't help but apologize again for no reason. Toriel didn't know why he had apologized for either. She's only just trying to help him ease on his leg. She decided she would grab the bandages from the closet nearby while he ate and tended to his leg to keep it from being so hot and strained. There's a cooling ointment she had too. She kept it all this time even during Chara's time. As just in case for Asriel if he ever scratched himself or hurt himself in any sort of way. It would prove beneficial for Drake to heal proper.
"There's no need to be sorry, Drake. You need to make sure you're not putting too much stress on your injury. Otherwise, it'll hurt worse." Toriel reminds him sweetly.
"Y-Yes ma'am. Understood." Is his only reply.
She would carefully help him down the stairs the rest of the way until his last foot hit the bottom of the staircase. The downstairs looked so much nicer. A crackling fireplace warms the room around him. A rocking chair nearby said fireplace with a book on the piece of the armchair. A bookmark tailing between the book of where Toriel must've left off. The bookcase adjacent from the chair stocked to the brim with books. Drake had always liked to read and write. He wanted to become a Director one day. It was always his dream to do. Movies. TV Shows. To imagine him starring actors in front of a screen had always been something he wanted to do. He wanted to ask if he could pick out a book sometime, but kept his mouth shut afraid of seeming too needy.
Drake taking Toriel's advice to mind would mind his step, dragging his leg lightly against the floor since bending the knee hurt him. The scraping of his shoe was audible. "It's.. really nice here, Miss Toriel? Have you guys always lived here?" Drake asked curiously.
"We have, yes. It's been home to us throughout our adulthood, but this is something we cherish very deeply. If you mean to ask if we've lived here our entire lives? Then no. We used to live in the now ruined Old Home. Where monsters first had settled at, including my mother and father and their parents. I am not the first generation to come here to Ebott. This has been true for centuries." Toriel explained approaching the reheatable oven kneeling down, alighting her hand into a warm orange glow of fire heating the oven up manually for the remainder of the lasagna that was placed inside to let the food itself heat and warm up. Drake watches intently at the oven sparking a warm orange glow.
He's never seen anything like it. Fire that just grew from her hands and… she's able to set fire to the bottom of the oven where the meal just needs to get decently heated up by the magic. Magic is.. Actually real here? Drake felt a weight of happiness seep into his veins at not feeling like he's the odd one out anymore. Drake watches her close the oven while the lasagna is becoming bubbly and cooked.
"That's really cool! But, how.. Did you do that? Did.. did you make fire come from your hands?" Drake inquired about the oven and her. Sitting himself down onto the wooden chair leaning his body forward where his elbows are on the table. Resting his chin between the crook of the arms crossing together.
Toriel is glad Drake is wanting to learn as much as he could. If he's going to adjust to how things work, then knowledge of monster appliances would be a good start. Toriel would sit down across from Drake where his inquisitive eyes were a welcome sight.
"Well, how much do you know about magic, Drake?" She inquired, wanting to see if he's at least familiar with the concept. The word itself lit up a light in Drake.
"Magic? Uhm.. I-I know about it! I.. I can do.. Magic." Drake answered nervously as if unsure if that had been the right thing to say. Drake doesn't tell a whole lot about this to people. So, saying it outright is a weird feeling. Toriel's expression piqued interest at Drake's comment.
"Oh? Do tell, child. It's not very common for children to know magic. Even for young monsters. But, I'd like to see if you are comfortable showing me." She would watch him intently wanting to see what he's capable of. If magic is familiar to him, then She didn't have to worry about Drake not being able to defend himself. Although, talk about putting him on the spot…
"L-like right now? Uhm.. okay.." Drake would use his other free leg to scoot the seat back with a 'skirting' noise with wood against wood. Okay. Don't do anything too huge. Drake had to remind himself. He's just putting on a small little show. Drake just had to envision it just like earlier. Like back in Starry Bound Inn. Drake just had to imagine the small ball of water. That shouldn't hurt, right? Drake's mind focuses on that shape of the water. Drake seemed to be straining for it to come out. A droplet falls between his legs hitting the floor. "This.. is r-really hard." Drake mustered out, his eyes glowing in and out of focus.
Toriel could notice those little glows. Her interest is even greater. But, she didn't want Drake to wear himself out for her sake. She believed him. Even if he couldn't do it on the spot. She would sigh and place a hand onto the table where her comforting expression is etched again. "Please don't strain yourself, child. I believe you." Drake was a little caught off guard by her believing him so suddenly. He hadn't even shown much! Maybe it's something she can see but he can't.
"Really? I.. didn't even show anything." Drake said disappointedly.
"I noticed glimmers in your eyes, Drake. As far as I'm aware, humans aren't able to do that. It's also best to let your magic manifest in time instead of forcing it. Forced magic only does more harm than good in my experience." She had a point. Drake really is trying too hard to show her or to prove something to her. Maybe, prove something to someone that he could be in control. Previous excursions prove otherwise.
"Thank you, miss Toriel. It's nice to see someone who finally understands.." Drake glanced up to her where his own weak smile is comforted by hers. Toriel would nod softly.
"Of course, dear. Magic is a very fickle thing when it comes to casting it. I should say it takes years of practice. But don't let that dissuade you, child. You are just starting from the beginning. Magic is who we are as monsters. It makes up our very being now." Toriel explains wanting to give Drake a sense of hope that can come with his own magic.
Toriel opened her palms towards the ceiling. Her palms glowing lightly into that same small, orange glow as previously. The warmth of her fire dancing in Drake's eyes watching it flicker every so often. His amazement and awe is an adorable sight to Toriel. It had been the same expression that Asriel had when she first showed him magic. "My magic is mostly fire based. As that is something I have had for many years. Fire is a very useful tool and property. It brings warmth to the soul. It can also be used for protection. Fire can be helpful, or dangerous if not in the right hands. I think it can be said for any magic." Hoping to cheer Drake's setback at his own casting.
She seemed to help him understand at least. That it wasn't going to be easy. Drake's never had anyone to teach him about his magic which is probably why it's so unpredictable. He tried to self teach. It's not working for him. Drake wondered if Toriel would be willing to teach him about magic further if he stayed here? Drake didn't want to hurt anyone by accident! Not anymore. He wanted to learn! Drake didn't want to be the one that people are afraid to be around.
"C'mon, Drake! Everyone says they've seen you do it. Show it!"
Drake's hands tighten a bit. He just wanted to feel like he belonged somewhere. The Underground strangely had that effect on him where he did feel like he belonged. Like… he didn't have to worry about being the 'freak' anymore. His thoughts are interrupted by the sudden chime of the oven letting Toriel know of dinner being ready. Toriel turned her head towards the oven where inside the lasagna is bubbling and steaming with that ready to eat warmth. A smile of satisfaction and stood up.
"Dinner is ready, dear. Typically I have everyone wash their hands before dinner, but I will help you as the bathroom is upstairs and I do not wish for you to hurt your leg further. I have an idea." Toriel would kneel down for a moment to acquire a pair of oven mitts from the drawer next to her. She placed on a pair of flower themed mittens that had colors of blues, pinks and yellows. The outer color of the mitt itself being a shade of grassy green for the flowers to grow in as if. Opening the oven she would take out the container which had the rest of the half of lasagna ready for consumption. The scent itself is FANTASTIC. He's never smelled such a wonderfully cooked meal in his life! Drake's stomach growling in impatience too!
Toriel would make her way towards the kitchen sink counter running a rag with water over it and some soap too to make sure it had the added effect. Squeezing out the excess water, Toriel kneeled down to Drake's height and would smile softly. "If you don't mind sweetheart, I'd just like to quickly wash your hands with the wet rag, okay?" Drake didn't see anything wrong with it, so; he'd nod and allow her to rub the gentle washcloth against the palms, fingers and knuckles of his hands. She had a tenderness to her that he welcomed. She was just being soft with him.
She would need to tend to that knee later, but she decided to wait for that before bedtime just to make sure that it healed properly throughout the night. She just wanted Drake to relax for a while. Stress on a child his age isn't healthy! Or good at all mentally. She also had promised Asriel that he could take Drake upstairs to look around the house. It wasn't anything too huge. Just a nice, quiet and simple home. Anddd… done! Toriel would pull away the washcloth. "All better. Now let's have you some dinner." She would stand up and approach the counter where the food was meant to cool off a little bit. Cutting a portion of the lasagna and placing it onto a plate serving the food for Drake. "Now be mindful, young one. It's still very hot." A reminder. With Drake glancing down at his delicious meal. It reminded him of home.
Once there were utensils for Drake to eat with, Drake would blow onto the cheese and meat. Making sure he didn't accidentally bite into literal fire. Perfect. Just perfection swells of flavor and love put into it. It.. really was like home.. Drake glanced up at her where he would grin in delight. "Thank you for the dinner, miss Toriel. It really means a lot." Toriel chuckled quietly making sure to keep him company as he ate with Asgore approaching the kitchen to prepare his own plate. He had a long day too just like Drake and a good meal would do them both good. The bigger monster would sit down onto a chair next to Drake and began to dine into his own meal too. The both of them seem to just enjoy the simple things of life.
"It's no trouble, dear. I'm glad you like it. It was originally a human recipe, I believe. But, we take a Dreemurr spin to it." She grinned playfully. Drake giggled back from the idea of having a Dreemurr made speciality! Like, out of a funny cooking show or something. With that being said, he's glad to feel safe here. Like nothing could hurt him in this space.
Asriel across from the dining area lies down on his stomach on the rocking chair just watching him eat. He's so curious about him. Drake seemed a bit reserved earlier, but now he's chatting it up happily with Toriel and Asgore. Maybe that's all Drake wanted was someone to talk to? Asriel picked up on that. Drake is comfortable with Asgore because well.. He spent the entire day around him, essentially. He'd just have to get used to being around Toriel and Asriel. He seemed pretty okay around Asriel earlier. That's why Asriel wanted to show Drake around! If dad said he was going to stay for a little while, then, maybe his stay can be as comfortable as possible. Drake's small laughter filled the air glancing up at Asgore.
"Uh, Asgore? You uh.. Got cheese on yur face." Drake sheepishly teased pointing out to him.
"I do?" He poked nearby his mouth noticing a string of cheese. "Ah! I do! How silly of me!" Laughter following. "Thank you, Drake. I wouldn't have noticed it!" Both enjoying each one another's company. Laughter. Something Drake hadn't realized before, but he's laughing. Joy. A emotion that he hadn't been able to process these last three months after everything had been said and done. The hospital. The home. He's not afraid to laugh now. Could it be Drake felt numb during those times? That.. there hadn't been a reason for him to feel joy or happiness? Drake's finger tapped against the fork idly.
"Heheh.. no problem, Asgore! I just didn't want you to find out later." Drake glances down back at his food.
GROWL.
Hunger. He was so busy talking with Asgore and Toriel that he didn't even process his own hunger surging back. Suppose it's hard to focus on anything else when he's just enjoying his time. He hoped it didn't grow colder. Drake's fork delved back into the cheese and meat meal. His eating pace is a LITTLE faster than previously. Hungry. He's just so hungry too. After spending nearly 6 hours out there, without food or water it's clear he needed sustenance badly.
It wouldn't be long until both Asgore and Toriel noticed this behavior that concerned the mother monster. "Drake, please slow down. I don't wish for you to choke!" She would say in concern. Drake didn't realize his own actions had been concerning Toriel. He would cough a couple times keeping his face to the floor.
"Grk! Sorry. I just.. haven't ate anything today or yesterday.. I think." His face flustered in embarrassment. "I'll eat slower. Sorry."
Asgore exhales, placing a hand onto his shoulder. "It's no trouble, young Drake. Just be careful." Asgore should've known Drake would've been that hungry. Even especially at his age that he should be eating. Asgore felt bad about that. What mattered now is that Drake is eating now at least. While Drake is eating, both Toriel and Asgore share glances of concern to one another.
Toriel is sure she's seen this kind of behavior before during the war. During when there were orphaned monsters and homeless. During the rebuilding process of the Underground. The efforts to supply everyone with as much food as they could. Thankfully the Core had been built around this time, so they could supply food. But; The starvation that led them to eat in such a way… it reminded her too much of that time. Asgore surely must've seen it too. He had seen it during the war too. Toriel hoped she was wrong about her internal conflicts about Drake.
Soon, mealtime thankfully is over with the clinking of his fork against the plate. "Mmm! That was really good! Thank you again for the meal, miss Toriel." He grinned happily. A warm meal inside of him, and he finally felt a bit more energized to keep going. Since he got food into him, he should be along the healing process faster. Toriel would take his plate towards the kitchen sink and inserts the plate into the sink to let it soak for a little bit.
"You're very welcome, Drake. I'm glad you liked it. I was worried that humans wouldn't be able to eat monster food. But I'm sure original human recipes should be okay." She smiled down at him where Asriel would hop out of his chair and would begin to make his way towards Drake seeing as he's finally done with his meal. His small tail wagging in excitement lightly.
"Mama! Can I show Drake around the house now please?" Asriel had been waiting patiently for Drake to finish, and now that he had finished he finally could hang around Drake! Toriel would sigh in defeat knowing there's no denying it. She did say once Drake was finished eating, so she won't keep him waiting any more longer then Asriel had been. She would approach between the two and nodded in agreement.
"Alright, dear. You can show Drake around. But please be mindful of his injury, okay? He is still having a hard time walking around." She just wanted to be sure Asriel isn't running around with Drake. By tomorrow once the ointment is placed onto his leg, he should be feeling better. Toriel helped Drake out of his seat to make sure his bad leg went last. That way he could find his footing with his other leg. Drake huffed a pained murmur gripping onto Toriel's wrist. "Easy there.. There's no rush. Asriel dear, make sure to help him upstairs when you show him to.. The guest room."
"Okay, mama! I'll be careful. C'mon, Drake! I'll show you the living room first." Asriel's contagious positivity struck again. It was rather hard to not want to follow him around. Drake glanced up at Toriel as if making sure that it were okay to go off on his own. Given soft approval to wander off with Asriel in the home would Drake finally begin to move around on his own. So far in the Underground, he's been mostly looking at Asgore for approval and guidance before doing anything. Now that he didn't have anyone to tell him what to do, he felt a bit lost. At least Asriel would be there to help him if he needed it.
Moving about from the dining table to the living room where they would begin firstly. "This is our living room! Our house has two places. An upstairs and a downstairs. Uhm.. this is the downstairs area." As if that weren't obvious already. "I really like the stories down here. Mama always reads to me down here and it's super fun to listen to mama whenever she reads. I think you'd like it too if you want to join me." An offer for Drake to partake into their activities. It wasn't like Drake would be going anywhere anytime soon anyway, so, he'll take the offer to the stories. Drake remembered when his own mama used to read him stories some time ago. The memories burned again. A feeling of nostalgia to have what he lost. Drake's eyes stared at the fire. Burning in a controlled environment. Something he could stare at forever. Drake's eyes focus back to Asriel.
"What kinda stories do you guys read?" Drake asked Asriel.
"Oh! All kinds! Mama always has something new to read. I even have a few books from her shelf in my room I like to read." Asriel replied back, picking out a book from the bottom shelf and showing it to Drake. The book has a dark green cover with only the title on it. No picture, oddly enough. The title reads: "The Wonders of Monster Life". He couldn't really pinpoint what it could be about, but Asriel continues.
"This one is my favorite! It's about Monsters and what home used to be like! It's a little old, but I like it. Maybe we could have mama read us this tomorrow?" Asriel offered. He decided to take him up on it. A nice evening story sounded soothing, didn't it?
"Yeah, okay! I don't mind. I don't really know a whole lot about monster stuff, but I don't mind learning." Drake is curious too in truth. He wanted to understand more about the beings that were trapped down here. What could their home be like? What were their villages like? Their way of life? So many questions that puzzled Drake. Maybe Asriel wanted to know what the surface was like since he was born here in the Underground. In a prison. Drake's heart ached at the idea that Asriel didn't know what truly the surface was like… and it made Drake think too. Did he really have it so bad? To think that he would run away from the Home where he at least had SOME freedom? Drake thought about this. Drake wanted to see more. "Could.. I look at it?"
Asriel didn't see anything wrong with it. Giving the book to Drake would the young boy sit down on the rocking chair. Its texture is smooth and fluffy. Although his semi-damp clothing didn't help the warmth of the seat in actuality. Drake flipped open the book to a random page, not looking for anything in particular. Just wanting to see what the book contained. Asriel hovering over his shoulder to see what he wanted to look at. His eyes noticed that he could read the book, It was like in English too. Good. That meant he could actually read an excerpt from the page. Drake scanned the page in an attempt to find anything interesting. Most of it didn't make any sense, so he just skimmed through it. Until he found an interesting piece of text. He reads.
"168X. In the time that humans and monsters had allied together, they had found Mount Ebott. Monsters noticed the magical field of Mount Ebott to be to their liking. It contained mysteries and strange seasons within the Mountain that no other place had ever seen before. Mount Ebott to monsters was a goldmine for exploration and magical practices. Here is where humans truly taught monsters magic and became a part of their being. The aura of this strange and mysterious mountain had cultivated the monsters. Favoring them over the humans, as if it were alive! This mountain felt alive to monsters. Snow came from nowhere. Rain fell from the ceiling. Grass grew with no sunshine. This mountain came to become the monster's secondary home away from the village while some stayed behind to remain growing crops and raising children… while the others adapted to this new home and environment."
"That's really cool! Mama always said the villages back then were small, but they were really cozy. I wonder if one day we could find the old villages that mama said that monsters used to live in." Asriel hummed in thought for a moment. "Hey, Drake? I hope it's okay to ask, but what was the surface like? I've always wanted to know.." He's only heard bits and pieces of what Chara told him. But she never told him really much. Mostly that humans ruined a lot of things. That the surface was better left alone. So; he never got a clear and concise answer about what the surface world is like. That's why he's asking Drake.
Drake wondered to himself. How long did monsters live in this mountain truly? It seemed like nearly four hundred hundred years that they had been stuck in this mountain. Or, two hundred years? He doesn't remember. Maybe the truth is better left unsaid. Drake placed the book onto his lap for a moment watching the fire again.
Like he didn't want to share what he read. "Uhm.. it's okay, Asriel. I don' mind." He answered, exhaling. "Well, the outside was really pretty.. But super cold and rainy most of the time." A small laugh. "At least where I lived." Drake remembered the days where the rainy weather was his playground. Splashing and playing about in the fresh cold water. His coat was always soaked, but he didn't mind. The rain was something he loved seeing. The freshness of the weather on his hair and skin. Young laughter echoing in the back of his mind. It may have felt like such a small thing to others, but to Drake that was his happy place. Whenever it rained. Maybe that's why his soul magic radiated water and ice? To capture that love he had for the weather and the sky back then? "It was really nice.. I used to have friends I played with outside. We'd always go to a special place and play in the mud. M'mum and dad hated whenevah I tracked mud in th' house. But they'd always laugh whenever I came back wet."
Mum and dad… when he mentioned them. His soft smile turned into something of.. Regret. Something he wished he could have again. His knuckles tighten a bit around the closed book he's holding onto. He sat there for a few moments just trying not to think about them..
"Your parents sound really cool. I'm sure they're really worried about you. We'll get you back to them! Don't worry!" Asriel trying to cheer Drake up. Although, it failed. If only Asriel knew.
He stays silent when Asriel said that. He didn't have anything to go back to. Which is why he hoped he could stay in the Underground. To never have to worry about being scared again. Or, maybe he could find monster friends here! He didn't want to go back to Heavens Heed. He can't tell Asriel. Not ever. Asriel could see Drake upset about something.
"Are you okay, Drake? You got all quiet.." Asriel inquired, making sure his new friend isn't sad about something he said.
"Mmm? Oh, n-no, it's okay. I-I uhm.. Just.. thought about something and forgot about it." He fibbed. Drake still felt this… shame inside of him. He couldn't do anything about it, so why bother thinking about it?
He decided not to ruin the mood. Asriel's been looking forward to this moment for the last little while now. He isn't going to be mopey right now. It wouldn't be fair to him. Drake uses his arm to push himself off of the rocking chair, letting it swing back and forth a little. "It's okay. I'm probably just still a bit tired. Uhm.. you wanted to show me other things, right?" Drake tried to ignore the feeling that lingered inside of him, forcing a smile. Drake staggered for a moment, wincing. This leg really is going to be a pain, isn't it? Drake knows he can't do anything about it, either. Asriel worries about Drake, but he's not going to force him to tell him if he's not comfortable. Asriel knows he's just tired. He's been out there for a long time, hasn't he? Asriel holds a hand out for Drake to take so he could help him up the staircase like Toriel had asked him to.
Asriel smiled again seeing his new friend smiling too. If Drake is sure he's okay, then Asriel wouldn't argue about it! "Okay.. if you're sure. Then let's go upstairs! There we'll find the bathroom and the bedrooms. We can hang out in my room too!" Asriel giggled out and would help Drake up the stairs making sure he didn't leave the human behind. Asgore would glance over at the stairs.
"Make sure once you're done showing Drake around you start getting ready for bed, kiddo!" He called out to Asriel.
"Okay dad! I will!" Asriel called back to his father. Drake made sure also to not take up too much of Asriel's time either. Drake's hand gripped onto the railing whilst being gently pulled up with his other hand held by Asriel. Thankfully the staircase is like a circular shape, so all they're doing is just advancing up in a circle. The upstairs coming into view taking the final step from the downstairs would Drake let go of Asriel's hand allowing for him to just tag along with him. Drake only got a slight glimpse of the upstairs earlier before Toriel had guided him downstairs. Evern away from the fire downstairs, Drake felt its warmth from all the way up here. Drake took a moment for his surroundings. The tan wooden walls. Easy on the eyes. There weren't any torches. Actual light bulbs lit the home. Drake stood there for a moment. Staring at the red door in front of him. Hanging from the coat hanger were Asgore's cape and the deltarune symbol. A theme he's been noticing a lot lately.
"Drake, you coming?" Asriel asked with a hint of impatience. Drake snapped out of his thoughts. Right. He shouldn't keep the Dreemurr waiting.
"Yeah, I'm coming!" He replied, leaving the front of the door dragging his leg towards Asriel again. "Sorry, just wanted to look around." Drake excuses for keeping Asriel waiting.
"It's okay! I'm glad you like it here! Mama says that this feels a lot nicer than living in the main part of the castle. She thinks that it's better to live here instead of all around the guards and important people."
"So, Asriel.. I have a question. What's it like living in the castle?" Drake asked Asriel. Asriel would give a shrug.
"It's okay. I don't like to hang out in the castle. My favorite place is the Waterfall. Have you been there yet?" Drake shook his head at the other. There was just Clearport, Yeshfiah, and Hotlands. That's all he's been at.
"I saw there was a sign that there was a place called Waterfall. But we didn't go there. We went through a place called Hotlands." Drake answered. "I didn't really like Hotlands. I thought the place.. Uhm.. was too hot. Hehe!" Drake laughed out. Asriel giggling back.
"Yep! That's why it's called Hotlands. Dad says Hotlands is really important though." Asriel opened the door to his room where the two could enter into the room together.
The room itself looked like a normal bedroom. There wasn't anything really lavish about it. It looked so.. Simple. Yet, full of memories. Drake noticed a chest full of toys. Namely plushies, a couple of fake swords, some action figures… crayons lie flat on its back on Asriel's desk. The bed itself had a big quilt blanket stretching from the base to the end of the bed. The pillow looked super comfortable. Another couple of plushies stood guard on the bed staring off into the distance as if staring back at Drake. The human closed the door a crack behind him where they could be alone for a bit. There's a turned on lamp sitting on the desk. The desk itself is a bit wide. Giving Asriel room to do whatever he pleased on the desk. To mostly play his action figures or to where to draw pictures on the surface.
"Tada! My room! Dad says we don't have time to play tonight, but we can play tomorrow! And I can ask mom tomorrow if I can bring you to Waterfall! It'll be fun." Asriel had so many ideas on what to do with Drake! They could go to so many places. Maybe bring Drake around the castle at some point if his parents will allow it. Asgore did tell Drake that they should wait a bit before he made his presence more known.. But he doesn't want to be stuck around the house either. He wanted to explore. Feel free! Drake takes up on the offer. Hopefully by tomorrow his leg wouldn't be such a problem.
Drake rubbed his hand against the 'finger' of one of the plushies in the toy bin. Feeling the comforting soft texture rub back. Drake wishes that he could have one of his plushies back from home. To hold onto. For a feigning comfort that he wouldn't ever get back. Asriel noticed the plushie he was touching and came over to him and held up the decently sized monster plushie in his arms. "This one's Cherrit. She's a fruit monster! She used to smell like cherries, but it's kinda gone now, hehe." He laughed sheepishly. "Did you have plushies on the Surface too?"
Drake hummed in agreement. "Yeah, I used to have a couple. I had this Snow Fox once that used to always sleep with me. His name was Winter. It was a stupid name, but I couldn't sleep without him when I was a baby. Mum always used to say that without him, I would jus' cry." He laughed back. Another minute detail that always stuck with him. Winter had aged, but he remembered the fur. Even being nine years old, Drake had wanted Winter again. To hold him and cry into the fur. Hah. Just like he always had when he was smaller.
"If you want, you can borrow one of mine for tonight. I don't mind." Asriel offered smiling and holding the cherry shaped monster plushie against his chest. Drake shook his head softly.
"O-Oh! Noo. i-it's okay. You don't have t' do that. I just.. Thought I'd share about Winter." Drake chuckled nervously. Drake didn't want to overstay his welcome. Asriel tilted his head.
"Are you sure? I promise I really don't mind.." Asriel thought that Drake might need something to hold onto since he seemed so nervous. But, Drake declined again.
"I promise, I'm okay. Thank you though, Asriel." He said, smiling back again. Asriel decided he wouldn't force it on Drake.
"Well.. okay. If you say so. If you change your mind, just let me know." Asriel would place Cherrit back into the toy box and would continue to show Drake around his room. Showing the different toys and pictures he drew. Drake had to admit, he's a good artist too for a kid his age. As time went on, Asriel and Drake would depart from his room where the two children would head into the guest bedroom all the way at the end of the hallway which would be Drake's room for the time being. It wasn't as furnished as Asriel's room. It had looked like when it had been built, there was only the very basic necessities for a room. There had been only a bed in the middle of the room which wasn't as big as Asriel's. Although a singular pair of dark grey jeans and yellow and green sweater remained folded onto the bed. The same kind as Asriel's sweater next to him. A nightdesk with a simple dark blue lamp and a shade on it. It is turned on as well. A closet closed. It didn't open either. As if it had been purposefully locked with a key in the knob.
"Oh! Don't worry about clothes, Drake. I told mama you could borrow my clothes for a bit. I-I dunno if it'll fit… but we look about the same height, so I think it will! Mama said she'll eventually get you new clothes too, so don't worry." This is the one case Drake will actually accept this. As much as he didn't want to admit it, the damp clothing is starting to make Drake feel incredibly uncomfortable. It's starting to make him itch a bit. Drake sighs knowing he can't turn down this offer. He hugged the piece of clothing to his chest where he turned to Asriel.
"Thank you, Asriel. This.. really means a lot. I know I just got here, but I don't want to ask for a whole lot either.. I just.. Feel bad." Asriel furrowed his brows in worry.
"Why would you feel bad? Dad said you needed help, so I wanted to help too." Drake doesn't understand it. Why does Asriel help him? His kind had forced his mother and father underground where they lived for a long time. Drake.. Can't understand it. "That's what friends do. They help each other." Asriel's comment left Drake a little emotional. Staring down at the clothing in his hands. Feeling… grateful for Asriel doing this for him. Drake nodded.
"Yeah.. sniff.. Yeah, you're right. T-They do.." Drake rubbed his eyes with his wrists. "I should go and get ready for bed. Thank you for showing me around, Asriel. Uh.. where's the bathroom again?"
"Oh! It's down the hall all the way to the right." Considering they were all the way down the hall to the left, it made sense. Drake would approach Asriel and hugged him for the article of clothing. It was just something that he felt he had to do. Asriel, taken-aback at first, would quickly gather his composure and hug Drake in return. "H-hey! It's okay. You're welcome, Drake. I'm glad you're happy. I'll be in my room if you need anything." With that, Drake left Asriel to his own devices to go to the bathroom.
"I hope you don't mind, Chara. Wherever you are." Asriel would then leave for his own room too close the door behind him.
Entering into the bathroom, Drake closed the door as well where he looked at himself. He looked like a damned mess. His hair has a bit of dirt from the fall earlier this afternoon. Grass stained the side of his cheek that was originally hidden by locks of brown hair. His clothing didn't fair much better either. His pants coated in green and brown from dirt and grass, Tossing off the hoodie and the other articles of clothing leaving himself only in his underwear, It's still him in the mirror. Tired and been through a lot. Looking down at his arm where a cluster of four scars remain on his right arm. They were four semi-large purplish puncture holes on his skin, dotted up and down. Drake couldn't even remember how they got there to begin with. He doesn't even remember what happened after the accident. Drake should try to clean himself up. Running his hands with water, the freshness of it coating his hands.
Rubbing the fresh, cold water against his face leaving his face wet. The grime of dirt rushed down the sink, leaving him Drake once more. He looked better. That's for sure. Noticing a towel nearby, Drake presses his face against the fabric to roughly rub at the skin leaving his face a little welted, but clean at least. Now for the clothing that Asriel had kindly gifted him with. Drake picked up the first article of clothing and unfolded it. It's the same sweater as Asriel's. The light green and yellow stripes, Testing the size, Drake would fold it against his chest as if to see if the shirt would actually go onto him, and strangely enough, it did. Although the shirt seemed to be a tiny bit small on him, Drake wouldn't pass up on it.
Sliding the shirt over his head and looking at himself in the mirror. Good. He already felt warmer and less itchy. Pushing aside the lock of hair hiding his eyes. His deep blue eyes staring back in the mirror. Now for the pants. Same situation. A bit tight, but nothing too uncomfortable. Now, for the piece-de-resistance. His cherry red hoodie slides over the sweater, Still a bit grass stained, but he'll manage. Thankfully the sweater goes under the hoodie so he wouldn't feel the sweater's dampness. It'll surely be better in the morning anyway. Now, about his old tee and pants.. What should he do with them? He sighs. He should just ask Asgore or Toriel. Exiting the bathroom, Drake would pass by Toriel and Asgore's room noticing that Asgore is already in his room looking at something nearby his bed. Drake couldn't tell what it was, but he knocked softly onto the door.
"Mister Asgore?" He began aloud which would startle the monster at first as Drake's movements must've not been heard by Asgore. He seemed to have been lost in thought.
"Oh! Drake, you surprised me. I apologize. What can I help you with, young one?" Noticing something different about Drake with the green and yellow sweater. Is that… Asriels?
"I just wanted to ask what I should do with my old clothing? Asriel said he gave me his clothes to borrow for tonight.. Since I kinda went in the river earlier.." Now that's a way of sugarcoating it. Asgore blinked, quite surprised that Asriel did such a thing, but it sounded very much like his son to give the shirt off his back for others. A small smile lifted his expression.
"Ah. Just set them beside your bed tonight. I will collect it tomorrow morning to have it cleaned. It'll be good as new." He reassured Drake.
"Oh! Okay! Thank you, mister Asgore." He would smile back and would turn the corner to go back to his guest bedroom. Asgore sighs. It's a sweet moment for Drake to just be. To just have a moment where he could feel at home. Yet, it felt too soon. Next month would be the day. The day that the kingdom fell into despair. The day that humans and monsters were supposed to be together again. But, one could wonder… is this a sign? Yes. It had to be. Staring out the window would Asgore place the family photo of the Dreemurrs back onto his night stand. All of them. A memory once filled with happiness.
Asgore would leave his bedroom to join Drake into tucking him in before going to Asriel to read him that story that he had promised him earlier. He hadn't forgotten about that. To make sure that Drake would sleep comfortably tonight and that he didn't have to worry about the darkness. He learned earlier that Drake didn't like the darkness. So, what he ought to do is let Drake sleep a bit in the light and once he's fully asleep, he can shut the lights off. That way Drake can fully sleep in the dark even if he can't see it. Once entering Drake's room, the young human is lying in the bed staring at the blank wall in front of him as if trying to bore himself to sleep. His hood drawn over his head to give himself a better comfort of sleeping. The bed wasn't too bad either. He's surprised that he did find how comfortable the bed is.
"Ah. You're already settled in Drake. Good. I didn't want to leave you here alone without a goodnight." Asgore would chuckle sheepishly. It sounded silly. Drake isn't his kid, and he's sure that somewhere out there his family is looking for him. Drake turned to look at Asgore with a small laugh too.
"You don't have to.. But thank you, mister Asgore." He would lie back down fully onto the pillow turning his body over onto his side. Drake's cheek pressed against the fabric of the pillow squishing at the skin. Drake looked so adorable all snuggled up! Asgore resisted the urge to pinch his cheeks. He looked better already. New clothing. Skin cleaned up and tended to. The locks of hair pushed aside. Asgore would continue.
"It has been quite a day for both of us. I'm glad I found you when I did. I was afraid that earlier I had been too late to help you. But, I am glad to be proven wrong. You have been very brave today. I don't know many human children who could've gone through what you did. Especially having to fix your leg. I must say I am sorry again for how it was handled. I wish under the circumstances I could've taken you to a more acclimated medical professional. I do have some on standby in the palace that will come to check on your leg again in two days as Phobane had instructed." Asgore would allow Drake to be aware of a monster doctor coming in. Drake's brows furrow.
"They're… nice right?" Drake hesitantly asked. Asgore sighs, must've not been fond of doctors in general. The incident with Phobane earlier must've only worsened it..
"They're very kind, I assure you. Phobane wasn't the best option at the time due to.. You know.. Anyway, they'll just do a health check with you and they will let you be. For the time being, rest now young Drake. I do not wish to keep you awake much longer then I wish to." Asgore just about to leave when the door opened a little further.
"Before you go to sleep, sweetheart.. I need to place special medicine onto your leg if you don't mind." Another voice approached noticing Toriel holding onto a set of bandages and a special plastic bottle with a medical symbol on it. Drake pushes himself up off of the pillow where Toriel in her nightgown would sit down onto the edge of the bed near his legs. Oh, right. That would make things better, wouldn't it?
"Yeah, I don't mind.. Uhm, it won't hurt right?" Toriel began to unscrew the plastic cap and sets it down onto the nightstand.
"Not at all. It'll mostly be cooling. I promise no harm will come." Drake, trusting Toriel, would place his leg near her. She rolled up the soft pajamas up where the reddened skin is showing. It seemed to have swelled down a bit. Meaning it's healing on its own more naturally. Good. She didn't have to worry about it getting worse. "It's healing now. That's good." Drake exhales a sigh of relief at that moment hearing that. It meant that he didn't have to worry about it getting worse since he was walking around earlier with Asriel. Drake propped himself onto his elbows where he watches Toriel begin the process of placing the medicine onto his leg. That felt a LOT better. Mixture of pain yet relief. Drake hoped by tomorrow that he could just normally walk around. He's tired of dragging his leg about like an injured horse or something.
"There we are, my child. Much better. Now for the bandages." And thusly, Toriel would unravel a strip of bandage to roll around his knee to keep the bone healing and ointment soaking in. Not too tight but not too loose either. Just right. "If you need anything else, please let me or Asgore know, Or if you'd prefer to tell Asriel to tell us, then that should be fine too. I won't keep you long now. Have a good night, Drake. We'll see you in the morning." Toriel rubbed her hand against his hoodie, rubbing the silk on his head. Standing up to leave the two others alone. Asgore smiled back.
"Very nice that she did that for you. I am sure you'll feel better in no time! I won't keep you long either. I should let you rest. Goodnight, young Drake. Sleep well." Asgore too stood up and would leave Drake alone leaving the lamp on at the end of his bed. It seemed he remembered earlier about Drake's phobia. Thank-goodness. Drake didn't have to worry about his anxiety attacking him again. Watching the door close a crack from Asgore being sure to allow Drake to call out to them since their room was much more closer to Asriel's then his. Drake lies his face back down onto the pillow. Inhale. Exhale. Eyes close once more. Drake sure had been sleeping a lot today. He pulls the blankets close to his face to allow the rush of warmth to caress his body. No fear. No anxiety. Nothing to worry about attacking him. Not like the Inn where he had been worried about Phobane kicking him out. Asgore would be in Asriel's room reading him that story that he had promised him. Drake is able to finally rest. Sleeping feels easier right now. No thoughts. But for sleep to take over him once again. The light in the room seeming to dim further and further as he let exhaustion wash over… slumber finally setting in.
—-
Tick.. tock…tick tock… the echoes of a clock rings against his ears. "Mmpph?" A groggy moan rubbing his eyes to the surroundings.
Blinking a few times… His eyes open once again. Drake's body sitting down in a room he didn't recognize. This room looked like it was dull in color. He too is dull in color. His skin shaded an ashy gray. The room itself is minimal. The only things he could make out is an armchair, a strangely familiar door, and the pink scarf hanging on the edge of the armchair. The only thing that was in color while the rest is remaining gray and white. Confused, the child stood up from where he stood. He wasn't even wearing the sweater that Asriel gave him anymore. He's in a pair of pajamas and a gray tee. It's deathly quiet. Not even the sounds of his breathing or heartbeat hitting his chest. Swallowing, Drake knows he needs to get out of here. This room is a stranger's room.
This isn't right. No. He's right. This ISN'T real! Drake knows what he experienced in the Underground is real! This is all just a dream again! Drake began to move about cautiously. The door.. That door. Why is it so familiar? Why the hell is it not coming to mind? Drake supposed he can't get answers if he just stood here. Drake couldn't feel his own heartbeat. But if he could, then he knows it's hitting hard against his chest. This wasn't the usual nightmares that he had weren't like this. Drake began to open the door and pushed it open. The door… as if defying gravity would unhinged from the sockets of the room to begin flying upwards into the sky. Drake blinked for a moment. That was odd. At least in this dream compared to the one last night, he could actually SEE something. It wasn't like the void entirely. The only thing that was similar to the void is the continuous and endless stretch of space. An endless and infinite chasm.
Drake couldn't feel his magic. It was like it were separated from him in this space. It would make sense that he couldn't use magic in his sleep. Even if he wanted to use it here, it wouldn't protect him. Drake had to push on. Drake felt incredibly vulnerable in this space. His head turned about from left to right. As if trying to find anything specific. Nothing stood out of place that would cause concern. "This is so weird.. Why do I keep having these dreams?" Drake muttered to himself trying to figure out the significance of this specific dream. But, he found nothing. Until the door a good ten or so paces behind him slammed shut, filling the void with a harsh noise startling him in place. And then… it was just gone.. Like it had disappeared from the void entirely. "Okay.. I should.. Really leave." Drake hurried further keeping his head turned where the door should be. 'It's not coming back, Drake.' He thought to himself. Exhale. Turning his head to face forward when he saw them…
In this distance standing with their back turned to Drake. Standing alone in the middle of the void. Drake couldn't tell who they were. But, the one thing he could make out is the strange poncho they wore. No wind. It just stood still like they were a statue.
Their hair fell to their upper to mid neck. Colorless. Just like he is. They stood about the same height as he is. Maybe a bit taller, but not by much. Their shorts are a darker color. Black probably? The one thing he COULD make out is the singular stripe pattern on their poncho that must've been two colors if it's a line pattern into their shirt. Drake doesn't know this person… he's never seen them before as memory recalls. Maybe someone from the Home?
But, he would've recalled someone wearing a poncho, right? Drake tried to suppress any memories of the home,, but it felt like this dream is trying to make him see something. When standing a good 6 or 8 feet from this person, he could make out a more noticeable detail… the stripe pattern looked strangely like… Asriel's… "Who.. who are you?"
A scuff of the shoe comes from the person twisting around on their heel to focus on Drake. Drake's jaw dropped at the sight. It's…a person. Like him. But the one thing he could immediately notice were the eyes. The eyes that stared right into his soul. Drake's colorless hues stared into what were red, blazing hues. The only two colors he found today were the scarf he picked up on his way from the house that's wrapped around his neck, and their eyes. Drake doesn't know who they are, but this felt really coincidental. The two locked eyes to one another. The stranger's brows furrowed watching him. As if studying him. Drake swallowed the lump in his throat. And then..
"You'll find out eventually. See you soon. Drake."
"H-Hey wait! Wait! How do you know me?! Who are you!?"
Without answering, the child would turn back around and walks off into the void, a cloud rolling in so suddenly covering their tracks. As if they had been controlling the space around him
Drake ran after them wanting answers! Who are they and how did they know him!? The slap of feet echoed back into the void. Drake panted after some time of running, looking around for the mysterious child who just spoke one sentence and then left. Talk about rude! Drake hummed a breath.
"I've never seen them before.. Why does it feel like I should know them? Eh.. I-I should head back.." Drake whined out and turned back around from where he came from. He should try and find that stupid door that led him out here in the first place. Thankfully, he didn't have to look long as the door suddenly appeared right in front of him as if it had heard his call. Not even thinking about it, he quickly entered the door and walked right back where he had came from in the start.
Tick.. tock.. Tick.. tock.. Tick..
The ticking suddenly stopped right on the hour of 8:35 PM. Drake didn't exactly know the significance of this time. Again, it felt so familiar. Drake would find out easily why this space is here when a sudden knocking of the door startled Drake. "Gah!? W-who's there?" Drake backed up from the door. Wondering if it's the child coming back to talk to him. Drake wondered if he should even answer in the first place.
Drake felt that surge in his soul to push forward to shakily grasp his hand onto the door and opened it, revealing… "Daddy…?" Drake stumbled away from the figure who entered into the door and quickly closed it behind him. Drake just stared at him. "N-No.. not again, please! I don't want to remember! Please! I didn't mean it! I.. it was a accident!"
"Remember what, kiddo? Don't you want to see what you've done? To us? Look me in the damn eyes when you kill us!" His voice rasped into what sounded demonic gripping at his child's wrist, Drake felt the fear well up in his voice.
"Stop it! Stop! I don't wanna see! I wanna leave! Let me leave!" Drake's tone cried out in desperation to escape his fathers grip. He doesn't understand. Why is he seeing this again? Each time the dreams become more and more vivid. Except this time, he guesses he's going to see everything for real. Drake hiccuped a few breaths trying to escape from him. No matter how much he tried, he couldn't leave.
It's not his father… no.. NO! This isn't him! Looking at the clock. 8:35 PM. It's still there. Drake returned the glance back to what used to be his father. Drake remembered everything now..The accident. What… what really happened that night in December. Drake's hands cover his mouth in the shock of what he's witnessing. His parents' death. The day everything happened. Another pair of footsteps. Clacking against the ground closer to the nine year old.
"Oh, sweetheart.. This is only what happened. We just want you to make you see.." Another voice appeared from behind him. Staring up at the one voice that could only make that sound. His mother. Drake's eyes welled up with tears, but no cries emit. She too, holds his wrist in her hand tightly. Drake's magic slowly swelling from the palms of his knuckles alighting a light blue.
Drake's fear becomes evident. "Leave me alone! You're not them! You're not my mama or daddy!" Drake exclaimed, tears flowing freely at this point trying to hit against his father's hand with his own knuckle to free himself. It's like an iron grasp at this point. Drake hiccuped a breath heavily, feeling the sensations of their cold hands holding him down onto his knees. Drake felt trapped and alone. Alone with the ghosts of his past. Drake's hands tremble in theirs.
Until a few cracking noises filled the air with sudden silence following. Liquid poured onto his face. Not tears… Drake opened his eyes to find his parents… two distinct holes in them. Drake;s father has a hole in his head. Seeping crimson from the wound, and his mother, two holes in her chest leaking the same crimson. Drake's quivering voice tried to scream. But no voice came out.
"This.. is your fault." Both voices spoke in unison. Until… their bodies start to crack and become paler. Icicles seem to form from their bodies. Following up their bodies from head to toe, until they were nothing more than a literal frozen corpse. Drake remembers now.. After the bad people came and shot them… his magic went into overload and caused an emotional outburst of magic that froze everyone. Nearly killing him too in the process.
Drake's only left with the two corpses in front of him that dropped onto the floor… only a scream could erupt from the child's voice.
—-
"STOP IT! STOP ITTT!"
A sudden scream erupts in the household of the Dreemurrs in the middle of the night. Toriel instantly shot up from her bed in a gasp. She stared out the door. A few pants escaped her from the shrill scream holding a hand to her chest. She stared at the clock. 1:22 AM. She didn't know what was happening. Nor did she care. She would throw the blankets to the side towards Asgore's corner of her bed slowly arising the king as well from his own slumber. He heard it too. It only took him a second to process that.
"Tori? Was.. was that Drake?"
"Drake..?!" Toriel called out to the darkness, throwing open her door and glancing down the hall towards the room where Drake is stationed. Drake sounded like he's in trouble! Her worry overfilling her veins at this point running down to the halls where she could see what is wrong! Call it a motherly instinct to see what is wrong with the child that's staying with them. She hoped that he didn't hurt himself or something of that regard! While Toriel quickly made her way to Drake, Asgore would flip open a switch for Toriel to see where she's going looking down the hall. "Drake? What's happening!?" Pushing into the door ready to help him is where she stared in shock at the scene before her… Her mouth covered by her hands. Drake is capable of this..? "D-Drake..?"
Before her lies a very distressed Drake. Not the same one she was laughing and talking with earlier. Before her very sight lay a child crying his eyes out and surrounded by magic of unknown proportion.
Drop… drop.. Drop.. crimson pooled from his nose constantly. Blood clouded the bottom of the magic around he's surrounded in swirling about at his legs and feet. Wisps of energy flowing freely from the corners of his pupils. The glowing of light blue is only noticeable through the watery shield. Toriel couldn't believe what she's seeing right now. She knew Drake is capable of Magic from what she's had a glimpse at earlier. But, she didn't think on THIS scale.
The room is covered in frost of some kind. Attached to the walls and the floor. His bloody sniffling and whimpering audible from behind the shield. He's scared. Scared beyond belief. Drake hiccuped a few breaths only tasting the iron on his tongue when he spoke.
"I'm sorry… I'm s-sorry.. I-I.. I'm so.. So sorry." Drake sobbing, his apologies quiet. His body huddled into a ball to protect himself from whatever danger he believed he was in. Toriel approached Drake cautiously though. A child with magic of this scale had to be handled with care. Toriel knelt down to his height across from him noticing him looking right back at her through the water bubble he's kept himself in. Toriel's eyes filled with unrestricted concern for him.
"I-It's okay, sweetheart.. Can you see me?" Wanting to make sure that he could recognize her before she did anything else. If he's this distressed, then she might be seen as a danger or a threat. A swallow of blood in his throat.
"M-M-miss Toriel..?" Drake mustered out, pressing a hand against the bubble. Good. He could recognize her. That means he's aware now. Drake realizing the mess he made pulled his hand away from the bubble hiccuping another few breaths pressing his hands against his head staring at the floor where the blood formed. "I-I-I didn't mean t-to do this. I-I saw them.. And.. and.. I remembered everything I-I did..They're gone because of me! I-I don't wanna hurt anyone anymore! All I do is hurt people!" Drake cried out another session of sobs. He was crying freely.
Toriel hadn't a clue what to say. All she can gather is that he had some sort of nightmare that he didn't want to see. The best approach she could do is try and calm him down. Toriel shudders her own breath. A cast of her own breath seen in the room. Which meant it was cold enough for it to be seen. She's thankful she had a fur coat.
"Drake, honey.. Please listen to me. I'm not angry with you. Just.. lower your magic if you can, okay? You're safe here, I promise. You're not in trouble.. I'm here now." Drake glances back up at her trying to contemplate if her words held meaning or not. Toriel hasn't been mad at him before.. Then again this is the first day he's arrived. Drake sniffled another breath and nodded. He'll trust her. Drake presses his hand against the bubble once more and strains his mind to pop the bubble allowing for the watery mess to hit against the floor leaving an exposed, yet terrified Drake.
The blood didn't cease though. Toriel scooted closer to Drake standing him up so she could sit him onto the bed turning to Asgore quickly. "Asgore, please get the tissues from the bathroom! Quickly!" With no time to lose, Toriel tries her best to quell the bleeding and uses her thumb and pointer to clog the bridge of his nose to stop the mess from the floor.
"I-I'm sorry, mi-miss Toriel.. I really messed up, I know.." Toriel's brows knit, keeping the human child tucked against her hip where her warmth could soothe him. His eyes returned to that shade of deep ocean blue. Meaning the magic he's using has dissipated. She would sigh, seeming relieved he's returned back to his normal state. This kind of magic is not seen in children. Which meant that however it's being used is in a defense mechanism instead of normal usage. Asgore would return back with the box of tissues from the bathroom and carefully hands them to Toriel.
"Thank you, Gorey." She whispered to him and plucking a tissue from the box, she quickly maneuvers her hand to hold it over the child's nose.
Drake's shivering and trembling wasn't going unnoticed by Toriel. Her free arm holding him close. "Shh..shhh.. Shhh. You're not in trouble, my child. Dry your tears now.." She spoke softly with him. Right now all Drake needed were the soothing words of a mother. Asgore couldn't believe what he witnessed either. Out of everything that has happened today, Drake using magic was the least expected since he didn't notice the magic flicker earlier like Toriel did. But, the magical casting wasn't by his own deed, more out of his soul pumping the boost due to being in threat mode. Asgore sits down next to Drake on the other side, slowly stroking his back like he had earlier with the leg injury incident. Drake's hiccuping seems to slowly ease up.. But still he is distressed.
Maybe he just needed light to calm him down a bit. Asgore leaned over to where the lamp is and turnt the lamp on where a soothing yellow light would cover the room now. Revealing the floor is messy with water and a few drops of blood. Asgore knelt down to where the tissues were on the nightstand next to Toriel and would sop up the water with the tissue to wipe at the blood on the floor. Toriel made sure Drake just focused on her instead of the mess. The wood would dry up the water. It's the blood that's more their concern.
"Mama…? Dad…?" A voice called out where both Toriel and Asgore noticed their son standing in the middle of the doorway. His own furrowed brows of worry came through. "Is Drake okay? I.. I heard him scream and wanted to make sure he was okay.." Asgore sighs. He should've known Asriel would've heard that too. Asriel could see the state Drake is in and approached closer to see if his friend is okay! Asgore unsure if Drake were completely stable right now, would place the bloodied tissue on the night desk for him to collect later.
"Woahhh.. wh-what happened to the walls?" He's never seen this before! They were weirdly covered in some sort of ice? Toriel glanced at Asgore nervously. Asgore knows he needs to bring Asriel back to bed. Drake isn't in a state to talk, so Asriel would hopefully understand.
"It's alright, son. We just need to give Drake some space. He had a very bad dream and had an accident. You'll see him again in the morning. Your mother is helping him right now. I'll help you back to bed, okay?"
"Oh.. okay. Well, good night Drake.. I hope you feel better.." he waved at Drake, with Drake unable to respond in his state right now. All that's left is a quivering mess and a few sobs that escape him every now and then.
Asgore would carefully guide Asriel out of the room. "He will, don't worry. Everything's okay. Drake's gonna be just fine. We just need to give him some space." Asgore reassured Asriel. A part of him is glad that Asriel didn't see Drake in that state. He was having such a fun time earlier with him that he didn't want to ruin the chance of having a friend. Thankfully Asriel only saw the aftermath with the walls. Drake could tell him more about that when he was ready.
Toriel with Drake checked to see if any more blood poured out by pulling away the tissue… a few seconds go by with nothing happening. Good. That must've meant when the magic faded, so did his spill. She knows she can't leave Drake in this state. Not in the slightest. She would scoop Drake into her arms and would lie down under the covers with him pressed up against her shoulder. His tears seem to cease now. Only a few stifled sniffles now.
Her hand held close to his hip to keep him cradled against her shoulder where his cheek is pressed into it staring at the door. His soft locks of hair being tenderly raked and stroked back and forth. Her soothing and tender hushing to help him further. Drake's hands clutched tightly to Toriel's side.
"I'm.. I'm really sorry… I.. I wish I didn't.. didn't have any.. s-stupid magic." Drake mustered out. The covers being pulled up to his cheek where she could soothe him back to sleep. He needed someone with him. To hold close to. She would place her palm against the back of his head to hush him. The warmth of her fur Caressing him tenderly.
"Shhh-shhh. No more words, my child. You're safe now." She would whisper to him, playing with his hair. She couldn't imagine the things he had gone through that he didn't speak about. They would discuss this, but not right now. Tomorrow for sure. She just wanted to understand him. Understand what made him so afraid. She understood now why he was afraid of using magic. Her voice kept him calm with slow, delicate humming. A theme that soothed her son whenever he couldn't sleep or had nightmares. Slow, delicate. That's all he needed. A mother.
She didn't keep the light off for as long as he needed it. She would sleep with him throughout the entire night if he needed it. Only a rare sniffle or sob escaped his voice sometimes. The poor thing must've not been able to release it in some time which is why he cried so much. Crying is the best medicine at times. Her dark pupils closing as well where Asgore would pop in momentarily to pick the bloodied tissue back up to Toss away and the other tissues back into the bathroom. Drake slept soundly that night with him cradled and clutched to Toriel. No more crying. No more rambling. Just… silent and buried sleep.
—-
Author Note: Hello friends! I know this chapter took some time to come out and hopefully I made it worth the wait! I'm also going to be starting up another few projects these next few weeks! I'm going to keep going on my Bluey series and eventually start doing something with my Beastars series in the near future most likely so, my focus will start to shift to those projects soon! Don't worry, I won't forget about this series. It's just If I'm having writers block, I'd like to focus attention onto other series while I gain my motivation back for this series! I also plan to add a piece of my art soon to this chapter! Although I should say my digital art isn't the most professional since I recently just started taking up a tablet aha. Anyway! I'll stop rambling. With Drake's powers revealed to the Dreemurr family, is Drake able to face what he's done? And who this 'mysterious' child could be? Wink wink.. I'll be sure to let you guys know in the next chapter of Cry of Bravery! Stay tuned!