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Chapter Text

Chapter 1

History and the Climb  

            Frisk had heard the legends all her life. She knew by heart the story of the war between monsters and humans. No one alive today knew if the stories had any truth to them or if they were just tales to tell children to keep them in line. Though Frisk had a feeling all her life that there was more to the stories than just legend. She felt in her soul that they must be true, at least in part.

            As she mused about the legends for what must have been the millionth time or more, she recalled her father Laurance sitting with her when she was no more than five, shortly after her mother’s passing telling her about the war. Frisk knew that her father was never there, but she loved to sit and listen to him tell the stories he always made the tale seem to come alive for her as he would tell her about a monster of incomparable strength that had fallen in love with a human woman of incomparable beauty. A tear fell from Frisks eye as she made her way to the base of the mountain remembering what her father had been before and remembering how the tale, he had told her had always seemed so sad.

            The feeling Frisk had each time she remembered was bittersweet. She had loved hearing her father tell her how the monster had snuck into a party at the maidens home and how the maiden had also fallen for the monster even knowing what he was. It was so romantic that the love the two from the tale had transcended that they came from different races. How they had vowed to be together no matter what tried to rip them from each other.  The part that hurt was knowing that the two had not been able to stay together.

            The maidens father in the tale had forbade her from being anywhere near the monster insisting that no daughter of his would stoop so low as to be with a creature that was less than human. every time Frisk’s father had gotten to this part of the story she would cry, and he would hold her and tell her that love comes in all shapes and sizes and if she someday found a love that made her happy, he didn’t care who they were or what they were he would always love her and want her to be happy. Frisk couldn’t help the hitch in her breathing as she remembered her father telling her that and how she wished he were still here, wished with all her soul that one last time she could hear her father tell her that she was his little princess, and everything would be just fine.

            The root in the path made Frisk stumble to her knees scraping her palms as she tried to catch herself. Another tear falling from her eyes remembering how hard her father had tried to make her happy after her mother was no longer with them. She knew that he had never intended for her to be hurt the way she had been, but it didn’t stop the pain that she felt or damage that had been done to her. her heart hurt remembering the words of her first stepmother, even after so many years she knew that on some level she would always feel like she was somehow less of a woman less of a person all due to the words of her first stepmother Jessica. How could anyone do to another person what she had done to a child? Frisk didn’t know.

            “How can any child be so fucking stupid? You can’t even keep your feet on the ground, can you? Do you really need to eat that piece of cake? Do you really need to have lunch, you’re never going to be thin and pretty enough to find a man if you eat so much? How could such a nice man have such a clumsy child?” Frisk could still hear Jessica’s words ringing through her mind to this day, the scars still visible on her arms and her thighs from all the times that Frisk had felt the need to relieve the pain in her soul to feel something that she could control.

            A shiver ran through Frisk though it wasn’t as much because of the chill wind but more from the depths of despair that her stepmother had dragged her down to. she had been so broken so damaged by the years of Jessica beating her down with her words and the derisive sneer of a smile that she always had when talking to Frisk about how worthless she was and how she could never measure up as a woman. How many years had Frisk spent trying to regain herself in some way? How many times had she fought herself to not fall back on bad habits when things got difficult? Even after spending over a year in the hospital they had locked her in when her father had found her cutting herself, she had never really been herself again.

            The loose rocks of the path shifted under Frisk’s feet almost sending her to her knees again a small sad smile crossing her face as she remembered how her dad had tried so hard to fix his mistakes with Jessica to her. Frisk was happy she had decided to wear the thick brown cargo pants and the thicker purple stripped sweater instead of one of the many dresses that filled her closet from her father’s attempts to make everything all better.  She knew he had meant well but no amount of new dresses or pretty porcelain dolls could ever make up for him not seeing the way that Jessica had broken Frisk down to nothing but her determination to find something anything that would be better than the pain in her soul.

            “Stay determined Frisk it will be ok I promise.” Frisk could still hear the words whispered through her mind. She never did know where they came from could they be her mother? Could they be from some time or place she would never see? In the end those words had driven her to keep trying and to never give up no matter how bad it hurt. Even if she could remember the nights that she had spent curled in a ball sobbing wishing that someone besides the voice in her head would see her for who she was inside behind the worthless tomboy stuffed in a dress with the scabbed-up knees and the messy short brown hair.

            “What the fuck Frisk what are you doing?” Frisk could still remember the terror that had been in her father’s eyes, the broken sound in his voice when he had discovered her in her room sobbing brokenly with one of her favorite blades in one hand as she drew it across her other arm. That had been when she was no more than ten now, she looked down seeing the scar from that night still bright white against her skin, wider and longer than any other the other smaller ones before it. He had made her jump so bad that the blade had slipped and that is what had landed her in the mental ward under constant watch. The pain from the blade was nothing to the pain she felt seeing the look in her father’s eyes like he didn’t know what she was any more like she was some wild beast that he didn’t know how to handle. Even the pain from all that Jessica had drilled into her head over the years was nothing in comparison.

            Remembering her time locked in the mental ward made her heart pound her palms sweat her vision to blur. She hated being locked up not able to make her own choices constantly watched by the nurses on the ward. They didn’t even let her have a knife to cut her food all they would give her is a plastic spoon cutting up all her food for her so she couldn’t hurt herself. Frisks eyes brimmed with tears knowing now that there was worse pain than being locked up the pain of being alone the pain of not feeling like she belonged anywhere anymore.

            The bark of the large ponderosa pine was rough to the touch the sap dripping from a wound in the tree dripping down and sticking Frisks shoulder to the tree. A smile through the tears at the reminder of all the times that her father had taken her for walks in the woods behind the home that they had shared together. She looked around seeing the small dark green leaves that told her the bush was a black huckleberry bush. On closer inspection she saw the sweet dark purple berries that she had grown up eating with her dad on their hikes and couldn’t resist picking a couple just have that sweet taste in her mouth as a reminder of those sweet summer days walking with her father once more.

            As she walked on, the back of Frisk’s hand brushed into the sharp spurs on the leaves of a holly bush bringing a flash of pain both physical and emotional to her. Her tortured mind bringing to the foreground thoughts of a time when the woods stopped being a less than friendly place to her. no matter how she had tried the pain and betrayal of that day had never left her. in her mind she could still see the boy who had taken from her that which did not belong to him and the scars it left on her wile not ones that could be seen like the ones on her arms still caused her pain.

            It was summer and Frisk was nearly four-teen, the sun was warm on her skin the gentle breeze through the trees played in her hair when the neighbor boy David asked her to go for a walk with him. he was a bit older, but she had known him for a bit, and he seemed friendly enough and the woods were like a second home to her. she had no fear and a little hope in her heart that maybe her stepmother had been wrong about her since David seemed to want to hang out maybe one day, she would find her prince.

            How wrong could she have been? Frisk’s heart burned and her soul screamed at her as her memory played through her mind. She wasn’t even aware of the rocks of the path digging into her already scraped knees as her mind decided it was a good time to relive the pain of the past.

            The first thought Frisk had when David pulled her from the well warn trail through the woods into the darker underbrush was of the possibility of a new adventure not that she may be in danger. When he stopped pushing her back against one of the larger alder trees her hand smacking into the leaves of a holly bush demanding that she kiss him her first thought was he was joking. No boy wanted to kiss a tomboy like her, none of the kids liked her because she kept going on about the myths and legends this couldn’t be real.

            “Really David? Stop your joking this isn’t funny.” Frisk had said pushing on his shoulder to try to work her way away from the trunk of the tree to head back to the trail. She didn’t have time for stupid pranks, let alone being the butt of some childish joke.

            “Really.” The rasp of David’s voice when he had reached out and started touching her was burned into Frisks mind and always would be. It made her feel dirty made her feel like she had done something to deserve all that she went through.

            “David seriously stop I’m not doing this let me go.” Frisk tried to be strong to not give into the blooming fear in her chest as she fought to free herself from his grasp. David didn’t take being rejected well and pressing his body into hers pinning her to the tree trunk behind her stealing a kiss shoving his tongue past her lips though she tried to clamp her mouth shut.

            The fear of that day still hummed in her blood remembering how David had pulled at her cloths pushing her shirt up pulling her bra from her still forming breasts. Frisk could feel her body shudder in disgust remembering how he had pushed her skirt up moving aside her panties and stole her innocence leaving her crumpled on the forest floor sobbing brokenly.

            “Don’t ever tell anyone. EVER. If I ever find out that you told what happened what I did to you today will seem like a pleasant dream in comparison to the hell you will pay. You know even if you did that, they wouldn’t believe that I forced you, they know that you so desperately want… well you know.” David had sneered in her face as he fixed his pants leaving Frisk there to fix her own cloths. Frisk was terrified by his words, she was also petrified of what others would think of her part in things after all his words had filled her head with thoughts that her actions had been begging for him to do it, that it had been her fault that it had happened.

            “Stay determined Frisk soon it will all be ok just don’t give up.” The voice she heard in her head echoed pushing Frisk to keep moving up the side of the mountain. It was like her chest was being pulled on the trek though it could have been all the stories she had ready about the monsters and the war. It could have been from the myths and legends she read hell it could have been a delusion in her own mind pushing her to look for something that wasn’t there, one last connection to someone, something that probably never existed in the first place.

            “Heheh honestly I’m probably chasing phantoms in the dark at this point too bad I don’t care anymore.” There was a rough edge to Frisk’s voice as she spoke to no one but herself trying to use her defense mechanisms even if it didn’t work the way she wanted it to, not against herself anyway. She knew too well that sarcasm and jokes didn’t fix the problems of the world they just made it easier to mask the pain she felt.

            Trusting anyone after she had been raped was almost impossible. Her guard was always up, and it was going to take a lot to bring it down enough to get close to her. Her jokes and half smile always put people at ease with her after all who doesn’t love to laugh but they also served another purpose they kept anyone from getting close enough to hurt her. Between the jokes and spending all her time in the library reading absolutely everything she could get her hands on she was safe at least when she was awake. The nightmares never did leave Frisk alone for long, at least she had her books. Books on astrology, minerology, biology, chemistry, classic literature, psychology, and her favorite books myth and legend. As she read about the monsters more through the myths of what they had been like and learning more about the stories her father had told her left her feeling like she needed to know more. It was that drive that lead her up on this god forsaken mountain in the first place.

            As Frisk reached a particularly steep and rocky part of the mountain her foot slipped slamming her chest into the rocks causing a lance of pain to shoot through her body pulling another memory to her that she would rather not have. She had been seven-teen and her poor father still trying to give her the mother that he thought she needed had found Elizabeth. She was a bit dim and on the plump side but seemed so sweet and kindhearted at first, Frisk learned not to trust first impressions. One day in anger and frustration at Elizabeth over something stupid she had said something that her new stepmother didn’t like very much.

            Waking up in a hospital ward in a backless gown with a catheter iv lines and her head and ribs wrapped up her lip split open, and her left eye swollen shut was almost too much for Frisk. she hated hospitals she hated being locked up she hated being stuck to a bed with tubes sticking in her. Elizabeth had went off on her leaving her beating her enough to land Frisk in this stupid bed. The only thing that kept her from ripping the lines out and walking out of the hospital was the sight of her father his head laying on the edge of her bed his hand gently holding her own.

            “Daddy I can’t do this anymore. I don’t need a mother and I think I might need a break from you.” Her voice cracked as Frisk spoke, she loved her father, but she couldn’t do this anymore. “I’ve got enough money I can get a cheap place to live at least for a few months and maybe that break will let me find some clarity.” Her eyes squeezed shut as she gathered her strength. “If you love me Daddy get me out of this place after Jessica and loosing mom, I can’t handle hospitals.” The pleading tone was in her voice causing her father to stir.

            A wry chuckle came from Frisk as she pulled herself up from where she had fallen to push herself farther up the rocks determined to reach her destination no matter what. Part of her regrated leaving her dads home, another part had learned so much more because of that decision. If she hadn’t left his home, she would not have learned what she was she would not have learned what she was capable of.  Within a month of moving out of her father’s home she had met Matthew, and it was like a whirlwind.

            “Come on Babe why keep paying for that little dump you are living in when you could just move in with me? I mean you are over here almost all the time anyway well except at night.” Matthew pleaded with Frisk trying to convince her to move in with him from her little flat. She didn’t want to make that move since she still wasn’t ready to trust Matthew with her past.

            “Can we please not I feel like you are pushing me to do something I’m not ready to do yet.” The sigh that came from Frisk at that one should have clued him in that she was getting tired of his constant pestering. She didn’t want to move in with him she wasn’t ready to sleep next to him or to have sex with anyone any time soon.

            “Come on Babe don’t you love me?” The pleading tone in his voice almost got her to give in and at least move in with him but there was this little voice in the back of her head. Don’t do it Frisk it’s a mistake if you do something bad is going to happen.

            “I’m not ready Matthew please don’t push me?” Her eyes begged him to just drop it and let it be. His eyes showed he wasn’t going to give up so easy.

            “Ugh fine how about you finish the month with your flat and we revisit this at the end of the month then you don’t miss out on what you already paid for.” It sound reasonable even if Matthew’s tone made him sound like a petulant child trying to still get his way.

            “Fine we can talk about it more at the end of the month just know that even if I do move in with you, I’m not saying I’m ready for other things okay?” It was Frisks last line of defense just trying to pacify him enough to give her a little space.

            The memory of what happened at the end of that month still chilled Frisk to the bottom of her soul. No one but her remembered what happened and no one but her ever would, except for maybe that little voice that kept telling her to hang in there and stay determined or when something was clearly a bad idea. Was that her voice? Or was it something other something outside of her? Frisk didn’t know one way or the other, but she did wish she had listened to the voice when it came to Matthew, when the month was up, she had agreed that she would move in with him but that they would not be having sex till she was damn good and ready. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to do it with him, she was mostly scared of what he would think of her when he knew she wasn’t a virgin.

            For almost a year her and Matthew lived together, she got a job working nights and he had one working day, so she was able to avoid the inevitable for a good long time since they had very little time together. It was almost a week after she had lost her job and she was trying to get back to a normal sleep schedule when Matthew cornered her, he had been drinking and she still hadn’t given in on the sex thing. This time when she denied him, he went off, it was like he was possessed by a demon with how he reacted.

            He had snapped on Frisk, beating her mercilessly breaking her collar bone her ribs and her left wrist. Matthew had then tried to strangle her, well, “tried” may not be the right word because he did strangle her. He sat on her chest his hands tight around her throat her eyes swollen from tears and the blows that he had landed on her. Her head spun and the world slowly started shifting to black. The next thing Frisk new she woke up a week before the incident had occurred and no one seemed to know anything about it.

            That day Frisk broke up with Matthew and moved back in with her father, she wished she had listened to the voice that had told her not to move in with Matthew. The look on her father’s face had been priceless when she moved back into his home, it was like the sun started to shine again. She was happy that he father was happy to see her again, but the incident weighed heavy on Frisk’s mind and on her soul.

            The itch to learn was burning inside of Frisk again, she needed to find the answers to what had happened to her. that itch had eventually led her to the side of Mt. Ebbot after she did what she did best. She dedicated herself to researching everything she could learning about the science of the space time continuum about alternate timelines and even alternate universes.

It was fascinating that while it seemed no one had been able to prove it, yet people believed that changing one choice one option in the course of events could change the fate of a whole timeline, or even create a whole alternate universe. For example, choosing to kill some mass murderer or some nasty dictator could have led to worse tragedies down the road than the ones that history already showed.

            One universe where destroying one evil led to another and another where letting the first evil stay let a good bloom to conquer it in a better way. On the other side of things, a small action for good could change things in big ways between two timelines for the same universe. Like deciding to always show mercy from one person would give a different outcome for the timeline than even hurting one person.

            Frisk Shuddered thinking of what her power to load and change things could really do. If timelines and universes could be changed and made again that meant there was a world out there where Matthew and she moved in together, but she died that day and didn’t load… or did it mean that she did load but maybe found another way to solve the issues going about life blissfully unaware of her true power? She couldn’t picture herself making any choice other than the one that she made but was that because it was an action set in stone something unchangeable or was it something that another her could not see themselves doing?

            Head pounding and heart racing Frisk couldn’t help the small bit of panic at the thought of potentially endless versions of herself out there doing god knows what. Deep breath in and slowly out, deep breath in and slowly out, just like they made her do when she had been locked up at the ward to make her calm down. Ugh she hated that place but learning to calm down when the world started spinning out of control like that was kind of worth it… maybe… yeah kind of. Frisk knew that she needed to keep calm especially the closer she got to the underground after all with all the ambient magic it was supposed to have, she needed to be able to control her own magic.

            Maybe learning so much about magic had been a bad idea but better to know how to control the gifts that we have than to stumble around in the dark. After all knowledge is power and the more, she had that she could use the better shot she had for her plan to save to monsters would work. Stupid to go jumping into the underground with no back up plan and no guaranteed way back to her loved ones? Maybe but that is only if she still had any family or anyone who cared about her left.

            The tears started flowing from her eyes freely now, thinking about losing her father broke her. The ground was hard and rocky, and the wind was getting colder the farther up the mountain Frisk got. She didn’t care about the rocks biting into her back side as she plopped down in the path letting her tears take over again. The memories of being in the reference section of the library again as she was approached by a man in a black suit approached her assaulting her mind. She had been learning more about controlling the magic and about the different soul types when Detective Franks had walked up to her, his voice so gentile so sad like it hurt him to have to tell her about her father.

            “Miss Sotiris? I’m Detective Franks would you please come with me? I need to speak with you, but it think some place where you can sit, and we don’t have listeners would be best.” The detective offered Frisk his hand to guide her to a small room off the back of the library where there was a couch for her to sit on and no one could come in without permission from the librarian or a key.

            “Miss Sotiris please sit.” Detective Franks sighed as Frisk took a spot on the couch and looked up at him eyes sharp waiting to see why she had been called away from her research. “Miss I’m so sorry to inform you but it appears that your father was found about four blocks from your home.” Frisk was shaking at this point had they arrested her father? What for?

            “What did he get mixed up in Detective? Is there a chance of bail?” Voice surprisingly calm as Frisk asked her questions. Her mind raced to how she would ever come up with bail for her father if it were bad enough. What should she do?

            “No Miss Sotiris nothing of the sort. God… this never gets any easier… I’m sorry but… your father was found… stabbed.” The gasp from Frisks throat wrenched through the quiet of the room as it hit her like a bolt of lightning from the blue.

            “I-is h-he going t-t-to be o-okay?” the words felt like they were stuck inside of Frisks throat as she stuttered them out hoping against hope that her father was just in the hospital and would make a full recovery.

            “I’m so sorry Miss Sotiris unfortunately by the time he was found, and medical personnel arrived at the scene it was too late to prevent his de-“ Detective Franks was interrupted from saying the last word by Frisk sobbing with a bit of a shriek.

            “No, no, no. no. no. no it can’t be he was just at home this morning joking about how I spend too much time down here and now… heavens…” Frisk trailed off her eyes glassy her body shaking in silent sobs as her last family was ripped from her by some demon.

            The wind on the mountain tugged at Frisk’s sweater, the weight of her pack pulling her already weary shoulders down towards the ground. The tears still fell from her eyes as she sat there her heart breaking all over again for just how alone she really was.

            “Don’t give up Frisk stay determined trust me your real family waits for you.” The voice that was getting louder and louder the farther up the mountain she got sang through Frisks mind. She could feel a warmth spread over her soul and her eyes dried from the tears. Her body strained as she pulled herself back to her feet as she was filled with DETERMINATION.

            It was time for Frisk to finish her trip up the mountain and start her real quest. Her plan was simple hike up the mountain and see if she can find any sign of a barrier or entrance into the underground. If she found a barrier or even the monsters themselves then she was going to do everything in her power to save them and set right the wrongs that humans had committed against them in the first place. This was not going to be an easy task but with a little luck and a lot of determination she knew that she could do this.

            After she had climbed another thirty yards up the mountain Frisk started to sense` the telltale hum of magic nearby.  She moved cautiously towards where she was sensing the magic from and found what looked like little more than a hole in the ground till you got close to it. Once close to it she could look down into it and just make out something yellow at the bottom of a deep cavern.

            After some searching Frisk managed to find a good solid place to tie off one end of one of her ropes and lowered it into the hole to see if it would reach. She gave it a few good tugs to be sure that it would hold, once satisfied she slowly started to lower herself into the darkness awaiting her. Just a few feet below the opening of the hole she could feel the slick feel of the barrier as she passed through it and had to take the time to see if it would allow her to pass back through again in the other direction.

            After some gentle probing of the spell, she found that there was no way to climb past it at this spot so she would have to find another exit from the underground. All this meant to her was that at least part of the legends were true. Slipping farther down the rope she was almost to the bottom her feet inches from what she now saw to be yellow flowers soaking in what little light would come from the hole above. She was careful to not crush the flowers as she stepped down from the rope and looked around herself.

            The sight that greeted her was a cavern drenched mostly in shadows save for the light filtering from above to bathe the flowers by her feet and a small path off to the right. with a heavy sigh Frisk hitched her pack higher stepped from the flowers and started down the path into the unknown.

Chapter Text

Chapter 2

New Beginnings and an Unlikely Friend

            The light that filtered from the hole above that Frisk had climbed down through barely illuminated enough of the cavern to show the path she followed. She could tell from the echo of her foot falls that the chamber of the cavern wile drenched in an almost unrelenting darkness was quite large. Her slow progress down the path beneath her feet gave her the precious moments that she needed for her eyes to adjust to the lack of light ahead of her.

            As Frisk reached the end of the path, she came face to face with a rather ancient looking doorway framed by beveled pillars with what looked to be a symbol she had seen before. Where had she seen that before? How could she have seen something that is buried away underground someplace before when this was her first time down here?

            Eyes locked on the carving above the open doorway Frisk’s mind pulled up flashes of her memory, sitting in the library like she had so many times about a dozen books opened around her all of them telling about how monsters had once lived with humans how the monsters had a monarchy and that the royal family of the monsters had a crest, a symbol, that represented the family. In one of the books, they had a picture of what it had looked like a circle like the sun framed by two wings like those of an angel suspended above three triangles two with the points up and the third with the point down.

            “Let’s see what was it that that darn book said again?” Frisk was tapping her forehead with the heal of her hand her eyes squeezed shut trying to recall the book in question. “Delta… Delta Run no not run Rune that’s right the Delta Rune. The monster royal family had adopted the Delta Run as their own. Ugh I know there was more about the darn thing why can’t I remember?” she was getting rather frustrated that her mind wasn’t coming up with the answers that she wanted right away. “Ugh.”

            The sound of her frustration echoed through the darkness around her as Frisk allowed herself to move through the archway into the next room. As she stepped through the archway her eyes squinted almost shut as another beam of light assaulted them. As her eyes adjusted to the intrusion of the sudden light, she could just make out a yellow and green shape. After blinking a few more times to try and clear her vision she found herself confronted with a rather strange sight.

            What she saw standing in that beam of light was a flower with yellow petals. As she locked her eyes on the flower wondering why so many of these yellow flowers seemed to be down here in the underground, she noticed this one was a bit odd as it had a face. Well, that isn’t normal Frisk thought to herself as she was shocked into silence as the flower spoke in an almost sickeningly sweet tone.

“Howdy. I am Flowy, Flowy the flower. You must be new to the underground.” The flower smiled up at Frisk like this was the most normal natural thing in the world for a flower to be greeting a human in a realm that no human should be. The flowers tone set Frisk on edge making the small hairs on the back of her neck raise.

            “Be careful and stay determined Frisk I don’t like this.” The voice whispered through Frisk’s mind again almost like an older sister wanting to protect her.

            “Golly you must be so confused! Someone ought to teach you how things work around here! I guess little old me will have to do.” A giggle bubbled from Flowey as the too sweet tone like sugar dipped honey sent a shiver up Frisks spine. She was sure that there was something that did not feel right about this flower especially after the warning from the voice.

            “Ready? Here we go!”  Flowey said as the world goes black being replaced by a black void. In the void Frisk can see her soul a floating red heart in front of her. Flowey continues explaining to her about her soul and LV or LOVE and then summons some “friendliness pellets.”

            Knowing that those “pellets” are not something she wants anywhere near her soul Frisk deftly moves her soul down and to the right of the onslaught. The feeling of moving just her soul with her will alone is almost alien to her but it also feels like instinct at the same time. Having never done more than draw her soul out to check it when she first learned how this new FIGHT magic felt almost like an intimate intrusion to her like a violation.

            “Good job Frisk you got this.” The voice in her head cheered for Frisk making her feel like she wasn’t alone in this journey.

            “Hey buddy, you missed them. Let’s try this again okay?” Flowey says his face being possessed with a look of irritation over Frisk avoiding being hit by the “pellets”. As his smile evens out he summons more “pellets” and launches them with increased speed and ferocity towards Frisk’s soul. Moving her soul this time feels more natural to her this time going down to the left and back up.

            “You got this girl stay determined.” Her head mate almost seems stronger the longer they are underground. Frisk isn’t sure what is going on, but she trusted that the voice wants her to live and wants her to succeed.

            The saccharin sweet act of the flower start to crumble as he gets more and more annoyed with Frisk’s continued evasion of his efforts. “Is this a joke? Are you braindead? RUN. INTO. THE. BULL… er friendliness pellets.” Flowey launches another round of pellets at Frisk’s soul as she easily doges around them becoming quite good at avoiding them now.

            Once Flowey sees that she has once again evaded his efforts to harm Frisk his face contorts into a look of pure malice becoming almost demonic and his voice shakes as he speaks again. “You just wanted to see me suffer. Die.“  the scream of Flowey’s last word reverberates around the chamber accompanied by a truly evil laugh. Frisks soul is surrounded by the bullets from the flower, and they start to slowly close in as she is unsure how she can avoid them all this time.

            Panic rises in Frisk when a ball of fire shoots into view colliding with the maniacally laughing flower. Sending him careening into the darkness. Frisk sighs as a tall monster looking like a cross between a goat and a giant human into the light. It’s fur is an almost silver white and it has a long purple dress like robe with the Delta Rune stitched silver on the chest. Frisk recognizes it as the symbol and nearly drops to her knees. If she is correct, then this monster would be a member of the monster royal family but if she is not… she doesn’t want to think about what it could mean.

            “What a terrible creature. Torturing such a poor innocent youth…” The goat monster says in a soft motherly tone revealing to Frisk that the monster is in fact female. “Thank you miss for stopping the flower. I’m Frisk.” Frisk stretches out her hand in greeting offering her trust to this monster that had saved her.

            “Toriel Dear, though you can call me Tori if you would like.” Toriel replies as she takes Frisk’s hand in her much larger paws. “I am the caretaker of the Ruins. I pass through this place every day to see if anyone has fallen down to us. You are the first human we have seen down here in quite a long time. Come along with me my child.” Toriel turns and heads down the path going through another ancient doorway, this one better kept than the first one that Frisk encountered.

            “Actually, Tori I didn’t fall I climbed down using a rope.” Frisk trots along quickly to keep up with Toriel as she moves farther into the ruins.

            “Really my child? What would ever possess such a sweet thing like you to do such a thing as come to a place like this?” The sound of Toriel’s voice was somewhere between disgust and motherly concern for Frisk.

            The first reaction Frisk has to this is hurt suspicion that this monster presumes that she is not capable of taking care of herself. “Calm down Frisk she is a caretaker she worries for those around her she meant no offence to you.” The ever-present voice in her head chides her for her prejudice.

            With a heavy sigh Frisk answers. “Honestly? I wanted to see if my research into the myths and legends of the past had any truth to them… well that and if they are true, I wanted to do what I’m destined to do and break the barrier and free all monsters.” A small tremulous smile crossed her face as she looked up at the monster walking beside her.

            “Oh, and Toriel I am far beyond being a child, I’m a woman of almost twenty-two who has seen more in that time than most men or woman twice that age have seen.” The smile on Frisks face fell her matter of fact tone sounding almost hollow as she remembered the pains of her past.

            “Oh my, I do apologize dear I meant no offence to you. You simply remind me of…” As the words trailed off the look on Toriel’s face seemed melancholy and a bit nostalgic. The tall goat monster shook herself and began showing Frisk the first puzzle of the ruins, a set of raised platforms that when stepped on in the right order would open the next door allowing them to continue on their way.

            “No need to apologize Toriel I just didn’t want you to have any misconceptions that I’m incapable of fulfilling my quest. I know very well what I am doing and have fully prepared myself for the task at hand.” The smile on Frisk’s face was firm but kind her mind touching on each of the things she learned that would prepare her for what lay ahead of her.

            “… Really my… Frisk you think you have what it takes to survive against the captain of the guard who would more than happily skewer you just to drag your soul to present to the king. Or perhaps if you get past them no… Asgore would kill you instantly I can’t in good conscience allow you to proceed on your own.” The look that frisk could see in Toriel’s eyes as she spoke of Asgore was a strange mix of haunted torment and fire with a core of steal.

            “She is hurting so bad, I wish… god I hate not having a body of my own.” The voice in Frisks head said. God, I wish I had something to call you obviously you are more than just me. Are you my mom? Or something else? Frisk thought to herself and was shocked by the response she got. “Oh, so you do hear me. Erm well you can call me Chara if you want.” Frisk heard Chara’s voice in her head sounding a bit shy and genuinely surprised. Wait you can hear me when I think? Is this even normal? Frisk thought at the Chara. “I don’t know honestly but stop talking to me and pay attention to her she needs some kind of reassurance to know that you are going to be ok if she lets you out into the underground.” Head snapping to attention as Frisk realized she had been standing there having a conversation in her head. God if anyone knew they would think she was crazy.

            “Tori… Listen to me, I have spent almost all of my life preparing for this quest not ever knowing what it was that I was preparing myself for until I passed through the barrier and knew that at least part of the stories are true. I’ve studied almost every science as well as literature and every myth and legend specifically the ones that are about the monsters for as long as I can remember. When I was small my father… he would tell me the stories of the monsters.” The gaze that Frisk leveled on Toriel was steady and determined. “I know to you I am small and young, but I know more than you are aware of.” A reassuring smile crossing Frisk’s lips as her gaze into Toriel’s eyes never wavers.

            The look on Toriel’s face showed first shock followed by a contemplative tilt as she looked into Frisk’s small human features so much like the adoptive daughter that she had lost. Not just the passing resemblance but the fire of determination behind her eyes. A small smile spread across Toriel’s mussel as she took a deep breath resigned to what needed to happen to insure that this human didn’t leave her, didn’t die like the others had.

            “Very well Frisk let us see exactly how well prepared you are for your quest. If you are unable to make it through the ruins on your own, then there is no way that you can make it through the underground. If you are able to make it from here to my home at the end of the ruins with no damage and without harming a single monster, then I shall aid you in any way that I am able. If you should fail however you will be bound to stay with me in the Ruins to assist with the care and upkeep as well as to help any other humans that should fall.” Voice resigned as she spoke Toriel reached her paw like hand out to clasp with Frisk’s much smaller hand to seal the deal. Her only hope was that this tiny human would survive long enough to reach her house but fail in the test of coming through unharmed.

            “Protective as ever but always underestimating those that she shouldn’t.” Chara said in Frisk’s mind.

“Very well Tori I have no issues with proving to you what I am capable of. You go on ahead and I will see you at your home.” Frisk said sparking I very tiny bit of tracer magic to her palm as she took hold of the paw like hand and shook it.

            “Wow Frisk not a bad move with that one. Wish I had known it when I was alive.” Her voice wistful as Chara spoke in Frisk’s mind again. Really Chara? Wait you used to be alive, and you seem to know Tori how do you know her? Frisk responded to Chara in her mind. “Oh, you are the smart one Frisk hehe. When I was alive Toriel was my mother… I guess in a way she still is.” Her response was a bit wistful as Chara spoke to Frisk.

            The small spark of magic from Frisk went unnoticed by Toriel as she released the humans hand and started on her way through the Runs. The trail of magic that dropped from the monster was invisible to all but Frisk as the caster of the spell. A gentil humming sound could be heard from Toriel as she disappeared into the next room leaving Frisk to figure out the traps and path on her own.

            Ok Chara we are going to spend a bit getting to know each other now that Toriel won’t be wondering about me making faces and staring off into space. I’m guessing that since I have heard your voice for almost as long as I can remember that you have been dead for at least most of my life, right? Frisk asked to her mind mate wanting to learn more about Chara. “Well, honestly I’m not sure exactly how long I have been dead, all I know is that when I was really little, I fell into the underground like Toriel thought you did, and she adopted me after her son Asriel found me. Azzy and I really were just like brother and sister hehe I miss him… well the way he used to be… before he died too.” The sound in Chara’s voice was strange melancholy almost but also hurt.

            I’m so sorry Chara I know this can’t be easy. I just want to get to know the person who seems to be sharing my mind. Frisk hoped that Chara could feel the depth of the meaning behind her words. “It’s ok Frisk I’m honestly only glad that you can hear me. I wasn’t sure if you could or not and knowing that you can fully hear me now makes me feel less lonely.” Chara was definitely sad from the sound of it but hopeful. Erm so you said the way Asriel was before he died so care to tell me about that? Frisk asked tentatively.

            The images that started to flash through Frisk’s mind almost dropped her to her knees. She was suddenly assaulted with memories that did not belong to her as Chara didn’t tell her what had happened but decided to show her. The first scene that played out before Frisk’s mind’s eye was of a much smaller monster in a green and yellow striped shirt with big floppy ears but the same pearly almost silver-white fur that Toriel had approaching her… well not her this was Chara’s memories, so Chara was the one the little monster approached. As he reached out Frisk could tell that Chara had been crying from the feeling that she had in her eyes and she was hurt but not badly. Frisk noticed that this meeting occurred in the same place she had come into the underground and the softness of the flowers had cushioned the small child that was Chara from her fall.

            The next memory to play before Frisk was of Chara hugging Toriel and a much larger goat monster who dwarfed even Toriel. The feeling she was getting from Chara was one of happiness of finally having a family that loved her that cared for her. Frisk felt a pang of jealousy wishing that she had found the love and acceptance that Chara had with the king and queen, seeing the Delta rune told Frisk what she needed to know there as it was clear as day that the three goat monsters were the royal family. Even with them being the highest authority in monster society Frisk could see that they whole heartedly accepted the little human girl that they adopted as their own.

            As she watched Frisk saw as Chara grew to not just resent humans but hate them as she saw the injustice of the monsters being trapped in the underground when her memories of her time on the surface showed her being beaten by her father after her mother had ran off. Frisk watched Chara’s memories of the other kids treating her like garbage just to go home and be beat for making too much noise as she cried. Frisk’s heart broke for her mind mate and what she had suffered and wondered absently if she had not had the care and love of her father and the few memories of her mother’s kindness to keep her stronger would she have grown to hate humans the way Chara did?

            “No Frisk you are stronger than I ever was. You know what you have been through and you may be wary of humans, but you don’t paint them all with the same brush of hate that I did.” Chara’s voice was firm but sad in Frisks mind. Chara you were a child you had been driven not by the desire to help the monsters like me when I came down here but by the desire to stop existing when you jumped. No child should live without love ever. I really wish I could just give you a hug right now. Frisk let a few tears fall down her cheeks crying for the lost innocence of the soul that seemed to now share her soul and not just her mind with her.

            Silence was all that greeted Frisk at that revelation followed by more images pouring through her mind. Frisk could tell that Chara was a little scared about having someone care about her again especially not knowing what had happened in the past. It was a strange juxtaposition between Frisk’s own thoughts and feelings and those that Chara was sending to her through their link. As she watched Frisk saw flashes of Asriel and Chara playing and growing lessons from Toriel tending flowers with Asgore. Frisk was almost dizzy with how fast the flashes went when they slowed coming to a conversation between Asriel and Chara.

            “Chara are you sure you want to do this you know how sick Daddy got when we put them in the cake on accident.” Frisk could hear as Asriel spoke in the vision. He seemed worried by what his sister wanted to do.

            “Azzy I know this is something I can offer I can’t stand to see our people my people being trapped down here anymore.” The edge in Chara’s voice was firm but nervous. It was like she was worried that it wouldn’t be enough to free the monsters she loved so much.

            “I don’t like this Chara there has to be another way to break the barrier one where you don’t have to die.” Tears fell from Asriel’s eye staining the fur of his muzzle as he still didn’t want his sister to die.

            Chara stop I think I know what you are going to show me with this… you and Asriel are the ones from the legend from about one hundred years ago. No one knows if it really happened but, on the surface, they say that a huge goat monster came to the surface clutching the body of a dead child tears in his eyes as he brought her to the village at the base of Mt Ebbot. Frisk sighed out loud her shoulders heaving. “Yeah, Frisk that was us. I was with him he had absorbed my soul and I could see through his eyes like I can now through yours.” Chara seemed sad but also relaxed now that her greatest sin was being revealed to someone.

            So, I’m guessing that when the villagers drove him back to the underground Asriel didn’t survive? Frisk was sad but she was starting to get the picture of what happened as she was seeing all that Chara was revealing to her. “Yeah, he barely made it back through the barrier hallway to the throne room with my body still clutched in his arms when he turned to dust. It broke Dad and Mom was never the same again. She locked herself in the Ruins after taking his ashes and spreading them on the flowers where I fell and buried my body under them.” Chara seemed so lost, and it made Frisk want to be able to wrap her in a hug and take the pain away.

            Is he haunting someone like you are is that why you said you liked him a lot more the way he was before he died? Frisk was trying to wrap her head around this whole thing of having a dead girl in her head and maybe there was monster ghost out there too haunting someone. “No monster souls don’t persist after death the way that human souls do. Although with enough determination… well it is easier for me to show you then to tell you what happened.” And with that Chara started showing more images of memories.

            Frisk was watching as though she was floating near the corner of the room as a yellow lizard monster took a yellow flower and injected a red liquid into it. “That’s Alphys, she is the royal scientist. The flower is one of the ones that bloom on my grave… one of the ones that was covered in Azzy’s dust.” Chara explained as she showed Frisk another image of the flower still, but no one was in the lab. As they watched the flower stirred and twitched and drooped. Suddenly the stem of the flower straightened up and stretched and where one would expect to see a cluster of pistil and stamen between the petals there was now a face. Frisk froze as she recognized that face… how? How could a goat monster that died become a living flower that has a face and talks and has magic?

            Chara what the fuck was that red stuff that Alphys injected into the flower? How did she make Flowey? Frisk was franticly trying to figure this mystery out. “Determination.” Was the one word that Chara whispered. Wait you mean like my soul trait? Like you keep telling me to stay determined? What dose determination have to do with bringing a flower to life and how is the sweet goat monster I saw in your memories now that sadistic flower? Frisk was having a hard time wrapping her head around the implications. “I don’t know the science behind it you would have to ask her though she doesn’t even know that it worked on the flower at all. As for what determination is in simplest terms it is the will to go on to never give in. It’s how you are able to load and reset and save it is how I’m able to latch on and follow you around and it’s how Azzy became Flowey.” Chara sounded tired from all of this but also more at peace.

            As Frisk stood there in the ruins talking with Chara and learning about all that had befallen her and Asriel she didn’t see a certain flower was sneaking up trying to see if the human that had gotten away from him because of… her could be found without Toriel around them. He stayed in the shadows when he came to the surface of the ground to see if he could find that girl. He knew that she was the reason he couldn’t reset anymore, she was the reason that his fun had ended. If only he could get rid of her or maybe trick her into doing what he wanted, then he could go back to his fun of torturing that sniveling skeleton. Gods the rush of watching that smelly trash bag cry over his dead brother, the thrill of fighting him. It was the closest Flowey felt to being alive again that he could get without a soul.

            Did you hear that Chara? Frisk asked her mind mate as she whipped her head around to the direction, she had heard the sound from. “Yeah, Frisk let’s get out of here we need to get to Mom’s house before she freaks out thinking you died hehe.” Chara was in better spirits after getting everything off her chest.

            He had to be more careful wile stalking the girl Flowey thought to himself as he slipped under the ground again after noticing that she seemed to be on her guard again. What was it with her face though it looked like she had been having a silent one-sided conversation with herself based on the expressions that crossed her face? God humans could be freaky sometimes it made him shudder to think about.

            Following the tail that the magic she had cast on Toriel left behind Frisk came to a room that had several switches along the wall. The trail led down the path till she came to the first switch, it had writing next to it instructing her to pull the switch. Frisk couldn’t suppress the laugh at the words by the switch as it was obvious that someone had labeled it to keep others safe. as she went farther, she saw a second labeled switch that also had the trail leading to it and she realized Toriel must have labeled the switches for safety. Leave it to a mother to look out for everyone even if they weren’t her children. As Frisk pulled the second switch a row of spikes blocking the hall ahead of her dropped down into the plates that they seemed to be set in.

            Following the trail farther she found a room with no traps just a practice dummy that stood there doing nothing. Chara why does your Mom have a practice dummy in a random room in the Ruins? Frisk asked her mind mate wondering at the incongruity of a challenge with no real risks. “Hehe I can’t believe that she still dose this with new humans. She tries to teach everyone to just try and talk to each other and wait for her to come solve their problems.” The fond chuckle that Frisk could hear from Chara warmed her heart.

            The first encounter Frisk had with one of the residents of the Ruins came in the next room. A Froggit hopped up and suddenly Frisk found herself in the dark void like Flowey had pulled her into and she was now recognizing as encounter magic. The difference this time was that she could do far more than Flowey had allowed her. FIGHT, ACT, ITEM, and MERCY Frisk didn’t want to fight the Froggit so she disregarded that option resigning that she would not touch that one if she had her way. She had the items in her pack but didn’t need to use anything at this time though. Hmm what did act do? Frisk reached out and pressed the button in front of her and saw a menu pop up that gave her options.

            Deciding that it never hurt to give a compliment she decided to compliment the little frog monster and see what they thought. “Hey there Froggit, you are kind of cute.” Frisk heard herself say watching a blush come over the little monsters face. Damn that was really cute hehe. When it was the monsters turn it sent some flies at her soul and Frisk dodged them realizing that they would probably be just as bad to have hit her soul as Flowey’s bullets. Once it was her turn again, she reached for the MERCY button and clicked on spare, surprised that the little Froggit left her some gold pieces when it hopped off with a shy wave.

            Well, that was cute as can be Chara. Frisk was smiling as she spoke to her mind mate. “Yeah, I remember playing with the little guys when we would vacation at the house here in the ruins all the monsters here in the ruins are sweet if you are nice to them.” Chara was clearly smiling herself from the tone in her voice. Though Frisk wondered if a ghost could smile or not.

            The next room was intimidating when Frisk first entered as it appeared that the whole floor was covered in spike plates where it wasn’t flooded with water. If she hadn’t cast the spell on Toriel Frisk may have not been able to make it through this one without getting hurt at least and at the worst she would have had to load at least once. As she walked along the path that the magic showed she saw that the spikes retracted as she stepped on them and made her way through the room to the other side.

            Continuing farther through the ruins Frisk walked through a long room with nothing more interesting than some vines and pillars and started to wonder what the test of this place really was. Hey Chara dose your Mom really think that this place will test my skills? Frisk asked her mind mate. “Probably a bit but she sees you as she saw me, a helpless child in need of her protection. Knowing her she is pacing around or stress baking.” The snicker from Chara showed how fond she really was of the goat woman that she called Mom.

As Frisk walked through the ruins, she found a few save points which take the form of floating crystal-like stars. From her reading Frisk knew that the only people who could see the save points was an incredibly determined red soul and that the save points would heal her and allow her to load back to that point in time and space should the worse happen. She made it a point to use them each time she walked by one just in case.

            The number of monsters that called the Ruins home was frankly surprising. Most of them ended up being friendly enough like the Froggit that she first encountered. By giving them a compliment every Froggit would blush and hop away with a smile and a wave Loox came at her with bluster and fear like they had been bullied more often than not so when she assured them that she had no intention of bullying them they became all smiles and went along their way. The little Whimsun would always be so shy that when she even opened her mouth to speak to them, they would fly away in terror.

            Each encounter left a smile on Frisk’s face and she could feel her mind mate watching her actions with approval at how she interacted with the monsters that Chara still considered to be her people. It really was heartwarming that even after death had separated Chara from the monsters, she still loved them with all her soul. Though Frisk felt a growing wish that she could help her soul sister in some way more tangible then letting her hitch a ride watching the journey.

Chapter Text

Chapter 3

New Family and Proving Strength

            The farther Frisk traveled through the ruins the more fun she was having, it was a joy interacting with the monsters she came across. “You are too cute Frisk, kind of reminds me of when I was still alive.” The soft chuckle in Chara’s voice as she spoke warmed Frisk’s soul. They are just too cute Chara, I am actually a little jealous of you that you got to grow up even for a while with the monsters. I really do wish I could come up with a way to help you get back what you sacrificed to try and help them though. A sigh shifted Frisk’s shoulders as she contemplated again how one could potentially cheat death.

            Eventually as her journey continued from room-to-room Frisk came across a ghost monster that was laying in the middle of the path blocking her path. Is that monster faking being asleep? The question Frisk asked her mind mate was amused as well as confused. “Oh, my Asgore that’s Napstablook he is really shy honestly. He is probably trying to avoid a confrontation, as always in the worst way possible though.” Chara giggled in Frisk’s mind. So, what do we do? Is there another path? Frisk queried to her mind mate. “Erm not really no but if we nudge him, he should move I think.” Chara sounded a bit unsure but determined.

            Well, nothing for it, I guess. Frisk thought to herself as she gently pushed against the prone ghost monster in the path. Her efforts being rewarded by a surprise when the “sleeping” ghost shot up and drew her into the now familiar encounter magic. “Careful Frisk his tears can really hurt your soul so avoid them.” Chara advised her. No, I thought I should run into them and try to take a shower. Frisk rolled her eyes sarcastically at her mind mate. Chara, I love you like a sister at this point but really, I get the impression you sometimes think I’m stupid. “No Frisk I never said that I just know that your only experience with monsters so far have been the ones in legends and the ones we have met down here.” Chara rushed to assure.

            Okay, okay Chara sorry to sound so petulant I’m just getting a bit tired. Frisk sighed. “No Frisk I’m sorry I never meant to make you feel stupid.” Chara’s voice was soft almost wistful like she was thinking something more than her words portrayed. Hey Chara, it really is ok… I’m sorry I didn’t want to hurt you. Frisk felt a sadness wash over her, she didn’t want to hurt the girl who had helped her stay strong through her darkest hours. “Okay just focus girl you need to get to Toriel’s place soon if you want any hope of convincing her, you’re not just some dumb kid with a dream.” Chara sounded rueful probably thinking about her own “dream” to save the monsters.

            Focusing on the encounter before her Frisk sighed not sure how to help her friend. She knew that Chara was right that she needed to focus. After all, Toriel had said not one scratch. Hmm ok let’s see what to do to end the encounter peacefully. Frisk clicked on the MERCY button and saw that she wasn’t going to be able to spare so quickly. Running from the FIGHT wasn’t an option either. So, clicking back Frisk checked her options in ACT finding that she could cheer for Napstablook. Hmm Chara had said that the ghost monster was shy… would cheering give it more confidence of would it make it retreat away from the situation.

            With a surge of determination Frisk pressed on cheer “YAY Go Napstablook you are awesome.” She heard her own voice say to the monster in front of her. she witnessed a flush come over the monsters face his stance nervous but pleased.  Frisk had gotten used to dodging the half-hearted ATTACKS that the monsters often tried after her actions. In fact, she had become quite adept at dodging the magic that was dangerous if it came in contact with her exposed soul.

            Once Frisk had dodged the magical tears that flowed from the ghost monster it was once again her turn. Well, he seemed pleased if a bit shy from the cheer, he deserves to feel good. Reaching for the ACT button again she pressed on cheer again. “Wow Napstablook your skills are amazing you are so talented.” Frisk heard herself say watching the monster in front of her fluster and fidget as she could hear him protest that he wasn’t any good.

            No attack came on Napstablook’s turn instead she could see him shaking with fluster and a look of almost disbelief that someone could say something so nice to him. Frisk decided she should tell him a little joke to help him relax and hoped the encounter magic would allow it when she chose to cheer this time. “What did the egotistical ghost say?” there was a short pause before Frisk’s voice continued “If you’ve got it, haunt it!” her fingers snapped in a sassy way as she spoke.

            The genuine chuckle coming from the ghost monster made Frisk smile and giggle a bit herself. “Hey so can I show you something?” she heard Napstablook ask her and through her surprise she nodded her consensus to see what he had to show her. “Okay step back a bit.” Frisk moved her soul back and watched in rapt fascination as the ghost monster started to shed more of the magic tears. Though instead of flowing down near her soul or around the void at random they drifted upward, coalescing into the shape of a rather dapper top hat.

            Frisk bounced and clapped tremendously impressed by the bit of magic that she saw before her. “Goodness Napstablook that is truly an astonishing display.” She cheered for the now beaming ghost monster.

            The encounter magic broke and she stood there with Napstablook as he blushed and flustered. “I normally come here to the ruins to get away from people, but I never once expected to find anyone so truly nice… oh I’m so sorry I seem to be rambling again thank you I’ll get out of your way now.” the smile on Frisks face almost hurt with how big it was seeing that the shy monster had gone from pretending to sleep to avoid people to flushing with pride.

            “Frisk you never cease to amaze me you know that? You really have a heart bigger than the world.” The pride and joy in Chara’s voice in her head had Frisk blushing. Chara stop I just want everyone to be happy. Her smile fell a bit as she swallowed. At least as happy as anyone can be. Frisks mind wandered off to her own pains. “Come on Frisk now stop that you are better than all that.” Chara chided in Frisk’s mind.

            Shaking herself Frisk pushed the smile back on her face. I know Chara. Thank you for always being here for me. A small blush crept over Frisks cheeks thinking about the girl she shared her mind with. “Aww Frisk you are like the sister I never got to have. Though if you keep blushing and complementing, I might start to think you like me or something.” Chara teased Frisk.

            The blush firmly on her face Frisk resolutely made her way into the next room of the ruins. Ugh Chara why do you have to tease me so much. Frisk said to her mind mate her face hurting from smiling. “Hehe Frisk what are big sisters for after all.” Chara giggled at Frisk and her adorable fluster and ineffective anger. Really do you always have to tease me? Maybe I should call you my soul sister at this point rather than mind mate… yeah, I think that works better since you were raised with monsters and from what I read… yeah soul sister it is. Frisk rambled a bit her flush deepening to an almost luminescent crimson to rival her soul.

            Why the hell did the girl keep stopping and making all those faces? What the fuck was the bitch doing? Was she having some kind of seizure? No if that were the case, she would have fallen to the ground like Chara had after eating those damn flowers. Flowey couldn’t figure out what was going on with the human that he was following since she kept stopping her face playing emotions and she kept blushing too. That was a blush right her face was red. Ugh humans are so infuriating.

            A quiet almost growl pulled Frisk from her conversation with her soul sister causing her to look around. Did you hear that Chara? Frisk was trying to stay calm, but she felt like someone kept watching her. “Um maybe I’m not sure. We should continue the adventure Toriel will be freaking out soon.” Chara was sure that her mother would be in a panic for the “Poor defenseless child.”

            Flowey popped below the ground as fast as he could when he saw the human turn looking for the sound that he had inadvertently let slip. Maybe he could use her moments of inattentiveness to his advantage and take her out. Though her soul may become problematic, well he could always just absorb it like he had Chara’s when they had been children. A wicked smile crossed the soulless flowers face as he darted ahead underground to the courtyard before the little house to wait.

            Looking around Frisk saw that she was in a small room with a sign and a couple of rather large looking spider webs. Hey Chara, are there spider monsters? Frisk asked eye in the webs as she walked over to the sign. “Actually, yes there are most are small though I’ve heard they can get even larger than a human.” Chara’s words caused a small sliver of trepidation to slide down Frisks spine.

            Leaning forward to read the sign Frisk saw that the spiders were holding a bake sale and to put the money in the web for service. Her belly gave a gnawing protest letting her know that eating something might be a good idea. As she pulled the gold coins that she had been getting from the monsters as she walked through the Ruins, she was a bit astounded by how many she had collected. She placed seven coins on the smaller web and a small spider descended to the web to deposit a doughnut with a smile on their face and a squeak of what sounded like thank you.

            How polite Frisk smiled to herself and walked over to the other web to see what her coins would get her there as she nibbled on the doughnut. It was rather tasty a sweet salty mix with a bit of a crunch leaving her stomach feeling full and her body full of energy. Sliding the eighteen gold coins into the second web she was rewarded when several small spider monsters lowered down a jug of spider cider. Frisk beamed at the little arachnids as she took the jug. “thank you so much I really appreciate your fine service.” Frisk spoke softly to the small monsters.

            “Hey Frisk, how many coins do you have left? You should get another doughnut for later.” Chara spoke through Frisk’s mind. Counting out the coins that she had left she had a bit more than she needed for another doughnut, so Frisk put seven more coins on the smaller web a big smile on her face.

            “Thank you so much your food is really tasty and makes me feel really good.” Frisk smiled at the little spider that delivered the second doughnut. She slipped the pack from her shoulders and slipped the second treat into the bag for safe keeping and took a drink of the cider. It was a sweet spicy mix with a hearty undertone that while it quenched her thirst it also seemed to fill her with energy and fill her belly.

            “That’s monster food for you Frisk everything you eat, or drink prepared by the monsters is going to heal you to some degree and fill you with renewed energy.” Chara explained to Frisk in her mind. Really? Wow that is kind of cool that is something that the humans on the surface would pay the monsters good money to have access to. Frisk smiled as she was slowly gathering information to help with the inevitable task of integrating the monsters into human society when she finished her quest to free them.

            After passing through a few more rooms and talking to a few Froggit monsters as well as a simple puzzle where she had to fall through some holes to find the room with the leaver Frisk came to a set of rather interesting rooms. Looking around it seemed simple enough there was one switch in the room that would drop the spikes at the doorway to the next room. What she wasn’t expecting was that the room seemed to repeat and flip itself around. After searching out the pail glowing path that her magic left from her spell on Toriel she found each switch that needed pressing quickly though.

            Finally, after what felt like hours of walking Frisk reached a room with a twisted tree with its gnarled leafless branches reaching up towards the ceiling of the cavern. As she looked at the tree, she heaved a sigh checked herself over to be sure that she was still in good condition and walked towards the tree. Her HP was full, and not one monster had been harmed. Far from it she had managed to make friends with many of them along the way.

            Stepping up to the tree in the courtyard of sorts Frisk could see Toriel come around it to greet her. The much larger goat monster showed a visible shock to her face at seeing the human girl striding from the Ruins a smile on her face. Frisk could see the paw like hands flutter as Toriel fought an urge to be sure that Frisk was unharmed. Stepping forward Frisk reached her hands out to grasp one of the timid fluttering ones of the much larger matriarch.

            “It’s ok Tori nothing bad happened, honestly I had fun getting to know the monsters of the Ruins and mad a few unlikely friends along the way.” Frisk was not just thinking about the monsters but the soul sister she had found in Chara. She didn’t want to do anything to hurt Toriel, in fact she wished that there were some ways for Chara and Toriel to communicate. If nothing else she was able to assure Toriel that all was well.

            “I am quite impressed my child that you have made it here at all. Let alone with not a single scratch on you.” A guilty look flashed across Toriel’s face as she spoke. “I do apologize for testing you so but as you may well have guessed you are not the first human to come through here. Each one came through the Ruins, each one came to my home, and each one left the Ruins to never be seen again. Each time one of them left and died I felt the pain of losing my children once again. It pains me to think of sending you beyond the safety of the ruins to face what you surely must to fulfill your plan of freeing us all.” Her amber colored eyes shining with tears just tears Toriel refused to let fall for all those she had lost.

            “Frisk please.” Her voice rough as Chara pled for Frisk to do something to help the pain of her mother. I’m sorry Chara I don’t know how to make her stop hurting. Frisk was afraid that anything she did would add to the pain of the monster in front of her.

            Swallowing hard Frisk stepped forward and reached her arms around the middle of the monster in front of her. The top of her head only came to the bottom of the Delta Rune stitched on the front of Toriel’s robes. “I know your pain Tori… it may not be the same loss but… when I was incredibly young… I lost my mother. That pain never goes away.” Tears fell freely from frisks eyes as Toriel wrapped her own arms around the small human in front of her. Both women sharing in a familiar misery from opposite sides of the same coin.

            The hug lasted far longer than Toriel or Frisk had originally intended though it seemed that both of them needed what the other had to offer. Frisk the warmth and love and caring of a mother, one that genuinely cared and not one that was just a woman going through the motions of what society expected of them. Toriel the warmth and trust of a child needing her protection and help, not the memory of what once was but the warm solid form of what was in front of her.

            “Thank you, Tori,… don’t take this the wrong way but… can I call you mom? Like I said I lost my real mother… and the women that my father tried to have taken her place in my life… they…” Frisk swallowed hard finding it difficult to even speak of the things that her stepmothers had done.

            “Of course, my child if you are sure you are comfortable with that.” Toriel gave Frisk a gentle squeeze feeling fresh tears threatening to spill from her eyes.

            “Just to be clear you wouldn’t be replacing my mom as she will always be my mom even though she is no longer alive, and I would never want to replace your children though I do think Chara and Asriel would be happy to know that you had someone to care about and look after… at least for a little while.” Frisk didn’t even realize she had revealed that she knew the names of Toriel’s children until after the words left her mouth.

            “Wait how did you know their names? How is it possible?” The pressure of Toriel’s large, furred hands on Frisks upper arms was almost painfully strong as the matronly goat monster staired into Frisks eyes. “Who told you?” Her tone grew sharp.

            “Calm down.” Frisk took a deep breath closing her eyes for a moment reigning in her fear at the sudden change. “I’m sure that you know that human souls can persist after death. Well, it would seem that Chara was once like me and in her pain and need to save the monsters ended up latching onto my soul. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t hear her voice in my head from time to time but since I came to the underground, she is almost always with me.” Frisk just hoped that Toriel didn’t think she was crazy.

            “Chara… my baby girl… so you say you can hear her? Is… she… well?” The shock and fluster was evident in the start and stop of Toriel’s speech her eyes leaking tears freely as a small hopeful smile crossed her face.

            “Well considering she is a spirit who sort of… shares my soul… she is doing fine. She is opinionated, smart, strong willed, kind, and occasionally a bit annoying when she gets it in her head that she wants me to do something, but she always seems to mean well.” Is this how Frisk would be able to help her soul sister find some peace? Letting her family know that she was ok and still loved them?

            “Can… can she… hear me?” Frisk could see that Toriel was shaking with her need to know if the daughter she had lost could hear her words.

            “Strange as it seems yes, she can, Chara can also feel some of what I feel if I let her like when I hugged you, she was there too. She misses you very much, but she wants you to be happy and stop blaming yourself and Asgore for her death.” Frisk reached out letting Chara feel what she felt as she brushed some of the tears from Toriel’s eyes.

            The giant sob that ripped through the monster in front of Frisk was almost frightening as Toriel wrapped her arms around the tiny human in a crushing yet strangely gentle hug. Frisk couldn’t help smiling as her own arms wrapped around the monster, she was beginning to feel more and more was the mother her father wanted her to find with the women he had married. “Thank you Frisk just thank you.” The tears in Chara’s voice as she too was feeling the embrace nearly overwhelmed Frisk as she felt their twins threatening at her own eyes.

            “Mom…” it was strange but felt right as Frisk said the one word, she had not used in so many years to refer to anyone but her own mother who had passed away. “I know I’m older than your other kids where when you lost them… but strange as it sounds it feels right to adopt you in that way.”

            “My child I am so sorry… I… you will be fine here with me now I will protect you and keep you safe… I know you are very capable for one so small… but…” The words seemed to be sticking in Toriel’s throat as she tried to rush to assure Frisk that she would be safe with her.

            “Mom relax, it will be okay I have to free everyone… if I don’t then I would be denying my destiny. I will be fine I know what I’m doing trust me.” The firm edge to Frisk’s words was tempered by the caring hand she rested on Toriel’s arm as she met the monsters eyes. “I had no issues through the Ruins, and I know beyond all doubt that I can make my way through the underground to the barrier with no problems.” Frisk smiled kindly at her new adopted mother. “How about this, I know I’m ready, but I understand your concern especially knowing the new information that you now have. So, lets agree that since I passed your challenge, I will stay with you here in the ruins for no more than a month while you teach me all the information that you can to help me. I’ll also show you all of the magic that I know as well as my other survival skills.” Her hand reached out for a handshake to seal the deal as Frisk finished speaking.

            Toriel had other ideas and pulled Frisk in for another crushing hug still crying. “Very well my child. I can tell that I cannot keep you from your quest and I thank you for the opportunity to spend more time with you and your sister… though I wish I could hear her too.” Frisk bit her lip hearing Toriel say this, ideas forming in her mind as she contemplated the soul magic she knew.

            Allowing herself to be lead into the cozy home that she would be sharing with Toriel Frisk contemplated the things she had learned and wondered what things her new adoptive mother would be able to teach her. Maybe along the way she would find a way to give Chara a second chance at life.

            “So, Mom there is one thing I can do that while not the best for survival may make you happy.” The blush crossing Frisks features at her idea was soft, but her determination shown through her eyes. “Do you maybe have something that belonged to Chara? The stronger her connection to it the better. Also, if you have any… hair or well I guess for a monster dust would work but Chara was human so hair would probably be best.” The words seemed to ramble and gush from Frisk her mind spinning as she went through the mental check list of everything, she would need for this spell to work.

            “Frisk what are you thinking? You don’t honestly think that spell will work, do you?” The trepidation in Chara’s voice rang in Frisks mind. I think it will work just fine and with it Mom should be able to hear you talk to her. honestly, part of me is a bit jealous that I didn’t know this magic when I was younger and lost my mother. After I learned it, I tried to find the things I need to make it work for her and couldn’t find everything. Frisk was wistful with her thoughts but sure in her conviction.

            “Well yes my child I have the locket that Asgore and I gave to her when we adopted her. as for hair… perhaps in her old hairbrush?” Toriel was contemplative yet excited as she spoke.

            “Okay let’s get the items together and then I can perform the spell and you should be able to hear my sister again.” The smile on Frisks face was wide and reassuring.

            After some searching Toriel managed to come up with a beautiful gold locket in the shape of a heart inlayed with a shining red stone as well as an old brush with several strands of brown hair that if Frisk didn’t know better, she could have sworn was her own. Once they had gathered the items Frisk and Toriel sat at the dining table off to the side of a room that was cozy and seemed to be a cross between a study a living room and a dining room. There was a nice fireplace with a soft looking armchair beside it, a shelf with several books, and the table with the chairs around it like it was ready for a family of four.

            Taking the locket in her hands Frisk could feel her soul sister stirring, almost like she was growing stronger from being close to it. That was a good sign it meant there was a rather strong connection there. Setting the locket aside Frisk lifted the brush grasping a few of the strands between her thumb and forefinger gently teasing them from the bristles of the soft brush and bringing them up to her eyes to examine them closely.

Chara are they your hairs? You should be able to feel a connection even a small one to them. Frisk asked her soul sister. “Yeah, they are mine I can tell by the… I don’t know how to describe it honestly, but they are mine.” Chara seemed introspective as she spoke in Frisks mind.

            Taking a breath to steady herself Frisk pulsed a small thread of magic through the strands infusing them with the determination to persist and tying them more firmly to the spirit of the girl that they belonged to. The magic that Frisk was exploiting was ancient from long before the rift between humans and monsters. It was a simple spell and if applied to strongly could be catastrophic but with a gentle touch should do the trick.

            Satisfied with the amount of energy she had infused into the strands of hair Frisk lifted the locket with her free hand gently thumbing the clasp to open it and look inside. The sight that greeted her was a portrait on one side showing Toriel smiling next to Asgore with a young Asriel with his arm draped over the shoulder of a girl that looked similar to Frisk though her cheeks where pink and her eyes shone brightly. A smile crossed Frisk seeing the face of her soul sister for the first time realizing how similar they really looked. Setting aside her musings Frisk refocused on the spell she was in the middle of and gentle as a sigh wound the first of the infused hairs around the hinge of the locket as an anchor. Next, she coiled the second on the side of the locket that didn’t hold the portrait using her nail to open her finger for a drop of blood to fix it in place, a small sacrifice to help the magic work. Once satisfied Frisk closed the locket and around the latch wound the third and final strand to lock the spell in place.

            Hey Chara, how are you feeling? Frisk asked her soul sister while she still held the locket in her hand. “Erm good I think… maybe stronger?” Chara’s voice was halting and unsure as she replied. Ready to talk to Mom? I believe the spell is ready. As long as someone is touching this locket, they will be able to hear you speak to them. Frisk smiled softly. “Wait anyone who touches the locket? Not just Mom?” the tone in Chara’s voice was both excited and nervous. Yes, Chara though I think Mom will hold onto it for herself for a while as she misses you so much. The giggle that came from Frisk startled Toriel a bit.

            “Sorry Mom didn’t mean to leave you out was having a chat with my sister seeing if she was ready to talk to you yet.” The smile on Frisks face was getting stronger as she was about to show Toriel exactly the kind of things she was capable of. “She is ready if you are. Just take hold of the locket, as long as you have it touching you then you can hear her. if you wanted you could ware it as a bracelet or get a longer chain for it to wear it around your own neck, so it stays in contact with the ambient magic of your soul.” As she explained the magic and how it worked Toriel reached her hand out fingers trembling in anticipation as well as fear.

            “Hey Momma, I miss you so much.” The tears and smile fought to be the dominant sound in Chara’s voice as her mother’s fingers closed around the warm metal of the locket.

            “… My child…” Frisk watched as the tears fell freely from Toriel’s eyes her heart squeezing knowing that she had been the one to be able to do this. The one that had brought the mother and daughter back together even after death.

            Toriel reached out and held Frisk in her arms and gently brushed the tears that Frisk hadn’t realized she had been crying from her face. “My dear you are… amazing. You have given this mother one of the greatest gifts. I… don’t know how I can ever begin to repay the kindness of this one act.” The tears fell freely from Toriel’s eyes as Frisk was crushed into her chest her own eyes leaking tears. Chara could be felt crying as she told her mother of all of the things that she had wished to confess even the harder truths of it being her fault that her and Asriel had passed.

            The talking and crying wound late into the night as the mother and her two adopted daughters bonded and talked about everything and nothing in particular. Exhaustion eventually stealing over all three women lulling them off to a dreamless sleep with tears staining their faces and smiles across their lips. Frisk had the final thought before drifting off that this right here was one step in her quest to righting the wrongs that humans had done to the monsters… her people, her family.

Chapter Text

Chapter 4

Plans, Puns and Dreams

            The days became filled with Toriel’s books and lessons on monster culture, the nights became a time filled with bonding between mother and daughters as Frisk got to know Toriel and Chara more and more. Chara was beyond delighted for the chance to be able to speak to her mother at will due to the spell on the locket though there was still a soft melancholy that clung to the spirit. Something that was both ever present but left unsaid between the three women.

            “Frisk…” a feeling of trepidation and unease in her voice as Chara spoke into Frisk’s mind. Yeah, Chara what’s on your mind? Sleep had nearly claimed Frisk for the night however her soul sisters query had roused her to wakefulness. “…” a heavy sigh was the only answer Frisk received from Chara. Come on Sis you know you can ask me anything hell you know almost everything about me with how long you have been hanging out nothing you say will make me think less of you. Energy and curiosity flaring in Frisk’s mental tone. “Fine… I… is there… any way… can you… Frisk is there any way to give me back a body of my own?” Tone hastened followed by a rush of words as Chara pushed to ask what she needed to know.

            Hmm I’ve actually been thinking about it for a while honestly Sis and I have a few ideas but nothing concrete just hypothesis. A wistful smile came across Frisk’s face at the possibility of finally being able to hug her soul sister. “Wait you have been thinking about it? What ideas do you have Frisk? Do you really think that any of them will work?” Chara questioned a buzz of frenzied excitement in her tone. Yes, I’ve been thinking about it quite a lot mostly when you are talking to Mom though cause I know that you have a harder time figuring out what I’m thinking when your attention is divided like that. A giggle bubbled up from Frisks throat at the indignant huff she heard from Chara.

            “Really Sis? I don’t spy on your thoughts that much.” The pout in Chara’s voice was prominent. Hehe Chara calm down you know I love you. After all you are my sister. Frisk said as she giggled and winked at the thin air. Gods I really need to get you a body of your own so I can tease you properly. Anyway, the theory I have that is most likely to work is similar to monster anatomy… you know that while monsters are physical they are made mostly of magic rather than flesh and blood like I am, and you were. Well, if we could harness enough magic with the right direction, I could potentially make you a body that is made of magic that we can anchor you to like I did the locket. Chara really hated when Frisk got like this going off on the science and theory of magical practice, she call it professor Frisk mode.

            “Um can you translate that to something I can understand?” A huff of frustration and the sense of a smile in Chara’s voice. Sorry Sis it’s simple we magic up a body for you just like what the monsters have. Though I could use your old pictures to base the form off of what you used to look like. Frisk tried her hardest to make it as simple as she could for her soul sister. “Wait would I be a kid again or would you I don’t know make the body adult?” Chara was still rather confused by the prospect. Honestly, Chara I could make the body any age. Also, I could have it take any shape even use some of Mom’s magic to help form you as her true child. Though it would be even better if I could also get some from Asgore too then you could truly be their daughter. Frisk smiled thinking about it.

            “…What… Really?” The shock was evident in Chara’s tone. Yeah, but there isn’t a rush for it you don’t need to make a decision right away. Frisk assured Chara. “Do you think Mom would like it? Do you think she would be willing to give some of her magic? How would we get Dad’s magic too?” The questions flowed from Chara like water. Those are all questions we can ask Mom in the morning for now let’s get some sleep. Frisk yawned and stretched nuzzling deeper into the warm blankets of the bed she was snuggled into. “Fine yeah you sleep I don’t think I can with all the stuff in my mind right now I think I’ll go see if Mom is still awake.” Frisk could sense Chara pulling away heading towards the locket that Toriel kept on her at all times now.

            Sleep claimed Frisk quickly after Chara had drifted away, her dreams shifting through pointless fluff like flying through the sky and eating the clouds to more serious topics. One that kept coming to her night after night was of being at a ball wearing a mask. She had on floor length dress with a beaded mosaic that started at the hem line and worked its way up the skirt. The beads formed the silhouettes of flowers reflected on rippling water. She didn’t know how anyone could get that effect with beads, but it was gorgeous. The fabric of the dress was whisper soft and cool and had to be satin or silk she wasn’t sure as it had been so long since the dresses her father had bought her though the dress felt like heaven on her skin.

            The slender straps of the dress crossed at her back accentuating her shoulders and her slim figure while still giving her enough cover to maintain modesty. The color kept shifting one moment it would seem blue and iridescent the next it would shift to a red as bright as her own soul and back again in a strange kaleidoscope. Gods sometimes dreams are so strange.

            As she walked through the ball it was evident that the ball was in her honor something like a birthday party or something though much more refined than any party she had ever been to before. Frisk could feel herself moving through the guests of the ball talking to some dancing with others each person wanting time with her, each person wanting to congratulate her for something she didn’t know.

            At this point in the dream, she needed a brake needed to get some air so she would walk to the balcony at the back of the ball room. The small space looked out on a large garden full of so many flowers and there was a fountain babbling just out of sight. Frisk stood on the stone balcony listening to the calming sound of the fountain, the gleam of the moon shining on a pond in the garden, the smell of so many flowers drifting to her nose as she inhaled deeply. She could smell roses, night blooming jasmine, the sweet tang of honey suckles, the spicy earthy smell of nasturtiums each one blending together to form a wonderland of sent.

            “Be still my soul, a star has fallen to earth to shine before me.” A deep voice whispered from the archway to the balcony behind Frisk causing her to jump turning to see who was there.

            “Excuse me but who is there?” her voice shook as Frisk sees a skeleton monster standing in the archway a mask over his face eye lights shining as he watches her intently.

            “sorry starshine I did not mean to interrupt your evening I came out here to get some air and found myself in the presence of such divine beauty I thought for a second I had dusted and find myself in the heavens.” The deep baritone of the strangers voice rumbled through Frisk lighting her blood on fire and sending her heart to flutter.

            “No, it is fine I… what should I call you stranger?” In her dream Frisk could feel a pull to this monster before her, a pull that frightened her enough that it stirred her from her slumber every time.

            Stretching and rubbing sleep from her eyes Frisk mused about the dream unsure what it could mean. It was almost like the legend of the monster that met the maiden and started the war. Though her heart never let her get much farther than the first meeting. Probably just a pleasant dream after all that voice always left her tingling.

            The blankets slid from Frisk as she stepped onto the floor stretching again before standing and getting dressed. Her feet nearly silent on the floor as she walked to the dining table wondering what Toriel was going to make for breakfast. Maybe it would be one of those butterscotch cinnamon pies that she liked to make when she was in a good mood. What Frisk had not been anticipating was finding Toriel half asleep in her armchair clutching the locket with tears in her eyes.

            “Mom are you ok?” Voice soft and concerned Frisk laid her hand on Toriel’s arm bending to meet the goat monsters eyes.

            “Yes, sorry my child. Your sister has told me what you have been contemplating. She and I spent most of… or more appropriately all of the night discussing the possibilities.” The tremble in Toriel’s tired voice a testament to the emotions and the missing sleep from an evening of talking.

            “Okay mom you rest here for a few and I’ll make breakfast this morning and then we can discuss what I’m thinking okay?” Frisk gave Toriel a gentle squeeze before standing up to go in the kitchen and make some food.

            The fact that Toriel didn’t protest and insist on making the breakfast herself was more proof to how existed the maternal goat monster was. Frisk set about the task of making some French toast with some honey on it something she had always loved to eat when she was feeling sad because it reminded her of her father standing at the stove making the dish with pride.

            Upon finishing her task Frisk brought two plates of the fluffy egg and cinnamon coated bread drizzled in the sticky sweet honey to the table setting one plate down for herself and the second for Toriel. As she did so she imagined doing the same but with three plates the finial one being for Chara and a small smile crossed her face.

            “Okay so Mom I know you know monster biology quite well and your lessens have actually been what lead me to my hypothesis. I know for two monsters to create a new life they exchange a great deal of magic and the baby can be gestated in one of a few ways depending on the parents. First being the mother monster carrying the baby within herself similar to what humans and other mammals do. The second way being through and egg, this way being the most common among incompatible monster types, same gendered couples, and reptilian organic monsters. The third and final being similar to the first in that one monster caries the baby but the exchange being through the magic of the souls more than a physical exchange of magic. This method being most common in monsters like ghost type and other inorganics as well as being viable in a cross between an inorganic and organic such as a ghost and say a rabbit. Am I right in the knowledge mom or am I missing something there?” great Chara rolled her eyes as Frisk was in professor mode again, that meant she was going to be lost for as long as this went on.

            “Why yes dear I’m impressed you retained so much information from such a short time we only touched on the subject for a single day.” Toriel beamed with pride with a small flush from the embarrassment of one of her daughters bringing up even in clinical terms where babies come from.

            “I like to learn so things stick with me easily. Anyway, that base is what I have been thinking about. monsters even organic ones are made of magic. That is why they turn to dust when they die instead of leaving a body behind like humans do. It got me thinking about the possibility of creating a body using magic and binding a spirit to it. As I thought more on it I realized it should be viable like binding Chara to the locket so she can speak to you. Now since I have the strongest link with her because of our soul resonance then I could provide all of the magic and do the bonding causing her to look very much like myself. Though I could do some work on it and bring her closer to what she looked like before she died. Thinking about the adjustments and changing the shape of the body got me wondering if taking some of the magic from you could change the shape to make a body more like your own. In all honesty I started thinking of ways to do the same for Asriel if I ever run across him but that led to more questions since monster souls are not as strong as human souls.” At Frisks mention of Asriel Chara snapped back to attention on her sister.

            “Wait you think you could bring Azzy back?” Cara asked almost sharply. Yes and no Chara it is going to take more than just what I’m proposing for you. We know where he is roughly but from everything I can tell when he died his soul shattered, I would need to find some way to make a replacement. I think the missing soul is why he was so cruel to me when I got here. Trying to keep her face from showing she was talking to Chara without including Toriel was a bit exhausting for Frisk. “Oh, so do you have a way to do that?” Chara couldn’t help but ask. Not yet. Was all Frisk said on the matter?

            “...risk Frisk can you hear me?” Toriel kept probing as Frisk had been staring at nothing while talking to Chara. 

            “Sorry mom Chara had questions about what I was saying you know how she is when it comes to the more scientific explanations, I had to translate for her.” Frisk used her sisters less than studious nature as the excuse for their privet conversation.

            “Oh yes my child I understand. Though you mention that you could potentially bring Asriel back as well if you were to come across him?” Toriel asked hopeful that she may be able to get both of her children back.

            “At this time, I’m missing a lot of components as well as a fundamental piece of the puzzle for Asriel that being a soul. When he died and his body turned to dust his soul shattered. I would need to create a new one for him somehow and I don’t have that much knowledge yet.” Feeling like she had failed her new mom in her shortcoming Frisk ducked her head blushing in shame and feeling that even though Toriel had never once harmed her or even belittled her that it was coming from Frisk’s inability.

            “It is fine my child.” A heavy sigh from Toriel. “It was just the last hope of a wounded mother. I know it is in no way your responsibility to bring my children back to me.” The sadness in Toriel’s voice snapped Frisks head to attention.

            “Yo… you… you’re not mad at me?” Voice Trembling and fear still running high in Frisk as she watched Toriel’s face for anger or displeasure.

            “Stars no child of course not you are my daughter why would I be mad at you for not being able to bring the dead back to life? After all, just what you have given me with Chara is beyond anything I have ever dreamed possible.” The soothing tone of Toriel’s voice and the gentle look in Toriel’s eyes was enough for Frisk to relax.

            “Sorry Mom I really shouldn’t think the worst but after what I grew up with it is hard…” The soft embarrassed smile pulling at Frisk’s lips as she spoke showed her gratitude.

            “You never did tell me exactly what it is you grew up with… though I get the impression it is a difficult subject dear. Just know that you don’t need to worry when you are with me. I may not be your mother by birth, but you are the daughter of my soul and I will do whatever I can to protect the bright beautiful flower that you are.” Frisk’s heart soared and her soul thrummed at the words of her adoptive mother.

            “Thank you, Mom.” Frisk threw herself into the goat monsters arms nuzzling her face into the front of the purple robe that her adoptive mother always seemed to have on.

            After several moments of the embrace Chara could be heard by Frisk and Toriel. “Um guys I love seeing the warm fuzzies, but we were discussing something that would possibly let me get in on the hugging action too.” A small chuckle from Chara showed that she was teasing a bit but really did want in on the hug.

            “Sorry Sis yes. So I’m not sure what Chara wanted as far as the body, more human or more monster but with roughly the amount of magic it would take to make a monster baby I could shape the body for her and anchor her spirit to the body. Though it is strange her spirit is here but not her physical soul or some part of it. I wonder if a small piece of mine would be enough for her to grow her own full soul from…” trailing of in thought Frisk was thinking of the possibilities.

            “Honestly, I want to really be Mom’s daughter, so I definitely want to use that option. It would be ideal if we could also get Dad to help but I’m not sure if that is possible at this point…” the tone of Chara’s voice was contemplative.

            “Are you sure Chara even after all that he has done since your death you would still wish him to be your father?” Toriel was curious as well as shocked by her daughters admission.

            “Momma of course he is my Daddy I know me and Azzy… not being around anymore hurt him a lot. I kind of hope… selfishly… that bringing him into this would possibly fix some of the wrongs that my actions caused.” Chara sounded so hurt and so guilty both Toriel and Frisk wished they could hug her already and take her pain away.

            “No one can hold you responsible.” The echo of Frisk and Toriel answering at the same time caused the three to giggle at how alike the two of them sounded even though they had only been mother and daughter for roughly two weeks.

            “Wow you two sure you aren’t actually mother and daughter?” the giggle in Chara’s voice sent Frisk into more giggles as Toriel tried to get herself under control.

            “It is true though Chara dear you were a child and after watching the monsters of the underground who you clearly have a connection with being stuck and all the histories, we taught you… we should never put so much pressure on you and your brother at such a young age. I am so very sorry my child.” Tears threatened to fall from the maternal goat monsters eyes as she spoke.

            “Momma no it was my choice to sacrifice my soul so Azzy could get the ones needed to break the barrier. It was my fault that he died, because of me you lost us both and it tore you and Daddy apart.” The tears in Chara’s voice rang in Frisk’s head clear as a bell.

            “We need to stop with the blame games Mom yes she was a child so she didn’t know better and Chara you can’t keep all of the blame on yourself if you do especially with a monster body it will make your magic unstable causing more issues.” Tone firm but kind Frisk explained to her sister and her adoptive mother.

            “Sorry Frisk.” a giggle rang out from Frisk realizing that Chara and Toriel had just done what Toriel and herself had done just moments before.

            “Okay it is settled we are all family. Now let’s move on and solve the problem of how to make things right. It is clear that Chara wants her magic to come from both you and Asgore Mom. Do you know a way for us to get in touch with him or should we just go for a walk through the underground and make a girl’s trip out of it?” Frisk said the last part as a half joke.

            “Hmm there may be a way… how are you girls at puns and jokes?” the look that Frisk leveled at Toriel was one of curiosity.

            “I’ve been known to have a few jokes one could say I have a pun of them.” Eyebrow cocked and a half smile on her lips Frisk responded.

            The laugh that came from Toriel was golden wile Chara clearly groaned and it almost felt like she was rolling her eyes. “Oh, my Stars child that was good.” Toriel whipped at her eyes.

            “Let’s not pun-ish Chara with anymore though mom. So why did you want to know about jokes?” giggling Frisk asked.

            “Well, you see dear there is a sentry that comes to the door out of the ruins every once and a wile and knocks on the door doing jokes with me I was thinking we can ask him to take a message to Asgore and see if we can get him to agree to this plan of yours.” Toriel explained to her daughters. “Though I do worry that he may be too far gone from his grief to listen to the letter. There has to be some way to make sure that he listens.” One clawed fingered tapped lightly on Toriel’s bottom lip as she thought.

            “Let’s each write a letter to put with it for our reasons for doing it and in my case how I plan on accomplishing as you put it the impossible.” Reaching for the paper and pens Frisk was ready to get to work on this project. “Oh, and Chara I’ll help you by taking dictation for your letter though maybe I could let you use my arm like when we give Mom a hug. Then it would be your handwriting showing it to not be a lie.” Frisk was determined for this to work.

            Before she knew it Frisk sat there with two pieces of paper and two pens one in her left hand the other in her right hand. On the right side was Chara writing a heartfelt letter to her father explaining what had happened to her and her brother and the joy that she had in finding Frisk, the sister she had never had who was in Chara’s opinion nothing short of a genius in all maters and was going to bring her back to the world of the living, but Chara wanted to really be his daughter and would he please consider forgiving her and offering some of his magic to make it a reality. In her left hand Frisk was writing a letter explaining who she was, where she came from, and how Toriel had adopted her. She continued to explain the basics of her plan of creating Chara a body of her own and anchoring her to it even the small bit about sacrificing a small part of her own soul to give Chara a chance at having her own again.

            While the two girls wrote their letters Toriel was fighting with herself on how to approach her estranged husband in this matter. In one respect she was ecstatic at the prospect of not only having her daughter back but having Chara actually be part of her like Asriel had been. In another respect Toriel was having issues with letting go the pain of the past, forgiving the wrongs that Asgore had committed. In the end she decided it was best to do this for Chara, she knew that the girl had always felt so out of place being a human among monsters but had always seen both her and Asgore as her parents. It was with Chara in mind that she wrote to Asgore explaining the opportunity that they had before them and how given time it may mend the rift that was in the kingdom. She requested that he send his reply back with the sentry that brought him the letters.

            “Can I just say it is so strange to have both of my hands writing independently?” The giggle in Frisks voice had Toriel looking at her adopted daughter curiously.

            “I am just pleased that you girls get along so well that you can share a body and not try and kill each other. Most parents with two girls would do anything to figure out how to forge that bond for their kids.” The smile in Toriel’s voice shown on her face.

            “I don’t mind sharing but I’m looking forward to my own body. It is just lucky Frisk is left handed and I’m right handed though, or this could have taken twice as long.” Chara giggled flexing Frisk’s fingers on her right hand.

            “Actually, Chara I’m skilled with both hands but your preference is why I used my left for this.” Frisk was slipping into professor mode again and Chara took Frisk’s Right hand covering her mouth.

            “Oh no you don’t professor Frisk none of that it always sets my brain to mush. Well, if I had a brain. Wait that sounds bad… wait how do I have a mind to think with no brain? Wait down answer that if you start on that it will just start professor mode again.” Frisk giggled through her own hand at her sisters antics and confusion.

            “Guess I spoke a little too soon though Frisk doesn’t seem to mind since she hasn’t taken control of her right hand back from you Chara.” Toriel was snickering at the girls.

            Taking her right hand in her left hand Frisk pushed it away from her mouth and asked. “So, Mom when is this sentry going to be coming by again? I think the letters are all done I suggest using the Delta Rune on at least yours though Chara could as well to get his attention.”

            “It is never a consistent time, but I think the three of us could have a slumber party by the door in a couple of days and should catch him.” Toriel evaded. She knew the sentry’s schedule by heart and when he would come to the door. The jokes through the door had been her only companionship in a very long time after all.

            Three days after they had the letters written, with a wax seal of the Delta Rune on the decorative envelope it was time for the slumber party. Frisk was snuggled in an oversized comforter that she had dragged down the stairs and long halls to the door with a soft fluffy pillow. Toriel had brought a simple quilt and pillow as well as a few snacks including some marshmallows that they could roast using her fire magic.

            “knock. knock.” Came a deep baritone that stopped Frisk’s heart in her chest. she knew that voice but how could it be the monster from her dream.

            “Who’s there?” Toriel responded for the joke.

            ”dajav.” The rumble of the voice was so familiar that frisk was having a hard time thinking as she listened to the joke.

            “Dajav who?” Toriel responded a giggle in her voice not noticing Frisk trying to steady herself.

            “knock. knock.” this caused Toriel to bust up and Frisk managed a small giggle.

            “That was a good one my friend. It is so good that you are here, I… I have a favor that I need to ask of you… well more than one really.” Toriel was nervous knowing that the sentry could very well just grab Frisk when she opened the door to hand him the envelop dragging the poor girl off to Asgore.

            “what kind of favor ya thinkin’ about?” the voice on the other side of the door responded. It sounded deep and velvety and like sin to Frisks ears. To Toriel she only heard the question and the bit of trepidation.

            “First I need a promise from you my friend. Should a human come through this door ever again would you please protect them, not turn them in, keep them safe.” the sound of worry and need in Toriel’s voice was palpable.

            “hmm i don’t know ‘bout that.” Frisk could tell from the tone shift that the owner of the voice knew something was up. Toriel could tell that her friend was not so keen on making the promise.

            “I… can you at least promise to not hurt them not turn them in to Asgore?” Toriel knew that asking for him to protect a human he did not know was asking too much of him.

            “well let’s see now. you want me to just not report a human? just let them go about their business?” It was clear that the owner of the voice was thinking about the situation.

            “Please my friend just promise that small thing.” Voice pleading as Toriel hoped that he would agree to this one concession.

            “yeah, I think I can do that just means less work for me in the long run anyway.” The sigh from Toriel was so loud that Frisk was sure the speaker on the other side of the door could hear it. “so, you said you had more than one favor you needed? what’s the other one?” The voice asked.

            “Step back I’m going to open the door the next part needs to be face to face.” Toriel said and listened to the crunch of snow under foot as the monster on the other side of the door stepped back.

            Frisk watched as the door swung open slowly letting a bright light shine into the darker hallway her and her adopted mother stood in. As her eyes adjusted, she could see a skeleton that was just a bit taller than herself. He had on a warn blue hooded jacket black shorts with white stripes down them and strangely a pair of fuzzy slippers. Though stranger still the face she saw was the same one she saw behind the mask of the monster in her dreams.

Chapter Text

Chapter 5

Legends, Love, and Destany

            It was him, standing there in front of her was the monster that had been in Frisk’s dreams for more time than she could even remember. The same face the same voice that ever present smile of his. How it was a dream wasn’t it? It took all of her strength and determination to not just faint on the spot from the shock of the situation. Her mind playing over the dream and what it could mean.

            It was her, standing there in front of him was the human that had haunted his nights and pledged his darkest nightmares as well as his most pressure dreams. How was it possible that one human could hold his doom and his salvation? It wasn’t possible that the human in his dreams was the same girl standing before him in the doorway to the Ruins. There was no way that those nightmares could be true, could they? If they where he had just made the most stupid promise of his life. Though if the dreams and not the nightmares were true then he had made the easiest promise he would ever keep.

            “Sorry to spring this on you my friend.” Toriel watched as her joke friend staired at her adopted daughter and her adopted daughter staired right back.

            “what? oh sorry ‘bout that just got distracted it’s okay.” But was it ok? He didn’t know yet how could he know without time to find out. He was going to have to watch what this one did very closely.

            “This is Frisk, she is my daughter and the reason that I needed you to make the promise I asked of you. As to the favor I need of you could you take this envelop to Asgore for me please and bring back any reply that he should have?” Toriel pressed the envelop with the Delta Rune seal on it forward towards the skeleton in front of her.

            “er um sure i can take him a letter can i ask what business you have with the king though miss?” he turned towards his friend finally seeing who was standing in front of him and instantly dropped to his knees. “your majesty forgive me I didn’t realize it was you I was joking around with. please forgive me for my rudeness.” Casting his eyes down he looked at the feet of the queen in hiding waiting for her judgment of him.

            “Calm down my friend there is no need for formality please stand.” Toriel hated that there were monsters that feared her this much. She had never been like her husband she would rather the people love her not fear her, she was going to need to fix this once things got sorted out.

            Standing up the skeleton reached back rubbing his hand over the vertebrae of his neck nervous by the changes happening. Frisk noticed his nerves and her mother’s discomfort and with a flare of determination cleared her throat reaching her hand out to the skeleton.

            “Hi there, I’m Frisk yes I’m human but don’t hold that against me. I’m here to save monsters and make friends.” The smile on her face was bright her head tilted to the side as her eyes sparkled.

            “human huh? guess you know how to greet a new friend better than I do heheh. i’m sans, sans the skeleton.” Boney hand stretching out the offered hand of the girl in front of him. it was strange when she smiled like that it felt like his soul was fluttering behind his ribs trying to get free to… he didn’t know what, but it was a strange feeling.

            “Don’t look so rattled Sans its ok I don’t have any bones about it.” Their hands connected and a jolt of electricity flowed between the two of them. To Frisk it felt like fireworks in her mind.

            “heheh wow kiddo very humerus I thought I was the one with a skele-ton of puns.” How was it possible? Sans felt like his hand was shooting fire up his arm through his whole body and to top it off she was funny. Who could this creature be connected to the nightmares that plagued him?

            “Pffft… oh stars I should have known better than to get the two of you in the same room. I’m going to die laughing over here.” The laugh from Toriel brought Sans and Frisk back to their senses letting them break the handshake.

            “Mom you know you love a good yoke and maybe some ham to go with it.” The laughter Frisk heard from her mother made the puns so much sweeter though from the corner of her eye she could see Sans staring at her still a look on his face she couldn’t place.

            “got to hand it to her she is a real rib tickler.” It was so much fun to do this back and forth. However, he couldn’t seem to take his eyes of the human girl, Frisk what an interesting name.

            “So, Sans you finger you can help us out with the letter to Asgore.” Frisk was having so much fun with the puns, but she did know that getting that letter to Asgore was going to help them with the job of getting Chara a body sooner.

            “stars girl where have you been all my life…” Sans stopped right in the middle shocked by his own words. Fuck, fuck, fuck “the jokes seem so effortless to you.” He tried to recover no sense scaring the girl off by coming on strong like that. Just because he had so many dreams of dancing with her holding her close to him… crap stop Sans stop, stop, stop she just met you. Sans didn’t show his turmoil though inside his mind reeled.

            “Depends on how long your life has been… but for all but the last, what is it now two weeks now, of my life I was on the surface. Most of it in a library at that.” What was with that look he was giving her? no way he was feeling the connection she felt was there? Shit they just met after all. A small blush on her cheeks the only outward sign that Frisk’s mind was going a mile a minute.

            “that explains why i haven’t met you before, mind me asking how long on the surface?” why the fuck did he have to go ask that question? What business of his was it how old she was? Sans rubbed the back of his neck again the bones scraping causing him to wince at the sound.

            “Twenty-one years and eight months on the surface two weeks here in the Ruins with Mom.” Frisk felt like she needed to make it clear she was not a child but also that Toriel was important to her as well.

            “wait how is the queen your mom if you are human and just got here two weeks ago?” again with the stupid questions Sans stop being a moron. How was he supposed to function when she had that cute smile shining at him? it was like the light of a star. Sans was having a hard time focusing on what he was doing and keeping his emotions of his face. His own eye lights shined a small blue blush barely dusting his cheek bones.

            “Mom adopted me when I climbed down here to save all the monsters. She has been teaching me about the monsters and their culture and I’ve been showing her some of my skill in magic. Though I think I’m the only human that can do magic anymore I had to look in the ancient literature section of no less than five libraries to find the books to teach myself.” Wow Frisk info dump much? He is going to think you are such a dork for reading so much. Frisk winced at her own behavior a deep blush creeping across her face.

            “wow so you actually know about your soul and magic? i think you’re the first human down here to ever know magic.” Holly fuck beautiful and smart and funny. I’m so boned. Sans fought with himself over this attraction. She was human she was the star of some of his worst nightmares other than the ones with the damn flower.

            “Yes, Frisk is very talented. Her talents are one of the reasons I decided to reveal myself to you and ask you to deliver the letter to Asgore.” The look on Toriel’s face was calm through inside she was fighting herself over the looks she could see passing between her newest daughter and her joke buddy. It was clear there was something more there and a lot faster than one would expect.

            “yeah… um… I’ll be right back…” as he said the last word Sans used the distraction as an excuse to get some distance to get his thoughts under control. He clutched the fancy envelop in his hand his soul thrumming in his chest as it fought against him wanting to get back to the girl. He just met her how the fuck was she affecting him so much? It was almost like… no it couldn’t be… could it? As he rounded a tree thinking about the implications of what this all could mean he shortcut to the judgment hall to take Asgore his letter.

            As he entered the throne room Sans dropped to his knees in a respectful bow. He loved doing this to one of his oldest friends, Asgore hated when Sans would bow so Sans did it every chance he got.

            “Come now Sans you know there is absolutely no need to bow to me.” The fond exasperated tone in Asgore’s voice was evident causing the smile on Sans’ face to spread wider. Standing to his full height Sans took in the king standing before him. Asgore was much taller than Toriel and dwarfed Sans. not only was the king tall but he was broad and could hide a whole family behind him hell he could probably hide a small cottage. The flowing red cloak the king wore was a bit thread bare and stained from the stress the king was under ruling on his own and the state of his beard made Sans wonder if there could be birds nesting in it.

            “yeah, yeah I know asgore. So i’m here on official business though not as the judge this time. Rather interesting development actually. Seems I found your queen.” At the last word Sans reached the envelop out to the king smile still on his face.

            “Wait you know where Tori is? Where?” the shaking of Asgore’s hands showed just how rattled this news left him as he took the letter from sans looking at the wax seal with the Delta Rune on it.

            “first read the letter. i’m supposed to take your response back” Sans had to stop himself from admitting there was someone with the queen.

One clawed finger gently ran over the wax seal as memories flooded Asgore. He took a shuddering breath and gently released the wax from the paper opening the envelope and saw three letters inside the first was from Toriel. As he read his mind reeled from what she had written. There was a seventh human in the underground they could be free if only he dared take their soul. His hand trembled as he read on realizing that the human that was hiding with Toriel could hold more than the key to their freedom but the key to get his family back. That is if what Toriel had been told was to be believed and Chara’s spirit did cling to the girl.

            The second letter almost dropped Asgore to his knees, tears filled his eyes his soul stopped in his chest as he looked at the words on the page. The writing was unmistakable, it was all in Chara’s handwriting there was no question that his adopted daughter had written the letter and it was dated three days ago. Clever girl wanted to be sure that he believed her and that he knew that the girl that shared her body with her was not harmed. The final letter was from the human girl that Toriel had called her second adopted daughter. In that letter he saw an explanation of how the girl intended to bring “her sister” back to the world of the living and give her the chance that fate had denied her before to choose what she looked like and who her parents are. All it would cost him was some of his magic, no more magic than a monster used in making a child.

            “Sans please bring me paper and pen I’ll write my response now.” Asgore went to a nearby table and sat down as Sans provided him with pen and paper. His response was swift simple and effective. A simple yes and the question of when and where.

            “Please take this back to the queen.” Asgore wanted to say more but knew that it was too soon to press Toriel on reuniting and did not want to put pressure on his friend in this regard.

            Sans took the letter from the king sealed with his own copy of the Delta Rune and walked out to the judgment hall. From there he took one of his shortcuts to just outside the Ruins. Before reaching the door, he spent a few minutes to come up with a good knock, knock joke for the occasion. As Sans reached the door, he had a joke in his head and reached up to the door and knocked.

            “knock, knock” The clear baritone of Sans voice reverberated through the closed door. Frisk smiled and answered in place of her mom.

            “Who’s there?” the smile in Frisk’s sweet voice shot straight to Sans’ soul causing him to have to pause to breath to finish his joke.

            “snow.” Sans was proud that his voice didn’t shake as he continued the joke waiting for the next part.

            “Snow who?” there was already a giggle in Frisk’s voice she was having fun with this and loved hearing Sans’ voice.

            “snow laughing matter.” Sans couldn’t help his own laugh at the joke and could hear the musical sound of Frisk’s laugh on the other side of the door becoming clearer as she opened the door.

            “I’m guessing your mail delivery went well Sans?” Frisk was beaming at the skeleton in front of her like he was her favorite person.

            “yeah, got the kings reply right here. Is the queen still down here near the door or did she retreat farther in?” it was clear that the question meant more to Sans than a simple question, but Frisk couldn’t place why.

            “Yeah, she decided it was warmer inside. Honestly, I think she is a little afraid of what Asgore had to say.” Sans watched as Frisk pulled her lower lip into her mouth her teeth flashing as she nibbled on it thinking about the situation. “I have a good feeling about his reply but Mom… she seems to think the worst and has been upstairs with… never mind.” The tip of Frisks tongue swept over her lips as she brought the lower one back between her pearly teeth. Sans was so distracted by her teeth and her tongue and that pouty pillow of a lower lip that he missed the stumble in her speech, his eye lights shining as his mind fed him wicked sinful images.

            “Sans? you okay? You seem distracted. Do you know what the king said? It doesn’t seem like he took very long with his reply.” Frisk had leaned over, looking into Sans’ eye lights, was it just her or did they really look like stars shining in the night sky? or was it more like the light of the moon on new fallen snow? Frisks mind started to wander to her dreams of the skeleton in front of her holding her in his strong arms her body pressed against his as they danced. The flush that spread over her cheeks made her face feel like it was on fire.

            “hu oh yeah it was a short reply from what i saw. i try not to pry but it seemed like he was hopeful when he wrote it. so, um may i come in to bring the queen the letter since the king made it kind of clear it was for her.” the words and tone even and measured but Sans could feel his magic surging his soul throbbing in his chest. what the hell was happening to him? she said she could use magic could she have cast some kind of spell on him? he was going to have to do some research when he was done with this errand.

            “Oh yeah sure I don’t think Mom would mind if you came in, she seems to trust you.” The smile on Frisk’s face was like the light of the sun in the darkness almost blinding to Sans her eyes sparkled and shown like stars.

            The old door was heavy, but Frisk had no problems with it as she pulled it closed. A flash of bravery and determination had her reaching her hand out and taking hold of Sans’ bony hand. The smooth rasp of his bones against her skin felt right, it was like her hand had been made to hold his. She let her fingers weave between his phalanges her thumb gently tracing over the bones in the back of his hand.

            The feel of her taking his hand sent a jolt through Sans, her skin felt like warm satin against his bones. He could feel the thump of her heart through her hand, was it supposed to be that fast? The feeling of her thumb rubbing the back of his hand kept sending little shocks through his system sparking his magic to respond. He couldn’t concentrate as his soul was pounding in his chest almost in time with her heartbeat, he could feel his face heat up with a blue blush wondering if all of her was as soft as her hand.

            “Right this way Sans.” There was a smile in her voice and on her face as Frisk led Sans through the tunnels to the stairs that led up to the modest home that Toriel kept in the Ruins. It felt so nice just to hold his hand and she started to wonder what she was thinking. He was a monster she was a human, the last time something like that had happened there had been a war and Frisk was trying to bring peace.

            He couldn’t speak Sans could only think of the feel of her skin next to his, her palm pressing into his, their fingers intertwined. This girl couldn’t be the same one from his nightmares, her eyes shown like stars, her hair sparkled in the lights along the hall. He could practically feel the kindness and warmth of her soul radiating towards him. she had to be a green soul with how sweet and kind she was he was tempted to look but it was rude without permission.

            “Cat got your tongue?” leaning over into Sans face Frisk enquired wondering why the skeleton was so quiet.

            “heheh sorry my… mind was in another time and place. hey, do you maybe have a twin sister or something?” it was really hard for Sans to focus between her hand in his and the questions of the dreams and nightmares.

            “No not really I mean if the queens adopted daughter Chara was still alive, she and I would look a lot alike, but she would be the closest thing I could have to a sister.” Frisk wasn’t ready to reveal to anyone but Toriel and Asgore her plans for bringing Chara back.

            “really don’t you find it strange that you and the queens other adopted kid look so alike, and she decided to adopt you too?” Sans wasn’t sure he liked the idea that was churning in his mind. Was the queen trying to replace her dead daughter with a new one?

            “It is a bit odd but in reality, I’m the one that made the choice to start calling Toriel Mom. The only reason that I even knew that she was royalty was because of the reading I managed to do on the surface. I recognized the Delta Rune.” Frisk admitted to the skeleton who was still holding her hand.

            “i-i didn’t realize that humans still knew what the Delta Rune is. Do they teach all their kids about it?” Sans asked wondering why it was that only one human seemed to still have magic if all of the kids up there got taught about monsters.

            “No, I’m… a bit different than most humans.”  Frisk said a blush creeping over her cheeks her voice almost apologetic. “I was never like the other kids something always told me that there was more I needed to know beyond what school taught me.” Embarrassed she let her hand slip from Sans’ figures feeling very self-conscious.

            The feeling of her fingers slipping from between Sans’ phalanges stirred a blush of his own to dust across his cheek bones. “erm… sorry didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable. It is just our kids are all thought about humans and the war. Is your royal family still in power up there? Guess since mages aren’t a thing anymore that would mean that there isn’t the conclave.” Sans was rambling trying to cover his own unease at having forgotten that he had been holding her hand. It had felt so right so natural to have his hand in his own it was almost painful when she had pulled her hand away.

            Shaking her head left and right Frisk tried to explain the world of the surface. “No Mages are relegated to myth and legend or small covens of mostly women who believe in worshiping nature. Monsters also are believed to be a fancy of the past left to the dusty books of the library and when spoken of two children it is as a tale or story.” Her tone became wistful remembering fondly the nights of her father telling her the story.

            “My father used to tell me a story of how the war came to be… of how a beautiful maiden once fell in love with a handsome monster.” Frisk continued as her eyes glassed over in faraway memory of nights spent snuggled in her bed as her father told the tale. “Father told me of both sides not understanding how a fair maiden could love a monster, or a powerful monster such as the one from the story could stoop low and fall for the fragile human maiden.” At the mention of the people and monsters not understanding what that love knew no form no boundaries her nose wrinkled.

            “father told me of the way the lovers kept their romance a closely guarded secret knowing that the humans and monsters would not understand though they had hoped that one day both sides would come to accept the love that they shared.” A tear fell from Frisks eye as she spoke remembering the story and how it had always moved her. “The father of the girl in the tale my own father told me had forbade the girl to go anywhere near the monster that she had fallen in love with.” A soft smile formed on her face and Sans couldn’t quite grasp why that part would make her smile.

            “My own father would always stop the tale there take me into his arm and say, ‘you my princess are my greatest treasure, and should you love a monster a man or even a myth I will always do anything I can to make your dreams a reality and accept your love even if I don’t agree.’ Erm sorry.” Frisk cleared her throat and swiped at her eyes with the back of her hand. Sans was stunned between the girls emotional display and the words that her father had spoken to her, his soul gave a little jolt in his chest the barest hint of an idea forming in the back of his mind.

            “After assuring me that to him if I had been the maiden in the story, I would get my happy ending he would continue, telling me how the short sighted father in the story had not approved of his daughters love. He would tell me how the other humans as they learned of the love between the maiden and the monster would become spiteful and prejudice against the monsters as well as the girl herself.” Frisk wrapped her arms around herself tears falling from her eyes as her vision blurred bringing an image that was a mix between the dreams she had so often and the myth her father had told her.

            “T-the monsters didn’t understand the love that the two shared either, the monsters own family did not approve of the monster wanting to lower himself and his power to be with a human. the king of the monsters forbade the union between the monster and the human maiden, Although the lovers joined in secret.” It was clear to Sans that the girl was getting more emotional as though it were her in the story and… his own supplied himself in the place of the monster from the myth tilting his own vision filling in the girl standing in front of him as the maiden.

            “As the monsters and the humans became more hostile to each other forcing the maiden from her monster the maiden despaired.” Tears fell from Frisk’s eyes as Sans stood stunned as the story played out his soul shaking with a realization that he didn’t want, didn’t need with the nightmares that had plagued him with the girls face. “The girl from the story foolishly felt that there was no hope, no way of making the monsters and humans see that the love that her and her monster shared could be real. So, in her despair she had touched her soul whispered a promise to her monster that she would find him again in another life another form and took her own life.” Frisk’s voice was cracking as she saw the whole story from the point of view of the maiden as she spoke.

            “The monster as the maiden breathed her last heard the promise in his soul and turned to dust on the spot. His heart and his soul was broken as the maiden he had loved with his whole being had seen only one way out of the pain. The monsters family went to the king demanding retribution for the loss of the monster, the maidens father went to the humans king demanding that the monsters pay for the death of his daughter. Both kings could not come to an accord on how to proceed and after many days and nights the war broke out and led to the monsters being sealed away.” Frisk leaned her forehead against Sans’ shoulder. She hadn’t even realized that she had moved at all her arms wrapped around her middle as she felt the story of her childhood far deeper than she ever had before.

            Sans stood there in stunned silence unsure what to do what to feel what to think as his mind and his soul raced filling in the blanks because of his dreams. This couldn’t be real could it? He could feel his own soul screaming at him to wrap his arms around Frisk. The look on his face was on of shock and pain though he could distantly feel his own arm reach around her shoulders and hold her close to him. he could offer her this small comfort but there was no way it could be more than that of a friend. no matter what his soul screamed at him he couldn’t let it be more.

            Frisk stirred feeling Sans’ arm around her shoulders, starting a bit as she realized that her forehead was pressed to his chest as her tears stained his shirt as the fell freely. What the hell was going on? She had always loved the story, but never before had she felt so… involved in it. was it because of her dreams? Was it because Sans looked so much and sounded so much like the monster in her dreams? It didn’t make sense to her, and if the love of the two in the story led to the war there was no way that she could let it go that far. She was here to save the monsters not to damn them to another war with humans.

            “Erm sorry about that, didn’t mean to let the story affect me so much.” Frisk stepped back clearing her throat a bit trying to regain her composure. “Most parents tell stories to their kids about the monsters some are like my dad a tale of love and tragedy others are of the evil monsters that are locked away under the mountain just waiting for the unwary or naughty child to make a mistake. There are still books about the subject if you look hard enough, though most don’t choose to believing monsters to be nothing more than tales told to scare little kids or warn them of mistakes that could lead to misfortune.” There was a blush on her face and determination in her eyes that she would save the monsters and she would not let herself fall into the trap of her dreams. No matter how good it felt to have Sans arm around her or how the sound of his voice set her tummy tingling and a blush across her face.

            “eh it’s fine kiddo we all get wrapped up in things sometimes. Sounds like your dad made it a special thing to you though.” The sound of bone on bone scraping as Sans scratched the vertebrae at the back of his neck his eye lights cast down not quite able to meet the gaze of the human girl in front of him. Why was it that his mind put him in the story she told? Why was his soul fighting against him as though it wanted to be a part of her? No way in hell was he going to give into the thoughts spiraling through his mind if the last time something like that happened it landed monsters down here in the underground.

            “We should probably get that letter up to Mom, maybe she will let you stick around for a slice of pie. Mom makes the best pie you ever had.” Yep, Frisk just keep acting like you heart isn’t pounding, and you don’t want to… stop that brain Chara would be so teasing you if she wasn’t upstairs with Mom and the locket right now. “Anyway, come on I’ll show you to where Mom should be.” She practically sprinted up the stairs trying to get away from the feelings and thoughts she was having.

            A dark blush covered Sans’ face as he caught himself watching Frisk run up the stairs and his mind brought images that left him fighting to calm his magic before meeting up with the queen again. Fuck, fuck, fucking stars that girl is not going to make my life any easier with… shit Sans stop thinking like that. She is a human a human you are the fucking Judge for Asgore’s sake. Can’t be more than friends, even if the feel of her hand was like warm silk and the sound of her voice is like the sweetest music. The sound of her laughter like a bell… Fuck why can’t I get a break here?

Chapter Text

Chapter 6

Building Trust, a New Friend, and Destiny Revealed   

            The air was tense with a hint of excitement and just a little bit of embarrassment as Toriel, Sans and Frisk sat eating slices of Toriel’s cinnamon butterscotch pie. The pie wile smooth and creamy with a flaky buttery crust and just a tingle of the cinnamon spice tasted like so much cardboard as the three ate.

            “so your majesty this is really go-“ the words died in Sans’ throat with a look from Toriel and a few words.

            “Dear I have not been the queen for many years now as you know, Toriel will do fine thank you.” The bite in her tone was sharp filled with the acid of long years in her self-imposed exile though softened by the smallest margin by a true gentle smile.

            As she watched her adopted mother and her new… friend? Frisk poked at her pie moving the food from side to side on her plate. Her mind was at war with her heart, and she just wanted Sans to leave so she could get to work with saving her sister. From there she could deal with the rest of her training with Toriel and then the rest of the underground for her final quest of freeing the monsters. No need for her to dwell on the dreams that have been a part of her life almost as long as she could remember, or the strange pulling feeling that kept her sneaking looks at the skeleton sitting across the table from her.

            “sorry habit miss toriel. ya know I work with the king a fair bit… it’s part of the training.” Sans could feel Frisk’s eyes on him as he spoke, he took another bite of the pie just to have something to occupy his attention so he wouldn’t stair at the girl that confused his soul so much. How could one little human make him want to… really his mind kept reminding him that while she looked so much like the girl in the nightmares for so long she was far too sweet to be that demon he saw. He also needed to remember that there was no way the dreams of dancing with her held in his arms could ever become real, especially after being warned his whole life to never mix with humans. Her story had confirmed for him that even some of the humans believed that the war had been over the love between a monster and a human.

            “Quite alright Sans it really is so nice to get the chance to finally see the face of my joke buddy.” A small and obvious blush crossed Toriel’s cheeks swiftly chased away by her will knowing that there was no way her little fantasies could ever become something more than idle thought.

            “Erm Sans can you tell me what it is like outside the Ruins? I’ve only been as far as the door where we met so far and as I plan on breaking the barrier once Mom feels better that I can handle myself around the other monsters it would be nice to know a more… recent take on what it is like out there.” The curiosity in her tone outweighed the feeling that Frisk just wanted to get away from Sans before she let her mind ran away with her.

            “eh yeah it’s not bad, most monsters just want to live in peace ya know? no one really wants to cause issues probably cause the underground isn’t that big of a place overall.” The rasp of sans fingertips scratching against the bones of his cervical vertebrae was soft as he scratched his neck nervously. What the fuck was this girl thinking wanting to break the barrier? Did she have a death wish? No, he would just have to watch her see what she really had planned for her time in the underground.

            “Oh, so is there anything I’ll have to worry about when I am on my way to the barrier hallway?” Why was she asking such stupid questions? No, she just had to do this the hard way the best way to save everyone was to get to know the monsters along the way show them who she is inside.

            “well not really, I mean my bro has a thing for puzzle traps, he’d probably try and catch ya to turn ya in to undyne for a chance to get in the royal guard. Corse he wouldn’t hurt ya, about as dangerous as a snow poof.” There was a fond chuckle in Sans’ voice that made Frisk’s heart flutter in her chest.

            “Yes, my child most monsters are good and kind. I still worry about my… the king knowing that you are here but, in the end, it was necessary for the… that reminds me Sans dear you had a reply for me?” there was venom in Toriel’s tone when speaking of the king and it make Frisk and Chara worry how things would go when getting the two together.

            “heheh yeah almost forgot ‘bout that.” Reaching into the pocket of the warn blue hooded jacket Sans produced the letter he had slipped there.

            Once the smooth heavy paper was in Toriel’s paw like hands she quickly broke the seal with the Delta Rune on it flipping the envelope open and pulling out the single sheet of paper with the hastily scrawled reply from Asgore. As she scanned the short reply her heart leapt and then sank almost instantly. She would get her daughter back and in a new body but… she would have to see him. the sigh that shifted her large shoulders did not go unnoticed by Sans or Frisk causing them to exchange a look that for a moment felt like the could almost read each other’s minds.

            “Frisk dear would you kindly get me the paper as well as my seal. Also, what time and where would you like to meet the king?” the resignation in Toriel’s voice was stiff but firm.

            “Oh, so good news then better than I was thinking. Erm… well tonight would work, if you think there is a place that we could reach that he can? Preferably in the same time frame, if not we could meet up with him some place tomorrow? As to where I don’t want to make you uncomfortable Mom so here would not be best though I don’t think I’m ready to be in the throne room either. Sans do you maybe know of a neutral place in the underground preferably with a large amount of ambient magic? Also, some laboratory equipment would not hurt… crap I should have thought of that… is there some place that would give access to medical equipment preferably the kind best geared for monster biology?” The ramble of thoughts came from Frisk so easy. It was strange how much she already felt she could trust Sans though she didn’t want to think too hard about that.

            “um not sure what ya are thinkin’ but there’s the lab in hotland, the king could be there in ‘bout and hour maybe two if he takes the time ta… well let’s say make it two.” Sans had almost let slip that sorry state that Asgore seemed to be letting himself slide into over the years without his queen by his side.

            “Yes, Frisk my child, though I don’t know how we might get there in that time frame it is a bit of a trek if I remember both through Snowdin and Waterfall is that correct Sans?” Toriel was hoping to put the meeting off for at least another couple of weeks but knowing Frisk as well as she was coming to the girl was too determined for her own good and would want to be there tonight if she could.

            “yeah, if ya walk it is… could always take a shortcut through.” The cryptic tone and the smirk on Sans face told Frisk there was more to this than simply cutting through some woods or a spare tunnel.

            “Mom I don’t think I’m ready to meet the king and I do have a few tests I would like to run before… could maybe… would it possibly… may I please go to the lab if Sans is willing to take me? I won’t talk to anyone, yet I know I still have some things you want to teach me, and I know you still have questions about my own skill… but please for… I want to be sure that I can do everything that I have planned all of it… if the lab is well equipped enough it could even help with the… other issue.” It was really hard for Frisk to let her mother know what she was thinking without out and out talking about Chara and Asriel. Her trust in Sans was new and she wasn’t sure if she should trust him or if he could keep the secret till it was done.

            “Mom listen I know Frisk well enough to know that she will keep her word to you. And if you can’t guess she wants to deal with the soul issue. Something about being able to also help Azzy if all goes well.” Frisk blushed and a smile came across her face listening to Chara tell their mother the plans that she couldn’t because Sans couldn’t hear Chara. Thank you, Sis.

            “I… um… very well my child as long as Sans is willing to watch out for you and not leave your side while you are at the labs. Also, you must come straight back here once you have confirmed your tests.” Wanting to say more but not able to Toriel tried to level a look at Frisk that told her that Chara could be a bit of a go between for them or so she hoped.

            “Yeah, Momma I can move between the locket and Frisk at a moment’s notice so I can keep an eye on her too.” Chara was trying her hardest to keep the giggle out of her voice seeing how protective Toriel had become of Frisk.

            “Yes, Mom just to the lab do the tests and back home to the Ruins.” Her tone was sure, and her eyes shined with the determination of her soul. Turning in place she locked her eyes with Sans’ eye lights. “Please Sans will you take me to the labs. It… it is really important I do these tests.” The pleading tone in her voice and the flutter of her lashes her little teeth pinching at her bottom lip all nearly shattered Sans on the spot.

            “erm… sure… st… kiddo… can’t say n… yeah buddy I can take you to the labs. nothin’ dangerous though okay?” it took longer for Sans to restart his train of thought once he saw those beautiful green eyes with the flecks of gold staring up at him framed by the flutter of her ebony lashes. The sight of her bottom lip pulled between those perfect teeth as she practically begged him to help… how the fuck could he even think of saying no? fuck, fuck, fuck if she ever did that to him for more than something platonic, he… damn it Sans get your head out of your pants already she can’t be like that with you.

            “Thank you thank you thank you thank you Oh Sans you don’t know how…” Frisk had flung her arms around the stunned skeleton in her exuberant joy forgetting that she needed to keep her distance from him. no way was she willing to risk the peace she was trying to forge between humans and monsters. No matter how cute his blue flush was, or how the sound of his voice made her tingle in ways she didn’t even want to think about, or the way it felt to be in his arms in the dreams, or how just the few moments of his arm around her as she cried over the tale, she had told to him had made her feel safe, protected, loved. Shit why was it so easy to be close to this skeleton and so hard to keep herself away? Why was it that the fate of the monsters rested on her keeping her mind focused on not… crap stop it Frisk?

            “heheh easy there kiddo no need to fall for me.” The moment Sans said the pun was the first time he had ever regretted a joke. Crap that was not what he wanted to say. The blush spreading across his cheek bones couldn’t be helped no matter how he tried.

            “Hehe you ready for that trip Sans.” face on fire Frisk fell back on her defense of jokes trying really hard not to think about how she really was falling for the skeleton that still had his arms around her keeping her from falling over from her exuberant jump.

            “pffft good one kid” The blush started to fade from Sans’ face. He couldn’t help laughing at the pun, it was like they had planned the back and forth it was so natural. “hang on tight and close your eyes.” Sans tightened his grip on Frisk getting ready to teleport them to just outside the lab, having her close her eyes would help her not get sick, he hoped, and keep him from being lost in her eyes.

            The blush on Frisk’s face flamed brighter as she stood there blinking at Sans. What? He wanted her to close her eyes? Why? Did he… was he… and he wanted her to hold on tight… what? Frisk’s mind couldn’t form a single thought as to a reason for him to want her to hold onto him and closer her eyes… well not an innocent one anyway.

            “Um… w-why?” voice timid barely a whisper as Frisk’s mind raced and her heart pounded in her chest.

            Wait? What the hell was this girl thinking? Was she… did she think he was going to… well it wasn’t like he hadn’t been thinking about… but… crap this was going to be hard to keep from letting his mind go down that path now? the feel of her soft body against him was already making it very difficult for him to think about anything but… crap why couldn’t he keep his mind of how soft she was how her hair shined in the light and looked like gold shot through polished chestnut, or how her lips looked like sinful pillows especially when she nibbled on that lower one. The feel of his magic sparking at his thoughts brought Sans back to the here and now.

            “sorry kiddo just was going to take you on a shortcut don’t want you to feel sick from the trip.” Calm just stay calm Sans you can do this you have been schooling your emotions and hiding how you feel for most of your life.

            “A shortcut? Um how would taking a shortcut make me feel sick? Wouldn’t I need to see where I’m going so I don’t fall?” why was Sans still holding her Frisk was finding it really hard to think with his arms around her waist his chest pressed against her. he smelled so good too how could a skeleton smell like… what was that scent? It was like snow… and… pine trees… and something tangy… ketchup? There was something else there too, but it was like nothing Frisk had ever smelled before and she couldn’t help the deep inhalation through her nose trying to get more of that sent in her nose.

            “magic, buddy just going to pop us from here to there, but the trip makes some kind of dizzy.” Keeping his voice even was becoming harder as Sans was still holding Frisk. Did she just sniff him? did humans even do that? Did she like what she could smell? Wait why did it matter if she liked it or not, he couldn’t let that happen. This was going to have to be a onetime thing… much more around this girl was going to drive Sans crazy. At least till he was able to sort out how she fit in the dreams and nightmares… and maybe if she managed to actually brake the barrier there could still be some kind of peace… even if… no, no, no, no, no, no, no, NO Sans you cannot go down that path.

            “Oh, um o-okay.” Her dark eyelashes fluttered as Frisk closed her eyes the blush that had yet to leave her face deepened as she took a deep breath letting out a sigh her lips parted and lax waiting for Sans to do whatever he needed to shortcut them.

            It took every ounce of self-control Sans had earned from many years to not press his teeth to Frisk’s gently parted lips. How could one human girl so completely turn his world and his sanity on its head just by being who and what she was? He was going to need to find some way to work off some of the frustration that was building by just being near Frisk.

            “okay kiddo you can open your eyes now.” It was almost painful for Sans to relax his hold on Frisk as they arrived just outside the lab.

            “O-oh o-okay that was really fast.” Why did Frisk feel like a part of her soul was being pulled from her when Sans relaxed his hold on her? Although it was sweet that he still held on a bit to be sure she wouldn’t stumble. “Erm also why do you keep calling me kiddo? I-I’m not a kid.” For some reason, the nick name kind of bugged Frisk like Sans wasn’t taking her seriously.

            “heheh sorry ‘bout that.” Damn if Sans wasn’t very well aware that Frisk was in no way a child. How could he not know it with the way she felt against him after that jump.

            “So, this is the lab? Are you sure that it is okay for us to use it?” At least he hadn’t called her kiddo that time. Though he hadn’t answered why he chose to call her that and that bugged her almost as much. Frisk didn’t like it when her questions didn’t get answered… that might be why she spent so much time reading and trying to find the answers to all her questions.

            “um yeah I kind of used to work here back in the day… one of my best friends still works here… well she is in charge of the whole place.” Sans said his nerves still high bother because of how close he was to Frisk as well as going to the lab for more than just a chat with Alphys.

            “That’s really cool.” Why did Frisk feel… was it disappointment? No something sharper almost painful… was it… no it couldn’t be jealousy could it?

            “yeah, I think ya are goin’ to like her once you two get to meet though don’t be surprised if she is kind of… excitable ‘bout you being human.” There was a distinct chuckle in Sans voice as he imagined the look on both Alphys’ and Frisk’s faces at meeting. Wonder how the girl will handle meeting other monsters? She seems fine with Toriel and didn’t really seem to be shocked about Sans being a skeleton. What about the lizard-dragon that was Alphys? Or maybe the excitable towering skeleton that was Papyrus? Or the brash and abrasive Undyne? Was it normal that a human was just okay with monsters? Or was it just her? The questions funning through Sans mind caused him to be distracted and almost missed what Frisk was saying.

            “Really? So, she likes humans? Has she met any humans before? Or is she like… well me… I spent a lot of time studying anything I could get my hands on about monsters cause I always felt a strange… kinship to the monsters from the stories that my father told me as a kid.” Was it just Sans or did Frisk look too cute when she was going on and on like that?

            “heheh not exactly like that but… well you will have to see when you meet her. come on ill introduce you i don’t think tori would mind too much ya meeting al.” Yeah Sans thought Alphys was a good start for Frisk to meet. The royal scientist was gentle as a kitten but looked so little like a human that it should help the human girl to get more used to the different shapes of monsters.

            “Okay Sans I trust you. Maybe she might be able to help with my tests.” Frisk started to spin off into thought about the possibility of someone who might understand the magic she was wanting to attempt and the science behind it.

            The sight that greeted Frisk when she entered the lab was odd to say the least. There was a huge monitor that… wait was that her face on it? ok strange but security cameras aren’t that uncommon. The state of the lab though had Frisk sort of worried there seemed to be no surface that wasn’t piled with books and wrappers, some from chips, some from candy bars, and an almost disturbingly large portion from instant roman noodles. The smell that hit Frisk’s nose caused her eyes to water it was a strange mix, a deep earthy base with a tang to it like some fungus, with a deep streak of smell from the instant noodles old books the acrid electricity smell one gets around the inside of a computer like a mix of dust and metal. And laced over it all was a dry spicy sent that Frisk had never encountered before. Whoever Alphys was she wasn’t very good at keeping this place clean. Would she feel offended if Frisk offered to help clean the place up and maybe organize?

            “S-san H-hello w-what b-brings you t-to the lab.” The stutter spoke of one who was more nervous than Frisk had ever heard before but the tone underneath that stutter spoke of a kindness and curiosity.

            “hey al yeah tibia honest my new friend here was wonderin’ if maybe she could use the lab to run some tests. Maybe ya might be interested in helpin’ with the skele-ton of work she is wantin’ to accomplish. ‘corse  I’ll be here for the whole thing, and I’d be willin’ to lend a hand too.” There was a chuckle in Sans voice and Frisk couldn’t help the giggle that bubbled up at the obvious and cheesy puns he was dropping.

            “Yeah, though I think he might be a bit of a bone head so not that much help. Though if he puts his spine in it, we could probably manage some heavy lifting.” Frisk giggled as she dropped her own puns it was so nice to have this back and forth. Why was the one being she needed to not be with the one that was checking off every box of anything she could really want?

            “W-wow S-sans you f-found s-someone w-with your s-“ the rest of what Alphys would have said was cut off as she walked into the room that Sans and Frisk stood in and laid eyes on Frisk for the first time. As Alphys stood there her mouth agape Frisk could hear a high pitched squeal start to build in volume.

            “Hehe Yeah we sort of have the same sans-satonal sense of humerus.” The smile on Frisk’s face was a bit forced and very much worried as she tried to get the… well it appeared as though the monster in front of her was some kind of giant lizard, maybe a dragon with no wings?

            “O-oh m-my Asgore S-sans i-is your f-friend a h-human? r-really w-where d-did she come f-from d-dose anyone know s-she is h-here? W-wait w-why d-dose s-she n-need t-the lab? S-stars d-dose she l-like a-anime?” Frisk had to concentrate very hard between the raising pitch and speed of Alphys words and the stutter it was very difficult to separate the words.

            “Hi I’m Frisk, Frisk Sotiris. Yes, I am a human, yes, I do like anime and I need the lab because I have an experiment planed that… well it is a bit of a personal nature, but it involves soul grafting as well as the creation of an artificial magical body.” Frisk stuck her hand out for Alphys to shake not even phased by the sharp claws she could see on the butter cup yellow lizard monsters scaled hands.

            “F-frisk so n-nice t-to m-meet you I-I’m Alphys. S-so, you r-really l-like a-anime? T-that is s-so a-amazing w-what is y-your f-favorite a-anime? Y-you said s-soul g-grafting? Is t-that s-something h-humans h-have b-been w-working on? W-what is t-this a-about an a-artificial m-magical b-body? I c-created a r-robotic b-body for a f-friend of m-mine b-but a m-magical one? C-can you e-explain your t-theories and m-maybe w-why you a-are l-looking to a-accomplish t-this? O-oh, and w-when d-did you m-meet S-sans? H-have you m-met any o-other m-monsters? D-do you l-like h-him?” Between the stutter and the speed that Alphys spoke Frisk wondered if the monster even had to breath, she was in such shock that she almost didn’t catch the last bit about Sans although she did causing her to blush.
            “al chill out. I know it’s hot in here, but you snow where I live.” Sans was not about to let on that he had met Frisk at the missing queens hiding spot or even entertain the idea that the girl might like him… except maybe as a friend.

            “Pffft Sans that isn’t very ice of you don’t make poor Alphys sweat.” Frisk couldn’t help adding her own pun it just was too easy to slip into joking, after all spending most of her life using humor had been one of the best ways, she had to defend herself.

            “Okay Alphys let’s see if I can go through your questions and answer as many as possible. Sans you can stay if you like but I need to swear you both to absolute secrecy and would prefer if we discussed this behind a sound proofing spell away from any recording devices.” Frisk knew how to take charge when she needed to and discussing science or magic was almost as easy for her as dropping a few puns or coming up with a quick joke to divert attention.

            “O-oh, s-sorry s-sure p-please f-follow m-me I h-have a r-room t-that s-should work t-though my s-skill at s-sound p-proofing c-could b-be b-better.” Alphys beckoned to Frisk who followed along behind her Sans shrugged and trailed after Frisk.

            “That’s fine Alphys I got rather good at sound proofing when I was teaching myself magic. When you live with your father and he doesn’t know that you are learning magic it is rather important to keep him from finding out to try and stop you.” Frisk took a look around the room sending a pulse of magic from her hand with a bit of concentration sending it bouncing round the room for any traces of listening devices. Once she was satisfied Frisk moved around the room pushing measured energy into a barrier of sorts that prevented sound and image from traveling beyond it. what she didn’t notice was the look that Sans and Alphys exchanged as she pulled a barrier up that while different from the one that kept them trapped in the underground was very similar as well.

            “Very well now that we are secure, I must ask you to give me your word that not one word of what I am about to discuss with you will leave this room.” Her stance was firm but relaxed as Frisk turned to face the skeleton and lizard monsters in front of her.

            “ya know I ain’t ‘bout to go spoutin’ my mouth off. if it’ll make you feel better, I promise that not one word of this will pass from my mouth to another soul outside of this room.” Sans met Frisk’s eyes steadily knowing that he was already bound to keep most of what had gone on throughout the day a secret anyway.

            “Y-yes, I p-promise t-that I w-wont t-tell a-anyone a-about a-anything w-we d-discuss.” Alphys still stuttered but the look in her golden eyes was sincere.

            “Thank you. So, the first few questions I didn’t need the sound proofing for, but I figured it was better to start from the beginning with it then for it to be forgotten latter. So yes, I do like anime I don’t have one favorite although I do enjoy most of the romantic ones.” A small squeal interrupted Frisk as Alphys was excited about another anime fan. Frisk shot Alphys a look that said hold it for later please. “Continuing, a bit out of order this time. I am to my knowledge the only human alive that knows any magic at all let alone soul magic specifically. I spent more of my time studying and practicing to gain my skill than I care to think about considering that once upon a time both humans and monsters had magic. As it stands the human race has lost the ability to use magic. Most humans over the age of about six have stopped believing monsters ever even really existed, and the idea of being able to use magic is a pleasant dream to those that think about it at all.” Frisk took a moment to collect her thoughts and remember why she was here.

            “As for Soul grafting, this is where your promise becomes extremely important. You both know about queen Toriel and the loss her and the whole kingdom of monsters suffered when Prince Asriel and Princess Chara died. Well, I believe if my tests and theories are correct, I can reverse that tragedy and bring them both back.” Frisk was met by a shuddering gasp from Alphys and a look she couldn’t quite place from Sans. “I am about to explain some things that once you know you will be the only living beings besides myself to know about. the first is that Chara wile dead has latched to my soul and has done so for most of not all of my life.” As Frisk was about to continue, she was interrupted by Sans.

            “wait so ya are saying that toriel’s other adopted daughter has been latched onto your soul for most of your life? how is that even possible only like soul traits can latch onto like soul traits.” The tone in Sans’ voice was one of incredulous disbelief. “only way she could latch onto ya is if ya had a red…” His voice trailed off as Sans thought of the possibilities.

            “Yes, a red soul.” After a small sigh Frisk placed her hand to her chest sparking her magic to draw forth the brilliant shining red heart that was her soul. As her soul floated there before her hovering just above the palm of her hand Alphys and Sans both looked at each other in complete disbelief.

            “Now do you understand when I say that I will be freeing all monsters and righting the wrongs of the past that I have the determination to make it happen?” Frisk had a small sad smile on her face. A part of her had wished that Sans at the very least would have believed her without question though she understood why he didn’t.

            “stars… i had no idea I coulda sworn you would be a green soul.” Sans was trying to wrap his skull around the fact of what Frisk was. Not only could she use magic but with her soul she could do almost anything that she put her mind to through sheer determination. Based on the brightness and depth of color of her soul she had so much determination flowing through her it was a wonder she ever let Toriel stop her to have their little family. If anyone in the world could break the barrier, bring back the prince and princess and get the human race who had convinced themselves that monsters didn’t exist even to not only believe but to accept the monsters, it was Frisk.

            “No Sans I am not kindness though I do strive to be kind to others nor am I bravery though I try to proceed in the face of that which scares me, nor am I justice though I do believe what was done to the monsters was wrong and I plan on making it right, nor am I patience though I know how to take my time and wait for the right moment, nor am I integrity though I make it a point to always keep my promises and never go back on my principles or my word, nor am I perseverance though I never give up and will find any way around any obstacle because I am and always have been determination.” As she spoke Sans could see Frisks eyes shine her hair started to float in a breeze that wasn’t there, and her soul grew brighter and brighter.

            Watching Frisk Sans realized exactly what the nightmares and the dreams could mean. If this human woman had not been who she was, had she been bent on the death of the monsters rather than their freedom then what he saw from the nightmares would have been a reality. Knowing that he thanked the stars in the heavens that he would never have to see that vision become a reality at the same time that he pitied the version of himself that did have to live through that. The dreams he realized now exactly why he had been having them the thrum of his soul confirming his worst fears and most secret desire, that the stunning funny intelligent woman before him was the mate to his soul. She was the reincarnation of the maiden from history and he the reincarnation of the monster who had went against both man and monster to keep her for himself.

            The only way that Sans could have been more boned was if she really were the demon that he saw in his nightmares. Hell bent on killing all monsters coming at him over and over in the golden haze of the light filtering through the windows of the judgment hall. No matter how many bones he would slice through her body she would just keep coming back over and over. The shudder that ran through Sans was so strong that his bones rattled softly together.

Chapter Text

Chapter 7

Science, Magic, and heartache

            “Sans are you okay? You look kind of rattled.” After gently sending her soul back within her chest Frisk questioned her skeleton friend.

            “yeah, i just wasn’t expectin’ to see your soul for one, also wasn’t expectin’ ya to be a red soul.” Shaking himself Sans tried to focus on the here and now and not the visions that had been a part of his sleeping life for longer than he could remember.

            Frisk reached her hand out and took Sans’ bony hand gently rubbing her thumb over the back of his hand, looking into his eye lights. She could tell that seeing her soul had spooked him more than she cared to think about. What about being a red soul could be so frightening to the skeleton that stood before her. As her eyes focused on his eye lights her world tilted, spinning away bringing into focus a long hall with golden orange tiles and tall pillars lining the sides of the room. On one wall there was a row of tall windows in stained glass of orange and yellow the light streaming through the pains leaving patterns of color on the floor. As she walked through the hall, she eventually came face to face with Sans, but he wasn’t the sweet funny skeleton she was coming to know but a hard and cold monster. She saw his left socket flair to life with cyan magic like a flame, his right socked winked out going dark. Frisk felt herself swallow as she could feel a deep malice from her own soul like an echo or a memory of what could have been had she let the pain of her past harden her. If she had let herself come to hate the humans that had hurt her and the monsters that got her teased for believing in them and wouldn’t let her go home.

            Tears streamed down Frisks face as the visions played before her eyes, how could any version of her feel such hate such vicious malice. As she watched the vision play through her mind, she saw the Sans from the vision take a stance and felt encounter magic wash over her. Frisk barely suppressed a sob of fear and pain as the version of her in the vision lunged forward a wicked sharp knife in her hand lashing out at the skeleton before her. how could this be? Was it a vision? Is this what would happen if she gave into fear and hatred? Frisk didn’t want to find out and with a swell of determination she wrenched herself from the vision panting with the effort.

            “ya saw didn’t ya?” Sans whispered as he wrapped his arms around Frisk as she had almost fallen to the floor from the vision.

            “Wait you… Sans heavens I…” Unable to finish the thought Frisk buried her face into Sans chest as great wracking sobs shook her body. “Never Sans I promise you on my soul that what was in that… nightmare with never come to pass.” Arms clutching tightly to the skeleton who could have been her Judge and executioner had her heart and soul followed a different path.

            Sans was shocked he couldn’t believe it, Frisk had seen the nightmare. How was it possible? Was it because of the connection that their souls clearly had? Or was it something else? As Frisk clutched at him her face in his chest her sobs shaking her entire body all Sans could do was hold her as he rubbed her back and pet her hair. “shh starshine it’s okay. i know that wasn’t you not the real you.” how could he not feel for her knowing what it was that she saw.

            “Um g-guys n-not t-to i-interrupt t-this t-tender m-moment b-but w-what j-just h-happened t-to t-the t-two of y-you? It w-was l-like w-when F-frisk s-showed h-her s-soul and S-sans s-saw he s-slipped into s-some v-vision and w-when F-frisk touched S-sans, she s-saw it t-too. F-from the r-reaction s-she had I’m g-guessing it w-wasn’t a p-pleasant one.” Alphys paced from clawed foot to clawed foot unsure what to do with herself her hands wringing together in clear distress at the pain she could hear from her new friend and the distress she saw on the face of one of her oldest friends.

            “don’t worry ‘bout it al, just… a bad dream.” The look that Alphys gave Sans as he continued to gently sooth the human girl in his arms was still one of worry and confusion.

            “Y-yeah it’s ok Alphys I-I’ll be fine just need t-to take a minute to b-breath.” The tremor in Frisk’s voice was evident as she continued to cling to Sans trying to fight down the disgust, she felt from seeing what she could have ended up as in another time, another place even.

            “Oh, okay um do you guys need some privacy or…” It was clear Alphys didn’t know what to do with herself as she still fidgeted. Her eyes kept darting to the barrier around them from behind her glasses. It seemed to have thickened in Frisk’s distress, pulsing with a warning light.

            “No, no Alphys its fine.” Frisk pulled herself upright rubbing away the tears from her puffy eyes with the heels of her hands. “What was it I was saying before? O-oh yes Chara.” It was hard for Frisk to pull herself out of Sans’ arms, just being there held by him felt so, safe, warm, right. With a burst of Determination, she looked into his eye lights nodded in a subtle signal that she was okay now and stepped back from him.

            The look in Frisks eyes told Sans that she was going to be okay, although the feeling of her stepping out of his arms felt like a part of his soul was being taken away with her. It took more strength that he cared to admit for him to not reach out and warp the small human girl back into his arms, to keep her safe and close to him. There was no arguing that things just got more complicated, and Sans didn’t know what to do about it just yet.

            “So, as I was saying soul grafting, since Chara is already latched to my soul if a take a small part of my soul, I think with her own determination she should be able to slowly grow the rest of the soul back over time. This would allow us to in essence make her an artificial soul. Now the only way for it to work right is if she has a body to protect the soul as it grows, that is where the body comes into play, after some thought and calculations I believe that it is possible to take the magic from myself or from two willing monsters to create her a body not unlike a monster body… that is to say a body made of magic. Now after discussing with queen Toriel and king Asgore they have both agreed to donate their own magic for the prosses of creating the body. I will need a fair amount of equipment for the procedure and Chara has requested that her new body be a true child to her adoptive parents meaning that she would be an interesting cross between human and monster. Yes, her soul would be born from humans but because of the body being monster it would in theory become a monster soul as it grows.” Frisk was deep into professor mode explaining her theory to the two monsters in front of her. Alphys had a look of almost awed wonder at the depth of thought and knowledge that was presented in Frisks miniature lecture, Sans was unreadable to Frisk at the moment she couldn’t tell if he was board or having a hard time following what she was talking about.

            “Any questions on this part of what I have to say because there is more to go but I would prefer to break things down now if I need to.” her tone was almost apologetic and a bit shy as Frisk gave the monsters a chance to prosses what she was proposing.

            “O-okay so w-wow are a-all h-humans s-so smart? I h-honestly, n-never t-thought about t-the p-possibility of g-giving an a-artificially c-created s-soul or b-body t-to a f-fallen i-individual… w-would t-that m-mean t-that it w-would be v-viable for m-monsters as w-well? D-do you t-think t-that the s-soul w-will s-still s-show C-chara’s s-soul t-trait c-color e-even if it b-becomes m-more akin t-to a m-monster s-soul or w-would the c-color b-be the s-same as a m-monster s-soul f-from the a-added m-magic f-from the b-body?” Alphys was in information overload as her own mind was scrambling to puzzle out the questions that Frisk herself had been mulling over for almost a week and a half now, ever since she had learned more about the anatomy of monsters being primarily magic based.

            “So, my theory is that the soul will start with a red tint since it will be coming from my own soul, if the soul grew outside of a body in a container it would more than likely be human and retain the color leaving us with two red souls one would be me the other would be Chara though she would not have a body that way. Now the magic based body was a trickier concept for me , after doing some calculations I came to the conclusion that I could create a human shaped body that was magic based using my own magic… I experimented on a very small scale and was able to make a soulless miniature of myself.” At this admission Sans made a choking sound.

            “wait so there is a miniature you with no soul running around the underground now?” The indignation and abject fear in Sans voice was so thick that it was a physical thing.

            “No Sans after proving my concept to myself I broke the magic and reabsorbed most of the energy into myself. And would you please stop looking at me like I have two heads?” Frisk was kind of offended that Sans would think that she would let something like that run around without a soul. Or that she would let something like that stay in existence.

            “sorry it just… well you know what kind of went through my skull…” Looking down at the floor Sans knew he had offended Frisk over the accusation.

            “O-oh…” Frisk could clearly see a mental picture crossing the nightmare vision she had seen. She hadn’t specified that the miniature she had made was only four inches tall had she. “I-I was talking about a miniature that fit in the palm of my hand Sans not one that would…” her voice trailed off as Frisk couldn’t put voice to the nightmare that she and Sans had shared.

            Sans reached his hand out to Frisk wanting to give her some measure of comfort as he realized his mistake no matter how engrained the fear of that nightmare had become. As his phalanges brushed Frisk’s fingers, she started then wove her fingers with his. A small smile spreading across Frisk’s face as she gave Sans’ hand a gentle squeeze letting him know that it was okay.

            “Y-you t-two are s-soooo c-cute, it’s a-almost l-like…” The gasp that Alphys took had both Sans and Frisk jumping and looking at her questioningly.

            “A-are y-you t-two… c-could y-you b-be… S-sans d-do y-you… F-frisk…” Alphys couldn’t get out her questions she was too elated and flustered as her mind spun a grand hidden romance between her longtime friend and the human girl.

            “NO!!!” Both Frisk and Sans practically exploded with the denial of what Alphys was trying to say. As the sound of the word stopped reverberating around the inside of the barrier Sans and Frisk turned looking at each other both clearly blushing.

            “Let’s get back on topic.” Frisk rushed to stop Alphys from continuing her speculations about what was or was not going on between her and the skeleton who was still holding her hand. “Alphys would you be willing to assist me in finding the necessary equipment to get the project done? Also I was wondering what you might think on testing to see if a monster could also donate part of their soul to create a completely artificial soul to save a fallen monster.” Alphys nodded at Frisk ready to see what three strong minds could come up with.

            As the day wore on Sans was a surprising source of help to Frisk and Alphys, Frisk had not been prepared for her skeletal friend to have such a proficient knowledge of science and magic. At one point he was able to prevent a potentially damaging accident from happening when Frisk had miscalculated the size of the chunk of soul, she would need to start the prosses of creating Chara and artificial soul and almost took too much.

            Alphys was fascinated as she watched the small sliver of Frisk’s soul in a stasis spell captured in a large, covered beaker. It was amazing that the human had no ill effects from removing a portion of her soul, more so that the small sliver didn’t just evaporate into dust once separated from the main soul. The human soul was a truly intriguing thing, being both resilient as well as malleable.

            The tests went well as far as Sans could see, the small shard of Frisk’s soul was stable and ready for the magic that Frisk had planned for it. They had also been able to use some of Sans magic to create a miniature of himself like Frisk had done that was surprisingly fully formed and seemed functional. The harder part of the tests had been testing if they could make an artificial monster soul after trying to create a soul from just magic had failed… miserably Sans had suggested trying the sliver prosses they had done with Frisk’s soul. Alphys had been completely against it arguing that monster souls were far too fragile to damage of that magnitude. Sans not wanting to see the human fail in this quest had offered for Frisk to take a sliver of his soul to try it and while it hurt like a bitch she had managed to take a sliver with no ill effects to him and the sliver of his soul sat in a beaker much like the one that held the fragment of Frisk’s soul.

            For her part Frisk was pleased with the results, she couldn’t manage to grow the soul on her own and she would need to talk to Flowey… somehow, in order to see if he were even willing to try to get a body back. Although she had high hopes for it working.

            “Sans I’m exhausted, can you please take me home? I think we have accomplished all that we can for one day, next we need to get Toriel and Asgore here to get Chara her body.” And then to find that damn flower and see if she could talk to him about giving him a body and his soul back.

            “yeah, it’s been a long day for all of us, thanks for the help al guess we’ll be seein’ you tomorrow too.” Sans nodded to Alphys and then reached out to take Frisk into his arms. “remember to keep your eyes closed till we get there ok?” he reminded Frisk.

            Frisk was so tired that it took all her determination not to fall asleep in Sans’ arms as her eyes closed and he teleported them back to the ruins. She hadn’t done that much magic in one go over such an extended time for quite a while. Though it had been nice working with Alphys, it was so nice to find another soul with a love of knowledge. Sans had surprised her with his knowledge, and it made her wonder more about him. Toriel had said he was a sentry but with what she saw at the lab she wondered why he didn’t work there with Alphys, or even how he ended up working as a sentry in the first place.

            “Oh, my child it is so good that you are home, thank you so much Sans I knew I could trust you to look after her.” Toriel had obviously been worried but seeing Frisk and Sans brightened her mood quickly. Frisk smirked seeing her adoptive mother giving a look.

            “yeah, tori it was easy, frisk’s got herself a new fan with al, don’t be surprised if she ends up trying to set up an anime slumber party though.” There was a clear chuckle in Sans’ voice at the idea of the lizard monster and the human girl sitting up all night watching anime in their pajamas.

            “Is that so? I am glad that Frisk was able to make a new friend.” It was clear that the idea of more monsters learning of the human girl worried Toriel although she was pleased that Frisk could make friends.

            “Yes, Mom it was so nice to spend time in the lab I feel like we are ready now for the magic donations from you and Asgore. With luck by the end of the day tomorrow Chara should be back in the flesh and able to give you a hug herself.” There was a satisfied smile on Frisk’s face at the thought of the second chance she was giving her sister, it felt really good to be able to do this for the family that she had somehow managed to find for herself.

            “I am happy for you my child I suppose we should tell Asgore to meet us tomorrow at some time, shouldn’t we?” it was clear that Toriel was a bit nervous by  the way she was twisting her paw like hands together.

            “yeah, tori I can let him know to go to the labs what time you ladies thinking would work best?” There was a rasp of bone on bone as Sans rubbed his hand over his skull starting to feel the weight of his exhaustion.

            “Well… Sans can I ask you to come here early in the morning? I need your help with something before we go to the labs…” Frisk was shifting around a bit nervous. She wasn’t sure that she could even find Flowey let along what his answer would be.

            “uh what ya got in mind ki… frisk?” Sans was a bit warry of what it was she would ask of him although he didn’t want to deny her without finding out what she wanted from him.

            “Erm here let me walk you to the door and I’ll explain.” Frisk didn’t want to get Toriel’s hopes up on getting Asriel back too without knowing if Flowey would agree.

            “um sure. guess i’ll see you tomorrow then tori i’ll have Asgore meet us in the afternoon at the labs if that works for you ladies.” There was a question in Sans’ tone as he looked between Toriel and Frisk.

            The walk down the stairs through the long hall to the door that led out of the ruins seemed to stretch far longer than it should have for Sans. What was it that Frisk could want from him? During the walk Frisk was trying to figure out how to ask Sans to help her find Flowey, her anxiety building with each passing moment.

            “Sans you remember the promise I had you and Alphys make at the lab…” Frisk stopped as she bit her lower lip trying to figure out how he was going to take extending that promise to what she needed to say.

            “yeah, it wasn’t that long ago heheh.” Chuckling Sans was trying to lighten the mood a bit.

            “Can… can you please extend that to what I’m about to ask of you?” Her hands kept twisting as Frisk fidgeted in place hoping that he would understand.

            “so ya got somethin’ that ya need to say ya don’t want anyone knowin’?” Why did she look so nervous? Sans couldn’t figure it out.

            “Erm yeah it is something that Chara and I have discussed but no one else knows. So, can you promise?” There were tears in Frisks pleading eyes the look she gave was asking for him to just go with it and promise her that he would keep this secret. She couldn’t stand it if Flowey refused, and it got out.

            “hey now starshine it’s ok i promise no one will ever hear your secrets from me.” Sans wrapped his arms around Frisk. how was it she affected him so much with just a look and a few tears? He couldn’t help but want to make her smile, make her feel safe, protect her from the dangers that awaited a human in the underground.

            “Sorry… I… I need you to help me find someone. There is a talking flower here in the underground I met him when I first came down. Can you take me back to where I came into the underground at to find him?” Frisk couldn’t help but find comfort wrapped in Sans’ arms it was just so easy to bury her face in his chest and let herself go.

            “a… talking flower? ya mean an echo flower? i didn’t think there was any outside waterfall.” There was confusion in Sans’ voice he wasn’t sure what she was talking about.

            Frisk sighed heavily. “No Flowey is not an echo flower. From the way Chara explained it Alphys did some experiment involving determination including injecting some into a flower… well that flower had been coated in the dust of a monster… Prince Asriel.” Another heavy sight escaped from Frisk as she tried to explain. “After she injected the flower… it seems that it sort of revived Asriel though he doesn’t have a soul. Without his soul he is… not very nice. He attacked me when I first came to the underground. The thing is with the tests we did today I know I can bring him back fully in his own body again with a soul and everything. I so want to bring back both, Chara and Asriel for Toriel. She has given me so much… I had given up hope on feeling a mother’s love again… she made me realize that there was someone in this world that… she became the mother of my soul even though she didn’t birth me or raise me, and Chara is the sister of my soul… I can’t help but want to…” Frisk trailed off after spilling the secret and trying to explain everything all at once. Would Sans ever believe her?

            Sans stood there blinking just trying to prosses what Frisk had told him. Was she talking about that… no… it couldn’t be could it? In his mind Sans could see the little flower smile up at him, flashes passed through his mind of the flower as he fought it killed it over and over and all the times that he woke up and everything started all over again. Each time was a little different, sometimes the flower would be nice and try to be friends with Papyrus and try to make friends with all the monsters of the underground, other times it would kill one or two monsters other times it would try and kill them all.

            “…ans, Sans talk to me please.” Sans shook his head and met Frisk’s eyes the look he saw there spoke of how worried she had been, he must have been out of it for a bit for her to have that look.

            “yeah, sorry starshine… ya sure that weed is worth it?” Sans was in a bit of shock and not sure he wanted to help the demonic flower, though a part of him knew he would do more than he cared to admit to make the beautiful human who was still in his arms happy.

            Frisk was chewing on her bottom lip her brow creased as she thought about what Sans had asked. “I… I want to help if I can though I don’t know if he will even accept the help. I don’t know if he is too far gone or if the brother that Chara remembers is still in there somewhere.” She hated how unsure she felt about all this.

            “okay starshine… if you are determined to do this then i’ll come with ya and keep ya safe.” Sans said after a heavy sigh.

            “Thank you, Sans. I’ll see you in the morning then we can go and try to find Flowey.” With a surge of determination Frisk tip toed and kissed Sans on his cheek a blush on her face as she did.

            Sans stood there as a blue blush spread across his cheek bones his hand creeping up to brush his fingertips across the place her lips had touched. Stars did this girl even know what she just did to him? “o-okay tomorrow it is” Sans could hardly get his mind to work as Frisk slipped from his arms turning on her heal to go back upstairs. It took Sans several minutes before he could think clearly enough to teleport himself back to his home in Snowdin.

            The next morning found Frisk and Sans sitting at the table as Toriel served them breakfast. Frisk was nervous about the tasks she had set herself for the day but determined to see them done for better or worse. Sans had hardly slept and was finding it difficult to calmly sit at the table when he could still feel Frisk’s lips on his cheek bone. Toriel could tell that both her adopted daughter and her joke buddy had things on their minds but decided not to pry.

            After they ate Frisk grabbed a bag and headed out the door back to the into the Ruins towards the place she had come in at, Sans followed close behind her out the door. As the two walked out of sight of the little house that had been Frisk’s home for the last two weeks Sans drew up beside Frisk taking her hand in his. Frisk looked down at the contact a small blush spreading over her face, she knew it was not right to give into the growing affection she felt for the skeleton monster. She knew all the reasons like they came from different races, or the fact that the last time a human and monster came together it had caused a war that ended in monsters being locked in the underground. She didn’t even know if she could have a relationship in that way with a skeleton, but at that moment she didn’t care, she needed that small comfort that his hand holding hers provided.

            Before long they came to the room, she had first met Flowey in, she had not expected him to be there waiting for her but there he stood a sneer on his little flower face. Frisk swallowed and Sans squeezed her hand telling her without words that he wouldn’t let anything happen to her.

            “Flowey… no Asriel I have an offer for you.” Frisk spoke calmly even though inside she was shaking. She just didn’t know how this was going to go down, would he decide to listen, or would he attack like last time? Would he agree to get his life back or was he too gone?

            “Really? And what could I want from a human and that smiley trash bag with you?” Flowey hissed back at her his face contorted in rage. He didn’t even seem to register that she had called him Asriel.

            “I’m giving Chara back her life, I found a way to give her a body and also a way for her to have a soul to go with it. I even found a way to let her choose her form and she chose to truly be Toriel and Asgore’s Child by combining their magic for the procedure. What I can offer you is the same chance.” Frisk watched as emotions flashed across the flowers face. Sans stood there keeping a wary eye on the flower his hand still holding tight to Frisk’s.

            “Is that so? and why should I believe you at all human? Humans trapped monsters down here, humans and their hatred caused my sister to die for nothing, humans fucking killed me. So tell me human why. Should. I. trust. You?” Frisk’s heart sank, as she wondered how she could convince him to give up the hate and accept what she could offer.

            “Because it is the truth. You can take the offer and start your life again, have your family back whole and healthy or you can hold onto your hate, but the choice has to be yours.” Frisk held her breath as she waited for the flower to answer for him to choose love and kindness over the hate he was holding onto.

            “I think I would rather watch you suffer, I would rather watch the little human who thinks she can save the underground have to fight and make choices on who is saved and who isn’t. I see that you have at least charmed Toriel and that the smiley trash bag next to you seems to have taken a shine to you, but what will you do when instead of a kind motherly monster or a lazy sack of bones but someone who doesn’t buy your sugar sweet crap and actually wants to hurt you and kill you decide to fight you. Now leave me be but know I’ll be watching you to see when you can’t show mercy when you can’t save someone.” Frisk was saddened by what the flower said to her, how was she going to save the monsters if she couldn’t convince this one little flower that she really could save them.

            “Fine if you plan on watching you will see as your sister is brought back, you will see as I show everyone that I can save them, and when all but you is saved you will see that I will not leave you behind Asriel. Because once everyone is free and happy and safe my offer will still stand. I’ve already started on a soul for you, and it will be waiting for you when all is said and done.” With that Frisk turned and pulled Sans along with her out of the chamber.

            “Okay Sans take us back to Mom then we can go to the lab. Just please don’t tell anyone about this, that reaction from him was one of the reasons that I didn’t want to tell mom. I don’t want to get her hopes up.” Frisk stepped into Sans’ arms as he teleported them back to Toriel’s house after wrapping her safe in his arms. He never mentioned that he saw the tears falling from her eyes, although he did hold her just a little bit longer than he needed to trying to offer her just a little bit of peace and support knowing how it had hurt her to hear what the flower had said.

Chapter Text

Chapter 8

An Emotional Reunion and Building Emotions

            The mess that had been in the lab was… less, it looked like Alphys had attempted to clean up the mess. Although the smell of the place hadn’t changed other than the fact there was a layer of something that smelled like a cheap imitation of oranges and lemons laced over the other odors of the place now. The smell made Frisk scrunch up her nose as Sans released her and Toriel after they had teleported in.

            Looking around the room Frisk saw that there was no one there and wondered if king Asgore would even show up. She wouldn’t be surprised if he didn’t not believing that something like this was possible, hell Frisk was a bit shocked that Toriel even agreed to try resurrecting Chara. Secretly she believed that the only reason Toriel even agreed to attempt this was a desperate desire for it to be true not a true belief that Frisk was capable of doing it.

            “Stop that sis Mom believes in you just like I do.” It was clear that Chara had heard Frisk’s internal debate with herself. I hope so but… I’m not used to having people believe that I can do anything right. Frisk sighed trying to shake off her own self-doubts. “Frisk I believe in you I always have, and I always will.” Chara said a smile in her voice and Frisk could swear that she could feel a sense of being hugged.

            “So, um where do you think Alphys and Asgore are?” Frisk voiced nervously.

            “let me take a look around and i’ll see if i can find them.” Sans put his hand on Frisk’s shoulder and gave a gentil squeeze of reassurance before walking out of the room to see if he could find Alphys and maybe the king.

            Having been left alone Frisk turned to her adoptive mother with a nervous smile on her face hoping everything would go according to her plan. She truly wanted to do this for the woman that made her remember what it felt like to have a mother’s love again. Although a small part of her was still disappointed that Flowey had denied her offer. She really hated that because of his hate and self-doubt she wouldn’t be able to bring the whole family back together.

            Before too long Sans came back into the room with a very nervous Alphys trailing behind him. Just as Frisk felt her heart sink that this wouldn’t work out and the king had not come, she saw a rather large and intimidating figure step through the door that Sans and Alphys had come in through. What she witnessed was a monster who towered over everyone in the room, he had to be at least ten feet tall with and almost as wide. His body was covered in a purple cloak with gold finishing fastened at the neck with an ornate representation of the Delta Rune that was almost as big as a dinner plate. The horns on top of the kings head gleamed in the light of the room and were nestled amongst his main of golden hair. From his chin rippled a beard that looked like he had combed and oiled it, so it shown like the gold of the cape fastening.

            So, this was Asgore Dreemurr king of the monsters and estranged husband to the monster that Frisk considered to be a mother of her soul. The look in his honey colored eyes was one of hope tinged with sadness and something else that Frisk couldn’t quite put her finger on. Was it guilt? She wasn’t sure although she hoped that if it were that the magic that she was planning to do would at least ease some of that guilt.

            “Your majesty I am Frisk Sotiris it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” Frisk greeted the large and intimidating monster with all the grace and determination she could muster as she presented her hand to him to shake.

            “Greetings child so you are the human who wrote to me of resurrecting my dead adopted daughter Chara?” the rumble of Asgore’s voice was low and sweet like honey with a core of iron. His gaze flicked over to Toriel the look that Frisk had not been sure was guild flashed deeper and shown through with a pain that spoke of how much he missed the monster that was his estranged wife.

            “Yes Sir, I believe that with the magic that M-Toriel and yourself donate we will be able to not only resurrect Chara but also give her the identity that she had wished she had in her former life. Shall we get started?” Frisk was nervous but determined to make this work and bring back some hope back to the underground.

            “Could you perhaps explain more about what it is that you plan on doing? Perhaps tell us how it is the letter addressed from Chara was even in her handwriting?” There was a hint of skepticism in Asgore’s voice. Frisk sighed and explained to him the procedure and showed him the soul shard she had already harvested for Chara. After that Toriel reluctantly passed the locket to Asgore so he could speak to Chara.

            “Hey Daddy. It’s been a while… I’m so, so, so sorry, I feel so bad that I have this opportunity when… I don’t know how we… I wish Azzy…” Chara trailed off unable to voice how much she wished that it were her adopted brother that was coming back. She would have given up the chance she had just to give him back what he had lost.

            “C-chara? Stars child it really is you… so… it’s true? I know you wish it were your brother that we could have back but just to even get one of you back is… the greatest blessing a father could ever hope for, ever dream of.” Tears streamed freely from Asgore’s eyes as his voice broke as he spoke, the pure emotion shaking the king of the monsters to his very core Turing the intimidating figure to the morning father that he truly was.

            The small smile at seeing the truly giant monster in front of her break down in tears gave her faith that she was doing the right thing. Frisk knew in her soul that the monsters needed this and that this one step was going to show them the hope and light they needed to just hold on a little longer. Looking over to her adopted mother Frisk could see that the former queen while also nervous and still holding anger at her estranged husband was softening towards him seeing the evidence of his grief in that moment.

            “Shall we work on righting the first of the wrongs that I plan on righting in my time here in the underground?” Frisk smiled at the monsters in front of her ready to get to work on what would be one of the more complex bits of magic she had ever done.

            “We are ready.” Was the answer that Frisk heard from Asgore, Toriel, and Chara after the king and former queen exchanged a small look.

            Nodding Frisk led the monsters into the room that Alphys had prepared for the procedure. There were two chairs one on either side of a bed made with crisp white sheets a thin but warm blanket on it and one of those too stiff pillows that one sees in hospitals on it. Frisk placed the beaker with the soul shard down on the bed and gestured for Asgore to sit to the right of the bed and Toriel to take the left.

            “Okay I won’t be able to do much talking during this once I start. What I need for the two of you to do is concentrate your magic on the framework I lay out on the bed. I’ll start by removing the soul shard from the beaker and from there I will be creating the basic shell of a body, head, torso, arms, and legs. As your magic joins with mine the magic will take the form that Chara wants. Before that though I need to tie her spirit to the soul shard like I did with the locket so that it becomes hers for that I’ll be placing a small barrier around the soul shard as I work so… well I don’t want any mistakes to happen.” The monsters nodded to Frisk as she spoke a gleam of new hope in their eyes.

            With a nervous swallow Frisk approached the beaker taking it into one of her hands removing the lid and focusing a small bit of magic to coax the brilliant red shad to float out and above the palm of her other hand. With a thought a small golden barrier surrounded the little shard protecting and containing it from all but her own touch and influence. Frisk could feel Chara’s presence in her soul as she drew three hears she had brought with her From Toriel’s home and worked the same spell she had on the locket.

            As Frisk fixed the first hair to the shard with a drop of her blood Frisk could feel Chara dim from her mind slightly but felt her presence more clearly from the soul shard. The second hair was affixed around the soul shard with another drop of blood the energy of Frisk’s magic pulsing as Chara become more firmly attached to the small shard. With the final hair Frisk pushed a burst of magic through the hair and her own blood to finish the binding, Chara was no longer in her mind and with that absence Frisk felt a single tear leak from her eye falling to the small shard in her hand. As the tear hit the shard it pulled and flared with a light as bright as the sun, a surge of magic flowing hot and fast growing the small shard to double the original size as the shard became Chara.

            The gasps Frisk could hear from the monsters as they felt the magic flair egged her on filling her with determination to show what she was capable of. With a deep breath to steady and recenter herself Frisk pushed and wove her magic to provide the frame for Chara’s new body. Once satisfied that the frame was suitable Frisk gave a node to Asgore and Toriel to touch the magic and start adding their own. The energy of Toriel’s magic was like a warm fire in a cozy room keeping the chill of winter away, Asgore’s magic was just as warm but harder and a bit more wild like what one would feel from a bonfire on a summer night at the beach.

            The magic from the two monsters flowing into the frame that Frisk had laid down began to swirl and mix joining into a new magic something that was part Toriel and part Asgore with a little pulse of the determination of Frisk’s own magic mixed in as she directed the magic to flow and converge towards the soul shard at the heart of the frame. At the very second that the magic from the three of them touched the shard there was a pulse of blinding light as the shard grew directed by Frisk’s magic and Chara’s will and wishes.

            Once the light dimmed the new soul was whole a perfectly formed upside down heart. It shimmered like pearl with a sheen of red dusted across the surface. Frisk continued to direct the magic to fill in the body as Chara’s will and the new monster soul that she possessed formed the body. As the magic worked a small monster formed on the bed in front of them with silver white fur and small horns protruding from the top of her head. The floppy ears drooping down the sides of her head her paw like hands and strong legs formed. Her body was larger than Frisk’s human body but still smaller than Toriel’s body she would be roughly six tall when standing from the look of it.

            With a shuddering sigh Frisk sent one final pulse of magic to bind the spell finishing the spell as Chara took her first breath as a living breathing monster. Toriel and Asgore stopped the flow of their own magic taking the cue from Frisk and turned to the long face of the small goat monster that now lay on the bed as they held their breath.

            Frisk pulled the blanket over her sister’s body making a note that they would need to get her some cloths. Once the blanket was in place Frisk leaned over placing her lips against Chara’s forehead and whispered to her. “Time to wake up Chara sister Mom is waiting, so is Asgore.” She stepped back watching as for the first time Chara opened her eyes in her new body. Her eyes shown a red gold like autumn leaves.

            “Momma? Daddy? I’m home now.” The sound of Chara’s voice was similar to what it had been in Frisks mind, but it had a softer more musical touch to it as the new monster spoke her first words.

            Sobbing Toriel wrapped her child in her arms tears of joy falling freely from her eyes at being able to hold her daughter again. Chara started to cry as well as she buried her face in her mother’s chest wrapping her arms around Toriel. Asgore shifted from foot to foot hands behind his back looking nervous as tears threatened to escape his eyes. It was clear to Frisk that he wanted to hug the two women embracing on the bed but didn’t want to force it knowing how mad Toriel had been and probably still was at him.

            “Daddy come here.” Chara reached out to her father with one of her pawed hands. As he clasped his own hand around her smaller one, she gave a mighty tug pulling him into the embrace with her mother. “No more fighting you two we are a family, and I will have both of you not just one or the other.” Chara said firmly with the determination that was a part of her human past.

            Frisk chuckled wanting to hug her mother and sister but not sure if she belonged there anymore. Having her mind to herself was a bit lonely and seeing her sister happy was worth it but she still felt a bit out of place. It felt good to have been able to do this for Chara and Toriel the two woman who had become her family, but she still wasn’t sure about the king or how he would take her addition to the family.

            “Sis get your butt over here too. you may be human, and I might be a monster now, but your magic is in my veins too and you will always be the sister of my soul.” Chara smiled and beckoned Frisk over.

            “Yes, my child I have to agree. Just because we have Chara back does not make you any less my daughter. In fact, your part in bringing her back to us makes you more so our daughter than ever.” It didn’t escape Frisk’s notice she had said our daughter as though she was including Asgore in that.

            “I have to agree with my wife and daughter young lady. I may not have had a say in it but if you are Chara’s sister and Toriel’s daughter I would very much like for you to consider…” Asgore trailed off unsure how to ask her to be his daughter as well. He didn’t even know if he deserved the consideration after what he had done to the six humans who’s souls still resided locked up in the palace.

            “I-I Toriel you are the mother of my soul, the mother that I missed out on having for so much of my life. Chara you are the sister of my soul, the one who even in my darkest times helped me to stay determined, to stay strong. Asgore I… I would be honored to be your daughter if Chara’s love and loyalty tell me anything about you it is that at your core you are a good person. I… it may take me a while to call you dad though… it was not that long ago that I lost my father… I still miss him even though he made… mistakes.” Frisk walked to the bed and joined the embrace of her new family, still sad over the loss of her own father and disappointed that Asriel was not there with them.

            Standing to the side of the room Sans watched as this one human woman did something that no one would have believed possible, she had healed the rift between the king and queen at least to some extent, she had brought back the princess and given her not just a new body but also a new soul and allowed her to become a true successor to the monster throne. Frisk had given the monsters back a future that the underground had thought lost to them forever when the prince and princess died. There was a genuine smile on Sans face as he watched the family embrace.

            A high pitched squeal that started quiet and almost not there slowly started to grow as Alphys watched the royal family and the human girl who was for all intents and purposes was now a royal herself if the words of the king and queen said anything embracing on a hospital bed in her lab. It was like a fairytale or an anime as far as Alphys was concerned watching the human girl come and set right something that had been so wrong. In her eyes Frisk was the heroin of the underground. Blinking in realization Alphys gasped as she recalled an old prophecy the one that the Delta Rune symbolized, could Frisk be the angel?

            “Sans, Alphys I can’t thank you enough for the help you provided in setting things up for the smell. If not for your help yesterday and today I wouldn’t have been able to do this and I wouldn’t have my family.” Frisk said shyly stepping from her adoptive family’s embrace to go to her two friends.

            “heheh i didn’t do that much frisk you’re the one that had the plan and the know-how.” The sound of bone on bone as Sans rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment made Frisk smile.

            “Sans if it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have been strong enough to do the magic today… you really saved my butt yesterday actually.” Frisk was embarrassed that she had almost made the nearly catastrophic mistake with the size of the soul shard. That could have completely prevented her from completing the spell or even made the shard too strong for Chara to overpower it to her will making it what it was now.

            There was a clear blush on Sans’ face, he wasn’t sure how to handle being painted as a hero for just that bit of brains. Although it was difficult for him to not feel warmer at her praise, after all she was smart, capable, strong, and beautiful. After realizing the differences between the dreams and the nightmares and the reality that was Sans was finding himself more and more drawn to Frisk.

            “I-I d-didn’t d-do a-anything l-like S-sans d-did I j-just h-helped w-with t-the e-equipment a-and a-assisted y-you w-with y-your t-tests y-yesterday.” Alphys was blushing that Frisk had complimented her but felt she didn’t deserve any praise for her part. Not for such a small contribution and not after her past.

            “Alphys don’t sell yourself short. For one thing talking to you helped me a lot in figuring out the finer points on monster anatomy, for another thing if you hadn’t helped with setting up the equipment or even having the idea for the covered beaker and stasis spell, I would have had to use two shards of my soul one for the test and a second one for the procedure. So much like Sans you saved my butt too cause two chunks of soul would have left me weaker than I would have liked for completing the spell. Honestly, it could have blown up in all of our faces best case I would have lost most of my magic worst case it could have literally killed everyone here if my magic weren’t stable. So, in a way you could say you saved all our lives.” Frisk knew she was playing it up a little bit, but she could see her reptilian friend needed a small boost, and it wasn’t that much of a stretch that things could have gone bad.

            “R-really… I-I… s-saved e-everyone?” The shock was clear on the lizard monsters face like she never thought she couldn’t save anyone let alone the royal family.

            “Yes, really Alphys you are a great scientist you just need to build a bit more confidence in your own mind.” Frisk walked over to her friend and gave her a hug, with a big smile on her face.

            “Yes, Alphys you are a very capable scientist, there is a reason I chose you as the royal scientist and my daughter is correct that you should have more confidence in yourself.” Asgore praised the yellow lizard monster with a firm tone and a smile on his face. A small part of Frisk swelled with pride that he had called her his daughter even as another part still mourned the loss of her human father.

            After many hugs and some deep conversation, it was agreed that Toriel, Chara, and Frisk would go back to the ruins for the remaining two weeks of Frisk’s agreement though Frisk and Chara where now free to roam the underground as the pleased. Asgore was going to send out a decree that no harm was to come to Frisk or any other human in the underground and an announcement that there would be a ball at the end of the two weeks to celebrate the return of the lost queen. At the ball Chara and Frisk would be introduced as the royal princesses that they had become.

            Toriel planned on continuing Frisks education on monster culture and training Chara in the use of her new monster magic. Asgore was immensely pleased with what had happened and that his wife was willing to work on forgiving him, even if she told him it was going to take time. Frisk wanted to explore the underground and get to know the rest of the monsters that had become her people with her adoption by the king and queen.

            Once all the plans had been made Asgore made his way back to the palace to make plans and write his announcements and decrees. Sans took the hands of the three women teleporting them to the Ruins. Once there Toriel whisked Chara away to help her find some proper cloths to put on since she was still wrapped in a sheet from the bed at the lab. This left Frisk and Sans standing in the living room on their own neither one was sure exactly what to say or do.

            “Um… thank you Sans you have been such a big help.” The feeling of wanting to say more burned in Frisk’s soul. Was it enough that her new parents are monsters? Would that fact be enough to avoid a war if she let herself follow what her soul was telling her?

            “heheh no problem starshine ya did somethin’ no one thought could happen today. makes me believe that ya can do anythin’ you set your mind to.” The smile on Sans face spread his eye lights shown thinking about how amazing this girl was. A moment later his smile fell a bit as he wondered if he even deserved what his soul was telling him was his destiny.

            “So… I was wondering… since mom is letting me go out when I’m not learning… would you be willing to show me around the underground? I only know you and Alphys and she doesn’t seem to be the type to get out much…” Frisk was nervous, she liked the skeleton and wanted to get to know him better. Even if she had to fight against herself when it came to her heart on the mater.

            “um sure starshine when ya mom givin’ ya a break from studyin’?” Sans wasn’t sure what to think of her wanting him to show her around, but he did like spending time with Frisk.

            “She said that if I study hard, I would be free on weekends to explore and get to know the monsters better if I wanted. Though she did say that she doesn’t want me to go alone so… you taking me should calm her down. I would like to know the place and the people that I plan to save.” As she spoke Frisk’s voice became stronger and more sure of what she said.

            “so saturday is day after tomorrow, want to come to snowdin and i can introduce ya to my bro papyrus and the other residents there?” For some reason he really wanted his brother to like Frisk and hoped that she would like his brother, not everyone could handle his brothers exuberant energy.

            “Sounds good… want me to walk you to the door?” Frisk started to nibble her lower lip nervously after asking. She didn’t know if she wanted him to say yes or no, part of her wanted him to say yes so she got to spend a little more time with him, part was afraid of him saying yes because she was finding it hard to be near him alone without doing something stupid.

            “it’s up to you starshine don’t mind if ya walk me to the door.” The casual tone of his voice was hiding his desire for her to accompany him. Secretly he was hoping he could steal a kiss from Frisk even if it were just one.

            Nodding Frisk extended her hand out to him offering to walk him out of the Ruins. Her stance said that she was calm although inside her heart was fluttering like a caged bird. Sans took her hand his soul thrumming with the contact like the feel of her skin against the bones of his hand were some addiction, and this was the only way to fix it.

            After the walk down the stairs and the long hallways to the door they arrived at the large double door leading out into the snow beyond. Frisk was a little sad that he was leaving till Saturday although she was excited about getting to go out and explore over the weekend. She could feel her heart felt like it was about to explode as she contemplated if he would kiss her, or maybe she should be brave and kiss him. Would it be wrong to do so? Frisk didn’t know if her new status as a princess to the monsters was enough to avoid a war should she try to turn her dream into a reality and that scared her.

            The walk was too short for Sans he wanted to spend more time with Frisk he didn’t want to go home to his empty room in the house he shared with his brother. He didn’t want to let go of the small enchantress that was quickly becoming an obsession for him. What would she do if he kissed her? Would she push him away? Would she be disgusted that a monster kissed her let alone a skeleton? Didn’t humans view his kind as the symbol of death? Sans hoped that she would want him to kiss her after all she had not been afraid of him or any of the monsters for that matter, not even the king in his intimidating glory had scared the girl.

            Frisk was chewing on her lower lip thinking of all the reasons she shouldn’t want him to kiss her. Most other humans would have thought it strange she was attracted to a skeleton, hell how did a skeleton even kiss someone. She did want him to kiss her though, she felt so safe when he had held her before and she felt a soul deep connection to him, probably because of the dreams. The nightmare vision she had seen scared her more than she cared to think about. then when she was in the depths of that fear and pain Sans who she could tell had seen that nightmare more than he could count had wrapped his arms around her and… it felt safe, it felt right to be in his arms.

            That lip trapped between her tiny teeth, Sans couldn’t take his eyes off her mouth. It was like a physical thing just to watch as she nibbled nervously at her lip. What was she thinking about? What was it that drove Frisk to do anything? He wanted to know, he wanted to know her thoughts, her dreams her wishes. Although if he didn’t get out of there soon, he was going to kiss her and that might keep him from getting to know her the way he wanted to. Sans didn’t want to scare her, maybe something more subtle was in order.

            “i’ll see ya saturday starshine. till then.” Sans took their joined hands and pressed his teeth gently to the back of her hand his eye lights focused on Frisk’s rapidly flushing face. He watched as that adorable blush spread across her cheeks her eyes shimmered and a tender smile played across her lips. He could feel his soul leap at the reactions she was showing, it gave him something he hadn’t had in a very long time, hope.

            Standing there speechless Frisk couldn’t catch her breath, Sans was kissing her hand his eye lights watching her face. There was sparks of electricity flowing up her arm her whole body tingled from just that small gesture. It was the single most thrilling moment of her life to that moment and with that she knew she wouldn’t be able to fight against his pull should he try to pursue her.

            “G-good n-night Sans.” It took almost everything that Frisk had just to get that small bit out through the haze of feelings she was experiencing.

            “sweet dreams starshine.” With that Sans let go of her hand slipped past the door to the Ruins and teleported away.

A/N so I added this here instead of at the beginning because I didn't want to spoil it too much. A very talented friend of mine who I know as Nightwilf created a lovely image of Chara after her resurrections. 

Chapter Text

Chapter 9

Revelations and explorations

            ASRIEL that… that squishy meek little HUMAN had the nerve to call him Asriel. No one had call the flower Asriel since the last time Chara had said it. What was with that human anyway? Other than the eyes the girl looked very much like Chara but wasn’t Chara. Also, why on earth did she keep stopping and making faces like she was talking to herself?

            She had come to him offering him the impossible, a way to have his body back his soul. She had said that she could give him everything he had wanted and craved from the moment Flowey had first woken in his flower body. It was impossible no one could bring back the dead, no one could create a soul to just give to someone. And that… infuriating… frustrating… confusing… girl had reached out and offered him what he craved as though it was the simplest thing possible.

            Flowey had craved so bad to accept, for it to all be real, however he hadn’t. There was no way that he could but cause it couldn’t be real. That traitorous hope that she could have been telling him the truth still gnawed at the sentient flower that had once been the prince of the monsters. Making him doubt his plans of using the girl to his own ends, of using her as a way of killing the monsters and continuing his fun.

            Playing with the monsters of the underground had become Flowey’s only real joy in the wretched existence he lived. However even that had begun to lose its joys, knowing how each monster would react how the light would die from their eyes as their bodies turned to dust. The only joy he was still able to find was what that smiley trash bag of a skeleton chose to do with each new reset. Would he cry over his brothers dust? Would he hunt Flowey down before he even had the time to strike, would he wait and see what Flowey did first?

            When the girl had descended into the underground Flowey had found that the powers of the reset had been ripped from him no buttons and no dark void. He had a feeling that if he died this time it would be fore good too. Because of that he was going to have to take his time with his plot, not risk doing anything that would cause the skeleton to go off on him. It was time for Flowey to take his time and watch no matter how much rage he had over being teased with that offer. It was time to get information learn what he could about the new player in the underground and what she intended for the monsters.

            With a thought and a push of his vines and magic Flowey, formerly Asriel Dreemurr slipped beneath the soil below. His magic pushing him at incredible speed as he searched for where the girl was at, body moving, latching onto the energy of the plants around him as he pushed forward. Where would he find her?

            Frisk was nervous, her feet wouldn’t stay still, and her heart was pounding in her chest. this should not have been a big deal Sans had taken her to the lab and back this shouldn’t be different. But for some reason it felt really different to her, it was almost like she was waiting on Sans to pick her up for a date. Wait where had that come from? She had to finish her mission, she had to save the monsters. She couldn’t let what she was beginning to feel for the skeleton that was becoming one of the closest things she ever had to a real friend get in her way. She had to break the barrier set the monsters free and help them assimilate to life on the surface.

             “Hey sis calm down, I know how you are feeling… more than I really should honestly.” Frisk jumped as she heard Chara speak behind her.

            “Wh… what? I-I have no i-idea what you are talking about.” drawing herself up Frisk tried to hide the way she had jumped when her sister spoke to her.

            “Frisk dear I literally was attached to your soul until yesterday. The only time I haven’t had a direct line to you was after you set up the locket and I was spending time with mom. Even then if you felt something strong enough it could still sense it. There is no way you can tell me you don’t like Sans, and no way you can deny that you are pacing around nervous about your feelings and what they could mean not just for you but for your mission to free the monsters.” The knowing smirk on Chara’s face was a shock to Frisk.

            “Fine I guess there is no way that I can lie to someone who was part of me for my whole life… Yes, I… I really like Sans… I don’t know exactly why but I’ve had dreams about him for almost as long as I can remember. It thrills me and terrifies me all at once, and if I wasn’t determined to free the monsters and right the wrongs of the past then… I would love to explore the feelings I have.” Sighing heavily Frisk hung her head wringing her hands together her shoulders hunching as she spoke.

            “Frisk why on earth would your mission stop you from finding love, finding out if what you are feeling is real?” The question hung in the air heavy and hopeful. Chara knew her sister better than anyone should or could know another unless they shared a soul.

            “Because Chara the war was started because a human and a monster loved each other. It was something that neither side could let go and because of that love the couple died, and the war started. I can’t let my own feelings lead to another war, not when I’m fighting to free the monsters and bring back the peace that should have always been.” Hot tears pricked the back of Frisk’s eyes as she spoke about her fears of everything that could go wrong.

            “Okay but there is a big difference Frisk. There is a difference between now and back then, I know the story as well as you do but not just from your fathers telling… when I was still small living with the monsters Daddy told me the story and while they are similar there are a few differences though the differences are not what it important here. Frisk the maiden from the story was a princess of the humans so her father didn’t have to beseech the king he was the king, the monster was from a greater noble family and one of the monsters strongest, so his loss enraged the king of the monsters. On top of that the maidens father didn’t approve of the match he didn’t want his daughter and the next in line to the throne to marry a monster.” Chara had wrapped her arms around Frisk as she spoke trying to offer comfort to her trembling sister.

            “But the humans would not accept a human and a monster so readily. It is going to be hard enough to prove to them that monsters are not just the stuff of myth and legend. To prove that the monsters are not the evil creatures that movies show them to be. Having the girl that brings them to the surface… on one hand I know I’m the best person for this mission… I know the magic, the legends, and I’m determined to have everything work out right. Although on the other hand the humans who I knew didn’t accept me because of my beliefs how are they going to set that hate aside to accept the monsters?” The tears fell freely from Frisk’s eyes as she lay bare her fears of everything that could go wrong. She knew that she could break the barrier, what she didn’t know is if she really should.

            “Sister there are always going to be people who won’t accept the truth, be it the truth of love or the truth that monsters exist and will live on the surface. In the end it doesn’t matter if the humans accept a relationship between a monster and human those things can be changed with time, with exposure. What matters is that there won’t be another war because while you are a princess now you are a princess of the monsters not the humans.” Hand moving on Frisk’s back soothingly Chara laid out the most important difference between the past and the present.

            “W-wait your right… my human parents are both… dead… I don’t have any human family that would object to me loving Sans… how could a war happen if as a princes and third in line to the monster throne I was to marry a monster… so the only ones I could need to convince if I let my             `feelings bloom would be Mom and Dad…” The look in Frisk’s eyes was hopeful yet far 9-away. It was clear that as she spoke the wheels of her mind started to click into place giving her the pieces of the puzzle that would give her the agency to do what her soul told her was right.

            “Finally, you get it Frisk. just relax if the two of you have a connection then it will happen for now stop stressing and stop guarding your heart so tightly. Enjoy getting to know the monsters and seeing the underground learn about the people that you are going to free.” Chara squeezed her sisters shoulders revealed that Frisk was thinking now and not just stressing out over something that hasn’t come yet.

            As the Frisk had started to relax the girls heard a gentle double rap at the door, they had been standing by waiting for Sans to arrive. Frisk jumped at the sound a look of panic flashed across her face, a gentle hand on her shoulder from Chara had Frisk taking a deep breath to settle herself.

            “knock, knock.” The deep rumble of Sans’ amused voice reaching the girls ears as he was setting up for a joke. A smile came across Frisk’s face.

            “Who’s there?” There was a giggle in Frisks voice as she answered, Chara had an indulgent smile on her face hearing her sister giggle.

            “gladys.” There was a chuckle from Sans as he continued the joke.

            “Gladys, who?” Feeling giddy at the silly joke Frisk attempted to stifle her giggles.

            “gladys the weekend – no more studies.” Even Chara couldn’t help the laugh she had as Sans finished the joke and Frisk opened the big double doors to the snowy landscape beyond and the grinning skeleton who had come to pick her up.

            “That was very appropriate for the occasion Sans. Would you like to come in? I think Mom has some pie upstairs if you are interested.” Frisk wanted to get going on her first real adventure into the underground, although she had better manners and was more than happy to extend the invitation.

            “nah, thanks though. was plannin’ on treating ya to some lunch once we are in snowdin.” It was clear to Chara that Sans was nervous just like Frisk was. It was so damn cute to see the two fighting against the obvious attraction.

            “Oh… um okay Chara are you coming with?” Frisk wanted the time alone with Sans now that she was feeling less like the world rested on whether or not, she liked the skeleton or not and more like she could relax and get to know him, although she didn’t want to leave her sister out of the fun if she wanted to come.

            “No sis I wanted to stay home and have some one on one time with Mom. It’s been so long since the last time we just had some mother daughter time.” Chara so did not want to be a third wheel on this outing, she also didn’t want to face the monsters yet being as no one would know who she was and if they did… yeah better to stay home.

            “Okay guess I’ll see you and Mom later? Sans shall we go then?” Turning to Sans Frisk had a curious look on her face and a big smile across her lips.

            “yeah, come on frisk i’ll show ya around. i think first i’ll introduce ya to my bro since we should run into him before getting’ into town.” In a show of gentlemanly concern Sans extended his arm for Frisk to grab hold of.

            With a blush across her cheeks Frisk slipped her arm through the loop of arm that Sans offered her. she really wanted to rest her head on his shoulder, maybe she could use the disorientation that his shortcuts caused as an excuse? Sadly, for Frisk that wasn’t his plan as he gently began to tug her down the path away from the door.

            “What no shortcut?” The sound in Frisk’s voice was both disappointed and relieved. She didn’t like the dizzying feeling of shifting places through time and space, but she also really wanted that excuse.

            “nah, starshine figured a nice walk would be somethin’ ya would appreciate, ‘specially since you’ve been cooped up in the ruins for so long.” There was  a teasing smile in Sans’ voice as he placed his free hand over the hand Frisk had through his arm.

            “Oh… okay… yeah walking is fine its really pretty out here in a cold wintery kind of way. Actually, how is there so much snow down here underground?” Looking up into Sans’ eye lights Frisk asked her natural curiosity shining through.
            “ya want the long answer or short one?” Sans asked his ever present smile widened at finding something that this amazing intelligent woman didn’t know yet.

            “… both?” There was a nervous lilt to Frisk’s voice as she chewed on her lower lip.

            “okay well the short answer is magic, the longer answer is simple really we have a magic plant over in hotlands called the core. it collects the ambient magic around the underground refining it and allowing it to take the form of what we need. in drawing the magic from place to place. currents of energy are formed and breaks the underground into distinct temperate zones. In essence producing a smaller scale of the different climates that are on the surface.” Sans chuckled softly at the owlish look on Frisk’s face.

            “Wow I knew you were smart but damn… I think you are the first person I have met that can keep up with the way my mind gets when I’m explaining something complex, and you so just sounded like what Chara likes to call my professor mode.” A soft giggle came from Frisk as the blush of her face bloomed to a gentle glow.

            As Frisk watched a blue flush came over Sans’ face matching her own blush, it was probably one of the most adorable things that she had ever seen. Sans was not used to complements, he was not used to someone seeing his smarts and recognizing he had a sharp mind in his empty skull. The look of gratitude that Frisk could see on Sans’ face almost broke her heart, it was almost like no one ever saw him for what he was.

            “thanks, starshine… “ it seemed as though Sans was having trouble coming up with exactly what to say or maybe he just wasn’t ready to say anything about what he was thinking.

            “Sans… um… can I ask you something?” Frisk wanted to know about the nickname he used for her. she remembered it from her dreams, but he only ever used it when they were by themselves. Did he know about the dreams? Did he have them too?

            “sure, ya can ask me anythin’ ya want starshine.” It was like with those words Sans was admitting more than the words themselves said and it sent a shiver of something down Frisk’s spine.

            “Well… I was wondering… about the nickname you call me… Starshine… why?” Frisk was having a hard time breathing, what would he say?

            “oh… erm… well…” Sans chuckled nervously. “ya see i’ve had this dream… and… when i look into your eyes i see stars shinin’ back at me… and it reminds me of… well…” The blush from Frisk’s complement had been overshadowed as Sans’ face was doing an almost perfect imitation of a blueberry.

            “Dream? If I say something… tell you something do you promise not to laugh?” Frisk bit her bottom lip hoping he wouldn’t think it was silly.

            “well, I don’t like makin’ promises but i think this one is one I can keep so yeah sure.” The blush was still firmly on Sans’ face, but his eye lights focused intently on Frisk’s face.

            “Okay so… I have had these dreams… I’ve had them for as long as I can remember. In the dream I’m dressed in this gorgeous dress and at a masquerade ball. Everyone at the ball wants time with me, asking me to dance, asking me what my plans are for the future. In short it is overwhelming, and I go out on a balcony…” Frisk paused trying to figure out how to phrase what she is trying to say. How would she know if he had the dreams too if she gave all the details?

            “let me guess… a mysterious stranger in a black mask with… less than human features speaks up. ‘Be still my soul, a star has fallen to earth to shine before me.’ that about right?” the smirk on Sans’ face said it all, he knew the dream and it left Frisk breathless.

            “Sans… is that… you have the dreams, too don’t you?” The look on Frisk’s face she was in shock, elated, scared, it was impossible for her to settle on one thing to think or feel in that moment.

            “heheh yeah starshine i’ve seen your face every time i dream… you saw the nightmare when we were at the lab… but… the ball… that one is the only time i like to sleep… it’s wakin’ up from that one I don’t like… or didn’t.” A soft smile spread across Sans’ face his free hand reaching out to brush a lock of hair from Frisk’s face.

            Frisk could feel her heart fluttering just like in the dream, it was the most startling intense feeling she had ever had. What did it mean that Sans had the dreams too? was there some force at work? Something pushing the two of them together that had been written to the histories.

            “What does it mean Sans? I don’t understand and I’m so scared that it isn’t real that what I feel isn’t me feeling it but something outside of me. I… I want it to be real, I want the joy I feel when I hear you laugh to be real. I want the flutter of butterflies in my stomach when you hold my hand to be real. But how can I be sure it is real, how can I be sure it is me and not her that is feeling this way.” Glistening tears trailed down Frisks cheeks her head so confused as her heart her very soul seemed to be drawn to the skeleton that was in front of her.

            “simple starshine, we don’t rush we get to know the real us not what we saw in the dreams. i for one know that the woman i see in front of me is smart and sexy and brave and compassionate and so very kind. i don’t know that stuff about the angel in my dream all i know about her is she is pretty. And while a pretty dream is nice the gorgeous reality in front of me is so much more.” Frisk wished he would crack a joke or a pun or something to break the spell he had cast on her with his words. It almost sounded like he already made his decision on how he felt about it all.

            “So, you’re ok if I don’t just throw myself in your arms and melt into a puddle?” Frisk smiled at Sans realizing that she did know things about Sans that she really liked about him that she didn’t know about the skeleton in the dreams. She knew that his smile hid something most of the time but when he smiled for real when it reached his eye lights it melted her heart. She knew that the sound of his laughter set her heart pounding and she couldn’t help but laugh along. She knew that he was as smart or smarter than anyone else she had ever met even if he hid it by his lazy smiles and corny puns. Maybe that was enough, maybe not, but Frisk did know that she didn’t want to give up on getting to know the sexy skeleton in front of her.

            “nah, starshine i want you to want me for me not some image from a dream. i’m willin’ to wait as long as you need to make up your mind.” With that Sans pressed his teeth to Frisk’s forehead in a gentle kiss and began walking again.

            “So, you said you have a brother? What is he like? I remember you mentioning his name was Papyrus right? isn’t that a font name?” Sans laughed as Frisk bombarded him with questions. She was just too cute to be believed.

            “yeah come on i think he’s goin’ to like ya.” There was a fond look on Sans’ face as he gently tugged Frisk farther though the snow.

            It was cold in the snow but not so cold as Frisk would have expected. It felt more like a cool autumn afternoon rather than what looked like a winter wonderland. It was amazing how the snow glittered in the light from the cavern ceiling. The trees grew tall, and it made Frisk wonder how trees could grow underground let alone trees that looked like the stretched taller than skyscrapers.

            “Okay Sans I understand the magic making different climates though the underground but what I don’t get it how the trees are growing down here with no sun, or how they are so tall.” Frisk couldn’t help asking, knowing  that Sans would probably know the answer.

            “heheh again the answer is magic. by collectin’ ambient magic, the monsters of the underground have been able to expand the size of the underground. we are in fact much farther below the mountain than you would think even though the path seemed flat it gradual works its way deeper down. the tops of the trees are not even above the base of the mountain. as for growin’ without the sun we have infused the ceilin’ of the caverns with magic and spells to mimic the sun and the moon. it’s not as powerful as the real sun by far but it still lets plants grow.” Something about the way that Sans talked about the magic made Frisk wonder how he had learned so much about the magic used in the environment of the underground. Maybe it was normal that the residents of the underground knew how the magic worked, though something seemed to make Frisk feel that it was something more.

            “Sans has anyone told you that you have a beautiful mind? It is amazing to watch as you explain the magic. Honestly, it is refreshing to have someone speak to me and not dumb it down… way too many people thought I was on the slow side when it came to my mind on the surface because of my belief in the legends. I love that you don’t treat me as though I’m dumb or less because I’m human.” There was a smile creeping across Frisks lips a wistful look in her eyes as she thought about how nice it was to just talk to someone who had a brain and didn’t treat her like she didn’t have one.

            “tibia honest starshine I don’t have a brain, i’m a bit of a bonehead. Although i do love talkin’ to ya and i know ya have brain enough for both of us.” Frisk couldn’t help the giggle that escaped from her as Sans spoke.

            “Oh, gods Sans.” Frisk rest her forehead against Sans her laughter bubbling up though her mouth. “I found that very… humerus, seems you filled my skull with a few rib ticklers…” As she spoke Frisk broke down laughing so hard that she couldn’t catch her breath.

            “wow…” Sans locked his eye lights on Frisk, as he watched her break down laughing and the fact that she just added to his puns he couldn’t help joining her in the laughter.

            “Sorry Sans couldn’t help myself… do you know hard it is to find an excuse to use those ones other than on Halloween? Having you around is going to be fun.” It was like a light had been turned on in Frisk’s face as Sans watched her eyes sparked her smile was so bright it was like looking into the sun.

            “no need to apologize starshine. watchin’ you enjoy yourself so much… i don’t think i can describe how nice it is for me.” Sans could feel his soul thrum with happiness. All he could hope in that moment was that he would get to hear this enchanting woman laugh just a little longer, get to watch her smile as much as possible, wanting her to be happy.

            “SANS IS THAT YOU?!? WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN!?!” Frisk jumped due to a rather loud voice intruding on the moment she had been having with Sans. She watched as Sans’ smile shifted. She wasn’t sure if it was a good shift or a bad one, but she hoped it was good.

            “heheh yeah pap it’s me got a new friend for you to meat.” Sans laughed at his brothers enthusiasm.

            “A NEW FRIEND? YOU BETTER NOT MEAN GRILLBY, OR ALPHYS FOR THAT MATTER! YOU KNOW VERY WELL THAT I KNOW THEM BOTH ALREADY!” Frisk was shocked by how loud the tall skeleton was. Looking at him from beside Sans Frisk could see that the other skeleton had to be at least seven maybe eight feet tall. He had on some kind of armor but not armor, it consisted of a white chest plate and blue sort of shorts. His outfit was completed with striking red boots red gloves and an older looking red scarf that fluttered in the breeze.

            “Hi, I’m Frisk it is a pleasure to meet you, your brother Sans told me about you, and it is so nice make your acquaintance. Papyrus right?” Sticking her hand out for the tall skeleton to take Frisk was struck by the fact that he towered over her small frame. Maybe Sans was the exception, and all other monsters are going to tower over her.

            “SANS IS THAT A HUMAN?” Frisk was starting to get used to Papyrus’ booming voice though it was a wonder to her that Sans had a deep rumble that stayed low and sweet, and his brother boomed out loud and in a higher pitch. It was interesting that they seemed to be almost complete opposites at first glance.

            “bro that’s rude yeah frisk is a human.” Sans cut off as Frisk was lifted into Papyrus’ arms and he started marching away from his brother.

            “EEEEP. Sans a little help here please.” Frisk was a bit distressed by suddenly being slung over Papyrus’ shoulder bouncing along with his long strides.

            “erm bro please put the human down before you get yourself in trouble.” Sans kept dashing ahead of his brother to get in his way.

            “BROTHER WHY EVER WOULD I RELEASE THE HUMAN? I THE GREAT PAPYRUS HAVE FINALLY CAUGHT A HUMAN AND WILL NOW BECOME PART OF THE ROYAL GUARD.” Frisk paled remembering that Asgore still had to inform his subjects of the change in orders about humans… crap this was going to make today interesting.

            “Erm Papyrus can you stop walking for a moment please I would like to speak with you and doing so from your shoulder is a bit undignified for both of us.” Voice bouncing from the jars of Papyrus’ foot falls as he walked Frisk was determined to sort this out and solve things without resorting to her adoptive parents.

            “SIGH… VERY WELL HUMAN SPEAK BUT THEN I THE GREAT PAPYRUS SHALL TAKE YOU TO UNDYNE CAPTAIN OF THE ROYAL GUARD AND BE REWARDED. I SHALL FINALLY HAVE THE FRIENDSHIP AND LOVE THAT I SO RIGHTFULLY DESERVE.” The sound of Papyrus’ voice while still loud was wistful as he was clearly immersed in fantasies of what the future held.

            “Thank you great and noble Papyrus, as I said my name is Frisk, Frisk Sotiris” stopping for a second Frisk wondered if her name were now Dreemurr like her adoptive family or if that would be after things are made official. Best to think of that later when she wasn’t trying to keep a towering skeleton from whisking her away to turn her in. “I am here to get to know the great monsters that have wrongfully been locked behind the barrier. I would then like to remove said barrier releasing he monsters back to the surface righting the wrongs of the past. For me to do that though I cannot be locked up in some cell but must make friends with the monsters. The first monster I would like to make friends with is you the great and noble Papyrus.” Frisk smiled a genuine smile, yes she was laying it on a bit thick but from the way Sans talked about him and from what Frisk could see Papyrus was not a bad guy just a bit… excitable.

            “yeah paps how’s she supposed to meat and great everyone if she is locked up in the cell. i thought ya would be the perfect monster for the job of being her first friend in the underground cause you’re so cool.” Sans smile affectionately at his brother.

            “VERY WELL BROTHER I SHALL BEFRIEND THE HUMAN! I DO SEE THAT IT IS WISE FOR THEM TO BE MY FRIEND FIRST FOR I THE GREAT PAPYRUS SHALL BE THEIR BEST FRIEND EVER.” It really was cute how the brothers acted together Frisk may not have grown up with her sister physically there, but the banter tickled her memories of the words she would hear from Chara in her darkest times and reminded her how grateful she was.

            “tibia honest bro ya are the better monster, ya got a skele-ton of character and ya work yourself to the bone.” The smirk on Sans face as he spoke told Frisk that he was up to something.

            “REALLY BROTHER MUST YOU.” It was clear to Frisk that this was something they did often from the way Sans was chuckling to the exasperated way Papyrus was pacing through the snow.

            “I’m sure a great monster like yourself wouldn’t be rattled by having his funny bone tickled.” Frisk was giggling as she spoke wanting in on the jokes too.

            “SANS I THINK YOU BROKE THE HUMAN. HOW COULD YOU CORRUPT THEM WITH YOUR DETESTABLE JOKES?” Frisk just laughed harder clinging onto Sans as he too was laughing his nonexistent butt off.

            “I am very sorry Papyrus you are such a good sport for letting Sans and I have a nice giggle. It has been a bit stressful coming down here and being able to relax and laugh is everything to me really.” Frisk was blushing a bit and still had a large smile on her face.

            “yeah paps poor girls had a tough time of things so far. gettin’ to laugh for a bit is good for the soul.” Sans smiled at his brother as he wrapped Frisk in his arms.

            “FEAR NOT BROTHER AND HUMAN, I THE GREAT PAPYRUS SHALL GET YOU BOTH INTO TOWN FASTER THAN THE WIND.” With that papyrus scooped Frisk up as well as Sans and dashed off towards Snowdin at top speed. Frisk looked at Sans from her perch in Papyrus’ arms noticing that Sans was pressed close to her but totally at ease. Sighing Frisk cuddled up between the arms of both brothers waiting to arrive in the first town of the underground.

Chapter Text

Chapter 10

Shopping and a Nice Lunch

            The little town of Snowdin had a quaint atmosphere, from what Frisk could see there was a small store an inn a bar and several houses. In the center of town there was a tall tree strung up with lights, bows, garland, and tinsel. It was surprising since when Frisk had come in it was in the early autumn, so it was a fair ways away to Christmas, did monsters even celebrate Christmas? Frisk would have to ask someone and find out, Sans would probably answer her question but maybe she should ask Toriel or even Chara.

            “WELCOME TO SNOWDIN HUMAN! I THE GREAT PAPYRUS SHALL SHOW YOU ALL THE SIGHTS!” The booming sound of Papyrus’ voice right near her ear caused Frisk to jump. Sans couldn’t help but chuckle at how cute she was when the blush spread across her face in embarrassment at having been startled by the overly tall skeleton that was still packing both Frisk and Sans around.

            “Really now Sans you have to admit that while your brother is great he is rather loud and being this close it’s a bit much for my delicate human eardrums.” Frisk shot Sans a playful scowl.

            “yeah i know starshine, I get that pain when he tries wakin’ me up in the mornin’ to try to convince me to go work out with him and undyne.” Sans had a fond smile on his face with a bit of exasperation in his voice.

            “AND THIS IS THE INN, ONE CAN RENT A ROOM FOR THE NIGHT AT THE INN IF THEY DO NOT HAVE A PLACE TO STAY. SPEAKING OF HUMAN WHERE IS IT THAT YOU ARE STAYING?” Frisk realized if she was going to be this close to Papyrus she was going to need to invest in something to protect her ears. Maybe they had some earmuffs at the store that wouldn’t be too much gold.

             “Erm well I have been staying in the Ruins and should be there for another week at least though after that I’m not sure really though I plan on brining the barrier down… once I do that a lot of things are going to end up changing for everyone. By the way Papyrus do you think they might have some earmuffs at the store? The snow has me feeling a bit chilly.” Frisk finished with a bright smile on her face though she caught the knowing look in Sans’ eye lights, revealed that the look was accompanied by a grateful tilt to his smile that she had found a way to protect her hearing while not hurting his brothers feelings.

            “yeah paps humans have snow business in the cold. ya mind usin’ your backbone and droppin’ us off at the store? we can meat back up with ya at the house for some lunch.” The look on Sans’ face clearly showed that he was waiting for something.

            “SANS MUST YOU WITH THE INFERNAL PUNS?” The groan from Papyrus was one of long suffering, as though he were used to it but still didn’t like that his brother kept making puns. A wicked smile crossed Frisk’s face as an idea formed in her mind.

            “Hey Papyrus, you have been carrying Sans and I for a while now you are so strong how do your muscles feel? Hope we haven’t been a pain in the tail bone.” Sans almost instantly started to chuckle under his breath hearing that Frisk had not only managed to complement Papyrus but also dropped a couple of puns in there.

            “YES HUMAN I AM VERY STRONG THANK YOU FOR NOTICE…. REALLY NOW YOU TOO? UGH SANS YOU CORRUPTED THE HUMAN ALREADY.” Frisk was giggling as she buried her face in Sans chest hoping Papyrus didn’t just drop the two of them as he was getting aggravated.

            “come on bro you know you love it, your even smilin’.” Sans looked down at the human snuggled into his chest and felt his soul sing at the way she was laughing and having fun. It was so perfect getting to pick on his brother with her in his arms, he never wanted to let go.

            “UGH SANS YES AND I HATE IT BECAUSE I CAN NOT HELP IT. I SHALL LEAVE YOU TWO AT THE STORE THEN.” Papyrus gently set the small human and his small skeleton of a brother on their feet just outside the town store. Frisk clutched to Sans as she was sill giggling, she could feel Sans’ arms wrap firmly around her keeping her from falling on her butt.

            “Thank you so much Papyrus for the ride to town you truly are great.” Frisk managed to get out once she stopped laughing long enough to speak. A soft orange blush crept over the taller skeleton’s face at her complement.

            “yeah bro ya are a bone-afide hero.” Sans smiled waiting for his pun to sink in as Frisk started to giggle again.

            “NYEH HEH I GUESS YOU COULD SAY THAT IM A NATURAL BONE LEADER. MAYBE IF YOU PUT A LITTLE MORE BACKBONE INTO IT YOU COULD BE GREAT TOO BROTHER.” Frisk gasped at hearing the puns from the taller brother and then busted up laughing. Sans shock his head with a chuckle knowing that was his brother’s way of showing he cared.

            As Papyrus walked off down the snow dusted streets of Snowdin Frisk watched feeling a warmth in her chest, she could tell that the brothers truly cared about each other even if there was a strange dynamic to it. she could tell that while the taller skeleton blustered and tended to be a bit loud he had a heart of gold… well skeletons don’t have harts so maybe a soul of gold would be closer. Sans reached over grasping Frisk’s hand in his boney fingers smiling at her.

            “ya really seem fond of my bro starshine, should i be worried i might have some competition?” Sans teased as he watched Frisk’s face to see what she would say and how she would react.

            “He is sweet though… not really my type… I prefer a guy who… isn’t so tall… and while he can joke I prefer… a more laid back sense of humerus.” Frisk finished with a cheeky wink a bit of a blush and a sweet giggle.

            “…” Sans stood there speechless, had she just winked at him? Damn she was cute when she blushed. That was clearly another pun at the end there too. Sans was starting to believe that even without the dreams he kept having of that masquerade he would be falling for her. She was smart, funny, kind, it was like her soul just made everyone feel… peace. That was the feeling he saw come over everyone’s face that met her.

            “Hey… Sans… you doing okay? You have this look on your face… it’s like you are looking at something only you can see.” There was a nervous sound to Frisk’s voice as she spoke.

            “nah, starshine just… ya are something special ya know? there is somethin’ about ya that… just makes everyone like ya. it ain’t an act either, ya really care about people like with my bro… ya joked around with him but still showed him more respect and kindness than… well just about anyone i’ve known.” It was a bit difficult for Sans to put into words exactly what he was thinking.

            “I… I know what it feels like for people to treat you like you don’t matter… to be treated badly because you are different… I know it hurts… so I try to always see the best in everyone. Your brother is cool… a bit loud but he has this confidence about him, like he is completely comfortable in who he is. That is special not everyone can stay true to themselves that way. Toriel when I first met her even before Chara told me who she was… I could see that she was hurting the same way that I am… she lost people that meant the world to her… I… felt her pain because I know how that feels and I wanted to make it better… figuring out how to bring back Chara that was good for all three of us… Chara is really the sister of my soul… being able to give her a hug is worth everything it took to make it happen. Getting to see the smile on Toriel’s face seeing Chara and watching them spend time together I feel like… I feel like what I did was worth something…” Tears welled up in Frisk’s eyes as she spoke spilling down her cheeks.

            “starshine… i don’t know what to say…” Pulling Frisk into his arms Sans felt his soul reach out to her. He had no idea how someone as amazing as her could have ever felt like what she did had no meaning, but it made his soul ache for her.

            “It’s ok Sans being able to help makes me feel good… seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces… getting to hear you, Papyrus, Mom and Chara laugh it makes everything that I went through in the past worth being here today.” Frisk looked into Sans’ eye lights and rested her forehead against his feeling a sense of peace come over her just being close to him.

            “erm we should get ya those earmuffs starshine… i know it was mostly cause of paps bein’ so loud, but it is on the cold side for a human.” It was hard for Sans to not just pull her closer and kiss her, he wanted to be closer, he wanted to feel Frisk’s lips against his teeth. He didn’t know if Frisk was ready for anything really, hell she had just shown such vulnerability to him he was afraid to say anything that might hurt her.

            “Yeah probably a good idea, and you can show me more of the town. Sans I know what I came down here to do, and I know that I can do it. I can break the barrier like I plan to. I mean Asgore would probably let me go to the castle right now and break it in a heartbeat, after what I already did to prove myself. However, I don’t know what I’m doing here.” Frisk placed her palm on Sans chest locking eyes with Sans a deeper meaning in her eyes. “I… I’m afraid of messing up, of hurting you, or your brother, or Mom, or the rest of the monsters by me being selfish… part of me wants to be selfish and… let go and follow my heart. Another part of me knows that doing that could hurt so many monsters that I already care so much about… Chara talked to me about why I shouldn’t be afraid but… I… can we take the time to talk in privet just you and I? it doesn’t have to be right now, I still want to see Snowdin, and your brother is going to have lunch for us but sometime soon?” Feeling vulnerable yet determined and brave Frisk had to know where she stood and if it was ok to want what she wanted, she needed to know how Sans felt about… well everything.

            “yeah starshine we can talk any time ya want. hey, did tori give ya a phone? if she did ya can text me any time and we can talk, and i can always take a shortcut to come see ya.” Sans let his phalanges play with the ends of Frisk’s soft brown hair as he spoke, wishing that he could offer her some assurance that everything would be okay.

            “Erm well no she hasn’t, I think she planned on it before I left the Ruins but… things kind of got away from us and are moving faster than she had planned.” There was a wry chuckle in Frisks voice as she spoke.

            “heheh well starshine guess i’ll pick ya one up while we get those earmuffs for ya.” The smile on Sans’ face tilting into a mischievous one.

            “Really now? what does that look for Sans? Is there a reason why you want me to have a phone so bad?” The smile that spread across Frisk’s face was sweet and teasing.

            “eh ya got me starshine i just want to be able to talk to ya even when you’re not with me.” A light dusting of blue blush spread over Sans’ face as he cast his eyes down a bit embarrassed.

            “So.. erm does that mean what I think it means?” The blush on Frisk’s face was positively flaming at this point. She really hoped that Sans liked her as much as she was realizing that she liked him, but they still needed to have that talk.

            “we can talk about it after we get our bit of shoppin’ done. say is there anythin’ more that ya might want? ain’t a big deal if ya need somethin’ more.” Sans’ eye lights brightened as he spoke.

            “Oh, Sans there isn’t a need for that I brought what I should need for… well Mom did say with the introductions coming up… but I couldn’t possibly impose on you Sans as it is you want to get me a phone… and Mom will probably want me to go with her to get anything…” Wringing her hands in nervousness Frisk sputtered.

            “okay starshine take a breath how ‘bout we go in take a look and see if there is something ya need or want ’sides the phone and earmuffs.” Sans smiled reassuringly at Frisk reaching his hand out to her to guide her into the small shop.

            Inside Frisk and Sans were met with the sweet spicy smell of fresh baked cinnamon rolls mixed with the warm pleasant atmosphere of the small shop. There was a soft light throughout the small space that focused to brighter points on racks of cloths and shelves of other items. Behind a glass counter there was some small electronics and in the counter next to it was some jewelry.

            Taking a deep breath through her nose Frisk savored the smells and the warmth of the little shop, her eyes playing over the items set out with loving care for those that may wish to buy them. She walked around the room looking at the items for sale browsing the cloths that all seemed to be the wrong shape or the wrong size for her. On the shelves Frisk found a selection of earmuffs ranging from way too small for her like would fit a rather small child all the way up to a pair that would probably fit a bolder if one were so inclined to put earmuffs on a bolder. She found a few pairs in her size range and the one that leapt out to her was a soft cyan pair that reminded her of the spark of Sans’ magic. As Frisk picked them up she blushed a bit remembering Toriel’s lesson on monster magic colors and what it meant to wear another monsters color.

            Frisk knew she was playing with fire with the idea to get them and wear the earmuffs in Sans’ magic color. Although a part of her liked the idea of wearing his color. She knew the rules of etiquette in monster society from Toriel’s lessons, but she also wanted to see if Sans would react to her in his color. It was only a pair of earmuffs so getting it in his color wouldn’t be the same as say a dress or something like that, but would it get a reaction? Making her choice Frisk clutched the earmuffs to her and kept looking, she knew it was a good way to test his interest without being overt about it.

            “hey frisk come up here so we can pick ya out a phone.” Sans called out to Frisk as she was still looking around the shop.

            “Yeah be right there.” Hurrying to the front of the shop Frisk hollered back at Sans.

            “so, what one ya think ya want? mine is this one here.” Sans pointed to a sleek black phone with touch screen and a few extra buttons on the side that Frisk wasn’t sure what they did.

            “Erm honestly I’ve never had a phone, so I have no clue what I’m even looking for. I guess the one you have would be fine if it isn’t too expensive.” There was a bright blush on Frisk’s face as she admitted this.

            “really? never had a phone huh yeah the one I have is a good model touch screen with extra storage slots so it should be easy enough for ya to use and should have some decent utility for ya. would be easier for me to teach ya to use the darn thing too since it’s the same as mine.” The look on Sans’ face was one of contemplation as he spoke.

            “You would be willing to teach me to use it? Oh, Sans thank you so much your amazing.” Frisk bounced on her feet a big smile on her face as she wrapped her arms around Sans’ neck and planted a kiss on his cheek bone. A beaming smile on her face not even caring about the way the bunny monster behind the counter was shooting her a strange look.

            “okay we will take that one, hey frisk did ya find those earmuffs ya wanted to get?” Sans smiled with a blue blush across his cheek bones from the kiss.

            “Oh, um yeah I’ve got them right here. Do you mind if I still look around a bit and see what else they have here?” There was a soft blush on Frisk’s cheeks as she released Sans and handed him the earmuffs, her eyes trained on his face as she watched to see if there was any reaction to the pair of earmuffs she chose.

            “yeah kid ya can look around a bit more if ya like.” Taking the earmuffs in his boney fingers it takes a moment for Sans to register that the earmuffs are the same color as his magic, as he notices a blush creeps across his face. There is an almost predatory glint in his eyes as a matching smile crosses his face. Wonder if Tori taught her about magic color significance of if this is just a coincidence? Sans thought to himself.

            The look Frisk sees cross Sans’ face sends a thrill through her body, a smile crossing her face and a shiver of triumph in her heart. So, he noticed the color, didn’t expect a small innocent item like that would get that much reaction out of him but at least now I know he is interested too. Frisk thought to herself as she hums a tune looking around the shop.

            After browsing around the shelves and racks Frisk found a few things she liked but didn’t really want to have Sans get them for her. She didn’t know how much a sentry made in the Underground, but it didn’t seem right that he would pay for her things when they weren’t dating. So, once she was done browsing she came up to the front with a small smile on her face ready to finish the purchase and head out to get to know the town of Snowdin.

            “find anythin’ ya like frisk?” Sans had watched Frisk browsing seeing her hand linger on a few items but nothing that seemed to be of too much interest to her.

            “Yeah I think just the phone and earmuffs should do. Thank you so much again Sans I really appreciate this.” Frisk beamed at Sans trying to telegraph how much it meant to her that he wanted to talk to her so much that he was willing to get her a phone.

            “no problem starshine can’t have ya not have a way to call if ya need it.” Sans was blushing again not used to anyone being grateful to him, much less someone as sweet as Frisk.

            Once Sans paid for the phone and got it activated and Frisk had the earmuffs firmly on her head he escorted her out of the shop. He put his phone number into Frisk’s new phone then gave it over to her. Frisk kissed Sans on the cheek bone again linking her arm with his as they began to explore the town.

            “so starshine here next to shop is the inn, ya can rent a room there for the night if ya didn’t have a place to stay. This over here is grillby’s the owner is a really quiet guy but nice, and a good listener. ya interested in havin’ a bite to eat?” Sans looked hopeful that Frisk might join him for some food, he wanted to see what she would be interested in eating.

            “Um I wouldn’t want to impose on you Sans thought it is sweet of you to offer.” Frisk smiled sweetly at Sans.

            “no trouble at all starshine i would actually really like to get a bite with ya.” The hopeful look on his face melted Frisk’s heart.

            “Well then okay Sans I could eat something if you don’t really mind.” It was clear that Frisk was pleased by Sans’ invitation as he steered her through the door into Grillby’s.

            Inside the bar was warm, there was the smell of cooking food. The salty tang of fries the juicy pungent smell of burgers and a sharp sent of alcohol carried to Frisk’s nose. The floor under her feet a warm well warn wood echoing her foot falls back at her. there was an old jukebox in the far corner and there was a collection of monsters around the room. A group of dog monsters sitting at a table, and several other monsters that Frisk was not completely sure what they were. Behind the bar stood a living flame, that was the only way that Frisk could describe it.

            “hey grillbs how ya doin’ today? figured i would bring frisk here to try your food.” Sans greeted with a cheerful wave and gestured at Frisk.

            “Hello, Sans, hasn’t been a bad day. It is a pleasure to meet your new friend.” The flame monster behind the bar spoke in a crackling voice sounding very much like the pleasant sounds from a warm fireplace.

            “Hi, I’m Frisk it is a pleasure to meet you as well.” Frisk stuck her hand out towards the fire monster then hesitated for a moment, her mind catching her wondering if perhaps he would burn her hand if he shook it. She had a flare of determination that kept her hand out, Frisk didn’t want to be rude.

            “Pleasure Frisk. What can I get for the two of you today?” Grillby looked at Frisk’s hand and gently taking it to shake it. Sans looked over to Frisk to see what she would think of his friend, as well as what she would want to eat.

            “Um do I smell burgers and fries or is that just wishful thinking?” Frisk said a hopeful glint in her eyes and a shy smile.

            “You do smell burgers and fries is that what you would like?” Grillby asked and it seemed that he was raising an eyebrow even though he didn’t have any.

            “Yes please that would be heavenly if you wouldn’t mind.” Frisk practically gushed as her mind filled with thoughts of juicy greasy goodness.

            “heheh make that two if ya would grillbs.” Sans winked at the flame monster and turned to look at Frisk. “so starshine what ya want on your burger mustard?” Sans asked.

            “No, I’m not much for mustard I prefer ketchup honestly.” Frisk smiled sweetly at Sans as they waited for the food.

            All Sans could do was smile at Frisk thinking more about how perfect she was for him. The way her cheeks flushed and the way that she smiled, the way that Frisk looked at him with perfect trust it made his soul flutter. As he was looking at her he barely noticed that Grillby came back with the food setting down a bottle of ketchup with it.

            Frisk was practically drooling over the food that was set in front of her, she reached for the ketchup opening the bottle and tilting it over the burger first putting a fair amount on it. Once she was satisfied with the amount of ketchup on the burger she covered her fries in more leaving them almost swimming in the red tangy sauce.

            Sans watched as Frisk prepared her food the way she wanted, he was surprised by how much ketchup she put on her food. Did she like really like ketchup as much as he did? or did she hear somewhere that he liked it and she was trying to impress him? he wasn’t sure what to think about it but decided to enjoy the food with her. Sans reached for the ketchup bottle once she was done and poured a large portion over his food as well and began eating.

            The silence was comfortable as Frisk and Sans enjoyed their food, the only sounds from either one of them was the moans of pleasure from Frisk as she ate the burger and fries. Sans started to blush hearing the sounds his mind wandering to other reasons for her to make similar sounds. It was becoming more difficult for Sans to sit still in his seat as his magic started to thrum faster each time she took a bite and made those sounds.

Chapter Text

Chapter 11

Exploration and Confessions

            “erm so what’s the difference between a good burger and a shooting star?” Sans said trying to keep from blushing because of the sounds coming from Frisk as she ate her meal.

            “Um I’m not sure Sans what is the difference?” Frisk replied after swallowing a big bit of the burger she had nearly finished.

            “the burger is very meaty, but the other is a little meteor.” Sans finished with a smirk on his face his eye lights dancing in his sockets.

            “Pffft oh my stars Sans I’m glad I didn’t take another bite before you finished that one I’d probably have ketchup coming out of my nose. So, Sans what do fries do when they meet?” Frisk asked after getting her laughter under control.

            “hmm okay kiddo i’ll bite what do they do?” As Sans said the word bite he snapped a fry between his teeth with a wink.

            “Why Sans of course they… ketchup.” There was mirth dancing in Frisk’s eyes as she nibbled on one of her ketchup soaked fries raising her brows.

            “heheh starshine your such a treasure. i’m glad that we have this time to talk and ketchup.” Sans lifted the bottle of ketchup to his mouth to take a long swig keeping his eye lights on Frisk as he did.

            “Pffft Sans you are such a pun-ny bone really quite a humerus guy with a skele-ton of jokes.” Frisk sat there smirking at Sans as his jaw dropped her hand reaching out to his forgotten ketchup bottle. She had an idea of one last thing to get his attention right where she wanted it.

            Still stunned by the woman sitting there her gold flecked hazel eyes dancing with joy and laughter as she joked with him Sans hardly noticed as Frisk snatched the ketchup from his bony fingers. What he did notice was as she keep her eyes locked to his, her pink tongue slipping between her soft lips as she licked them and lifted his ketchup bottle to her mouth and took a drink of the condiment. Sans watched intently as her through moved as she swallowed first one gulp then another, he didn’t know a human could even consume ketchup like that.

            “What’s wrong Sugarskull? Never seen a girl like ketchup before? Let’s just say I kind of developed a taste for it when I was young cause my stepmother… she tended to overcook food so any meat she made was more like leather than food. I had to find some way to choke it down, so ketchup was my go to. I still have a fondness for it to this day, after all it saved my life a few times with how bad that woman’s cooking was.” There was a small rueful smile on Frisk’s face as she spoke and licked a bit of ketchup from her lower lip.

            “damn girl are ya sure ya weren’t made for me?” Sans spoke without thinking his mind fogged from the shock of seeing Frisk actually drink the ketchup, still spinning from her keeping up with the jokes.

            “Um…” Frisk didn’t know what to think of his softly uttered question, on one hand she kind of felt the same way, on the other hand she was still scared of the possibility that she could end up crashing down everything by giving in to her feelings for the skeleton monster who was rapidly becoming so important to her.

            God I miss having Chara in my head if she were here I could actually talk to her about all of this. No Frisk stop being stupid and selfish Chara is happy now she has a second chance at life and happiness of her own. I need to talk to her when I get home, stars it feels good to actually have a home again. Having a family again who loves me, making friends, finding my place in this world, I never felt… normal when I was on the surface. Here it feels like I have a place in the order of the world, I still need to free the monsters from the underground they deserve better than being trapped down here. Focus Frisk come on Sans is looking at you funny, did I respond to his question… crap I did well not by much, but I think he knows I heard him… what should I say? I know from the dreams that we both seem to have had it may be destiny that we met, and I have to admit my heart flutters when I see Sans hell I think the only reason I’ve been able to joke with him is the years I’ve spent using humor as my go to, no one can be mad at you when they are laughing so crack a joke throw out a pun and everyone smiles, and no one sees the tears hiding behind your eyes. For some reason I think Sans understands that side of me better than anyone I’ve ever known. Frisk spaced out her mind in panic mode.

            Sans was getting nervous again, Frisk hadn’t spoken or even responded since his stupid mouth had said out loud what he had been thinking. How could he be such a fool to let that slip? It was clear the girl wasn’t ready for some grand declaration, it almost looked like she was panicking, her eyes darted around the room though more often than not ended up resting on him. Sans didn’t even know if it was right to give into the attraction he was feeling for Frisk, he was a monster, she was a human, and if the history was correct the last time something like that happened all hell broke loose and ended up with all monsters locked away in the underground. Should he even consider letting things be more than friendship between the two of them?

            “sorry frisk i shouldn’t have said that… i didn’t mean to speak out of turn. ya have a right to your feelings and it is your choice if ya want to share them or even talk about it. i respect ya enough to not bring it up again… i do want to be your friend no matter what though.” There was panic in Sans voice as he spoke, trying to fix his slip as best he could. His face was flushed with a dusting of cyan his eye lights shrunk down to pinpricks.

            Frisk closed her eyes breathing in deeply through her nose letting it out slowly through her slightly parted lips. “Sans it’s really okay… I would normally throw a few puns in about now but I… I need to be serious and tell you where my brain is on this. I… I feel a pull like my soul is reaching out to you… it feels like no matter how hard I try I can’t help wanting to be around you… I know the history… and with my mission…. Freeing monsters is important to me and I don’t want to risk that… I don’t want to risk humans going to war just because… because I… I really like you Sans honestly it feels like when I’m with you something I have been missing… something that was lost has been found… but it also scares the crap out of me… it feels so powerful… I don’t know if you feel it to and that is what is going on… I know that I’m not the princess from the old legends… my birth parents are… are not here anymore… my new family… I don’t think Toriel would have a problem with us giving in… at least Chara said as much… Asgore I don’t know as well but he doesn’t feel the type to keep me from being happy… and… I know in my soul that if I give in we could find happiness… but being that vulnerable… that open… i… I don’t know if I’m ready yet. I do know that before I think about following this… this… connection we have I need to finish my mission… I need to free the monsters… my people… I’m still trying to get used to the idea that once the announcements are made and all is said and done I’ll be a princess… I like you Sans and i’m sorry that at this time I can’t let it go past that and being your friend… if I weren’t scared if the world were perfect… well in a perfect world I know I would want so much more with you that it hurts physically to not give in to it… I hope you understand what I’m saying Sans and I hope that you can forgive me and still be my friend for now… at least till I figure out my head and my heart because my soul already made up its mind.” The soft smile on Frisks face as tears fell from her eyes nearly broke Sans soul, he didn’t know how anyone could have that all spinning around in their skull and still function.

            “starshine… it’s okay i’m not mad at ya… and of course ya deserve as much time as ya need. ya are more than worth the wait.” Sans reached his hand out and took hold of Frisk’s hand, letting his thumb trace gentle circles over her soft skin.

            “Thank you Sans I actually feel a bit better getting all of that out. You have no idea how much that has been eating at me.” The smile on Frisk’s face became more sure as she took comfort in the small connection of her hand in Sans grip, the way he was tracing patterns on her hand was sending shivers all through her body as her soul pulsed wanting her to be closer to Sans. “Sans… can I… can I maybe have a hug?” Frisk’s voice was shy as she spoke the words almost like she felt guilty asking.

            “ya can have all the hugs ya want starshine, ya don’t even have to ask just hold your arms out and i’ll give ya a skele-ton of hugs.” Sans folded Frisk into his arms her quiet giggles at his pun muted by his chest.

            Several minutes later Frisk pulled herself from Sans’ arms her smile bright yet shy after the moment they shared. “So, Sans now that I bared my soul to you, had a small freak out, and a nice greasy meal shall we get back to the tour of Snowdin?” A giggle escaped Frisk’s lips now that she felt much lighter having unburdened herself of so much of what had been weighing on her.

            “sure thing starshine though paps showed most of the town when he was packin’ us through. if ya want I can show ya where me and paps live, he should be there by now. i could also introduce ya to a few of the monsters around town.” Sans smiled standing from the stool that he was seated at and offered Frisk his boney hand to help her to her feet.

            “Meating the other monsters around town would be a good idea I think, after all with the role I’ll be playing in their lives getting to know them feels like the right thing to do.” Frisk slipped her fingers into Sans grasp and pushed to her feet with a grateful smile on her face.

            Stepping into the snowy town outside of the warm bar caused Frisk to have a small shiver and draw closer to the warmth that was Sans standing beside her. As her eyes adjusted to the brighter light coming off the snow she looked around seeing several monsters milling about the town around her. There were a few a couple of bunny monsters, a deer like monster that Frisk remembered was called a Gyftrot, a mouse monster in a scarf that looked like it was made for a much larger monster in a two tone green striped pattern, and a few bear monsters that seemed to be hanging around what looked very much like a Christmas tree decked out with lights and ribbons with lots of colorful boxes beneath it. The effect that the town had on Frisk was a feeling of holiday cheer and she couldn’t help the smile that covered her face.

            “Sans why dose Snowdin feel like it is getting ready for a Christmas celebration?” Frisk asked as she bumped into Sans’ arm as they walked.

            “ya know starshine i don’t know for sure. it’s always been this way as long as paps and i’ve lived here.” Sand had never really thought about the way the town was decorated before, though now that he was it did seem a bit strange to always have the place ready for Giftmas even if it did lend the town a nice cheery atmosphere.

            “I think it is wonderful Sans it is so nice and cheery with all the lights and the snow. Humans don’t keep their decorations out year round… well most don’t but there are a few that do but most other humans see it as strange.” The tone in Frisk’s voice spoke of how she felt about those that would judge others for being different, it never did sit right with her when someone who had their own style or preferences was put down for them by other people.

            After Sans had introduced Frisk to the monsters that they ran into as they walked around the town he could tell that she was needing a break. Part of him was really impressed with how she handled meeting each new monster, she was kind to each one taking interest in what they had to say smiling at them kindly as she got to know a bit about what they wanted or needed that they had trouble finding and finding out a bit about what they would like their lives to be like. She carried herself with poise and grace, her tone was always sweet a true smile on her face when the monsters opened up to her about their lives in the underground. Even as it became clear that she was starting to get hungry and tired she remained kind to everyone and even managed to coax the usually shy Gyftrot to open up to her.

            “hey starshine ya looking kind of like ya might need a break, ya want to head over to me and paps place for some food and a bit of a rest before I take ya back to ya mom?” Sans said as he rested his boney hand on Frisk’s shoulder lightly with a tender smile on his face and a look of affection in his eyes.

            “That sounds like a wonderful idea Sans, I’ve loved getting to know everyone but most of my life I have been a bit less than social so meeting everyone has warn me out a bit.” The soft grateful smile on Frisks face as she spoke warmed Sans’ to his soul, it was going to be hard, but he would have to be happy with what she was willing to give him for now.

            “okay starshine right this way, though i warn ya the food might not be the best.” Sans said as he snickered thinking about his brothers cooking. Papyrus attacked the task of making food with a passion, but he still had yet to learn the art of subtlety with his flavors and presentation.

            “It can’t be that bad Sans trust me I’ve had some bad food… like I said I developed a fondness for ketchup because of some of the food I’ve had to eat.” Frisk chuckled remembering the look on Sans’ face when he saw her start drinking the ketchup in front of him, she couldn’t help how warm it made her feel to know she had surprised him.

            “don’t say i didn’t warn ya starshine, my bro loves to cook… he just needs to refine his passion for it a bit.” Sans offered Frisk his hand as he spoke to help guide her down the street towards the home he shared with Papyrus. He could have shortcut them in a second, but he wanted just a bit more time with her to himself before he had to share her again.

            “Perish the thought Sans, I know that you are concerned about me and I appreciate that. I really do, not many people have tried to look out for me in my life, although I know I will be fine.” Frisk felt her soul flutter and her face flush as her hand met with Sans’ and she allowed him to lead the way to his home. She knew that she still needed to sort things out in her mind, and she had so much to take care of what with her adoption by the Dreemurr’s and all that entailed. Not to even mention her mission to free the monsters from the underground, she had this nagging feeling that there was going to be a few growing pains once the monsters went to the surface. With most humans not even believing the legends could be true she knew that having them just accept that monsters are real and ready to live on the surface again was going to take some work to sort out.

            Sans could feel Frisk tensing up and saw the look in her eyes. It was like she was miles away dwelling in troubles that may never come so he gave her hand a gentle squeeze and tugged her closer to him. She looked up at him and lay her head on his shoulder as they walked, and his arm came around her shoulder tucking her close to his side. Sans could feel the tension drain from her as she snuggled up to him and it make his soul pulse with happiness that his presence was bringing her some kind of peace, or maybe it was helping to ground her and focus on the present, he wasn’t sure what, but he was sure that if him being around helped her he was willing to be as close as she needed.

            All too soon they arrived at the small two story home that Sans and Papyrus shared. Frisk couldn’t help snickering at the two mailboxes out front, one stuffed with letters and other mail the other neat and tidy and empty. As she looked up at the house she smiled seeing the colored lights strung from the eaves and the warm light from within the home spilling out onto the snow out front. Sans still had his arm around Frisk and neither one of them wanted to break the contact between them, even if Frisk knew she should.

            “Your place is cute Sans it looks kind of like a house out of a movie or something like that… you know one of those Christmas specials where there is some wholesome magic to bring about a Christmas miracle.” Frisk smiled up at Sans sweetly as she spoke her gold flecked hazel eyes sparkling at the image in her head.

            “thanks starshine, it ain’t much but i worked hard to provide it for me and paps. wasn’t always easy to keep going to take care of him but he is all i got in this world and i’m all he’s got too.” Frisk could tell from his voice how much he cared about his brother and it melted Frisk’s heart. Frisk didn’t have siblings… well she had Chara now and had her in her mind for the longest time, but that connection with Chara felt very much like what she saw with Sans and his brother. Frisk would do whatever she could for her sister, and she saw that same determination to protect and care for the ones you love on Sans’ face as he spoke about his brother.

            “Sans I get it… why do you think I did that magic to give Chara another chance at life? She may not have been my sister by birth, but she is the sister of my soul… she is my best friend and knows me almost as much as I know myself. The bond between you and Papyrus is kind of the same… not that you share a soul like we did but that closeness… the bond between two people that only want the best for each other because that other person matters so much to them. I’m happy that you and Papyrus have each other Sans because I know that bond has made you both stronger.” Frisk smiled at Sans and hugged him as she spoke, she was feeling another piece of the puzzle falling into place as she realized another thing they shared.

            “erm starshine ya doin’ okay? i know ya don’t want to rush anythin’… i don’t mind the hugs mind ya but i just want to be clear on how ya are feelin’ ya know?” Sans held Frisk feeling nervous as his soul fluttered behind his chest feeling like it was trying to reach out to Frisk’s soul.

            “Oh I’m sorry Sans I don’t mean to impose on you… if you don’t want me to hug you just yet I can respect that… I just feel so warm… so peaceful when I’m close to you… I know it probably has something to do with what we have been feeling… I guess it kind of muddies the waters so to speak... you know what I mean… like what is and isn’t acceptable or normal between us. I know I still have things to sort out… and if you don’t want me to hug you till I do… well then I will respect that… even if hugging you feels so right to me.” The start and stop nature of Frisk’s speech as she spoke showed her nerves, the way her eyes sparkled like she was on the verge of tears nearly shattered Sans’ soul with the pain he could see there. He knew that she wasn’t ready for them to be together, he knew that she wanted to be sure that she could accomplish all the things that she needed to, and he knew without a single question that he could not deny this woman happiness. If she wanted to hug him day in and day out so be it… even if that close contact may end up leading to some frustrating nights for him.

            “frisk breath, it’s fine if ya want to hug we can hug, if ya want to never let me go well then i guess ya might need a bigger bed heheh cause starshine i know in my soul ya are worth the wait and anything ya want to give me i’ll gladly take till ya are ready for more… even if that day never comes just bein’ near ya puts my soul at ease… ya know makes me feel like the world is right.” Sans crushed Frisk gently to his chest pressing his teeth to her hair in a gentle kiss.

            Frisk stood there resting her forehead against Sans’ chest her eyes closed as she let the world slip away from her. Her soul pulsed and fluttered in her chest her heart racing to keep up with the flutters of her soul. The feeling of her soul trying to press through her ribs to reach Sans was becoming more and more familiar, and a larger part of her wanted to give in and say to hell with the world they could deal with the consequences. Part of Frisk wanted nothing more than to just sink into Sans and spend the rest of her life finding new ways for the two of them to make each other happy, exploring each other and getting to know everything they could about each other. The more reserved part of her kept telling her that she had a mission, that she needed to finish that before she gave into what she was feeling for the skeleton who’s arms she was wrapped securely in. as hard as it was becoming to continue denying herself more with Sans she knew that it would be even harder to not touch him at all or feel his arms around her.

            “Are you sure Sans? I don’t think I’m worth the trouble… I mean I’m asking you to wait till I’ve save every monster from the underground… and then I need to be sure that the humans accept monsters… hell I don’t even know if they would accept a relationship between a human and a monster… even if it didn’t lead to another war… it would still be hard for us… I’m sure Mom and Dad would be ok with it… but there is so much to figure out. Are you sure you can stand being so close and not giving in?” Sans could tell that Frisk was afraid, he wasn’t sure if it was the fear of the unknown or of him saying he wouldn’t be ok with waiting.

            “starshine it’s okay if ya need me to wait i’ll wait, if ya need me to hold ya close and just be here to support ya as ya finish your mission it’s okay. i can wait for ya and ya are more than worth it… if humans can’t accept monsters then we can find a place where monsters can be safe and if they never recognize the idea of a monster and a human bein’ together so be it because they don’t matter what matters is us just the two of us and how we feel.” As Sans spoke Frisk could feel the heat from his soul pulsing in time with her own, she was thrilled and a bit scared by the intensity with which he spoke. Could it be that maybe he might be falling in love with her? how could it be though? they had spent a fair bit of time talking and joking around and getting to know each other… but it hadn’t been that long that they had known each other… even if part of her felt like she had known Sans her entire life or longer.

            Could it be that what Frisk was feeling for Sans was love? How could she love him already? Her breath caught in her throat at the realization that with each passing day she was finding it more impossible to see her life without the skeleton in her life. The thought of him not being there made Frisk feel like her soul was cracking apart. As Sans continued to hold her Frisk thought about what he had said, he spoke as though he wanted nothing more than her happiness. He had offered her so much asking nothing in return from her other than to allow him to be close to her… could it be that he really was falling for her?

            “Sans… if I ask you something… could you answer something for me? I know that we have only really known each other for about a week now but… I have a feeling something is going on more than is normal… Sans do you believe in soulmates?” Frisk chickened out about asking if he loved her or not instead asking something close but not quite the same, although she did realize after saying it that it could be construed as her asking if he thought they might be soulmates.

            “tibia honest with ya starshine i didn’t used to… the idea of two souls finding each other through time and space being meant to be together because of a soul deep bond… it seemed like somethin’ for fairy tales to give bonely little girls and boys hope that one day they might find someone special to love just them.” Sans looked into Frisks eyes his boney knuckles tracing along the hollow of her cheek. “now… i think i’m startin’ to see it might just be possible.” Sans could see the light in Frisk’s eyes dance with the emotions that swirled thickly through the air between the two of them. He didn’t want to pressure Frisk into anything she wasn’t ready for, but he just couldn’t lie to her. the moment she had said the word… that one little word of soulmates his own soul had pulsed pulling towards Frisk, he knew what it meant now. If Frisk needed time to figure it out then he was okay with that but for Sans there was no going back now.

            “You bonehead Sans did you have to pull out the puns for something like this?” Frisk couldn’t help the giggle that escaped her hearing the puns laced in with his almost confession.

            “sorry starshine couldn’t help myself i just love to hear ya laugh.” The smile on Sans face as he brushed a whisp of hair from Frisks face was enough to melt Frisks heart. The way he had said that he loved her laugh set her heart pounding almost as though he had meant it to cover all of her not just her laugh.

            “BROTHER, HUMAN FRISK WHY IS IT THAT YOU STAND OUT HERE IN THE COLD AND SNOW WHEN YOU COULD BOTH BE WARM INSIDE EATING THE GREAT PAPYRUS’ MAGNIFICENT SPAGHETTI?” Frisk and Sans jumped hearing the sound of Papyrus calling out to them. Frisk could feel her face heat up in a deep blush at being caught snuggled up to Sans as they talked.

            “heheh good point there bro, so ya made your spaghetti huh guess we should come in out of the cold snow time like the present.” Sans snickered his smile firmly on his face even as his soul fluttered and pulsed in protest at Frisk pulling away from him. Now that he know she was meant to become his mate his soul couldn’t help the protest.

            “Papyrus you are so sweet, thank you so much for inviting me to have dinner with you and your brother.” Frisk was recovering from the shock and she really did like the taller skeleton, he was like a very loud and exuberant teddy bear… well a really tall boney one at that.

            “NYEH HEH HEH OF COURSE HUMAN FRISK PLEASE COME AND ENJOY THE SPAGHETTI OF FRIENDSHIP.” Frisk squeaked as Papyrus scooped her and Sans up and whisked them into the warm home that the brothers shared.

            “Hey Sans, is it normal for Papyrus to keep packing us around? I would like to know if it is something I should get used to… you know being scooped up and packed around.” Frisk whispered to Sans right next to his skull her breath fanning over the hole where a human ear might have been if he wasn’t a skeleton.

            “heheh yeah starshine he is kind of excitable and doesn’t like to wait around for anyone, so yeah ya might want to get used to it when you’re around him.” Sans whispered back to Frisk his own breath tickling the hair around her ear causing a shiver to pass through her body.

            “HERE WE ARE BROTHER AND HUMAN FRISK, I THE GREAT PAPYRUS SHALL FETCH THE FOOD AND WE SHALL SHARE A GLORIOUS MEAL TOGETHER.” Papyrus deposited Frisk and Sans on the same chair with Frisk sitting on Sans lap.

            Frisk moved to get off Sans’ lap and was a bit shocked when his arms wrapped tightly around her, his face buried between her shoulder blades. Her body shivered again as she felt him breath in deeply like he was smelling her one of his hands was on her stomach the other was on her shoulder his arm resting across her chest. Frisk could feel her face heating up as she felt the hand on her stomach tracing small patterns through her shirt.

            “Erm Sans… are you okay? I can… get off your lap… and sit in one of the… um other chairs.” Frisk couldn’t help the shaking of her voice as she asked, she couldn’t see Sans’ face, so she had no clue what he was thinking clutching her to him like he never wanted to let her go.

            “sorry starshine… just… give me a minute. i… don’t mean to scare ya… just… give me a minute… please.” The tone of Sans voice made him sound almost like he was begging her, like the idea of letting go of her was almost painful to him.

            “Um Sans are you sure you’re going to be okay? I kind of get the feeling that you aren’t telling me something… can we go someplace to talk causse this has me… on edge. I’m sure you know by now how I feel about finding answers.” Frisk shifted on Sans lap turning so her legs dangled to the side of her side against his chest. the only problem with the shift was that he hadn’t moved his face and it was now firmly snuggled against the side of her breast. His sharp intake of breath causing Frisk to tense up as he pressed his face more firmly against her.

            “SORRY FOR THE WAIT BROTHER, AND HUMAN FRISK. DINNER IS NOW SERVED PLEASE ENJOY THE SPAGHETTI OF FRIENDSHIP.” The sound of Papyrus’ loud voice broke over Sans and Frisk causing them both to jump once more. Sans lifted his head showing that his face was flushed blue his eye lights oscillating between dilation to tiny pinpricks.

            “heheh yeah starshine i… yeah we need to have a talk. can ya please stay here while we eat though? i’ll explain what’s goin’ on after we eat, i promise.” The look on Sans face caused Frisk’s soul to pulse almost painfully, she simply nodded not trusting her voice at that moment.

            The sound of silence in the room was so think one could feel it light a tangible entity. Papyrus knew something was going on with his brother, although he was not sure what it was. Sans normally didn’t like to be close to anyone but for some reason he was not letting go of Frisk and it was setting Papyrus on edge. Frisk was blushing brightly as she ate the spaghetti that Papyrus had sat in front of her, the fork moving from the plate to her mouth as though she was on auto piolet.

            Sans was trying desperately to get his soul under control, admitting to himself how he felt about Frisk was proving to be a dangerous thing. He knew his brother had no interest in Frisk other than friendship, that wasn’t how Papyrus worked. His instincts on the other hand had other ideas, they had kicked into overdrive being with his brother and Frisk at the same time. It was painful physically to even think about letting the poor girl off his lap in the presence of his brother at that moment. He was going to have to explain this all to the very confused and anxious human woman perched on his lap once he could get them some place privet.

            There was no taste to the food as Frisk ate it, her mind was spinning out of control trying to figure out Sans’ odd behavior. For all she knew the spaghetti could have tasted like heaven or hell and she would not have known the difference. What the hell was going on with the skeleton who now had her clamped firmly in his arms as they both rushed to finish the food to be able to find some place to discuss what was going on.

            Almost the instant that both Frisk and Sans had finished the last bite of dinner and thanked Papyrus for a lovely meal Sans teleported them to his room. That may not have been the smartest thing that Sans could have done with Frisk being so on edge because once she found that she was still sitting on his lap yet perched on the edge of his bed her eyes went wide, her posture stiffening and hour mouth dropped open.

            “Sans why… where… what are we doing on a bed? Please tell me what the hell is going on with you? Why wouldn’t you let go of me at the table?” As she spoke Frisk’s voice rose in pitch with each word.

            “please stay calm starshine i’ll explain just breath. i brought ya here cause i need to explain what is goin’ on to ya before things really get out of hand.” Sans took a deep breath and unwrapped his arms from Frisk giving her freedom should she choose to take it.

            “Okay Sans I’m listening so please explain what this is all about.” Frisk sighed and shifted how she was sitting though she did not get off his lap, for some reason she couldn’t bring herself to separate from the skeleton.

            “so ya know how ya asked me about soulmates? Well… for a monster when we find… when we realize… shit this ain’t easy… so when a monster realizes that they have found their soulmate… erm well… ya know how we all have instincts… most instincts are subconscious cues that keep us safe… others are even deeper like when we find someone attractive… that’s more about… anyway for monsters we are… well we are more connected with our instincts… that’s not to say we are animals or anythin’ like that… but when we realize we have found our soulmate… there is a drive inside us… until we… stars this is not easy to talk about…” Sans was flustered, his face was covered in a deep blue blush his breathing had picked up, and Frisk could feel the magic rolling off of him in waves making the air around them heavy.

            “Breath Sans let me see if I have enough information to piece this together. So monsters are more in touch with their instincts, because of this when they find their soulmate or realize that they have the instincts become stronger. Is that right so far?” Frisk was surprisingly calm for where her mind had went with this conversation. The nod from Sans encouraged her to continue. “So those stranger instincts would cause a monster to become more protective and possessive of the soulmate?” Frisk met Sans eye lights looking for answers.

            “in short yeah starshine. till a monster places his claim on his soulmate and for a day or so after that he or she becomes a bit obsessive.” Sans was calming down a bit as it seemed Frisk was taking things well enough and not just freaking out and running.

            “Sans… are you trying to tell me… when you said that now you believe in soulmates?” There was a clear question in Frisk’s voice as she spoke her eyes locked to his face waiting for a reply.

            “frisk, starshine, when ya said the word soulmate i felt it in my soul… i know it doesn’t change what ya have to do… i won’t make ya do anythin’ ya don’t want or aren’t ready to. i don’t even expect ya to feel the same way i know as a human things are… not the same for ya.” Frisk felt like she was in a hurricane of emotions, her mind was spinning with the revelation that Sans not only liked her but believed that she was his soulmate, his one and only.

            All the reasons to wait still pressed down on Frisk, she still had to save the monsters, she still needed to make sure that the monsters had a place on the surface, she hadn’t even considered how things would really work between her and Sans. He was a skeleton she was a human, how did a skeleton even… and there went her mind straight into the gutter. Her soul gave a throb in her chest her heart was racing faster and faster, her face was hot with a deep blush. The only real problem she was having was that the more she thought about it the less she wanted to be responsible, and the more she wanted to give in.

            “Sans… I… I still need to wait at least till after the introductions and coronation, I’ll talk to Dad about breaking the barrier at the end of it instead of waiting and getting to know everyone as much as I wanted… I need to talk to Mom about letting me meet the monsters faster as well, I know I have a lot to learn still but maybe I can make it work.” Frisk kept pulling her lower lip into her mouth chewing on it as she spoke trying to figure out how to make things work out.

            “it’s ok frisk we don’t have to rush just… don’t get mad at me if i hold on to ya a bit if we get around other monsters.” If felt like Sans’ soul was soaring in the clouds at the moment, Frisk wanted to rush her mission just so she could be with him. it was more than he could have ever hoped for he could be patient for her and let her sort out what she needed to.

Chapter Text

Chapter 12

Stress and Plans

            “Sans I do have one question… you said your instincts are kind of going a bit crazy because I’m your soulmate right? What all does that mean for us?” Frisk asked still seated on Sans’ lap his boney hands now resting around her waist.

            “well like ya saw at dinner with paps around i couldn’t let ya go, that’s cause even though he is my bro my instincts are telling me he could take ya from me. it’s goin’ to be the same around most monsters at this point… well maybe not tori and chara it’s iffy with al and asgore though since ya aren’t as close with them. i’ll also be real protective of ya, like any sign of danger will set me on edge.” The sound of Sans voice rumbled through Frisk as he spoke causing little tingles to shiver on her skin.

            “So that means that you are going to want to be touching me at all times when we are around other monsters? That’s not too bad I guess for now… um what about other things like the… mate part of things?” The blush on Frisk’s face was so bright it practically glowed.

            “heheh starshine i already told ya I can wait till you’re ready even if my instincts are tellin’ me to pin ya down and make ya mine right now. i may be a monster but i would never make ya do anythin’ ya don’t want.” Sans pressed his teeth to Frisk’s cheek in a gentle kiss as he saw her blush get brighter at his words.

            “Sans! stars above I so did not need that image in my mind right now… this week is going to be hell I think.” Frisk had her bottom lip between her teeth again nibbling on it as she thought.

            “why do i get the impression that you’re not mad about it just frustrated by your own timetable?” Sans said with a smirk on his face a blue blush on his face as he was also picturing the way she would look pinned under him, her hair spread over the pillow, her lips parted as she called his name.

            “Um Sans why is your magic sparking? Are you okay?” Frisk was decidedly not going to ask about the sudden bulge that was pressed against her bottom where she sat on Sans lap, even if she really wanted to know how a skeleton could get an erection.

            “heheh sorry starshine just thinkin’ about when that timetable is finally up and you’re ready.” Frisk watched as Sans blushed a brighter blue his face so bright it was emitting a bit of light from the magic flooding it.

            “Sans you are too cute when you blush… part of me wants to tease you till things are sorted and well… another part of me feels bad for causing you to wait so long… and another part wants to just toss the whole timetable and give in to my own wants.” Frisk covered her face with her hands feeling embarrassed for voicing her desires.

            “frisk i don’t know if tori has taught ya about monster courtin’ though i would guess not since she probably hasn’t thought about the idea of ya havin’ interest in any of us monsters in that way… but when it comes to monsters if it’s a pair that is male and female the female has final say on what happens when… if ya want to wait then we wait, if ya want to become my mate at this very moment then your wish is my command. now i’m not going to say that i would be against pinin’ ya down to the bed and makein’ ya mine in all ways cause if i did it would be the biggest lie of my life. just know it’s up to ya what we do and where we go from here.” As Sans spoke he had been rubbing his hand over Frisk’s back almost petting her.

            Lower lip between her teeth Frisk squirmed on Sans’ lap thinking about the image Sans had presented to her. In her mind’s eye Frisk could see Sans propped over her, her back pressed into the mattress and her legs spread wide as Sans pushed the obvious erection that was still pressing against her backside into her wet core. A breathy whimper passed Frisk’s lips as she felt a flood of desire pool between her thighs, longing for Sans to push her down and follow through with the picture that had formed in her mind.

            “Um Sans I think… um… dear stars please take me home before I do something stupid.” Frisk squeaked out covering her face with her hands.

            “frisk… calm down just because you’re thinkin’ about somethin’ doesn’t mean you’re goin’ to do anythin’ about it. i know ya want to wait and while it ain’t goin’ to be easy for me, i can respect that so I won’t do anythin’ to ya till after the barrier is broken. i hate makin’ promises but if ya need me to i can promise ya that.” Sans had become very serious wanting to make sure that Frisk knew she was safe even from herself when it came to what she wanted.

            “Okay Sans but please take me home… I’ll text you with the plan once I calm myself down.” The battle Frisk was fighting with herself was showing on her face, Sans could feel the desire and exhaustion rolling off her in waves.

            “yeah you’re probably right starshine, i have a fair bit of self-control but with ya smellin’ so sweet i think some space might be wise.” Sans Shifted Frisk a bit so she wasn’t quit as pressed against him though this caused both of them to groan out at the sensation of the friction.

            All Frisk could manage was a tiny nod and to grip Sans’ shoulders tightly as she squeezed her eyes shut. This next week was not going to be an easy one for the two of them, between Sans’ instincts and Frisk having her own issues it was going to be a very, very long week.

            Sans took several breaths through his mouth to steady his magic enough to shortcut himself and Frisk back to the Ruins. Normally a shortcut like this was no problem but he was finding concentrating his magic enough to cause the shift in time and space taking Frisk and himself through the void was proving to be a rather difficult task. After several agonizing moments in which every breath or shift Frisk made set Sans back to square one in building his concentration he managed to focus well enough that he got them to the Ruins.

            “Sans I’m so sorry I know it is my fault that you are having troubles using your magic… are you going to be okay getting home?” Frisk had been worrying at her lower lip so much while the skeleton prepared his magic that it was almost painful for her to have it between her teeth once again.

            “i’ll be fine starshine, just need to calm myself down a bit… though it might be a good idea not to run off this instant or better yet walkin’ home from here might be the smarter idea.” The blush on Sans face was telling Frisk just how effected he was by being so close to her, although she couldn’t say she wasn’t being effected by the skeletons proximity any less.

            “Thank you Sans… for getting me home safely… and for showing me around Snowdin… and introducing me around… I need to talk to Mom and see what we can do about accomplishing everything we need to get done. I’ll text you when I have a moment to spare okay?” Frisk fidgeted from foot to foot her nervousness showing in her posture and eyes.

            “okay starshine let me know what ya figure out. for the time bein’ just relax a bit.” Sans reached his boney fingers out brushing a lock of hair from Frisks face, his eye lights dancing with emotion as he leaned in and pressed his teeth to her cheek in a gentle sweet kiss. “you’re worth the wait starshine i’ll talk to ya later.” With a wink of his eyes Sans vanished from Frisk’s sight leaving her standing there flustered with so much she wanted to do and no way to even begin sorting out what she should do first.

            The sound of Chara’s soft foot falls on the worn stone of the corridor to the Ruins exit caught Frisks hearing causing her to jump almost guiltily. What Frisk didn’t expect to see was the look on her sisters face, it was like Chara knew what was going on in her head already. Though that may very well have been the case you don’t spend so many years sharing a soul and not find some deeper understanding.

            “Frisk dear are you going to be okay? You look like you’re barely holding together.” The soft tone of Chara’s words and the gentle weight of her soft paw like hand on Frisks Shoulder was a comfort. Frisk could still feel the connection that the two of them had shared when Chara was simply a spirit attached to Frisk’s soul.

            “I’ll be fine Chara, it is just going to be a very long week is all.” Frisk sighed heavily as she gave her sister a hug reveling in the warmth and the joy it brought to both of them that after so many years they could be standing side by side.

            “Want to talk about it Frisk? Did Sans do something stupid? Or did someone in town do something to hurt your feelings?” As Chara spoke her expression grew harder and her newfound magic sparked along her hands.

            “No Chara everyone in town was quite lovely though I realize that there are a lot of other monsters I’m going to need to meet before this is over. As for Sans he was a perfect gentleman and quite sweet to me, probably a bit more understanding then I even deserve.” Eyes cast down to the ground between the two sisters Frisk could feel her face heat up as she thought of her time with the shorter of the skeleton brothers.

            “Okay then so no one was rude, and Sans was almost too sweet to you… what is it you’re not telling me sister? Your face is getting red too… wait… did you and Sans… no I smell his magic, but it isn’t strong enough for that… Frisk dear talk to me.” Chara reached to her Frisk’s face gently tugging on her chin to pull her face so she would meet her eyes.

            “Well… you know how I was worried about… what humans would think about a monster and a human… and you convinced me that I shouldn’t worry so much about it just let things happen… well I ended up spilling my soul to Sans telling him all about the way I was feeling how I’m feeling drawn to him and how even though I am I’m not ready and all the fears I have of what could happen… well he was very sweet and understanding about it all and didn’t judge me at all… but I was curious… how did he really feel about me… should I even worry about it… well I was going to ask straight up but I chickened out a bit and asked him what he thought about soulmates… and I think I made a mistake because when we went to his house for dinner with his brother… I spent the whole meal on his lap, and he wouldn’t let me go… and he explained why after we ate, and it was probably a bad idea to have that discussion in his room…” As she spoke Frisk’s voice got more panicked and her face got redder and redder.

            “Frisk… Dear… um how to ask this… did Sans pressure you into something? If that bag of bones pushed my sister into something she wasn’t ready for I I’ll…” Frisk could see the magic in Chara spike and spark as her red gold eyes shifted to a deeper red almost blotting out to golden tones in her rage.

            “NO!!! Chara Sans didn’t do anything to me other than hold me close to him and make me feel safe… I’m the one that almost did something stupid… as we talked… god I can still feel the tingles…” Chara stopped dead at her sisters shout and locked eyes with her, as Frisk spoke Chara noticed that the flush of her face and there was a smell coming from Frisk like honey and stardust. Stars her sister was turned on and Chara couldn’t help the laugh that escaped from her.

            “Pfft Frisk I don’t think Sans would have minded you jumping his bones from what you said it sounds like the two of you are soulmates after all… which dose simplify things a bit. Even Daddy won’t go against a soulmates call as it could lead to the death of both sides.” Chara wrapped her shacking sister into her arms rubbing soothing circles over her back trying to calm her down.

            “Chara you don’t get it yes I’ve realized that Sans and I are probably going to end up together but that doesn’t change that I have a mission to do. I need to get ready for the introduction that Dad has planned for us and convince him that right after the coronation is the best time for me to break the barrier. I have a whole week that I need to get through before I even have a hope of progressing things with Sans. For the time being I am going to have to control my body and my reactions, so I don’t drive the poor guy completely nuts because I’m getting turned on thinking about… ok so not telling my sister what crap is spinning around in my head… yes, yes I know you literally used to have a direct line to my thoughts but now… no Chara I’m not sharing the stuff I’m thinking about.” Chara could help but laugh at her sister, she was just so cute when she was flustered.

            “Frisk dear breath. Sans is a big boy he can handle a bit of waiting and it sounds like it won’t be long honestly just seven tiny days. Though you are right that there is a lot to get done in those seven days. Mom wants to talk to you about plans and she has a few more lessons on monsters for you, she also wants to know how your day in town went and if you plan on going out again tomorrow.” Chara hugged Frisk to her and started guiding her farther into the Ruins towards where Toriel waited for them.

            A short walk later Frisk and Chara reached the cozy living room of Toriel’s home in the Ruins, Frisk wondered briefly what would happen to the home once they all moved to the palace… or for that matter when they all went to the surface since there was no way she was going to delay breaking the barrier. Frisk could see Toriel sitting in her comfy armchair by the fireplace a book perched on her lap.

            “Frisk my child you are home. I do hope that your day in down went well. Was there any issues the monsters in Snowdin accepting you being there?” Toriel rose from her chair and pulled Frisk to her chest in a gentle hug.

            “Yeah Mom everything went well all of the monsters were nice to me and quite polite really, some did have questions about humans that I did my best to answer all of them and I think they feel more secure with what humans of today are like. Then I had dinner with Sans and his brother Papyrus so I hope you didn’t make any extra food for me, I don’t think I could eat a bite.” Frisk was trying to put off talking to Toriel about pushing the timeline up and her feelings for a certain skeleton.

            “That is fine my child I am happy that you had a nice day though it would seem that you have something more on your mind dear, you know you can talk to me about anything, and we can figure it out together.” Toriel spoke softly to her youngest child her eyes kind and worried for what was troubling Frisk.

            Frisk sighed and grabbed hold of Chara’s hand needing the feeling of strength having her sister close to her offered. “Mom there are two things one of them effects our plans for mine and Chara’s introductions and coronation, the other is a more personal nature.” Frisk locked her hazel eyes on her adopted mother’s soft golden eyes as she spoke.

            “Very well my child let us start with what affects the introduction and coronation, what is it you wish to speak of.” Toriel remained calm and reasonable though her own mind raced with what it could be that was effecting Frisk.

            “Okay so I would like to speed up my lessons and also my introductions around the underground, I need to be ready to open the barrier after the coronation because I believe that not only will breaking the barrier show that I am worthy to be a princess to the monsters I also do not want my people to stay down here in the dark any longer than they must. If it were a perfect world I would spend the next day or so getting to know the monsters have the coronation and open the barrier in no more than three days, however I am aware that it an unreasonable timeline and leaves no time to learn more about the culture of the monsters who are now going to be looking to me as well as Chara as examples. And while Chara lived among monsters as a child and is now one herself I am an adult who is very much human.” Frisk breathed out a big sigh knowing that the way she had put it should hopefully convince Toriel that at the very least the timing of breaking the barrier at the coronation was a good idea, though she still doubted that the lessons Toriel wanted to impart on her would be so easily sped up.

            “Frisk my child you are wise beyond your years, it is very much true breaking the barrier at the coronation would show the monsters of the kingdom that you are very much here for them. I feel you will do well for the monsters my dear, and I do understand your need to get to know our subjects better. Indeed the one visit to Snowdin has shown you so much for you to come to this realization of showing your people your dedication for them I think that a hands on approach to your lessons may be the more apt approach. You have my blessing dear to go with Sans and explore the underground as often as you like.” Toriel was greatly pleased with Frisk and the young woman she was proving to be.

            “Thank you Mom that makes things a bit easier for me and takes an immense weight off of my shoulders. The more personal matter is a bit more delicate so I will start with a few questions for you. Firstly what do you know of soulmates and what are your thoughts on the possibility?” Frisk held herself stiff her breath locked inside her chest as she awaited Toriel’s answer.

            “Frisk my child monsters know very well that soulmates are a very real thing and when one finds their match it is a very powerful experience. As for my thoughts on the concept I know it is a rare phenomenon but very much real.” Toriel was a bit surprised Frisk would even think about soulmates as a thing and her mind wandered to the possibilities.     

            “Okay Mom next question what would you think if a human and a monster decided to form a relationship… beyond friendship that is.” Frisk fidgeted in place her breath was shallow and her eyes would not meet Toriel’s.

            “Well dear I suppose that would depend on the circumstances, for one if it were a human forcing themselves on a monster that would not be a good thing or vice versa, whereas if the two parties didn’t have any high standing in politics it wouldn’t be a bad thing just two individuals finding love in all shapes. When it comes to those in a place of power that is where things get sticky, I know you have heard of the princes and the monster that led to the war.” Toriel kept her answers to the vague, she didn’t have any personal issue with a monster and a human falling in love, she had at one point believed Asriel and Chara would have fallen in love and been together but that was not to be.

            Frisk flinched as Toriel spoke of the start of the war, it was one of her biggest fears was another war beginning because of her being in love with Sans. “What if… for example Chara found someone that she fell in love with… human or monster, as she is currently the heir to the throne. Perhaps another would be if I fell in love with a monster, would that be an issue as I am currently behind Chara in succession and therefore in a position of power. I know I am human so falling for a monster could be a problem couldn’t it?” Frisk was trying to get the answers she needed without giving too much away.

            “Frisk my child both you and your sister deserve nothing but happiness, if Chara finds love be they monster or human both myself and Asgore would be happy for her as long as the other treated her well. The same goes for you as well my dear if you fall in love be they monster or human, man or woman, as long as they make you happy there is no issue.” Toriel folder her arms around Frisk holding her close trying to show her how loved she was.

            “So what is Chara as a monster found a human and I as a human found a monster, wouldn’t that mess with the line of succession? I’ve never read or heard of a monster human hybrid before though considering the humans don’t keep as many books on monsters I’m just not sure.” Frisk was calming down knowing that when she was ready to announce her intentions with Sans things would more than likely not end in a war, however now that her mind and heart are on the same page she was thinking to the future.

            “Dear Frisk think for a moment what you accomplished with Chara, she was born human and died human. Not that long ago she was a spirit attached to your soul and now… she is alive and whole, and she is no longer human but monster and made from the magic and love of you my dear one, Asgore, and myself. Dose that, not speak to you of the possibility that a human and a monster who are determined enough could produce a child of their own?” Frisk released a shocked gasp at the realization of the situation, monsters are magic, and she possessed magic herself meaning that she could accomplish so much more than the average human even had she not been a determined soul, add to that the fact that she was and there was nothing that was impossible.

            “Mom… what would you think if I told you I think I found my soulmate…?” Frisk asked of her mother quietly not sure she was ready for this but also wanting to know none the less.

            “Frisk my dear child I would be ecstatic for you if you had found the match to your soul, though if they were a monster I would expect them to follow certain protocol for a proper courtship especially since they one they wish to win is royalty.” Frisk flinched as Toriel’s tone became firm with her expectations.

            “Thank you mom you have given me a lot to think about, tomorrow I will have Sans pick me up to meet more monsters and explore more of the underground. If you would not mind could you write a letter to Dad to inform him of the accelerated timeline and inform him of my intentions to break the barrier in a weeks’ time once Chara and I are introduced and coronated?” Frisk was nervous and happy but very much filled with determination.

            “Yes my child you have a pleasant night, and I will get to writing to Asgore, I don’t suppose he will be thrilled about rushing things but on the other hand the old goat will end up with his family home sooner so that should please him.” Chara and Frisk giggled at Toriel’s words and the exasperated affectionate tone she used now when referring to Asgore, it was really good to see that the rift between them was mending.

            Pulling her sisters hand Frisk dashed down the hall to their rooms to discuss what Toriel had said. Frisk could not believe that all the rears seemed to be melting away in the face of what she was learning each day. It had been a long day, but all things considered it had been a very good one.

            “Frisk you are such a… a… I don’t even know what to call you how could you put it in Mom’s head that I could end up with a human or… I am in no way ready for finding my other half… I just got a body again and…” Chara was exasperated with her sister and the way she had worded her question, this made Frisk giggle instantly watching her sisters eyes flash from red to gold and then back to the autumn mix that she had been reborn with.

            “Chara calm down Mom has no delusion that you have found someone, it was simply to keep what I was asking her a bit more abstract. I need to get in touch with Sans I have a feeling he is going to have to have a few meetings with Mom and Dad. Poor guy had to go and end up with a princess for a soulmate.” Frisk snorted out a giggle thinking about the whole thing and just feeling giddy.

            “Fine though I don’t like Mom thinking about that just yet… she just got me back… I want to be her little girl for at least a little while.” Chara practically pouted as she spoke. “So it looks like things are going to get interesting for the next few days, aren’t they?” Chara tried to redirect Frisk back to a subject that wasn’t focused on her.

            “Yeah should I call Sans, or should I text him? Should I have him meet up with me at the door to discuss things in person? If I have him come here can you come check on me, so I don’t do something stupid?” Frisk was back to stressing as she started to pace around her room thinking about all the things that needed done.

            “Sis calm down… I would say text him that you would like to call him then he has a heads up on that and it gives you a little bit to calm down. If you want to see him I don’t mind keeping my eye out for you what kind of big sister would I be if I didn’t.” There was a giggle in Chara’s voice as she hugged Frisk and ruffled her hair. “Do you need to borrow Mom’s phone? I can go get it for you If you like.” There was a glimpse of Chara’s small fangs when she smiled making Frisk realize just how different they had become.

            “No Sis Sans got me a phone today so I could get in touch with him if I needed… come to think of it I think he may have known something like this might come up.” The look on Frisk’s face was introspective, her eyes staired distantly as she recalled the exchanges with Sans throughout the day.

            “Wait he got you a phone? Let me see, let me see.” Chara reached out to the phone that Frisk was drawing from her pocket eager to see the device that Sans got for her sister. “Wow Frisk wonder how much that thing set him back… I know it has been a while, but Mom’s phone is just a regular one with buttons this one has a touch screen and Mom’s doesn’t have the storage box connection that had to be pretty expensive.” Chara was a bit shocked that the skeleton was able to just throw that kind of money around let alone just pass it off as no big deal to Frisk. it made Chara wonder if maybe he had a feeling before she told him what was going on.

            “Yeah he said it is the same one that he uses and should manage for basic tasks, I never really had a phone before now, but it does seem to be a bit more than a simple phone now that I think about it.” Frisk suddenly wondered exactly how much the little device in her hand had set Sans back.

            “Well you can talk to him about it, anyway I’m going to give you some space so you can text your bonefriend sis.” Chara snickered as Frisk tried and failed to smack her. Chara exited the room leaving Frisk alone with the phone held in her slightly shaking hands.

            As Frisk sat there, her eyes locked on the phone in her fingers her mind was spinning. She really needed to talk to Sans even if it were just to hear his deep voice rumbling as he spoke. Taking a deep breath Frisk brought the phone closer to her face and opened the contacts, there was only two there Sans and Papyrus. That was sweet of Sans to include his brothers number too, a smile spread over her face thinking about how sweet the two skeletons were to each other. Just as Frisk clicked on Sans contact information to send him a text the phone vibrated and chimed out a little tune. Frisk jumped and almost dropped the phone to the floor but caught it quickly and tapped on the icon that had lit up, it was a text from Sans, she felt her heart pound and her soul flutter feeling like butterflies.

            “hey starshine, i know i shouldn’t be buggin’ ya but i was layin’ here and thinkin’ ‘bout ya so i figured it wouldn’t be such a bad thing to shoot ya a text. hope your night is goin’ well, anyway i just was thinkin’ about ya.” Frisk read the text her heart leapt seeing that he wanted to talk to her and had been thinking about her too.

            “Hey Sans, yeah I was thinking about you too… could you maybe come by the Ruins? I know it wasn’t that long ago that you dropped me off, but we have a few things we need to talk about and… well it is better to talk about in person.” Frisk rushed to reply to Sans’ text waiting for his reply.

            What wasn’t expected by Frisk was for Sans to simply teleport right there into her room. The squeak that came from her mouth was rather undignified but couldn’t be helped. She was suddenly very nervous and excited at the same time, not knowing what to do with herself with the skeleton of her affections standing in her bedroom.

            “Sans… erm… hi… so…” Frisk nibbled her lower lip suddenly not sure how to tell him what she needed to tell him, her hands kept twisting the fabric of her shirt not realizing that she had managed to twist it enough that she was showing a small bit of skin at her midsection.

            “heheh maybe I should have given ya some warnin’ that I was just going to skip the door this time.” The grin on Sans’ face was that of the cat that caught the cannery mixed with a small bit of embarrassment.

            “Yeah kind of was not expecting to have a skeleton in my room… at least you didn’t end up in my closet.” Frisk couldn’t help giggling at her own little joke.

            “pfft wow starshine that was both the best and worst joke i’ve heard in a while. probably the timing on it tibia honest with ya.” There was a look in Sans’ eye lights telling Frisk that he was a bit nervous too, that alone allowed her to relax a bit.

            “So I wanted to let you know that I talked to Mom… well about a lot of things honestly. I asked her about breaking the barrier at the coronation and she agreed it was a good idea, I also asked her what she would think if I ended up with a monster and she seemed fine with it though she did bring up something… she said that there was certain customs that monsters follow when it comes to courting and I don’t think she was referring to what you already told me about it being the woman’s choice. Can you maybe tell me about it…? I know I could ask Mom, but she might take it the wrong way.” Frisk had sat on her bed as she spoke her eyes watching Sans to see if she could find any reaction from him, she didn’t have to look hard because as she spoke he started to rub the back of his skull with one of his skeletal hands his eye lights down cast and the smile on his face growing sheepish.

            “sometimes i forget ya didn’t grow up down here, or even with monsters around ya. so what tori was talkin’ about has to do with protocol and come to think on it with ya being coronated to be a princess to the monsters yeah… i’ll probably have to follow the old customs.” Frisk was thinking of some kind of trial that Toriel and Asgore might put Sans through or some list of prerequisites that he would have to submit to just to be with her.

            “So, what is it that you are going to need to do? Is it something dangerous? Please tell me that it isn’t something that could end up with you getting hurt Sans… I don’t think I could take that.” Frisk was working herself into a panic with her thoughts, imagining all the worst possibilities.

            “nah starshine we sort of already went through a small part of it in that i told ya how I feel about ya, also i acknowledged that ya are the one who is in charge of how things go. do ya accept my affections frisk? would ya like to move forward with a courtship with me?” Sans looked extremely nervous as he asked the last part and it made Frisk feel even more nervous.

            “Sans I don’t know exactly what the courtship entails but I do know that I have deep feelings for you, and I don’t believe there will ever be another person I could want to be with. So yes I do accept your affections for me as for the courtship can you please explain what all we need to do?” Frisk could feel her heart pounding in her chest, she was starting to wonder if it was possible to ever exert yourself from nerves.

            “okay starshine that’s fair, when it comes to courtship we have done the first half or so already ya like me I like ya and we have talked about it and i’ve told ya my intentions. next is going to be a bit harder… well for me i need to speak to tori and asgore about my intentions towards ya and seek their permission to continue. from what ya said tori should be fine with it… not sure on asgore but i’ve known the king for a long time and worked with him for a good portion of that so I have high hopes there. heheh me with hope now that is new, look what ya do to me kid got me hopein’ for some kind of future.” Sand chuckled and was still looking nervous his boney fingers scratching at the spaces between the vertebrae of his neck.

            “Wait… so it’s basically an ask the parents kind of thing? Wow Sans you had me thinking you would have to fight for my honor or something like that with your talk about old customs.” Frisk giggled feeling relieved it was something so much simpler than she had originally thought.

            “yeah well they can still impose stipulations on us like how long i got to wait till I can get an answer and since you’re going to be a princess proving i’m worthy to be your mate may still come into play not so much from tori but asgore might do it since he can.” Frisk didn’t like the sound of her Dad interfering with her love life but what could she do.

            “Okay so I guess talk to Mom first am I supposed to be there with you for the talk or is it something you need to do on your own? Also Mom gave me permission to explore the underground and meet the monsters not just the ones in Snowdin but all of the underground since we are pushing the timetable up.” Frisk couldn’t help be excited about how things where moving however she still felt her nerves gnawing at her.

            “nah starshine i need to be the one to talk to them at least the first time. once i get permission to court ya then we will have an introduction to make things a bit more official.” The lights in Sans’ eyes danced thinking about making things official with Frisk, he could feel his soul fluttering against his ribs with the joy it felt.

            “Okay so how about this it is a bit late right now, so I don’t think approaching Mom tonight is a good idea but tomorrow I want to get out and meet more monsters so before you come to pick me up for that why not talk to Dad and see if he is willing to give his blessing then come here and talk to Mom. After you talk to mom then we can go out and I can meet more monsters, does that sound like a workable plan?” Frisk trained her eyes on Sans’ eye lights the hope on her face was almost painful in its intensity.

            “not a bad plan starshine but i think i should go to the king tonight… with ya being his youngest and not as close to him as ya are your Mom i want to know if there are goin’ to be any snags in the plans for tomorrow.” Sans couldn’t help how his smile spread causing his eye lights to dance with anticipation.

            “Are you sure that it will be okay Sans? I don’t want Dad to hurt you and interrupting his night might not be the best idea.” Frisk was unsure of herself and of what was going to happen in the next week, but she was determined that everything would work out for the best.

            “yeah starshine i’ll text ya when i’m done talkin’ to asgore to let ya know what happened.” Frisk was a bit surprised when Sans leaned forward pressing his teeth to her mouth in a tender kiss causing her heart to flutter and a deep flush to cover her face.

            “O-okay Sans I trust you more than anyone other than maybe Chara and that’s only cause I’ve known her my whole life.” Sans smirked at the flustered look on Frisk’s face as she spoke.

            “see ya in the mornin’ starshine, i’ll text ya once i’m done talkin’ to asgore and give ya a proper goodnight.” With a smirk on his face Sans gave Frisk one last gentle kiss before stepping back and vanishing from her room.

            Flopping back on her bed Frisk closed her eyes her heart was still pounding from the two kisses that Sans had stolen from her, not like she wouldn’t have given them to him willingly but the way he sort of snuck in there for the kisses set her heart speeding away. Kicking her legs and wiggling on the bed with a high pitched squeal of excitement Frisk clutched her phone to her chest thinking about the adventure that was to come.

Chapter Text

Chapter 13

The Courtship Begins and Frisk Meets Undyne

            The slide snick of Sans’ slippers on the gold orange tiles of the judgment hall was the only sound this late at night. He could feel his nerves climbing with the impending task before him, he could face humans bent on killing every monster but facing the king asking to court his daughter was rather daunting. With a deep breath he tried to still his flaring magic as he neared the door at the back of the hall leading to the room that held the kings privet garden and the thrones. He could do this, Frisk was worth waiting for and worth far more than anything Asgore could put him through.

            Pushing the door open to the throne room Sans was prepared as best he could be for what was to come. He had told Frisk that everything would be fine, although the worry he was feeling at what Asgore might ask of him for the permission he so desperately wanted had Sans very much on edge. Looking around the room Sans could see the golden flowers that Asgore so carefully cultivated as well as the throne a creation of ancient hardwood inlayed with golden filagree upholstered in a rich red velvet. There was the outline of a second throne covered in a white sheet in the back of the room, just waiting for Toriel to come back to the palace and take her side by her husband.

            Sans had always wondered if the monsters had brought the thrones with them when they had been locked underground, or if they are something that was made after the monsters exile. In the end it didn’t really seem to matter all that much as Sans had faith that Frisk would do as she planned and release the monsters form their prison. It was a wonder to him how one little human had come to the underground and turned his world upside down. The fact that she had not come here by accident was strange, all the other humans that had found their way into the underground had fallen in. Frisk had climbed in by a rope passing the barrier on her way in, leaving behind the world with nothing but her determination to free the monsters.

            Each thing about Frisk drew him to her even before he realized that they were destined to be together because of the soulmate bond. The way she smiled at him with no fear from the very start had been fascinating as he knew that no human living today had ever been face to face with a monster, yet she met his gaze unflinching and at ease. The sound of her voice was like music to Sans bringing peace to his soul, her laughter was filled with so much joy and life that he couldn’t help wanting to hear it more and more. Not only was she beautiful but she was kind, the way she had interacted with the monsters of Snowdin, and Papyrus melted Sans soul. Her sharp mind and wit challenged his own mind to stop being so lazy and keep up reawakening his love of learning about the mysteries of the world.

            Beyond all doubt in his mind Sans knew that he could not live without Frisk in his life, he would do whatever it was that the king wanted of him to make the rest of Frisk’s life happy. With that thought he approached the back of the throne room and the door hidden behind a wall of lush green vines. It was time to find Asgore and have the conversation he was here to have, even if he weren’t sure what would happen he was determined to have this conversation.

            “asgore we need to have a chat old friend, about your youngest daughter.” Sans approached the towering goat monster who it would seem had just left the throne room.

            “Sans my boy what is it Frisk has done now? Hopefully, nothing that cannot be repaired.” It was clear that Asgore had a long day, Sans could see the exhaustion on him like a second cloak.

            “no sir nothin’ bad though it might be wise to find a quiet place where we can speak freely your majesty.” Sans reached out to the door to a small library that he knew was not far from the throne room, indicating that they should head in to have their chat.

            “Very well then I suppose a quiet chat in a cozy chair never harmed anyone.” Asgore laughed a bit and led the way into the room, the walls of which were lined with bookcases filled with tomes ranging in age from old to downright ancient. The pride of the room was a crackling fireplace flanked by two of the largest and most comfortable looking armchairs that Sans had ever seen in his life, he had looked for similar but never found any.

            Once Asgore was seated Sans stood before him and began. “Your majesty I have come to you for your permission in a delicate matter, over the time that i have known Frisk it has become apparent that our souls are drawn to one another. After some thought on the matter and my own feelings I believe that we are soulmates and would request your permission to court her and make her my true mate. I have spoken to her about the matter, and she has informed me that my affections towards her are welcomed and that she too has a fondness for me.” Sans stood stiff his speech and voice as formal as he could make it. this was not a time for jokes or being lazy with the way he spoke.

            “Now this is an interesting turn of events, I had thought that my newest daughter might one day marry though I expected it would be to another human. I had not contemplated the idea of her finding interest in a monster, though her willingness to free us not by chance but by design dose seam to lend to the fact that she has a soft spot for monsters. As my Judge Sans you hold quite a lot of power, not just in the kingdom but also your own personal strength that led to your position. Now that Chara is a monster should she have caught your eye there would have been no problems with you wooing her… however Frisk being human even a human who uses such powerful magics it brings to mind how the war began.” Asgore had just voiced Frisk’s greatest fear and it made Sans very nervous that the king and the newest princess seemed to think along the same lines.

            “Your majesty I do understand the fear, as it is she herself voiced that same fear when we first spoke of our feelings for one another. However there are some vast differences between the past and the present, the most important one being that while she is human she is a princess to the monster kingdom not a human one.” Sans spoke frankly yet with the great respect the situation required.

            “True, my boy very true. Hmm was it not also a skeleton that was the monster from those events?” Asgore was clearly thinking on the mater.

            “Yes your majesty, in fact it was one of my own relatives who fell in love with the human princess.” Sans had not thought about it much, but he did wonder if that connection might be why his soul had chosen Frisk.

            “I wonder Sans do you think perhaps the two of you are meant to repair the damage of the past? It is a bit surprising that it was your ancestor and now you yourself find a human to be your soulmate… very well you have my permission to court Frisk though tread lightly my boy, we may not have a human king who will declare a war against monsters for her loving you but there are still many obstacles that the two of you will face.” Sans bowed deeply to Asgore, the relief of knowing that he was free to pursue Frisk as far as the king was concerned was a living thing inside of his soul.

            “Thank you your majesty I greatly appreciate your blessing and will do my utmost to insure that Frisk will be happy and safe.” Asgore waved one of his massive paw like hands in dismissal of the skeleton clearly lost in his own thoughts now that it was decided.

            Once Sans was back in the Judgment hall he teleported to his room and breathed a heavy sigh of relief. That went far better than he had ever expected it could, Asgore had not even asked a concession from him for the consideration. Fishing his phone from his pocket Sans debated on if he should text or call Frisk. His eye lights were locked on the phone in his boney fingers debating when the phone chimed out his ringtone causing to nearly drop the phone as he jumped to answer it.

            “hello? frisk is that you?” Sans held the phone to his ear hole as he spoke, feeling surprised and elated to have the chance to speak with Frisk again.

            “Yeah Sans it’s me I was wondering if you finished talking to Dad and what he had to say.” Sans could hear the nerves in her voice even though he could tell she was trying to be calm.

            “yeah starshine was just about to reach out to ya when ya called. almost dropped my phone when it rang heheh. asgore gave me his blessin’ to court ya sweetheart so now i just got to talk to tori in the mornin’.” It was clear that Sans was relieved, although he did still sound a bit nervous.

            “That’s good… right Sans? This is what you want too right?” Sans could tell that Frisk was doubting herself, that there was something in her keeping her from seeking the happiness that she wanted.

            Without warning there was a shift in the air pressure and static from the phones as Sans teleported into Frisk’s room. The Squeak that Frisk produced was quite cute to the skeleton as he plucked the phone from her lax fingers, chuckling at her surprise to see him again so soon. Once the phone was safely out of her grasp and the call was ended Sans bent down and pressed his teeth to Frisks parted lips in a gentle kiss. He could only hope that the kiss showed her just how much he wanted to be with her, how sure he was that she was what he wanted.

            As Sans kissed her Frisk could feel herself melting as the sparks of his magic played over her lips. Frisk could feel her soul in her chest pulsing in time with the sparks of his magic, her arms wrapped around his neck as she abandoned herself to the kiss. The moan that escaped her lips as they kissed was answered by a deep rumbling growl from Sans, causing tingles to spread down Frisk’s spin and desire to pool at her core.

            “starshine if we don’t stop now i don’t think i will be able to hold back much longer.” Sans said as he pulled back from the kiss and tucked his face in the crock of Frisk’s neck, his warm breath tickling her sending shivers through her body and another throb of desire to pulse to her core.

            “Y-yeah… we still n-need to w-wait… even if a growing part of me just wants to…” Frisk was breathless from the kiss her mind and body waring between her duty and her desires.

            “heheh frisk it will be ok just seven more days and i can make you mine.” Sans voice was rough with a note of possessiveness. Frisk whimpered as the sound of his voice rumbling with his need shot straight through her making her clench her thighs together tightly.

            “M-maybe you should go home before I… before I can’t control myself.” There was clearly a mix of emotions in Frisk’s voice, there was fear there as well as pain, layering it all was a heavy and intoxicating amount of desire that Frisk had no hope of concealing.

            “i get it starshine just remember seven more days ya can do this, i still need to talk to tori anyway. just goin’ to give ya one last kiss goodnight then tomorrow i’ll be here to take ya out and show ya more of the underground.” Sans said as he took Frisk’s hand in his pressing his teeth to the back of her hand against her petal soft skin his eye lights locked on her eyes. As he straightened from kissing Frisk’s hand Sans bent forward gently brushing his teeth to her lips in the briefest of kisses whispering to her. “see ya in my dreams starshine sleep well.” A smirk on Sans face as he spoke.

            Frisk was left sitting there on her bed, her face on fire with a blush, her heart pounding like thundering hoof beats and her mind reeling. Sans had vanished after the good night kiss, though now Frisk wondered how she was going to be able to fall asleep with the flash of desire that had spread through her at his kisses. A frustrated growl escaped her lips followed by an almost manic giggle over the situation she found herself in.

            “How the hell can a few kisses get me so worked up?” Frisk took a deep breath to steady herself. “Seven more days you can do this Frisk, it’s only seven little days, not like those seven days are going to be spent mostly in the company of a certain skeleton who makes your heart pound and your mind wander to very sinful places.” Frisk growled flopping back on her bed, her hand scrubbing down her face as she wondered if she might be able to speed her mission along even faster. Seven days was a long time, at least when you have something you are waiting for.

            The next morning Frisk was in a foul mood, she had not slept well even after trying to take matters into her own hands and relieving some of the pressure that Sans had managed to build in her. She had spent the night tossing and turning from the stress that she was feeling over everything she needed to get done. It wasn’t like her to be so snappy with those she cared about but with very little sleep she was finding it difficult not to snap at Toriel who seemed to be concerned with her health, or Chara who was trying to get answers to her change in mood.

            “I get it I’m not myself right now I didn’t sleep well since I have a lot that I need to get done and I’m just stressing myself out. it isn’t you guys honestly and thank you for caring enough about me to be concerned but it isn’t helping me right now. What would help is a nice cup of coffee and maybe a piece of your pie Mom?” Frisk was trying really hard to not snap and was hoping that the coffee and sugar along with the magic she knew Toriel put in her cooking would help bolster her energy and get her through the day.

            “Of course my child, we are just worried for you. You have taken on a large task and I do wonder if pushing the breaking of the barrier to the same day of the coronation was such a wise idea after all if it is going to cause you troubles my dear.” Toriel said as she fetched a mug of coffee and a large slice of pie in front of Frisk and gave her a brief gentle hug.

            “It will be fine Mom I can handle it, just give me a few minutes to get the coffee and pie in me and I’ll be like a new woman.” Frisk didn’t want to worry anyone over her behavior, so she plastered a smile on her face even if her eyes showed how tired she was feeling.

            “Hey Sis when you are done with your breakfast I would like to speak to you in privet.” The look on Chara’s face when she spoke to Frisk was telling and all Frisk could do to that was nod.

            Sans showed up while Frisk and Chara had slipped off to Chara’s room to speak, Toriel rushed off to the door out of the Ruins to answer his knock. As she reached the door Toriel paused realizing that it may not be Sans as Asgore also knew where she was now.

            “Who’s there?” Toriel called out wondering if it was the joking skeleton or her estranged mate.

            ‘mustache.” There was a small chuckle in Sans voice as he replied setting Toriel at ease.

            “Mustache who?” Toriel set up the joke a small giggle escaping from her.

            “I mustache you a very important question.” Sans replied using the joke as a set up for the talk he was about to have with the queen and Frisk’s mother.

            Toriel opened the door for Sans, the giggle over the joke was much smaller than it would have been otherwise. Stepping back Toriel led the way into the small home she shared with her girls and indicated that Sans should take a seat at the table.

            “So my dear what is this question that you have for me?” Toriel debated if she should offer Sans a beverage or if it was best to get the question over with first.

            “first question tori I know how to speak to asgore but when it comes to ya I’m still getting’ to know ya so do ya prefer casual or official?” Sans asked as he did not want to mess things up by doing things the wrong way.

            “That my dear depends on the question you have to ask, can I ask the nature of the question?” Toriel getting a bit nervous though she would not show it as her years as being queen kept her from showing any tells.

            “erm well it is of a personal nature though it might have some effect on other monsters even if it is in a small way.” Sans answered her question feeling all the more nervous with how Toriel was holding herself.

            “Very well then I suppose formal though I reserve the right to change to a more casual discussion.” Toriel seated herself smoothing her paw like hands over the skirt of her purple robe.

            “Toriel, your majesty I come to you for your permission in a rather personal and delicate matter, as you know Frisk and I have spent some time together between my helping her with Chara as well as escorting her around Snowdin. In the time that we have spent together it has become apparent that my soul has been drawn to her, in all honesty it is my firm belief that she and I are soulmates.” In the pause Sans took to gather a breath and ask her permission to court Frisk he found himself wrapped in Toriel’s arms in a bond crushing hug.

            “Oh Sans really my friend that is amazing, Frisk approached me about my thoughts already about soulmates and the possibility of a monster becoming her mate, but I had no idea that it would be you. i do realize that it is a bit fast but when one finds the mate to their soul there is no fighting it.” Toriel suddenly realized she might be crushing the small skeleton in her grip and sheepishly released him to let him back to the floor.

            “heheh take it ya want to switch to a more casual discussion from your reaction tori?” Sans couldn’t help the chuckle as he steadied himself and smiled widely up at the goat monster who had nearly crushed him in her joy.

            “Oh dear boy of course you are practically family now if my guess is correct.” The smile on Toriel’s face was pure joy knowing her youngest had such a fine young monster to look after her.

            “so like i was workin’ on sayin’ i’ve spoken to frisk about our customs and asgore has given me permission from his side of things, i went to him first as he is the king though i do feel it is important to ask both parents so that is why i’m here. tori i would like your permission to court frisk officially.” Sans was blushing furiously at this point his face doing a rather good impression of a blueberry.

            “Sans as Frisk’s adoptive mother and as the queen of monsters you have my blessing to court Frisk for as long as she will have your attentions.” Toriel beamed at the blush on the small skeletons face and scooped him up in another hug, though this one was not so tight.

            “thanks tori ya have no clue how relieved i am right now that ya accept my love for frisk. somehow she has wormed her way into my soul and… i just don’t know how to describe how she makes me feel.” Sans could not stop the grin on his face even if he tried.

            In Chara’s bedroom the two sisters were having a very heated discussion, well discussion implied a back and forth in reality it was more Chara yelling at Frisk while Frisk tried to keep her eyes open. Frisk could not understand why her feeling tired and grouchy had set her sister off, it wasn’t even like she had said anything bad to Chara or Toriel just informed them that she had not slept well.

            “Frisk pay attention, what is going on with you. First you want to move up the breaking of the barrier and now you aren’t sleeping right. Talk to me please cause no matter what you tell me it can’t be worse than the crap I have playing out in my head.” Chara huffed the frustration she was practically dripping from every word she spoke.

            “Fine if you must know I didn’t sleep well because of a few things, one I need to meet almost every monster in the underground within seven days and get to know them not just shake their hand, claw, fin etcetera. Two in a bit under seven days I won’t just be Frisk Sotiris I’ll be Frisk Dreemurr and princess to the monsters and inline for the throne after you. Three I think I’m deeply in love with Sans and I know he feels something for me but I’m not sure how deep it goes, and last night a few kisses from him saying good night left me so flustered I could hardly breath.” Frisk had worked herself into a tizzy her hair was floating in the sparks of her magic her breathing was heavy and her eyes flashed the red of her soul showing past her normally gold flecked hazel eyes giving them an eerie quality.

            “… Okay that was so not what I was even thinking… I thought I knew how your mind worked form being with you so long but… wow… just wow Frisk that is a lot of pressure you put on yourself. First off I know you want to meet the monsters and you can after all you are a princess now take your time as they will learn to love you just like I have, and Mom has and apparently Sans has.” At the last one Chara snickered.” Second dear sister I know you can break the barrier so we could do it today tomorrow or a week from now and that wouldn’t matter. The monsters won’t think less of you if you want to wait they aren’t like that. Frisk you have been my sister long before you brought me back, long before you met Mom and Daddy, just because you are becoming more to them now than you where before does not change who you are inside. It will be okay, and I don’t plan on ever letting you need to take the throne so don’t even think about needing to be in the line of succession. As for Sans if that bonehead has any sense he will treat you like the princess you are and stop leaving you flustered.” As Chara spoke Frisk was calming down and by the last word she couldn’t help but laugh.

            “Well actually it isn’t completely his fault that he left me flustered… I told him that I wasn’t ready for more yet… I told him that I needed to finish my mission before I let myself start a relationship with him… though he has already asked Dad to court me, and I would guess that by now he has asked Mom too.” The blush on Frisks face was so red it could compete with her soul in shade.

            “Wait… you mean that lazy bones of a skeleton went in front of Asgore king of all monsters and asked for his permission to court his adopted human daughter and survived? Frisk how serious are you about being with Sans? because when a monster askes another monsters parents for permission to court them that is a big thing… like in human terms he wants to marry you… is that where your mind is sis?” Chara was having a difficult time wrapping her head around the situation.

            “Chara… I know what it means for him to ask Mom and Dad… I know what it all means honestly… did you ever see the dreams I’ve had?” Frisk asked needing to know how much she needed to explain to her sister.

            “Well no I didn’t have a direct link to everything… I just saw what you let me and what was happening when I was there.” Chara was not sure where her sister was headed with the question, but she got the feeling that things were about to get interesting.

            “As long as I can remember I have had the same dream… it wasn’t till I was here underground that I started to understand what it was… Sans is my soulmate it is our destiny to put right the wrongs of the past together.” The words that Frisk spoke hung in the air between the two sisters, Chara’s autumn colored eyes focused intently on Frisk’s gold flecked hazel ones.

            “So let me get this straight you have had some dream most if not all of your life and because of this dream you think Sans is your soulmate? What the fuck Frisk how does that even make sense?” Chara loved her sister but was starting to think there might be some kind of mischief going on here.

            With a heavy sight Frisk started to explain the situation in more detail. “So the dream has always felt so real to me no matter how often I have it, it feels real. In the dream I am at a masquerade in my honor and after being hounded for dances and a moment of my time by everyone at the party I slip away to a balcony and there I run into someone but not just anyone… I didn’t know it when I first started having the dreams but the person I run into in the dream is a dead ringer for Sans down to the magic color. When I realized the connections and started thinking about history I came to realize it isn’t just a dream… it is a memory but not a normal one but of a lifelong since past… you know the legend of how the war started… the princess that fell in love with the monster?” Frisk paused giving her sister a chance to nod before continuing. “The dream is her memory, my memory… I think I am her reincarnation. I need to check the records when we get back to the surface, but my father always told me that we came from royalty though that throne is long since gone.” Frisk sat with her sisters paw like hands clasped in her own much smaller hands.

            “Let me get this straight… you think you are the reincarnation of the princess that fell in love with a monster and started the great war… well I guess that would explain your fear of starting a war if it happened to you before I can see you fearing it happening again.” Chara chuckled at the look of incredulity on Frisk’s face “Okay I get it so because of that you think that you are Sans soulmate… hate to brake it to you Sis that isn’t how it works, there is more to it than some old memory.” Chara caught the look in Frisks eyes and realized that there was more that hadn’t been said.

            “What about the fact that every time he is around me I feel like my soul is being pulled from my chest to be close to him? or how about the fact that I can literally feel the thrum of his soul when he is nearby… kind of how I know right now he is in the dining room with Mom sitting at the table.” Frisk raised a single brow at Chara and the look on her face.

            “Wait you can tell where he is right now? and you said that your soul feels like it is being pulled to him? Fuck… well I’m convinced so when is the mating ceremony?” Frisk was a bit taken aback by Chara’s sudden change of tune.

            “Okay was not expecting you to be so okay with this or to switch sides so fast…” Frisk stared up into her sisters red and gold eyes trying to see some deception or joke hiding there but found none.

            “Frisk I was raised with monsters… hell I am a monster now I know what a soulmate is supposed to feel like, it is something monster children learn about young. What you described there is no way for a human to know those feelings because you are not taught about soulmates so for you to feel them they are real.” Chara gave her sister a hug careful not to crush her.

            The girls soon joined Sans and Toriel in the dining room, finding them sitting in quiet conversation. Frisk was pleased to see that Sans was smiling a genuine smile and his posture was relaxed. She hoped that was an indication that his talk with Toriel had gone well but she wouldn’t just blurt it out. Peeking at Toriel showed Frisk that her adoptive mother was calm and seemed quite happy with the way things were so Frisk felt that either Sans had chickened out of asking her, which she doubted he would, or Toriel was pleased that Sans had voiced his intent with Frisk.

            “Ah my children it is so good of you girls to join us.” Toriel folded both Frisk and Chara into her large arms for a tender motherly hug. “Sans here has informed me of his intentions to court you Frisk and I have given my blessing. Congratulations my child on catching such a fine monster as a mate.” Toriel snickered a bit quite pleased with the flustered look on Frisk’s face.

            “Thank you Mom. Is it ok if Sans and I get to work on my mission of meeting the monsters of the underground we have a bit under seven days now for me to meet everyone?” Frisk was blushing brightly as she spoke.

            “Of course my dear please do be careful while you are out there, your father may have told many monsters of you and your role but as we have not done the coronation or official introductions there will still be those that are less than friendly to humans. Though I do believe with Sans along you should be quite safe.” Toriel shifted her golden irises to the short skeleton who hovered just behind Frisk his stance relaxed yet protective.

            “yes ma’am not one soul will muss even a single hair on Frisk’s head while i’m around.” Sans said, his tone deathly serious.

            With that Frisk and Sans found themselves being walked to the door out of the Ruins to begin their mission. Frisk sighed out a breath she had not realized that she was holding till that moment, Sans grasped her hand pulling her closer to him. Looking down Frisk met Sans eye lights and saw there the joy that he couldn’t hide even if he wanted to.

            “hey there starshine, i missed ya been kind of bonely without ya tibia honest with ya.” Sans Free hand reaches up and caressed Frisk’s cheek making her flush a pretty shade of red, her eyes sparkling in her own happiness.

            “I missed you too Sans, I take it you had your chat with Mom so now that both her and Dad know your intentions to court me what happens?” Frisk said placing her own hand over his boney fingers on her cheek.

            “well starshine now is the time for me to prove how much i want to take ya as my mate… and for ya to see if i’m really the one ya want…” The expression on Sans’ face shifted from one of joy and desire to one of worry causing Frisk to feel her soul clench in pain. She knew beyond any doubt that Sans was her soulmate, though it would seem Sans doubted that she would continue to want him.

            “Sans look at me please.” Frisk placed her free hand on Sans’ face guiding his eye lights to her face gently. She took a deep breath to steady herself, she had never told another soul anything close to what she was about to tell Sans. “I love you Sans I want to be with you in every way possible… you are my soulmate and I have zero doubt of that whatsoever. That won’t change over the course of a week or a lifetime.” Frisk leaned forward tilting her face up and pressed her soft petal pink lips to Sans teeth, the hand on his face slipping behind his skull to pull him into the kiss as she tried to show him just how much he meant to her.

            Sans was stiff at first as her lips met his teeth, he had not been expecting Frisk to initiate the kiss with him. However once she shock became thin he let out a primal moan his free hand sliding behind Frisk’s head. His phalanges threading through her silky chestnut hair earning him a moan from her lips. As they kissed Frisk parted her lips in a bold move darting her little pink tongue out to sweep across Sans’ teeth and a teasing move. At the feel of her tongue Sans released a growl low and deep in his chest, his hand that was not in her hair snaked around her waist crushing her body against his own as he parted his teeth letting his spectral tongue dance out of his mouth to lightly tease along Frisk’s lips and tongue.

            “Sans…” Frisk moaned out his name in a breathy whisper as she parted from the kiss for a breath. her head was spinning, and she wanted so much more, however she knew that they had work to get done before they let themselves go farther. “We need to calm down Sugarskull or we won’t get any work done.” Sans growled in frustration knowing very well that she was right.

            “stars ya taste like heaven starshine i don’t know how i’m going to keep myself under control till this week is over.” Forehead rested against Frisk’s Sans tried to bring his breathing back under control, his sockets closed in concentration.

            “I know how you feel Sans, this week is probably going to be the longest and hardest one of my life.” The almost manic giggle that escaped Frisk’s mouth at that caused Sans to join in with a chuckle of his own.

            “then we may as well get the work done as quick as we can starshine, i was thinkin’ waterfall would be the next place for ya to make your introductions at.” Sans still had not released Frisk, but it was clear that he was calming down a bit as he spoke.

            “You’re the expert down here love so lead the way and I will follow.” Frisk didn’t miss the slight reaction Sans had when she said love although she was unsure as to what the reaction meant.

            After a quick stop at Sans’ home for some breakfast and to let Papyrus know the plans for the day Frisk found herself whisked from the cold landscape of Snowdin and the surrounding aria and into a much warmer climate. The area was really quite pretty, the ceiling of this area of the underground was studded with cyan crystals that glowed faintly making them look like stars in the night sky. As they walked along passing over wooden bridges Frisk began to notice luminescent flowers dotting the marshy landscape glowing the same cyan of the stones above giving the whole landscape an ethereal appearance.

            “Hey Sans, what are those flowers? I’ve never seen anything like them on the surface, they are really pretty.” Frisk decided it was worth breaking the comfortable silence to ask.

            “oh those… here i’ll show ya starshine.” Sans led Frisk over to one of the blooms picking his way through the boggy soil, finding a path that wouldn’t end with the two of them covered in muck and water. As they reached a flower Sans bend over the bloom and seemed to whisper something to the flower, without a word he waved Frisk closer to the flower and gently flicked one of the petals causing the flower to speak out in a slightly distorted version of Sans deep voice.

            “you are my stars in the sky starshine, i would be so lost without you in my life.” The flower repeated softly causing Frisk to blush and giggle.

            “Oh my goodness Sans that is amazing, can I try?” Frisk looked to the skeleton who nodded his head an amused smile on his face. Frisk bent over the flower and whispered to it a smile over her face that would rival the sun ash she blushed deeply. As she finished with the flower she stepped back and nodded to Sans that he could flick the bloom to make it repeat what she had said.

            “I’m so lucky to have found my soulmate and best friend, my life would be so empty without your smile Sans.” The flower repeated in a distorted copy of Frisk’s voice causing Sans to blush.

            Sans captured Frisks hand with his own pulling her to him and nuzzling her neck gently as he held her close to him. Frisk giggled feeling his breath on her sending a shiver through her as she clasped her hands behind the vertebrae of his neck. Sans lifted his face from her neck and looked into her eyes, those beautiful green and gold irises shining with trust and joy and what he was hoping might be the beginnings of love.

            Trapped in Sans gaze Frisk blushed leaning forward to press a small kiss on his cheekbone, feather light and tender. She giggled when she saw his face light up with a blue blush. She didn’t want the moment to end because it felt so perfect just her and him in the luminescent filed of flowers bathed in the cyan glow. Sadly, fate had another plan for them at that moment, because the next second Sans had pushed Frisk away and leapt in front of her in a protective stance. That was when Frisk noticed the spear lodged in the loamy soil where she had once stood.

            “undyne ya need to stop that right there, not one more move against her or ya will be dead where ya stand.” The lights in his sockets had winked out of existence and Frisk could feel the rage rolling off Sans in hot waves.

            “That human must die Sans why do you protect them? We need their soul to be free of this place and you would stand in the way of the final soul that we need to be free?” A voice spoke out before Frisk could see the figure whom it belonged to, when her eyes found them she was met with a tall humanoid monster clad from head to heal in a dark gray armor with a plume of red flowing from the helm in the breeze. 

            “shut ya trap tuna breath, ya have no clue what is goin’ on here obviously. the king himself has decreed any monster to touch her is inviting death on themselves.” Sans growled as his magic sparked in his left socket flashing blue and yellow as whisps of the magic streamed from the edge.

            “Asgore would never let a human walk around the underground freely, not when one soul is enough to break the barrier and free all of monster kind.” Undyne bellowed the rage in her voice was clear, her disbelief in what Sans was saying evident.

            “undyne ya are the captain of the royal guard so i don’t believe ya don’t know that asgore already told ya not to touch her so drop it” A barrage of spears flew towards Sans and Frisk, the only thing that saved them both was Frisk throwing up her own barrier stopping the spears from getting close enough to harm them.

            “Stop! Stop right this instant Undyne, I have not met you before but from what I know of the monsters you have no real wish to harm me or anyone else. I am here to break the barrier but not in the way that you seem to think necessary, I can break it without giving up my soul to do so and I will show you and all monsters in a weeks’ time once the coronation of Princess Chara and myself is complete.” Frisk bellowed in the most commanding voice Sans had ever heard, in that moment he could believe that she was a princess destined to be a queen.

            “Fhuhuhu human why should I believe you Chara died long ago no way she is going to be coronated in a week. No way in hell you are either why would the king make you a princess.” Undyne launched another beverage of spears at Sans and Frisk as she spoke, not about to let up her attack, this enraged Sans who reached with his magic to turn Undyne’s soul blue forcing her to stay still.

            “undyne stop with the damn spears already, ya know ya ain’t goin’ to hit us between my magic and hers.” Sans was not happy to be in this fight in the least, Frisk reached her hand out and touched his shoulder.

            “Sans I need to handle this, if I can’t then what right do I have to be a princess.” Frisk stepped forward to the armor clad Undyne not flinching when she struggled against Sans’ hold on her soul. Upon reaching the outraged monster Frisk reached up and removed the helm from her head to meet her eyes.

            What Frisk found under the helm was a woman covered in iridescent blue scales with fins where her ears would be where she human. What Frisk had assumed was a plum on the helm was in reality the woman’s vibrant red hair pulled into a tight ponytail. The eye that met Frisks gaze was a golden yellow filled with malice and apprehension. The other eye was not there instead covered by a black eye patch scars just visible under the edge of it showing that some misfortune had befallen the monster costing her the eye.

            “Don’t touch me you filthy human, it was your kind that locked us down here to die. Your death can free all monsters and you don’t even have the decency to be afraid of your fate.” Undyne growled in Frisk’s face and jerked against Sans’ hold on her soul.

            “Undyne I am not here to harm you or any other monster I have no need to fear monsters especially since Asgore and Toriel have seen to adopt me. though even before that I had no reason to fear as I am here to help all monsters, I climbed into the underground to break the barrier that was placed by the mages of the surface and right the wrongs committed against monsters.” Frisk placed her hand over her chest where her soul rested drawing her magic together to pull her soul out.

            Undyne flinched from the sight before her both in embarrassment as it was really an intimate act to willingly show ones soul and at the hotly glowing red soul floating before her. Undyne was no stranger to the human soul having helped in harvesting the six souls that the king already held, although this was her first time seeing one so bright and strong. On top of that the soul floating in front of her was the red of pure determination, no monster could hope to compete against a determined human and Undyne was no exception.

            “I do not want to fight you Undyne I want to become your friend. Just as I want to become the friend to every monster in the underground. I show you my soul to show you who I truly am, I know it is neither proper nor is it normal, however I invite you a glimpse of who and what I am. I face you unflinching and unafraid.” At that Frisk gathered some of her magic and reached her hand out to the fish monster in front of her reaching for Undyne’s hand drawing the gauntlet from it and placing her scale covered fingers on her own soul.

            What Undyne saw when she touched the humans soul was beyond all words, she had never bonded with anyone, so she had no comparison for what she felt but from the soul she got flashes of images and pulses of the emotions that went with the images. She saw Frisk as a child being ridiculed by her peers for her love of the monsters of myth and how it broke the girls heart how people could be so cruel. The strength that the young woman Frisk became showed in learning and persisting in her studies of magic to learn how to break what should not be so easily broken. Undyne watched as Frisk scaled down the rope into the underground to save a race she wasn’t even sure existed and the hope she felt when she found that they did. Her determination to save every monster in the underground and to protect them once they set foot on the surface from the humans she knew all too well could be cruel to those that they deemed different.

            The images and feelings faded ending with Frisk finding her adopted family leaving Undyne standing there still trapped in Sans’ magic tears freely rolling down her cheeks as she wept for the woman she had the privilege of getting to know. Her head bowed low her body trembled with the force of the realization. As Undyne recovered Frick sent her soul back into her chest and smile and the fish monster in front of her and nodded to Sans who took the cue to release his magic. Frisk caught Undyne in her arms embracing her as an old friend.

            “Undyne I would like to call you my friend should you have me as a friend.” Frisk was calm and serene as she spoke.

            “Angel, you are the angel that was promised, and I wanted to kill you… how can I forgive myself for what I have done?” Undyne clung to Frisk as she wept openly, sobs gently rippled through her body as she mourned for her mistake.

            “I am just me Undyne I hold no animosity to you, I know better than most how bad humans can be, so I get you not trusting me till I was able to show you that your fears were unfounded.” Frisk soothed the fish monster in her arms humming softly.

            “starshine what did ya do to her? i’ve never seen undyne cry before, i didn’t even think she could cry honestly.” Sans had approached the two women feeling nervous and a bit out of place watching the woman he loved comforting the monster that had been hell bent on killing her.

            “It is kind of like a soul bond but not permanent or as intense, basically I let her see some of my memories from my eyes and feel what I felt at the time. I also let her feel what I am feeling now so she could understand me better.” The smile on her face as Frisk faced Sans struck him to the soul, she really did look like an angel sitting there with Undyne in her arms. The angel of mercy sent to save them all from the hell they had been sent to by those that could not accept love for what it was.

            “I saw in the memories your name is Frisk, since you want to be my friend then I will be your best friend. You will be my little bestie, and no one will ever mess with you again.” Undyne was coming back to herself a bit as she scrubbed at her eyes with the heal of her hand to clean the tears from her eyes.

            “Yes I am Frisk and Sans said your name is Undyne.” Frisk stuck her hand out to the fish monster. “Nice to meet you Undyne it would be an honor to be your friend.” Undyne looked at the offered hand then at Frisk’s eyes, she then grasped the hand and pulled Frisk into a bone crushing hug.

            “Nice to meet you too punk if you need anything just let me know, if anyone messes with ya give me a call and I’ll come kick their butts for ya.” Frisk giggled listening to Undyne offer her protection in such an exuberant manner, it sort of struck her as similar to the passion that Papyrus took towards life.

            After a bit Frisk explained her plans for the day to meet all the monsters in Waterfall, Undyne would not leave her side for the whole day insisting on coming along to be sure her new bestie was safe from monsters that might want to try their hand at fighting the human. The first place Undyne dragged Frisk and Sans to was in the town proper where Undyne showed off her house to Frisk.

            The house was like nothing Frisk had seen before in her life, it was a one story house in the shape of a fish. Outside of the house had a training yard set up with several dummies standing at the ready for Undyne to use for target practice or whatever else she had a mind to do. Inside on the first floor was a large kitchen one might see in a gourmet cooking show with a table set up for dining at. All and all it was a very unique home that you found very fitting for the passionate woman who was captain of the royal guard. Not far from Undyne’s home was the ghost village where you met up with Napstablook again which seemed to surprise Undyne and Sans that you already knew him.

            “Hey Napstablook, it is so good to see you, how are you doing my friend?” Frisk wanted to hug the ghost monster but wasn’t sure if she could with him being incorporeal, so she settled for a cheery wave.

            “wait you know napsta? when did ya meet them starshine?” Sans asked confusion on his face as he wondered if you had made it this far before meeting him.

            “Oh when I first came to the underground and Toriel was testing me to see if I was smart enough to make it through the Ruins on my own I ran into him while he was there trying to find some peace.” Frisk smiled finding it kind of cute that it seemed Sans was a bit jealous.

            “Yes and she was so very kind to me I was surprised that there was anyone so nice most people are quite mean to me.” Napstablook spoke in a whispery voice a faint blush covering his spectral cheeks.

            “heheh yeah that’s frisk for ya if I didn’t know her soul was red i’d swear it was green.” Sans practically beamed at Frisk as he spoke.

            The group continued their tour of waterfall, Sans immensely proud of Frisk and the way that she seemed to charm every monster she met. As they continued Undyne noticed that Frisk and Sans seemed to have an unspoken bond going on, every time she moved he moved in a similar way. He never imposed on her, but he was like a shadow to her light following her around keeping her safe and happy, if he noticed even the slightest distress he was there in an instant to swoop her away and to the next monster who wanted to meet her. it was like watching a dance and Undyne was starting to get suspicious of the skeleton that was tailing her bestie.

            “Hey bone boy what’s your deal with Frisk? You seem like you are attached to her by some invisible thread.” Undyne finally decided to confront Sans about his behavior.

            “i’ll leave that for frisk to answer undyne, it is her prerogative if she wants to share or not.” Sans answered coolly.

            “Okay I’ll ask her then punk, but really you are acting really strange. Like stranger than normal that is.” Undyne smirked at his scowl as she sidled up to Frisk to talk to her. “Hey bestie what’s the deal with the bonehead?” Undyne tossed a meaningful look over her shoulder at said skeleton.

            “Sans?” Frisk asked a soft smile on her face, her eyes a bit dreamy. “He is great actually, I would be so lost if he wasn’t here.” The tone of her voice fond and sweet.

            “Wait you like the bonehead don’t you? like as in really like him… but your human? I thought a human would be you know kind of creeped out by the idea of being with a monster. Especially a skeleton monster, aren’t skeletons like a symbol of death for humans?” Undyne was shocked to say the least and it showed on her face and in her voice.

            “Sans is most definitely not creepy, he is sweet, and kind, and smart, and handsome, he makes me laugh, and makes my soul sing.” Frisk blushed though she found it nice to be talking to another female about how she was feeling especially one that hadn’t shared her soul for the better part of her life.

            “Damn girl you got it bad for him don’t you? Erm so do you know much about monster customs?” Undyne was a bit nervous about the subject but she felt that she needed to ask.

            “Actually I do Undyne, and he has already asked Toriel and Asgore for permission to court me since they are my adoptive parents, and I am basically a princess.” Frisk smiled at the shocked look on Undyne’s face as she shot a look back at Sans.

            "That lazy bag of bones got off his butt and talked to you about feelings and junk then went toe to toe with Asgore then found the missing queen and went toe to toe with Toriel as well just for the honor of courting you? Wow I thought you had it bad for him, but he’s got it really bad for you.” Undyne was in a shocked silence after she spoke thinking over what she had found out. She had never known Sans to do anything beyond what he had to do and often found him slacking off in his duties as a sentry. She was used to hearing Papyrus complain about how he didn’t pick up after himself or how lazy he was. It didn’t mesh in her mind the lazy skeleton she knew and the one that was courting the human woman who had gone toe to toe with her and brought her to tears.

            “what ya ladies talkin’ about up here?” Sans approached and Undyne was shocked to see he wrapped his arm around Frisk like it was the most natural thing in the world for him to do. The blush that spread on Frisk’s cheeks confirmed for her that she was quite pleased by his attentions as well.

            “I hope you don’t mind Sans, but I told Undyne about you courting me.” Frisk blushed deeper and lay her head on Sans Shoulder.

            “nah, starshine though i think before i take ya home we should let paps know too.” Sans spoke softly his smile one of contentment his eye lights bright.

Chapter Text

Chapter 14

Dinner With Papyrus

            Sans never thought a day like this would come for him, after all the resets from the flower he had started to think that he was doomed to never be happy. He still couldn’t believe that the stupid flower was Asriel, prince of the monsters, though he had no reason to doubt the beautiful human standing by his side. Remembering Frisk standing beside him his smile widened with the reminder of why he was standing in front of his house with her by his side.

            “ya ready for this starshine?” Sans gently squeezed the hand Frisk, which she had kept in his own boney fingers since they had left Undyne back in Waterfall.

            “Yeah… kind of worried if he will be ok with me though… you and he are so close Sans, and I can’t help feeling like he won’t like me being with you.” Frisk was chewing on her lower lip again, Sans had come to realize she did that when she was nervous or unsure about something and it made him smile to see her little white teeth worrying the flesh of her lip.

            “frisk, paps already likes ya. everythin’ will be just fine.” Sans turned Frisk to face him placing a gentle kiss on her forehead as his arm wrapped around her waist pulling her close to him for a tender hug.

            After a deep breath Frisk nodded her head her eyes flashing with the determination of her soul. Sans kept his arm around her as he guided her up the steps to the modest home that he and Papyrus shared, offering her his silent support with his touch. Reaching the door Sans pushed it open and steered Frisk into the home calling out for his brother as he did so.

            “hey paps where ya at bro? got somethin’ i need to talk to ya about.” Sans could feel Frisk’s body shaking under his arm, it was clear that she was still nervous. It made him smile wider realizing she was just as nervous about this conversation as he had been asking Asgore and Toriel for their permission to court her.

            “YES BROTHER I AM IN THE KITCHEN MAKING DINNER.” Frisk jumped slightly at the volume of the taller skeleton as he announced his location. “IF YOU WOULD GIVE ME A MOMENT WE CAN SPEAK OVER DINNER ABOUT WHATEVER IT IS THAT YOU NEED TO DISCUSS.” Papyrus was really a rather loud fellow though quite polite, and it made Frisk smile to realize that in essence once the courtship was over and she and Sans were mated Papyrus would be her brother as well.

            “ya got enough extra for us to have a guest bro?” Sans asked his brother as he guided Frisk towards the kitchen, Frisk blushing furiously at the memory of the last meal she had shared with the skeleton brothers and how she hadn’t even really tasted the food while sitting on Sans’ lap.

            “OF COURSE BROTHER WHO IS IT THAT WILL BE JOINING US THIS EVENING?” Papyrus asked as Frisk could hear pots and pans shifting around the kitchen, and the gentle bubble of something simmering on the heat of the stove.

            “ya remember frisk right bro? well she is part of the reason we need to talk so she is here with me.” Sans gave Frisk a squeeze as he spoke to his brother, reminding her to relax with that simple pressure.

            “THE HUMAN? OF COURSE BROTHER SHE WAS SO KIND, THOUGH VERY QUIET. I WAS A BIT SURPRISED HOW YOU WANTED TO KEEP HER SO CLOSE TO YOU DURING DINNER.” Papyrus emerged from the main part of the kitchen and walked to the dining area carrying a large pot as well as a potholder to place it on. Frisk jumped slightly when saw three plates and silverware zipping around the room in a blue haze of magic.

            “heheh yeah bro… still need to explain that to ya don’t i? well that is part of why we need to talk to ya bro so why don’t ya take a seat and we can get to talkin’.” Sans was blushing as he spoke, pulling a second chair next to his own so that he could have Frisk seated close enough that he was still touching her.

            “SO WHAT WAS IT YOU NEEDED TO SPEAK ABOUT BROTHER?” Papyrus asked as he began to dish out the spaghetti that he had made for dinner.

            Sans squeezed Frisk’s hand under the table as though he needed to gain strength from her touch, or he was assuring her that all would be well, or maybe it was a bit of both. “bro i know ya know our customs when it comes to findin’ a mate, well i already talked to frisk about it, and i got permission from her folks so now it’s time I talked to ya bro. in the time i’ve known frisk i’ve come to care deeply for her, and i would like to inform you of my intentions to take her as my mate. she would become part of our family and we would become a part of hers.” The look on Sans’ face was a mix of emotions, he was nervous yet serious, joyful about what he wanted yet worried that his brother might not accept another into their family.

            “BUT BROTHER SHE IS A HUMAN HOW CAN A HUMAN BE YOUR MATE? IT ISN’T LIKE I DON’T LIKE THE HUMAN IT IS SIMPLY WOULDN’T YOU PREFER A MONSTER? SOMEONE AWARE OF OUR CUSTOMS?” Papyrus was not intending to be unkind with his words, but it was clear that he was at a loss as to how a relationship between a monster and a human would work. Frisk wilted slightly at hearing his words, her fears spiking as Papyrus reminded her of all of the reasons being with Sans, no matter how much she wanted to be, caried with it the potential for disaster.

            “bro I know ya aren’t tryin’ to be unkind, but ya should think a bit before ya speak.” Sans had a low growl to his voice like a parent aggravated at reminding a child to mind their manners for the millionth time. “frisk is far more than just a human, she is the one that I plan to spend the rest of my life with.” Sans squeezed Frisk’s fingers under the table assuring her that every word he spoke was true.

            “DOES SHE EVEN KNOW OUR CUSTOMS? AND HOW IS IT THAT YOU HAVE ASKED HER PARENTS? SHE IS HUMAN DID THEY COME TO THE UNDERGROUND WITH HER?” It was plain on Papyrus’ face that he was not sure how the customs could be followed or how Frisk could fit in the world of the monsters.

            “Papyrus, my birth parents passed away though in my time underground I have found a family to call my own… well one of my family has been with me for my entire life, thought through her and my determination to break the barrier and free all monsters I find the family of my soul. Queen Toriel was the first to take me in, she offered me a home and her love as a mother. Having lost my own mother in childhood I felt her pain yet from the other side, a child who had lost their mother. I accepted her offer and she is the mother of my soul, that will be made official at the end of the week at the coronation. Upon learning of Toriel’s acceptance and adoption of me Asgore also extended the offer, hence why the adoption and coronation will be official at the end of the week.” Frisk took a deep breath feeling unsure if she wanted to mention Chara more than she had.

            “SANS… IS WHAT SHE IS SAYING TRUE? IS YOUR INTENDED TRULY THE PRINCESS THROUGH ADOPTION?” It was clear this shook Papyrus to realize he had just insulted a member of the royal family, his body seamed to wilt, folding in on itself in his shame.

            “yeah bro and for some reason she actually wants to be with me. heheh i ain’t got a clue how someone like her would ever want a lazy bag of bones like me though.” Frisk couldn’t stand the sound of Sans’ self-depreciation, at his words she turned in her seat to face him and reached her hand to his face turning him to look at her.

            “Sans stop, you are kind and funny handsome and smart you make my soul flutter in my chest yet feel at peace when you are near. Honestly if it weren’t for the fact that I am determined to save the monsters and show you the stars beforehand, I would have made you my mate already.” There was a pretty blush on Frisk’s face as she spoke her eyes shining with her love for the skeleton beside her.

            “PRINCESS FRISK I MUST APOLOGIZE FOR MY RUDENESS, I FEAR THAT IN MY DESIRE TO PROTECT MY BROTHER AND HIS HAPPINESS I MAY HAVE OVERSTEPPED MY BOUNDS. IF OUR QUEEN AND KING HAVE DEEMED YOU WORTHY I HAVE NO ARGUMENTS THERE. IT IS CLEAR HOW MUCH YOU CARE FOR MY BROTHER AS WELL AND I CAN SEE NOW HOW MUCH HE CARES FOR YOU. PLEASE FIND IT IN YOUR HEART TO FORGIVE ME FOR MY FOLLY.” Papyrus hung his head in shame, the weight of his mistake clearly weighing on his soul.

            Frisk rose from her chair after giving Sans’ hand a squeeze of reassurance and approached the taller skeleton brother. Bending down as she drew close she lay her hand on Papyrus’ shoulder causing him to jump in surprise and look up into her eyes. The smile on her face was soft and kind, the glint in her eyes was one of understanding and peace.

            “Papyrus there is really nothing for me to forgive, all you have done is strive to protect your brother from one that you know little about. That is not something to feel shame over, and as such I would be honored should you accept me as a sister to you through my bonding with your brother.” Sans watched as Frisk spoke to his brother, he was in awe at how she somehow turned his brothers shame into a point of pride for the tall skeleton. She truly was an angel sent to them from above, and somehow he was lucky enough that she wanted him of all people she could possibly have.

            A sob escaped Papyrus as he flung his arms around Frisk, the relief of her acceptance and understanding of his words was like a living thing within his soul. Frisk giggled as she was swept up in the tall skeletons embrace her eyes dancing and her smile bright.

            “THANK YOU FOR FORGIVING ME.” Was the only words Papyrus could seem to find to express how he was feeling.

            “heheh carful bro don’t go crushin’ my girl now, she may be a princess and a magic wilding human but that don’t mean she ain’t still breakable.” Sans was a bit amused by the picture his brother and Frisk made as she was crushed to Papyrus in his joy at her forgiveness.

            “OH, OH YES OF COURSE I AM SO SORRY I DID NOT MEAN TO HARM YOU PRINCESS. I AM HONORED THAT YOU HAVE FORGIVEN ME AND MORE HONORED THAT YOU WISH TO CALL ME BROTHER AS SANS DOSE.” Papyrus said sounding a bit sheepish.

            “It’s okay Papyrus I’m not hurt, and yes once Sans and I are bonded you will be my brother too… I know Sans calls you Paps, would you mind if I… can I call you Pappy?” Frisk asked shyly, her cheeks flushed with a pretty pink blush.

            “YES THAT WOULD BE WONDERFUL… WHAT SHOULD I CALL YOU I CALL SANS BROTHER OR SANS BUT WHAT SHOULD I CALL YOU?” Papyrus was clearly unsure over his request though quite pleased by the nickname that Frisk had given him.

            “well ya could try her name or sister if ya like bro. i don’t think she minds ya callin’ her sister.” Sans slipped up behind Frisk now that his brother had released her and wrapped her in his arms resting his chin gently on her shoulder as they faced his brother.

            “Yes Pappy I don’t mind you calling me sister, you can also use my name Frisk or anything that feels right to you, we are family and family does not get angry over names.” Frisk smiled sweetly up at the tall skeleton resting her hands over Sans boney hands on her midsection.

            “THEN SISTER WHY NOT TAKE A SEAT AND WE CAN ENJOY THE FANTASTIC MEAL THAT THE GREAT PAPYRUS HAS MADE FOR HIS FAMILY.” The smile beaming from Papyrus’ face was radiant with joy and pride.

            Sans was a bit concerned with Frisk eating his brothers cooking again, she had survived the first time, but he was sure that she had not tasted a bite of the food because of her distraction. Though he needn’t have worried about it, Frisk sat beside him her knee brushing against his leg as she plucked up a fork and daintily twirled some of the pasta around it for a bite. Her reaction was not what he had expected however, as she placed the bite inside of her mouth she closed her eyes and chewed slowly. It seemed she was savoring the flavor this time, testing the firmness of the pasta and the blend of spices Papyrus had used.

            “This is really good Pappy, who taught you to make spaghetti?” Frisk asked once she had swallowed the bite, reaching to take another as she awaited his response.

            “WELL, SANS TAUGHT ME THE BASICS OF COOKING THOUGH UNDYNE HAS BEEN TRAINING ME IN COOKING FOR A WHILE NOW.” Papyrus blushed at her compliment his cheek bones colored a gentle orange from his magic.

            “You should open a restaurant once we get to the surface Pappy I think the humans would like your cooking.” Frisk was eating at a swift pace yet taking the time to savor each bite. Sans wasn’t sure what to think though, was she humoring his brother? He took a bite himself and was surprised by the flavor that met his tongue, it wasn’t his brothers normal spaghetti.

            Sans chewed his bite slowly, the flavors blending on his tongue a blend of spice and sweet with the tang of the tomatoes and a savory note. The pasta was perfect not over cooked and soggy and not under cooked and tough on the teeth, a perfect al dente. Sans couldn’t help himself as he dug into the spaghetti, wondering where his brother had learned this version of the dish.

            “THANK YOU SISTER, I MAY CONSIDER IT IF I AM UNABLE TO JOIN THE ROYAL GUARD AS I HAVE DREAMED.” Papyrus spoke his tone proud at Frisk’s praise. “UNDYNE HAS SAID WITH A BIT MORE TRAINING I SHOULD BE ABLE TO JOIN.” Sans didn’t like the fish monster toying with his bro, but he also appreciated that she was keeping his baby brother safe by not letting him into the guard.

            Frisk mulled over what Papyrus had said about joining the royal guard, she knew from her studies that the guard was designed to protect the royal family first and foremost. Continuing to eat the meal that her soon to be mate’s brother had prepared she wondered what was holding Papyrus back from joining the guard, she was going to need to have a talk with Undyne about her reasons for teaching him to cook rather than preparing him to join the guard.

            Once Frisk and Sans had finished eating with Papyrus gushing over how adorable the two of them where together, he may have been overcompensating for his earlier mistakes, Sans excused them to get Frisk back home to the Ruins. Frisk had promised that they could have dinner again the next day to put Papyrus’ mind at ease that she had forgiven him, it didn’t hurt that she did like his food. Sans wrapped Frisk into his arms and with a nod from her he shortcut them to just outside the Ruins door so they would have a few moments to themselves before he had to give her up for the night.

            “I had a lot of fun today, even if Undyne tried to kill me” Frisk giggled. “I think your brother wasn’t so sure what to think of us though… I hope the only reason he accepted me isn’t because of my connection to Mom and Dad.” The smile fell from Frisk’s face as she worried about Sans’ brother not liking her.

            “nah, starshine he has been trained to be on the lookout for humans for a long time. me wantin’ to be with one was probably just a shock to him, tibia honest you’re… well this is the… i’ve never had interest in anyone before so… i just don’t think he was expectin’ me to ever want to be with anyone.” There was a dusting of blue splashed across Sans’ cheek bones, he was clearly nervous about Frisk’s reaction to his confession.

            “… Wait so you’ve never had a… girlfriend… or some kind of special someone? Erm is that because no one interested you? Or… I just don’t see how you could have gone this long without someone trying to jump your bones.” Frisk fought hard to not giggle but lost the battle when Sans snorted out a laugh of his own.

            “pfft starshine i just never found anyone that interested me… a few girls tried but you’re different though… ya make my soul sing, like little flutters and flip around in my chest. even if there wasn’t the draw from my soul pullin’ me towards ya all the time, i still think i would have fallen for ya. the way ya laugh at my jokes, the way you joke right back, the way your smile lights up the whole room, the way that even when you’re scared ya don’t back down, like with undyne, and how sweet and kind ya are to everyone, not in a fake way, ya really care about everyone and it makes my soul melt watching ya just be you.” A deep blush spread over Frisk’s face as she listened to Sans speak so sweetly of her,

            “Sans…” Frisk felt her heart and soul swell with emotion, unable to articulate how she was feeling at that moment.

            “i have somethin’ for ya starshine… it ain’t much… sort of a courtin’ tradition… a token of my affection for ya.” The blue blush that dusted across Sans cheek bones as he spoke was adorable and Frisk couldn’t help smile at him sweetly. Sans held out a small charm in the shape of an echo flower, at its center rested a shining spark of his magic. It was fastened onto a simple silver chain that was just long enough that the charm would rest on Frisk’s just above where her soul rested.

            “Oh my stars Sans… it’s gorgeous… is that your magic in the center?” Sans nodded to Frisk’s question. “It’s so perfect.” Frisk had happy tears in her eyes her hands shaking slightly with the emotion of just how perfect the little gift was and how special Sans made her feel.

            “it’s tradition ta give a bit of yourself to your intended in monster custom… and the way ya reacted to the echo flowers it just seemed to fit… so ya really like it? if ya don’t i… i could come up with somethin’ better maybe…” Sans was nervous still, he so wanted Frisk to like the necklace.

            “Sans I love it… it’s perfect… more than perfect really…” Just like you Frisk didn’t say the last part but the light in her eyes as she looked into Sans’ eye lights said it almost as clear as words.

            “really? c-can i put it on ya?” Sans’ eye lights brightened at Frisk’s words, clearly elated that she liked the token he had created for her.

            “Please?” Frisk asked shyly as she lifted her soft chestnut hair from her neck with her back to Sans. He looped the chain around her front deftly fastening the chain at the back of her neck, placing a soft kiss to the side of her throat, and turning her to face him. Once she was facing him Sans placed one skeletal hand over the charm resting just above Frisk’s breast, his other arm wrapping around her waist pulling her close.

            “frisk… i never thought… never even hoped… that i could have a future, ya gave me back my hope starshine and for that i… i will love ya till i’m dust in the wind.” Sans slowly leaned into Frisk, inch by inch and placed a gentle kiss to her lips. Slow and burning with every feeling in his soul, the hope the love the joy of having her in his life all lingered in the kiss.

            When Sans parted from the kiss, eye lights shining and blue dusting his cheek bones, Frisk was left breathless from the intensity of the surprisingly chaste kiss. Sans couldn’t bring himself to let Frisk go, he knew that he should, that they had six more days before she broke the barrier. However he couldn’t seem to find the strength in that moment to let her leave his side. It felt like his soul was screaming at him that even a moment away from Frisk was far too much, though he knew he really should.

            “Sans… can… can you take me to my room please… and… maybe…I would like to… get warm again and… I don’t want to say good night just yet.” It was clear Frisk was nervous, her cheeks flushed and eyes downcast.

            “my sweet starshine your wish is my command, there is no way that I would not want to spend more time with you. let’s get you inside and warmed up, can’t have my intended freeze before i have the chance to make her mine.” Sans swept Frisk into his arms, distracting her with a kiss as he shifted them to her room with a quick shortcut.

            It was blasted cold in the woods outside the door that exited the ruins to Snowdin. That was okay by Flowey though, he had just learned something interesting, very interesting indeed. So the little human bitch had a weakness after all, who know it would turn out to be that smiley trash bag of a skeleton? He could use this, after all he had learned quite a bit about how Sans functioned. After so many resets Flowey knew just how to force that assholes buttons, make him trip up. With a wicked maniacal giggle Flowey tucked himself under the snow crusted soil and zipped off towards the other edge of Snowdin, where he knew the trash bag’s brother liked to train. Pulling himself through the soil using his vines to grasp the roots of the trees that lined the path. This was going to be so much fun.

            Once Frisk and Sans had settled in her room she became much more nervous, her lip was between her teeth again, her fingers twisting in the fabric of her shirt. Sans couldn’t help it as his soul did little flips, she was so precious to him. Once the resets had started, he had lost hope of ever finding someone to love, someone to spend his life with, yet here Frisk stood her cheeks flushed a pretty pink with nerves and she actually wanted to become his mate. Sans didn’t know got so lucky after everything, although he was more than happy that he was.

            “ya doin’ alright there starshine? ya look like ya got somethin’ on your mind.” Sans reached his skeletal hand up to tilt Frisk’s face so he could look into her eyes.

            “I-I… yeah I’m fine… just you know how you said no one ever caught your attention before… a very large part of me wishes that I could say the same thing. I... I” Frisk was chewing on her lip so hard Sans could see a small drop of her blood beading between her teeth. “There was this one guy… I regret ever giving him the time of day… it was a mistake that I made when I was sick and tired of… well the crap that was going on at home… I ended up meeting him when I moved out of my father’s house… he pressured me till I moved in with him and…” If it weren’t for Sans gentle fingers still on her chin holding her eyes to him Frisk would have looked down or anywhere else, she was so afraid that he would think less of her.

            “starshine… frisk it’s okay I don’t blame ya for your past… just ’cause ya moved in with some jerk that kept pushin’ till ya gave in it don’t really matter to me. doesn’t make ya less than who ya are, i can see ya for who ya are.” The gentle words that Sans spoke helped to ease the knot that had formed in Frisk’s stomach.

            “I want to tell you… I really do… though I don’t know if I’m quite ready to tell you everything just yet. There are some dark things in my past, some hurt worse than others… mostly the things I should have been smart enough to avoid in the first place.” Frisk wasn’t sure what Sans would think if she told him how she had rewound time when her ex had strangled her. She didn’t know if she could take it at this point if he rejected her because her magic had saved her life.

            “starshine ya can tell me if ya want, though I ain’t goin’ ta force ya to. just tell me what ya want to when ya want to, we got a long time to learn more about each other.” Sans leaned forward pressing his teeth gently to Frisks brow in a sweet and reassuring kiss.

            “Sans… what did I ever do to deserve someone as sweet as you? It’s like you seem to know me almost as well as I know myself or maybe even better… not just know me but truly understand me… I don’t know how you do it Sans… maybe tomorrow after we do some more meet and greet with the monsters… what would you think of a real date? Just the two of us… I want to take some time and just be with you… get to know you…” The hesitant way that Frisk spoke, the deep blush on her cheeks, the fact that she wanted to get to know him better had Sans’ soul thrumming in his chest.

            “sure starshine i think i know just the place to take ya too.” Sans’ mind already spinning with his idea for where to take her for their date was already distracting him.

            A sudden daring impulse took Frisk over, her heart was pounding, her soul practically vibrating with her excitement. She tilted her head up leaned forward and pressed her lips against Sans’ teeth, her arms reaching up and wrapping around his neck pulling him closer to her so she could kiss him. At first Sans was stiff with shock that she had moved in for the kiss, though that didn’t last long. He pulled Frisk closer to his body one hand splayed at the curve of her spine, the other buried in her hair holding her close.

            The reaction Frisk got from the kiss made her bolder, more reckless. She parted her lips letting her tongue slip out and brush across Sans’ teeth, a moan escaping her at his desire laced growl. Sans’ teeth parted letting her explore the inside of his mouth briefly before his own magical appendage snaked from between his teeth sliding into the warm cavern of her mouth. Frisk shivered in pleasure, her breath hitched as a dart of desire shot straight to her core.

            All too soon for Sans pulled back from the kiss his breath ragged, eye lights hazy with desire. Frisk whimpered as he broke the kiss her body screaming for more as she clung to Sans’ neck, her body soft body pressed against the hardness of his skeletal frame.

            “heheh thought ya wanted to wait starshine, not that i wouldn’t mind… just don’t want to let things go too far and have ya regret it.” Sans was blushing a blue dusting across his cheek bones, amusement in his tone.

            “Y-yeah w-wait that’s right need to w-wait.” Frisk stammered as she fought between her rational mind with all of the reasons that she should wait, and her base desires for the skeleton she was still wrapped around.

            “see ya tomorrow starshine, should probably get home before I can’t let ya go.” the look on Sans’ face was one of fondness mixed with amusement, all heavily laced with the desire that burned in his soul. After a quick sweet kiss to Frisk’s forehead he stepped back and vanished with a little pop, teleporting back to his home in Snowdin.

Chapter Text

Chapter 15

Battle and Pain

            The clearing just outside of Snowdin was one of Papyrus’ favorite places to train. It wasn’t especially large, nowhere in the underground was really all that large, but it gave him enough space to practice his attacks, as well as his magic. It was also quiet enough for Papyrus to just sit and think when his mind was disquieted, times like tonight. He knew Sans was an adult, hell Sans basically raised him, though he wondered what it was about the human that had captured his interest.

            It wasn’t like Sans had ever shown interest in anyone before, at least not that Papyrus had ever noticed, and he noticed far more than others gave him credit for. He noticed that his brother and Frisk had been acting strange at the first dinner they had together. He also noticed that Undyne had a soft spot for the royal scientist Alphys, though he would never get in the middle on that one, no way in hell he wanted to make Undyne mad at him. Something about the way Sans was so attached to Frisk was just strange to him, was there something he wasn’t seeing going on there?

            He had no real problems with humans, though Frisk was the first he had met in person. He liked their cartoons and reading the books that he found occasionally at the dump always fascinated him. Papyrus also really wanted a car, although he doubted one would ever find its way to the underground. Frisk had said she was going to break the barrier, was that why Sans liked her? It was hard enough to wrap his skull around his brother suddenly having romantic feelings for someone, let alone a human, but also the king had adopted the human girl. To find out that the queen had resurfaced as well and adopted her as well was a shock to say the least.

            Papyrus didn’t find Frisk to be unpleasant, in reality he did enjoy spending what time he had with her. She was nice, she had called him her friend, and honestly meant it unlike some of the monsters that just said he was their friend because they were afraid of Sans or felt pity towards Papyrus. No Frisk had actually meant it and she liked his cooking too only Sans ever ate his food more than once before, and never showed so much joy in eating it.

            As Papyrus sat and thought on all that had happened he didn’t notice the ground near him shift, or the vines that sprung up reach for him. By the time he heard the maniacal deranged laughter it was too late, he was snared in the vines unable to even move. One vine had even snaked around his soul keeping him from using his magic to free himself.

            “Howdy friend, it is time we play a game. Your brother is the key to being rid of that human, and you buddy are the key to getting your brother. Shall we take a little trip and get him, or should we wait here for him to come and find us friend?” Flowey hissed at Papyrus in a distorted and malicious voice the tone dripped with a false saccharine sweetness.

            “WHY DO YOU WANT THE LITTLE HUMAN FLOWER?” Papyrus asked not sure what Frisk had done to anger the flower. He was scared, it wasn’t clear, but he kept getting flashes of the flower doing something very much like this, the feeling of his body turning to dust crushed by the vines.

            “Oh friend they are very dangerous, we must stop them you know. That human has a very special power, they can turn back time, reset what has happened, over and over. They can bend time, so they get their way, learning their opponents weakness and exploiting it, repeating time just to torture for fun.” Flowey purred in Papyrus’ ear hole giggling as he did knowing full well that he had done just that to Sans over and over before the human came underground stopping his power with her determination.

            “THAT IS TERRIBLE IS THAT WHY SANS HAS FALLEN FOR FRISK? DID SHE KEEP RESETTING TILL SHE KNEW HOW TO MAKE HIM LOVE HER?” Papyrus was so worried for his brother, he didn’t want him to be tricked, he wondered if Frisk knew that liking his food and calling him friend was just what Papyrus had always wanted from people.

            Sans arrived home from his time with Frisk and felt his soul still doing little flips with how happy he was. He couldn’t get enough time with her and it would seem she felt the same way if his judgment were correct, he was sure it was. Sans was so happy that he had found Frisk, each moment with her felt like the wounds of his past healed a little bit, making the pain of the trauma become smaller and smaller.

            “hey paps i’m home, frisk is back home safe as well.” Sans called out to his brother wandering into the kitchen to grab a small snack, he didn’t really need it, his magic was so full he could feel it spike through his body. Although a bit of comfort from some food was a welcome thing.

            “paps where ya at? we should have a movie night before bed.” There was no answer again and Sans started to wonder where his brother was. He looked at the clock to see what time it was finding that his brother should be back from his normal training by now. Why wasn’t Papyrus answering him? He went up to his brothers room and gave a soft knock on the door. When there was no answer Sans pushed it open quietly and found the room empty.

            At the empty room Sans began to feel unease bubble up in his chest, his soul clenching. His brother was never out this late, he always made it a point to be home so Sans would read him his bedtime story. Pulling out his phone Sans scrolled through checking to see if his brother had left him a message, maybe he had decided to have a sleep over at Undyne’s. Although Papyrus had never done that without telling him he was going to do it first, or at least texting him to let him know not to worry. But there was nothing, no messages about where his brother was.

            Panic was raising in Sans’ soul as he paced through the empty house, all the things that could happen to Papyrus flooded through his mind making his soul clench painfully. Okay Sans calm down just call your brother and figure out where he is, nothing about this means you need to panic. Clicking on the first contact in his phone Sans selected the call button and waited as the other line rang and rang. When the line finally picked up he breathed a sigh of relief, however that relief was short lived as the voice that answered was not that of his brother.

            “Howdy friend golly I thought you weren’t going to ever come looking for your poor brother. It’s okay I’ve been keeping him company for you.” The voice on the other end of the phone dripped with false honey, a core of malice underneath.

            “asriel? why do ya have my brothers phone? wait ya said that ya are keepin’ him company what the fuck is goin’ on flower? where are ya?” The snap in Sans’ voice was clear and sharp, his anger rising causing his magic to flare dangerously in his panic and pain. Images of the resets the flower put him through flashed through Sans’ mind, his brother dusting wrapped in vines.

            “Don’t worry friend he is quite fine, you are welcome to join us we are having a nice chat here at his training spot.” Sans was already teleporting as that stupid flower was speaking.

            What Sans found when he reached the training grounds was his brother, wrapped in thorny green vines. It was like some chlorophyll spider had cocooned Papyrus up to drain him. Sans could feel his soul clench in his chest, his mind providing every one of the times this very flower had dusted his brother, ever reset he had been through. He could feel his magic flair, his left socket sparked and flashed with blue flame, his right socket went completely black.

            “let my brother go ya fucking’ abomination or I will dust ya and turn ya into fertilizer.” Sans seethed, his teeth clenched together as he felt his magic scream to be used, to save his brother.

            “Howdy smiley trash bag, so good of you to join us. I don’t think Papyrus wants to get down just yet though, he has questions about your human friend.” Sans fired bone attacks at the vines holding his brother, Flowey just laughed at him as his vines crashed down to swat aside the attack.  

            As Flowey batted aside Sans’ attacks he moved the Papyrus cocoon over and strapped the vines to a nearby tree to allow him to fight more freely. Noticing his brother attached to the tree Sans attempted to rush forward to release him only to be stopped by a wall of thorny vines. Sans leapt up and flipped backward to avoid the whipping vines, landing lightly with a snarl he rounded on Flowey, realization that he would need to take the damn flower out to get Papyrus free flashing through his mind and across his face. With the flick of his wrist Sans shot of a barrage of bone attacks at the demonic flower, the bones showering down from the sky as well as shooting up through the ground.

            Flowey dodged out of the reach of most of the bones lifting from the ground with his vines while other vines whipped out smacking other bones aside, as he dodged he snaked his vines towards Sans, snapping the vines like whips aimed at his opponent attempting to snag the skeletons arms or legs in his tendrils. Sensing the danger of the vines Sans dodged and weaved the vines, at one point even bending over backwards to avoid a particularly nasty strike at his face.

            “what’s wrong weed? ya think a few vines is enough to get to me?” Sans taunted Flowey as he summoned a small blaster lining up a shot at the flower and firing, only for the blast to be dodged by Flowey sucking himself below the ground.

            “Oh I know a few little vines isn’t enough for you trash bag. Though you should know it will take more than a blaster and some bones to take me down.” Flowey sneered sending a volley of bullet seeds whizzing towards Sans causing the skeleton to blip out for a second and back in to dodge them.

            Sans growled low in his throat gathering his magic for another attack when he heard a low painted moan come from his brother. Whipping around to see what was happening he saw that the vines around his brother seemed to be squeezing, slowly crushing the life from him dropping his HP point by point. Without thought Sans dashed forward to reach his brother a scream of rage ripped from his throat, his face contorting. Reaching the vines holding Papyrus he began digging his phalanges into the thorny mass that was slowly draining his brother of his HP.

            The room was dark, the bed was soft, it was warm and cozy and safe, but Frisk couldn’t get to sleep. Originally her lack of sleep had a lot to do with the flustered state that Sans had left her in when he vanished on her, now however there was something pricking at the back of her mind. It wasn’t a conscious thought more like a subtle slick feeling of danger tingling through her mind. It didn’t help that her soul was throbbing in her chest in a rather unpleasant way, pulsing with an almost painful edge to it. Sighing Frisk rolled over squeezing her eyes shut and rubbed her chest over her soul trying to make it stop so she could get some sleep.

            After flipping from side to side, punching her pillow a few times, and straight up kicking the whole blanket off the bed Frisk was more than tired of not being able to sleep. Maybe a bit of a walk would settle her down and let her sleep. So with her soul throbbing, her hair a mess, and her mind disquieted yet tired Frisk pulled herself from her bed. Something in the back of her mind urged her to put on warmer cloths than she had on since she was in the soft cotton nightgown that Toriel had given her just the other day. After having well died from not listening to her instincts about Matthew she knew better than to ignore them, so Frisk slipped on as pair of jeans and a warm sweater.

            Once dressed adding of a warm pair of socks and boots to the ensemble Frisk padded quietly down to the door that left the Ruins, not sure why she had decided to go this way but feeling like her soul was urging her forward. Upon opening the large door she shivered from the chill night air blowing over the sparkling white snow, though that didn’t prevent her from pressing forward. Something was drawing her to keep going, each step urging her soul onward, pulling her closer and closer to the town of Snowdin. Once she reached about halfway there she was on the verge of running, a panic burning deep in her soul urging her to go faster to gods knew where.

            The vines had hold of Sans leg slowly wrapping farther up towards his patella, his arms still free he summoned a sharpened bone digging it into the vine attaching him to the flower. Each time he cut through one another snaked up to take its place, preventing him from going on the offensive as he worked diligently to free himself from the vines to get his brother free as well.

            “Come now trash bag surly you know by now I can do this all day long. How many times have we done this dance?” Flowey sneered at Sans taunting the skeleton to distract him.

            “not goin’ to work weed, shut it only reason i ain’t blasted ya yet is cause of frisk. for some reason she wants to save your worthless ass, don’t know why after everything you’ve done.” Sans hacked viciously at the vines binding him finally managing to get free of them long enough to dodge away. How was he going to get his brother out of this?

            Running forward again Sans dodged the snapping vines as they shot out trying to grab him, his posture low to the ground two sharpened bones summoned to his palms as he slashed out at any vine that came close. As he drew near where Papyrus was strung up Sans slid under a grasping vine on his side reaching up with the bone blade in his left hand to slice through it as he passed. Flowey screeched in rage when he felt the blade of the bone slip through his vine, that one had hurt far more than the other ones had.

            Flowey sent more seed bullets whizzing through the training area pelting towards the short skeleton as he attempted to subdue him without killing him. if Flowey killed the skeletons now then the little human wouldn’t be inclined to sacrifice herself for them like he believed she would. If she were anything at all like Chara had been then she would lay her life on the line for those she cared about, even if it was a blatant trap. Sans dodged the bullets with ease though from the magic dewing on his skull it was clear he was beginning to tire, that was good, a tired skeleton was easier to subdue.

            Snow crunched under Frisk’s boots as she ran, her swift strides kicking it up in little flurries as she raced to what she did not know. she had just streaked past the tree in the center of Snowdin, the lights winkled serenely in a sharp contrast to her own growing panic. She didn’t know why but she had to keep running, it was as though something was screaming to her soul that all was not right, that she needed to act to save… well she didn’t know what she was meant to save just that she was needed. as Frisk pounded through the town she drew to Sans and Papyrus’ house, Her soul stuttered in her chest like there was something wrong with it. That was when she noticed the door was left ajar, the lights on and little flurries of snow drifting into the home onto the carpet.

            Turning to go to the home, to check and see why the door had been left open, Frisk felt her soul give a sharp throb in her chest and jerk to the side. Whatever was going on with the house was going to have to wait, her soul was not going to let her stop to check on the skeleton brothers just now. With her heart pounding and her soul feeling like it was on fire she pushed herself faster following its draw to find what had prompted her journey this evening.

            Drawing through a thick fog Frisk heard it before she saw it, she could hear the grunts and thuds, the clash of battle ringing in her ears. She could feel her soul clench as she pushed herself faster to reach the scene, what she saw once there nearly stopped her heart. In the clearing was Asriel or rather the flower that he had become after his death, locked in a battle with Sans. Off to the side lashed to a tree with so many vines that Frisk could hardly see him was Papyrus.

            Rage bubbled up in Frisk as she processed what she found in that clearing, her normally gold flecked hazel eyes flashed a dangerous crimson. Frisk flung her hands out calling forth her magic as quick as thought, snapping up three barriers one around each monster in front of her. The barriers snapping the vines coming from the flower that was Asriel, releasing the two skeletons swiftly.

            “WHAT THE EVER LOVING FUCK?” Frisk shrieked at the three monsters her hair floating in the currents of her magic. She took a steadying breath and continued a bit calmer, though her eyes still flashed. “Why are you guys fighting? Why was Papyrus tied to a damn tree? Answer me now and no lies.” Frisk shot daggers at the flower and skeleton she had seen fighting with her eyes.

            “he took paps, i came out here to get him back. what ya walked in was me tryin’ to free him.” Sans met Frisk’s gaze his eye lights sure, his tone winded but calm.

            “Fine yes i took the bean pole skeleton to get the smiley trash bag out here, I needed to talk to you Frisk and I didn’t know how else to get in touch with you.” Flowey spoke keeping his voice light but serious.

            Flowey hadn’t counted on the human, Frisk, being able to use magic much less barriers strong enough to just cut through his vines. It made him wonder if she really could bring back his soul, or somehow replace it. Did he want that? Now was not the time to think about that, he had to talk his way out of being fried by this human and make a tactical retreat till he could come up with a new plan.

            “Asriel please don’t take the monsters hostage just to get my attention, I don’t know how about you leave a flower by the tree in the courtyard at the Ruins if you want to see me. I have no issues talking to you, just with you threatening those that I care about.” Frisk scrubbed her hand down her face feeling her energy draining from her.

            “I can do that Frisky, so if I want a word with you I just need to leave a flower by the tree and what you will show up instantly? Or would you meet me some place after a specific time frame?” Flowey couldn’t believe his luck, she was just going to let it slide this time… just need to make her believe that he just needed to talk to her.

            “Well Chara goes for walks in the courtyard every morning so if it is left before her walk then that night before Sans leaves I can come out to the courtyard for a chat. If it is there after her walk then it would be the next night.” Frisk released the barrier around Sans letting him walk over to her side, she wrapped her arm around him sending little shocks of her errant magic over his body causing him to shudder in pleasure.

            “hey starshine could ya get my bro out of the barrier as well? he looks kind of bonely over there.” Sans kissed Frisks cheek attempting to suppress the three he was feeling from her magic playing over his bones.

            “Yeah sorry not a problem, was just dealing with my brother first.” Frisk said locking eyes with Flowey, letting the magic of the second barrier drop so Sans could go collect Papyrus.

            “How am I your brother frisky? Hell I don’t even know why you want to save me to begin with.” Flowey groused pulling his vines back to him.

            “wait dandelion ya didn’t know tori and asgore adopted frisk? wow i thought ya had more roots than that in the underground.” The smirk on Sans’ face was a tad on the vicious side.

            “No! That’s not even possible, the king is all the way over in the palace and there is no way that little Frisky here has been to the palace yet, I’ve been watching.” Flowey didn’t notice the death glare that Frisk was giving him at being spied on.

            “Asriel just because I haven’t been to the palace yet does not mean that I haven’t had the opportunity to meet Dad. You know the day I came and offered to bring you back? That is the day I met Dad, that is also the day I brought Chara back.” Frisk practically hissed as she spoke, Sans could see the red of her soul flashing in her eyes.

            “Why do you even call me by that name? I haven’t been Asriel for a very, very long time. What makes you think that I ever could be him again, you have no idea of the shit I’ve done, of the shit I would still be doing if you hadn’t shown up.” Flowey snapped, his beady little eyes flashing, his flower face twisting in a mix of rage and pain.

            “Because I don’t give up on family, and when Chara ended up attached to my soul that set in motion the events that led to her, Toriel, Asgore, and you becoming family. Even if you don’t want it you are my brother, even if I have to hide that you are still here from Mom because it would break her heart to know what you are right now.” Frisk had tears streaming from her eyes as she raged at the flower, the mix of her emotions too strong to even hope to keep the tears from coming.

            “I didn’t ask to still be alive, I didn’t ask to lose my soul because fucking humans decided that a monster couldn’t care enough about a human to bring them to the surface to see the sun and stars again after they died. I didn’t fucking ask for that damn lizard to decide it was a good idea to pump a flower full of determination, or for my dust to have been on that flower. I didn’t ask for any of it least of all for my parents to forget about me and move on, for them to end up adoption some human who falls into the underground.” Flowey somehow managed to match Frisk’s anger without tears overwhelming him, maybe it was because he didn’t have a soul that he could be angry without sadness.

            “You don’t choose Family Asriel, Mom locked herself in the Ruins because she lost you and Chara, Dad… well he will have to tell you exactly what he did, though I will say that when I brought Chara back I could see the pain in his face that you weren’t coming back right next to her… Look my offer still stands I can bring you back you just have to trust me enough to do it.” Frisk let her shoulders slump when she saw the look on Flowey’s face, it was clear that he wasn’t ready for it yet… but maybe someday.

            “I’ll think about it… and I guess I can leave your skeletons alone just so long as you come talk to me if I need you to.” Flowey sounded like a petulant child with the way he spoke.

            “That’s all I can ask at this point Asriel.” Frisk sighed and turned to Sans who had retrieved Papyrus and was standing just beside her holding him upright. “Sans you got enough energy to get me and Pappy home? I don’t think I can walk that far right now.” Frisk really was feeling the late hour as well as the exhaustion from running all the way from the Ruins to the clearing.

            “yeah starshine just come over here, we can go to my place first.” Frisk could tell from his tone of voice and the look on his face that Sans was feeling the strain of the day.

            “Okay Asriel I’m going to go home, if you want to talk I get that, but this shit has to stop. So good night.” Frisk wrapped her arm around Sans waist leaning her head against his shoulder, Sans had Papyrus held close with his other arm. With a nod from Frisk Sans let his magic flair and pop them from the clearing back to his and Papyrus’ living room.

            Settling on the couch Frisk watched as Sans took Papyrus upstairs to his room, it really was sweet the way the two brothers took care of each other. She could feel her heart and soul swell with what she was seeing as the love she was feeling for Sans, she felt so lucky to have him, even more so knowing how close she had come to losing him to her deranged adopted brother. That thought brought Frisk back to the present, she knew she needed to find some way to convince Asriel that she really could help him, that he would be better off with his soul back.

            Lost in thought Frisk didn’t notice when Sans descended the stairs, at least not till he plopped himself down beside her. She looked over to him and saw in his eyes the bone crushing fatigue that lay behind his lazy grin, her soul clenched in guilt that it was her fault. Sans saw her expression shift, the joy replaced with worry.

            “starshine it will be okay, ya know it ain’t your fault right? you’re not the one that decided to come after my bro, ya ain’t the one that wrapped him in those vines.” Sans reached out tucking a wayward strand of hair behind Frisk’s ear as he spoke.

            “Sans I know I didn’t take Papyrus, but I am the reason that Asriel took him. If I had… I don’t know went to talk to him more… or maybe if I took Chara to see him… it’s clear that he doesn’t believe me when I say I can give him back his old form… give him back a soul… maybe if I showed him by bringing Chara to see him… I know with her being so new to magic she won’t be able to defend herself… but maybe with my own magic I can do it.” Perfect little white teeth nibbled at the soft plump flesh of Frisks lower lip as she tried to puzzle out her thoughts to Sans, make him understand what she was thinking.

            “frisk i get that ya want to save him… i do. it also makes sense ya don’t want to risk your sister to him… shit look what he did to paps just to get me…” Sans left unsaid that it had become clear that Asriel had went after Sans and Papyrus to get Frisk to show up.

            “I need to make him understand… I hope he doesn’t come after you or Pappy again though… I think it scared him when I used magic on him.” Frisk snuggled up to Sans needing the comfort of being close to him after what she had been through, knowing she could have lost him had she not been restless and followed her gut.

            “hey starshine can i ask ya somethin’?” Sans kept his tone light as he asked, his boney fingers petting Frisk’s hair gently as she lay there snuggled with him.

            “Hmm oh um yeah... what did you want to know Sugarskull?” Snuggling deeper into Sans Frisk’s tone was soft almost dreamy with the affection she was feeling for him.

            “ya don’t have to answer if ya don’t want to… but why did ya come out tonight? how did ya end up in that clearing it don’t make sense.” The tone of Sans voice was gentle, his boney fingers light against Frisk but the question made her sit up and look at him.

            “I couldn’t sleep… at first… well it was because of… well the way you affect me.” Frisk blushed brightly as she spoke. “Then it was… well I just couldn’t rest… after a while I had to move… get up and just walk or something… that’s how I found myself outside the Ruins… then it felt like my soul was screaming at me… urging me to run… then I saw your door open… and next thing I knew I was in the clearing finding you and Asriel fighting.” Frisk shuddered at the thought of how bad things could have gone.

            “WHAT IS GOING ON? WHY AM I BACK IN THE HOUSE? BROTHER WHERE ARE YOU?” The sound of Papyrus’ voice was one of confusion and possibly fear.

            “down here bro. how much do ya remember about tonight?” Sans called up to his brother.

            “I REMEMBER SITTING AND THINKING IN MY SPOT IN THE FOREST, THEN I REMEMBER A FLOWER THAT SPOKE TO ME… IT WAS GOLDEN THOUGH NOT THE BLUE OF AN ECHO FLOWER… BROTHER WHAT HAPPENED?” Papyrus slowly wandered his way down the stairs, eyes searching for Sans as he descended. When his eye lights landed on Frisk he froze mid step, his jaw dropping down as memories flooded his mind.

            “Hey Pappy, you doing okay? I was really worried about you when I found you and Sans.” Frisk asked feeling concern over the sudden halt in Papyrus’ stride.

            “HUMAN FRISK… WAIT I THOUGHT SANS TOOK YOU BACK HOME… THE FLOWER SAID SOMETHING ABOUT YOU…” Papyrus gasped his skeletal hands flying up to cover his mouth, his eye lights shrinking to pinpricks.

            “bro what did the flower say about frisk? what’s got ya so out of sorts paps.” Sans Stood as he spoke walking towards his brother. Frisk stood her eyes locked on Papyrus and Sans wondering what was going on.

            “THE FLOWER TOLD ME ABOUT YOUR MAGIC, TOLD ME THAT YOU CAN RESET TIME, KEEP DOING THINGS OVER AND OVER TILL YOU GET THINGS YOUR WAY… IS THAT WHY MY BROTHER HAS BEEN ENCHANTED BY YOU?” The accusation stung Frisk, her soul clenched painfully as two sets of eye lights landed on her. Papyrus had a look of horror and accusation on his face, Sans one of confusion.

            “I-I have the power…” Frisk was cut off by Papyrus growling and lunging towards her, Sans reaching to grab hold of his brother and stop him. Sans didn’t know what was going on, but he knew Frisk, even if she had the power she wouldn’t use it against him or his brother… would she? Papyrus was in a rage, thoughts of the tortures that his brother had been through watching him die over and over flashing through his skull. He had to keep her from doing it to them again.

Chapter Text

Chapter 16

Confrontations of Past and Present

            “paps stop, frisk is family ya can’t go hurtin’ family” Sans missed grabbing hold of his brother, but he couldn’t let Papyrus hurt Frisk. His soul heavy he reached his hand out turning his brothers soul blue holding him in place.

            “SHE CAN RESET SANS… LET ME GO SO I CAN KEEP HER FROM HURTING YOU AGAIN…” Papyrus fought against Sans’ hold on his soul, desperate to get to Frisk and protect his brother. Sans could feel his soul throb realizing that his brother knew. that Papyrus knew about the resets, that he remembered the hell the flower put them through, it was the only reason that he would know what a reset was.

            “bro calm down frisk hasn’t done anything wrong, she never hurt me or you.” Sans had never seen Papyrus act like this, sure his brother could be excitable and act a bit naive. But this vicious reaction scared Sans more than he wanted to admit.

            “SANS SHE IS DANGEROUS, SHE WILL HURT YOU AGAIN.” Papyrus fought against Sans’ magic holding his soul.

            “Pappy I would never hurt Sans, I would never hurt any monster. I am here to save the monsters from the underground… I love your brother Pappy. I know that it hasn’t been long that I’ve been down here even but that doesn’t change how I feel.” Tears rolled down Frisk’s cheeks in a mixture of fear and sadness.

            “you know me paps ya know that i wouldn’t let someone who hurt us be a part of our family, even if ya don’t trust frisk just yet trust me bro.” Sans moved to stand in front of Papyrus as he spoke his eye lights pleading with his brother to just stop fighting and listen.

            “BUT, BUT THE FLOWER SAID SHE WAS BAD. IT SAID THAT SHE COULD HURT YOU, THAT SHE COULD TORTURE YOU BY MAKING YOU RELIVE THINGS OVER AND OVER AGAIN.” The look on Papyrus’ face nearly broke both Frisk and Sans, it was one of lost confusion. For all the world Papyrus looked and sounded like a lost child only wishing to protect or save his family.

            “no paps that flower wasn’t right, frisk is a good person. she wouldn’t hurt me or you, I know that in my soul. even if she had the power to reset she wouldn’t use it to hurt us.” Sans knew he needed to talk to Frisk about resets, he knew she needed to know what Flowey had put him and apparently his brother through, though that was a talk for a later time.

            “FINE AS LONG AS SHE DOES NOT HARM YOU BROTHER THEN I WILL NOT HARM HER. NOW RELEASE ME FROM YOUR MAGIC AS I WISH TO GO TO BED.” It was clear from Papyrus’ tone of voice that he was hurt, though he wished to save what dignity he had remaining.

            “sure bro, ya want me to come read your favorite book before bed?” Sans was beyond exhausted at this point but would do anything to get his brother to smile again, well almost anything, he wouldn’t give up Frisk.

            “NO THANK YOU BROTHER, I DON’T THINK SO TONIGHT. PERHAPS TOMORROW.” Papyrus was released from Sans’ magic, after dusting himself off he climbed the stairs gave a curt nod to both Frisk and Sans. “GOOD NIGHT HUMAN FRISK, GOOD NIGHT BROTHER.” With that Papyrus walked in his room closing the door leaving Frisk and Sans alone in the living room.

            “That could have gone better, do you think he is going to be ok Sans?” Frisk asked the expression on her face concerned.

            “yeah just give him some time to get to know ya starshine. I think your brother kind of did a number on him before i got there.” Sans was clearly tired though there was a glint in his eye lights. “just so ya know seein’ your soul i realize that ya probably can reset, though i doubt ya would do it just for the hell of it.” His ever present grin turned to a soft smile just for Frisk as he reached out to her taking her hand in his own.

            “I know I have the power to… though the only thing I’ve ever done is what they call a load… it wasn’t the best thing to ever happen to me… and it wasn’t a choice I made it just happened.” Frisk leaned against Sans as she spoke, snuggling close to him, taking comfort from his strength. “You know how I was telling you about my stupid mistake… his name was Matthew… it was because of what he did to me that I found out I could load.” Frisk buried her face in Sans’ chest, her voice muffled against him. Sans could feel his soul clench at her words, the only way for her to have done a load without knowing how first was for her to have died. He knew that her past had some dark spots, he could see it in her eyes when she spoke and feel the pain from her soul when she thought about her past. What he hadn’t known was just how dark that past was.

            “starshine…” Sans wrapped his arms tightly around Frisk’s body, holding her close to him. “i’m so sorry that happened to ya. ya don’t have to talk about it if ya don’t want to… i understand not bein’ ready to talk about the messed up shit in the past.” Sans pressed his teeth to the top of Frisks head in a gentle kiss as she nuzzled close to him for comfort.

            “No it’s not all bad, if it hadn’t happened then I would never have learned about magic. I would have never made the choice to come up on the mountain. I would never have met you Sans, and that at least makes it worth it to me.” Frisk lifted her face from Sans’ chest placing a feather light kiss to his cheek bone. “Though if you don’t mind I think I really should get back home before Mom or Chara notice I’m gone. I sort of didn’t tell them where I was going or even that I was leaving.” A deep blush spread across Frisk’s face.

            “heheh yeah starshine let’s get ya home and tucked in bed, it’s gotten late, and we got a busy day tomorrow.” It was clear from his voice that Sans was tired from the day’s events. After giving Frisk another squeeze and pressing his teeth to her forehead in a kiss he used his magic to bring them to Frisk’s room.

            “Thank you Sans… thank you for well everything.” Frisk left unsaid all the things that she was thankful to him for, simply trying to convey all she was feeling with those simple words.

            “no problem starshine, ya know i’m here for ya if ya ever need to talk… I know about resets… paps wasn’t completely wrong about them… though i know it ain’t your fault… today wasn’t the first time I fought asriel.” Sans felt a shiver go through his body his bones gently rattling against each other as the memories of his fights with the prince turned flower flooded through his mind.

            “Wait your saying Asriel can reset? How I thought monsters didn’t have determination… that too much determination causes them to melt… no… he isn’t a monster right now… and his resurrection is completely because of determination being injected into that flower… wow… just wow.” Mind racing Frisk could hear her voice climb higher with each pause as she puzzled out how it was her adopted brother could reset.

            “yeah… it wasn’t the best thing to happen… tibia honest with ya starshine i didn’t know paps remembered them. maybe i just hoped he couldn’t remember them… it was hell… i don’t want ya to hate asriel but since he became flowey he has not been the nicest flower in the garden.” It was clear that even though the subject pained Sans he was trying to make light of it with a halfhearted chuckle.

            “Oh Sans I’m so sorry… I can only imagine what it must have been like.” Frisk wrapped her arms around Sans pulling him into a hug, crushing him against her offering all her love and care to him with that one gesture.

            “the first few times weren’t so bad… just him repeatin’ things talkin’ to different monsters, getting’ to know them. it was when he got board of that when things started gettin’ really bad.” Sans rested his chin on Frisks shoulder rubbing her back with gentle strokes, offering her what comfort he could as he shared his greatest pain and fear with her.

            “H-has he done it since I’ve been here? I mean I think I would have noticed a reset but… please tell me it isn’t going on still Sans.” Frisk felt her heart breaking for the skeleton that she had come to truly love and the pain that he had been through.

            “nah, since ya got here he ain’t done it… i think he might have lost the power… or that your power overrides his.” Sans nuzzled the side of Frisk’s neck his warm breath sending a jolt through her body causing her to moan distracting them both.

            “T-that’s g-good S-sans.” As Frisk stuttered Sans chuckled knowingly letting his magic tongue slip between his teeth tracing the line of Frisk’s throat thoroughly enjoying distracting them both from the topic.

            “gods girl waiting to make ya mine is like the sweetest torture i’ve ever known.” Sans purred in Frisk’s ear.

            “S-sans… heavens… we need to stop… gods I don’t want to stop.” Frisk blushed at the deep moan that left her as Sans gently nipped at the delicate skin of her throat.

            “stars frisk you taste like the moonlight and sunshine…” With a frustrated growl Sans pulled away from Frisk tamping down on his magic to respect her choice to wait. “i can wait for ya starshine just a few more days.” Sans kissed Frisk on the cheek as she emitted her own frustrated groan.

            “You should get home before Papyrus thinks I’ve done something bad to you Sugarskull.” Frisk lay her hand on Sans cheek bone
            “don’t worry starshine he will come around in time, though ya got a point it’s the middle of the night and we got a big day of gettin’ to know people ahead of us.” Sans pressed his teeth to Frisk’s lips one last time stealing a kiss before stepping back and vanishing through the void to his home.

            Being underground had its advantages and its disadvantages, one disadvantage in Chara’s opinion was not knowing what time of day it really was. Yeah sure she could use the clock on the phone that Toriel had given her but how did the monsters even know if that was accurate? Based on that little clock on the phone it was just after the sun had peeked over the horizon to start the day. The air was chill with the damp of an autumn morning, the sharp scent of the fallen leaves from the tree in the courtyard tickled at Chara’s nose making her stifle a sneeze.

            Coming out here for a stroll had become Chara’s morning routine, after so long without a body and then sharing one with Frisk, getting out and walking on her own was amazingly freeing. This morning was no different really. it was nice to stretch the muscles that the magic had created for her, though they weren’t like the ones she had as a human. it felt like gentle waves of electricity as they moved under her fur covers skin, that was another thing having fur was a new experience. It was warm and soft to the touch of her paw like hands. Chara loved that she was a part of Toriel and Asgore, she loved that she had a part of frisk as well. However getting used to a new form was an interesting challenge.

            The walks helped, getting out and moving helped her connect with this body that was in reality only a few days old. Sometimes that thought alone was enough for Chara to feel disconnected, her mind was hundreds of years old her soul at least the core of it was a bit over twenty years old and her body was just a few days old. It was thoughts of this distracting disconnection that prevented her from noticing the flower that had sprouted up in the courtyard, or the vines that slowly crept over the ground. The sound of the voice speaking to her however brought her mind back to the present rather swiftly.

            “Howdy! I don’t think I’ve seen you before.” Chara knew that voice from being with Frisk when she came underground, that perversion of the voice that once was.

            “A-azzy is that really you? Come out where I can get a look at you please.” Flowey had not been expecting to ever be called that name again, not after watching Chara die to set them all free.

            “HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT NAME! NEVER use that name again!” Flowey spat, venom dripping from his tone as a torrent of pain and loss ripped through him.

            Chara flinched at the hostility that filled the voice she had once known, distorting it farther from the joyous tones of her adopted brother. “Azzy please this isn’t who you are, I can’t believe your alive please come out where I can see you.” Cara pleaded.

            “Only one person had any right to call me that name and she is gone. You’re not her and never will be, she was never a monster she was like a shining star in this shithole.” Flowey slithered forward pulling himself along with his vines, pushing himself till he was almost level with Chara.

            With a shock Chara realized that her new form was preventing Asriel from recognizing who she was, she had to think of some way to get through to him. while she thought she failed to notice the vines that Flowey snaked slowly around her legs and up her torso. it wasn’t till she felt one of the vines trace over her chest where her soul rested that she snapped back to attention, suddenly very aware of the trouble that she was in.

            “What is going on where did these vines come from? Azzy please help me.” Chara could feel the fear of the situation gnawing at her soul, she had no clue that the vines belonged to the same creature she was calling to for help.

            “I. SAID. NOT. TO. CALL. ME. THAT. NAME!!!” Flowey hissed bringing his flower face to hover inches from Chara’s muzzle. His eyes snapped with ire causing his visage to appear demonic.

            “I-it’s really you, I-I g-guess that we both went through some c-changes Azzy.” Chara reached a trembling hand out to the face of the flower in front of her, gently stroking a clawed finger over one of  the golden petals framing the face of her brother. “it’s been a long time since we last saw each other Azzy, so much has happened to us both. I-I’m s-so so-sorry… I should never have asked you t-to try and f-free the monsters f-for me” Tears welled in Chara’s red gold eyes, spilling to roll down her furred cheeks.

            “C-chara… i-is that really y-you?” The look on Flowey’s face shifted, the rage morphing to disbelief, then shock, then a pain filled joy when he saw in her eyes the sister he lost. “H-how?” Even without his soul Asriel could not stop the tears from spilling from his own eyes.

            “Frisk… she… well she is beyond powerful… when I was just a spirit somehow I found her, I’ve been with her almost her whole life. I didn’t realize that she heard me at all till we got underground, that’s when we became close. When I saw mom through Frisk’s eyes it was… intense… I never thought it would see any of you again and here I am… a new body… a new soul… and my whole family…” Chara speared Asriel with her eyes. “Well if my dear brother would pull his flower head out of his nonexistent ass and accept the help our little sister has offered him.” Her voice dripped with honey laced with the bite of her words.

            “W-wait Chara you’re telling me that Frisk is the one that brought you back? That it was her that gave you a body? But why are you a monster now instead of a human if it was her?” Chara sighed at Asriel’s question.

            “That dear brother is a bit complicated Frisk would be better at explaining it completely though the simple version is I was able to choose because Mom and Daddy donated their magic to help bring me back.” Chara still had trouble understanding exactly how Frisk had managed what she did, no one had created a soul before like she did and to do it using human and monster magic boggled the mind.

            “I need to talk to her… she told me that if I left a flower here that she would meet with me in the evenings… now that I think about it she did say that you would be the one to find the flower… I can’t believe that she wasn’t lying to me.” Asriel was in total shock, he had never expected to see his sister again and here she was, all because of that human.

            “I-I can see if I can wake her up, she isn’t much of a morning person, but I can try.” Chara moved to head back to the house when she came up short, realizing that she was still wrapped in the vines. “Erm Azzy you are going to need to let me out of the vines though.” Her voice was Sheepish as she reminded him of the vines that he had wrapped around her.

            “Shit Chara sorry gods I almost hurt you… I really need to talk to Frisk… if she can do what she said she can… please help Chara.” Asriel looked into Chara’s eyes, his expression pleading and frightened.

            “Azzy she brought me back with less to work with… I know that she can bring you back too.” Chara shocked Asriel when she wrapped her strong fur covered arms around him gentle as a breeze giving him a hug. “I’ll see if she will wake up and come see you.” Chara pulled back a sweet smile gracing her muzzle as she dashed off to the house that she shared with Frisk and their mother.

            The bed was still soft, the blankets still warm, and Frisk still couldn’t get to sleep. She would close her eyes, snuggle into the nest of blankets and pillows, then her mind would supply her images. Some she didn’t exactly mind though they did not make it easy to sleep, Sans kissing her, Sans licking her neck, Sans looking into her eyes his own burning with an almost painful hunger. Others those left her flipping the covers back gasping for air in panic, Papyrus wrapped in vines his HP dropping slowly, Sans being ripped apart by vines, the demonic look on Asriel’s flower face as he gleefully destroyed everyone Frisk had come to care about.

            Heart and body weary with lack of sleep Frisk was interrupted from her failed attempts at slumber by a soft knock on her bedroom door. While she was relieved to not be stuck wallowing in her own failure, she was a bit aggravated from simply not sleeping. Not to mention the bone deep exhaustion she felt from running from the Ruins through Snowdin.

            “Frisk I know you don’t like being woken up, but can I come in please we need to speak.” Chara’s voice was soft as she spoke though that did not prevent Frisk from hearing the concern in her tone.

            “It’s okay Sis I wasn’t asleep anyway. What’s on your mind?” With a large yawn Frisk sat up on her bed patting beside her to encourage Chara to take a seat.

            “You doing ok Sis? It isn’t like you to be up this early.” Chara sat beside Frisk her eyes sweeping over her sister looking for anything that was off, landing on the dark circles under Frisk’s eyes, the lines of exhaustion etched on her face.

            “I’ll be fine… just didn’t sleep well… so you said you needed to speak to me about something?” Frisk turned to face Chara taking her larger paw like hands into her own smaller ones.

            “Erm yes… you know how we talked about Asriel… well when I was in the courtyard this morning he was there… he is… well he isn’t what he used to be… I think he might be ready to accept some help though… he said he wants to talk to you Frisk.” Chara met Frisk’s eyes steadily, red gold staring into gold flecked green. Frisk nodded once in understanding and rose to her feet.

            “Then we better go see what he wants… maybe we will get our brother back to what he should be.” Frisk strode towards the door not even looking back to be sure Chara followed, she knew her sister would.

            Stepping out into the crisp air of the courtyard Frisk felt some of her exhaustion fade to be replaced by a deep burning determination. It was time that this ended, time that Asriel accepted that he couldn’t keep being Flowey, that there was a way to give him back his life. it was time for him to accept that it wasn’t ok to hurt those that Frisk cared about. Scanning the courtyard it took less than a moment for Frisk to see the coil of vines that betrayed where the flower was hidden away. Taking a few steps she strode over to the mass and poked at the vines with the toe of her boot.

            “Asriel I hear you wanted to talk, I hate mornings  but I’m here. so let’s talk brother and sort this all out.” Frisk let a bit of her ire at being pulled from her warm bed this early leek into her voice.

            “Frisky so good to see you came… so… I may have… been a bit hasty in declining your offer… seeing Chara I think you might actually be able to do some of what you say… so… I’m sorry… can we try this again please?” Asriel fidgeted, his vines twisting like hand wringing in his nerves.

            “Yeah we can start again… let’s start with this… Hey, I’m Frisk. it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Frisk stuck her hand out towards the flower.

            “…. Hey, Frisk I’m… Asriel… wow that feels strange to say after so long.” It was clear that he was nervous and thought the reintroduction between them was a bit silly considering what had happened just that morning, although he was glad for the chance to start over.

            “So Asriel Chara said that you are ready to listen about what I’m able to do with my magic?” Frisk shifted her weight from one foot to the other as she cocked her hip.

            “Um yeah I have to admit seeing Chara alive went a long way to convincing me that you have some power going on… and I know her soul is gone but I can sense it in her chest as it is… that had to come from some place… so I’m hoping that you can do something like that for me… you know make me whole again?” Asriel was timid in the way he asked, his vines writhing together in nerves, his face scrunched and plaintive.

            “Asriel you are Toriel and Asgore’s son and Chara’s brother… that makes you my brother… all I wanted from the start was to bring you back… to save you like I intend to save all monsters in just a short time… if you are willing I’ll tell mom and dad that we need to go to the lab again… I believe with your spirit being bound to that flower I should be able to use your current body as the catalyst to bring you back. Can you get to the labs on your own? Or would it be easier if we took you there with us?” Mind already firmly on the coming task of bringing Asriel back to what he once was Frisk sounded focused yet tiered.

            “I… well it would be nice to go with you… but I don’t know if Mom will want to see me like this… though I’m guessing that she will anyway if she is going to be offering magic for this thing?” Asriel was unsure what his parents would think of what had become of him, Chara didn’t seem to have an issue with him being a flower, but what would Toriel think of it? What would Asgore think of his heir being a flower? Asriel didn’t know and wasn’t sure he wanted to find out till he was sure that this would work.

            “Azzy Mom will be so happy to have you back she won’t care what you look like right now.” Chara bent to the flower that was Asriel and wrapped him in her arms for a gentle hug, completely sure she knew what he was fearing.

            “That’s another thing Asriel… I have some control over how you end up… like would you prefer to be as young as you were when you died, or would you prefer to have a more adult form like Chara? To conserve magic I made her form a bit smaller than a normal monster though I know you possess magic of your own in the form you are now so I could allow for a larger frame that you also put your magic into along with Mom and Dad. Also while I do get that you may be less than ready for them to know what you are now they will need to know what we are doing so I could just inform them that Chara found a flower with your dust on it, and I am going to attempt to call your spirit to bring you back like I did with her… though they may not be as welling to put the magic into creating a body without knowing your actually there… letting them know that you are… well you may be the best course of action. As it is I have kept from them that you even exist in this form because I wanted you to have the chance to make the decision yourself. I wanted you to be able to choose to come back, to be whole again.” Frisk smile gently at Asriel kneeling down to stroke her finger over one of his petals her free arm wrapped around Chara as the three siblings sat in contemplative silence for a moment.

            With a heavy sight Asriel looked at the human and monster women that had become his Sisters “Fine I guess at least Mom should know what is going on… she is the least likely to hate me for what I became… c-can you take me to see her?” He was clearly nervous yet resigned.

            “Yeah we can do that I’ll go in first and explain what is going on… Chara can you bring Asriel inside in about ten minutes? That should be long enough to give Mom a rundown on what is going on.” Frisk looked to Chara her eyes showing the trues she had for her sister.

            “Of course Sis. I’ll catch up with Azzy and keep him company while you fill Mom in.” Chara reached out and folded Frisk into a warm hug before releasing her so she could head inside.

            Once Frisk was free of Chara’s embrace she nodded, turning on her heal and practically marched across the courtyard and up the steps to the home the three women shared. Today was going to be painfully long for Frisk, even if she had gotten a full night’s sleep this was going to be a difficult discussion. Upon entering the warm home Frisk followed the scents of breakfast being made to the kitchen, where she found Toriel making pancakes, eggs, and sausages. The sweet smell of the pancakes with warm smell of the heating syrup made Frisk’s mouth water, the eggs scented the air with a salty tang with a deeper earthy tone from the onions that Toriel often cooked in them, and the smell of the sausages a perfect blend of spices, she could smell the gentle earthy tones of sage, the sharper tang of garlic and the bite of the pepper. When Frisk first came underground she hadn’t had a clue how monsters would have things like sausage, what she had not counted on was finding that the sausages were in fact the fruits of the water sausage plants. It still amazed her how much they tasted like the real thing, how close they mimicked the taste of real meat.

            “Mom… can I talk to you for a minute?” Frisk slipped up and snatched one of the cooked sausages breaking it in half to pop half in her mouth.

            “Of course my child, though I wish you would wait till breakfast is served to eat.” Toriel gently scolded Frisk for her less than lady like behavior.

            “Sorry Mom just needed some extra energy for today. You know how I brought Chara back right?” Frisk paused watching Toriel for her reaction.

            “Yes my child I remember very well, it was your work that brought Chara back to us and brought some peace back to myself and Asgore.” Frisk could see that Toriel was still so relieved to have Chara back even if there was that deep wound of Asriel being gone weighing on her soul.

            “You love Chara the same now that she is a monster as you did when she was human… you even still loved her when she was bound to the locket… what if she had been bound to a flower for example would that have changed things?” Frisk was dancing around what she needed to say but she wanted to be sure Toriel would accept Asriel even in the form he was now, yes it would only be a short time more that he would be that way but if Toriel rejected him as a flower he may decide to back out.

            “Frisk dear my children, and that includes you now as well, are my children no matter what form they take. I love you and Chara, and I will always love Asriel even though he is not still here.” A tear slipped from Toriel’s eyes as she spoke, morning the son she thought was lost to her forever.

            “I found Asriel, and I can bring him back. Although it is a bit different than Chara was, he attached to a flower and is… different. Chara is outside with him right now giving me time to explain to you that I can bring him back. Although he is honestly scared that you will reject him.” Frisk breathed deeply, finally able to tell Toriel her son was not gone and could be made whole again. The gasping sob that came from Toriel was like a physical thing nearly dropping Frisk to her knees with the power of the emotions behind it, the mix of pain and joy so raw that it burned.

Chapter Text

Chapter 17

Family Reunion

            “A-are you S-sure my child? C-could it b-be that m-my family will be whole a-again?” Toriel clutched at Frisk, her sobs still shaking her shoulders causing a stutter dripping with the desperation of parent who has lost all she had.

            “Mom I know I can bring him back, and yes I’m sure it is him, Chara confirmed it as well.” Frisk hoped Toriel would have an easier time accepting that this was real if both her and Chara supported it.

            “Frisk, Mom I’m coming in, you ready for our guest?” Chara called from the entrance, Frisk could hear the soft rustle of Asriel moving his vines for a better grip from what she was.

            “Yeah, Mom is a bit emotional, but she knows what is going on… just remind our brother to be on his best behavior if you would.” Frisk shot back to Chara, her eyes meeting Toriel’s with a nod.

            “I’m not going to do anything bad Frisky… you sure Mom will be okay with this?” Toriel stiffened at hearing Asriel’s voice, it was strong yet sounded unsure like he was putting up a front of strength.

            “Asriel is that really you? Please come sit have breakfast with me and the girls.” Toriel rushed out to meet Chara, skidding to a stop when she saw the flower on her daughters shoulder. Emotions played across her features, shock foremost among them although there was also sadness and joy, pain and even a little fear like the shadow of something that she couldn’t remember.

            “H-hey Mom I-I’m back.” The stutter in Asriel’s voice nearly broke Frisk’s heart as she watched the exchange. It was clear that somewhere in the very deepest recesses of Toriel’s mind she knew some of what Asriel had done, although it was also clear that Toriel was so happy to have her son back, in any form, that the small fear was quickly buried.

            “Mom it’s okay I now he is a flower right now, but he can give you a hug which is more than I was able to do when I came home… and Frisk can bring him back, after all she brought me back.” Chara walked up to Toriel as she spoke giving her and Asriel a chance to get used to being in the same room together, it was like introducing two cats with how slow she was going.

            “Yes I actually already have a soul ready to anchor Asriel to, and with him having some magic of his own I could potentially bring him back to the age he was when he died, though if you would like to donate some magic we can age him forward a bit, so he matches Chara.” Frisk was pinned by three sets of eyes, one golden, one red gold, and the third set a beady black.

            “Wait when did you make a soul? and why would you take the risk of making a soul if you didn’t have to?” Chara inquired her eyes shooting daggers at Frisk, her tone concerned.

            “When I went to the lab to make sure that my theory was right about bringing you back Chara. Sans and Alphys posed the possibility of making a monster soul to me, so I gave it a shot and there is a perfectly fine soul sitting in a soul canister at the labs waiting to be used.” What Frisk didn’t say was that the soul had been grown with a seed shard from Sans’ soul, she didn’t think Asriel would be as willing to take it if he knew.

            “My child you created a soul… simply to answer if you could?” Toriel was concerned as she met Frisk’s eyes with her concerned gaze.

            “Mom there was no danger really, it was after the initial test phase for Chara’s soul. We knew it would work to some extent, at the very least it wouldn’t be a danger to anyone. In addition to that I… I had hoped that someday… that someday I might be able to find a way to bring Asriel home.” Frisk so did not want to tell Toriel that she had made the offer to Asriel the same day that she revived Chara. She didn’t want to have to tell her that her son had refused to accept the offer until seeing Chara and knowing there was something to it.

            “Frisk is right it is beside the point that the soul is already made… what does matter is Azzy is back, and because of our baby sister will be able to become whole again.” Chara came to Frisk’s rescue, a surge of affection and appreciation swelling in Frisk’s soul as her sister spoke.

            “Yes my children… who would have thought that I would sit here with my son and two daughters in my dining room… Frisk thank you… I know you didn’t have to do this… I know you had no obligation to bring Chara back to me… and even less to bring Asriel home… and not even a drop to accept me as a mother to you… but Frisk you… thank you.” Toriel wrapped Frisk in her arms, overcome with the emotions of having her daughter back and her son as well, not to mention the addition of a new daughter who was a light on the world around her.

            “Mom I know I didn’t have to… I wanted to… it felt wrong to me… not having our family whole.” Frisk hugged Toriel back, reaching her arm out to bring Chara and Asriel forward. “Though now we will have a few decisions to make.” Chara giggled at that knowing at least some of what Frisk was thinking.

            “What decisions are those my child?” Toriel asked from her position with her three children safe in her arms.

            “Well the first one is a question for Asriel, brother would you prefer your old body that you had before you died, That of a child with room to grow and continue where you left off? Or would you prefer to be closer to Chara and myself in age?” Frisk shifted her gaze to the flower that was Asriel as he perched on Chara’s shoulder, his vines wrapped around all three women in a hug of sorts.

            “If I were a child again it would feel… wrong. I haven’t been a child for… well I’m not sure exactly how long but I would say for too long. I think matching my two lovely sisters would be best.” Frisk was surprised to see a soft blush creep over Asriel’s flower face as he spoke. Was being with his family like this simulating the effect of having a soul? she would need to spend some time thinking about that, perhaps some research into the matter as well.

            “Okay well that leads to the next thing we need to think about… I know Mom should be on board with this one… but I’m unsure about Dad. We need to do what we did for Chara, we need to go to the lab and set up the frame again. Sans will be here before too much longer to pick me up for more of my mission, but I am thinking if we can get this done today that might be a good idea.” Frisk was already in planning mode, her mind ticking off all the things that she would need in order to get things set up.

            “Of course my child I would be more than happy to give magic to bring Asriel back, having my family whole once more is more than I could ever hope for.” The tears welled in Toriel’s golden eyes shimmered threatening to spill over once more.

            “What time is it Sans should be here soon I think.” Frisk reached in her pocket fishing her phone out to answer her own question. There on the screen was a message from Sans asking her if she wanted to sleep in after the adventure she had during the night. With a blush spreading across her face she sent a message back to him letting him know to come now as there was something that needed to be taken care of. it was less than a heartbeat later that Frisk could feel the shift in the air of Sans teleporting right into the dining room.

            “what’s all this now?” Sans took in the sight of Toriel nearly in tears with a smile on her face, Chara stoic and calm, and Frisk clearly going through a mental list, all wrapped in each other’s arms with the vines from… ah Asriel… it was clear in the little flowers eyes that he wasn’t the cold soulless creature that called himself Flowey… it was the soft gentle look of Toriel’s son, the prince Asriel, interesting.

            “Sans, thank you for being so quick… we erm… we need to go to the lab… Asriel is home and ready to be whole… I… I hate to ask but can we get a lift to the lab… and maybe see if Dad will come as well?” Frisk was nervous, it was only a few hours ago that her and Sans had been each other’s arms after her brother kidnaped his brother… wow her life was complicated sometimes.

            “anythin’ for ya starshine, so it would probably be safest if one of ya comes at a time, who’s first?” Sans asked his eye lights watching the group as Frisk pulled herself from the center of the arms.

            “I should probably go first, it will give me some time to get Alphys to help me set up for the procedure.” Frisk approached Sans, turning to face her mother and siblings. “You three behave while Sans and I are gone, I think Asriel should be the next one to come with Sans, then Mom since she will be donating magic, then Chara.” Each one nodded their heads as she spoke their names.

            Stepping into Sans’ arms Frisk smile brightly and waved a bit as Sans pulled them through the void of a shortcut bringing them to the lab. They had landed just outside the door to the lab, the heat of Hotlands pounding against Frisks skin causing an instant dew of perspiration to slick over her body. Turning in his arms Frisk locked her eyes on the skeleton who had hold of her, the question clear in her eyes.

            “al knew we were coming last time… this time she doesn’t… need to give her a chance to turn off her security.” Sans pressed his teeth to the little wrinkle that Frisk got in her brow when she was perturbed by something.

            “We probably should have called before coming… do you think she is awake?” Frisk chewed her lower lip as she felt the sweat start to stick her hair to her neck, a few drops trickling along her spine.

            “yeah she’s up starshine just give me a minute and i’ll get her to let us in.” Sans released Frisk from his hold and stepped to the door pressing on a hidden button to call into the labs. After a moment, the door slid open revealing the small yellow lizard monster, her white lab coat stained and hanging open, her square framed glasses perched on her snout.

            “S-sans, F-frisk, w-what b-brings y-you t-two h-here t-this e-early? Is s-something w-wrong?” Alphys stuttered out, shifting from foot to foot the claws on her hands scraping against each other as she wrung her hands.

            “Not wrong Alphys, finally going right. We need the lab again, and we need to set up for another procedure like Chara’s.” Frisk answered before Sans could step in to say anything.

            “O-oh s-so w-we h-have a-another s-spirit t-that y-you w-will b-be g-giving a b-body?” Alphys moved to lead the way into the labs slipping off to grab the instruments needed to set up the procedure.

            “yeah and wouldn’t be a bad idea to grab that soul we made last time… the monster one.” Sans said, correctly predicting what Frisk wanted done.

            “Yes thank you Sans, if you could get… everyone else we discussed I’ll get things set up here. I really don’t know what I would do without you Sans.” Frisk went up to Sans and pulled him close for a hug and snuck a small kiss, pressing her lips to his teeth.

            “aww starshine ya would do fine without me, i’m the lucky one to have ya around.” Sans nuzzled Frisk’s neck placing a skeletal kiss there leaving her blushing like a tomato. With one last nuzzle he stepped back pulling himself though a shortcut to the Judgment hall to meet up with the king.

            “So Alphys how have you been? I kind of feel bad that I just seem to pop up here when we need to use the lab.” Frisk gently lifted the soul canister that held the soul that her and Sans had managed to create.

            “N-not t-too b-bad though s-sometimes I w-wonder w-why Asgore e-ever g-gave m-me the p-position of R-royal S-scientist… t-the l-last one w-was f-far b-b-better at the j-job.” Alphys said her mood sour as her mind was miles away from the task at hand. This wouldn’t do, Frisk needed Alphys to be focused for this to work.

            “Hey Alphys, you’re a good scientist, it was you that helped me bring Chara back, not the former Royal Scientist. What do they have that you don’t? Frisk nudged Alphys playfully with her shoulder.

            “G-gaster w-was a g-great m-man… h-he c-created the C-core, a s-system t-that literally p-powers the u-underground. If n-not f-for h-his c-contributions t-to m-monster k-kind w-we w-would p-probably b-be s-s-starving, or w-worse.” Alphys fidgeted as she spoke, clearly uncomfortable talking about the topic, maybe Frisk would have to as Sans to find out more information.

            Silence pressed on Frisk and Alphys as they worked, Frisk feeling that there was more to the story than Alphys was telling her but not willing to risk her friendship with the lizard monster to press farther. “Sorry Alphys I didn’t mean to bring up a sore subject, though you are a great scientist so you shouldn’t sell yourself short.” Frisk settled on trying to bolster Alphys mood as best she could.

            “T-thank y-you f-for t-thinking t-that… t-though I-I h-haven’t d-done as m-much as I w-wish i-I h-had.” Alphys was clearly still in her own head, her mood somber as her thoughts drifted through the dark corridors of her own mind.

            “If you ever want to talk to someone about what troubles you Alphys, I would like to help if I can.” Frisk said gently, her hand came to rest on the shoulder of the small lizard monster with a soft smile.

            “T-thank y-you r-r-really… I-I d-do appreciate t-the o-offer.” Alphys tried for a reassuring smile, although it came across as simply nervous.

            Upon entering the throne room Sans found Asgore with the flowers he continued to diligently tend. It was clear that the king was doing much better than he had in past years, his golden hair was brushed though not to its full luster, his shoulders while slightly hunched did not seem to hold the weight of the whole world, just the small peace he felt responsible for. Once Asgore turned to face Sans the skeleton saw that the light was returning to the goat monsters eyes, there was hope there once more.

            “hey, your majesty, got to ask ya to do somethin’. frisk would like ya to come to the lab for a magic donation again.” Sans said with a lazy grin on his face, hands in the pockets of his jacket.

            “Sans my boy, another magic donation you say? Is there an issue with Chara?” Asgore shifted, his expression one of concern.

            “nah, she is doin’ great, not sure how to explain the why for the donation… if ya wouldn’t mind might be better if frisk told ya herself.” Sans really didn’t want to get the king’s hopes up about his son being back, honestly he was still concerned about this whole thing working.

            “Very well then I suppose that Frisk will inform me of what is going on when I see her. When is it that she needs me at the lab?” Asgore asked, his expression shifting to contemplation as he began to mental prepare for leaving the palace.

            “well she is already at the lab so if ya wouldn’t mind now would probably be best.” Sans shrugged one shoulder, watching Asgore as the king straightened in surprise.

            “Then what are we waiting for my boy? Let’s get this done with.” Asgore approached Sans placing his huge paw like hand on the smaller skeletons shoulder, a look something like resignation coming over his face as he prepared for the disorientation of the shortcut to come.

            Without another word Sans pulled himself and Asgore through the void and to the lab. Asgore caught himself before he stumbled though it was clear he wasn’t quite as sturdy on his feet after the sudden shift in reality and location. Lucky for the king the only one that was present to see his near stumble was Sans himself, as the skeleton knew to enter the lab at a location with some cover so as not to cause the king any unnecessary embarrassment.

            “frisk should be with al in the same room we did the thing for chara, I need to go get the rest of our guests so i’ll be back.” With a small bow of his head to Asgore Sans stepped away and through the void to the Runs.

             Once Sans had vanished Asgore strode towards the room in which the procedure was to take place. Upon entering the room he found a very nervous Alphys looking anywhere but at Frisk, who was busying herself with setting up the instruments for the procedure. Asgore noticed the pearlescent upside down heart floating in the soul container in the center of the sheet covered cot. Why was there a monster soul waiting for this procedure?

            “Greetings Frisk, Alphys, I have been told that we have a procedure where my magic is needed. I was not informed of the nature of the procedure beyond that it is similar to the one you performed for Chara. Would you mind informing me of what we are doing here Frisk?”  Asgore Strode up to stand beside Frisk dwarfing her within his shadow.

            “Of corse Dad… I found Asriel, if everything goes according to plan he will be back in his body and whole by the end of the day.” Frisk said her gaze steady as she spoke to Asgore.

            “Asriel… you are certain that you have found Asriel? Could it be another spirit?” Frisk could see the pain in Asgore’s face as he spoke, as though it may have been kinder had she not spoken till Asriel was back in his body.

            “I’m sure, Chara confirmed that it is him. Although he is already attached to an item unlike Chara who had been attached to my soul originally.” Frisk placed a gentle hand on Asgore’s forearm, her gaze kind and understanding.

            Sans appeared in the lab with Asriel perched on his shoulder, his vines wrapped around Sans’ arm. Frisk looked up from what she was doing when she felt the shift in the air at the arrival of the newcomers, her eyes locked on Sans her face breaking into a soft smile as he sauntered towards her. Asriel shifted on Sans’ shoulder peeking over, if a flower could pale he certainly did at the sight of Asgore, his vines shifting together in a wringing potion as though nervous.

            “hey starshine, ya said ya wanted the flower to be here first so here he is.” Sans smiled at Frisk, although he rather callously reached up and lifted Asriel from his shoulder and plopped him on Frisk’s shoulder. He only paused for a moment to give her a quick peck of a kiss on her cheek before smiling and stepping back.

            “Thank you Sans, if you could please get Chara and Mom… if you have enough energy to do them together without risking you or them I would much appreciate it.” Frisk smile sweetly, her gaze flicking between Sans, Asriel, and Asgore. Sans nodded stepping back and vanished into the void to retrieve Toriel and Chara.

            “Hey Frisky did you miss little old me?” Asriel asked, his tone casual though Frisk could tell from the way his vines squeezed and his leaves trembled that he was quite nervous in reality.

            “Asriel is that you? Could it really be?” Tears sprung to Asgore’s eyes as he spoke, his paw like hands trembling with the force of his emotions.

            “H-hello Pappa… it’s been a while.” Asriel clung to Frisk as though his life depended on her strength, his eyes shone brightly with what could have been unshed tears.

            “No squishing the flower in a hug just yet Dad, he needs to stay in one piece till after the procedure is done. Speaking of I have been thinking about this and I think we can do this as a two part with the first being attaching your current form with the soul, which in theory should give you back the form you had before you died Asriel. Now I do understand that since Chara is now older, and your mind is older than it was a more mature form is what you want and that is where the magic from Mom and Dad comes in.” Frisk explained as she brought Asriel over to the bed with the soul on it.

            “Yeah I definitely would prefer to be older than I was when I died… even when I absorbed Chara’s soul to cross the barrier it aged my body up… I still feel wrong about that… even now after everything.” Asriel staired at the soul in the container, his gaze watching how it gently floated as though suspended in some sort of liquid. Asgore’s eyes were sad as he watched the flower that was his son, unsure what he could do to make the situation easier other than just the bit of magic to help with his son’s body.

            While Frisk had been explaining her plan Sans arrived with Toriel on one arm and Chara on the other. Chara was steady as a rock as they stepped into the room, her back straight and gaze level, Toriel seemed a bit green like she had just smelled something foul or been on a rather exuberant carnival ride. Frisk smiles sweetly at her mother and sister extending her hands to them to bring them closer to the bed where Asriel would be made whole again. Sans felt a bit out of place but stepped up beside Frisk, the traditional place for a male who was courting, Not so close as to fully insert himself yet close at hand should she need his support.

            “Okay so Chara I would like very much if you can keep your hands on my shoulders, if I can channel monster magic though me while doing this it should leave Asriel with a more pure monster body, and while I could have Sans or Alphys do it you are more closely related to what he once was. I do know that because of the shard of human soul and determination you have you are not a pure monster, though it should make it easier for me to channel your magic for this. Now Mom and Dad I need you to be in the same positions as for when we did Chara, Now First it is going to be Me and Asriel setting up the connection to the soul… this is a bit different in that Asriel already has some magic of his own and the soul will be absorbed into his current form… my part in this is to help guide the connection to the soul and prevent any soul rejection. Sans I would like you next to Chara, if you notice her magic getting weak please step in, I’m not about to lose my sister to this. Feed some of your magic through her to me once I nod pull her away and I’ll take over the magic… it isn’t ideal, but she is still new to her body, so I don’t want to over tax her.” Frisk looked at each monster involved, a final look to Alphys who already had been instructed to keep a watch on everyone’s vitals throughout the procedure and Frisk stepped up to the bed setting Asriel next to the soul canister.

            Once Asriel was settled in the center of the bed, his flower body laying against the cool white sheets, he nodded his head indicating he was ready to begin. Frisk reached out to Chara with her magic, a gentle nudge to have her start pushing magic through Frisk. once Frisk could feel the flow of magic from Chara she uncapped the soul canister and called the monster soul out with a small flick of the magic her sister was feeding her, hovering the soul over her palms Frisk moved forward, Chara keeping hold on her shoulders, allowing the soul to float just above Asriel’s flower body Frisk gently pushed with the magic guiding the soul to Asriel.

            As the soul approached his body Asriel stiffened, the flood of feelings that came with having a soul like an overwhelming wave crashing over his body and mind. Frisk sense the shift in his posture pushed a wave of calming magic through her hands, soothing to torrent of emotions while she worked. Letting Chara’s magic spark through her and around Asriel Frisk helped guide the magic to form the monster that he once was, his flower face weas replaced with the muzzle that the rest of the family shared, floppy ears adorning the sides of his head, two nubs of horns sprouting from the top. He was far smaller than even Alphys at this point, his form that of a child. As the soul settled in Asriel’s chest he took a deep breath and fully formed and as he was before his death.

            A nod to Toriel and asgore Frisk could feel their magic start to join with Chara’s swirling to help expand Asriel’s form, Frisk used her will and Chara’s magic to guide the growth of Asriel’s body. As the magic poured through and around Frisk like water she directed it to expand the body of her brother, his torso elongated and thickened, his legs and arms growing to match. His head became larger and heavier, his nubs of horns growing and curling behind his ears. His feet and paw like hands expanding to become strong and sturdy. Once Frisk was satisfied with the amount of magic that comprised the mass of Asriel’s new body Frisk gave another node to their parents, their magic subsiding. Frisk pulled the magic back and with one last twist to the magic sealed it so that Asriel would stabilize.

            Now free of pushing the magic through her to Asriel, Frisk gave a gentle push of magic at Chara indicating for her to relax and stop the push of magic. Chara nearly stumbled once she cut the flow of the magic off and Frisk sensing her sisters distress sent a gentil flow of her own magic to replace that which was depleted during the procedure. With Chara stable on her feet once more all eyes turned to the goat monster now laying fully formed on the bed before them, Frisk and Chara upon noticing that Asriel was above the sheet and very much not clothed felt a blush form on their cheeks. Frisk was far faster to recover than Chara whipping a sheet up and over Asriel’s new body to leave their brother some of his dignity. As they watched Asriel opened his golden eyes, bright as any coin. His ears soft and floppy framed by the curl of his ebony horns. Once standing he would be around nine foot tall, a perfect balance between Toriel and Asgore.

            “Hey Asriel… how do you feel? You may have a few magic flair ups for the first few days now that you have your body, though the change in size is what will be the most difficult for your magic to maintain. Monsters and for that matter humans don’t go from about a foot tall to about four foot tall to nine feet tall in the span of a couple of hours. Alphys did you grab the cloths I asked you to get? I know it isn’t much, but it should get Asriel home and give us a chance to get him some proper cloths.” Frisk smiled at her family as Sans slipped up closer to loop his arm around her waist.

            “Y-yes I h-have t-them h-here, I-I’m s-s-sorry it isn’t m-more t-than a-a s-set of s-scrubs, b-but it s-should g-give the p-prince a c-chance t-to g-get h-home a-and s-settled a-a b-bit.” Alphys was blushing as she stammered and brought forth the pale blue scrubs. They would be a bit small on Asriel but would still cover him well enough. Asriel took the scrubs in his paw like hands, a look of awe on his face as he realized it was all true. He was back, he had a body and a soul.

            Tears welled up in Asriel’s golden eyes rolling down his pearl white fur covered cheeks as it settled in, he was whole. The guilt of everything he had done as a soulless flower pricking his new soul as the thorns of the vines he once possessed had pricked so many monsters. He knew that the monsters, well most of them would never remember what he had done when he had been Flowey. However he knew, Sans knew as well, he suspected that Frisk also had a good idea of what he had done. So why was it that she saved him? Asriel looked over to his adopted sister, his eyes bright with the tears still rolling freely down his face, a look of utter confusion on his face.

            “Brother we can speak in private though I think first the rest of our family would like to greet you properly, though maybe we should get you dressed.” Frisk smiled and ushered the rest of the monsters from the room leaving Asriel to rise from the bed and done the cotton scrubs. Once dressed Asriel walked to the door to the room, marveling as his new muscles flexed and played under the pearl white fur of his pelt. How could something feel so strange yet so right at the same time?

            Just as Asriel was about to open the door to join his family in the other room he heard a knock and Frisk’s soft voice on the other side. “Asriel if you are decent I would like to speak to you.” with a sigh Asriel reached for the door and let his adopted sister back into the room, resigned to whatever she would say to him.

            “Hey Frisky… I’m sorry I was an ass… and… and thank you for being there for me when no one was.” Asriel held his head low, his eyes trained on Frisk’s feet, too afraid at what he might see in her face.

            “Asriel… brother I believe even the worst person has the power to change, to be a good person if they just try. I knew in my soul that if you had a chance to find a new way you eventually would, so I had to give you that chance. Because of I didn’t give you that chance I don’t think I could live with myself. Now it is up to you, to show the world that you are capable of being that good person.” Frisk smiled at Asriel her eyes sure, her expression kind.

            “What did we do to deserve and angel such as you sister, you are more than any of us deserve, yet here you are showing monsters what it means to show mercy. Showing us how to forgive and move on, to be better than we were before.” Asriel stepped forward sweeping Frisk into his arms and giving his adopted sister the first hug in his new form. Once they parted they stepped out into the next room to join their family.

Chapter Text

Chapter 18

The Big Move Comes Early

            Everyone in the room fell silent as Frisk and Asriel entered, for one tense moment Asriel was terrified that he wouldn’t be accepted. However that was not the case, the first one to break the silence and demolish the distance was Chara. Her head long rush would have flattened a lesser monster, however Asriel stayed standing, catching Chara in his arms a grin splitting his muzzle and tears threatening to spill from his eyes once more. Chara buried her face in Asriel’s chest as he wrapped his arms around her smaller frame both of their souls swelling with the joy they felt at being reunited finally.

            The next to join in the family hug was Toriel, her large arms wrapping both of her children into her warm embrace. The smile on her face was one of peace and joy, her eyes drifted over to Frisk, she beckoned her youngest child to her arms pulling her into the hug. A feeling of completion washed over Toriel with all three of her children in her arms at last, a dream she had never dared to dream had come true.

            The last one to join the huddle was Asgore, for several long moments he stood to the side. Watching his estranged withhold their children. Tears flowed from his golden eyes watching the scene before him with a mixture of joy, pain, and even guilt. It wasn’t till Frisk looked up from her place in the embrace that Asgore moved forward, the look in her eyes telling him that he would be forgiven if only he tried. Asgore wrapped his arms around his family, a feeling of utter joy washing through him.

            Sans stood by Alphys watching the reunion of the Dreemurr family, marveling that once Frisk accepted him as her mate that he and Papyrus would become a part of the family. Family was something Sans felt very strongly about, Papyrus had been all he had for so long. He hadn’t thought about his parents for longer than he cared to think about, part of him felt guilty for Papyrus not knowing about their folks. Hell part of him felt guilty that his parents were gone to begin with. Sans knew that at some point he would have to tell Frisk about his family, she had shared so much of her life with him it was only right that she know more about him. however that was something that could wait, for now he was content to watch his mate to be with her family.

            “I-it’s a-amazing i-isn’t it S-sans? F-frisk is a-a m-miracle w-worker, it’s l-like s-she j-just e-erased y-years of p-pain and s-s-sorrow f-from the k-king and q-queen.” There was tears in Alphys eyes as she watched the scene in front of her, her mind thinking of what lay below their feet.

            “yeah al, she really is amazin’ can’t believe a woman like her wants anythin’ to do with a monster like me.” Sans felt the prick of tears behind his eye lights, fighting to prevent the tears from falling.

            After a few moments Frisk pulled from the hug looking at her adopted family, her mind shifting to the fact that they now had to figure out where everyone was going to be staying. She knew that the Ruins didn’t have enough room for Toriel, Chara, Asriel and herself. Looking up at Asgore Frisk realized that she was going to have to put her foot down, it was time for the family to be together as a whole.

            “Mom, Dad I think we might need to move the time line up a bit, Dad has been alone in the palace while us girls had some bonding time. Now that Asriel is whole I think it is time for our family to be whole and in the same place.” Frisk looked at Toriel who appeared to be ready to argue. “No arguments, I know you and did have been apart since Asriel and Chara died… but they are back now… it is time to heal.” Her face was firm, the determination shining in her hazel eyes tinting them red.

            With a heavy sigh Toriel nodded her head. “I agree my child… there are still things I disagree with your father over… however you are correct that it is past time we work towards healing.” Toriel turned her eyes towards Asgore her look sad yet stern, the look in Asgore’s golden eyes was one of hope, sorrow, guilt, all mixed with a bit of fear.

            “Tor you know I never wanted you to leave, you have always been my better half. Having you and our children home in the palace with me would be beyond anything I have dared to hope for… dared even dream for.” The look on Asgore’s face was so raw and pure it was almost painful for the others in the room to see. Toriel at seeing the emotion Asgore was showing, softened towards him… just a little bit.

            “Sis do you have any issues with all of us moving to the palace?” Frisk turned to Chara asking the smallest of the goat monsters.

            “I’m good with it… I can learn to control my magic just as well at the palace as I can at the Ruins.” Chara gave Frisk a gentle hug, knowing that her sister was trying her best to make all the wrongs of the past right again and not wanting to get in the way of that mission.

            “Okay… erm Sans… I really hate to have you do more… but I’m not really sure how far we even are from the Ruins right now… is it possible to get some of our stuff from the Ruins and to the palace?” Frisk locked her eyes on Sans, her expression pleading as she walked towards him.

            “yeah starshine, shouldn’t be too much of an issue. ya want me to grab the stuff first or get ya and your family to the palace first?” Sans reached his hand out to Frisk as she approached, pulling her into his arms as he was able to reach her.

            Wrapping her arms around Sans’ neck Frisk pulled him down to place a soft kiss on his teeth before leaning back with a smile on her face. “Sans you are amazing I was so worried about how we could get Mom, Chara and I moved to the palace. I think if you could take Dad and I to the palace so we can set up rooms for the rest of us and then Mom and Chara to pick up some essentials for us till we can get the rest of our stuff from the Ruins.” Frisk gazed into Sans’ eye lights, her smile soft and filled with the adoration she was feeling for the skeleton who held her in his arms.

            “sounds good starshine, ya know I think you’re a natural at the whole leadership thing, ya sure make it easy to want to do what ya ask.” Sans grinned wolfishly at Frisk, ducking in, and placing a kiss on her flushed cheek. Gods it was adorable how she flushed and sputtered as he gently tugged her over to meet up with Asgore. “so seems the little princess here would like to go to the palace with asgore and asriel while i take tori and chara to get some things for the three of them. you boys ready to take a shortcut?” Sans grinned at Asgore and Asriel in turn, knowing full well both of them didn’t like the shortcuts.

            “I… well that dose seem to be a fair idea… I don’t see any reason Frisk would be incapable of assisting in setting up some rooms for herself and her siblings.” Asgore was a bit unsure as to why Frisk would want to set up rooms for them rather than get her own belongings, however he had to admit that it was a good idea as the palace had seen better days. With Toriel, Asriel and Chara not there Asgore had let it go almost as much as he had let himself got. While he had been working towards getting the palace ready for the return of his wife and children, unfortunately he had not made as much progress as he had hoped.

            Asriel simply nodded, unsure what he might be able to add to the conversation. He did however want to give some indication that he had heard the plan and was ready for whatever his part in it would be. Still holding Frisk with one arm, Sans reached out his other hand for Asriel and Asgore to grab hold with a nod. Asgore grabbed hold of his humerus with his paw like hand and Asriel grasped onto his forearm one of his clawed fingers accidently pressing the cloth of his jacket between the ulna and radius. With a small wince from the unexpected touch between his bones Sans nodded his head to give his three passengers a small warning that he was about to bring them through the void to the palace.

            On arriving in the Judgment hall Asriel doubled at the waist, his stomach protesting its first trip through a shortcut. The only thing that saved him from evacuating the contents of his stomach on the gold orange tiles of the Judgment hall was the simple fact that there was nothing in it to be evacuated. Asgore on the other hand simple stood with his golden eyes firmly shut waiting for his world to stop spinning. Frisk however had become used to the shortcuts and stayed snuggled against Sans, not quite ready to let him go, not yet ready to be alone with her adopted father and brother for the first time.

            “Thank you Sans, you have no idea how much it means to me that you are so willing to help me with all of this… I know that we aren’t making much progress on getting to know the monsters today… what with bringing Asriel back… but… do you think… maybe we could… I don’t know… spend some time just the two of us?” Frisk snuggled up to Sans, her face buried in his chest as she spoke.

            “starshine I would love to spend some time with ya… maybe after we get your mom and sister and you settled here in the palace I can come get ya and we can go to the mettaton’s resort for some dinner. The owner is a bit of a showoff but the foods good.” Sans pressed his teeth to the top of Frisks head in a kiss, his hand gently rubbing her back.

            “Okay so how about you go get Mom and Chara so they can get our stuff and I’ll get things sorted here… then we can have our date when we are done.” Frisk blushed her heart pounding as she pushed back from Sans. There was a blush on her face and her eyes flashed with determination as she went to lift Asriel from the ground and get to work. “Alright Bro time to get to work, you still remember your way around the palace right?” Frisk pulled on Asriel’s arm finding it surprisingly easy to lift him to his feet for how much larger than her he was.

            “Erm yeah I know my way around still, unless Dad went and rearranged the whole place on me.” The authentic laugh that came from both Asriel and Asgore warmed Frisk’s heart.

            “Alright then how about you show me around and Dad can pick what rooms that we will be using. I would prefer one near Chara if at all possible but still some privacy.” Frisk smiled up at her adopted father, her neck protesting at leaning back enough to be able to meet his eyes.

            “Of corse my dear, I think we should put your mother between Chara and Asriel and you said you wanted to be close to Chara, so I think the room at the end of the hall.” Asgore led the way out of the Judgment hall as Sans vanished through another shortcut to retrieve Toriel and Chara as well as the items they felt it prudent to bring.

            “ya ladies ready to get this show on the road? goin’ to take ya to the ruins to get some stuff then bring ya to the palace. frisk said she was hopin’ to have the rooms sorted out by the time we get there.” Sans said as he approached Toriel and Chara, ready for the move to be over with so he would be able to spend the rest of the evening with Frisk.

            Toriel and Chara stepped towards the stout skeleton holding tight, each woman holding onto one of his arms. With a nod from each Sans pushed his magic to the surface pulling them through the void and to the Ruins. He almost stepped out in Frisk’s bedroom but at the last second thought better of it and went for the door where they had first met. The sudden shift of exit location causing all three monsters to stumble a bit when they exited the void.

            “sorry about that ladies, didn’t mean for the ride to be that bumpy.” Sans had a sheepish expression on his face as he spoke, he would have shoved his hands in his pockets had Chara and Toriel not been holding his arms still.

            “No problem I understand how it can be to have a magic flair, with all the magic you have been using today I would suspect you could use some food to replenish your strength.” Toriel pulled Sans into the Ruins, guiding him to the small kitchen she had there to get some magic food into him.

            “thanks tori… yeah i’m not used to jumpin’ around so much as it is… let alone takin’ one or more monsters with me… i mean i’ve kind of gotten used to taken frisk with me places… not so much with more passengers.” Sans didn’t protest when Toriel practically shoved him into one of the kitchen chairs before heading off to grab some food.

            “My dear boy… you need to be more careful to not let your magic get low… what if something where to happen when you had Frisk with you… I know she is capable of defending herself… however I do still worry… and would not want her to be stuck some place while your magic regenerates.” Toriel placed a very large piece of butterscotch cinnamon pie in front of Sans with a kind smile on her face, her soft golden eyes hardened with a sternness that begged Sans to not take Frisk’s safety for granted.

            “tori I can assure ya frisk’s health and happiness are what is most important to me, followed by my bro and his happiness and health.” Sans informed the adopted mother of his mate to be with a solemn look in his eye lights.

            While Sans ate Toriel excused herself to go and assist Chara with the packing that they needed to accomplish for the night. It was clear with Sans’ magic already being a bit depleted they would not be able to bring nearly as much has she had originally hoped, however she was able to pack a case for herself and Chara packed one for herself as well as one for Frisk. Once they had everything they needed together Toriel, and Chara rejoined Sans in the dining room.

            “ya ladies ready to get to the palace now? kind of was hopin’ to have a bit of time with frisk before the day was over, i invited her out to dinner at mettaton’s place in the capital. thought it would be a good idea, she can meet a few monsters while we are there and have a nice meal together.” Sans was blushing, his face dusted with a blue glow as he spoke.

            “Yeah Sans we are ready, I even thought you might want to take Frisk on a date, so I packed her a nice dress for it.” Chara smiled sweetly her red gold eyes sparkling as she clutched her and Frisk’s suitcases.

            “heheh good idea Char’s knew ya were a good influence on frisk, didn’t know ya approved of me so much though.” Sans was pleased by the thought that Frisk’s soul sister actually approved of him, his face covered in a big grin.

            “I just want Frisk to be happy, she has been through so much in her life… she never let it stop her from being kind to others or showing mercy even to those that wronged her… she deserves so much good for all the crap she has been. I see the way that she lights up when you are around, she can’t help herself, even though I know she tried to not like you.” The look on Chara’s face was one of begrudging admiration for the skeleton that had captured her sisters heart.

            “yeah she ain’t the only one… somehow she just got under my skin… well metaphorical skin heheh… she is like a star in the darkest night, ya can’t help but see her and fall in love with her… still don’t know exactly how I got lucky enough that she wants me though.” Sans was so lost in thought about Frisk and his feelings for her he didn’t notice his eye lights shift to little pale pink hearts for a second, however Toriel and Chara saw.

            “Let’s get to the palace so you can take my youngest on that date, I believe she is very much in need of a break of the pressure she puts on herself. Your date should be just the distraction she needs for the evening.” Toriel smiled reaching for Sans’ arm, nodding to Chara to do the same. The trip to the palace was a bit awkward with the suitcases, however they managed to make it to the judgment hall with no real issues.

            The rooms that Asgore had found for his family to occupy were quite a bit more than Frisk had been expecting. The room she was given was divided into a suite with a sitting room located as you entered the room, there was a couch and several comfy looking armchairs as well as some poofs littering the room giving ample places to sit and relax as well as be social. From the sitting room two rooms split off, one was a large bathroom, the bathtub was large enough that she could almost get lost floating around in it. there was also a stall with a shower with running water, the call of a nice hot shower was almost more than Frisk could deny though she knew she didn’t have cloths to put on after the shower, so she held off. To her delight the toilet was closeted off separate from the rest of the bathroom.

            The other room that branched off from the sitting room was the largest bedroom she had ever seen, the bed that was against the far wall was large enough for five monsters Asgore’s size to fit in the bed together. The bed was covered in the plushest comforter made of a crushed purple velvet lined in a gold satin on the side that would face the sheet. The pillows were all stuffed with feathers and the sheets felt like the softest cotton she had ever felt. Lucky the place was fairly clean if not a bit dusty, therefore it wasn’t much of an issue to clean it up to be ready for the rest of the family to move into the palace. Sans found Frisk in her room running a dusting cloth over the surface of a beautiful dark wood vanity. As he watched her he felt his soul flutter, a soft smile, filled with affection spread across his face.

            “hey there starshine, looks like ya got things cleaned up here. brought ya somethin’ ya might want.” Sans nudged the suitcase closer to where Frisk was standing.

            “Eek Sans you almost scared me to death.” Frisk jumped spinning in her place to face the skeleton.

            “heheh i’m sorry didn’t mean to frighten ya.” Sans slipped forward wrapping Frisk into his arms, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. “starshine why don’t ya go get cleaned up, chara said there was somethin’ in the case that ya might want for tonight.” Sans pressed his teeth to Frisk’s lips in a gentle kiss guiding her towards the bathroom.

            Frisk plucked the suitcase from the floor, dodging Sans steering her towards the bathroom with a giggle. She placed the suitcase on the vanity opening it to see what all Chara had packed for her. Rummaging through the suitcase she began putting each item of clothing away. As Frisk came to the bottom of the suitcase she found what Sans had been talking about, Chara had packed the dress that Toriel had picked up for her. It was a simple princess cut dress made of a soft silk topped with a layer of chiffon. It had spaghetti straps in a pretty cyan blue that matched Sans magic perfectly, the waist of the dress was belted with a red satin sash that perfectly matched her own soul.

            “Wow yeah Chara had it right this is prefect. Sans will you be ok while I take a quick shower and get dressed?” Frisk had the dress gently wrapped in a towel as she didn’t want him to see it till she had it on.

            “yeah starshine, mind if I lounge on the bed while i wait for ya? it’s been kind of a long day.” Sans pressed his teeth to Frisk’s cheek in a tender kiss.

            “Of course Sugarskull you get some rest and I’ll get clean.” Frisk turned her face enough to brush her lips over Sans teeth and a loving kiss.

            Sans moved to the bed, propping himself up on the mound of feather pillows. Frisk moved to the bathroom, hanging the dress on a hook on the door. Turing the water on Frisk went about removing her cloths, hanging the towel just outside the shower as the steam floats to fill the air. The feeling of the steamy warm water sliding over her skin was like heaven to Frisk. the warmth and steam helping her to relax all of her muscles as she grabbed a soft cloth from the rack just inside the shower. She found a bottle of some scented soap that smelled of honey and some spicy flower with an undertone of fresh snow and the tang of pine, she used the soap the cloth to gently scrub the dirt from her skin.

            The bed under Sans was soft as a cloud and felt like heaven, however the sound of the shower running and the scent of the soap that Frisk was using drifting to him peeked his interest. He felt himself fighting his curiosity of what she would look like, water pouring over her soft skin, hair drenched and dripping as it swirled over her shoulders. Sans could feel his magic spark as his mind’s eye provided him with the images of what Frisk would look like warm and wet in the shower. Sitting up Sans looked towards the door to the bathroom, his mind wondering if Frisk would welcome him joining her in the shower. He knew they hadn’t done more than kiss, so it probably wasn’t a good idea.

            It felt so good to be getting clean, Frisk wondered what it would be like to bring Sans into her new bathtub. Would he think it too presumptuous for her to think he would want to be naked up to his chin in suds with her? Frisk knew she wanted to see what Sans looked like under that blue jacket to see his bones move as she washed the dirt from them. maybe after her date with Sans she would invite him to soak with him, they were in the palace now, it wasn’t all that long before she broke the barrier. She knew that she should still wait, even if her heart wanted to loose itself in her love for Sans she needed to focus.

            Feet soft on the carpet of the suit Sans slowly walked towards the bathroom, it was almost like he was following a siren call. He couldn’t fight the pull he was feeling, each step drawing him closer to the woman he loved. As he reached the door to the bathroom Sans stopped, what was he doing? She hadn’t called him into the bathroom, she hadn’t invited him to be with her in there. He couldn’t force himself on her, he could wait for as long as she needed him to. He knew he needed to get back over to the bed before he decided to do something stupider than he had ever done before.

            “Sans… you still awake out there? I um… I sort of forgot something in my suitcase.” Frisk’s voice drifted from the bathroom as the water turned off, her tone a bit nervous.

            “heheh yeah starshine i’m still awake, don’t think I could sleep with my beautiful mate to be in the shower. what is it ya need from your case princess?” Sans had jumped at Frisk’s voice coming from the bathroom, his soul pounding in his chest with fear of what he had been about to do.

            “Erm well… do you know anything about… oh gods this is embarrassing… erm I need something to put on under my dress… you know.” Frisk sounded like she had her face in her hands and Sans could just picture the blush covering her cheeks.

            “not quite sure what ya mean starshine never worn a dress before hehe… would bring ya the case but um ya kind of already put everythin’ in the drawers.” Sans smiled to himself, he wasn’t sure how she was going to get what she wanted without coming out of the bathroom or him going into the bathroom.

            “Erm could you I don’t know cover your eye lights? I can wrap my towel around me and dash out to grab what I need. Before I you say it yes I know eventually you are going to see all of me… but… I want it to be special.” Sans couldn’t help blushing at the thought of her slipping out of the bathroom simply on Frisk’s trust that he wouldn’t look if she asked.

            “it’s ok starshine I won’t peek… if ya want i can step out to the hall so ya can get what ya need.” Sans offered as he stepped towards the door out of the room, more than willing to give her the space she needed to be ready.

            “NO! No you don’t have to leave… just keep your eyes closed please Sans. Can you do that for me please?” Frisk called out to Sans, she didn’t want Sans to leave her.

            “okay starshine, i’ll keep my sockets closed while ya get what ya need.” Sans closed his sockets and stood still waiting for Frisk to tell him he could open his eyes.

            Frisk wrapped the towel around her body, cracking the door back to the bedroom. She peeked through the crack and saw Sans standing in the middle of the room, his sockets closed tight. Seeing that he listened to her warmed her soul and made her heart swell with love. Slowly on silent feet Frisk pad her way forward to the dresser, watching for any sign of Sans trying to peek. Reaching the dresser she opened the drawer that had her panties in it and pulled out a pair of lace black panties and a strapless bra to match. A small smirk crossed her face as she thought about the idea that was forming in her mind.

            Frisk walked up to Sans, her steps still silent as she approached him. there was a spark of mischief in her soul as she drew closer, her eyes sparked as she came up to her mate to be. Wrapping her arms around Sans neck she couldn’t help the smile that grew on her face at how he stiffened. “Stay still Sugarskull.” Frisk purred in Sans’ ear hole, kissing her way along his skull her lips tracing a path to his teeth to give him a tender loving kiss. “I’ll be ready in just a few minutes then you can see that it was worth the wait.” Frisk gave Sans one last kiss slipping back to the bathroom.

            Sans could feel his body shaking, the magic that had started to dissipate had surged to the forefront once more the second that Frisk wrapped her arms around his neck. He could tell she had only had a towel between her and the world, her scent warm and inviting. He could feel his shorts shifting against the magic that had coalesced at his pelvis, the friction of the fabric a sweet torture. This was going to kill him, he was going to dust from the anticipation.

            Drying off the rest of the way Frisk got dressed in her under garments, slipping her dress over her body feeling the silk slide against her skin. Funning a brush through her hair Frisk took a moment to pull back part of her hair and boost the waves of her hair and slipped on a pair of black flats that she had found with the dress. Once she was dressed she stepped back into the other room, it was adorable when she found Sans standing there still.

            “It’s okay Sans you can move, and um you can look now if you want.” Frisk stood in front of Sans so when he opened his eye lights she would be the first thing that he saw.

            “wow… just oh my stars frisk you are… wow.” The look in Sans’ eye lights as he took in Frisk was everything she needed to know. His voice was rough when he spoke like he was keeping a tight rein on his reaction.

            “You like what you see Sugarskull?” Frisk blushed as she twirled the skirt of her dress to and froe, a bright smile on her face as she watched Sans’ reactions to her every move.

            “gods yes… i don’t even know how i’m supposed to concentrate on our date with ya lookin’ like that starshine.” Sans reached out to Frisk pulling her into his arms, pulling her into his chest as his soul glowed brightly in his chest.

            A giggle escaped Frisk as she felt Sans nuzzle his face into her neck, as he nuzzled he kissed along her neck. One of his hands buried in her hair as the other traced circles at the base of her back. Frisk shifted using one of her hands to draw Sans face to her own, drawing him into a kiss filled with love and joy and the heat of passion. When he broke the kiss Sans was panting unable to catch his breath, Frisk was in a similar state.

            “We should go on our date before we lose ourselves, or I fear we won’t be going on that date tonight.” Frisk placed a small kiss on Sans’ cheek bone.

            “heheh yeah starshine, ya ready to get to the restaurant?” Sans smiled at Frisk with total adoration, ready to start the first real date that the two of them would be going on. A nod from her and he gathered his magic to pull them through the void and take them to the restaurant, ready for a nice date with his lady.

Chapter Text

Chapter 19

Dinner Date

            For being a restaurant underground the resort was a surprise that Frisk was not expecting. The building was tall, taller than any of the other buildings she had seen thus far in her time underground. For all the world it looked like some gilded skyscraper from some beach location, the double glass doors that led into the main lobby bearing the moniker MTT in garish gold letters. To Frisk’s surprise there was also some well-manicured bushes flanking the entrance to the resort. Sans wouldn’t let her go through the front however, he pulled her down the side ally into the dark making her giggle wondering what he had planned.

            “Sans is there a reason you are dragging me down a dark alley away from the brightly lit front entrance?” Frisk squeezed Sans’ boney fingers as he tugged her by her hand farther into the darkness.

            “heheh just taken ya through the v.i.p entrance starshine, kind of work here sometimes so figured ya might want to avoid the crowds since this is a date not a diplomatic mission.” Sans smirked at Frisk’s bemused expression as he pulled her through a hidden side door into the resort.

            Once inside Sans led the way through some twisting halls to a door that spit them out beside a stage in a large room. The room looked like some sort of lounge from the fifties, there where round tables dotted around, each covered with a pristine white cloth and festooned with little candle holders that held glittering bits of magic. On the far side of the room stood a stage covered in a velvet curtain with lights that could shift and illuminate different parts during a show.

            “This is nice Sans, so what kind of shows do monsters have down here anyway?” Frisk smiled at Sans as he guides her to a table not too far from the stage.

            “sometimes it’s singers, sometimes Aaron comes and dose a muscle show, i even do a comedy show on the weekends.” Sans says as he pulls a chair out for Frisk to sit, then proceeds to settle himself beside her at the table.

            “Really? that’s so cool… would it be possible to come watch your show some time?” Frisk blushes at the idea of her skeleton up on the stage making everyone laugh with his silly puns.

            “ya would really want to come see me do a show? i know ya like jokes and puns but didn’t think ya would be the type to just want to watch a show.” A bright cyan blush dusts across Sans’ face thinking about his girl sitting in the audience as he performs.

            “O-of course I want to watch Sugarskull… I… I really like your jokes… and the idea of watching you make everyone laugh and have a good time… it’s… it’s kind of… sexy.” Frisk says her face rivaling a tomato with how red it has suddenly gotten.

            “… really? the idea of me makin’ people laugh is… sexy to ya?” Sans’ eye lights shrink down not sure what to think of Frisk saying anything about him is sexy. Hell he still hasn’t really come to terms with her actually accepting his courting her.

            “Welcome to MTT Resort I will be your waiter tonight, here are some menus for you. while you decide on what you would like to eat for the evening can I interest you in a drink?” A rather smug looking black and white cat monster in a bow tie and vest interrupts their conversation as he plops down two embossed menus contained in a plastic cover.

            “Erm what kind of drinks do you have here sir?” Frisk asks as she tries to refocus after the embarrassment of talking to Sans about his act and how the idea affected her.

            “We have several options, our most popular is our Pink Perfection, an expertly crafted mix of magic to tantalize the soul.” The cat monster drawls in a board tone as though he has said the same thing hundreds of times, more than likely he has.

            “Erm are the drinks listed on the menu? I would like to look over the selection before making a choice I think.” Frisk says not quite sure what the monster means by a mix of magic.

            “I can give you our drink menu if you would like, all of our regular options are listed though if you have a specific taste we are able to customize a mix.” The cat monster prompts, Frisk nods and is presented with a smaller menu listing the drinks available. The tuxedo cat monster turns his attention to Sans who waves him off with a flick of his boney hand.

            Once Frisk and Sans are left alone again Frisk busies herself reading over the drink menu to see what her options are. She is relieved that it seems that there are no alcoholic beverages aside form a few beer options since she isn’t sure about losing control around Sans, although most of the options are magic based. She wonders what it would be like to drink something made of magic, none of the options are very descriptive as far as flavor though there are pictures next to most of the options. The one that catches her eyes is a tall glass filled with a blue liquid that seems to shimmer in the picture, it is listed as Midnight Echo and claims to have echo flower extract in it as well as a special blend of magic.

            “Hey Sans… you going to get something to drink or you going for ketchup here too?” Frisk asks, wondering what others think of his drinking habits.

            “heheh yeah probably goin’ to stick with my ketchup… it’s kind of my signature.” Sans smiles at Frisk over his menu. “course ya can drink whatever ya want… though watchin’ ya down ketchup at grillby’s was kind of fun… never thought i’d see anyone like the stuff near as much as i do.” A dusting of blue covers his cheek bones.

            “I was thinking of getting the Midnight Echo… you ever tried it before?” Frisk asks wondering if it is any good.

            “nah, ain’t my kind of drink, though most females seem to like it.” Sans is thoughtful, he wonders if Frisk knows what she is getting herself into with a magic mixed drink.

            “I think I will give it a try it just looks so pretty.” Frisk said, a cute smile on her face as she spoke.

            “Are the two of you ready to order your drinks, or would you still like a moment to decide?” The black and white cat monster that was their waiter appeared beside the table once more to ask.

            “Yes I believe I would like to try the Midnight Echo, it is just so pretty.” Frisk said with a happy smile on her face.

            “Very good choice miss, and for you?” The waiter turned to Sans asking in a board tone.

            “yeah just get me a bottle of ketchup if ya would please.” Sans said, enjoying the flabbergasted look on the waiter’s face.

            “Very well i will be back in a few moments with your drink order.” The waiter said with a nod turning on his heal and dashing away.

            “did ya see his face when I ordered ketchup heheh, I love the face the new ones get before they get used to my order.” Sans said seeming quite amused by the whole thing.

            “So is that why you order ketchup to drink, or do you actually enjoy it?” Frisk asked as she leaned forward resting her chin on an upturned palm.

            “the looks are just a bonus starshine. tibia honest with ya when ya decided to take a drink of it at grillby’s my face probably looked just as shocked. never thought i’d see anyone besides me drink the stuff.” There was a dreamy look in Sans’ eye lights as he spoke, his memory of the incident replaying in his mind.

            “Maybe I should have ordered the same… can you imagine the poor guys look if we both just ordered ketchup?” Frisk giggled as her mind supplied the picture of her and Sans enjoying some ketchup, the faces of the people around them in shock, even those that had been used to Sans drinking ketchup would not expect her to enjoy it as well.

            “w-would ya actually enjoy drinkin’ it for more than just a sip of mine?” Sans had to know if she really did like it as much as he did.

            “I wasn’t exaggerating when I told you I like ketchup, the sweet yet tangy flavor mixed with just enough spice to tantalize the tongue. Not to mention the added benefit that it enhances even the worst made meal.” Frisk said a small smile crossing her face.

            “maybe… if ya want… we could have some fun with that next time we go for a drink together?” Sans said, his face dusting blue thinking of the look he knew his own face had held the first time she grabbed that bottle from him in Grillby’s.

            “Oh my stars that would be so much fun… winder what… no I can’t do that… not at the coronation anyway hehe.” Frisk giggled and blushed thinking about having ketchup with Sans at the coronation.

            “oh now i need to know what ya got goin’ on in that gorgeous mind of yours.” Sans said leaning forward to get closer to Frisk, his boney hands resting on top of the table reaching subsensory towards her.

            “I… I… I’m sure you could figure it out if you think about it for a moment… but if you just want me to say it… well since you are courting me I’m assuming that you will be sitting beside me for a good portion of the proceedings of the coronation…. And I know from what Chara said that there will be a dinner… so what if we both had ketchup to drink with our meal.” Frisk finished with her face as red as the condiment they were discussing, her hands flying up to cover her eyes.

            “… wow starshine ya really want me there? ya don’t have to have me sit with ya… since we ain’t officially mates yet… though i can’t deny it would be more than an honor to be by your side for such an event.” Sans was greatly moved by the fact that Frisk even thought about wanting him by her side as she was officially made a princess to the monsters.

            “Sans… of course I want you there… I… I feel guilty that I’m making you wait till after the barrier is down to… you know… to be honest with you I was thinking about it while I was in the shower… I know that we are currently courting at the moment, but I know that you will be my mate… I kind of want you to take that role even now before it is made official.” Frisk was blushing as she spoke, the color getting darker and darker the more she spoke.

            “Thank you so much for waiting, I do apologize it took a bit longer to get your drinks than is normal.” The black and white cat monster waiter was back with the drinks they had ordered. He first placed the tall glass with the swirly iridescent blue drink in it in front of Frisk, he then placed a rather fancy looking bottle of ketchup with a gold trim around the labels in front of Sans. “I do hope the ketchup is satisfactory, I had to ask the other staff and found that we keep a stock of it for some reason.” There was a slight red tint to the fur of the waiters cheeks.

            “yeah figured ya would need to ask… it’s my normal drink so mettaton keeps it in stock just for me.” Sans said with a small chuckle in his voice.

            “Wait so you are Sans? Wow that is amazing, everyone loves your show.” The waiter said, a large grin forming on his face.

            “heheh yeah that’s me. sans, sans the skeleton, pleasure to meet ya.” Sans said extending his hand to the cat monster with a lazy grin on his face.

            “Thomas, you can call me Tom though… it is an honor to meet you sir.” Thomas said as he took Sans’ hand for a handshake. Frisk giggled at the reaction as a rather loud and rude sound filled the air, gods she loved her skeleton and his jokes.

            “Sans goodness I think you made him too nervous you really should apologize.” Frisk mock scolded.

            “heheh yeah sorry buddy i know i’m humerus didn’t mean to leave ya winded though, tibia honest i know i’m a bit of a gas but that doesn’t mean it’s right to leave ya embarrassed to the bone.” Sans said with a shit eating grin on his face as he turned his hand showing the whoopy cushion strapped to his palm. Frisk was fighter valiantly to keep from busting up laughing though was failing as a few snickers made it past her lips.

            “Sans you are such a bonehead, but you’re my bonehead so I forgive you. though if you don’t behave yourself you won’t get to have a skele-ton of fun for quite a while.” Frisk said giggling.

            “Y-yes... erm It’s a pleasure to meet you Sans… would the two of you like some more time to decide on what you would like for your meal?” Thomas said his face morphing from shock to the more professional board expression with some difficulty.

            “yeah give us a few if ya could, it’s the ladies first time here so she needs the chance to look at the menu.” Sans said calmly, a grin on his face.

            “Very well, please take your time.” Thomas said with a small bow of his head, turning on his heal and moving away to check his other tables.

            “Oh my stars Sans I cannot believe you had a whoopy cushion in your hand Sans… that was hilarious. Did you get a good look at his face?” Frisk said laughing as her eyes shined lighting up the room.

            “heheh ya know what starshine if it makes ya laugh this much i might have to step up my game.” Sans said with a chuckle, his soul thrumming at the look of joy on Frisk’s face.

            “Don’t you dare… I can’t be fighting laughter all day long… anyway you don’t need to step it up mister funny bone you’re humerus enough as it is.” Frisk said her eyes shining with love and a playful mirth.

            “heheh okay i’ll cut ya some slack starshine… though i got to admit I love the sound of your laugh, it’s like music.” Sans said his face dusted blue, his eye lights flashing briefly to little hearts showing his love.

            “I’m guessing since you do a show here you have a good idea what they serve here… you got any recommendations?” Frisk asked shifting her attention to the menu in front of her.

            “um most of the time i don’t eat here… just do my show maybe have a drink and head over to grillby’s for a nice burger heheh.” Sans chuckled and picked up his own menu trying to find something that sounded like it would be good.

            For a bit Frisk and Sans sat in silence going over the menus in front of them. Frisk saw a few things that looked good, there was a dish that looked like some kind of meat in a cream sauce over pasta that was labeled as Glitterccine a magical mix of velvety sauce over glitter noodles. She did wonder how one could eat glitter though she had seen things like luster dust for cakes and the like on the surface, so it would stand to reason that the monsters would come up with something like that too. The other item that looked good to her was one that looked very much like chicken parmesan, however it was labeled as Chicken Mettaton. Frisk thought that one was probably just a play on the owner of the establishments name.

            “ya know what ya want starshine?” Sans asked as he set his menu down having decided on getting a Glamburger since you can’t go wrong with a burger.

            “I think I might try the Glitterccine though I’m not sure about the whole glitter thing… I know humans have made edible glitter, however I’m not sure on the monster variety.” Frisk chewed on her lower lip, her small teeth causing the soft flesh of her lip to indent.

            “there ain’t much in this place that don’t have glitter in it… though all of it is edible so it should be fine.” Sans said as his hands inched closer to Frisk.

               Having decided what they wanted to order Frisk picked up her drink and took a tentative sip, the flavor that danced on her tongue was like an electric storm drenched in starlight and dipped in honey. It was like nothing she had ever experienced before, furthermore after the sip passed her throat she could feel a warmth bloom from her soul outward filling her with a strange energy. Whatever was in this drink it made her feel good, so she took another larger sip.

            “I can see why the ladies like this one Sans, it’s almost indescribably how good it is.” Frisk said with a smile on her face, her cheeks feeling warm for some reason.

            “yeah, though ya might want to slow down on it a bit starshine. that one kind of sneaks up on ya.” Frisk could hear the chuckle in Sans’ voice as he spoke.

            “Greetings have you had enough time to decide on what you would like for the evening?” Thomas the waiter asked having appeared almost as if he had materialized from thin air.

            “Yeah ill have the Glitterccine though could you go light on the glitter? I erm have a delicate system.” Frisk still wasn’t sure about the glitter being safe, but it was the more appetizing looking option.

            “Very good and for the gentle monster?” Thomas turned to Sans, his order pad and pen at the ready.

            “just a glamburger and some fries with some extra ketchup thank ya.” Sans said handing over his and Frisks menus to Thomas with his trademark lazy grin.

            “Certainly, I’ll have your food out shortly, if you would like while you wait a small dance floor has been set up and we will be starting some live music here shortly.” Thomas offered, indicating a cleared space halfway between the stage and the full service bar, he then turned on his heal dashing off once more.

            “what do ya think starshine? care to dance with this bag of bones?” Sans stood as he asked the question extending one of his boney hands to Frisk.

            “That sounds absolutely lovely Sugarskull.” Frisk giggled as she answered, taking hold of Sans’ hand, and raising from her own chair.

            As they approached the dance floor Frisk saw that a band was warming up, there were several instruments that she recognized such as a flute, a cello, a violin, a saxophone, several percussion instruments as well. there also seemed to be a few things that she didn’t recognize such as a long cylindrical shaped instrument with strings, something that looked like a cross between a French horn and an oboe and some things that just defied explanation or even description. The music that the band was producing was low, melodic, and almost haunting in its beauty.

            Once Sans drew Frisk to the dance floor he pulled her into his arms, one hand resting at her waist the other one clasping one of her hands. On instinct Frisk placed her free hand on Sans’ shoulder and squared her hips reading for the dance. As they stood the music took on a soothing tone with a slow rhythm that lent to a gentle swaying dance. Sans placed a gentle pressure on Frisk’s waist drawing her forward into the first steps of a simple waltz, gliding her across the dance floor with an ease and grace that Frisk would not have imagined from the short skeleton.

            “Sans I feel like I’m in one of my dreams right now, I know the dress isn’t the same and we are the only two dancing but still… you dance so beautifully I feel like I’m floating on air.” Frisk giggled a bit as Sans sent her into a graceful twirl spinning her back into his chest pulling her closer to him as they danced.

            “heheh yeah… kind of learned to dance from those dreams ya know.” Sans chuckled, his smile sweet, his sockets half lidded.

            As the song continued Frisk let Sans lead her through more graceful and simple moves of the dance, each time bringing her back to rest snuggly in his arms. The feel of Sans’ bones against Frisks palm as their hands clasped together sent a thrill down Frisk’s spine, the weight of his hand at her waist like a lovers caress in her mind. Frisk felt her body starting to heat up from the dance even if it wasn’t meant be a sensual experience it felt so intimate to Frisk.

            Sans could feel his soul thrum as he held Frisk in his arms, the feel of her soft skin against his bones was a sweet torture as they danced. He loved watching the way she smiled at him each time he brought her back to him, he loved the way her dress flared out as he spun her in twirls and danced them around the floor. He could feel his soul pulsing and trying to pull him closer to her each time he let her spin out, for it to relax and thrum happily once she was in his arms again.

            “think ya might have been learnin’ from those dreams too starshine, ya seem to know exactly what i’m about to do with each step like we’ve been doin’ this forever.” Sans whispered in her ear after a spin that brought her back to his chest, his arms wrapped around her front and her backside pressed against his pelvis.

            “Maybe, it’s like my body knows before my brain dose. It just feels so right, almost like my soul id most content when we are close like this.” Frisk felt a shiver through her body at the close contact, her heart was pounding, her soul fluttering.

            When the song came to an end there was a raucous of applause from the monsters that had stopped their own meals to watch Frisk and Sans dance. Frisk could feel her face heat in a red blush, catching a slight glow from Sans’ face in the corner of her eye. It was a bit surprising that so many stopped to just watch the two of them have a bit of fun dancing together and neither one of them was quite comfortable with all of the attention. Frisk was the first to recover enough to respond and she called out a thank you to the applauding monsters and encouraged Sans to take a small bow with her. He guided Frisk away from the dance floor back to their table just as their food arrived, he assisted Frisk into her seat and then took his own.

            “Oh the food looks wonderful, I’m so hungry right now.” Frisk said with a smile on her face as she plucked up her fork and began eating her pasta. The flavor was creamy with an earthy tang like a fine cheese, the pasta had an interesting texture both firm yet yielding with an iridescent glitter throughout that seemed to add not just sparkle to the dish but a unique spice that left a tingling sensation in the mouth. “Wow this is really good, even the glitter seams to add something to it like its alive somehow.” Frisk said as soon as she swallowed the first bite.

            “heheh yeah the food is good if a bit… gaudy.” Sans said before taking another bite of his burger.

            After a few moments of Sans and Frisk enjoying their food Frisk found her mind wandering. She still needed to ask Sans about the former royal scientist, though was a date the best time to ask? She didn’t want to ruin the mood but maybe she could find out more about how Sans seemed to have such a knowledge of science. That shouldn’t be too bad. After another bite Frisk decided to broach the subject of Sans past to him.

            “Hey Sans, I want to know more about you, like what was your life like before I came underground, what where your parents like, what other jobs have you held besides sentry?” Frisk enquired her eyes focused on Sans’ face as she spoke.

            “well when paps was just a baby bones we kind of ended up on our own, mom fell down shortly after he was born cause of complications after his birth… havin’ a kid as a monster can be real draining on magic reserves and paps… I know he don’t seem like it, but his high energy is sort of cause he has a rather high magic level… I was kind of the same so after both of us mom couldn’t really handle the drain… dad really tried for us between his job and other responsibilities though he didn’t have much time to care for us so for a bit he hired this really nice rabbit monster that cared for us while he worked. Unfortunately, he had an accident at work one day and no one ever heard from him again… most don’t even remember him though… just those that where in the lab with him… I remember cause I was there tryin’ to help with the experiment, al would remember too since she was there too though I don’t even think the king remembers.” Sans fell silent after this his eye lights growing dull as his mind was lost the memories.

            “Oh Sans… that had to be so hard… to lose them both… how old where you?” Frisk asked her hands reaching out and grasping Sans’ boney fingers in her own.

            “erm well when paps was born I was maybe six… it was only a couple more years when dad had his accident… he was a great man though like icarus he flew too close to the sun so to speak.” Sans thread his boney fingers between Frisk’s soft warm digits.

            “I’m so very sorry Sans… I know what it is like to lose a parent young… to loose both at such a young age… and then be responsible for your little brother… Sans you are such a strong person, you did a fine job raising your brother he is kind and so full of life.” Frisk said as she scooted her chair closer to Sans, freeing one of her hands to wrap her arm around the skeleton before her.

            “ya know comin’ from your mouth that… it… I can believe it… ya know that I didn’t fail paps.” Sans said as he leaned into Frisk’s embrace.

            “So your dad worked in the lab and had you help him? Is that how you got so good at science and magic? He must have been a fine teacher for you to know so much from learning at such a young age.” Frisk snuggled up to her skeleton trying to lend him comfort as they spoke of the difficult topic, their dinners forgotten on the plates half eaten.

            “ya heheh dad used to be the royal scientist… I was so proud of him… of how hard he worked to help all monsters with his mind… I wanted to be like him ya know… to do great things… but when I was left to care for paps on my own, I ended up havin’ to take a lot of different jobs just to make ends meet. I think the worst job I ever did was chuckin’ ice down the river to the core, heheh if it weren’t for my magic I wouldn’t have been able to do that one, but blue magic comes in real handy for movin’ things.” Sans started to smile remembering the impressed looks on the faces of the monsters that would come to watch him lift and toss the giant ice blocks into the river with his magic.

            “Sounds like you have always had some power to you Sans, how old were you when you did that job?” Frisk encouraged him to bring his mind away from the deaths of his parents and to something that seemed to bring a smile to his face. She would eventually find out more about his parents but now she knew enough about where his sharp mind came from.

            “it was right after we moved to snowdin so maybe about ten I think. And with me being so small by monster standards it was really funny to see the faces of the bigger monsters as I just lifted the blocks and tossed them in… actually got really good at it and would make it look like I was just lifting them without the magic heheh. after that job no one messed with me or my bro they didn’t want to tangle with the tiny titan who could lift huge blocks of ice like they weighed nothing.” Sans was laughing as he spoke his eye lights getting brighter at the memories.

            “Pfft oh my stars Sans that does sound funny I would have loved to see that.” Frisk said, happy that his mind had come to something happier, and his mood was picking up. After a few more laughs Sans and Frisk went back to eating their dinner, the food had cooled a bit although the flavor was still good.

            “ya ready to go home starshine? it’s gettin’ a bit late, and I don’t think your mom and dad would appreciate me keepin’ ya out too late since ya just got to the palace.” Sans asked once they had both finished their food.

            “Can we have one more dance before we go? I know it is late, but the last dance was so magical.” Frisk was blushing as she asked.

            “anything for you starshine.” Sans stood and reached out to help Frisk to her feet and guide her to the dance floor. As she stood she wobbled a bit on her feet the effects of her drink finally hitting her.

            “Whoa when did the room start spinning… you didn’t even get me to the dance floor yet.” Frisk felt warm, really warm and the room seemed to tilt, a giggle escaped her at the absurdity of the room moving around her.

            “erm starshine ya goin’ to be okay? ya look like a dance is the last thing ya need right now.” Sans was quite concerned before he remembered her choice of drink and realized that Frisk was magic drunk. Tonight was going to be an interesting night.

Chapter Text

Chapter 20

Sleep Over With a Side of Planning

            “But Sans I just want to be in your arms again… I feel so warm, so safe when I’m in your arms.” Frisk slurred slightly as she snuggled herself against Sans’ chest.

            “ya know we don’t need to dance for me to hold ya starshine, how ‘bout we get ya home so ya can be more comfortable.” Sans needed to get Frisk out of here, there was no way he was going to let her be seen in this condition. Fucking hell how had he forgotten about magic cocktails… and she was human so who knew how it was going to affect her.

            “Will you still hold me? I don’t want to be alone… I want to feel safe right now.” Sans felt his soul crying out to make Frisk feel safe, loved, happy. Her words sparking in him a protective instinct older than time itself.

            “sure starshine let’s just get ya home and comfy. close your eyes and hang on tight okay, might make ya a bit dizzier than normal this time.” Sans clutched tighter to Frisk not willing to risk her slipping away to the void as he shortcut them to her rooms back at the palace.

            “Wow that was fast… oh wait right shortcuts… hehe.” Frisk grabbed Sans hand dragging him over to the couch in the sitting room to flop down, snuggling up against his chest, half in his lap.

            Sans held Frisk, resolute to protect her from her inebriated state. He couldn’t believe that he had forgotten the way magic infused drinks could affect people. Frisk was human, there was no way she had known, he felt like trash for not warning her when she was looking at the drinks. She was so smart, she knew so much already about monsters and magic he thought she would have realized… no he couldn’t place the blame on her, she didn’t grow up around magic she taught herself, she didn’t know everything magic could do when ingested.

            “i’m so sorry starshine… i should have known to warn ya about the drink.” Sans racked his spare hand over his face, the grind of bone over bone echoed in the room.

            “Sans don’t be upset… i… I don’t like when you are upset… especially when I can tell that you are kicking yourself over something. I want you to be happy… I… I just want everyone to be happy… its worse if you’re not happy though… I don’t know how to explain it… I’m sorry.” Frisk said, her palms pressed against Sans’ chest as she pushed herself up to look in his eye lights.

            “frisk ya don’t know what you’re sayin’… the drink… magic mixed drinks can really mess with ya… get ya drunk… make ya say things ya don’t mean or wouldn’t normally say.” Sans wouldn’t keep his gaze on Frisk’s eyes. He wanted it to be true that she loved him, he really did. Because he knew he loved her, his soul cried out for her. however her saying that she loved him while magic drunk wasn’t what he wanted, so much could be wrong with it.

            “Sans look at me. I know my feelings even if I am drunk… I hate when I’m away from you, you are always on my mind, in my heart, in my soul. Being away from you hurts, it’s like a part of me is missing. I know that we have this courting thing, that I get to see you every day, I just wish I could take the last step, I want to take that step.” Frisk leaned in her lips brushing across Sans’ teeth in a tender kiss, her hands firmly holding his skull in place.

            Sans stiffened as he felt Frisk’s lips press against his teeth, kissing her when she was drunk couldn’t be right… could it? However feeling her petal soft lips against his teeth, her warm hands pressed against his skull and the small moan of pleasure that seemed to come from deep in her chest melted Sans resolve. He fell into the kiss, letting her lead the pace. His instincts screamed at him to claim her, to make her his. He tamped down his instincts forcing himself to submit to her whims as she moved her hands from his face, one snaked around the back of his neck to hold him in place as the other drifted down to trace the velvet soft tips of her fingers along his clavicle. Sans felt himself growl in pleasure at her gentle touches, the feel of her lips moving against his teeth on a kiss filled with so much feeling, so much passion he felt his head start to spin as though he too were drunk.

            The growl sparked through Frisk as she kissed Sans, she felt her blood heat and her body tingle. She wanted more, craved for him to touch her, and practically purred when she felt his arms wrap around her as she traced the tip of her little pink tongue over his teeth. Her head was becoming clearer as she kissed Sans, realizing what she was doing, noticing how he held himself carefully in check, so he didn’t let things go farther than she had told him she was willing to go yet. She could feel her rational mind surfacing through the fog of the magic, part of her still wanting more, part of her realizing that it was probably not a good idea to keep tempting her skeletal mate to be till the time was right.

            “starshine… we need to stop… I can’t let ya keep goin’ no matter how much I wish I could, stars I wish I could. I can’t let ya do it when ya got that buzz goin’ on… when your mind ain’t your own.” Sans said as he pulled back from the kiss, his soul pounding in his chest, crying out to keep going.

            “I get it… I think the drunk is going away a bit… it’s like my rational mind and my… well other baser parts are fighting against each other right now… not that it’s not a constant struggle when to keep myself in check… but its more pronounced right now.” Frisk said pressing her face against Sans neck vertebrae, her warm breath fanning against the sensitive bones.

            “it’s okay starshine, shouldn’t be too much longer and ya should feel more yourself. how ‘bout we get ya snuggled up in your bed, then by mornin’ ya should be right as rain.” Sans said as he hell Frisk, his boney hand tracing patterns on her back, the tips of his phalanges tracing along the subtle bumps of her spine.

            “Okay… I know I shouldn’t ask… but will you snuggle me… at least till I’m asleep? I haven’t been sleeping very well… and I feel so safe and warm with you close.” Frisk practically begged in a small, embarrassed tone.

            “ya sure starshine? i would be honored to stay with ya… just don’t want to overstep my place… since ya know we ain’t mates yet.” Sans felt himself react to her breath on his neck, keeping a close hold on his magic and his instincts.

            “Yes I’m sure Sugarskull, I’m sure I want you to hold me… honestly I rather large part of me wants more, however I am still determined to free the monsters before I indulge in my own pleasures.” Frisk said as she managed to pull herself from Sans lap and reached for his hand to guide him to her bed.

            “okay then snuggle time it is… ya need to get some rest cause we have a busy day tomorrow.” Sans said following Frisk to the bed, his mind spinning that the beautiful woman that was Frisk actually said being with him was tending to her own pleasures. He wasn’t sure exactly how to feel about that, though joy and pride seemed to surface strongest.

            “Erm… ok awkward… I need to get ready for bed… but.” Frisk was blushing so red it was almost like she was glowing as she pressed her hands over her heated face.

            “how ‘bout i turn away so ya have some privacy… I get the impression ya don’t want me to leave but ya don’t want me to see ya just yet either.” Sans offered quietly, Frisk nodded. He turned his back towards her and faced the closest wall being sure she had the space to get her cloths changed.

            “Okay Sugarskull you can turn around now I’m changed.” Frisk stepped so when he turned he would see her.

            Turning around Sans was greeted by the sight of Frisk, standing in front of him. she was radiant with her hair slightly mussed, the soft chestnut waves framing her face. Her cheeks flushed a rosy color, her eyes bright. On her svelte frame she wore a soft shimmer pale blue nightgown that was trimmed in delicate lace around the deep plunged collar that showed the slightest hint of her cleavage. The sleaves of the gown where a transparent silk organza cut to spread like iridescent butterfly wings when she lifted her arms. The picture before Sans’ eye lights was so stunning he was unable to speak, his voice froze.

            Frisk put on the nightgown feeling a sudden burst of boldness, she wanted Sans to see her the way she always saw him. She wanted him to think she was sexy, she wanted him to desire her the way she was finding it hard to resist him. However standing there with his eye lights drinking her in, not a sound coming from him, she felt herself start to fidget. Her nerves started to surface causing her to wonder what she had been thinking.

            “wow starshine… ya are… ya just made my job of keeping my hands off ya so much harder.” Sans finally managed to say, his face dusting with blue.

            “R-really? Y-you like it? That is what you mean right?” Frisk felt herself blush as she saw Sans’ intense look in a new light, he wasn’t unhappy with her looks he was stunned.

            “damn girl ya have no clue how much ya affect me to ya? come on let’s get ya under the covers before I can’t help myself anymore.” Sans said as he guided Frisk to the large bed, pulling back the covers and sheets to tuck her into the soft comfort of the bed. Once she was snuggled in he lay on top of the comforter and wrapped one of his boney arms over Frisks waist pulling her close to him.

            “Sans… w-would you… c-could you get under the covers with me?” Frisk said her voice trembling as she spoke.

            “if ya really want me to… was just tryin’ to let ya have somethin’ between us.” Sans said not yet moving to join her, he needed to know if it was what she really wanted.

            “Please Sans. Please.” Frisk could only manage that little bit, she couldn’t voice how much she wanted to feel him next to her. At her simple plea Sans released her and slipped under the covers beside her, his arm wrapping back around her. the feel of her silky nightgown against his bones felt like heaven and sin all in one.

            As Frisk lay there, the warm feel of Sans bones pressing through her nightgown, the thrum of his magic so close to her, she felt herself start to drift off. She felt so safe and warm in his arms, so cherished. It felt like her soul was home in his embrace.

            The night wore on, sleep was eluding Sans. He couldn’t help thinking about the gorgeous woman he had in his arms. He knew Frisk had agreed to the courtship, he knew that she felt drawn to him. He couldn’t help thinking about her words, that she thought she loved him, was that her trying to tell him while protecting her heart? He didn’t know, though he wanted to know. His own love for her was like a firestorm in his soul, there was no other for him. Laying there with her in his arms he felt at home, a true peace he had never known stealing over his soul. However he didn’t want to miss a moment with her, and with his mind racing it was much later that he finally felt sleep claim him.

            The door to Frisk’s rooms was thrust open by Chara bright and early in the morning, her strides quick and her red gold eyes bright. However Chara did not expect to find Sans in bed with her adopted sister, what was he doing there? Chara knew that Sans was courting Frisk, however she also knew her sister had been firm that she wanted to open the barrier before letting their relationship go to the next step. The next step was not sharing a bed, it was Frisk announcing to her family that she had decided to take Sans as her mate fully, since Frisk was a princess she also would need to announce that Sans was her mate before the rest of the monsters. Though thinking about it Frisk still needed to be introduced as the youngest of the royal siblings, officially adopted by Toriel and Asgore.

            “Frisk, I think you and I need to talk about a few things.” Chara shook her sisters shoulder as she spoke.

            “Mmmhmm what’s up Sis? I was so comfy and warm, what time is it?” Frisk stretched, realizing rather quickly that she was not in the bed alone. Sans was still there his bony arm still wrapped around her, his face pressed into the back of her neck as he still slumbered. Damn he was a sound sleeper, she wasn’t sure how she was going to manage to get up with him snuggled up to her like this with her sister standing over her.

            “Might be a good idea if we took this to the other room at the very least, though I’m not sure how you are going to pull yourself out of your skeletons arms there sis.” Chara teased a mischievous smile crossing her muzzle.

            “Erm I’m not sure I can, Sans has a firm hold on me. Um what is it we need to talk about?” Frisk asked blushing, she knew what it looked like lying in bed with Sans. Although for some reason Frisk was unable to regret sleeping next to Sans, it was the best sleep she had since well since she was a small child. She felt rested and refreshed and oh so comfy.

            “He seems to be out of it so I guess I can ask, what the hell is going on here Sis? Why is he in bed with you? Please tell me that you didn’t… you know.” Chara asked her, voice pitched low with a hint of a growl.

            “I asked him to snuggle me while I slept cause I haven’t been sleeping well and he makes me feel safe.” Frisk said completely unashamed of asking her skeleton to keep her safe.

            “That’s all? Nothing crazy happened cause what you have on looks kind of like you were attempting to seduce him. it’s even a blue that is very close to his magic color, kind of like the lighter blushes he gets.” Chara raised her brow as her eyes drilled into Frisk with a mix of accusation and concern.

            “Yes Chara that is all, we just slept and even if we hadn’t he is courting me, and it is my choice when we move to the next step.” Chara was shocked to hear a growl in Frisk’s voice, that wasn’t normal for a human.

            “Sorry I just have to be sure, there are steps that need to be taken before you two can… you know… has anyone told you everything that you need to do? Mom should have informed you once Sans started courting you, but she still sees Assy and I as kids and you are younger than we are.” Chara said, concern in her voice as she watched her sister for any reaction.

            “Um no she didn’t tell me anything other than she gave us her blessing for Sans to court me, though there are a few things that have kind of messed with her having the chance to tell me things. So how about you tell me what I’m missing in the proceedings. Also once we get up I need to talk to Dad I have a plan to speed things up for the coronation as well as breaking the barrier.” Frisk tried once more to at least sit up, however Sans still had a firm hold on her. It was nice to have him close and she loved the feel of his money hand pulling her firmly against him, however it was difficult to have a conversation with her sister when she was wrapped up in his arms like this, unable to even sit up.

            “Okay I’ll give you the short version, and only focus on things as a princess versus what a normal monster can get away with. After you decide to take Sans as your mate yet before you… well, mate… you need to go to mom and dad and inform them that you have decided that you wish to take Sans as your mate officially, you will also need to inform his family as well though if you wanted you could combine informing them all by doing it at the same time. Once both families have been informed then as a princess you will need to inform the kingdom as a whole, this is usually done as part of a party or ball. Once everyone has been informed there are two paths that you can take though as royalty you are sort of expected to go with the more formal version. It’s kind of like a wedding is to humans, a ceremony where the king presides over the couple bearing witness to the love of your souls and stating before gods, monsters, and man that the two of you are mates. Once the ceremony you are then free to consummate the union in whatever way the two of you see fit, publicly it is a kiss though you are still probably going to do the other part anyway once you are alone with him after.” Chara rushed to give her sister the information she obviously was not provided, her fur blushing a lovely red each time she had to mention the more intimate acts that her sister and Sans would be doing as a couple.

            “Wow… okay that is a lot to take in… but I think I know what I need to do now… first things first I need to get Sans to wake up, however the most gentle way I can think of it a bit embarrassing if you are standing in the room… could you step into the hall while I wake him up?” Frisk said pleading at her sister with her eyes.

            “Ugh yeah don’t want to watch you do what I think you are about to do… just don’t get carried away with it.” Chara said as she turned on her heal and exited Frisk’s rooms.

            Once Chara left the room Frisk wiggled around till she was able to turn and face Sans. Her breath was taken away seeing the peaceful expression on the skeletons’ face, it was like he didn’t have a care in the world at that moment. She took a moment to just watch him sleep, the gentle rise and fall of his chest, the sweet little twitches on his face. Frisk reached her hand up and cupped her palm against Sans’ cheek bone, leaning forward and pressing her lips to his teeth. The kiss was slow, tender, laced with all the love that she was finally ready to acknowledge she had for him. She knew what love was, what it was supposed to be. She felt it in her soul that she loved Sans more than she ever thought she possibly could, she didn’t even realize she could love after what had happened in her past. However here she was kissing her skeleton the monster that she loved with everything in her soul.

            The feeling of Frisk’s lips on his teeth, the feeling of her breath brushing his cheek bone, the feeling of her soft hand on his other cheek bone, Sans woke to all of those feelings. As she kissed him Sans could feel the love behind the kiss, and it left him breathless. Frisk was showing him that what she said just last night was that sliver of truth, she loved him, even if she didn’t know what love was, she clearly felt it. When Frisk felt his hand come up to run his fingers through her hair she broke the kiss and looked down into his eye lights.

            “Morning sleeping beauty, thank you for holding me. I got the best sleep I’ve gotten in a very long time thanks to you. On another note we need to get out of bed, I need to talk to Dad, and Mom… oh and can you get Pappy to come to the palace for lunch? I have something I need to discuss with everyone.” Frisk gave Sans a quick peck on the cheek bone and slipped form his arms to go to her dresser to figure out what she wanted to wear that day.

            “heheh yeah I can get ahold of him, though you are the sleeping beauty.” Sans smiled as he pulled himself from the bed. He had slept far better than he normally does, it was like she kept all the dreams away leaving peace and love in her wake.

            “Okay… um could you step into the sitting room? I’ll be out there in a few moments.” Frisk had found a nice dress to put on, not practical for much but she needed to play the part of the princess she was today and that meant looking the part.

            “sure starshine, just come get me when ya finish gettin’ ready.” Sans pressed his teeth to her cheek in a sweet kiss then left the room.

            Once alone in her room Frisk slipped into the pretty dress that she had picked out, it was a simple cotton sun dress with yellow and blue flowers all over it, there was a matching little jacket thing that she could put on to cover her shoulders. The dress was finished with a soft red leather belt that matched her soul, most of the cloths that her and Toriel had picked had some kind of accessory or embellishment in her soul color. She slipped on a pair of soft yellow flats that matched the yellow flowers in the dress and tied her hair back with a blue ribbon that matched the blue flowers. Upon finishing with dressing the inspected herself in the mirror, turning this way and that. Even in the dress and with her hair up it was still her, still Frisk, even if her life were changing faster than she ever expected it would, it would always be her.

            “Okay Sans I’m all set now. Let’s go get some breakfast and then you can get in touch with Pappy to see if he can come over for lunch.” Frisk was mentally checking off each item that needed done, first lunch with the families, next would be planning a party with the underground… that one was going to be hard to convince Asgore that it was a good idea. Although she should focus on the first thing, getting her and Sans some food and getting lunch sorted out.

            “okay starshine so breakfast then ya want to have lunch set up… is there any reason ya want to have lunch here at the palace with my bro along?” Sans asked wondering what she was thinking… it wasn’t a bad thing that she wanted to get to know his brother but still it was confusing.

            “Yep need to get a few things moving… if everything goes right then I tonight or tomorrow… I’m going to need to work hard to sort it all out though… that would shave two days off… oh whatever I’ll get it sorted I always mange to do what I need to, and I’ve always worked better under pressure.” Frisk ended up mumbling to herself as her mind still wandered through everything she wanted to get done in a very short period of time.

            “frisk what ya talkin’ about? today or tomorrow for what? kind of worried about ya starshine.” Sans wrapped his arms around Frisk trying to figure out what had her flustered.

            “I don’t want to jinx it Sugarskull.” Frisk pressed a sweet kiss on Sans’ cheek bone. “You will find out soon though, more than likely you will understand before anyone else even guesses.” Frisk giggled at the look on his face as she complimented him, it was like he never heard anyone speak kindly to him.

            “okay starshine, just don’t want ya over stressin’ yourself.” Sans gave his giggling princess a tender kiss on the cheek.

            Walking out the door to her rooms Frisk jumped when she ran into Chara, having forgotten that her sister was waiting for her and Sans in the hall. The look Chara leveled at Frisk said that the young goat woman did not approve of how long it had taken for her adopted sister to get dressed.

            “Took you two long enough to untangle from each other, Mom and dad want us to meet them in the family dining room for breakfast… I don’t think they expected Sans to be joining for breakfast but as he is approved as your suiter I suppose they should be fine with it. Lucky thing I know my way around the palace since I think Mom and Dad forgot that you haven’t been here before.” Chara guided Frisk and Sans down the long hallway towards another part of the palace where they found a dining room that was surprisingly homey for such a large palace.

            “My children, and Sans I am quite surprised to see you here this early… though it is good to see you being a diligent suiter to my youngest. Come sit and we will have a lovely breakfast and then you two can get on with Frisk’s mission. Just three more days after today till the coronation after all.” Toriel indicated three chairs that had not been filled by herself Asgore or Asriel, Chara stepped up taking one chair as Frisk and Sans took two chairs beside each other.

            “Good the whole family is here… so as you all know Sans is courting me… and I thought it would be wise to get both families together, so everyone has a chance to get to know each other better. Therefore I would like to have Papyrus join us here at the palace for an early lunch. I would also like to propose a ball for all the monsters of the underground, the point behind this is for me to get to know the rest of them since our time is growing short. In fact I would like to push the timeline up farther than originally and was hoping if it isn’t too much trouble Dad, Mom, could we do the coronation tonight after dinner? I am more than happy to go out with Sans and get anything we still need for it, but I think it is far past time that the monsters are free of this mountain. I am not going to sit idly by while my people are still trapped here and with Asriel returning it brings far more credibility to the validity of my position.” Frisk sighed knowing she was pushing things faster than they may be comfortable with, but it was time.

            “Frisk… you are saying you would like to push up the coronation? And would like to open the barrier tonight? Is this what you are telling us?” Asgore asked, his mind spinning with the news that his youngest was so determined that she was pushing everything up another three days.

            “Yes Dad it is beyond time to free the monsters from this mountain… if you would prefer I can wait in the coronation till we are settled on the surface, but the barrier is coming down tonight come hell or high water.” Frisk proclaimed her tone firm, her eyes flashing with the red of her determined soul.

            “My child if you believe that you can accomplish the preparations for a ball in less than a day i’m sure your father and I can send out the decree that all monsters should gather for a ball and coronation. It is highly unusual, and you may need to get the help of several monsters to accomplish everything, although I do believe you are quite capable of accomplishing what you set your mind to dear, so I give my blessing in this plan.” Toriel said as she reached her large paw like hand out to grasp Frisk’s much smaller and very human hands.

            “Frisk is a miracle worker… she brought back Chara using almost nothing… and then she created a soul for me and brought me back as well… she is capable of more than I ever gave her credit for, and I’m honored to call her my sister… if she wants to move things up then I’m all for it.” Asriel vouched for Frisk, he was still unsure of himself in his new form though with a soul in him once more he knew what was right.

            “The power of Frisk’s soul is stronger than I have ever seen or known… my own soul trait was determination, and I don’t think I could have ever matched her power levels in a million years… she can move mountains                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        if she puts her mind to it… if she wants to have our reveal and coronation tonight then let’s do it.” Chara pipped up in support of the young woman that was her closest friend, the sister of her soul.

            “i ain’t royalty or anythin’ like that but frisk has shown that she can do more than any monster i ever met before… she has given me more hope than i had for the future and for freedom and love than i thought that i could have. if she wants to move things forward… open the barrier… i’m right there with her, doin’ anythin’ i can to help her accomplish her heart’s desire.” Sans said obviously moved by the others of the family speaking up and feeling he needed to let all of them know exactly what he felt about the amazing young woman that had captured his soul.

            “It would appear that if I chose to deny you my daughter that I would be vastly outnumbered… it appears that we will be having a coronation and a ball this evening and be on the surface by morning.” Asgore knew when he could and could not win, he also knew not to underestimate Frisk. She after all was the one that had brought back his other children, and his wife into his life.

            “Then it is settled… we will have lunch between the two families and in the down time between now and then we will get things planned out and sorted.” Frisk sat back in her chair a small smile of accomplishment spread across her face. Today was going to be busy but that was okay it was finally time to sort things out.

Chapter Text

Chapter 21

Preparations

            The training yard was filled with the grunts coming from Undyne and Papyrus as they spared, the ring of her magical spears against his conjured bone attacks ringing in the air. Both warriors dodged and parried as the danced a lethal dance, honing their skills. There was a thin layer of glistening sweat coating Undyne’s scales while Papyrus was layered in a thick coating of perspired magic from the exertion that the practice provided.

            “Not doing too bad there punk, though you’re never going to win if you don’t get more serious.” Undyne both complimented and taunted the tall skeleton attempting to toughen him up.

            “NYEH HEH HEH UNDYNE YOU KNOW THAT I THE GREAT PAPYRUS WILL WIN THIS ROUND OF TRAINING.” The booming voice of Papyrus rang out as he launched a volley of blunted bones towards the fish woman he was battling.

            “Yeah right punk no way are you going to beat me any time soon.” Undyne dodged most of the bones though she was forced to use a well-timed spear to batt away a few of them.

            The sound of Papyrus’ phone going off almost caused him to be hit by a volley of spears that Undyne flicked towards him. Once he had dodged most, striking against one with a bone club he held up his boney hand. It was Sans’ ring tone so he figured he should take the call and needed to get Undyne to stop attacking long enough to do so.

            “UNDYNE HOLD UP SANS IS CALLING AND I NEED TO TAKE IT.” Papyrus stepped to the side of the training yard as he clicked the call open. “BROTHER WHAT IS IT? I’M IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAINING WITH UNDYNE.” Papyrus answered the call.

            “hey bro… think ya could have lunch with me?” Sans said once he heard his brothers voice on the line.

            “LUNCH? WE NEVER HAVE LUNCH TOGETHER… I WAS PLANNING ON TAKING MY LUNCH AFTER MY PATROL IS COMPLETE.” Papyrus was unsure as to why his brother suddenly wanted to have lunch with him.

            “well ya know frisk right… well she wants to have lunch here at the palace and said ya need to be here for it… so could ya maybe come to the palace for lunch… and maybe dress well cause it’s with the royal family.” Sans explained to his exuberant brother.

            “LUNCH… AT THE PALACE… WITH THE ROYAL FAMILY… OH MY ASGORE I NEED TO GET READY… SO MUCH TO DO.” Papyrus clicked the call off leaving Sans wondering what his brother was thinking.

            “UNDYNE I HAVE TO GO I NEED TO GO GET READY FOR LUNCH AT THE PALACE WITH THE ROYAL FAMILY WE WILL HAVE TO TRAIN MORE LATER.” Papyrus shouted as he dashed off, a cloud of dust trailing in his wake. Undyne stood there watching her friend leave.

            “What in the underground… Punk is going to lunch at the palace with the royal family? To be a Froggit in the wall for that one.” Undyne shook her head, her long red hair shifting with the motion.

            Papyrus made it to his home in Snowdin in record time, dashing up the stairs to search for the perfect outfit to wear to lunch with the royal family. He wondered why Frisk wanted him there, although even being invited to the palace was a great honor. Tossing aside shirts and pants in his closet he was dissatisfied with the choices before him. He settled on a nice black pair of pants and a simple white button up shirt, he felt practically naked without his battle body but there was no way he was going to lunch in that. Once he had his outfit packed he dashed off again running at full tilt towards the palace.

            While Sans was contacting Papyrus, Frisk was in Asgore’s privet study with him and with Toriel. They had some things that she needed to take care of in order for the ball to go off without a hitch including getting her a dress for the ball and coronation. With some information on what she needed to get and from where she was sent off to fetch Sans and get the preparations under way.

            “so ya said your folks want ya to get a new dress first right starshine?” Sans asked Frisk as they stepped out of the palace and started heading out.

            “Yes Mom suggested we go to a monster called Muffet, that she would be able to manage the dress in the time allotted.” Frisk noticed that Sans shuddered when she said the name Muffet and wondered what that was about.

            “ugh hope ya ain’t scared of spiders starshine… anyway let’s get a move on.” Sans reached his hand out to Frisk pulling her close to him so he could step them through the void to a place close to where they would find Muffet.

            The hall that Sans landed him and Frisk in was done up in purple and the farther they walked in the more webs that they saw decorating the walls, ceiling, and eventually they were on the floor too. Frisk trued to dodge the webs as best she could but still got a few in her hair. She also watched her feet closely as she noticed little fluffy spiders scuttling about and didn’t want to step on any of them.

            “Ahuhuhuhu well, well dearies look what we have here, what would bring the tiny skeleton to my parlor, and what is this little morsel that he has brought along with him?” A hauntingly silky voice said from the shadows. The sound was like the rustle of the breeze through the silk of a spiders web.

            “hey muffet ya can drop the theatrics ya know, probably best anyway if ya want to make some gold.” Sans groused as he pulled Frisk next to him.

            “Miss Muffet I am Frisk Dreemurr and I am here on behalf of king Asgore and queen Toriel to place a rush order for two dresses one for myself and one for my sister Chara.” Frisk called out to the shadows with her shoulders squared her chin held high and all the bearing of the princess that she was destined to be.

            “Ahuhuhuhu dearie you are quite the dreamer if you think I will believe that you are a Dreemurr.” Muffet said as she came out of the shadows. She was stunning to Frisk, in a frightening way. Her skin was a lovely lavender. She had six slender arms and five piercing onyx eyes that blinked in a hypnotizing pattern.

            “carful muffet ya might want to ask your little spiders what they have heard around the underground about the human that the queen adopted.” Sans warned the obviously spider like monster woman. For a moment she paused as though she was listening to something, Frisk noticed that there was a small spider dangling by a silken thread near the monsters head and realized that it was speaking to her.

            “Oh dearie I do apologize about the mix up… it would seem that a lot has been going on that my dear little ones have not informed me of. Now you say you are in need of two dresses and when do you need them by dearie? What would you like them to look like?” Muffet came closer to Frisk with a notebook perched in two of her hands with a pencil held at the ready in a third.

            “We need them by dinner tonight, there is to be a ball at the palace and my sister, and I have nothing suitable to ware. For myself I would like the fabric to be soft yet light, perhaps a silk. It should be floor length in the back though just past my knees in the front. For the color I would like it to be a cyan blue with a red sash around the waist. As for the neckline I need something tasteful nothing too low though I don’t mind if the back of the dress is open. My sister is going to be a bit more difficult as she is a monster, and I did not bring her with me though I do know her measurements. For her dress I would say a lovely purple to match mothers robes with a silver trim and also with a red sash. Something tasteful and suitable for the second in line.” Frisk explained what was needed for the dresses.

            “That is quite the tall order to accomplish in such a short time… this is going to be very expensive dearie I do hope that you are prepared for that.” Muffet said her little white fangs poking out in an almost predatory smile.

            “That won’t be an issue just tell me the price and I will have it arranged.” Frisk said her smile sweet and sincere.

            “Very well dearie for the one for your sister it should be simple as I do keep several purple fabrics on hand for my own designs and there are not very many requests other than the red sash and silver embellishments so for that one I would say ten thousand gold should cover. As for your lovely creation I will have to create and dye the fabric special and with the rush and the detailing fifty thousand should cover all the costs. That would be a grand total of sixty thousand for the two dresses and I believe I should have them ready shortly after lunch time if I work straight through.” Frisk nodded as Muffet spoke, not even seeming fazed by the number though Sans could tell she was a bit awed by the number.

            “That is fair, and I do appreciate the rush Miss Muffet, Sans and I should be back to pick them up and I will see if I can bring my sister along to be sure that hers fits her well.” Frisk smiled and offered the spider monster a bag full of gold coins.

            “Ahuhuhuhu thank you dearie it is always a pleasure to serve royalty, and you dearie exemplify what it is to be a princess. It has been a delight to meet you and I look forward to doing future business with you.” Muffet grasped the bag of coins with one hand shacking Frisk’s hand with another.

            Once Frisk and Sans had left the spider monster’s lair Sans noticed that Frisk had a small shiver run through her making him chuckle. He was surprised she had managed to keep her cool so well in the face of the most notorious monster in the underground. That woman managed to creep out half of the underground.

            “ya doin’ okay there starshine? i know muffet is a bit much for most to handle, honestly most end up screaming and would run away if she didn’t snare them in her web.” Sans wrapped his arm around Frisk offering her support.

            “She wasn’t that bad… just sixty thousand for two dresses… I’ve never spent that much in one go on anything let alone two dresses.” Frisk shivered again as she leaned into Sans.

            “wait it wasn’t the spider monster with a predatory grin that got you shivery but the price? wow starshine ya got some nerves of steel on ya that’s for sure. first time I met muffet i was shakin’ so hard my bones rattled.” Sans felt a shiver go through his own body remembering his first meeting with Muffet.

            “Sans I didn’t think anything fazed you… and no, the only thing that got to me was the price… mom did mention that it wasn’t going to be cheap but sixty thousand gold that is a lot of gold.” Frisk snuggled up to Sans as they walked a bit farther.

            “so where to next starshine? we got a bit longer till lunch and ya mentioned that there was more that ya needed to sort out.” Sans asked, nudging Frisk with his shoulder.

            “Mom mentioned we should talk to Alphys about her creation possibly helping us with setting up the ball… not sure what this creation is but I guess we should head to the lab.” Frisk said already feeling a bit tired, just thinking about everything that she needed to get done just made it worse.

            “al’s creation… huh… yeah could probably manage to get things done for ya.” Sans was not pleased about getting Frisk anywhere near Alphys’ creation but if the queen wanted her daughter to go near that tin can then he was damn well going to protect her. He pulled Frisk close to him, his arms wrapping around her as he pulled her through a shortcut to the lab.

            Once Frisk and Sans stepped from the void in front of the lab Frisk stepped forward to the door pressing the buzzer to get Alphys’ attention. Several minutes later she could hear the small yellow lizard monster on the other side of the door mumbling to herself about whether or not to open the door. At that Frisk decided to raise her fist to the door and rap her knuckles on the hard metal surface to get her friend to realize it was probably a good idea to open the door.

            “Alphys we need to speak with you if you would please open the door.” Frisk hollered through the door.

            “O-okay, o-okay I’m c-coming j-just g-give m-me a m-minute.” It was obvious that Alphys was clearly not interested in visitors at the moment, however Frisk knew she needed to get this done.

            “Sorry for intruding Alphys, unfortunately it is a bit urgent. Mom said that you have some creation that should be able to assist us in setting up a ball for tonight and I would like to arrange that with you if possible.” Frisk stepped through the open door into the lab.

            “M-my c-creation? O-oh y-you m-mean M-mettaton s-sure l-let m-me g-go g-get h-him.” Alphys dashed off leaving Sans and Frisk in the small room that Alphys used as an office.

            Sans kept his arm around Frisk as the waited for Alphys to return, he didn’t trust Mettaton as far as he could throw him. He wasn’t about to let the tin can anywhere close enough to even touch Frisk, not if he could help it anyway. He would just have to keep a socket on things and keep her close. After a few moments they could hear a banging sound coming from the next room over.

            “Sans what do you think that noise is? Should we go see if Alphys needs any help?” Frisk asked, turning towards the direction the sound was coming from.

            “al can handle herself with her creation, safer if ya stay right where ya are for now.” Sans pulled her closer, his embrace on her becoming almost too tight in his protectiveness of her.

            “But Sans what if her creation is hurting her or if there is something else wrong… she is our friend… I can’t just let her get hurt.” Frisk started to pull from Sans intent on going to help Alphys.

            “fine starshine but I ain’t lettin’ go of ya, ya need to stay touchin’ me at all times so if things get out of hand I can get ya out of here.” Sans insisted as he kept hold of Frisk, following her towards the noise.

            As Frisk and Sans approached a door that seemed closest to where the sound was coming from, there was another great banging sound. With another great crash the wall beside them shuddered, the plaster and wood of the wall caving out towards them. The wall shattering spraying Frisk and Sans with debris, causing Sans to sweep Frisk to the side away from the hole for her protection.

            “Sans what the hell is that thing? Where is Alphys? Is she okay?” Frisk was frantic with worry for the little yellow lizard monster.

            “Darling so great to finally meet the human making such a fuss in the underground. Such a beauty to have captured the hearts of the monsters so easily. You must join me on my show Darling, we could be great.” A rather large rectangular automaton said as it rolled through the hole on a single wheel, its two noodle like arms waving around expressively as the myriad of lights on the front of it flashed and danced.

            “Erm thank you, my name is Frisk. May I ask you for your name please?” Frisk Said as she attempted to step around Sans enough to introduce herself, however Sans was very insistent on keeping himself between her and the robot in front of them.

            “Darling I am the one and only Mettaton, it is a pleasure to meet you my dear. What brings you here to the lab today?” Mettaton crooned as he wheeled towards Frisk, although as the robot approached Sand continued to keep himself between the robot the human woman.

            “back off tin can ya ain’t getting any closer to frisk, i don’t trust ya and ya know that.” Sans snarled at the robot. “also where did ya leave al at? ya better not of hurt her again.” Sans threatened.

            “Sans darling you know that was purely on accident, I didn’t see her behind me when I was backing up. She was fine in the end and it was really her fault for not moving when she could have.” Mettaton groused in a pouty distorted robotic voice.

            “then where did ya leave her this time ya damn tin can?” Sans was clearly getting exasperated with Mettaton and his evasive attitude. Just as he was about to slip himself and Frisk through a shortcut around Mettaton when Alphys appeared through the hole in the wall. Her white lab coat was now dusted with debris from the broken wall, a thin layer of dust coating her yellow scales.

            “Ah Alphys so this is your creation? Do you think this fine robot of yours will be able to assist us in getting a ball together by this evening? It is rather important that we get everything set up by dinner time tonight.” Frisk addressed the small, disheveled lizard monster.

            “Y-yes t-this is M-mettaton, a-and h-he s-should b-be m-more t-than c-capable of g-getting t-together a-and p-planning a b-ball f-for y-you a-and t-the r-rest of t-the r-royal f-family. I-it i-is a-an h-honor f-for u-us t-to b-be o-of s-service in t-this m-matter.” Alphys stuttered out bowing her head and fiddling with her clawed hands due to her nerves.

            “Thank you so much Alphys, we need to get food and drinks for the whole of the underground together as well as music, lighting, tables, chairs and any other decorations that you believe necessary for a royal event.” Frisk beamed at Alphys and Mettaton as she informed them of what was needed.

            “Darling you said you need this pulled together by dinner time… tonight?” Mettaton inquired, if the robot had eyes or eyebrows Frisk was sure that he would have his eyes wide, and brows raised.

            “Yes I would hope that would not be an issue for one as magnificent as yourself Mettaton, although if you believe yourself unequal to the task I’m sure that we could enlist the help of other monsters to accomplish the job.” Frisk said, her tone much more posh and haughty than Sans had ever heard her speak before.

            “N-no not at all darling there should be no issues getting everything together in time… I do apologize if I gave the impression that it would be anything other than simple.” Mettaton said, obviously feeling challenged by the request yet unable to let himself be thought less of.

            “Thank you Mettaton, Alphys, Sans and I will be back a bit after lunch to check and be sure preparations are going according to plan. Thank you again for your assistance in making this event a possibility.” Frisk smiled her brightest smile at the small lizard monster and the robot before tugging a rather flabbergasted Sans from the lab back out into the heat of Hotlands.

            “starshine where did ya learn to handle windbags like that tin can?” Sans inquired once they reached the outside.

            “Honestly, it was my first stepmother, she used to use that tone to get her way when dealing with workers or shop clerks that didn’t meet her standards.” Frisk smiled her sweet smile up at Sans, pressing her lips to his cheek bone in a tender kiss.

            “wow girl, was thinkin’ ya might have an issue bein’ a princess with how sweet ya are but if ya can pull that shit out when ya need to… ain’t no way anyone is ever goin’ to walk all over ya.” Sans said, pulling Frisk into his arms as his eye lights briefly flashed as hearts. That wasn’t the first time Frisk had seen his eye lights do that, she was starting to wonder what it could mean.

            “I think it is time to get back to the palace and get ready for lunch with our families… one question before we do though… Sans… are you sure that you want me as your mate? are you sure that you wouldn’t rather find some monster that would be better suited as a mate?” Frisk said as she chewed her bottom lip nervously.

            “starshine… frisk… how could I ever want anyone besides ya by my side? ya are more than a guy like me could ever hope to catch yet ya want me… ya do want me right?” Sans said getting nervous that she was about to reject him.

            “Yes Sans of course I want to be with you… I want to be with you more than I’ve ever wanted anything before… the only reason I haven’t made it official yet is because I made a promise to myself that if monsters were real I would free them before I even thought about myself… I don’t regret making myself that promise I just wish i had known I would meet you before I came down here… I might not have waited as long as I did to come to the underground.” Frisk snuggled up to Sans, almost desperate to assure him that he was everything she wanted.

            “ya really want to be with me don’t ya? please never doubt that I want to be with ya, ya are more important to me than I ever thought someone could become.” Sans kissed the top of Frisk’s head holding her closer as they talked.

            “Sans I think it is time I told you why I’m pushing so hard to get everything done today that I’ve set out to do… Lunch is really important today… because it is when I accept you as my mate before both of our families.” Frisk hid her face as she spoke her cheeks blushing a lovely shade of red.

            “… today?... at lunch?... ya sure about that starshine? don’t want ya rushin’.” Sans was in shock, Frisk was telling him that she had accepted him fully, that she was ready to move to the next step. Was that why she wanted the coronation and ball tonight?

            “Sans I’m not rushing… if I were I would have done this the same day that you asked permission to court me. I told you that once the barrier is down we make it official before that I need to inform our families and the monsters of the underground. That is why I wanted to do the ball that is leading to the coronation. Once the coronation is done I open the barrier, crap I just remembered I forgot to ask Muffet one other thing… we need to go back over there and fast.” Frisk pulled on Sans urging him to get them over to Muffet’s lair as quickly as he could. Sans was still in shock but obliged by wrapping his arms around Frisk pulling her through the void straight to the spider woman’s lair.

            “Muffet I need to speak to you once more, it is extremely urgent.” Frisk hollered into the shadows of the lair.

            “Ahuhuhuhu dearie you really are quite the demanding one aren’t you? what is it you require of my little princess?” Muffet said as she stepped from the shadows, four of her arms working on two different dresses at once.

            “I have another rush order that is just as important as the two dresses… maybe more so.” Frisk chewed her lower lip as she felt the pressure of her urgency.

            “Really dearie what is it that you need from me this time? please tell me that it does not need to be completed quite as quickly.” Muffet eyed the human princess in front of her, her mind going to the gold that this kind of desperation could net her.

            “I need you to make a set of traditional royal robes for me, though I would prefer if they were in the same blue as the dress if at all possible with a purple delta rune and red trim, I also need you to do up ceremonial dress garb for Sans here in the same colors but revers the red and blue if you could. Oh and we need it no later than the dinner time as well please.” Frisk said, her shoulder squared her chin held high, though her face was flushed, and her smile was radiant.

            “Ahuhuhuhu dearie you really do seem to want a lot out of me today… I suppose it is possible to accomplish in the time you are requesting… however this is not going to be cheap dearie not cheap at all. For the robes I would say another fifty thousand as they really are fairly simple though again with the color scheme, as for the ceremonial garb for the skeleton… that is not going to be as easy… you see as a non-organic there are magics that need woven into the cloth that help it stay like it should as he moves… that magic is not a simple one… oh and if you haven’t guessed I am not the most fond of your skeleton friend there, so working with him is going to be quite difficult… I would say one hundred thousand for his garb should cover the materials and labor.” Muffet said, her tone cold, her expression predatory. She didn’t mind if she was offending royalty, if the little princess wanted the work done Muffet was the only one in the underground with the skill to get it done, and she was sure that the girl knew that from how readily she paid the gold the first time around.

            “Very well Muffet, please be sure that all four garments are ready on time as this is extremely important, if you fail in the task then unfortunately the king will not be pleased.” Frisk smiled back at the spider woman, the smile was sweet yet with a gleam of retribution in her eyes. Frisk handed over another bag of gold to Muffet before pulling Sans from the hall. Muffet was left standing there holding the second rather large bag of gold her five eyes blinking in shock and confusion. She had never had such an interesting day in all her time in the underground.

            “starshine I don’t think I’ve ever seen muffet that shocked in all the time I’ve known her… ya really are somethin’… guessin’ ya got the gold from your folks?” Sans smiled at Frisk as he wrapped his arms around her.

            “Yeah I told Mom what I was planning for today and she told me to get everything I needed, she gave me the gold so I could get it done quickly.” Frisk passed her lips over Sans’ cheek bone in a small kiss. “We need to get back to the palace for lunch Sugarskull so we can tell our families that it is about to be official.” Frisk smiled at her skeleton as he wrapped her in his arms and pulled her through a shortcut to the palace.

            The sudden displacement of air of Sans and Frisk arriving in the foyer of the palace startled Papyrus, who had just arrived for lunch. Feeling the disturbance Papyrus turned, knowing that it would be his brother popping in. Seeing Frisk in his brothers arms and the looks on their faces Papyrus realized finally what the lunch might be about. Part of him was a bit worried that he was losing his brother, another part felt a bit excited about getting a sister in Frisk, the last part of him which was small but still there was very worried that she was still a danger to Sans and the rest of the underground, even if Sans assured him that she would never do anything against the underground.

            “BROTHER, HUMAN FRISK, IT IS SO GOOD TO SEE YOU ARE HERE AND WELL.” Papyrus bound forward pulling Sans into his arms for a hug, dragging Frisk along for the hug.

            “heheh hey bro good to see ya made it, ya ready for some good grub?” Sans smiled as he spoke from his place in his brothers embrace.

            “OH YES BROTHER, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR INCLUDING ME.” Papyrus set Sans and Frisk back on their feet.

            “Come on guys lets go to the family dining room, Mom said that is where we will be having lunch.” Frisk grabbed hold of Sans’ boney hand pulling him along, Papyrus trailing along behind them.

Chapter Text

Chapter 22

Lunch, Doubts, and more preparations

            The family dining room was in much the shape it had been for breakfast, however there was an extra chair set up for Papyrus and the food was different. Asgore, Toriel, Asriel, and Chara had already claimed seats leaving room for Sans, Frisk, and Papyrus. As Frisk approached she took the seat next to her sister, Sans pushing her chair in before taking the seat beside her leaving the last spot for his own brother. Frisk could feel all eyes shift to her, her stomach clenching in the nerves of what she was about to do. She knew she could do it, that she wanted to, although that didn’t change the fact that she had never really done well with speaking about her feelings.

            “Erm it is nice to have everyone here I need to speak with all of you. As you all know Sans has been courting me for the last several days, I know that to many this would seem like a very short time… however time does not take into account soulmates.” Frisk took a deep breath attempting to center herself, unfortunately that breath allowed the others at the table to step in and interrupt her.

            “HUMAN YOU SAY SOULMATES, HOW CAN YOU KNOW YOU ARE SOULMATES WITH MY BROTHER?” Papyrus inserted, his confusion evident.

            “My child there is no reason for you to rush decisions even if you are soulmates, it is always best to get to know your suiter before moving forward into something that cannot be reversed.” Toriel chastised Frisk for her rash behavior.

            “Sis I understand how you feel if anyone can understand you know it is me after all I was attached to your soul for most of your life… however are you sure it is wise to rush?” Chara looked to Frisk with concern in her red gold eyes.

            “Young lady I know that it has been a very short time that you have had with us… a part of me feels as though I have no right to tell you how you choose to live or who you choose to take as a mate… however as king, with you being the third in line-“ Asgore was interrupted by Frisk.

            “ENOUGH! While I appreciate that you do not want me to be hurt, I do not care for you insulting Sans. I also do not appreciate the lot of you insinuating that I have not thought out my decision. While I have only been in the underground for a short time and known Sans for even less time, my soul knows Sans better than any of you could ever realize.” Frisk reached her hand out to Sans, needing the comfort of his touch.

            “i know ya all want what’s best for frisk.. so do i, but ya should know once a determined soul makes up their mind there ain’t no changin’ it for them.” Sans said as he squeezed Frisks hand in return.

            “Thank you Sans, you are right, I have made my choice, I know what I want and what I am willing to do to get it. Sans is my soulmate, I can feel the pull on my soul every time he is away from me I feel like part of myself is missing. I am beyond done with denying the connection, I am done with pushing to wait because there are things I need to get done. I could have the barrier open this very moment, however I have pushed it off to make it easier for everyone to accept me being adopted into the royal family and I appreciate that you are giving me a family that is far more than what I could ever dream of. however I am not going to deny my own heart and soul just because of that, I am doing what I can to keep with all of the traditions and my responsibilities as a princess. The sole purpose of this lunch is to tell our families that I am accepting Sans as my mate, there is no changing that. Mom I told you that the time was drawing close that is why you gave me the gold for the garments, so I don’t know why you are suddenly not accepting that soon is tonight.” Frisk finished her tirade, her pulse racing her eyes lit from the determination of her soul.

            Everyone sitting at the table except Chara sat in a stunned silence, Chara had a rather smug look on her face that seemed to say “About time” without ever saying a word. It was clear that Asgore was shifting uncomfortably, his expression looked almost guilty. Toriel was flushed with shame that she would try to control what Frisk chose just because it was sooner than she would have liked. Asriel couldn’t meet Frisk or Sans’ eyes as he twisted his paw like hands together in embarrassment.

            “I am very sorry my child… Frisk… I am truly sorry I forget how intelligent and capable that you are… I understand that it is your choice and I support you.” Toriel was the first to admit that Frisk had every right to accept Sans as her mate, be it one day or one hundred years that they went through courting.

            “About time you stood up for yourself Frisk, sorry I had to pull the tough love thing on you sis. You know I love you just couldn’t stand seeing you put off your happiness because of what you thought was right.” Chara smiled at the shocked expression on Frisk’s face.

            “Chara really? You know I’m going to hide your chocolate for that… you can have it back after the ceremony.”  Frisk giggled at the outrage that crossed Chara’s face.

            “Wow you girls can be nasty to each other… thought I was bad without a soul.” Asriel glared at his two sisters, so much alike yet so different in so many ways.

            “Azzy we are not nasty to each other I was simply showing Frisk she needed to stand up for herself… though maybe I should have just stayed quiet on this one since the rest of you thought that you should run her life.” Chara crossed her arms, though her expression seemed troubled.

            “Asriel you should know girls are more than capable of picking on each other and loving each other at the same time.” Frisk chastised the much larger goat monster for his assumptions.

            “Come now children no need to get into all of that… for what it is worth Frisk, Sans I too apologize for over stepping. I have known you for a far shorter time than Toriel has although it has become quite clear to me through the miracles that you have worked by bringing back Chara and Asriel that you are capable of far more than anyone would suspect possible. That being said I support your choice in a mate and am more than happy to welcome Sans into our family. He has after all been one of my closest advisors for years.” Asgore smiled a toothy grin at the skeleton in question.

            “YOUR MAJESTY YOU SAID THAT SANS HAS BEEN AN ADVISOR TO YOU? I WAS NOT AWARE THAT YOU EVEN KNEW MY BROTHER EXISTED, LET ALONE KNEW HIM PERSONALLY.” Papyrus was utterly confused his concerns about Frisk and his brother becoming mates forgotten for the time being.

            “Yes young skeleton, it is of little concern, however I have been quite well acquainted with Sans for many years.” Asgore spoke in a calm sure tone of voice.

            “yeah bro kind of the only reason the king even considered letting me court frisk to begin with.” Sans leaned back in his chair, his expression amused by the look on his little brothers face.

            “I HAD NEVER CONSIDERED WHAT WOULD LEAD THE KING TO ACCEPT MY LAZY BROTHER AS AN ADEQUATE MATE FOR ONE OF THE ROYAL FAMILY… PERHAPS I HAVE MISS JUDGED THE SITUATION.” Papyrus’ face held a contemplative expression as he thought over what he had learned.

            “Your brother has many talents and qualities, not everyone will see all of them even if they are looking for them. it isn’t a surprise that you missed something Pappy and that is ok because even the greatest of us will sometimes miss things that are right in front of our face.” Frisk said, her smile kind and her voice reassuring.

            “PRINCESS FRISK ARE YOU COMPLETELY SURE THAT IT IS MY BROTHER SANS THAT YOU ARE SPEAKING OF? ARE YOU POSITIVE THAT YOU WISH TO TAKE HIM AS YOUR MATE DESPITE HIS FAULTS?” Papyrus loved his brother, wanted him to be happy, however he also wanted to be sure that the one to take him as a mate was well prepared for the laziness that was Sans.

            “Pappy I know Sans is the one that I want to be with, there is not one doubt in my mind, heart, or soul that this is what I want.” Frisk leaned towards Sans her smile one of peace, her eyes holding the certainty of her words.

            “IF YOU ARE SURE THEN I AM MORE THAN HAPPY FOR YOU TO BECOME MY SISTER PRINCESS FRISK.” Papyrus was pacified by the certainty in her voice his expression softened as he realized his brother had found something worth protecting.

            “Good I’m glad we are all on the same page, after dinner we will have the coronation for Asriel, Chara and myself along with the introduction to the rest of the underground. Once the coronation is finished I will announce that I accept Sans as my mate, Dad after that I would like you to conduct the binding ceremony. After that we will have a ball to celebrate where the climax of the ball will be a trip for me to break the barrier releasing all monsters from the underground, cementing my worthiness to be a princess of the monsters.” Sans could feel the determination rolling off Frisk in waves as her eyes flashed.

            “You are sure that everything will be ready on time Frisk?” Asgore asked, unsure if it was even possible to get everything together in that time.

            “I have every faith in our people Dad, though I do have one last thing to ask of Papyrus, as Sans’ brother I would ask that you go around the underground inviting every monster to come to the palace for an important event. There is no need to tell them what the event is as there are so many things happening at the same time with this one. We just need them to attend.” Frisk reached her hand past Sans to place it on Papyrus’ much larger boney hand.

            “OF COURSE PRINCESS I AM HONORED TO HAVE THIS OPPORTUNITY.” Papyrus said, nodding his head to her with a gentle smile on his face.

            With lunch over Frisk rose from the table hugging each member of her family, even including Papyrus in the hugs as by the end of the day he would be her brother as well. At least if all went according to plan he would be her brother. Sans watched as Frisk hugged everyone, the smile on his face growing as she ended with his brother. It warmed his soul that Frisk accepted and genuinely liked Papyrus for who he was, Sans had never thought he would be so lucky as to find a mate let alone one like Frisk.

            Having said their farewells to the family Sans wrapped his arms around Frisk pulling her for a quick trip through the void to Muffet’s lair. Once they reached the hall outside the web filled corridor Sans took a moment to steal a kiss from his lady. As he pressed his teeth to Frisk’s soft lips, his boney fingers threading through her soft chestnut hair.

            “Sans? not that I don’t love kissing you but that was a bit of a surprise.” Frisk blushed as she curled against Sans.

            “heheh couldn’t help myself starshine… ya really want me… ya stood up to tori and asgore and chara and asriel and even paps just so ya can be with me… ya have no clue how that affected me starshine. ya make me so happy, I love ya frisk.” Sans pressed his teeth to Frisk’s cheek in a sweet kiss as Frisk felt her heart race, it was the first time she had heard him say those words. She had no clue how he really felt till that moment and it made her soul thrum with happiness.

            “Sans… of course I stood up to them… I’ve had to fight against myself since I met you, I want to be your mate and yours alone. I love you too Sans.” Frisk turned in Sans’ arms to face him, lifting her face as she reached up pulling his face to her for a tender kiss.

            The smile on Frisk’s face was radiant as she parted from the kiss, she moved her hand down to grasp hold of Sans’ boney fingers to pull him to Muffet’s lair. To Frisk’s surprise and awe there hanging just inside the passageway was the first two dresses already completed. Muffet had to be some miracle worker, the spider woman had done the impossible. As Sans guided Frisk further toward where Muffet was working, what they saw there was shocking. The ceremonial carb for Sans was nearly complete with just a few embellishments needing completed. All that seemed to be left for Frisk’s robes was some of the Delta Rune embroidery at the chest.

            “Muffet you are a miracle worker… how ever did you manage to create these so quickly? The work on them is so beautifully done as well, your work is worth every coin you charge.” Frisk gushed over the fine detailing on the dresses, they turned out even better than she had hoped they could.

            “Ahuhuhuhu dearie you are far too kind, one must not disappoint paying customers, especially when those customers are royalty.” Muffet smiled, her fangs peeking past her lavender lips as fore of her hands busied themselves on the remaining touches of the garments.

            “You certainly did not disappoint, I would like to personally invite you to the palace this evening for an event that will be happening there.” Frisk beamed at the spider monster woman.

            “It is not necessary to invite me to such an occasion, I fear I have nothing to wear at this time.” Frisk watched as a deeper lavender blush covered Muffet’s cheeks and her onyx eyes sparkled.

            “Please Muffet join us for the party we are inviting the whole of the underground to the event though I would like to personally invite you.” Frisk reached out grasping one of Muffet’s free hands.

            “I suppose I must get to work on my own outfit for tonight then… your garments are done, if you would like I can have my dear spiders deliver them to the palace for you.” Muffet smiled her blush still on her cheeks as she thought about what to make for herself to wear.

            “Thank you Muffet, Sans and I can get them to the palace with no issues. I look forward to seeing you at the event.” Frisk smiled as Muffet handed over the newly finished garments as she already picked up some lavender fabric to work on her own dress.

            With the four garments in her arms Frisk had no way of hanging onto Sans, although that didn’t seem to matter much as Sans pulled her close wrapping his arms firmly around her and taking a quick shortcut through the void to Frisk’s rooms back at the palace. Once there Frisk walked her new dress and robe to her closet hanging them so she could reach them later that evening. As she turned around she saw Sans standing in the doorway a look on his face she couldn’t quite read.

            “Do you want me to hang your outfit here Sans? or I can put it on the sitting room… I hope you don’t mind my status meaning that you need to wear the ceremonial dress garb… Mom wouldn’t let me get out of it… that is why instead of a dress I got the traditional robes like Mom’s” Frisk fidgeted feeling rather exposed even though she had the garb that had been made for Sans as well as the dress for Chara in front of her.

            “nah, it’s okay starshine i… I don’t mind… just… can’t believe someone like you really wants me… it’s a bit much to realize that by the end of the night you’re going to be my mate ya know… and because you’re a princess that makes me a prince… are ya sure ‘bout all this?” Sans didn’t want to give Frisk up, however it was clear he was unsure if she really wanted him.

            “Sans… if you don’t want to be my mate I get it… being a prince is a lot to ask of someone… hell I’m still trying to get used to the idea of being a princess… but if the royalty thing is the only thing that has you nervous then don’t worry about it-“ Sans captured Frisk’s lips in a crushing kiss before she could go on.

            “no starshine it ain’t got nothin’ to do with the royalty thing… and yes I want to be your mate… I want to make ya mine more than anythin’… if… is that what ya want starshine?” Sans knew that she was his soulmate, knew that she had been drawn to him as well. She even said that she loved him, however he needed to hear it from her that he really was what she wanted.

            “Sans if I could push this any faster I would… we would already be mates by now if I had my say… damn rules of royalty. I love you Sans, more than I can express.” Frisk snuggled up to Sans, her fingers playing with the zipper of his hoodie.

            “I love ya too starshine, more than the stars, the sky, and the promise of the surface.” Sans kissed the top of Frisk’s head in a skeletal kiss as he ran his boney fingers through her hair, loving the silky feeling of the strands sliding between his phalanges.

            “No more doubts Sans, you are the one I want… I know you… and you are the one I want… my soul would never let me choose another, because you are my soulmate.” Frisk pulled from Sans’ arms just enough to meet his eye lights with her own gaze.

            “no more doubts… I can do that. you’re the only one I need starshine… my soul knows you.” Sans met Frisk’s gaze, seeing in her gold flecked hazel eyes the depth of the connection that was forming between them.

            “Let’s get this dress over to Chara for tonight, then we need to see how the planning is going with Mettaton and then depending on how long that takes see if we can find Pappy and see if he has gotten everyone invited.” Frisk pressed her lips to Sans’ cheek bone, pulling from his arms and setting his garb on the couch in the sitting room. From there she led him down the hall by one room to Chara’s room.

            Once at her sisters room Frisk knocked on the door, the sound echoed through the empty hall. A few seconds later she could hear Chara moving around inside the room, the sound of her soft paw like feet shuffling over the flagstone floor. Frisk stepped back from the door pulling Sans with her as Chara opened the door just enough to see who it was that was interrupting her after lunch nap.

            “Hey Sis, hey Sans, what brings you two here? don’t suppose it is to bring me some Chocolate?” Chara eyed Frisk and Sans noticing the garment hanging over Frisk’s arm.

            “got your dress for the ball and coronation… I hope that the design is ok Sis… we match with the red sash, however I thought matching Mom’s purple would be better for the dress itself.” Frisk lifted the dress from her arm, it really was a surprise that she hadn’t dropped it or dragged it on the ground with how much longer it was than her own.

            “Not bad I like that I get to match both you and Mom, did you end up getting anything for Azzy to wear? Mom mentioned that she had something but I’m not sure about it.” Chara reached her paw like hands out to relieved Frisk of the dress, taking her time to get a good look at the cut and the feel of the fabric.

            “Mom said not to get anything for him she already had it covered… not sure what she has planned but we will find out… after all he is first in line.” Frisk smiled at Chara. “You ready for all the stuff that is going to happen tonight?” Frisk asked her sister.

            “As ready as I can be… I know why you don’t want to wait… I get it… though it would be nice if we had a little more time to get all this ready.” Chara seemed resigned to her roll in everything that was to come.

            “Okay Sis, I have a few things to go check on still,        so I guess I’ll see you at dinner.” Frisk hugged Chara quickly before dashing back to Sans for him to slip them through the void to the courtyard where Mettaton should be getting the party set up.

            Stepping from the void Frisk looked around the courtyard, noticing that Mettaton had gathered a crew of monsters. She saw several rabbit monsters, quite a few cat monsters, a couple alligator monsters, a few bird monsters, and what looked like a wolf monster. Each monster seemed to have his or her own job, buzzing around the courtyard setting up tables, and chairs, or hanging lights and garlands. There was even a team of smaller mouse like monsters setting up the stage with sound equipment. In the center of the whirlwind of motion was none other than the shining rectangle himself Mettaton, directing each monster in a symphony of motion.

            “Hey Mettaton, looks like you have this party planning thing under control. You are quite magnificent I’m very impressed with your work.” Frisk seemed to know exactly what to say to the show boating robot.

            “Frisk darling you are far too kind, this is nothing really if you had given me more notice I would be more than happy to set up something far more extravagant than this simple little get together.” The tone in the distorted robotic voice was one of pride.

            “Perhaps in the future we can do something more grand but for now this event is the most important one monsters will see for some time to come I believe.” Frisk smiled at the robot. “It appears that we are a bit ahead of schedule if my guess is right.” Frisk looked around the goings on seeing that there wasn’t a lot left to get together for the decorations. Mettaton had even set up a raised platform for the royal family to be during the party.

            “Yes darling it should not be much longer, and everything will be ready, we should be right on time for just after dinner if all the guests arrive on time.” Mettaton was quite pleased with how things were shaping up.

            “I am so happy to have you taking care of the details Mettaton, I have a few other small matters I need to take care of before the party. I trust that you will have everything set up perfectly by the time everyone arrives.” Frisk smiled and stepped back to Sans for him to get her out of there.

            “ya know starshine ya got a real way with people ya managed to make muffet and mettaton feel like they did the impossible. ya even make me feel like I can do the impossible. how is it ya always know what monsters need from ya to be their best?” Sans looked at Frisk as a smile spread across his face and his eye lights danced.

            “I’m not sure if it is really anything to do with me… I just seem to know what needs to be said or done for things to go the way they are supposed to be. If it isn’t something I don’t believe in I won’t say it though, I would rather tell a painful truth than a sweet lie.” Frisk fixed her eyes on Sans’ eye lights, attempting to convey that she would never betray Sans or her people.

            “calm down starshine I ain’t accusin’ ya of nothin’ I know ya would never do nothing to be mean or spiteful. it just amazes me that so many are so willin’ to follow ya cause of who ya are not what ya are.” Sand pressed his teeth to Frisks forehead in a gentle kiss.

            “Good cause it isn’t even something I can really help at this point in my life… it is more like and instinct. So let’s go see if we can track down your brother and figure out if all the monsters have been invited. We are getting closer to dinner time and everything seems to be running smoothly for once.” Frisk smiled up at Sans, reaching her hand up to brush his cheek bone.

            “yeah starshine lets go find my bro and see how much he has gotten done.” Sans turned his head to press a small kiss to the palm of Frisk’s hand before wrapping his arms around her and stepping through a shortcut to find Papyrus.

            “YES THERE IS A BALL THAT WILL BE HELD AT THE PALACE AND EVERYONE IS TO ATTEND.” Papyrus was saying as Sans and Frisk stepped out of the void in an area of the underground that Frisk had not seen yet.

            “hey paps see ya are getting’ the word out. how many more monsters ya think ya need to let know.” Sans chuckled at his brother as Papyrus jumped being startled by the sudden appearance of Sans and Frisk.

            “THAT WAS THE LAST ONE BROTHER, EVERY MONSTER IN THE UNDERGROUND WILL BE AT THE PALACE BEFORE THE END OF DINNER TONIGHT. NYEH HEH HEH” Papyrus said as he puffed his chest out in pride.

            “That is fantastic Pappy you really are the great Papyrus.” Frisk said walking up to her soon to be brother in law.

            “BUT OF COURSE PRINCESS FRISK, THERE IS NOTHING THAT WOULD PREVENT THE GREAT PAPYRUS FROM COMPLETING THE TASK SET FOR HIM BY ROYALTY.” The tall skeleton was a bit shocked when Frisk came up to him and gave him a hug in thanks.

            “You are the best Pappy this ball will be the best, thank you so much for all of your help you are a true friend. Having the privilege of calling you brother is a great honor to me, thank you so much for letting me be Sans mate.” Frisk beamed the smile that Sans loved so much. He could feel his soul warm seeing her accept his brother, it just felt right to him.

            “heheh starshine I think I’m the lucky one here getting’ to take ya as my mate.” Sans stepped up turning the hug into more of a Frisk sandwich between the two skeletons.

            “Hey boys no squishing the human.” Frisk giggled as she was hugged from both sides by two very boney skeletons.

            “heheh sorry starshine couldn’t resist. ya ready to go back to the palace? bro if ya want ya can catch a lift with frisk and i.” Sans still had not let go of Frisk or Papyrus, leaving Frisk lightly squished between the two.

            “NORMALLY I WOULD NOT CONDONE YOUR LAZINESS BROTHER… HOWEVER I HAVE BEEN RUNNING ALL OVER THE UNDERGROUND SO NOT RUNNING BACK TO THE PALACE WOULD BE NICE. THOUGH DO YOU THINK WE CAN STOP BY THE HOUSE? I NEED TO CHANGE INTO SOMETHING MORE APPROPRIATE FOR TONIGHT’S EVENTS.” Papyrus asked as he looked to Sans for an answer.

            “ya paps we can stop by the house… should probably dig out somethin’ for myself for at least the first part of the event.” Sans rolled his eye lights not looking forward to being dressed up, let alone the ceremonial garb for the ceremony. Frisk was worth it to him though so he would do it.

            Once Sans saw a nod from Frisk, and noticed his brother had his sockets shut he stepped the three of them through the void. Upon stepping out of the shortcut Sans released Frisk who moved to sit on the couch and wait for the brothers. Papyrus dashed to his room at top speed once he was released. Before trudging up the stairs to his room Sans stopped at the couch pressing a tender kiss to Frisk’s forehead. That done he moved up the stairs to his room to dig in his closet for the old suit that his father had made it a point that he had. He passed over the old white lab coat, and the hideous stripped sweater that he still had for the simple reason that he refused to throw it out. The suit was a simple one, just a black jacket and pants that still fit him all these years later. Sometimes Sans found himself missing Gaster, even if his father had been a bit absent minded. The monster he wished could be here for this day the most was his mother, she would have adored Frisk. Sans felt a magical tear slip from his socket to slide down his cheek bone at the thoughts of his missing parents. He hoped that they would have been proud of him had they still been alive.

            With the suit on his arm Sans turned from his closet to head back downstairs to Frisk. Papyrus should have managed to find what he was going to wear to the ball and all the rest us it by now, Sans knew his brother had a very similar suit in his own closet that Sans had gotten from him once he was out of strips. A sad smile passed over Sans’ face as he remembered why he was the one that had to get Papyrus his suit, it was a tradition in their family that the oldest male got a suit for the male children when they came of age. For the girls, the oldest female would take them to get a nice dress, the cloths where meant to be both functional and symbolic. The function was that it never hurt to have at least one outfit suited for fancy events, the symbol was as a sign that the monster had come of age. It would seem that for Sans this day was going to bring up a lot of memories, some sweet but most with a bitter taste to them.

            “hey starshine got my suit, paps make it back down yet?” Sans said as he came into the living room.

            “Not yet you want to make sure he is doing okay? Today might be a bit hard on him with everything going on.” Frisk smiled sweetly at Sans knowing that it was probably going to be kind of hard for Papyrus to see Sans take a mate.

            “yeah we’ll be down in a bit, probably needs some help finding his suit. for a skeleton who usually has the same thing on all the time he has a lot in his closet.” Sans said as he turned to go to Papyrus’ room. When he knocked and there was no answer, Sans opened the door, what he saw he was not prepared for. Papyrus was sitting on his floor holding his suit in his lap as tears leaked from his sockets.

Chapter Text

Chapter 23

Brotherly Bonding and a Ball

            The sight of Papyrus sitting there crying over his suit tugged at Sans’ soul, what was going on with his brother? The look in Papyrus’ eye lights was one of pain and confusion and Sans didn’t know how to help. Sans walked further into the room kneeling down once he reached his brother, his eye lights looking into Papyrus’ as he tried to find what was causing this distress.

            “hey bro what’s goin’ on? Want to talk to me about it?” Sans reached his boney hand out and touched his brothers shoulder.

            “I DON’T KNOW IF I AM READY TO LOOSE YOU BROTHER… WHEN I TOOK THE SUIT THAT YOU GOT ME OUT I… I REMEMBERED HOW IT WAS YOU THAT GOT IT FOR ME WHEN I CAME OF AGE… I REMEMBERED THAT YOU ARE ALL I HAVE LEFT.” A sob wracked through the tall skeleton as he clutched over, more tears tracking down his cheek bones to leave shining trails of magic behind.

            “ya ain’t loosin’ me bro… thought ya knew how it worked… when a monster takes a mate the families merge… frisk will be your sister, so will chara. asriel will be your brother and ya get to call the king and queen mom and dad if ya want… at least when not in official events.” Sans wrapped his arms around Papyrus in reassurance.

            “YOU MEAN THAT MY FAMILY IS GROWING? I AM NOT LOOSING YOU BROTHER? BUT EVERYTHING IS CHANGING… YOU WILL LIVE AT THE PALACE… AND I WILL BE HERE IN OUR LITTLE HOUSE.” Papyrus looked at Sans, the tears still freely falling from his sockets.

            “Hey Pappy, I… think I can convince Mom and Dad to let you move in with the rest of us if you like… I don’t want to take your brother from you… if it makes you feel better to live in the same place I know I’m okay with it.” Frisk stepped into the room, taking a place beside Sans reaching her hand out to Papyrus. Her heart felt like it was breaking seeing the pain in the taller skeleton’s eye lights.

            “YOU WOULD DO THAT? YOU WOULD CONVINCE THE KING AND QUEEN TO LET ME LIVE IN THE PALACE WITH YOU?” A look of hope crossed Papyrus’ face as he thought about it.

            “Of course Pappy you are Sans’ brother. I do want to point out that there are more changes coming in the near future though… after the coronation, and before the ceremony with Sans I plan on breaking the barrier… so here very soon we will be on the surface. There are going to be a lot of things we all need to get done to make the transition smoother.” Frisk bent over and wrapped both Sans and Papyrus in a hug after seeing the look pass over Papyrus’ face. She could tell that he was not sure over all the changes.

            “we don’t have to move to the surface tonight bro, for tonight pack a bag and ya can stay at the palace with us… tomorrow we can talk more about plans… asgore will probably want to go over the plan anyway after the barrier breaks.” Sans straightened up reaching his boney hand out to help Papyrus to his feet.

            “THAT SOUNDS LIKE A GOOD PLAN… I AM SORRY THAT I MADE THINGS SAD ON A HAPPY DAY.” Papyrus flashed a watery smile, his face still covered in the evidence of his tears.

            “Let’s start with getting the three of us to the palace, I need to speak to Mom and Dad and let them know that the preparations are on track and that we need to get a room set up for Pappy.” Frisk smiled brightly leaning against Sans as she beckoned for Papyrus to join them so they could make the trip through the void to the palace.

            No one noticed as they passed through the void there was another in that dark expanse. A tall and twisted skeleton watched through the darkness as the two skeletons passed through the void with a human sandwiched between them. His eye lights flashed as he realized who the three were, it was his two sons and a human woman that he had caught a few glimpses of. A grin spread over his broken and twisted face, the cracks from his sockets stretching, for the first time in stars knows how long a spark of hope ignited in his soul.

            The hall outside of Frisk’s rooms at the palace was quiet as Sans stepped himself, Papyrus and Frisk out of the void. Once they had set foot in the hall Papyrus gave Frisk and Sans another hug before disentangling himself from them. With a nod Frisk walked farther down the hall to see if she could find Toriel and Asgore to discuss arrangements for Papyrus to stay in the palace. Sans and Papyrus decided to wait in Frisk’s sitting room and wait for her to return.

            “Brother… can we talk?” Papyrus sounded so unsure of himself, Sans was not sure what was going on inside his brothers skull. Whatever it was had to be weighing heavily on the younger skeleton for his voice to have sounded so small in comparison to what it normally did.

            “sure bro, ya know ya can always talk to me. what’s on your mind?” Sans sat on the couch while Papyrus took one of the comfortable looking armchairs.

            “Do… do you remember Dad… I know he was still around for a little while after Mom passed… I just can’t remember him at all. With you taking a mate I kind of want to remember.” Papyrus sat with his arms resting on his knees, his eye lights trained on the floor.

            “yeah bro I remember dad, he just couldn’t keep it together after mom passed… he was smart, ya know he was the royal scientist before al? used to take us to the lab all the time. even had little lab coats for both of us heheh ya used to be so cute in yours.” Sans smiled at the memory of his little brother as a baby bones dressed in his little striped shirt with the white lab coat on.

            “So Dad was smart? D-do you remember what happened to him? how he d-died?” Sans could see the tears in the corners of Papyrus’ sockets as he spoke.

            “yeah bro… ya know we both got our smarts from him.” Sans said avoiding answering how their father had died, he could still remember that day though he wasn’t ready yet to talk about it not even to Papyrus.

            “I’m not that smart Sans… you know how everyone sees me, even Undyne won’t let me be a guard because she doesn’t believe I can do it.” Papyrus looked at Sans, his eye lights sad but resolved.

            “bro ya really are smart, it ain’t your mind that she doesn’t trust ya know… it’s cause ya got the kindest, most forgivin’ soul in all the underground.” Sans bumped his brother with his shoulder with a soft smile on his face.

            “I just believe anyone can do better… you know just because someone makes a mistake doesn’t mean that they are bad. I mean look at the prince, he held me against my will… he used me to hurt you… he did so much bad but look at him now. he is back to being kind and trying to be better.” A small smile crossed Papyrus’ face as he thought about everything that he and his brother had been through at the hands of the prince when he had still been a flower.

            “ya remember all that huh? thought I was the only one… ya know I kind of wish ya didn’t, that can’t be easy for ya to remember.” The expression on Sans’ face fell as he thought of everything Asriel had done when he was Flowey the flower. He didn’t want his little brother to have to remember dying over and over, he didn’t want Papyrus to know the pain of that.

            “Not all of it… just parts, you know I don’t think I lasted long in most of the resets… I was always so sad when the flower killed me… I didn’t want to leave you alone.” A magical tear slipped form Papyrus’ socked to roll down his cheek bone.

            “paps… i… I should have acted sooner… I always hated myself for not bein’ there faster… ya know bein’ there to protect ya.” Sans could feel tears sting at the back of his socket threatening to spill out.

            “Sans are the resets really over? I know Asriel isn’t a flower anymore… but Frisk, are you sure that she won’t just reset everything all over again?” Papyrus looked at Sans noticing the pain on his face.

            “yeah paps, frisk wont reset unless it’s to save someone… it ain’t in her to hurt others… ya should have seen how tortured she was over asriel not wantin’ to trust her and be saved when she first talked to him ‘bout being whole again.” Sans smiled at the thought of his Starshine as she stood there chewing her lip, her eyes shining with unshed tears as the flower refused to accept the gift she offered.

            “Save someone? Like stop an accident from happening? You think she would do that?” Papyrus wasn’t sure how he felt about a reset still even if it were to save someone, although he had to admit if something happened to Sans he would definitely want Frisk to do anything she could to save him.

            “she has the power to do it… she has more power than anyone I’ve met… her soul is determination ya know… with enough force of will, she can make just about anythin’ happen.” Sans smiled thinking back to the magic he had seen Frisk perform, from what she said no other human alive could tap into their magic. Yet here she was able to create a new soul, create new bodies with nothing but magic and determination.

            Down the hall Frisk knocked on Toriel’s door, the hollow sound echoed through the empty space. After a few moments, the tall goat woman cracked open the door seeing Frisk standing there. A sweet motherly smile crossed her muzzle as she flung the door wide ushering her adopted daughter inside.

            “My child it is good to see you, I feared that today would have you far too busy to come and visit with me before tonight’s events. What can I do for you?” Toriel let Frisk over to the soft couch in the sitting room that looked very much like her own sitting room.

            “Mom I have a request… and yes I know I have been sort of pushing things as it is with the timeline and having the coronation today… but Papyrus misses Sans… he is scared that he is losing his brother… I know how it is too loose someone… you know how it is too loose someone… can he please stay at the palace with us till we get up to the surface and sort out some sort of settlement for the monsters while we gain peace with the humans up there?” Frisk locked her eyes on the goat monster that she had come to consider a true mother, her determination in her eyes alongside the pain.

            “Of course my child, it would be wonderful to have Sans’ brother here with us in the palace. there is a room across from your room, I assume after tonight Sans will be sharing your chambers with you correct?” Toriel shared a knowing look with her adopted daughter, her smile a half smirk.

            “I… I would like that very much… and I am sure that Papyrus will feel so much more at ease if he is just across the hall from Sans. Thank you Mom, I love you.” Frisk hugged Toriel tightly, a bright smile on her face.

            “No trouble at all my child, just no giving me grand kids just yet okay?” Toriel said her smile turning into a cheeky grin.

            “M-mom… I don’t even know if Sans and I… if we can have kids… I know it is magic, but you know… differences.” Frisk blushed brightly her cheeks glowing with the heat of her embarrassment.

            “Pffft Frisk my child you should see the look on your face, you are just too cute.” Toriel hugged Frisk before releasing her and sending her back down the hall to inform Sans and Papyrus about the room.

            Walking through the door to her sitting room Frisk was a bit surprised to see both Sans and Papyrus deep in conversation. She didn’t want to interrupt them, although she didn’t want to listen to a conversation that may not have been for her ears. Making a quick retreat to the hall she turned and knocked on the door frame to let the two skeletons know that she had arrived back.

            “hey starshine, so what did your folks say about paps chillin’ here at the palace with us?” Sans stood from the couch walking up to Frisk, folding her into his arms and pressing a tender kiss to her cheek.

            “Mom said Pappy can have the room across from our room. Mom was more than happy for him to stay here at the palace while we get a place on the surface sorted out.” Frisk pressed her lips to Sans’ cheek bone and flashed a smile at Papyrus.

            “THANK YOU PRINCESS FRISK… I REALLY DO APPRECIATE THIS. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT I WOULD DO IF I COULD NOT BE NEAR MY BROTHER.” Papyrus said, his volume was there but his normal fire seemed off to Frisk, like he was trying too hard to be happy.

            “Pappy don’t worry, even after we are on the surface I will make sure that you are able to stay close to Sans. I don’t want you to ever fear losing your brother.” Frisk broke away from Sans walking over to give Papyrus a hug in reassurance.

            “heheh told ya paps, frisk ain’t goin’ to take me away from ya. let’s go take a look at your room bro.” Sans walked up grasping Frisk’s hand, pulling her towards the door to the hall.

            “Yes lets show you where you will be staying till things get sorted on the surface.” Frisk pulled ahead of Sans tugging him along to the room across the hall. Once to the door to the room she opened it revealing a mirror image of the sitting room that she would now be sharing with Sans.

            “WOW BROTHER LOOK AT THIS IT IS ALMOST AS BIG AS OUR WHOLE HOUSE BACK IN SNOWDIN. YOU ARE POSITIVE IT IS ALRIGHT WITH THE QUEEN AND KING THAT I STAY HERE?” Papyrus asked turning to face Frisk, his eye lights twinkling.

            “heheh yeah paps, not a bad set up. how ‘bout ya get dressed while frisk and I get ready for the party?” Sans grind watching Papyrus walk around the room checking everything out like he just got the best Giftmas present ever.

            “GOOD IDEA BROTHER, CAN’T HAVE YOU BEING LATE TO YOUR MATE TO BE’S CORONATION.” Papyrus waved absently at Sans as he continued his inspection of his new rooms.

            Sans took Frisk by the hand leading her back over to the rooms that they would soon be sharing. Once behind the closed door he swooped in, wrapping her in his arms pressing his teeth to her soft lips in a heated kiss. Knowing that there was so little time left before she would be his mate was messing with him in the best and worst way possible. Frisk wrapped her arms around Sans’ neck parting her lips on a breathy moan as he deepened the kiss, letting her tongue dance along the electric length of the magic that formed his tongue. Just a few more hours, they could wait, even if neither one of them really wanted to. Frisk was the first to pull away from the kiss, knowing that there was still a lot of preparation that they needed to do for everything to turn out right.

            “Sugarskull we need to cool it for now. We need to do this right, ceremony first Sans. just a little bit longer, for now let’s get dressed for the ball. Dad said that is where he is going to introduce me as his and Mom’s daughter, also where Asriel will be reintroduced, and Chara will be too. Ugh so much to get done in such a short time… though you are worth it.” Frisk giggled and pressed a tender kiss to Sans’ cheek bone as a dumbfounded expression crossed his face.

            “ya know starshine, kind of sounds like ya might like me heheh.” Sand held Frisk in his arms marveling at how lucky he really was to have her.

            “Let’s get ready so we can get things taken care of… you know your shortcuts are going to save my sanity today I think.” Frisk slipped from Sans’ arms and headed into the bedroom to get dressed for the first part of the day’s events.

            When Frisk left to get dressed Sans went to the couch and picked up his old suit. What he found was more than just the old suit that his father had got for him, there was a crisp red shirt with a cyan tie sitting there with it. When had Frisk done that? He knew it had to be her, she was the only one who would have done something so sweet. He knew that the color choices would match his magic and her soul perfectly. As he held the shirt in his hand feeling the soft fabric he smiled wondering where she had managed to get it, it wasn’t like she had time to get it without him knowing.

            Deciding that he should use the bathroom to change his cloths Sans took the suit, shirt, and tie with him. Once he had stripped out of his clothes tossing them to the side to pick up later he picked up the soft red shirt. It felt like a stronger thicker silk, there was only one monster that could accomplish cloth like that. Muffet had to be the one to make it, so when had Frisk requested it? The feel of the shirt over his bones was like a lovers caress, making him shiver with the thought. He slipped into his old suit pants noticing that there was something different about them, there was a new lining in them that he knew he had never put there. it was as soft as the shirt but a deep black, so the pants remained simple and classic. Okay the shirt he could see her somehow managing to get without noticing but how had his pants been relined? He was going to have to ask Frisk how she managed all this. After finishing getting dressed Sans looped the tie around his neck and exited the bathroom heading into the sitting room to wait for Frisk.

            Frisk hadn’t planned on taking so long getting ready, the dress was easy enough just slip it on. The issue was once she was dressed, and her sash was tied in a bow at the base of her spine she knew it wasn’t enough. She looked like herself, which was a good thing, however her hair just wouldn’t do. She would need to do something about it. sitting there brushing it out, using a few of the oils she found sitting on the vanity Frisk found that her hair just did not want to cooperate. When she tried to put it up it wouldn’t stay, if she tried leaving it down the ends would frizz and there was this one strand that kept falling over her forehead getting in her eyes. What felt like hours later Frisk finally managed to get her hair to do something halfway right. she put the top part up into a twisted crown that pulled the stray strand into it, the lower part she had brushed with oils till it gleamed in the light of the room. it wasn’t royal really, but it was nice enough to get through the first part of the evening.

            “Hey Sans, I’m so sorry that took me so long, my hair did not want to behave itself.” Frisk said as she stepped into the sitting room, finding Sans standing there in his suit. As she laid eyes on him she felt her world tilt, it was like all the oxygen left the room when she saw him dressed up like that.

            “heheh it’s fine starshine we still got time before we really need to be down to the courtyard. tori stopped by the room and said she would make sure everything was going according to plan for ya.” Sans had to concentrate so his jaw didn’t drop on him, seeing Frisk dressed up like that, she looked like an angel. The soft fabric flowed over her body hugging her curves, the front of the dress came up and clasped around her neck then swept down to a low back. the red sash against the blue of the dress caught the eye and accentuated the curve of Frisk’s waist. The skirt flowed around her legs like a cascade of water falling from her, the front was much shorter than the back revealing her legs just below the knees then flowed around the back. With her hair brushed to a shine and twisted into a crown she was the picture of royalty.

            “That’s good, I was feeling really bad about how long my hair was taking… do you think I look okay?” Frisk shifted from foot to foot, her hands twisting as she fidgeted.

            “starshine ya look far more than just okay, ya look stunnin’.” Sans stepped up to her tracing her cheek with his boney finger.

            “Aww you are just too sweet Sugarskull.” Frisk pressed her lips to Sans cheek bone in a sweet kiss. “Let’s get down to the ball before we are missed.” Frisk snuggled up to Sans figuring that he would want to take a shortcut down to the courtyard. However Sand didn’t pull them through the void, he pulled on Frisk’s hand and led her towards the courtyard on foot.

            “let’s take the time to walk starshine, I want to spend some more time with ya before I got to share ya.” Sans wrapped his arm around Frisk’s waist as they walked, keeping her close. The two of them walked through the palace towards the courtyard.

            “Ah there she is, Sis get your butt up here. We have been waiting for you to get here to start.” Chara called out as Sans and Frisk entered the fully decorated courtyard. there where twinkling lights strung all over the place, candles at tables and a large space for people to dance.

            “Yes my child, there is a seat next to your sister, and of course there is one for Sans and Papyrus as well.” Toriel indicated three chairs that had been sad on a raised platform next to Frisk’s family.

            “Yeah Frisky may as well get this thing kicked off since we still have so much junk we need to get done.” Asriel said from his seat between Toriel and Chara.

            Once Frisk was seated Sans settled in the seat beside her, holding onto her hand under the table. Frisk looked out from where she was sitting to see the monsters gathered around, it surprised her how few monsters there were in comparison to the billions of humans that resided on the surface. She knew that it wasn’t going to be easy once she got the monsters to the surface, she just hoped she would be able to protect them from the hate that some humans held onto with all their souls.

            “Greetings citizens, we are here for an auspicious occasion to welcome several members of the royal family. The first would be my wife Toriel who as you may know has spent many years away from my and our people. Recently she has come back from her self-imposed exile to rule by my side once more.” At Asgore’s words Toriel stood clasping her paw like hand with his and raising them into the air in a show of solidarity. “Next I would like you all to greet my son, Prince Asriel has returned to us once more.” The words hung in the air as the gathered monsters gasped seeing the goat monster sitting beside Toriel stand and grasp his mother’s hand raising it in the air as she had done with his fathers. “I understand that his return may be a bit of a shock to many, I assure you that it is indeed my son who stands before you whole once more. Beside him you will see another monster, one that you have never seen before though many of you may know her soul. My daughter Chara has also returned to us though greatly changed. As you can see she is no longer human and is now very much mine and Toriel’s child by magic and dust.” Chara stood beside Asriel grasping his paw like hand with her own lifting them into the air as her mother and brother had done before her.

            “The final announcement I have is regarding the young woman that you see beside Chara, yes she is human.” The gathered monsters gasped and started chatting between themselves. Asgore rose his free paw like hand to silence the crowd. “Just like when Chara was a child Toriel and I have made the decision to adopt Frisk as our daughter. Later tonight we will be holding a proper coronation for her and her siblings to officially welcome them as royalty.” The crowd buzzed with the news of a coronation. “Frisk has shown herself to be kind, caring, intelligent, and far more capable than any human I have known in my long life. it is because of her that my son and daughter have been returned to us all. Her magic assisted in giving Chara her body back and allowing her to go from a soul to the monster before you, it was through Frisks magic that Asriel was brought back to us as the monster he is now.” The monsters cheered at this, Asgore chose to not announce the fact that Frisk was going to break the barrier. Realizing that she needed to do as her siblings and mother had done Frisk grasped Chara’s paw like hand standing and raising their arms.

            “Frisk has some announcements that she would like to make as well. it would be appreciated if you would remain quiet so she can speak to you.” Asgore turned to Frisk and took his seat along with Toriel, Asriel, and Chara.

            “Thank you Dad and thank you to all of you. It is a great honor to be able to serve the monsters and have a chance to right the wrongs of the past. My sister Chara has been a part of my life for as long as I remember, it was only right that I give her the opportunity that fate, and humans had denied to her and to my brother Asriel.” A cheer from the crowd interrupted Frisk as she spoke, a hand, held up quieted them so she could continue. “There is much more that I plan to accomplish in service to the monster kingdom, to my people. I have always felt a kinship to monsters, even before I was sure that you were real. I plan to break the barrier after the coronation though that does not mean that we will be going to the surface till we have made a plan suitable for keeping all monsters safe.” at this there where members and cheering from the crowd. “Before we enjoy the rest of the ball that was planned to introduce you all to myself and my siblings I have one final thing I would like to say. I believe that many of you know the monster that is seated beside me, Sans has been courting me by the old laws, and by those old laws as a princess of the royal family I would like to announce that I have made the decision to accept Sans as my mate. The ceremony will be held later tonight after I have broken the barrier and I would be honored if you would all attend to watch as my father performs the duty of joining Sans and myself as mates.” Frisk reached her hand out to Sans drawing him to his feet. Sans joined her with a dusting of blue across his cheek bones and the largest grin that any monster in attendance had ever seen on his face before. Papyrus who had joined them at the table while the king had been making his announcement was the first to applaud at the announcement.

            Once the raucous of applause died down Frisk took her seat beside Sans. At an unseen cue from the king a host of monsters buzzed around serving dinner to all in attendance. Frisk watched each monster as they got their food, watched as the crowd settled in. they had accepted her, accepted that she was their princess even if the coronation had not taken place yet. She watched as several monsters came up to Sans congratulating him on securing Frisk as a mate, they seemed to be truly happy for her skeleton.

            “ya doin’ ok starshine? ya look kind of out of it ya know.” Sans squeezed Frisk’s hand under the table.

            “Yeah… it’s just strange you know… to see the monsters accept me… to feel like everything is going right… after everything that went wrong on the surface for me… to be here underground in a place that was meant as a prison to monsters and find love, family, friends, and acceptance… it is a powerful thing.” Frisk leaned her head against Sans’ shoulder, loving the feeling of being close to Sans and her family.

            “yeah it makes sense starshine… things are really good now ya know… I love ya frisk.” Sans pressed his teeth to the top of Frisk’s head as she snuggled against him.

            The dinner progressed and several monsters ended up using the dance floor to dance. It was fascinating to the different sizes and shapes of monsters out on the floor together. The dances varied widely, from the Moldsmal that would wiggle and gyrate on the floor to the ghosts who would float around passing through other monsters making them shiver. There was a small mouse monster that danced with a giant octopus like monster, the octopus monster lifting and twirling the mouse around.

            “ya want to dance with me princess? it would be an honor to dance with ya if ya would have me.” Sans stood offering his boney hand to Frisk in invitation.

            “I would love that Sugarskull, we never did get our second dance on our date.” Frisk smiled letting Sans pull her to the dance floor and take her into his arms.

            As the song started up Sans guided Frisk around the floor, their bodies moving in perfect sync as he twirled her from side to side. he spun her out pulling her close again with her back to his chest as they swayed together. Sans lifted Frisk from her feet into the air as he spun in a circle ending the song by putting his hand at the curve of her back dipping her back and pressing his teeth to her soft lips, right there in front of every monster in the underground. The sound of cheering and whooping bringing them both back to the reality of the moment. Frisk straightened with a bright blush on her face and a smile shining for all to see as her eyes sparkled up at her skeleton.

Chapter Text

Chapter 24

Coronation and an Untimely Reunion

            The cheering died down slowly as Sans escorted Frisk back to their places with the rest of the royal family. Once Frisk was back in her seat it seemed that every monster in the underground wanted to come and talk to her. several showed a bold side coming straight up and introducing themselves, others trailed far behind taking their time coming up to greet her. There were some who just wanted to say hi and introduce themselves, others wanted to thank her for bringing Asriel back to the kingdom and giving them hope. There was more than a few that had questions for her about how she had brought the prince and princes back, how the magic that made Chara’s new body even worked. It was a flurry of questions that slowly wore on Frisk, chipping away at her energy as the ball continued.

            “starshine ya know I think ya have spoken to just ‘bout every monster in the underground at this point… ya want to take a quick stroll and get some air with me?” Sans asked as he stood offering his boney hand to Frisk.

            “That would be lovely Sans I really could use some air and a break.” Frick took Sans’ hand allowing him to gently lift her to her feet and guide her from the courtyard to a section of gardens.

            “heheh thought I was going to have to start growlin’ to get them to let ya be for a bit of peace.” Sans guided Frisk aimlessly through the garden paths, the smell of the golden flowers filling the air with a sweet spicy scent.

            “Thank you for helping me get a break… it is good that the monsters are so accepting of me… just kind of feeling a bit overwhelmed.” Frisk smiled up at Sans as they walked through the paths.

            “yeah, kind of figured it was getting’ to be a bit much for ya starshine, figured ya could use some space from all of the monsters wantin’ to meet the newest princess.” Sans smiled at Frisk, wrapping his arm around her as they walked.

            “It is a bit overwhelming to suddenly be the center of so much attention… honestly the whole introduction thing left me feeling a bit dizzy.” Frisk snuggled up to Sans as they walked, his arm felt warm against her waist.

            “uh hu kind of noticed that starshine… ya goin’ to be okay to finish everythin’ ya want to get done tonight?” Sans watched Frisk’s face to see her reaction.

            “Yeah I can handle it we are in the home stretch anyway… just the coronation… the ceremony is for us and that feels kind of like a reward to me.” Frisk blushed as she spoke thinking about what was coming later in the night.

            “ya really want to be my mate that much starshine?” Sans snickered as he saw the blush on Frisk’s face deepen at his words.

            “More than I can express with my words Sugarskull. It’s honestly the first time that I have felt this way about anyone… it’s exciting, and scary, and thrilling, and intimidating. When I’m around you I feel safe and warm, yet on the verge of losing all control.” Frisk looked into the distance with a dreamy smile across her lips and a blush across her face.

            “ya know starshine I think I know exactly what you’re sayin’ like the most amazin’ thing in the world is right there in front of ya but it’s so powerful that part of ya can’t keep from loosin’ part of yourself.” Sans felt his soul thrum in his chest with the intensity of his joy and fear of what was to come.

            “Yet you feel like even if you lose part of yourself you are getting something so much better in return it is worth the risk.” Frisk stopped walking pulling Sans to a stop to look into his eye lights, her own gold flecked hazel eyes flashing with something that was like an inner fire.

            “ya know starshine ya ain’t the only one that has been havin’ a hard time waitin’ for this. although we really should be getting’ ya back out there for the coronation… would be a shame if ya missed it.” Sans pressed his teeth to Frisk’s forehead as he gently began to guide her back out to the courtyard.

            When Sans and Frisk stepped back into the courtyard, all of the tables had been removed. The raised platform that had been set up for the royal family was also gone, replaced by a sort of balcony that overlooked the courtyard. Standing at the center of the railing was Asgore in full armor that gleamed silver like the moon, his shoulders draped in a crimson cape and his golden crown perched between his massive horns. To his left stood Toriel dressed in her flowing purple robes with the silver embroidery, the Delta Rune proud on her chest and a smaller golden crown on her own head. To Asgore’s right stood Asriel looking for all the world like a younger version of his father, his armer just as bright though his cape was in the same purple as his mother’s robes. To Toriel’s left stood Chara, the purple dress that Muffet had made for her flowing down her body in cascading waves, the silver embroidery glinting in the lights sprinkled around the courtyard the red sash around her waist a vivid light that matched the crimson of her father’s cape.

            “think they might be waitin’ for ya starshine. ya ready for this?” Sans looked to Frisk with a reassuring smile on his face.

            “Where are you going to be while I’m up there?” Frisk was concerned about Sans and how he felt about being left out.

            “ya can find me in the front row right by my bro, cheering louder than all the rest.” Sans took Frisk’s hand pressing his teeth to the back in a tender kiss.

            “You going to be okay down there without me?”  Frisk held onto Sans’ hands, looking into his eye lights with concern.

            “yeah i’ll be fine starshine ya go get coronated and then we can go change for the ceremony.” Sans pressed his teeth to Frisk’s cheek in a tender kiss before gently pushing her towards the raised platform.

            Turning Frisk saw that Chara was waving her over to where she was standing by their mother. Frisk squared her shoulders, raised her chin, and marched her way up to stand beside Chara. On her face Frisk wore a calm expression even though underneath her emotions spun nearly out of control. She was so worried that somehow, some way she was going to fail to save someone. She was worried that she wouldn’t be a good princess to the monsters, that in some way she would be less than they needed.

            “Monsters of the underground, as your king I am here to crown Prince Asriel Dreemurr first of his name heir to the throne of the monster kingdom.” Asgore turned to Asriel and placed a silver crown that was nearly a clone of his own other than the metal atop his head between his curving horns. “All hail Prince Asriel.” Asgore announced waiting for the crowd to cheer and hail his son. “Next I would like to crown Princess Chara Dreemurr first of her name and second in line for the throne of the monster kingdom.” Asgore turned and passed a silver crown that was a clone to Toriel’s to the queen to be placed on Chara’s head between her stubby horns. “All hail Princess Chara.” Asgore allowed the crowd to die down in their exuberance over the crowning of his daughter. “In the history of the monster kingdom there has only once before been a princess that was not a monster, only one before have we felt that a human was worthy to be a member of our family, it is with great joy, and pride that I crown Princess Frisk Dreemurr first of her name third in line to the monster throne.” Asgore himself stepped from his place and rested a silver circlet on Frisk’s head, it was decorated by sapphire echo flowers with twisting silver leaves. “All hail Princess Frisk” The crowd erupted into a cacophony of cheers and applause causing Frisk to blush deeply.

            “Thank you monsters for allowing the Dreemurr family to serve you all, it is a great honor to present my children to you today as the future of the monsters.” Asgore bowed his head a serine smile across his muzzle, Toriel joined him in the pose. After a moment Asriel realized that he was required to do the same and bowed his own head, although his smile was a bit more cheeky with his mischievous side showing through. Chara shot a look at her brother before bowing her head with a soft smile on her face. this left Frisk to join the pose, she bowed her head feeling the weight of the small crown on her head. The smile that graced her face was small and almost scared with all the worries she had for her role as princess shining through to the audience below them.

            “This concludes the coronation of the royal prince and princesses, there is food and drink that will be passed out to all who wish for it. If you would all stick around Princess Frisk will be taken to the barrier where she intends to break it, once that is concluded I have been informed that it is her intention to take Sans Serif as her mate and has made plans for their joining ceremony to take place once the barrier falls.” Asgore informed the crowd, his words being greeted by a thunderous applause.

            Asgore turned to Frisk reaching his large paw like hand out to her, his eyes showing he was ready to take her to the barrier as she had planned. Frisk placed her hand into his much larger furry grasp, allowing Asgore to guide her from the courtyard. Once they had left the crowd behind Frisk was grab from behind by a pair of familiar boney arms, causing her to emit a tiny squeak of surprise.

            “heheh sorry starshine, didn’t mean to scare ya. just wanted to congratulate ya and see if ya would like me to tag along for the barrier breaking.” Sans pressed his teeth to the side of Frisk’s neck and a tender kiss as he held her from behind.

            “Sans you cheeky skeleton… I would feel better having you close if you don’t mind… thought it will most than likely be just you watching me break the barrier… oh Dad I need to change out of this dress anyway… some pants would be best I think for breaking the barrier.” Frisk giggled at Sans’ kiss, her mood shifting as she brought up changing before going to the barrier.

            “Of course dear have Sans take you to your rooms to get changed and then I will meet the two of you in the throne room. Sans you know the way there, I trust you to be sure my daughter makes it there safely.” Asgore fixed a menacing gaze on the small skeleton who had his arms wrapped firmly around Frisk.

            “sure asgore no problem. should have her to the throne room shortly and ready to go break that barrier.” Sans smiled at Asgore, nodding to him in affirmation of his understanding.

            “Very good then I shall see you both there, please do not take too long or we will not have time for your ceremony afterward.” Asgore gave a cheeky grind on his muzzle flashing his sharp canine teeth, as he watched Sans pull Frisk into a shortcut and away from where she once stood.

            “ya doin’ okay starshine? ya looked like ya could hardly stay standing.” Sans held firm to Frisk as he spoke even though they had arrived in her sitting room.

            “I’m fine Sans just a lot of things in my life changing all at once.” Frisk pressed her face into Sans’ chest her voice going muffled.

            “do ya still want to do the ceremony tonight? we can wait if ya want, I know ya been goin’ through a lot.” Sans ran his boney fingers through Frisk’s hair petting her as he rocked her side to side.

            “No! we are not going to postpone… yes doing a ceremony is more than I bargained for when I first decided I wanted more with you… but with me being princess I have no choice. Even if I would rather just drag you into the other room and curl up with you in that big bed and not leave it for a week or so.” Frisk blushed as she described her inner desires.

            “so ya got no doubts about us then? then why did it look like ya were about to be sick when they put that crown on ya?” Sans snuggled Frisk closer to him, his voice low and gentle.

            “I’m just scared that even after I free the monsters something will go wrong… that people will do what they always do and not accept the reality that there are beings that are different than they are. Beings that are smart and sweet and kind and deserve the sun just as much as any human ever did. Or what if the barrier gives me troubles and I can’t reverse the magic to be able to break it? I just had all these doubts about myself flood through my mind while I was up there.” Frisk fell silent as she felt Sans’ boney fingers soothing her, one hand pet her hair as the other rubbed soft circles on her back.

            “starshine you’re goin’ to be just fine, I know ya got it in ya to make anythin’ happen. ya know that pretty soul ya got in there?” Sans pressed his palm on her back in the same spot that her soul would be. “ya should know from all the readin’ ya done that red souls are pure power, able to push through any problem like it ain’t nothin’.” Sans pressed his teeth to the top of Frisk’s head in a tender kiss.

            “You really think so Sans?” Frisk felt Sans nod his head against her own. “Thank you for believing in me Sugarskull… you have no idea how much that really means to me.” Frisk hugged Sans with all her might.

            “ya ready to get changed so we can get that barrier down starshine?” Sans asked quietly as he held Frisk in his arms.

            “I think we probably should, or Dad is going to come looking for us.” Frisk giggled as she pulled back from Sans, turning to head into the bedroom to find a sensible pair of pants and shirt for the trek to the barrier.

            Once Frisk left to change Sans went to the bathroom to put on his old trusty cloths, realizing that he had yet to ask Frisk about the additions to his suit. He was going to ask her when he brought her back to the room, though with her feeling out of sorts with her role as princess and her fears of failing the monsters. After changing into his comfortable black shorts, white t-shirt and warn blue hoodie Sans stepped from the bathroom to find Frisk sitting on the couch in the sitting room with a bag on her lap.

            “hey starshine what ya got there?” Sans asked as he walked up and plopped down beside her on the soft pastel colored couch.

            “It’s just a few things that I may need to break the barrier… I know from the legends that it was a group of mages that set the barrier in the first place. The construction of it should be similar to the smaller ones that I make on my own but with it containing more than one magic signature and holding so long after the deaths of those that cast it… there may be a keystone that I need to find. You know an item that the barrier is tethered to.” Frisk chewed on her bottom lip as she thought, Sans had noticed that she only did that when she was deep in thought or nervous.

            “makes sense, so ya got some stuff in that bag to help ya figure out where it is?” Sans asked as he pocked one of his boney fingers at the bag in her lap.

            “Some of it is… some is stuff that should amplify my own power and protect the monsters from any backlash when the magic breaks.” Frisk looked over at Sans, her expression determined.

            “ya really are workin’ hard to make sure no one gets hurt or left behind ain’t ya starshine?” Sans reached one boney hand out to Frisk grasping her fingers in his own with a tender squeeze.

            “I don’t want anyone to get hurt… it’s why I convinced Dad that even though the barrier will be gone that no monsters should leave the underground just yet… I want to  be sure that the humans can’t hurt any of the monsters.” Frisk leaned against Sans’ boney shoulder, the feeling oddly comforting even though it wasn’t well padded.

            “okay starshine, well let’s get ya up to break that barrier then. can’t have us bein’ late to our own ceremony.” Sans chuckled as he pulled Frisk to her feet, wrapping his arms firmly around her and stepping them into the void to shortcut to the judgment hall.

            The feeling of something grasping onto Sans’ ankle as he was pulling Frisk through the void nearly caused him to drop her in his panic. Sans clutched Frisk tighter to him and spun around looking for what had caught hold of him. What he saw in the darkness of the void was more of a shock than anything that he could have dreamed up in his wildest imaginings. There in the darkness was a writhing mass of shadows in the shape of a man, topping the shadows was the stark white skeletal face of none other than Gaster, his father. How was he here? How was Gaster just floating around in the void? He didn’t look quite right either, his skull showed two cracks stretching from his sockets making it look like he was being torn apart by the void.

            “What is going on Sans? Where are we? I thought we were simply headed to the throne room.” Frisk gasped out in panic using the air that was still in her lungs.

            “I need to get her out of here gaster, she can’t breathe in the void like we can. she is human, she needs air.” Sans tried to implore the figure that had once been his father.

            “It has been too long son… I need to speak to you before mistakes are made.” The eerie distorted voice of Gaster reverberated through the void around Sans and Frisk.

            Frisk used her magic to form a bubble of space around herself and Sans, glad that she had her bag with her she reached in and pulled out one of the vials that she had packed. Inside the vile held everything she needed to create breathable air just in case she ended up trapped in a bubble in the barrier. Well she may not have been in the barrier but being in the void stuck talking to what appeared to her intendeds father was as good an occasion to use the spell as any. With a spark of her magic Frisk ignited the spell she had prepped letting the bubble she had created fill with fresh clean air.

            “I’m fine Sans, obviously it would seem that your father has a need to speak to you, and since everyone thinks he is dead I would honestly like to hear how it is he is floating around in the void.” Frisk smiled and snuggled relaxed in Sans’ arms as the slowly drifted down to the bottom of the bubble that she had made with a small hint of gravity magic to keep them from spinning.

            “My, my Sans it would seem this young woman is quite skilled in magic even I was not aware of… I should very much like to get to know her. Who is she by the way?” The squeaks and pops and whines of Gaster’s voice reverberated bouncing around the void. Sans clutched tightly to Frisk realizing that she had done some magic to let her breath for a longer time in the void.

            “I am Frisk… well Princess Frisk Dreemurr, it is a pleasure to meet you sir. If my deduction is correct you would be Gaster, former royal scientist and father to Sans and Papyrus?” Frisk smiled sweetly reaching her hand through her bubble offering it to Gaster to shake. She was not expecting Sans to pull her back from the monster that was his father.

            “careful frisk I know ya go some powerful magic but ya don’t play around in the void. It ain’t safe here for anyone but skeletons for longer than a few seconds… and even a skeleton can’t last forever here… not without loosin’ somethin’ of themselves.” Sans eyed Gaster as he kept Frisk as close to him as he could manage without crushing her.

            “Now, now son no need to be cruel to your dear old dad, from the look of you I would guess i may have been gone for longer than I had originally thought I might have been. Although in the void when one is lost and… well it is only recently that I have come back to myself enough to even notice you pass through the void let alone realize who you are.” Gaster’s strange, distorted voice hissed through the void.

            “Wait, sir you are saying that you have been stuck in the void… my I ask you how it is that you ended up stuck here since Sans and Papyrus where children?” Frisk asked the tall skeleton that was floating through the void, on impulse she sent a shot of magic through her bubble and formed another bubble linked to the first to hold Gaster in place and give him a chance to feel his feet on something remotely solid.

            “My dear you seem to have quite the talent for magic… to answer your question I was testing one of my inventions when there was an accident. The only ones that where in the labs where myself, Alphys, Sans, and sadly little Papyrus was in the next room. I was lucky that I was the only one that was sucked into it. I do not know how long it was that I lost myself or even how long it has been that I have been aware of the goings on around me… to be honest my first clear memory after the accident was of Sans bringing you through the void.” Gaster tilted his head as he spoke his eye lights locked on Frisk his mouth turned up in a creepy smile.

            “Hmm Sans would a rope be sufficient for holding onto me? I have my own experiment that I would like to try… I know it is a risk but knowing that you father is alive… I might have the chance to give you and your brother that connection back… I can’t pass it up.” Frisk turned in Sans’ arms to lock her eyes on his eye lights.

            “no frisk I can’t let ya risk it… I can’t lose ya too.” The sound of pain in Sans’ voice was like a living thing, sending a lance of hurt through Frisk’s heart making her eyes prick with tears at his desperation.

            “Sugarskull, I know that I can save him too… just let me have the chance… hold onto me however you need to, but I need to get close enough to touch him… I know he has been in the void for years but… with the right balance of magic I can protect his soul and body while he adjusts back to the physical plane.” Frisk could see the doubt and trepidation in Sans eye lights, though she also saw his absolute faith in her abilities.

            “fine ya think ya can save him… then let’s save him… paps deserves to know his dad too.” Sans sighed heavily as he moved himself and Frisk closer to the older skeleton in the second bubble.

            Now in range of the reach of Gaster’s hand Frisk reached her hand out through the bubble she had created and grasped her fingers around the bones in his forearm. Upon touching him Frisk felt a jolt of his magic along her own senses, causing her head to spin. She could tell that his magic was twisted, not quite what it should be. With a burst of concentration Frisk closed her eyes sending a pulse of magic through the connection, pulling his magic back into some sort of alignment to the physical plane that her and Sans resided in. With that done she sent another pulse of magic through the connection coating Gaster in a thin film of her magic to protect and encase him, she set the magic on a slow decay letting his natural rhythms regain themselves over time and reset with the physical world outside the void.

            “Sans with me touching him are you able to pull us all out of the void? I have the magic in place, and he will be safe once we reach the physical world again.” Frisk turned to Sans, her hand still around Gaster’s arm.

            “yeah I can get us all there, ya sure do work fast though starshine… ya sure that is enough to keep him together once we are out of here?” Sans was concerned about losing his father a second time, even though he had faith that Frisk had done what was needed.

            “Yes I’m sure, I placed a thin protective barrier around him that will slowly decay over time letting him readapt to the physical world. I also realigned his magic to the physical plain, I think that is what happened with the experiment. I think when things went wrong it twisted his magic up and pulled him to the void to protect him from being erased.” Frisk explained her hypothesis as she continued to hold tight to Gaster’s arm.

            “My dear that is a very astute conclusion… I do believe you may be correct. Based on the work that I was doing at the time and the results… though it is a bit surprising a simple touch was enough for you to come to that conclusion.” Gaster eyed Frisk wondering what kind of mind lay inside of this pretty little package that his son had wrapped firmly against him.

            “I would be happy to explain once we are all back on solid ground again Gaster. Sans could you still take us to the throne room? Dad will want to know of this development.” Frisk was channeling her princess demeanor that Sans so rarely saw her pull out.

            “yeah starshine… hang on tight everyone. Oh and Frisk take a deep breath and drop the bubbles if ya would… don’t think it’s a good idea to try and bring those with us.” Sans waited to see the bubbles drop and then yanked on his magic pulling the three of them from the void into the throne room, bypassing his original plan of the judgment hall in favor of the shorter walk to the king.

            “Frisk what is this about? Who is that with you?” Asgore asked in confusion when he saw Frisk, Sans and Gaster step from the void.

            “Dad on our way to come to break the barrier we had a small snag… while we traveled through one of Sans’ shortcuts we ran into someone that should never have been lost. Dad this is Gaster, former royal scientist and Sans and Papyrus’ father.” Frisk pulled the tall skeleton forward to present him to her adopted father.

            “Gaster… he was lost… oh my heavens you found him? how is it that you managed to find him?” Asgore seemed at a complete loss, his royal demeanor dropping.

            “Greetings your majesty it is as always a pleasure to see you once again, I do apologize for my absence, but it would seem that I got myself a bit lost… it is thanks to your daughters quick thinking and skill that I am here now.” Gaster addressed the king, the distortion of his voice far less than it had been in the void.

            “yeah frisk is a marvel that’s for sure. hey why don’t ya three have a chat while I go take care of somethin’ real fast?” Sans looked to Frisk hoping she understood what he planned to do, seeing her nod her understanding he stepped through the void to find Papyrus.

            “Frisk can you explain to me what it is that happened to bring about the events that brought Gaster home to us?” Asgore turned to Frisk his tone firm yet affectionate.

            “As Sans was bringing himself and I here to meet with you to go break the barrier we ran into Gaster, Sans was quite concerned that I wouldn’t be able to last long in the void due to the lack of air there though since I was prepared for a similar issue if things don’t go well with the barrier I had some magic prepared that allowed me to form a pocket in the void that let me breath. Once I was safely able to breath I was able to ascertain that Gaster had been stuck there since an accident in the lab, with some thought I realized that it may be possible to bring him back home. Once I was able to get a feel for his magic I realized that the accident had twisted it causing him to be sucked into the void. With a bit of my own I realigned -it enough that he is stable in the physical plane, I also placed a barrier around him to protect him while he is healing from the incident.” Frisk explained the situation to Asgore as simply as she could manage.

            “I see so he is safe and sound back with us again. That is wonderful my dear, you truly are a treasure.” Asgore beamed proudly at his adopted daughter.

            “Although I would recommend that he not travel the void for at least a month, the magic should protect him as long as he has someone with him like Sans who can control the magic though that is not a guarantee.” Frisk warned gently. As she finished speaking there was a displacement in the air as Sans returned with Papyrus.

            “SANS IS THAT HIM? IS THAT OUR FATHER?” Papyrus’ voice boomed through the throne room as he rushed forward from where Sans had brought him out of the void.

            “heheh yeah paps that’s our old man.” Sans couldn’t help the glow of happiness on his face from seeing his little brother getting to see their father after so many years.

            “FATHER IT IS I YOUR SON THE GREAT PAPYRUS. IT IS SO GOOD TO FINALLY GET TO SEE YOU.” Papyrus rushed forward to Gaster lifting him up in a bone crushing hug.

            “P-papyrus… you are so grown” Frisk couldn’t help the tears that sprang to her own eyes seeing the emotion on Gaster’s face as his youngest son embraced him.

Chapter Text

Chapter 25

Breaking the Barrier and Family Matters

            The only sound that could be heard in the throne room for several minutes was the heavy sound of tears being shed. Tears of joy for being reunited, tears of sorrow for the years that had been missed, tears of compassion for the sight that Frisk was watching unfold. She could feel her soul lift seeing Sans and Papyrus reunited with their father after so many years. Watching Sans stand back from his brother and his father concerned her enough that she decided to step closer to him offering her support to him, in whatever way she could. Sans noticing her, wrapped his arms around her, leaning his chin against her shoulder.

            “ya really are a miracle worker starshine, ya seem to drag monsters we thought gone forever back to be beside their families… don’t even know how ya keep findin’ them.” Sans whispered in Frisk’s ear as he turned his face to nuzzle against her.

            “I don’t know how I keep finding them myself… Chara found me I think… Asriel was there when I first came down to the underground, though Chara was the one that ended up telling me who he was… and your dad was just there in the void, like he was waiting for the right power to pass through the void or something.” Frisk said thinking out loud.

            “it’s a good thing though… look at paps, he had a couple fogy memories of dad from when he was a baby bones but now he has a chance to get to make new ones. that wouldn’t have been possible without ya starshine.” Sans pressed his teeth to Frisk’s neck from his perch behind her.

            “… Oh my stars I just thought of something… you know erm our ceremony… I talked to everyone here… except Gaster… I need to let your dad know my intentions to take you as my mate.” Frisk could feel herself starting to panic. The ceremony was coming up fast, and here she was with a new father in law to be that she needed to inform.

            “calm down starshine, I don’t see why he would have an issue with us bein’ mates. after all you’re the one that set him up so I could pull him out of the void.” Sans gave Frisk a gentle squeeze around her waist.

            With a sigh Frisk pulled herself from Sans’ embrace, stepping forward to speak with Gaster. She hated to interrupt the moment that Gaster was having with Papyrus, but she had to do this. she knew that the two tall skeletons would now have plenty of time to get acquainted with one another now that Gaster was no longer in the void.

            “Gaster, could I speak with you for a moment please? I have something that is rather important that needs your attention.” Frisk broached, her tone soft yet firm.

            “Of course young lady what is it that I can assist you with?” Gaster turned to Frisk his eye lights focusing on her, the cracks in his skull a stark contrast to the white of his face.

            “Erm well… since you were in the void Sans and I did not have the opportunity to… well Sans has been courting me for a while now and… well I have decided to accept him as my mate and as a princess of the monster kingdom it is my duty to inform our families of my decision… I already informed my own as well as Papyrus at lunch today but well… I would like to formally inform you that I intend to take Sans as my mate later this evening.” Frisk hoped with everything in her that Gaster would accept her as a daughter as Papyrus had accepted her as a sister.

            “Tonight you say? You wish to take my eldest as your mate tonight?” Gaster was unsure of what to say, Frisk was human, and he remembered how the war came to be. Sans was his eldest and though they were not royalty they were from old magic, their family was descended from the same line as the monster that started the war with his love for a human.

            “yeah dad takin’ frisk as my mate is what I want. she is more than worthy of our line between her position as princess as well as her power. aside from that she makes me happy, my soul sores when we are together.” Sans stepped up and interjected seeing that his father was not pleased by the prospect of a human for a daughter.

            “You are sure son? You know the history, what if history should repeat once again?” Gaster inquired, Frisk felt a stab in her soul. She had feared that very thing, it was the main reason she fought so hard against the love that had bloomed between Sans and herself.

            “yes gaster, we have been over the past. in fact… I believe that I share a connection with our ancestor beyond our magic. I have come to realize through my dreams that my soul is his reborn, and through the dreams that both frisk and I have had I believe that she is the princess reborn.” Sans voiced what he had been mulling over in his mind for a while now. Frisk felt herself gasp at the realization of what he was saying, and why her soul had recognized him.

            “Gaster I believe that Sans is correct in this… my whole life as long as I can remember I have had dreams that link me to the past… in fact those dreams are why I fought against my feelings for Sans at first. I feared my work to free the monsters would be for nothing if I gave in. It was my sister Chara who helped me to realize that I am not a princess to the humans… I am a princess to the monsters. For me to take a monster as my mate should in fact strengthen our position when I approach the other humans as the ambassador for the monsters.” Frisk squared her shoulders as she spoke, feeling Sans slip his boney hand into her grasp.

            “How is it you plan on approaching the humans when we are still stuck underground young lady? The barrier still stands between the monsters and freedom.” Gaster seemed to be getting angry at the impertinence of the princess before him.

            “Sans was taking me here to meet with my father to take me to the barrier when we encountered you in the void Gaster. The barrier will not be up any longer when I take Sans as my mate, that is the vow I made to myself.” Frisk locked her gaze on Gaster, her tone going sharp.

            “You believe that you have the ability to break the barrier? Are you planning on sacrificing yourself to break it then?" Gaster looks down at Frisk, concern growing, his son is happy, is she really going to take it away from so quickly? "The barrier requires the power of seven souls to break, even if I could make a body or stabilizer for you. Your soul will be unstable!” Gaster stares at Frisk believing her to be too selfless, there's no way a human can do this! It's far too exhausting! But forgetting that not even an hour ago she had saved him from the void and shown a small bit of her own power to do so. Frisk's apparent determination to do this starting to irritate him.

            Taking a deep breath to calm herself Frisk locks her gaze on Gaster. “I know very well what I am doing Gaster, I unlike you had access to the books left by the humans that created the barrier in the first place. I know how it is constructed, and I know how to deconstruct it.” Frisk stood her ground on the matter. “I have no plans on sacrificing anyone, my goal coming underground was to save not to sacrifice.” Frisk could feel Sans behind her, the thrum of his magic soothing her.

            Looking to Sans unsure of what is happening Gaster asks “Sans is this true? Can she do this? is her soul strong enough?” His brow bones knit together in confusion.

            “yeah dad.” Sans smiles at is dad. “I have faith she’ll be okay, she did help pull ya from the void and protect ya from the twist in your magic didn’t she?” Gaster goes quiet thinking that it is insane, yes he saw her magic but there is no way she had this much power on her own. Or did she? How much power had those bubbles taken? What kind of soul had enough power to change the void like that?

            “Fine you don’t believe I can do it then let’s go to the barrier and I’ll prove I can do it by breaking the barrier.” Frisk threw her hands up in frustration at being underestimated, her determination flaring. “Dad can you lead the way to the barrier please I think it is time that we get this over with.” Sans shook his head embarrassment painted across his face, trailing along beside Frisk as Asgore led the way to the barrier. stars dad why? why must you do this now and not latter? Sans thought to himself as he walked.

            The hum of the magic of the barrier was a physical thing, Frisk could feel it pulsing against her soul. If she looked just right Frisk could see the shimmer from the magic in the air. The hall that they stood in was a long stark white corridor that was reached from the back of the throne room. Looking around she searched for the runes that she knew should be hidden nearby, that would anchor the barrier in place. there should be seven based on the books she had read, all she had to do was find them and unlock them one by one.

            Walking around the corridor Frisk scanned the walls looking for something, anything that would let her unlock the barrier. Scanning along the walls she ignited a small spec of her magic attempting to shift the frequency to see if she could spark some resonance with the magic of the barrier. She was about to try a full spell when it caught her eye, there was a small red shimmer on the right wall of the corridor about five feet in from where she could see the shimmer of the barrier.

            Sensing the magic shimmering off of Frisk, Sans watched her closely. He could feel his concern for her mount, yes he knew that she had the power to break the barrier, hell he had seen the magic she was capable of after all. However that didn’t stop him from being concerned that the humans of the past hadn’t made breaking the barrier more than just a way to keep the monsters locked away under the mountain. His close attention on Frisk let him see the instant that something changed, he saw her body tense with anticipation as she saw something on the wall of the corridor. Letting his gaze shift to where he line of sight was trained Sans saw it, the glowing shape etched in the wall of the corridor. The shape he saw there was strange, something like a backwards letter or a lightning bold striking from the sky, the outline of it shimmered in the same red of Frisk’s soul causing Sans to instantly feel uneasy.

            “heheh starshine what’s with the striking picture on the wall?” Sans walked up to Frisk, placing his boney hand on her shoulder trying to draw her attention to him.

            “Pffft hate to rune your impression Sans but it is the first key to opening this door.” Frisk leaned against Sans as she studied the rune that was etched in the wall. She tried to wrack her brain to remember what she could from studying the runes of old.

            “so what does it mean? what do ya need to do to unlock the barrier?” Sans looked back and forth from Frisk to the strange symbol wondering what she was thinking.

            “Can’t you feel the magic on it Sans? I need to tune the magic to the right frequency to unlatch it.” Frisk looked form the rune to meet Sans eye lights. “All monsters present need to back up, I can’t risk you getting too close to the lock or it could go wrong.” Frisk warned to the monsters present.

            “Why do you believe that we should back away? Are you not confident that you have the ability to open the barrier as you said before?” Gaster questioned his tone condescending yet concerned, wondering if he should allow this to happen.

            “I don’t believe it will go wrong but I would rather be safe than sorry, the books said that human magic formed the barrier, and no monster could open it. I have no intention of risking any of you if I have a say.” Frisk said firmly, her gaze locked on Gaster in warning.

            “dad just chill she knows what she’s doin’.” Sans growled softly in warning at Gaster before giving Frisk a quick hug and pulling the other monsters back about twenty feet or so to give her room to work.

            With the monsters pulled away from the glowing rune Frisk approached it slowly, probing it with her magic trying to find the right wavelengths to push at it. She had a feeling that if she pushed too hard then everything could go very, very wrong. Her brows furrowed in concentration as she slowly let the hum of her magic shift, it seemed that the lock was almost meant for her, for someone with a determined soul. the rune glowed softly as her magic pulsed closest to her own natural rhythm, the wall it was carved in shuddered, and a radiant red light seeped through cracks that had not been there before. The cracks formed a perfect doorway, the material of the wall slowly vanishing before her eyes.

            “I thought you were opening the barrier, not a simple door.” Gaster spoke in accusation, starting to step forward.

            “Don’t, don’t come closer yet… I don’t think that is the only lock I need to open… there is a hallway behind the door. Sans please keep everyone safe? I think this is a challenge I need to do on my own.” Frisk turned to Sans, her heart heavy, her soul burning with her determination to finish breaking the barrier.

            “no starshine, I ain’t lettin’ ya do this alone… even if it’s just to walk by your side.” Sans stepped toward Frisk wanting to be closer to her. as he approached there was a shift, a shimmering red soul came from the doorway. Around the soul stood a skeleton, not a monster like Sans, Papyrus and Gaster but a human skeleton.

            Sans stopped dead in his tracks watching the aberration before him as it stepped from the doorway towards Frisk. He could feel his soul pounding in his chest, every instinct in him waring between rushing forward to protect Frisk or to run as far and as fast as he could to get away from the walking remains. What the fuck was that thing? Could… no there was no way that the humans would have sacrificed the ones that had cast the barrier to guard it. that would be too cruel, even for humans. Wouldn’t it?

            “Sans stay back, this is a fight that I have to face. it is my destiny to face the mages of the past to free the monsters.” Her voice was firm as Frisk faced down the skeleton of the determined soul.

            The rattle of bone against bone suffused the air, some from the shambling skeleton that was approaching Frisk and some from Sans’ own bones clicking together in his nerves. He wanted to rush forward and grab her and run as far and fast as he could with her away from the barrier and the abomination that was still slowly trudging towards Frisk. Frisk on the other hand was calm, her body relaxed, and her magic was flaring around her causing her hair to lift in a spectral breeze.

            Stepping forward towards the ambling skeleton with the flashing red soul Frisk raised her head, her magic swirled and crackled around her body like a shield. Once the remains if the human mage had come in range a shimmering crimson sword appeared in the grasp of its skeletal fingers, lashing out towards Frisk. As the spectral blade came at her she pushed her hand out creating a shield with her own magic, the magic coalesced in a red shining sheet of pure power, blocking the incoming blow form hitting her.

            Seeing Frisk being besieged by the aberration in front of him sent Sans into a fit, he felt his own magic flair around him. He could feel his soul scream out to him to go up there and do something to protect her from the fight, to keep her from harm. It took everything he had to keep from doing just that, to keep from sending a volley of sharp bones at the soul of the thing that was coming after the woman that was to be his mate. He knew that he had to follow her order to stay back, although that didn’t make it any easier to do so.

            “Watch out dear.” Asgore shouted to Frisk as the skeleton she was fighting pulled another spectral sword from the ether sweeping the blade under her shield trying to cut her legs from under her.

            “don’t distract her asgore… ya know it’s hard enough to not rush up there and pull her away from the fight as it is.” Sans growled at the king in his frustration.

            “Son watch your tone that is still our king.” Gaster chastised Sans, though his tone was still concerned as he watched his son’s intended battle the magical abomination.

            For her part Frisk was holding her own, although she was having to use more than her magic to counter the thing that was coming at her. With the skeleton summoning a second blade Frisk realized she would have to fight back if she wanted to defeat it and break the seal that it had cast, even if she did not relish the idea of cutting anything down. Summoning her determination Frisk pushed her magic to her left arm forming a blade to rival the ones that the thing she fought had created. Her shield firmly on her right, she parried one swing from the skeleton she battled with her shield, her sword flashing out to catch a blow form the second blade.

            This couldn’t keep going on for much longer, Frisk knew if she dallied too long the monsters that had come with her would try to intervene in the fight. The problem was she needed to win this fight without becoming a killer, in her soul she knew that if she struck the thing down then she would become the demon from Sans’ nightmares. How to do it? There had to be something she could do. Frisk’s mind raced going through all the spells that she knew, all the ways that a determined soul could find rest. In her distraction she missed the blade coming at her, the bite of the spectral sword in the flesh of her arm was like a white hot iron.

            Sans felt his soul pulse when he saw the blade hit Frisk, it was as though the blade had hit him instead. The scream that passed his teeth was a tortured cry to the heavens, a feral growl passing from his nonexistent throat reverberating through the hall in which the stood. He felt Gaster’s arm pulling him back, not even realizing that he had taken a step toward the battle.

            “I know son, I know how hard it is to let her fight this battle however this is how it must be.” There was a pain in Gaster’s eye lights as he spoke, the shadow of old pain mixed with the new of seeing his son suffer.

            The pain in her arm was making it difficult for Frisk to focus, she had to find a way to stop this battle. Ducking a sing of one of the flying spectral blades she wracked her brain, determination, how does one fight against true determination? How would she defeat herself? Her soul was determination, what would she do to stop herself?

            Another blow struck her raised shield as she fought to come up with a solution, her mind fighting just as hard as her body to find a solution to this battle. She needed time to think, she needed some space to figure this problem out. in a last ditch effort to gain time to think she cast a barrier around the skeleton, her soul shivering as the blades continued to wail on the shimmering gold that she summoned around it.

            Panting Frisk pressed her hands to her knees, her shield and sword vanishing for the time being. Her chestnut hair was plastered to her face with sweat, her soul throbbed ever time the skeleton in the barrier would strike the barrier that she had erected. Now time to come up with a solution. She plopped down right there in the hallway, the barrier she cast shimmering as the abomination that was the first real key continued to batter against her magic.

            “frisk ya got to fight that thing… what the hell are ya doin’ starshine ya can’t just sit there.” Sans was so worried about her, he wanted to go to her, to protect her, however Gaster’s arm held him back.

            “I need to think Sans give me a minute, it can’t get out of that barrier I set any more than the monsters can get past the barrier that holds us all underground. As long as I’m alive the barrier I set holds.” Frisk spoke her tone tiered but determined. She looked to the arm that had been sliced and sparked a bit of magic to close the wound, stopping the flow of blood.

            As she sat and thought Frisk noticed that the attacks started to slow, the shuddering blows that pulsed through her very soul became softer and softer. Was it possible that the thing she had trapped behind her barrier was growing tired? Was it possible that she may have found the answer? Could it be so simple as waiting this thing out behind the protection of a barrier? She watched as the strikes of the duel swords slowed more and more.

            There were several growls from the monsters as they watched Frisk sitting there just waiting, they had no idea what she was thinking. How could she just sit there, yes she had been hurt but she was supposed to be freeing them not just sitting there. How could she free them if she were sitting there watching as the skeleton in the barrier just beet on her magic? There had to be some way for her to defeat the thing that was keeping them from freedom.

            Each blow Frisk could feel against her barrier became weaker and weaker. The speed that the strikes came slowing exponentially As she watched Frisk noticed something strange, the soul in the center of the skeleton she had locked away wasn’t as bright as it had been when the battle had started. The spectral swords seemed to be cracking, chipping away with each thrust against her barrier. It hit her like a ton of bricks, patience. That was how one countered determination, by outlasting it, being more patient. A triumphant smile spread across Frisk’s face as it clicked inside her mind.

            “Chill guys got it all figured out.” Frisk stood from where she sat striding towards the monsters as they waited. She could still feel the strikes against the barrier, although the shivers through her soul echoed less and less as the abomination was waning.

            Staring at the weakening skeleton behind the barrier Gaster can’t help but feel conflicted, was this the glorious battle that he was meant to witness? How could the human woman be smiling as she simply let the thing waist away in her own barrier?

            “knew ya would figure it out starshine.” Sans wrapped his arm around Frisk as she drew closer to him, his own smile spreading as he felt the tension he had felt in his soul ease.

            “Are you sure dear? It seems as though you have only prevented it from rampaging on the underground.” Asgore asked, concern in his voice for both his people and his adopted daughter.

            “Yeah Dad, it’s simple really. That skeleton is a determination soul, just like my own and Chara’s. Patience is all it takes, let it wear down fighting against the immovable object that is my barrier.” Frisk nuzzled her face against Sans chest as she felt him checking her arm, pulsing some of his own magic to help heal the wound more fully.

            Frisk stood there in Sans’ arms watching as the soul inside the skeleton behind her barrier dimmed with each blow, the spectral swords had chipped away so much that they were nothing more than daggers as it continued its onslaught against her defense. She could feel Asgore nearby, his gaze fixed on the silent battle the abomination was waging against the obstacle that his adopted daughter had set for it. Gaster was inching forward, his curiosity over the magic behind the reanimated skeleton of one of the human mages that had trapped the monsters for so long overriding any caution.

            “dad stop… ya don’t want to get too close to that thing. I know ya want to know what makes that thing tick but it ain’t some puzzle for ya to solve.” Sans sent a pulse of his magic to pull his father back to the group to wait out the skeletal abomination’s demise.

            “Gaster Sans is right you know, I can sense it, if a monster gets too close to one of those things then the fight will be a lot harder… I don’t want to risk any of you to the barrier.” Frisk locked her gold flecked hazel eyes on the tall skeleton who was firmly locked in Sans’ magic at the moment.

            “It is fascinating though, How did they animate the skeleton? It isn’t like monster magic that skeleton is physical like the one inside any human. So how is it walking around? What holds the soul there?” Gaster was transfixed with the mystery of what he was seeing. It was like all sense had left him.

            “Gaster old friend I must insist that you not go poking your nose into that thing. We just got you back from the void.” Asgore prodded his friend gently.

            “heheh asgore he ain’t got a nose… though your point stands. dad ya need to listen it ain’t a good idea to not listen to frisk when she tells ya something. she knows more about human magic than any of us.” Sans locked his eye lights on his father, his expression stern.

            “Gaster if you must know it is very similar to the magic I used in resurrecting Chara and Asriel. My guess would be that it was done before the setting of the barrier though, as it would have been difficult for them to do it after the person died. It is a simple binding spell, though I would say that the soul lost something along the way for that thing to be so single minded.” Frisk explained patiently as she leaned against Sans taking comfort in his presence.

            “How did you figure out that the barrier would be the best way to defeat it? If you already knew then why you didn’t simply place a barrier around it from the beginning?” Gaster could feel his mind swimming with questions.

            “When I first saw it I could feel the magic from it, I knew that monster magic would cause it to go berserk based on the vibrations I could feel from it. as to your question about why I didn’t simply put it in a barrier to begin with… simple I didn’t know. when it first appeared I had no real idea of what I needed to do to delete it. in all honesty I needed a break to think and that is why I put it in a barrier, it was seeing it grow weaker as it fought against the barrier that told me that was the best way to defeat it.” Frisk continued to watch the skeleton in her barrier, the soul of the thing was now a soft pink and barely there. The spectral swords had completely dissipated leaving it pounding against her barrier with its boney fists.

            “from the looks of it the thing shouldn’t be goin’ much longer starshine. does that mean that the barrier will open?” Sans asked as he snuggled closer to Frisk.

            “Probably not… it took seven to make the barrier… it will take seven to bring it down. there should be more of those things, one for each soul trait. More than likely the door that opened leads to more of them.” The tone in Frisk’s voice was resigned, her eyes set with her determination.

            “ya mean there is more of those things through that door? starshine I don’t know how I feel about ya facin’ more of those abominations.” Sans tightened his grip around Frisk, the trepidation he was feeling telegraphing from him in palpable waves.

            “Son I think she might just be right, it is true that seven humans set the barrier when we were locked down here. it stands to reason that if there is one of those things then there will be six more.” Gaster had stopped trying to get to the thing behind the barrier, his focus now on his son and the worry that he could feel coming from Sans.

            “It will be okay Sans I should be able to defeat them just like this one.” Frisk said as she watched the first skeleton collapse behind her barrier, the soul was gone, all that was left was the bones that had once been one of the seven human mages.

Chapter Text

Chapter 26

The Battle for the Barrier Continues

            Seeing the skeleton in her barrier slumped to the floor Frisk inched her way forward towards where it lay. She knew that since the bones where organic, from a once living human they would more than likely remain. She could feel Sans shifting with her and she held her hand up stilling him for a moment to give her a chance to verify that the battle had truly ended. Sliding right up beside the edge of her barrier, Frisk dropped to her knees to inspect the thing that she had trapped behind the shimmering honey colored magic.

            Looking through the shimmering magic Frisk got a better look at the skeleton that had attacked her. The bones did not have the same white luster that she was used to from Sans and Papyrus, they had a more yellowed tint to them. After several moments of watching the skeleton she was sure that it was done moving. With a small pulse of her magic she dropped the shimmering honey magic that had won the fight for her, the skeleton remained on the floor where it lay.

            “starshine is it safe for us to come up there? kind of worried about ya up there on your own.” Sans called from where he stood farther down the hall, his soul was still thrumming with pent up worry over Frisk.

            “Yeah it looks like it is safe now, this one has lost all the magic it had.” Frisk looked back to where Sans and the other monsters that had come with her waited.

            As the others approached where Frisk was with the skeleton on the floor, she took the time to examine the remains of the first human mage. What she found confirmed for her that the skeleton was in dead one of the humans that had set the barrier over the underground, and that they had been groomed for the position. There on the dry dead bones of the skeleton’s arms and legs was etched the same rune that has shimmered on the wall where the door opened. Frisk wracked her brain trying to finish her task of remembering what the rune could mean, after searching through her mind it came to her “Sun” so fitting for the determination soul. The determination to reach the surface for the monsters, the determination to keep going for the humans.

            Shuddering at the realization that the rune had been etched into the bones of this person before they died coursed through Frisk’s body. What kind of depravity would lead them to cut past the flesh down into the bone to etch those runes there? How much pain did that cause the person that became the skeleton laying on the floor in front of her? The one thing Frisk was sure of was that this confirmed her hunch, there was six more skeletons, each one would represent one of the soul traits, and each one would have a rune attached to it.

            “so starshine what we supposed to do with this thing? notice it is still there, guessin’ that’s cause it’s human remains not a monster.” Sans stood behind Frisk wanting to wrap his arm around her to protect her.

            “For now set it against the barrier to the surface, we can deal with it once we have all seven taken care of.” Frisk stood from where she kneeled, allowing Sans to pull her to him for a moment of solace. 

            “What if that thing starts moving again? Are we supposed to believe that it will just lay there now that you fought it?” Gaster was not convinced that leaving the once animated corps of a human mage laying against the barrier.

            “The soul is gone, it won’t reanimate again now that the energy of the soul has been spent Gaster. You need to relax rather than assuming the worst, I know you have been stuck in the void for a while.” Frisk turned to the taller skeleton, she could feel the agitation radiating off Sans at her side.

            Pulling from Sans’ embrace Frisk walked up to the opening that had been revealed by releasing the run. The door was simple, there was no latch or knob that she could see though with magic those things were not necessary. As she poked her head through the opening she could feel Sans reach out and try to pull her back, a simple shake of her head let him know not to interfere as she inspected what lay beyond the threshold. What she saw caused her heart to sink, there was a second door that led into another corridor beyond the door. If she had to guess Frisk would say it probably followed the entirety of the barrier as it circled the underground, with more doors along the way.

            With a heavy sigh Frisk stepped past the threshold entering the corridor searching for anything that would shed light on what it was she needed to face. Looking around the area that she could see from just inside the door there was nothing really of note, just the length of hall beyond the second door leading farther along. This was going to be a long night if this was any indication, how long had it been since she was crowned a princess? how long was this trek going to take?

            “Tonight is going to be longer than I was hoping… it looks like the hall goes around the whole underground… and I know that there are more of those things that are waiting to be defeated.” Frisk reached deep inside herself to find her determination, needing that strength to finish this fight. She had something that she wanted, something that she needed to finish this quest to have, and that was enough to give her the determination to keep going.

            “starshine the underground is huge… well for one person to walk around the whole thing anyway… the barrier is around a mountain, how are ya supposed to manage that?” Sans stepped into the hall with Frisk, his concern for her was like a physical thing.

            “I know… this is going to take longer than I had hoped… I was thinking the keys would be set at the entrance, not scattered around the whole barrier.” Frisk practically threw herself into Sans’ arms, her face buried in his chest and she realized that the ceremony was going to have to be postponed.

            “it’s okay starshine, ya know I’m with ya through all of this.” Sans pressed his teeth to the top of Frisk’s head in a tender kiss, not hearing the click of the door out to the barrier hall closing behind them as they stood there.

            “Sans what was that noise? Did you hear it?” Frisk pulled from Sans, her gold flecked hazel eyes going wide as she scanned the room. She felt her blood run cold as she saw what the noise had been, that the door was closed. “Um I think we have a problem Sans… the door closed.” Frisk raised her hand pointing a slender finger to where the door was.

            “well shit… was not expectin’ that.” Sans figured he could probably shortcut out of the hall, though he was not sure if they could get back in if they left.

            “I’m so sorry Sans… this was not supposed to be like this… it was supposed to be a simple thing, break the barrier do our ceremony and then have some time for just us… now you are stuck in this hall with me… I don’t think this is going to be easy on you, if you want you can teleport out and I can handle this on my own.” Frisk locked her gaze on Sans’ eye lights, the expression on her face torn between wanting him to stay and wanting him safe with the other monsters while she broke the barrier.

            “I ain’t leavin’ ya starshine, even if i can’t help ya like I want I can be here to lend support and maybe I can shorten the walk at least a bit with a few shortcuts.” Sans wrapped Frisk back against his chest, his phalanges running through her chestnut locks.

            “I love you Sans, I really do. I don’t want to risk the shortcuts though, you may still need to take one out and I don’t want you to use too much magic in here. I feel like this trial was set for a human to complete. Humans locked the monsters down here and humans have to release them.” Frisk nuzzled her face into the Sans neck, the feel of his living bones against her skin filling her with electric shocks.

            “okay starshine, this is your show. I’m just here for support if ya need me.” Sans let his hand rub soothing circles on Frisk’s back as he held her.

            With a shuddering sigh Frisk straightened from the embrace, squaring her shoulders. She pressed her lips to Sans teeth in a kiss filled with all of her love and appreciation. Breaking the kiss she turned towards the open door that led farther into the hall that was the challenge presented to her. She was determined to do this, determined to free the monsters from their prison and set right the wrongs of the past.

            The walk through the hall was tedious, boring really for what should be a challenge. The worst part was just how long the walk was, it felt like they had been walking for miles and still no sign of the next challenge that Frisk was meant to face. Sans was like an ever present shadow by her side as she trekked along, his presence was a great comfort to her. After walking for a few moments more the silence was broken by Sans.

            “think we’re gettin’ closer to the next door starshine?” Sans asked as they walked, his arm over Frisk’s shoulder.

            “It shouldn’t be too much farther… I hope.” Frisk kept scanning the walls of the corridor as they walked along, not wanting to miss it if there was a rune hidden.

            Eventually she saw it, up ahead of where they walked Frisk saw a door spread across the path before her. This had to be the next door, the next key that she needed to use to open the barrier. She approached cautiously, step by step, pulling to a stop about twenty feet away from the door. She turned to Sans, her eyes locking on his face. She knew how hard it was going to be for him to have to stay back while she faced the monstrosity that the humans had made to keep the barrier in place.

            “Sans I hate this… but I need to ask you to stay back… I need to face it on my own.” Frisk pressed her forehead against his, her eyes closed as she waited for him to insist on facing the challenge with her.

            “I know starshine… don’t like it… but I know ya got to do this without me… ya know I’m here if ya need me though.” Sans tilted his head pressing his teeth to Frisk’s lips in a tender kiss, frustration rolling off him in waves.

            Nodding her head Frisk pulled from Sans turning to face the door, searching for the rune she knew would be etched somewhere along one of the walls or on the door itself. As she drew closer to the blockade she allowed a spark of her magic to pulse out, shifting the unique hum from pitch to pitch as she attempted to find the frequency that would reveal the rune that should be there some place.

            As she searched, Frisk’s magic trickling around the space she caught a small glimmer, just a hint of a resonance. Striding forward to where she saw the shimmer she played with the frequency that had brought the shimmer to view, letting it slip and slide till the rune was outlined in a lustrous orange. The symbol appeared as a downward slash with a triangle atop and another line branching down and to the right, it looked like a spiked letter R. Frisk could feel her mind spin as she searched her knowledge for what this one meant, latching on the meaning a moment later as the run for travel or a journey. What soul type would that fit? What was it she was about to face?

            While Frisk’s mind trekked down the road to answers she heard the door click, the rune glowing orange as it hit her. Bravery, that was the next soul she would be facing. The color said it all, orange was the color of a bravery soul. The door swung open away from where Frisk stood, revealing another hallway. As she looked through the opening she nearly got clocked by a second reanimated skeleton rushing towards her, the balled up skeletal fists glowing in the same orange as the floating soul in its chest.

            The only thing that saved Frisk was a sudden wave of instinct, her body dropping to the floor almost the instant she saw the skeletal fist coming at her face. Rolling to her side she sprang to her feet to face the abomination she was meant to defeat somehow. As she stood the skeleton charged forward once more, swinging one of its glowing fists trying to take her out. Frisk spun on her toes her arms in the air almost like she was in some dance, and that is when the solution came to her. Bravery rushed in, no concern for strategy or preservation, what she needed was to just keep dodging till the soul in the skeleton was depleted.

            While she was thinking Frisk was dancing away from the flying skeletal fists, each strike missing its mark as she leapt and spun away. She could hear the subtle shifts of Sans’ down the hall from where she fought, although now was not the time to be thinking about what was going through his skull as he watched her dance around the abomination she was facing. Her adversary leapt at her, its orange coated fists swinging out, one towards her face the other towards her stomach. Frisk bent her spine to the back, pressing her hands to the floor as she lifted her legs up and over in a controlled back flip. Her foot struck the fist that had been aimed at her stomach sending the skeleton foe off balance.

            “ya got this starshine, ya can do it.” Sans cheered Frisk on from where he stood farther down the hall where she had asked him to wait.

            Feeling a surge of determination Frisk kept moving, taking a leap in the air over the head of the skeletal abomination as it attempted to strike her legs out from under her. As she landed on her toes from her jump she spun in place on her toes her arms flung out to keep her balance as she turned to face her foe. Frisk was forced into another back bend to avoid taking an orange glowing skeletal fist to the face, her body moving almost on instinct. Twisting to the right from her back bend she pushed her feet against the chest of the skeleton to give herself a bit of space to breath.

            The movements of the abomination had begun to slow, its strikes seemed to be flying at Frisk with less power as well. A quick glance at her foe told her the reason for the slow down, the soul at the center of the skeletons chest was getting weaker. The once bright orange glow had dimmed, the color shifting to a softer almost yellow orange. Just a bit longer, Frisk could feel it she just had to keep dodging for a bit longer, she could do this.

            The sound of rattling bones echoed through the hall, Frisk was not sure if it was from her skeletal foe or from the skeleton monster that watched her fight with concern in his eye lights. All she knew was that she had to keep moving, a magic coated fist swing at her face again. The abomination had stopped aiming for anything but her face at this point, allowing her to simply bend her body from side to side as the animated skeleton swung its boney fists over and over. As she dodged Frisk noticed that it seemed that the strikes were coming from lower and lower, like the reanimated mage was sinking. A glance down after dodging another strike and she saw that was close to the case, the skeleton had started to drop down to its knees.

            “looks like it’s goin’ down starshine, just a bit more and ya should have it knocked out.” Sans shouted, there was a clear sound of relief in his tone as he could tell the fight was drawing to a close.

            “I think you might be right Sans, look at the soul, it is getting weaker by the minute.” Frisk allowed herself a moment to holler back at her mate to be, she knew this was not easy for him. if the roles had been reversed she could not have had the strength to let him fight these challenges on his own.

            Her momentary distraction cost her a bit however, Frisk missed her chance to dodge one of the blows. The glowing magically incased skeletal fist connected with her right temple, her vision filled with stares as the strike caused her to feel like her head was about to explode. She could hear Sans gasp and take a shuffling step towards where she had collapsed to one knee, her raised hand stopping him in his tracks.

            “Don’t, I need to concentrate on this thing. Don’t need to take another blow like that one.” Frisk shook her head attempting to clear her vision from the silver tracer lines that sparked through her line of sight.

            With a heavy breath Frisk pushed herself to her feet again, narrowly dodging another blow that came flying at her face once again. This one was on the left side and she felt herself dodge to the right to avoid the incoming strike, the wind from the punch blowing her chestnut hear from her sweat soaked face. another glance showed Frisk that the abomination had lost most of its soul power, the orange glow completely gone from the floating heart that rested in its cavernous rib cage. What remained of the soul was now a washed out white glow, each attempted strike causing the soft glow to dim bit by bit.

            After another strike, the abomination had been reduced to laying on the floor of the hall, the soul in its chest having lost so much that it was now transparent. Frisk knelt beside the abomination, placing her hand against the scapula as she sent a wave of calming cobalt blue magic through the bones. With that magic the soul in the skeletons chest shattered, the bones lay lifeless once and for all on the floor in front of her. It was over, the second challenge was done. The demise of her second foe sent a shiver of magic pulsing through the barrier causing the first real change to it that she had noticed, She could sense that the magic of the barrier had weakened.

            “It’s safe now Sans, you can come up here. That’s two down five more to go.” Frisk plopped down on her butt right there in the middle of the hall as Sans walked up, crouching down to take a look at the bruise that was blooming on the right side of her face.

            “ya okay starshine? that looks like it kind of hurts.” Sans gently placed the tips of his boney fingers on the swelling skin that was shifting to a deep purple color. Unable to conceal the concern in his voice as he pulsed a wave of green healing magic attempting to take away some of the pain that he knew Frisk must be feeling.

            “Yeah I’ll be fine Sugarskull, just remind me not to let a magically charged skeleton clock me in the face again any time soon.” Frisk chuckled ruefully as she turned her face to place a tender kiss on Sans boney palm. The contrast between his living bones and the reanimated skeletons dead human bones a stark reminder that while he was a skeleton he was not like the one that resided in her own body.

            “please try not to scare me like that again starshine, almost felt like my soul was about to shatter when that thing hit ya.” Sans wrapped his arms around Frisk in a tender embrace, his chin resting on top of her head as he held her close to his soul. he needed the reassurance that she was okay, that she hadn’t lost the fight as he feared when that thing hit her.

            “Pfft Sans you know it wasn’t exactly my plan for that thing to hit me… honestly I was more worried that it landing a blow would cause you to come rushing up to save me… I don’t know for sure, but I have an idea that your magic would agitate these things beyond a frenzy.” Frisk snuggled into Sans’ chest, taking solace in the feel of his soul thrumming behind his ribs.

            “ya got any idea what the next one is goin’ to be? So far ya faced determination and now bravery… what do ya think is next?” Sans closed his sockets as he held Frisk, the slow rise and fall of her breathing soothing his troubled soul.

            “I’m not sure… could be any of the five remaining soul traits… I guess we will know when we find the third door and see what the rune is.” Frisk didn’t want to move yet, the feel of being wrapped in Sans arms helping her relax after spending heaven knows how long dodging around like some deranged ballerina. Her muscles had started to protest her movements after a while, just sitting there in her skeletons arms felt like heaven at the moment.

            The desire to press on, to continue the fight, was something that was not in the forefront of Sans or Frisk’s minds at that moment. All either one of them wanted for the time being was some peace to recover from the fight, Frisk from the physical exertion, Sans from the mental and emotional turmoil of watching the woman he loved face off against that abomination. Frisk was content to let Sans hold her, it was something that was helping both of them. Even though her pain and exhaustion she sent gentle waves of her magic through them both, healing her bruise and soothing her tired muscles, and helping Sans relax from the stress of watching the fight.

            “I hate to think about what our families are thinking right now… we have been in here for hours walking to get this far… and there are five more to face. I hate that they are probably worried sick about us.” Frisk nuzzled her face against Sans’ chest as she spoke, her words slightly muffled.

            “yeah… paps probably driving them all up a wall by now if our dads let everyone know what happened with us getting locked in here.” Sans ran his boney fingers over Frisk’s spine letting them dip and raise along the bones beneath her skin and muscle.”

            “WE NEED TO GET MY BROTHER AND THE PRINCESS OUT OF THERE IMMEDIATELY.” Papyrus decreed as he paced the hall by the barrier, his eye lights trained on the spot that Gaster and Asgore said the door had been.

            “Papyrus I do not know how we could even come close to opening that door again… Frisk is the one that opened it the first time and when she did there was that thing shambling out to fight her.” Gaster pointed to the skeleton propped by the barrier as he spoke.

            “We all want to get them out of there, although I do not know a way to go about it.” Asgore placed his large paw like hand on Papyrus’ shoulder.

            “Young skeleton I am sure that they will be fine, Frisk is strong, so is Sans, they will get out of this and be just fine.” Toriel said, trying to hide her own trepidation over the situation.

            “Hey, Frisk is strong, she is determined, she is going to beat this thing and be back with us in no time.” Chara boasted, her own determination showing through her red gold eyes.

            “I didn’t believe in Frisk before… it was a mistake and made me miss out on time with my family… I’m not about to do that again, I know she will come out of this and the barrier will fall.” Asriel said as he picked at the claws on one of his paw like hands.

            “BUT THEY HAVE BEEN IN THERE FOR SO LONG… HOW DO WE KNOW THAT THEY WILL COME OUT SAFE?” Papyrus wined stomping his foot in frustration, his normally boisterous attitude falling as his worry took hold of him.

            “We have to believe in them son… I know that it is difficult since we cannot see what is going on with them… but there is nothing that we can do for them right now.” Gaster placed his boney hand on Papyrus’ arm as he spoke, the hole in his palm showing the younger skeletons own bones.

            The time ticked by the monsters gathered waiting for Frisk and Sans to come out victorious stayed in the barrier hall waiting. As they waited each face showed more and more worry, the only face that didn’t was Chara. Each passing hour caused Chara to show more and more determination that her sister and the skeleton monster with her would come out safely. She didn’t know exactly how, although she did know her sister and the determination in her soul. She had been with Frisk for all her life, and Chara knew that her sister could do anything she put her mind to.

            Once they had placed the second skeleton against the wall closest to the barrier Frisk started walking through the next door, Sans quickly catching up and placing his arm around her shoulders. The second section of hall was very much like the first, long boring, and quiet. Frisk continued her task of searching the walls for any sign of the next rune, her determination fueling her to continue her quest. The presence of Sans next her, his arm around her shoulders helped to bolster her and keep her spirits up as they continued their trek to the next door.

            “ya know starshine this would be so much faster if I just shortcut us down the hall in jumps.” Sans offered again, he could feel that Frisk was still tired from the last fight. She had used a lot of energy dancing around the second skeleton, a lot of magic fighting the first skeleton, she had to be getting close to the end of her energy reserves.

            “I don’t think that is a good idea Sans, I don’t want to trigger anything by having your magic bouncing around, not to mention we may miss the rune… I know the last two have been right on the door… however I don’t know if that will hold.” Frisk said, knowing that Sans was getting concerned with how much energy she was using.

            “yeah ya said that already starshine, just don’t want ya completely exhausted before the next fight… we still have five more and ya already used a lot of energy fightin’ the first two.” Sans eyed Frisk as they continued to walk, his concern mounting.

            “Would you feel better if we took a nap Sans? I know I have enough energy to finish this… I can feel it in my soul that I am equal to this challenge.” Frisk turned her head to watch Sans’ reaction.

            “nah, if ya say you can keep goin’ then we keep goin’… just want to be sure ya are okay starshine.” Sans hated this, he hated feeling like he couldn’t really do anything to help the woman that he loved. It wasn’t something that he was used to, this sense of being beyond useless.

            “You want to tell me what is really bothering you Sans? I can tell this isn’t easy on you… I’m sorry that you got stuck in here with me.” Frisk hung her head, the feeling of failing the skeleton she loved a living thing inside her chest.

            “just wish there were more I could do for ya than bein’ here for ya… I could heal that bruise some more for ya starshine… if ya think it is safe for me to use some of my magic that is.” Sans reached his free hand up to the yellowing purple bruise on her temple, wincing when he felt the heat coming from the wound.

            “Would that really help you feel better Sans? We are far enough away from the next door I think that it should be fine for you to use some magic… I just want you to be sure to save enough magic that if you need to get out of here you can.” Frisk stopped walking, turning to face Sans and meet his eye lights with her own steady gaze.

            “yeah at least then I wouldn’t feel so useless… feels like there ain’t nothin’ I can really do for ya to make this thing easier.” Sans fidgeted where he stood, the feeling of frustration rolling through his soul.

            “Okay Sugarskull, go ahead and do what you can for the bruise. You know you are not useless to me in any way, you just being here helps a lot honestly… it gives me energy to be near you, it fuels my determination to have the tangible embodiment of the reason I need to break this barrier walking beside me through this hall.” Frisk smiled up at Sans with all the love she felt in her gold flecked hazel eyes.

            “then why does it feel like I ain’t doin’ nothin’ but walkin’ with ya?” Sans pressed his skeletal palm to Frisk’s temple letting the magic of his soul flow through his bones, his love and concern for her coloring his cyan magic green with his healing intent. The bruise fading beneath his gentle touch as the magic flowed from him into the damaged tissues. “that feel better starshine?” Sans asked after a few moments, pulling his hand from where the bruise was. the purple had faded so it looked like the bruise had not happened less than an hour ago, it looked more like it was at least a week old and was almost healed.

            “Much better Sugarskull. Thank you, thank you for being here with me and for healing me.” Frisk pressed her soft pink lips to Sans teeth in a tender kiss, allowing her love and gratitude shine through the kiss. “I love you Sans.” She whispered as she broke the kiss, ready to continue on the trek to the next door to finish the quest they were on so she could take her skeleton as her mate.

            “love ya too starshine… thank ya for lettin’ me help ya.” Sans pressed his forehead to Frisk’s his hands splayed on her back as they stood for a few moments.

            “Let’s get this mission finished so we can get back home and have our ceremony and have our first night together.” Frisk smiled a gentle yet seductive smile as she pulled away heading down the hall towards where the next door should be.

Chapter Text

Chapter 27

Justice Tempered by Mercy

            The length of the hall began to wear on Frisk as she and Sans continued their trek, it felt like they had walked more in the time that they had been in the hall than should have been possible for the size of the mountain. How was this damn hall so long? Even if it wound its way all the way around Mt. Ebbot it shouldn’t be this long, should it? Frisk could feel a blister forming on her right heal as she walked, the pain in her feet growing with each step. Who would have thought the hardest part of the challenge of opening the barrier would be all the walking?

            Eyeing the way that Frisk was favoring her right foot Sans began to worry that she had been hurt more than the bruise in the last battle. Had she taken a hit on that leg when she was fighting? He didn’t remember seeing her take one, although it could have been the way she landed from one of the leaps that she made dodging the abomination. He didn’t want her to face the next fight while hurting so he pulled Frisk to a stop, turning her to face him.

            “starshine what’s goin’ on with your right leg? looks like you’re havin’ some trouble walkin’. Sans watched her face to see her reaction, his worry mounting as she fidgeted in place.

            “It’s nothing Sans I can keep going, it’s not like I can’t walk or anything.” Frisk looked down at her feet as she spoke, unable to meet Sans’ eye lights. She didn’t want him to insist on teleporting them through the hall.

            “okay starshine, I know you’re not tellin’ me the truth… so what is wrong with your leg? did that thing hit ya? did ya land wrong when ya fought it?” Sans grasped Frisk’s shoulders, his grip stronger than he intended due to his worry.

            “Fine I have a blister from all the damn walking… and before you ask again no we are not going to teleport through the hall, we are so close to the barrier that it could mess things up… let alone that it might end up triggering a trap or something.” Frisk snapped her gaze from her feet up to Sans’ eye lights, her brow furrowed in determination and frustration in equal measures.

            “a, what now? what the hell’s a blister?” Sans screwed up his face in confusion, he head tilting to the side. Frisk couldn’t help it, she burst out laughing at the lost look on his face at something as simple as a blister.

            “A blister Sugarskull… it’s a pocket between two layers of skin caused by friction, usually from walking a lot or repetitive rubbing of the same spot. My right shoe is rubbing my heal and caused the skin to form a blister. It isn’t a big deal just kind of hurts.” Frisk giggled as she saw his face shift from confusion to worry to understanding.

            “ya want me to heal it for ya starshine? with how much walkin’ we still go ahead of us it might be a good idea.” Sans offered, the worry had left his body, although he wasn’t too happy about letting her keep walking if it hurt her to do so.

            “If you want to I don’t see an issue with it, though if we keep having to walk it will probably happen again.” Frisk smiled up at Sans, his worry and concern for her warmed her heart.

            “okay sit down, ain’t goin’ to heal ya when you’re standin’ on the foot I need to heal.” Sans gently pressed on her shoulders to get her to sit on the ground, dropping down to his own knees and reaching for her foot. He slipped her shoe and sock off once she was sitting, turning her bare foot from side to side to inspect the injury. He gently poked the bubble on her heal, checking to see exactly what the blister was.

            “Careful my foot is ticklish.” Frisk said as she squirmed when Sans brushed the arch of her foot with one of his boney fingers.

            “sorry starshine, heheh good to know where you’re ticklish at though.” Sans chuckled as he set to work on healing the fluid filled bubble on the back of Frisk’s foot, his magic taking on a green light as he let it flow into the small wound.

            “Thank you Sans, that feels much better.” Frisk flexed her foot, finding that not only had he healed the blister but also the tired bruised muscles of her foot. “You mind doing the muscles of the other foot?” A sheepish expression passing over her face as she graced Sans with a small smile and a blush.

            “heheh sure thing starshine, anythin’ to help ya get through this mess.” Sans reached for Frisk’s other foot, pulling the shoe and sock from it before bathing her tired muscles in a wave of green healing magic. “that better?” Sans pressed against the heal of her captured foot with his thump as he spoke.

            “Much better, thank you Sans. I know you want to be able to do more… I wish I could let you, although even this is more than I could hope for.” Frisk folded her legs under herself, reaching her arms out to Sans to draw him close to her.

            Moving closer to allow Frisk to capture him Sans snuggled up to her, his skull resting on her shoulder as he felt her wrap her arms around him. Allowing his own arms to wrap around her Sans felt his soul warm as her soul in her chest came closer to his. A feeling of peace washed through Sans while they held each other. Frisk moved her face to capture Sans’ teeth in a tender kiss, reaching up with one hand to cup his cheek bone in a tender caress.

            “should probably get movin’ starshine… sooner we get through the doors, sooner the barrier comes down right?” Sans helped Frisk to put her socks and shoes back on, raising to his own feet before pulling her to stand next to him.

            “Yeah better to get through this as fast as we can so we can get to enjoying life.” Frisk said as she continued to walk in the direction they had been heading, Sans swiftly catching up to her and looping his arm over her shoulders once more.

            Walking on Frisk continued to probe the walls with her magic, however she was starting to wonder if it was a wasted effort since the doors had each been blocking passage through the hallway. If that pattern continued they would come to the barricade knowing it instantly without having to use up magic to make the rune show. She could feel her shoulders slump as she realized she had been waiting her own magic in her zeal to find the runes to unlock the doors. Sensing her shift in mood Sans gave her shoulders a squeeze, breaching the silence.

            “ya doin’ okay starshine? seems like ya got somethin’ on your mind.” Sans asked as they continued walking through the stretching hallway.

            “I just realized I have probably been over expending my magic by searching for runes as we walk the hall… the doors have each blocked the hallway and the runes have been on the doors so searching the walls as we walk may be a waste.” Frisk’s tone was melancholy as she pulled her magic back letting it rest inside her.

            “ya feelin’ kind of drained starshine? if ya need we could take a rest to get some of your energy back.” Sans offered, his face contorted in a look of deep concern for Frisk.

            “No I’m still good, I can keep going for now. We need to get through this challenge.” Frisk felt her determination surge to the forefront, her soul pulsed softly in her chest as she grit her teeth pushing forward.

            “okay starshine, if ya need a break we can always take a rest.” Sans wasn’t sure what else he could do for Frisk, if only he could shortcut them out of the hall and get back in he would so he could get her some food and a proper bed for a nap.

            The hum of the barrier had lulled Chara to sleep, her dreams swirling in her brain as slumber had her in its warm embrace. In her dream she could see a ring of white that encircled the underground, the barrier humming alongside it. dotted along it where seven hearts, each one burned brightly with an ethereal light, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, cyan, and purple. As she watched the hearts she noticed that first the red one lost its light, crumbling into the ether.

            “WHAT DO YOU THINK PRINCESS CHARA IS DREAMING ABOUT DAD?” Papyrus leans over to Gaster, trying to avoid waking the sleeping goat woman.

            “I am unsure son, though it could be about what her sister is facing. That would make sense as she fell asleep while worried about her.” Gaster spoke softly, his mind churning with his own thoughts of what the human princess and his oldest son could be facing.

            “I MISS SANS… I HOPE THAT HE AND THE PRINCESS ARE GOING TO BE OKAY.” Papyrus said, his tone dripping with his worry.

            Chara shifted in her sleep, a small whimper passing her parted lips. It was clear to all of the monsters that whatever she was seeing in her dreams had her just as troubled as those that sleep would not claim. It had been hours since the door had closed behind Sans and Frisk, leaving them to face the challenges of the barrier on their own. Toriel fussed over everyone present, her mothering instinct was in full force as she worried about her youngest. Asgore paced around the barrier hall, his soul restless with worry for his friend and his adopted daughter. Asriel leaned against the wall, as far away from the skeleton of the human mage as he could get. That thing creeped him out, knowing his sister was facing heaven knows how many of those things had him on edge.

            In her dream Chara watched as Frisk fought the first skeleton, the one that was already defeated. She watched the spectral swords clash and dance, she watched as her sister summoned the barrier. When the skeleton in her dream fell she saw the first heart on the white border by the barrier vanished. After the skeleton fell Chara saw as Frisk and Sans walked through a seemingly endless hall till they came to a second door, the second battle caused her soul to pound in her chest. Watching her soul sister dance around the vicious foe eliciting a whimper from her throat. When the second skeleton fell in her dream a flash of the white circle with the orange heart vanishing flashed before her mind’s eye. As she dreamed Chara watched Frisk fight five more skeletons, each one draining her of her energy, each one coming closer and closer to stopping her determined soul sister as she tiered from the constant walking and battles. Without realizing it Chara sunk deeper into sleep, her own magic and energy reaching out to Frisk offering her soul sister comfort and power.

            A sudden surge of energy filled Frisk as she walked, the feeling warm and familiar. Chara… was her sister somehow sending her power for the battles to come? Theoretically it was possible since Chara had a shard of Frisk’s own soul buried within her own. That connection could allow for the transfer of magic and power, however Frisk was not sure if it could be done over such a distance. The puzzle had her distracted as she walked, Sans arm warm over her shoulders giving her a sense of comfort. Without realizing it Frisk and Sans had nearly reached the third door, Sans saw it before Frisk and pulled her to a stop.

            “What? Why are we stopping?” Frisk inquired as she looked around, her gaze locking on the door that lay about twenty feet away from where they stood. “Oh… guess we found the third door.” Frisk smiled, embarrassed that she had let her mind wander so much she almost walked them right into it.

            “heheh yeah… ya may have walked right into it. what’s got ya so distracted starshine? ya sure ya don’t want to take a nap before we open that door?” It was clear that Sans was very concerned about Frisk’s welfare.

            “No I’m actually full of energy right now… I was distracted thinking about why. As we were walking I felt a surge of power, it felt like Chara was still attached to my soul and gave me some of her strength.” Frisk could still feel that strange connection pulsing along her soul.

            “ya sure about that starshine, it ain’t normal to get power from another. humans and monsters also have a hard time sharing energy even up close, let alone over a distance.” Sans furrowed his brow, his eye lights locked on Frisk’s face as he spoke.

            “Yeah I know though Chara is a bit of a unique case in that she does have a part of my soul inside of her own.” Frisk reminded Sans of the connection that her and Chara shared.

            “ya know that may be it, though the distance thing is a bit strange.” Sans replied, his eye lights going distant as he thought about the puzzle. His keen mind working on the puzzle set before him.

            “You stay here, I’m going to go see if I can open the door while I have the extra energy.” Frisk pressed her lips to Sans’ cheek bone in a tender kiss before walking towards the waiting door.

            Allowing her magic to flair, Frisk pulsed her energy into the door. She shifted her magic frequency, on a hunch she decided that the next challenge may be the justice soul, so she tried that spectrum first. Her hunch was rewarded when the rune on the door flared to life, the yellow outline showing a rune that was a vertical line with two bent lines from the top and the bottom the top looking like a shallow v the bottom looking like its inverted twin. With some thought Frisk realized that it was the rune for primal law, the perfect representation of justice.

            Her magic pulsing against the rune caused the door to click open, the barricade swinging away from her. As she watched Frisk saw another reanimated skeleton walk from the doorway, this one held two spectral shimmering yellow pistols. One held in each of its skeletal hands, both raising up to face her. Before she could think any further a resounding crack shattered the silence of the hallway, her instincts kicking in as she summoned a quick barrier to prevent the soul formed bullet from striking her. What she had not expected was that the barrier did nothing to stop it, the strike shattered through her mind, white hot pain blooming from her left shoulder as one of the bullets found its mark.

            Blood flowed down Frisks arm as the pain shocked through her system, her mind going numb as the abomination took aim once more. Flinching Frisk let the barrier drop, knowing that it wouldn’t stop the incoming attack. Her mind kicking into gear she thought of another way of blocking the bullets from hitting her, a shield, she needed a shield. With a torrent of magic Frisk called for a glowing green shield just in time to block the incoming assault.

            Growling low in his chest Sans fought against every instinct he had, he soul throbbing in pain watching Frisk be injured yet again by one of these abominations. He didn’t know how much more of this he could take, he soulmate was fighting for the freedom of the monsters and all he could do was stand there and watch. Patch her up when she was hurt, and watch it unfold. Each attack that came at Frisk made his soul feel like it was going to shatter, each time he watched one of the reanimated skeletons come at her was agony for him.

            Frisk held the shield steady as the justice soul continued to shoot volley after volley of glowing yellow bullets from its spectral pistols. She could feel each hit in her soul as the blood continued to drip from the wound in her shoulder, her shield flashed and sparked with each impact. The only blessing in this fight was that she wasn’t having to dance around, the monstrosity that was attacking her had not moved from the spot it first fired from. She couldn’t attack it she could only block the incoming hail of bullets with the glowing green shield that she held in front of herself with her outstretched right arm.

            “hang in there starshine, ya can do this.” Sans shouted to Frisk, fueling her determination to keep going.

            The surge Frisk got form Sans cheering her on helped her to push more magic into her shield, although she could feel her head start to spin from the steady drip of blood that had started to puddle by her feet. She would have to risk the expenditure of some magic to stop the bleeding, if she didn’t she was sure she would pass out from blood loss. Sending a spark spiraling to her shoulder Frisk hissed in through her teeth as her own magic burned through her shoulder, the bleeding slowing to a stop from her minor healing efforts.

            Watching Frisk noticed that each bullet that was fired at her caused the yellow soul to dim bit by bit. How many bullets could that thing fire before it was out of power? how long could she hold this shield before her own magic drained away from her? As she began to feel her energy wain, she could feel her shield begin to slip. Her arm felt like lead from holding it out for so long, although she could see that the brilliant yellow of the soul that was behind the abominations ribcage had faded. There was now just the smallest dusting of yellow to the soul, the glow from it dimming with each fired bullet. It was a fight to keep her eyes open, how long had she been standing here with her shield taking impact after impact? Snapping too Frisk realized her head had started to dip to her chest as the fatigue began to pull at her, her eyes snapping to the skeleton that continued to fire at her.

            Sans saw the struggle that Frisk was facing, the exhaustion was weighing heavily on her from this fight. How long had it been since she last slept? They had woken up in each other’s arms in her bed at the palace that morning, from there they had bounced all over the underground making preparations for lunch with their families, the introduction ball, the coronation, and the ceremony. The ceremony that from how long they had been walking should have taken place hours ago. He could feel his own energy draining from all the shortcuts, not to mention pulling Gaster from the void. Frisk had done some powerful magic during that rescue, she had to be reaching the end of her strength by now. He was going to have to put his boney foot down and make the woman take a nap after this one if she didn’t agree.

            After her head almost hit her chest again Frisk knew she wasn’t going to last much longer, she could only hope that the abomination was almost out of power too at this point. Her eyes felt like they were on fire, her lids like sandpaper, each blink making it harder to open her eyes again. Shaking her head to clear the fatigue from her mind Frisk squinted her eyes past her green shield, her heart jumped when she noticed that the abomination had dropped down to one knee. It only had enough energy to keep one pistol summoned at this point, the sound of its bones clicking together as it shook was music to her ears. This fight was almost over, she could do this, she was determination, she could keep going long enough to outlast this fight.

            A few more shots later and the second pistol vanished from the skeletons boney fist, a shudder running through it as the soul housed in its boney chest shattered. The clatter of it falling to the floor of the hall echoed through the hallway, its energy spent. Frisk let her arm drop, her shield shattering before her fingers brushed against her thigh. Her knees gave out sending her crashing towards the floor, though the impact never came. She found herself caught in the strong embrace of her soulmate, Sans held her close as he slowly lowered the two of them to the floor of the hall.

            “careful there starshine, easy now. I think it’s time ya got some rest.” Sans held Frisk close to him, his whole body shaking from the fear he felt from almost losing her. Without a thought he send his magic to her injured shoulder, pulling the wound fully closed.

            “I’m sorry Sans, I’m so sorry. I know I worried you, you were right. I probably should have rested before the fight. Will you hold me for a while?” Frisk mumbled, her eye lids drooping as her lashes fluttered.

            “ya know I’ll hold ya as long as ya need starshine, get some rest.” Sans held Frisk to his chest pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. She was out cold within less than a minute, the exhaustion pulling her under the gentle embrace of sleep. He shifted her to lay down, pulling his hoodie off and covering her with it as best he could. pillowing her head on him as he padded his bones with a gentle hum of magic so she could sleep comfortably.

            Floating, Frisk felt like she was floating in a sea of puffy white clouds. There was a gentle hum washing over her, her mind going blank. As sleep claimed her she was pulled to another time and place, her gaze landing on the figure of Chara, her soul sister, sitting and watching what looked like a map of the underground. Frisk didn’t know what was going on, was she dreaming? Or had she been pulled to another place before she drifted off.

            “Chara? Is that you? What are you doing here?” Frisk stepped through a white haze of fog towards where her sister sat, the goat woman lifting her head to lock her red gold gaze on the sister of her soul.

            “Frisk… you… how are you here? Wait… I was sitting by the barrier and was feeling sleepy… my eyes got heavy and the next thing I knew I was here. I could see this map and then I saw flashes of you fighting those abominations… I couldn’t stand to see you fight so hard, your magic draining over time… I pushed with all my will, all my determination, wishing for you to have more power. I fell asleep didn’t it?” Chara babbled, her furry cheeks dusting with a pale pink hue.

            “I think we both are… I was fighting the third guardian of the barrier… I got hit… and between the blood I loss, and not sleeping for so long… I collapsed once the battle was over… I was in Sans’ arms and my eyes felt like they might never open again if I closed them… and then I was floating and now I’m here with you.” Frisk chewed on her bottom lip, her mind spinning.

            “Wait how is this possible… how are we sharing a dream?” Chara was trying to wrap her head around what was going on.

            “It may have something to do with your soul Chara, there is a small shard of my soul that will always be imbedded in your own soul… it links us, even if we don’t share a body any longer. I think that link is letting us share this dream, I think that is also how I got a surge of energy before that last fight. I don’t know exactly how it works but logically it makes sense that we will always have a connection.” Frisk strode forward, her steps causing a strange echo in the area that they were in. Chara still looked confused as she watched come and plop down beside her, Frisk’s eyes trained on the mob that Chara had been studying.

            “Is this something we will always be able to do? Could we have done this before now? Why is it happening right now?” Chara let her questions spill from her muzzle, her gaze piercing Frisk with her curiosity.

            “I think we have always had the connection, I believe that we always will have this connection. As to why it is happening right now… were you thinking about me when you fell asleep?” Frisk probed her sister gently, her mind coming up with possible reasons for why this connection was showing itself at this exact time.

            “Of corse I was thinking about you Frisk, we are all worried sick about you and Sans. One minute you had beet down the skeleton that is still sitting by the barrier and the next you and Sans are down the hall, and the door is closed behind you. no one can get to you, no one knows what is going on. Everyone is camped out in the barrier hall right now, each one trying to cope with this in their own way. Mom is driving everyone up a wall fussing over them like a mother hen, Dad is going between pacing like a dog on a leash and gazing off into space. Azzy is brooding silently and snipping at mom every time she fusses over him. Papyrus is probably the worst off, yes his dad is here now however he has had only Sans for so long it’s like his soul could shatter at any moment. Gaster… he is a strange one, he is trying to be there for Papyrus. However you can see in his eye lights that he is fascinated by the skeleton that you beet, the curiosity in him is so strong I’m kind of afraid that he is going to try something stupid.” Frisk watched as Chara described the situation that had been left behind by her and Sans, feeling a bit concerned by how strongly the monsters were taking her absence.

            “Well this connection we have going on may be able to help everyone relax some… at least you can let them know that we are okay, Sans is frustrated that I won’t let him do more than the odd bit of healing though.” Frisk felt bad for her skeleton, she knew if the roles had been reversed she would not have the strength to allow him to fight alone.

            “Yeah guess my new job is napping while waiting for progress reports so I can let the others know how things are going.” Chara said, her tone going sullen with a hint of her wry sense of humor showing through.

            “Hey at least you can send a bit of the extra energy to me through our connection if you end up with too much.” Frisk giggled at Chara’s sour expression over being relegated to a battery and a phone.

            “Really Frisk… ugh. So since I’m playing telephone for the time being you may as well let me know what the situation is. What have you and your skelly been doing?” Chara smiled the blush that spread across Frisk’s face at her teasing.

            “I wish it were more along the lines of what you are suggesting… honestly we have been walking… a lot. If I had to guess we have walked something like twelve miles by now. Asgore saw me face down the first skeleton, that one wasn’t much of a challenge once I realized that I just had to wait it out. the second one was a bravery soul… I ended up having to use muscles I forgot I even had evading that one. Sans was no pleased that I managed to get clocked in the side of the face either… not sure if the bruise is still visible or not considering Sans healed it. The one I just finished off was justice… I sort of made a mistake in facing it… I thought a barrier would be enough to block the soul bullets that it was firing at me and got hit in my shoulder. Right now I think I’m snuggled in Sans arms sleeping… I lost a lot of blood.” Frisk didn’t want to worry Chara, however she also didn’t want to like to her sister.

            “I can tell your soul is still strong, I think Sans may be healing you as you sleep… hope that guy doesn’t end up using too much magic.” Chara could tell that Frisk was going to be okay, that she just needed some rest.

            “I hate to slow down the pace that we are going but I think to set everyone at ease I will take a nap… come here and meet with you and give you an update on how we are doing… wish I would have thought to bring food though, but I wasn’t really planning on getting stuck in the hallway.” Frisk rubbed at the back of her neck, feeling the tension of her muscles under her fingertips.

            “So I guess I’ll wake up once you leave the dream, let everyone know that you aren’t dead. What should I tell Papyrus? I don’t want to worry him more than he already is.” Chara asked, her mind drifting to the distraught skeleton.

            “You can let him know that Sans is doing well, frustrated that I won’t let him fight though.” Frisk smiled at the goat woman that was the sister of her soul.

            “Okay, Frisk just come back to us. I don’t think any of us would do too well if we lost you… and make sure Sans doesn’t do something stupid while you guys are saving everyone.” Chara giggled picturing Sans sticking his nonexistent nose in when he shouldn’t.

            “Thank you Chara, you are the best sister I could ever ask for.” Frisk reached forward pulling Chara to her for a hug.

            The world faded as Frisk stepped back through the mists of slumber, her mind going blank as she began to stir in her sleep. With a shuddering breath she felt her lashes flutter against her cheeks, feeling warm and safe. With a groaning stretch Frisk realized that her head was pillowed on something that was humming softly, her body covered in the warm fabric of Sans’ hoodie. As her mind started to prosses the world around her she found herself still in the barrier hallway, curled on her side, a skeletal arm draped across her waist another poking out in front of her from where her head rested. Her brain catching up to what was going on she realized that the hum in her ear was from Sans’ magic, the soft cushion of it against her head was sweet. She smiled to herself as she thought about how caring it was of Sans to expend the energy to give her a cushion between her head and his bones, although if she remembered when they had slept in her bed he hadn’t done so, and she found sleeping on him to be surprisingly comfortable.

            “ya feelin’ better starshine?” Frisk could feel Sans voice reverberating against her back as he spoke, his breath stirring her hair.

            “Yeah, ran into Chara while I was sleeping.” Frisk snuggled back against Sans, not quite ready to shift from the comfort of his arms.

            “yeah? what did ya two girls talk about?” Sans’ chuckle rumbled through his chest.

            “Everyone is in the barrier hall… they are waiting for us to get out of here… everyone is worried sick. Chara is going to play go between and meet me in the dreams so she can let everyone know that we are doing okay still.” Frisk shifted her body turning over to face Sans. “I hate that everyone is so worried about us, that we are putting them through this pain.” Frisk pressed her face into Sans neck, feeling tears trickle down her face to land on his collar.

Chapter Text

Chapter 28

Kindness Falls

            “breathe starshine, we will get through this. Everyone will see us soon and the barrier will be down, we can go to the surface whenever ya want.” Sans held Frisk close to his chest, his boney hand rubbing her back as she cried out all of her pain and sorrow into his shirt.

            “It isn’t that I’m afraid that we won’t make it through this… I just… I’m afraid of letting our families down… O-of letting the monsters down… It’s just overwhelming that they are waiting for us to get out of here… It isn’t fair that Chara is stuck basically napping all day just so she can help everyone worry just a little bit less.” Sobs shake Frisk’s beaten shoulders as she pressed her tear streaked face deeper into Sans’ chest.

            “shh ya ain’t got to worry about that starshine… chara knows what she is doin’, and she loves ya and the rest of your family… ain’t no way she is goin’ to let them sit there and worry if there is some way to help them feel better. ya ain’t lettin’ no one down frisk… do ya realize just how much ya already did for the underground? ya brought back chara and asriel, ya brought back hope to the monsters that there is a future for them.” Holding Frisk close Sans keeps rubbing her back, wanting to let her know even in some small way that she was going to be okay, even if it seems hopeless.

            “I don’t deserve her help… I was stupid to not think the door might lock us in this gods forsaken hallway… I should have realized that there was more to the barrier than just simply tuning my magic and a few items near the exit… I’m supposed to be the smart one, the one that can figure anything out. All I did was get us trapped in here with no food, no water, nothing to set up a camp along the way. Hell the only reason we have any way of letting everyone know what is going on in here is because of some strange connection that I still have with Chara. A connection that I didn’t even realize might be a possibility when I did the magic to bring her back, although I should have realized that it could happen. Hell for all I know you might have the same connection with Asriel because of how we made his soul.” As she spoke Frisk was working herself up into a complete meltdown, her emotions running high as her magic responded. The power sparking around her causing her hair to lift as shivers of magic crackled around her like tiny starbursts.

            Complete shock flowed through Sans like a tidal wave at the revelation that Frisk had so much bottled up inside of her, so much pain, so much doubt. He wasn’t sure how he could even hope to make all of that doubt and pain go away, or even make it more bearable for her. The only thing that he could manage to think of in that moment was to keep his arms wrapped around her, holding her to his chest while her wild magic sparked against his bones. It wasn’t the most comfortable thing he had ever done, feeling another’s magic that intimately was never exactly normal, however with her magic being on the verge of going out of control it was almost painful for Sans to keep his hold on Frisk as she continued to shake and sob. While he held Frisk his mind drifted to ponder her last words about Asriel, could he really have some connection to the prince? What would a connection like that even mean?

            “I’m sorry Sans, so, so very sorry… I should never have dragged you into all this.” The wild magic that was sparking around Frisk was settling down slowly, her sobs dying down bit by bit.

            “ya ain’t got nothin’ ya need to be sorry for starshine.” Sans said softly as he pressed his teeth to Frisk’s forehead in a tender kiss, his boney hands gently massaging Frisk’s tense shoulders trying his best to help sooth her further, it’s slow but she becomes sleepy as they talk.

            “Yes I do… you never liked Asriel when he was Flowey… and then I had you help me make that soul…and now you might be tied to him the same way that I will always be tied to Chara.” Frisk buried her face in Sans chest, her words muffled by his tear stained shirt.

            “starshine even if there is a connection ya didn’t know that it would happen, even knowin’ that it is a possibility i wouldn’t change my choice to help ya make that soul. because of that soul we have the prince back, even if I didn’t like the weed, the prince is just fine by me and I don’t mind if there is a connection.” The tone of certainty in Sans’ voice was like a balm on Frisk’s soul, her shoulders stilling as she sniffled, and her tears subsided.

            “We really should get moving… I can take another nap after the next one since I need to let Chara know how we are doing.” Frisk pulled herself from Sans’ arms, pushing to her feet unsteadily.

            “careful starshine.” Sans stands up quickly, reaching out to steady Frisk with concern pained over his face.

            “I’m okay just stood up too fast I think.” Frisk shook her head to get the room to stop spinning, her chestnut hair falling into her face.

            “maybe we should rest a bit longer frisk, ya used a lot of energy cryin’, not to mention all the magic ya had sparkin’ around ya… didn’t even know ya had that much magic in ya.” Sans said as he moved to wrap Frisk in his arms.

            “Really? I didn’t even realize I was using any magic.” Frisk said, worry in her voice that she had lost so much control, could her soul do that?

            “yeah starshine, your emotions control your magic… and ya kind of lost control of them. it ain’t too big a deal… we all lose control sometimes… even me.” Sans tried to reassure Frisk, his boney hand smoothing over her hair as he spoke, moving hair out her eyes.

            “Yeah… though we still need to keep moving… it is bad enough we have been at this as long as we have, and I know we have four more to go.” Frisk went to pull from Sans’ arms again, only to be pulled back against him.

            “nah, you’re goin’ to snuggle back up and get some more rest. if ya run into chara again just tell her I made ya get some more rest.” Sans chuckled at Frisk’s indignant expression as he pulled her back down to the floor snuggling her against his chest as he used his magic to cushion his bones for her again, dragging his hoodie over her once more.

            “Sans… we can’t just keep sleeping… we need to get out of here, sooner rather than later would be nice.” Frisk huffed, clearly not making any headway with convincing him that she didn’t need more rest. Dang it.

            “ya got this starshine, but ya need rest to get back the energy ya used… so nap time. now close your eyes and get some rest.” Sans had one arm under Frisks head, the other he had around her waist holding her close to him.

            “I’m not going to win this one am I?” Frisk sighed heavily, the feeling of exhaustion catching up to her as she was snuggled up to Sans, the warmth of his magic enveloping her like a blanket.

            “nope, just get some rest and we can keep goin’… don’t want to risk ya gettin’ hurt again.” Sans said, his voice had gone husky and just above a whisper.

            The warmth and Sans’ arm around her lulled Frisk into slumber if she dreamed anything she didn’t really remember. Sans on the other hand did dream, his mind decided that it would torture him as he slept. In his dream Sans was treated to constant visions of the fights that Frisk had while he was forced to watch as she got hurt over and over. First he saw her getting wailed on by the bravery skeleton over and over, taking blows to her face and body over and over till she was bloody and broken. That was followed by watching the justice skeleton shoot her over and over, filling her with holes that seeped blood that pooled at her feet before she fell in a crumpled heap of blood and carnage. Visions of kindness bashing her over and over with a shield till she was a tattered mess, then integrity dancing around kicking her in her over and over with pointed toes as she tried to remain standing, only to fail and collapse in a mass of bruises, then patience slowly hitting her over and over taking its time to break her down to nothing, then perseverance outshining her determination, throwing paper stars at her, cutting her down again and again.

            Panting for breath, magic coating his bones, and his sockets black and blank, Sans finally pulled himself from the painful dream. His soul pounding in his chest as he couldn’t catch his breath, he held Frisk closer to him as she slumbered. He had to run his boney hands over her, checking to see if there was any damage to her before his soul would calm to the point that it no longer felt like it would crack through his ribs. What the literal fuck? The only nightmares he had ever had before, had been about the resets. About the times that he fought against Flowey, or the demonic version of Frisk that never existed for him. what was this new hell that his mind decided to visit upon him?

            “You okay Sans?” Frisk turned in Sans’ arms to face him, her voice thick with sleep still as well as her obvious concern for her skeleton.

            “y-yeah starshine… I am now.” Sans buried his face in the crook of Frisk’s neck, his body trembling so bad that she could hear the rattling of his bones.

            “You don’t seem okay… what’s wrong? Did you have a nightmare again?” Frisk asked, her hands stroking Sans’ skull and back softly in her worry.

            “yeah… nightmare… bad one.” Sans shuddered as his voice was muffled in Frisk’s neck, barely able to get the words out.

            “It’s okay Sans, it was only a dream, it wasn’t real.” Frisk soothed as she held Sans close to her, worried that he was so out of it that he could hardly get his words out.

            “yeah… just… I really hate lettin’ ya fight these things… not bein’ able to help ya.” The frustration and pain was clear in Sans voice, Frisk could feel dampness on her neck where he had his face.

            “Is that what the nightmare was about? Me facing the skeleton things?” Frisk asked as she wondered what the dampness was, was Sans crying?

            “kind of… I saw them beatin’ ya down, leavin’ ya broken and gone.” The pain in Sans voice nearly broke Frisk’s heart, she knew if she had dreamed anything like that about Sans she would have been in a similar state of distress.

            “It didn’t happen Sans, I’m right here and I’m perfectly fine. We have four more and we will be back with our families and the barrier will be broken. Nothing is going to beat me, I might get a few dings, but I’m determined to make you my mate and I can’t do that if I’m broken and bloody and gone.” Frisk soothed Sans, her tone betraying the steel in her resolve to win.

            “I know you’re strong starshine… more than strong. stars you’re so strong it’s kind of scary. I just… can’t stand the idea of loosin’ ya.” Sans was slowly calming down his beating soul under Frisk’s touch, her determination like a steadying rock wild and destructive in the sea of his emotions.

            “Let’s get moving Sans, the longer we stay sitting here the worse things are going to be. At least if we keep moving we are getting closer to breaking the barrier and getting home to our families.” Frisk squeezed Sans in a tight hug, raising to her feet and pulling him up afterward.

            “yeah, don’t know how much more of this I can take.” Sans groused, still not feeling up to watching her have to fight again. Although he had to admit finishing this crazy quest they found themselves on and getting home sounded nice.

            The hallway was much the same as the section before, it continued on and on, nothing but walls and a floor. Frisk had stopped using her magic trying to find a rune while walking, realizing what a waist that had really been. After walking for several miles Frisk could see that they were approaching the next door, it looked just like the ones that had come before it. A simple white wall across the hallway, blocking them from going farther. When they were about twenty feet from the door Frisk signaled for Sans to stay and wait for her to finish the fight. Approaching the obstruction to her path Frisk began to pulse her magic into the wall, shifting the frequency to elicit the rune to come forth. Her magic still buzzing from using her shield it was the first frequency she used, the run buzzing to life almost instantly. This one was simple two lines crossing in the shape of an x, she knew this one well as she had used it herself in the past. It was the rune for divine protection, fitting for kindness.

            The door swung away from her, just as the other three had done before. Frisk held her breath wondering what this skeleton would be like, kindness was not something that was often used as a weapon. Green magic was for healing, for shields, she didn’t know how one could use it to fight offensively. What she was not expecting was for the reanimated skeleton to step through the door sedately, bending at its waist in what could have been a bow. Cocking her head to the side Frisk was not sure what to think about this one, was it going to attack her like the others? Or was it allowing her to make the first move? Standing there she decided to try bowing to the skeleton with the green soul hovering in its ribcage. After all honor in battle was not entirely misplaced since these mages were from ancient times anyway.

            Once Frisk stood from her bow the abomination summoned two green glowing frying pans to its skeletal hands, crouching down into a fighting stance. Seeing the stance all she could think to do was crouch herself, ready to block whatever it sent at her. The reanimated mage came swinging at her with one of the frying pans as Frisk barely dodged it. Now she knew that it would fight her, but how to counter its magic? She knew that she couldn’t actually hit the skeleton, her soul was telling her that was not the way. Dodging another swing of a frying pan that almost hit her in the head, it came to her, she had to parry the blows. But with what?

            “nice dodge, ya goin’ to hit that thing any time soon starshine?” Sans encouraged, worried that she wasn’t really fighting it. “maybe punch it at least?” he suggested.

            That was it, Frisk knew what to do now. Summoning her magic to her fists she coated them in a haze of shimmering orange, much like the bravery skeleton. As the next strike came flying at her she put all her strength into punching the pan, causing it to fly form the skeletons boney grip to bounce against the wall before it vanished. A second later another pan was in the abominations grip and being swung at Frisk. She continued to punch the pans out of the skeletons grip, each one vanishing shortly after losing connection to the abomination.

            Slowly Frisk noticed that the soul within the skeleton was growing dimmer, the once emerald green shining heart was much lighter and looked more the color of spring leaves. This was it, this was how she could win against the abomination. Each new pan that it summoned caused it to weaken, she just had to keep going. Bit by bit she wore the skeleton down.

            Frisk had lost count of how many pans she had punched away from the skeleton, her chestnut locks were plastered to her face and neck from all the sweat, her stomach was churning from hunger, and she was starting to wish there were a restroom some place close by. However she knew the end was close, the soul was now devoid of color and turning wispy. The movements of the abomination had slowed considerably as the soul weakened. After she sent the next pan flying with a bit more force than she had intended, the skeleton dropped to one knee. Charging a spark of magic to her foot Frisk kicked the pan that remained in the other fist, sending it flying and the soul of the abomination shattering.

            Panting heavily for breath, Frisk collapsed to her knees. It was done, she had beat another one. That left her with just three more of the abominations till she was done and could go home. She almost didn’t notice when Sans rushed up to her, worry painted across his face, his normal grin pulled down into a concerned frown. The feel of his boney figures brushing against her cheek caused her to realize that she was crying. She turned and wrapped her arms around Sans, burring her face into his chest as the sorrow of what had been done to the mages to seal the barrier burst from her.

            “shh it’s over starshine, ya did it. just three more and we can go home.” Sans rubbed Frisk’s back soothingly as she cried.

            “It shouldn’t even be a thing… these people shouldn’t have had to become these weapons… you see the runes etched in the bones? That was done before they died… before they sealed the barrier. That was done through their flesh while they lived. You know souls, you know that kindness isn’t a fighter, they heal, they shield, yet this poor soul just had to fight me to protect a barrier that never should have been. All because some humans couldn’t understand love.” There was venom in Frisk’s voice, her gold flecked hazel eyes flashing with ire for those humans of the past that had forced this on all of them, the mages that she was having to fight, the monsters that had been trapped underground without the sun or stars, and for her and Sans as they were forced to face this trial.

            “yeah I know starshine, it ain’t fair to anyone. ya know humans can be really sick, carvin’ that shit into the bones like that.” Sans sneered over at the skeleton laying on the floor, his thoughts turning to what depravity could drive someone to do that to someone living.

            “Damn right it’s sick Sans, do you know how painful that would be? There are so many nerve endings in those places, it would be like pure torture just to get whatever tool they made down to the bone let alone deep enough into the living bone for it to leave the rune there all the way past death.” Frisk buried her face in Sans chest, her heart feeling sick over the pain that had been caused by a human just like her falling in love with a monster just like Sans in the past. No not just like them, their past selves.

            “we should get some rest starshine, ya know chara is goin’ to want to know we are okay. no offence but I ain’t keen on pissin’ her off.” Sans chuckled at the indignant look that Frisk gave him, pulling her into his arms and settling them more comfortably so they could sleep off to sleep.

            “You know I’m really glad that once this is over we can do our ceremony and I can keep snuggling with you, I don’t know if I’ll be able to sleep without your arm around my anymore.” Frisk mumbled as she snuggled deep into Sans’ arms, turning to face him instead of him spooning her from the back.

            “ya me too starshine, never want to sleep without ya again.” Sans said as he pressed his teeth to Frisk’s forehead in a tender kiss, a blush dusting over her cheeks as she closed her eyes and let herself drift off to sleep.

            Sans lay there watching the gentle rise and fall of Frisk’s chest as she slumbered, unwilling to let sleep claim him yet. Watching her fall to her knees after the fight had almost done him in, it was so much like his nightmare that he could swear he felt his soul crack from the pain. Watching her sleeping peacefully in his arms was helping though. knowing that she was okay, if a bit emotionally wrung out over everything that they were going through. He was feeling the same way, his emotions in a knot from having to watch her fight without him being able to help.

            Slowly sleep claimed Sans as well, the gentle breathing coming from Frisk coupled with her steady heartbeat lulling him into a peaceful sleep. However the peace was not long lived, as he slumbered he found that he was in a very strange place. There was a white mist around him, and it didn’t feel like any dream he had ever had before. Walking though the cloaking mist Sans came upon something that was both surprising yet a bit expected. Sitting in the Ruins was none other than Asriel, he appeared as he was now, silver white fur, curling horns, broad shoulders, even though where he sat was where he often did as Flowey. The yellow flowers where Chara had been laid to rest when he brought her back underground, where his own dust had been spread after he had died of his wounds.

            “hey asriel, how’s it goin’?” Sans said as he entered the chamber, slowly stepping into the light filtering down from above.

            “Sans? What the fuck man? Why are you in my dream?” There was confusion across Asriel’s face, his sharp fangs poking out of his mouth in a sneer.

            “yeah wasn’t expectin to end up here myself… though frisk did mention it might happen after she discovered the connection with chara.” Sans said, his hands shoved in his pockets and his cocky smirk plastered on his face.

            “Wait Frisk? Chara? Oh the connection thing where they can meet up in their dreams? that is so strange you know… wait I get why they have a connection, Chara has a part of Frisk’s soul… so how are you here in my… wait no, no, no, NO way.” The fluster and horror on Asriel’s face eliciting a soft chuckle from Sans.

            “yep ya got that right buddy, kind of messed up but ya got a little bit of me in ya. I’m the one that helped frisk make that soul ya got, just like her soul was the seed for chara mine is the seed for yours.” Sans smirked at the much taller goat monster, leaning back on his heals as he chuckled.

            “Ugh really, so wait… you can just jump into my dreams if we are sleeping at the same time?” Asriel asked, his face shifting to confusion and trepidation.

            “nah, this time was on accident wasn’t really plannin’ on much when I fell asleep.” The smile on Sans face shifted becoming more contrite.

            “Okay so since you are here, and less likely to sugar coat what is going on, how about you tell me what is going on in that hallway with you and Frisk. Don’t leave out any of the bad shit either, I know mom and Papyrus can’t handle it so well but me and dad at least deserve to know.” Asriel pinned Sans with his piercing golden eyes, his expression promised pain if Sans did not comply.

            “yeah okay, so frisk is fightin’ hard. she just took down the kindness one, took a lot out of her emotionally. this shit is weighing heavy on her soul. she took a punch to the face from the bravery one, then a soul bullet from the justice one.” Asriel winced at Sans’ words.

            “Shit… and she won’t let you fight? That’s what Chara said when she reported in.” Asriel felt his respect for Sans grow, he know that he wouldn’t be able to stand back and let Frisk fight on her own and he was only her brother.

            “nah, says that my magic might trigger somethin’ don’t know what exactly,

but she seems really sure that it will make the whole thing harder.” Sans scuffed his feet on the old warn stone he stood on.

            “And you’re okay with her fighting? Don’t know if I could just be support and not go crazy.” Asriel admitted, almost like the small part of his soul that was from Sans was causing him to be unable to hide.

            “no I ain’t okay, it’s drivin’ me crazy. Every time she fights one of these abomination things I feel like my soul is about to shatter. only reason I ain’t jumped in kickin’ their boney asses is cause I respect frisk enough to follow what she has to say about this. she’s the expert in human magic and that’s what we’re dealing’ with.” As he spoke Sans became more visibly frustrated, it was clear that the ordeal wasn’t just weighing on Frisk.

            “So how long do you think it is going to take for her to finish this? Everyone misses her, and your brother is going kind of bonkers without you here. Although when Chara told everyone that you guys are okay he brightened up, scooped her up and spun her around the barrier hall with a dopy smile on his face.” Asriel chuckled picturing the scene as he spoke.

            “heheh yeah that’s paps for ya, don’t take much to make him happy. please asriel just tell him we are ok and she beet another one of them, I don’t want him worrying more than he already is. he don’t need to know how tough this is on us.” Sans locked his eye lights on Asriel, his expression deathly serious. There were two things that Sans would die to protect, Frisk and his little brother.

            “Geeze man okay. I will let Papyrus believe that everything is hearts and roses, and you guys will be home for supper.” Asriel held his paw like hands up in surrender.

            “don’t lie to him, just don’t let him know how bad it really is for us. frisk is pushin’ herself as hard and fast as she can cause she feels bad that everyone is worried about us. she feels like it is her faut that we got stuck in here and ain’t got food or water. all I can manage is tryin’ to be here for her and heal her if she needs it.” Sans scuffed his foot against the stone again, his mood sour as he thought of how useless he was feeling.

            “Hey man there’s no shame in being there for her, it’s more than any of us can do right now. I feel better knowing you are in there with her, able to help her where she will let you.” Asriel surprised Sans by clapping him on the shoulder, pulling him closer for an awkward half embrace.

            “heheh ya know kiddo ya ain’t half bad now ya got a soul back, might actually be able to forgive ya one day for the shit ya pulled as a flower.” Sans chuckled, clearly embarrassed by the bonding moment with Asriel.

            “Well you’re still a smiley trash bag, but you are good to my sister so I guess I can forgive you.” Asriel smiled as he chuckled about the situation, sharing a connection like this with a monster that he spent years, lifetimes even, torturing.

            “I need to get back to frisk, not sure if she managed to connect with chara or not. we got three more of these things and we should be home. worst part is all the walkin’, ain’t walked this much… ever heheh.” Sans rubbed his boney hand over the back of his neck, the clatter of bone on bone echoed around them.

            “Yeah just take care of my sister, I know I don’t have as much room to talk as Chara when it comes to Frisk. However she is my sister and that means I have a responsibility to be sure she is taken care of.” Asriel puffed up his chest, his face stern yet smiling.

            “ya ain’t got no worries there, as long as she lets me do more than stand there looking sexy heheh.” Sans couldn’t help laughing at the disgusted look on Asriel’s face.

            “I so do not want to think about you in that way whatsoever, get your boney backside back to Frisk. We will be waiting, since we have this connection me and Chara can take turns waiting for you two to take a cat nap.” Asriel shoved on Sans’ shoulders pushing him towards the mist.

Chapter Text

Chapter 29

Integral Justice

         With a big yawn and stretching every muscle she had Frisk stirred from her nap, still snuggled safe in Sans’ arms. Talking to Chara had been nice, she reported that everyone had calmed down quite a bit once she was able to give them an update on what was going on with you and Sans on your journey through the hallway. Everyone had given her messages to give Frisk and Sans, just little things to encourage the both of them to stay strong through the trials that they faced. A smile playing over Frisk’s lips she turns her gaze to the still sleeping skeleton monster who held her in his arms, the look on his face peaceful as a small bit of cyan magic drool passed his teeth in his sleep.

            “Time to wake up Sugarskull, we have work we need to get done.” Pressing her soft lips to Sans’ forehead in a tender kiss Frisk smiled ruefully about having to wake him for another leg of their journey.

            “mmm hey starshine, ya know wakin’ up to ya is better than what I found in my dream.” Sans smiled up at Frisk sleepily, his eye lights still fuzzy.

            “Yeah? I hope you didn’t have a nightmare again Sans, I know how the mess with you.” Frisk snuggled up against Sans’ chest, listening to the gentle thrum of his soul.

            “nah, not a nightmare. ya called it earlier though, ended up runnin’ into asriel. guess we both got the ability to make a connection to someone on the outside now.” The grin on Sans’ face was an odd mix of humor and chagrin.

            “Wait you mean… wow ok so that’s interesting… I mean I figured it was a possibility, but I wasn’t positive. You okay with that though? I know you and Asriel… well I know you two didn’t get along well when he was not himself.” Frisk starts playing with her fingers, twisting the hem of her shirt into a ball as she looks anywhere but Sans’ eye lights.

            “shh it’s find starshine, ya ain’t got nothin’ to worry about. yeah asriel was a shit when he was a flower… but now, not so much. he cares about ya, and chara, ya know… like a brother should.” Sans reached out and gently tilted Frisk’s head with one boney finger, tilting her face to meet his gaze.

            “We really should get going… three more and we can go home… three more and we can finally relax.” Frisk sighed heavily, her gold flecked hazel eyes tired, her body unwilling to pull from Sans as they stayed snuggled together on the floor of the hallway.

            “ya got this starshine, you’re stronger than anyone I know.” Sans pressed his teeth to Frisk’s forehead in a tender kiss, his phalanges playing with the ends of her chestnut hair.

            “Yeah… just feeling physically and mentally exhausted. Also not to be crass but I really need to get to a bathroom soon… you would think human mages designing a test for a human would have at least thought of that.” Frisk grumbles as she finally pulls from Sans’ arms raising to her feet and stretching, her back popping softly as she does.

            “ain’t crass if ya need it starshine… not goin’ to lie and say I understand but I get humans have needs.” Sans joins Frisk by gaining his own feet, stretching himself as his bones clack together softly.

            With a sight Frisk and Sans trudge down the hallway, each step heavy with the gathering exhaustion pressing against them. The hallway through this stretch is much like the ones before it, boring and seemingly endless. Well endless till they come to the next door that is, just like the ones before it they stop about twenty feet away from it. A single look at Sans, and a nod from her is enough for him to rest back on his heals with his hands in his pockets as he waits. His eye lights sharp as he watches Frisk work her magic once more.

            Shifting her magic Frisk knows there are only three doors left including this one, narrowing the frequencies that she needs to try. On a hunch she pulses her magic a dark blue, integrity flowing through her as the next rune lights up like a light on a Christmas tree. This one was two vertical lines, two crooked lines connecting them at top and bottom, the upper one like a letter v the lower inverted as its twin and opposite. Little thought and the meaning came to her, stone, another perfect match to the trait of the soul that she would be facing. Sighing Frisk steps away from the door, waiting for her next battle to begin.

            The abomination spinning from the doorway was not what Frisk had been expecting, it was another skeleton, however it danced around on what looked to be glowing blue magic pointe shoes like a ballerina might wear. Dodging swiftly out of the way of one flying foot she wracked her brain for what might counter something moving so fast, something that could swiftly dodge and attack without a thought. Her tired mind floundering around for a solution as Frisk dodged this way and that, just barely ducking out of the way of several kicks to the face as the monstrosity danced around with a grace that defied the true horror that it was.

            Ducking under a vicious kick from the animated skeleton Frisk panted heavily, her body trembling from her fatigue. She couldn’t think straight, she couldn’t figure out what magic to use to stop this thing. Her heart pounded, her breathing was ragged, sweat slicked her chestnut locks down sticking it to her face and neck. Frisk could feel her eyes getting heavy, her bladder protested every move she made, begging her to find a bathroom. The next thing she knew her ears rang from the blow she took to her head, her neck protesting the sudden stress of the impact of one of the glowing blue skeletal feet connecting.

            Vision swimming Frisk shook her head trying to clear the fog that the blow only added to, the pounding of her blood through her veins pulsed behind the blooming bruise. Sans had roared when the blow connected, however she hardly noticed as she dodged the next incoming blow. There had to be some way for her to win this fight, she couldn’t go down now that she was halfway through this journey. Blinking rapidly to clear the dry muggy feeling from her eyes Frisk tried to think of anything that could give her the edge in this fight.

            A surge of determination gripped Frisk’s soul as she dodged the next kick from the abomination, her thoughts clearing for a moment. there were only three traits that she had not used yet to fight the abominations, her own determination, their close cousin perseverance, and justice. The only skeleton abominations she had yet to face beyond integrity were patience and perseverance, that meant that she had to use perseverance, determination, or justice to win here. While she was sure that perseverance or determination could eventually win this fight, it would take more magic than she had to spare right now. That left justice, her mind churning as she flipped backwards to avoid another kick aimed at her skull.

            Concentrating Frisk pulled her magic to her hands, shifting her energies to form guns much like the justice abomination. However her weapons did not form as simple revolvers, in her fists she clutched two glowing yellow semi-automatic pistols. Taking her cues from earlier fights Frisk knew that hitting the skeleton was not the goal, she needed to hit their magic to win the battle. Taking aim at the glowing blue skeletal foot that the monstrosity spun on as it danced around the room, she fired, pulsing a blast of magic through the pistol shooting the magic. The rapid succession of blasts slamming into the magic coating the foot, the soul hovering in the ribcage of the abomination pulsed as color drained from it with each impact.

            Sans watched as Frisk fought, his soul stopping each time the thing she was fighting swung one of those glowing feet at her. A crack sounded from his chest as the foot connected with Frisk’s head, a growl rumbling low in his chest as he clutched his boney hands into tight fists. He hated this, hated it with every ounce of his being. How was he supposed to stand back watching the woman he loved fighting for her life and everyone’s freedom? How was he supposed to cope each time one of these… wretched souls landed a blow on her, marrying her skin with their attacks?

            Eye lights glued to the fight in front of him, soul crying out in anguish and fear, Sans watched as Frisk found her answer, the way to win the fight. The glowing yellow forming two weapons clutched in her fists, the look of tired triumph shining in her beautiful gold flecked hazel eyes. He had no idea how a woman like her wanted him, a woman that was so fierce so powerful so determined could ever want him. However that didn’t matter, he wasn’t about to give her up for anything, his shining angel.

            The dark blue soul in the center of the abomination was dimming, each blow she connected with the glowing shoes draining the color bit by bit. Each time she attacked one of the shoes the monstrosity would switch feet, first spinning on one foot while striking out with the other, then switching. The glow of the magic was slowly fading, the color dropping from a dark blue to the pale blue of a summer sky. Frisk panted as she dodged another sweeping kick aimed at her skull, her throat burning from the constant flow of dry air.

            “ya can do it starshine, it’s getting’ weaker.” Sans cheered Frisk on, seeing her energy flagging as she battled the abomination.

            The encouragement from Sans gave Frisk another surge of determination, she could do this. Taking aim at the foot of the skeleton of the human mage she fired her soul pistols once more, the blasts echoing through the hallway as the bullets slammed into the glowing blue shoe covering its foot. The abomination jerked and kicked out at her once more, clearly aiming for her head but falling short, hitting her in the chest sending her flying back against the wall of the hallway.

            A deep feral growl echoed through the hallway, the flash of magic igniting in Sans’ left eye tinting the white walls of the hallway cyan. The snap of Sans’ magic crackling viciously in the confined space, pressing heavily on the atmosphere. His bones rattle and clack as he shakes with tightly leashed animosity for the fuckers that set this challenge, the only thing holding him back is Frisk’s warning that interference would lead to dangerous consequences.

            Pain shot through Frisk, her chest, her back, her head all throbbing in time with the pounding of her frantic heart. Her vision swam with unshed tears of pain gathering in her eyes. Each ragged breath a searing agony as she gulped for air, fire coursing through her lungs. Fuck that hurt. Blinking to clear her vision, shaking her head to clear the fog from her mind she pushed from the wall back to her feet.

            A surge of energy slammed into Frisk, her tortured body going rigid. Her breathing sped up, the tears she had just blinked away now flowing down her cheeks as she felt the power from Chara coursing through her. The ever present fatigue that had been plaguing her throughout the fight ebbing away, replaced by a fiery determination and power. Sweat slicked down her spine as she faced the abomination, her weapons had been dispelled when she hit the wall. With a surge of magic she summoned her pistols, the yellow glow of magic coalescing in her palms as they form.

            Taking aim once more at the abominations' magic coated feet Frisk opens fire, the bullets from her guns ripping into the magic slippers surrounding the monstrosity's skeletal feet. First one slipper shatters, the sparks of the breaking magic flying through the air like glitter in the wind. As the second foot hits the floor the abomination drops to one knee, the soul in its chest now almost white and losing its glow. Another volley of shots from her pistols with a feral growl and the second slipper explodes in a shower of sparks, filling the hallway with a shower of light. The soul trapped in the ribcage of the former mage flashing and pulsing slower and slower before winking out entirely. The bones clatter as the abomination slumps forward landing on the face of its lifeless skull.

            Slumping to the floor Frisk pants for breath, each inhale like knives in her chest. Rushing forward, Sans scoops her into his arms, healing magic sparking from his boney hands seconds before he touches her. His eye lights winking out as his soul feels like it is about to shatter, his hand shaking with the fear coursing through his bones. Ever present grin absent from his face as, replaced by a frown as his fear and concern eats at him from within.

            “come on starshine, ya got to be okay, please be okay.” Sans chants as he pushes the healing magic into Frisk, her body trembling with pain and spent adrenalin.

            “Ugh… did you get the license number on that semi-truck?” Frisk moans softly, her face contorting from the pain of her injuries.

            “heheh nah starshine. it wasn’t a truck that hit ya, ya got kicked in the chest by that abomination. ya feelin’ any better?” Sans stroked one hand over Frisk’s chestnut hair as he continued to push healing magic into her, repairing the ribs that had cracked, the bruises that were blooming across her chest and head, as well as giving her enough energy to help her come down from the adrenaline rush.

            “Yeah I think so… I’m sorry you keep having to heal me Sans.” Frisk reached her hand up to cup his cheek bone in her palm, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

            “shh it ain’t your fault starshine, you’ve been fightin’ and walkin’ for hours now. ya need to get some more rest.” Sans held Frisk close to his chest, the healing magic having mostly repaired the damage that had been done to her body.

            “Erm… Sans… how much do you know about human needs?” Frisk blushed as she squirmed, trying to repress the growing need that had been suppressed during her battle.

            “um not too much, why starshine? what ya need?” Sans locked his eye lights on Frisk’s face, the blush making his mind wander.

            “Um well… I know monsters don’t… I... well… I really need to go to the bathroom.” Frisk finally blurted out, her face cherry red as she covered it with her hands.

            “bathroom? like for a shower? that ain’t just a human need ya know starshine… I kinda need one too.” Sans asked, his expression confused as he raised his browbone.

            “N-not a shower… I need to pee Sans.” Frisk squirmed again her blush going brighter by the second.

            “what? what’s that starshine?” Sans seemed completely lost, the only human he had ever known about before Fisk was Chara and there was no information on using the bathroom for anything other than taking a bath or a shower.

            “So when humans eat and drink we absorb some of what we consume… the rest our bodies need to get rid of as waste… what we don’t absorb from our drinks we pee out.” Frisk blushed as she squirmed some more, a heavy sigh coming from her at having to explain her bodily functions to what was, basically her very soon to be husband.

            “wait so ya don’t just absorb it all and convert it to magic? no matter what a monster eats or drinks it turns to magic shortly after being consumed.” Sans inquired, his expression scrunched in question.

            “No, human magic comes directly from our soul… much like monster magic, however because we are made of things other than just magic we have added needs other than the magic that the mater of the food can be converted into… our bodies don’t know how to turn all matter into magic like a monster body dose. So once our body gets what it can out of food and drink it removes the rest through us using the bathroom.” The blush on Frisk's face was so bright she nearly glowed like a lightbulb, her squirming getting worse as her need became ever more pressing.

            “so… what do we do since ya ain’t got a bathroom here to use? do ya need one to do your business?” Sans was growing concerned as Frisk squirmed, her movements causing his own pressing problem which he firmly ignored.

            “Well if we had some way to safely dispose of it we should be fine… though it is easier if I had a toilet to use.” Frisk thought, trying to distract herself from her pressing need.

            “hmm ya think ya could manage if I opened a small shortcut for ya to get rid of it?” Sans enquired as he attempted to hold Frisk still so she stopped squirming on him, he could not afford the distraction at the moment. Hang in there Sans you can hold out till after the ceremony… it’s not that far away… just two more abominations. Sans thought to himself as he focused on pushing his rampant magic down.

            “That… that might work… wont it cause an issue with the void though? Like end up stuck there till the end of time?” Frisk inquired, not sure if that would be better than having Sans walk down the hall a ways while she just used the closest corner.

            “nah, the void tends to self-clean. anythin’ that ends up in there too long ends up vanishin’ forever… kinda wonder how dad survived so long in there though.” Sans explains how the void is supposed to work, his face showing his concern over the mystery of how Gaster had survived the void for most of his and Papyrus’ lives.

            “Okay… um can you maybe not watch while I… go? it’s kind of embarrassing to think of you watching me while I go… honestly this whole thing is embarrassing but I really can't hold it much longer.” Frisk blushes deeper, Sans feeling concern over the amount of blood that must be in her face to make it that red.

            Raising to his feet Sans gently lifts Frisk along with him, unsure if too much movement will cause her more discomfort. Summoning a spark of his magic he summons a portal that is about a foot across, the inky blackness of the void swirling beyond the opening. Using another spark of magic he creates a solid platform from his magic resembling what he had seen on the toilet back in Frisk’s chambers at the palace. Once satisfied with his work he turns his back to her allowing her what privacy he can in the open hallway. The rushing sound of liquid passing into the void swiftly greets his ear holes, followed by a satisfied and contented sigh from Frisk. A blue blush dusting over his own cheek bones as he listens, waiting for her to let him know he can end the magic and close the portal.

            Heaven, Frisk was in absolute heaven as she felt the pressure that had been hounding her through two battles finally leave her. The absolute relief of finally getting to empty her bladder was so encompassing she almost slipped from the platform that Sans had made for her to sit on as she slumped. She didn’t know if she had ever needed a restroom as bad as she had or if she had ever felt the relief so keenly as she did in that moment. Once she finished her business she stood, righting her clothes she reaches out and taps Sans on his shoulder to let him know she is done.

            “Stars are so much better, thank you Sans you have no idea.” Frisk breathed, her face still flushed even in her relief.

            “ya feelin’ better starshine? we safe to close the void now?” Sans turned to check Frisk's face, wanting to be sure that she was indeed feeling better.

            “Pfft you better pee-leave it. Now I think it is time for a nap so we can let the others know that we only have two more abominations between us and the exit.” A snicker escapes Frisk as she tells a pun, her joy, and her love for her skeleton overflowing. Sans had been by her side through all of this Frisk wrapped her arms tightly around Sans in a bone crushing hug.

            “pee still my beating soul, ya really know how to show a skele-ton of gratitude.” Sans chuckled as he wrapped his arms around Frisk, reveling in her obvious relief and joy.      “Far pee it for me to argue with that sentiment.” Frisk giggled as she snuggled against Sans, her soul warming her chest as she felt the tension that has weighed on her lifting, even if for a small moment.

            “heheh ya sure know how to tickle my funny bone starshine, don’t think ya can pee tamed.” Sans was out right laughing at this point, cyan tears leaking form the corners of his sockets.

            “Pfft what can is say Sugarskull I was just born to pee wild.” Frisk giggled as she clung to Sans, both of them lost to the laughter and horrible puns.

            “stars woman, ya know if I had a heart ya would have just stole it.” Sans locks his eye lights on Frisk, the little dots of light shifting to hearts briefly.

            “Well I do have a heart you bonehead, and you definitely stole mine.” Frisk presses her soft lips to Sans teeth in a tender kiss.

            “ya know starshine I’m probably the luckiest skeleton in the world.” Sans nuzzled his face into the crook of Frisks neck as he wrapped her in his arms.

            “Well I only know two that aren’t reanimated human mages… so I would certainly hope you are the luckiest skeleton in the world.” Frisk smiled as she teased Sans. “We really should settle down and take a nap, I’m honestly feeling extremely drained after that fight.” Frisk snuggled into Sans’ arms, her eyes drooping as sleep tried to claim her while still on her feet.

            “come on starshine, let’s get ya more comfy before ya go fallin’ asleep.” Sans gently guided Frisk to the floor of the hallway, using a bit of his magic to cushion her from the hard surface as well as from his rigid bones. In a swift motion he draped his hoodie over her as he pulled her close to him and buried his face into her hair, not even caring that she had been sweating while she fought.

            “I love you Sans, you don’t even know how much you being here with me really means to me.” Frisk snuggled deeper into the magic that Sans has enveloped her in, her breathing slowing as she started to drift to sleep.

            “love ya too starshine, love ya too.” Sans smiled to himself as he held Frisk in his arms, his mind drifting towards the future as his soul calms. Feeling Frisk’s soul so close to his own bringing him peace and comfort as he closes his sockets attempting to find sleep.

            The mist surrounded Frisk, her soul thrummed in her chest as it echoed the call of her sister. Chara was waiting for her in the same room that they had met the first time, the map that had been in the background showing only two hearts remaining. Striding forward into the area Chara was in, Frisk called out to her sister.

            “Chara, how is everyone holding up?” Frisk spoke, her voice echoing strangely around the chamber as she approached the map looking down at the picture of the underground.

            “Holding up… Azzy said that he met Sans in his dreams last night, guess you were right that they have a connection too.” Chara turned, her red gold eyes locking on Frisk as a tired smile graced her muzzle, one of her fangs poking past her lips.

            “Yeah Sans said the same thing, guess they are brothers more than they will be once the ceremony takes place.” Frisk snickered to herself realizing just how connected they had all become.

            “Don’t know exactly how Azzy feels about it but he seemed okay when he woke up, offered to take shifts with me so we don’t have to spend so much down time.” Chara sighed, her shoulders shifting with her exhalation.

            “He should be fine, Sans was fine, and he is the one Asriel… well let’s say Asriel wasn’t very nice to Sans for a very long time.” Frisk scowled, her mind brining up images of what kind of torture her brother could have inflicted on Sans.

            “At least since he got that soul he is more himself now, it is nice to have my brother back by the way… I don’t think I ever really thanked you for bringing us both back.” Chara smiled sheepishly as she shuffled her paw like feet on the ground.

            “You know you don’t really have to thank me Chara… you’re my sister.” Frisk pulled the goat monster into a hug, her nose scrunching as it was tickled by her soft silver white fur.

            “Aww. So Frisk what’s the situation in the hallway… I think this map thing is showing me when you take one out, which is kinda cool. Although hearing from you how things went would be nice.” Leveling her red gold gaze on her sister Chara smiled softly at Frisk.

            “Well… do you want a summery or a blow by blow of the action?” Frisk smiled as she nudged Chara teasingly, her gold flecked hazel eyes shining.

            “Don’t know if I can handle too much detail honestly, just a quick rundown and what your plans for the last two abominations are.” Chara pulled up a chair that Frisk had not seen there before, her mind wondering if it was simply a dream thing.

            “The short of it is I kicked some ass, and Sans healed me a bit before he opened a portal to the void so I could finally pee. Then we laughed our butts off telling puns to each other till we couldn’t breathe.” Frisk smiled at the shocked expression that came over Chara’s face as she spoke.

            “Okay so you did take the abomination down so that’s good, but you said Sans had to heal you again? How bad was it this time? Please tell me you didn’t get shot again.” Chara was nearly panicking as she searched over Frisk, looking for any sign of the injury she had sustained in the waking world.

            “It was integrity, it took me far longer to figure out I needed justice magic to take it out. Got kicked in the head before I realized that’s what I needed. Then right after your power surge I managed to make it stumble and instead of it kicking me in the head again it got me in the chest. I think I at least cracked a couple of ribs however I’m not sure.” Frisk sighed as she pressed her hand to her chest, feeling a phantom pain from the injury.

            “Broken… broken ribs… Frisk please tell me that Sans managed to heal you enough you can function.” Chara looked Frisk dead in the eyes, her expression serious.

            “Yes Chara, he healed me fully before we got to sleep. Honestly, I feel great, especially since I don’t have to use the bathroom anymore.” Frisk smiled at the strange expression Chara leveled at her.

            “Wait don’t tell me you peed in the hallway somewhere… I mean I get it you got to go you got to go… but stars Frisk that’s just gross.” Chara wrinkled her nose, the fur on her muzzle bunching with the motion, her fangs on full display.

            “Pfft heavens no Chara… I… well Sans… Sans summoned a small portal to the void… he conjured a solid platform for me to sit on and relieve myself over the portal. He said that the void would take care of it and I couldn’t help but feel it was the better option.” The chagrined smile spreading over her face as she scrunched her own nose, her brown crinkling with the movement.

            “You really need to hurry up and get through the last two abominations… then you can come home and use a proper bathroom… and get some food too.” Wrapping Frisk into her arms Chara shakes her head picturing her baby sister pissing in the void and can’t help a small giggle that escapes her lips.

Chapter Text

Chapter 30

The Final Fights

            The feeling of Frisk’s warmth in Sans’ arms was a comfort even though the hard floor of the hallway below him reminded him of just where they were, the stress of the situation that they faced souring the good mood that had started to bloom from a dreamless slumber. He could feel her breathing pick up, her slumber slowly receding as she awoke. A soft smile crossing his face knowing that the two of them were in this together, for good or ill.

            “mornin’ starshine, ya sleep well?” Pressing his teeth to Frisk’s forehead in a tender kiss, Sans chuckled at her sleepy grumble.

            “Could have slept more but I know we need to get through this, Chara reminded me very keenly that we haven’t had anything to eat the entire time that we have been in this hallway.” Frisk stretched, her body complaining at being forced to move after the beating she took from the last abomination, even after Sans had healed her the muscles still protested the harsh treatment.

            “yeah can’t wait till we can just sleep in a nice soft bed and not worry about stuff for a bit.” Sans nuzzled his face into Frisk’s hair, unwilling to let her get up just yet.

            “Just two more, we can handle this Sans.” Pressing her lips to the top of Sans’ skull in a tender and reassuring kiss, Frisk stretched once more as she prepared to untangle herself form Sans to raise for the day and get their journey underway once more.

            “mmm ya know we could nap for a bit longer starshine, ain’t no reason to not get the rest while we can.” Tightening his grip on Frisk, Sans continued to nuzzle his face into Frisk’s neck, unwilling to move just yet.

            “Pfft you know Sans the sooner we finish the last two trials the sooner we can get home and stop everyone worrying, and the sooner we can have our ceremony and start our happy ending.” Frisk giggled as she felt Sans’ breath on her neck, a low growl rumbling through him. Her face heating in a blush as her mind wandered to what things would be like in the future, his arms keeping her pressed against him.

            “you’re still makin’ us wait till this is all over ain’t ya?” The frustrated growl rumbling through Sans causing Frisk to giggle again, her lips pressing against the top of his skull.

            “Come on Sugarskull we can do this just two more, sooner we get through it the sooner we can get home and finally get our real alone time.” Frisk could just make out the blue blush dusting over Sans’ cheek bones, the direction his mind going quite evident. Pulling herself from his arms with a gentle chuckle, bending back, her spine cracking loudly causing Sans to wince.

            “ya doin’ okay starshine, ain’t never herd ya pop and clack together like a skeleton.” There was a note of concern in Sans’ voice, his gaze searching Frisk’s face.

            “Yeah just kind of stiff from sleeping on the hallway floor. You do realize that I have a skeleton inside me… you know kind of like the ones that I have been fighting.” Frisk scrunched her face up, wondering how much Sans does and doesn’t know about humans.

            “yeah just never heard it click together like that before starshine, ya kind of got me worried.” Sans stood, reaching out to Frisk to pull her into a hug.

            “No need to worry Sugarskull, it’s normal for humans to pop once and a while.” Frisk pressed her lips to Sans’ skull as she hugged him. “Let’s get this show on the road so we can get home.” Frisk pulled from Sans, interlocking her figures with Sans’, and pulling him down the hallway towards where the next door should be.

            After taking walking the hallway for so long, it felt to Frisk as though she had walked the same length over and over. Each time it had been almost the same, a seemingly endless expanse of hallway till reaching a blockade that was the next door. This next section was no different and while the walk was just as boring as the ones before it, this one seemed to go faster once she let her mind just relax and get lost in the repetition of one foot in front of the other.

            Before she knew it the hallway was coming to the next door, again about twenty feet away she stopped Sans with a single look. His shoulders slumped in the defeat of knowing that he would have to witness her fight yet another abomination, unable to help once again till the fight was over. Settling with his hands shoved in his pockets, a scowl crossing his face, he watches as Frisk approaches the block across the hallway.

            Upon reaching the wall that should hold the rune, Frisk began tuning her magic to different frequencies. Knowing that only two traits remained, on instinct she attempted to try patience. The rune lighting up almost immediately, shining with a cyan light. A vertical line, with a diagonal line coming from the upper point of it forming the rune. With very little thought Frisk realized that it was the water rune, a symbol of the unyielding patience of the element itself.

            Stepping away from the doorway as the door swung open, Frisk puzzled over what she could use to persevere over patience incarnate. A wry smile almost instantly passing over her face as she realizes her answer was really that simple, perseverance. The abomination that stepped through the doorway, Frisk’s jaw dropping in astonishment as she saw the cyan magic of the patience soul coalesce into the form of what she could only describe as glowing magical rubber chickens.

            A low chuckle rumbled through the hallway, Sans unable to contain the myth at seeing the abomination clutching magical rubber chickens. Nearly doubling over as he finds himself unable to stop the laughter from bubbling up, his ribs hurting from trying to keep from drawing the abominations attention to himself. Why did this thing have to have rubber chickens as weapon?

            Finding herself faced with such an unusual weapon Frisk can’t help but blink in astonishment, her mind racing to think of how an ancient mage would even know what a rubber chicken was let alone its soul conjuring a magic version as a weapon. Shaking her head at her laughing mate to be she squared her shoulders, readying herself for the fight to come. Unprepared for the patience soul to attack first Frisk was not expecting to have a magical representation of a rubber chicken come flying at her face, just barely bending back out of the path of the incoming blow.

            Laughter dying in his nonexistent throat Sans locks his eye lights on the battle that has now begun, his soul pounding at the near miss that just occurred. Frisk bobbed and weaved avoiding a flurry of floppy blows from the magical weapons, unable to stop a giggle at the absurdity of the situation she finds herself in. She had never imagined when she climbed down that rope into the underground that to get back out, to break the barrier she would be faced with a fight against a foe wielding magical rubber chickens.

            In her distraction Frisk missed her timing, finding herself bashed across the face with one of the magical rubber chickens. The blow sending her flying towards the wall in the hallway, all mirth and laughter leaving the room. Sans on instinct sent his blue magic out, barely managing to catch her before she struck. The reaction of the barrier, and the abomination was swift and instant. The ground beneath Sans’ feet began to shake, the abomination turning to him, a high pitched shriek emanating from it.

            Feeling his soul bottom out Sans pulls Frisk to him with his magic, the need to avoid joining the fight now a moot point. As the abomination rushes forward Sans summons a wall of bones to stop it from reaching them, Frisk locking her eyes on the sight. Her heart racing knowing that there is no real way to avoid the fight becoming harder at this point a shiver passing through her spine.

            “shit sorry starshine, I didn’t mean to, just seein’ how strong that hit was… and your ribs still aren’t fully healed from the last one… and I just didn’t think… just acted.” Sans was panicking, his words rushing from him as he tried to figure out the best way to repair the damage he had caused.

            “Shh Sans calm down, since you already used your magic we don’t have much choice. You are going to have to help me get through the next two fights and may as well use your shortcuts to get to the next one before the mountain comes down around our ears.” Frisk pressed her palm to Sans’ cheek bone, her gold flecked hazel eyes locked on his face as she tried to calm him.

            The abomination had rushed the wall of bones, its magical rubber chickens flying at the barrier before it. Shards of magic flew, some from the weapons of the abomination and some from the bones themselves. Each strike making Sans jump as he felt it reverberate through his soul, his eye lights shrunk to pinpricks. He couldn’t believe he had fucked up so bad, he had managed to keep himself in check for so long and now, one mistake that is all it took.

            “Sans put me down, we still need to beet this thing then we need to move and move fast to get to the next one.” Frisk pushed from Sans’ arms, her feet unsteady still from the blow but her magic flaring the instant her feet touched the ground.

            Sans was in shock, he hadn’t fucked up this bad in a very long time, not since the resets. Frisk dashed around the bone wall, conjuring purple perseverance magic to her fingertips. As she rounded the barrier Sans had created she fired a wave of simple magic projectiles at the rubber chickens in the reanimated skeleton’s hands, the impact distracting it from trying to rip down the bones to get to Sans. The shock of the sudden stop to the assault against his magic snapping Sans out of his panicked state, bringing his mind back into focus as he watched Frisk dodge as quickly as she could. As another blow came close to her face Sans acted, his magic flaring as he pulled Frisk up into the air away from the abomination once more.

            Another screech from the abomination as it zipped forward, rubber chickens flying towards Frisk as Sans pulled her farther and farther away from the flying assaults. Frisk continued to fire her magic at the rubber chickens, each strike chipping away at the magic that formed them. The soul in the ribcage of the reanimated mage slowly dimming as the hallway continued to quake around them, Sans using a small bit of his gravity magic to keep from being tossed around as he continued to move Frisk out of harm’s way as she continued to fire.

            As Frisk continued to shoot attacks at the cyan glowing rubber chickens, Sans continued to pull her body to and froe, keeping her from harm as she continued her assault against the abomination and its attacks. The floppy attacks from the abomination flying around in wild arcs as it pressed its attack, the cyan heart that was its soul slowly draining of color as both Frisk and Sans continued the dance of attack and doge. Sans could feel himself begin to sweat from the exertion, summoning another wall of bones short enough to trip the abomination. The skeletal mage falling forward as Frisk shot another blast of purple magic, shattering one of the rubber chickens into a fine spray of sparks.

            Continuing to press the advantage Frisk continued to fire her magic at the remaining cyan glowing rubber chicken, the soul of the skeletal mage growing dimmer with each strike it took. Frisk could feel her magic pulse, her power slowly draining as she continued to fight. Sans wasn’t sure if the two of them could manage to finish this abomination before they would be out of magic, then where would they be. Just as the pairs energy began to wane they both felt a sudden jolt, power flooding their systems from an outside source. Chara and Asriel had joined the battle in their own way, sending energy to the pair as the battle raged on.

            With one final blast Frisk took out the second magical rubber chicken, the skeleton collapsing before her as the last of its energy drained. The once bright cyan heart had dimmed to white, shattering into a mist as the last of the energy drained from it. However Frisk and Sans could not rest, the hallway still shaking as though the mountain was attempting to come down around them. Sans pulled Frisk to him with his magic, wrapping his arm around her as they dashed through the doorway.

            Locking his gaze at the farthest point in the hallway Sans could see he shortcut them to that location, taking hops through the hallway. Eating the distance that had been taking hours down quickly, the ground shaking under their feet each time they landed. As he felt his magic wain again another jolt of energy came through the connection he shared with Asriel, he had never thought he would so glad that he had shared a part of his soul to resurrect the prince. However here he was, quite glad that the connection existed and was letting him continue pushing them through the hallway at a breakneck speed. Each jump bringing them closer to the last blockade across the hallway, as they continued to make the jumps Frisk primed her magic.

            Shifting her magic was almost unnecessary as she was already primed for using perseverance magic, the purple glow parking at her fingertips still from the fight as the continued hopping through the void getting closer and closer. A sight escaped both Frisk and Sans as the last blockade came into view, Frisk ready to push her magic to it and open the doorway. No longer concerned about getting too close Sans pulled them up right in front of where the doorway would open, Frisk already pouring her magic out to reveal the rune and open the door. Once the magic touched it the rune glowed purple, he vertical line with a diagonal slash coming from the midpoint down the bottom. The rune of the torch, ever burning like the perseverance of the human spirit.

            As her magic touched the rune the door flew open, far faster than any of the ones before. The hallway still shook, the abomination charging through the doorway causing Sans to shortcut the two of them back to a safer distance. Summoning another wall of bones to allow Frisk a moment to shift her magic to her own determination, her red blades materializing in her fists. The abomination grasped a glowing purple book in one hand, the other open as it reached to the book pulling pages from the book and flinging them at the wall of bones before it.

            “You doing good still Sans?” Frisk asked as she spared a look to the skeleton monster by her side, feeling the destress still pouring from him in waves.

            “yeah sure, just tryin’ to deal with the mess I made… ya goin’ to be able to hold up for this one starshine?” Sans inquired his face devoid of the usual grin, his eye lights dim as his energy flagged once more.

            “Yeah we can do this, you got enough in you to keep helping me doge?” Frisk asked as she locked her gaze on the foe before her, watching as the bone wall shuddered under the assault of purple glowing pages from the reanimated skeleton.

            “ya know I got ya starshine, ain’t lettin’ anythin’ get ya.” Sans chanced a quick squeeze around Frisk’s waist, pressing his teeth to her cheek before releasing her and encasing her in his blue magic once more.

            With a nod to each other Sans let the bone wall fall, Frisk could feel Sans’ magic on her, but it wasn’t restricting. She dashed forward her twin blades striking out at the pages as the flew towards her and Sans, each page being sliced in half then vanishing before their eyes. Each time a page came close to Frisk she felt herself jerked away from its path, her blade striking out to cut it down. The purple soul in the ribcage of the abomination flashing briefly with each shattered page, the color swiftly dwindling.

            As the abomination lost energy from the shattered pages its attacks slowed, Frisk continued her assault against the reanimated mage. Her blades slashing the pages down, pushing her advantage as she drew closer to the abomination, aiming for the book clutched in its skeletal fist. With one final strike, she brought her blade down on the book slicing it in two. The magic shattered as the skeleton fell forward, its soul spent shattering in a shower of sparks.

            The shaking of the mountain around them continued, Frisk and Sans locking eyes as she rushed back to his side. Sans rushing forward to meet her, locked his gaze through the doorway. Once she was in his arms Sans shortcut through the doorway as far forward as he could see, finding another length of hallway. A frustrated sight escaping both the skeleton monster and the human in his arms, he continued a series of shortcuts till they came to another blockade.

            “What now… we made it through all the mages, so what now?” Frisk nearly shouted in exasperation, her soul protesting at using so much magic so quickly.

            “don’t know starshine, ya think there’s another rune?” Sans inquired his own hope waning at them ever being done with this seemingly endless quest.

            A spark of inspiration had Frisk shifting her magic, pulling each trait together in a rainbow of magic. pushing the power into the wall before her, the rainbow glow lit up another rune. This one a vertical line with two more attached at the top, almost like a pointed letter p. The rune for joy, fitting for the elation that passed through the couple as the door opened and they tumbled through into the barrier hall. their families rushing to embrace them the moment they saw them.

            The shaking stopped, a hush falling over the mountain now that the final door had opened the barrier that shimmered at the end of the hall shattered, sparks flying out blinding those present. Frisk sighed as her eyelids fluttered, her body shuddering as exhaustion took hold. Sans refused to release Frisk from his arms, his sockets closing as sleep claimed him, his face nuzzled into her neck as a grin spread over his face.

            The feeling of a soft bed under her, warm blankets around her and the gentle rise and fall of the chest of the skeleton monster holding her. A tired, contented Frisk wake in the big bed in her rooms at the palace. Snuggling deeper into Sans’ arms she sighs, it was over, the barrier was open, she could feel it in her soul. Feeling her move Sans stirred, his arms tightening around Frisk as he yawned.

            “mornin’ starshine, how ya feelin’?” Voice gruff from his sleep, Sans pressed his teeth to Frisks forehead in a tender kiss.

            “Kind of tired still, we used a lot of magic. though I am kind of hungry too, how about you?” Frisk nuzzled her face into the vertebrae of his neck, her soft breaths tickling the sensitive bones.

            “ya know… your right food dose sound good… but I don’t want to move.” Sans snuggles Frisk closer to him, his boney fingers rubbing small patterns on her back as they lay there.

            “Yeah I’ve got muscles hurting I didn’t even know I had. Wonder how long before everyone comes to look for us?” Frisk snuggled in deeper, her own arms holding Sans just as tightly as he was holding her.

            “not too much longer would be my guess, paps has never been much for waitin’” Sans mumbled, his sockets drifting closed as he enjoyed the feeling of Frisk tucked in his arms, the soft mattress under his tired bones.

            “Mom has probably worked herself into a tizzy over us being gone so long, even with Chara and Asriel giving them progress reports on how we were doing.” Frisk yawned, her own eyes drifting closed as she heard a gentle purr coming from her skeleton.

            As if summoned by their thoughts alone, the doors to Frisk’s rooms flew open. Toriel marched in, tailed closely by Papyrus, Chara, Asriel, Asgore, and Gaster trailing at the back of the small procession. Upon seeing the resting pair, snuggled together like the world would end if they let each other go. Toriel couldn’t help the small giggle the passed her muzzle, Chara just grinned, Asriel had a scowl on his face, Asgore shifted a bit uncomfortably as Gaster watched the pair, Papyrus however had no reservations, jumping up on the bed landing on the resting pair. He wrapped his arms around his brother and his soon to be sister in law, relief at having them safe flowing from him in waves as orange glowing tears fell from his sockets.

            “NO MORE ADVENTURES FOR YOU TWO.” Papyrus said, his loud voice causing Frisk to wince. Sans chuckled softly.

            “yeah bro I got ya, don’t plan on doin’ anythin’ like that again if I can help it.” Sans couldn’t help the grin on his face, he was out of that hall, everyone was safe, the barrier was broken, and he had Frisk in his arms as his brother hugged them.

            “Pappy, dear… could you maybe not squish us so much… still kinda hurting from all that fighting.” Frisk almost pleaded with the tall skeleton, the added pressure of his weight reminding her of the damage she had taken.

            “OH DEAR SORRY PRINCESS… I REALLY SHOULDN’T BE JUMPING ON YOU SHOULD I?” Papyrus leapt from the bed as though he had been burned, shifting from foot to foot as he twisted his hands together.

            “No I get it Pappy, you were worried about us. I truly am sorry that we worried you all.” Frisk smiled softly at the tall skeleton, her eyes shifting to the other monsters in the room.

            “Nah we get it sis, you guys had a job to do. Although when shit started shaking everyone got really worried.” Chara smiled down at her sister, her red gold eyes showing just how worried she had really been.

            “LANGUAGE.” Papyrus abolished the goat woman, immediately blushing when he remembered she was a princess.

            “While we were quite concerned for the two of you, we are quite proud of the two of you for what you have done for all of monster kind.” Asgore smiled down at Sans and Frisk where they lay. “It will be quite the honor for Sans to finally join our family after all he has done in his service to the royal family.” Sans blushed at the reminder of the impending ceremony, and his own instatement as royalty after that.

            “My son is quite the young man, both of them in fact.” Gaster smiled with pride, his eye lights shifting between both Sans and Papyrus. A blush spreading over both their faces.

            “All of our children are quite amazing in all honesty, I quite agree with Asgore when it comes to Sans.” Toriel smiled fondly at all three of her children, a kind smile for Sans and Papyrus.

            “You kidding? My sisters are the best in the world, Frisk did the impossible, and Chara never gives up. Still can’t believe I got so lucky for them to be related to me.” A wry smile plastered over Asriel’s muzzle.

            “you guys are too much ya know, we ain’t that good. all I did for most of it was heal frisk when she got hurt, she did all the real work. fuck I almost fucked everythin’ up when I used my magic when she was fightin’ the second to the last one.” Sans cast his eye lights down, shame over almost ruining everything burning hotly in his soul.

            “LANGUAGE BROTHER.” Papyrus abolished causing the smaller skeleton to jump guiltily.

            “Pappy give him a break, it wasn’t easy for him in that hallway. If the rolls had been reversed I don’t know if I could have held back from stepping in.” Frisk blushed realizing how much she had said with those few words.

            “I for one would not have had the fortitude to hold back from coming to my beloveds rescue as long as you managed Sans, especially being forced to watch as she fought.” Gaster eyed his son, unsure if him holding back for so long was a good sign or a bad one for the relationship of the two.

            “wasn’t easy I’ll say that ya ain’t got any clue how it tore at my soul every time she took a hit. felt like my soul was about to shatter each time.” Sans said, his tone grave, eye lights dim from the thought.

            “Sans, I’m fine. We made it through, we are safe, and the barrier is broken.” Frisk snuggled into Sans, not liking the sound of his misery.

            “yeah I know, just wasn’t easy. kind of wish I had stepped in sooner, even if it meant a harder fight overall. we did just fine with the last two.” Frisk could tell Sans was displeased with his performance, torn between shame at having made the fight harder and shame at having not stepped in sooner.

            “Sans, if you had stepped in sooner we wouldn’t have made it out of there. The amount of power it took us to power through the last two skeletons was a lot, can you even imagine how much power we would have used if we did that for all seven? We wouldn’t have had a chance to get any rest at all, and while it would have been faster to teleport down the hallway you would have exhausted yourself.” Frisk pressed her lips to Sans forehead, attempting to reassure him that he did the right thing.

            “Quite right my boy, you are strong but even you don’t have unlimited power.” Gaster stepped up beside the bed, laying his skeletal hand on Sans’ shoulder, the hole in his palm showing the fabric beneath it.

            “BROTHER WHAT IS DONE IS DONE, WE CAN NOT CHANGE THINGS AND THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS YOU ARE BOTH SAFE NOW. THE BARRIER IS BROKEN AND ONCE PREPARATIONS ARE MADE YOU AND PRINCESS FRISK WILL BE MATES. NYEH HEH HEH.” Papyrus clapped Sans on the back, shaking the whole bed with the force.

            “Speaking of, we informed the kingdom of the delay in the ceremony, though no one seemed pleased by the news. I believe that everyone is rather excited by the union between the most popular monster in the underground and the youngest princess.” Chara flashed Frisk a cheeky grin, her sharp fangs peeking past her lips.

            “Hey guys, I know you are all happy we are out of that hallway. But can Sans and I get a bit more rest before we get into the whole moving to the future thing?” Frisk stared down their families, not willing to give in on this point. It had been a long fight, a lot of walking and very little in the way of real rest.

            “Yeah sis I’ll have some food sent up for the two of you, I’m sure there wasn’t much in the way of food while you two were in there.” Asriel surprised Frisk by being the first one to volunteer his help, his golden eyes looking between Frisk and the rest of the family.

            With surprisingly little complaint from the rest of the monsters, Asriel ushered them from the room. Once alone Frisk pressed her face to Sans’ chest, fatigue eating away at her as she felt herself drift off briefly. Sans held her close to him, his soul thrumming at the feel of her safe in his arms. A content smile spreading over his face as his eye lights drifted over her features. Before long there was a knock on the chamber door, a diminutive fox monster slipping into the room with a try piled high with food. Dipping her head the little fox left the tray on the vanity and scurried from the room, leaving Sans and Frisk alone.

Chapter Text

Chapter 31

The Ceremony at Last

            Heavenly smells waft to Frisk’s nose, stirring her from her exhaustion induced slumber. A soft moan and a vicious growl from her belly as she stretches, her gold flecked hazel eyes flutter open as she blushes sweetly. The soft chuckle from Sans causing her face to flush more as he runs his boney fingers from her tousled chestnut locks, his gaze locked on her face with his eye lights fuzzy around the edges from his own fatigue.

            “mornin’ starshine, sounds like ya could use some of the food they brought up.” The deep rumble of Sans’ voice vibrating through Frisk as she snuggles closer to his side.

            “Stars yes please, I feel like I haven’t eaten in a week… we weren’t in there that long were we?” Frisk inquiries as her face scrunches up, flashes of their time in the barrier hallway flashing through her mind. Part of her felt like it had been a bad dream, another part of her realized just how close that the time she and Sans had spent together there had brought them.

            “heheh how ‘bout your stay here and I’ll bring the grub over to ya starshine, ya went through a lot to free all of us after all.” Sans presses his teeth to Frisk’s forehead in a tender kiss, his hand sliding behind her head as his boney fingers lace through her hair.

            “You’re took sweet to me Sans you know that? I know that all of that wasn’t easy for you either.” Tilting her face up, Frisk presses her lips tenderly to the side of Sans’ jaw. Her own hands reaching around to the back of his neck, her soft fingers playing over the bumps and grooves of his vertebrae. A shiver runs through Sans, his bones clicking together in a staccato rhythm at the feel of her skin against his bones.

            “ain’t nothin’ special starshine, ya did all the real work. let’s get some food in ya then we can meet up with the family and figure out what comes next.” The timber of Sans voice was rough, the effect that Frisk’s attentions had on him quite clear.

            “Okay Sugarskull lets both get some food in us, then we can get down to… business.” The cheeky grin on Frisk’s face left Sans with his jaw hanging, his eye lights blowing wide as he tried to prosses how blatant she was being about flirting with him. There had never been a doubt that she was interested in him, that had never been the question, however her blatant boldness in this moment left him floored. What had gotten into her?

            “erm starshine ya sure you’re feelin’ okay? ain’t never heard ya… so frisky.” The sound of Frisk’s giggle echoed through the room, Sans could feel himself blush as he realized that he had punned without even intending to.

            “You could say I’m so happy right now I’m sans my inhibitions.” The look on Frisk’s face as she dropped her own pun on him, completely intending to was golden, her eyes shining with her grin spreading wide. Her giggles bubbling up past her soft lips. Sans couldn’t help it, his soul thrummed in his chest as he fell even more in love with her in that moment. To think that before too much longer he would be able to make her his, his mate, his partner, his other half forever.

            “let’s get somethin’ to eat starshine then ya can really show my how uninhibited ya really are.” Sans resolutely pulls his gaze from Frisk, turning to grab the tray that the little fox monster had left for them to share shortly after Frisk had fallen asleep. Steam rising from some of the food showing it was still warm and fresh.

            “Heavens that looks good.” Frisk accepted the tray, holding it steady as Sans crawls up beside her on the bed before they both dig in. The food was definitely Toriel’s work, each thing on the tray something that she had made for Frisk and found that she liked. Soft fluffy eggs, warm juicy water sausages, fluffy pancakes drenched in butterscotch syrup, and of course butterscotch cinnamon pie to finish it all off.

            The soft moans and sound of food being consumed reigned for a time as Sans and Frisk ate their way through most of the food piled on the tray, however before long even Sans had to lean back with his hand over his middle. The expression on his face showing he may have eaten too much, Frisk groaned softly feeling very well past full.

            “Think we over did it? Kind of feels like I ate half the food in the underground right now.” Frisk moaned as she shifted trying to relieve some pressure waiting for the magic food to dissolve, it never took too long but she had never eaten this much in one go before.

            “nah, ya can’t really overdo magic food. just give it a bit starshine and ya should have enough energy to free the underground all over again heheh.” Sans smiled over at Frisk as he chuckled at the almost panicked look on her face, the thought of having to break the barrier again not sitting well with her.

            “Ugh if you say so, though I feel like I ate a beach ball.” Flopping back Frisk covered her eyes with one of her arms, jostling the tray with the bit of food still left on it.

            “easy there starshine, ya wouldn’t want to make a mess on the bed. cleanin’ stuff like this up is a beach.” A small giggle greets Sans’ words, Frisk too full to let a true laugh loose at the pun.

            “You know we should go sea what our families are up to, don’t want to end up having them beach at us. You know how salty some of them can get.” The snicker that drifts to Frisk’s ears coming from Sans is like music, a smile spreading over her face knowing she made him laugh again.

            “I love ya starshine.” A soft smile spreads over Sans’ face, his sockets crinkle at the edges as his eye lights briefly flash to hearts.

            “I love you too Sans.” Leaning up on her elbows Frisk draws closer to Sans, pressing her lips to his cheek bone in a tender kiss before flopping back on the bed. The feeling of being over full slowly leaving her, though her general fatigue still present even after food and rest.

            “ya sure you’re goin’ to be okay starshine? ya went through a lot in that hallway.” A shudder passes through Sans at the memories of just how much he had watched Frisk take on to free the monsters.

            “Yeah I’m good, just ready to get on with life. I made myself a promise, that once I broke the barrier I could be a little selfish and think about what I want.” Rolling to her side Frisk locked her gaze on Sans, a soft smile on her face. “It’s high time we go see what we need to finish up to go through the formality of our ceremony and finally get our time together.” Reaching her hand out Frisk brushes her fingertips over Sans’ jaw, letting her touch trail down the line of the column of vertebrae that comprise his neck, ending as she teases the neck of his shirt gently, hinting at what she really wants to do.

            “y-yeah, l-let’s go see our f-families.” The involuntary shivers running through Sans’ body at Frisk’s gentle caress causing him to stumble over his words, his face flushing with a dusting of blue over his cheek bones as his eye lights dance in his sockets.

            “Come on Sugarskull lets go get things sorted out, then we can have a good time.” A flirty grind crossing Frisk’s face as she pulls herself from the bed, turning to reach her hand out to lift Sans to his feet.

            Wandering through the hallways of the palace, Frisk wasn’t sure where she would find her family. Her first instinct told her to check the rooms down the hallway from her own, finding that no one was in their rooms at that time. With a shrug from Sans the two of them continued through the palace, making their way to the throne room to see if they might find at least Asgore there. Upon entering the throne room Frisk and Sans saw that indeed Asgore was in seated on his throne, Toriel seated on the throne beside him. Chara and Asriel stood to the sides of their mother and father, with Gaster and Papyrus standing behind the thrones.

            “Ah Frisk my child, are you feeling better? You gave us all quite the fright.” Toriel stood from her throne, closing the distance to wrap Frisk into her warm fuzzy arms in a crushing hug.

            “Yes I am Mom, how is everyone doing? I know that the time that Sans and I spent in the hallway could not have been easy for all of you.” Frisk inquired as she shifted her gaze around the room, landing on each of the monsters present in turn.

            “We’re doing good Sis, I mean yeah it was tough, but we aren’t the ones that spent almost twenty-four hours fighting against reanimated skeletons and expending magic the whole way.” Stepping forward Chara joined Toriel and Frisk in a tender hug, her muzzle lifting in a cheeky smile.

            “Quite right young one, the barrier is down, and you have hardly had a chance to recover from your ordeal. You have shown yourself to have more strength than any monster had ever hoped to see in one so kind and merciful.” Stooping down he enfolded Toriel, Chara and Frisk into his massive arms, a beaming smile crossing his muzzle at the joy that his people would finally be free.

            “Thank you Dad. I know that we missed the time we had planned for Sans and me to have our ceremony, however I still wish to take him as my mate. When might be a good time for us to proceed with the ceremony?” Frisk asked from where she was enfolded in part of her family’s arms.

            “You guys are going to need to get changed but I think we can gather the monsters in a couple of hours if you want Frisky.” Another set of furry arms joined the cuddle pile as Asriel hugged his family with a teasing smile on his muzzle as a single tear slipped form one of his golden eyes.

            “Azzy are you crying? You goof ball you know you don’t have to cry, Frisk did it, she saved us all and she is here now.” Chara tried to suppress a snort at her brother getting emotional over the things that had led to the moment they now shared.

            “PRINCE ASRIEL THERE IS NO NEED FOR YOU TO HIDE YOUR EMOTIONS. THERE ARE MANY GREAT THINGS THAT ARE HAPPENING TO THE MONSTERS DUE TO YOUR ADOPTED SISTER THE HUMAN PRINCESS FRISK. EVEN I THE GREAT PAPYRUS FIND IT DIFFICULT TO KEEP A SENSE OF DECORUM WHEN THINKING OF THE EXCITING FUTURE THAT WE ARE FACED WITH ON THE SURFACE.” The exuberant voice of Papyrus rang through the throne room, the sound of his feet shifting from side to side as it was clear that he too wanted to join in the group hug as his own emotions swelled. The low chuckle coming from Sans watching his brother was laced with the fondness he had for the younger skeleton.

            “you’re so cool bro, ‘course there ain’t nothin’ wrong with showin’ how ya feel.” Stepping towards Papyrus, Sans wrapped his brother into his arms for a brotherly embrace.

            “Can we maybe get back on track here? I would like to take Sans as my mate, preferably sooner rather than later.” Squirming in the hug pile Frisk pipes up, her voice only slightly muffled by the arms of her family.

            “heheh ya really that excited to get hitched starshine?” The blush dusting Sans’ face only enhanced the charming picture he made to Frisk, her own blush raising to match.

            “If it weren’t for the promise I made myself about breaking the barrier first I would have pushed for it to happen sooner Sans. Now can we please get the monsters together and maybe let me and Sans go get changed?” Frisk finally manages to squirm her way out of her family’s arms, straightening up and fixing each monster around her with her determined gaze.

            “I suppose it is best to get things started anyway, after all I believe the monsters of the underground were quite disappointed when the ceremony was a bit delayed by the time it took to break the barrier. Papyrus if you Asriel and Chara get the word out I believe we should be able to get everyone back to the courtyard in a timely manner.” In a typical motherly fashion Toriel begins directing the young monsters in what they need to get done, a glance at Frisk and Sans telling them to make their exit to get ready themselves. Sans taking the hint reaches out and grasps Frisk’s hand, dragging her through the void back to the suite of rooms that they had been sharing already.

            “ya want to get ready in your room or in the bathroom? figure ya might want to get clean since we did all that walkin’ and ya did all that fightin’.” The smile on Sans’ face shows that he doesn’t mind that Frisk isn’t the freshest she could be, though he knows that she will want to be at her best for the ceremony.

            “Stars… I can’t believe I just wandered around the palace still coated in dust and dried sweat. Ugh some princess I am I can’t even manage to to be presentable when going to the damn throne room.” The chuckle from Sans catches Frisk’s attention, her face heating in a bright blush as she dashes to scoop up the robes that Toriel informed her that she was to wear for the ceremony. “Sans you might want to get yourself clean too, although Mom would not approve of us sharing the shower… yet.” The giggle that bubbles from her lips making Sans blush, blue dusting over his cheek bones as it spreads over his face.

            “just goin’ to take a shortcut to paps and my old place, ain’t no one goin’ to interrupt me there.” The look that Frisk levels at Sans causes a shiver to travel up his spine as he too scoops up the outfit that he knows as a prince consort he will be required to wear on this day, a small concession for being able to take Frisk as his mate. With a small smile at Frisk, Sans pulls himself through the void and pops into the small bathroom in the house he has shared with Papyrus for almost as long as he can remember.

            Dashing into the bathroom Frisk strips from her soiled clothing as quickly as she can manage, turning the nobs on the shower to get the water on and to the temperature that she likes. Stepping under the steady stream a sigh escapes Frisk as the warm water beats against her still tired muscles as she washes the dirt from her body and hair, not allowing herself to spend too much time just enjoying the heat.

            In the small bathroom Sans strips off the blue hoodie, white shirt, and black shorts as he kicks his slippers form his feet and peels off his socks. Stepping into the shower a small squeak escapes him as the chill water hits his bones, scrambling to turn the knobs till the water heats up and a groan escapes past his teeth as the heat washes the grime from his tired bones. A shake of his skull to refocus and Sans rushes through getting clean so he can get dressed from the ceremony, a small grumble as he eyes the royal garb sitting across the room.

            Stepping from the shower Frisk quickly pats herself dry with a fluffy towel, wrapping her hair in the towel as she holds the robes up that she had ordered from Muffet. The fabric is a rich velvet so soft to the touch that Frisk can hardly hold back the moan of pleasure as she traces her fingers over it, the color perfect. The cyan blue a perfect match for Sans’ magic just as she had wanted, the cercle wings and triangles of the Delta Rune expertly stitched in a fine shimmering purple thread, and the trim around the simple robes in the rich red of her own soul.

            Grasping the old yet well cared for towel from the rack beside the shower, Sans steps out and quickly dries his bones, wrapping the towel around his pelvis before turning to the garb that he is expected to wear. Running his phalanges over the crushed velvet of the cloak the red shining as bright as Frisk’s soul, the trim in the cyan of his own magic. A smile crosses his face as he realizes what she had done, she had used their colors to make this day completely their own. The clasps for the cloak tooled in a fine silver rather than the gold that Asgore wears, to compliment his eye lights. The Delta Rune stitched with care in a shimmering purple thread strategically placed to rest over where his soul resides. He feels relief that he won’t have to done the armor that Asgore sometimes has to for ceremonies, even if that would be an interesting sight.

            Slipping the robes over her now dry skin causing Frisk to shiver with the soft sensation of the velvet. Looking into the mirror she realizes that she needs to do her hair and makeup to fit for the occasion as well as compliment the robes. Standing in front of the mirror of the vanity in her room she tilted her head from side to side, attempting to get a sense of what would look best with the robes that she was wearing. Deciding that she would twist her hair up into a simple crown allowing a few strands to curl down to frame her face Frisk got to work, the end result was simple yet elegant. Satisfied with her hair Frisk placed the circlet that had been placed on her head during the coronation atop her head, the look was elegant in its simplicity. A small bit of makeup to bring out her hazel eyes and plump her lips and she was satisfied with the results.

            The nerves were getting to Sans, he had checked and rechecked that the garb was on him correctly, the crushed velvet and silk of the outfit soft against his bones, the silver fastenings gleaming in the pale light of the bathroom. He knew for him he looked good, however his doubt about looking good next to Frisk was eating away at the normal calm he could manage. With a frustrated huff he turned from the mirror, he had to get moving or he would be late at this point. Sans knew it couldn’t take this long for Frisk to get ready, or to gather everyone in the underground.

            The carpet under Frisk’s slippered feet was soft, the tension she was feeling was however not letting her enjoy the sensation. She wanted this, she was excited about this, she wanted to be Sans’ mate more than just about anything than she had ever wanted. The problem was that she was still worried about what all of this could do in regard to the way things go up on the surface. Locking her gaze on the mirror Frisk looked into her own eyes, the shimmering gold flecks in her hazel eyes bright being framed by the finery of her new station. She was still herself, nothing had really changed about who she was at her core, in her soul. A surge of determination flowing through her, nodding her head to her own reflection Frisk turned on her heel marching down the corridors till she was just outside the courtyard. Only stopping when she found Chara waiting for her to show up, a soft smile on her muzzle as she reached her paw like hands out to draw Frisk into a sisterly hug.

            “It’s going to be ok Sis, I know you are worried about what the future holds, hell we all are right now. Monsters haven’t been out from under the mountain for a very long time and the last time any went to the surface Azzy died. That doesn’t change that you deserve to be happy, and I know Sans makes you happy. I’ve seen how you light up every time you two are together, hell I got a front row seat to the beginnings of it all when I was still part of your soul.” Chara hooked one of her claws under a stray lock of Frisk’s hair and looping it behind her ear.

            “Thank you Chara, sometimes I miss having you in my head. Mostly when I start to doubt myself, or when I need advice about something. I’m just really happy that you are still a part of my life even if you are no longer part of my soul.” Throwing herself into Chara’s arms Frisk let herself giggle at the soft feel of her sisters fur on her face.

            The light in the bathroom gleamed off Sans’ polished bones, he couldn’t remember exactly when he made the choice, but he had a need to be at his best for Frisk. His eye lights sparked between his nerves and his unbridled joy at what was to come, with a thought he pulled himself through the void, popping into reality once more in a corridor near the courtyard. Looking around his eye lights land on Papyrus, striding up to his brother Sans can feel his grin grow tense. His bones clicking rhythmically due to the shudders passing through his body.

            “BROTHER YOU ARE HERE, ARE YOU WELL? IT HAS TAKEN LONGER THAN WE ANTICIPATED FOR YOU TO BE READY.” Papyrus reached his hand out to Sans, his face scrunched in concern.

            “yeah bro I’m good, just still tryin’ to wrap my skull around the fact that this is really happenin’. look at me I’m standin’ here in royal garb about to mate a princess, not to mention she’s the savior of monsters.” Suddenly Sans could feel Papyrus’ arms wrap him into a hug, a small wining purr coming from the taller skeleton.

            “SANS YOU ARE GREAT, NOT AS GREAT AS I AM BUT YOU DESERVE TO BE HAPPY AND PRINCESS FRISK MAKES YOU HAPPY. I HAVE SEEN THE WAY YOU ARE AROUND HER, THE WAY YOU PUT SO MUCH MORE EFFORT INTO LIFE WHEN YOU ARE WITH HER. IT MAKES MY SOUL LIGHT TO SEE MY DEAR BROTHER FINALLY FIND SOMETHING TO BRING HIM JOY AND PEACE.” Sans could feel Papyrus rubbing his back as his body stopped shaking, his breath coming easier as he took strength from the familiar sense of being close to his brother.

            “you’re so cool bro, ya know I would be so lost if I didn’t have ya in my life.” Pressing his face into Papyrus’ shoulder as he hugged him back, Sans could feel himself find a new sense of confidence coming to him from his brother.

            The crowed hushed as Sans walked into the courtyard, escorted by Papyrus, and joined by Asriel on the way in. The three walked up to where Asgore and Toriel had set up a raised platform for the joining to take place. Sans could feel his soul thrumming in his mix of joy, excitement, and still a bit of nerves. Gaster was settled near the base of the platform, unsure if his absence from reality would cause Sans to not want him to take the place a father should. Sans turned to his father, his eye lights softening as he reached his skeletal hand out indicating that he should join the rest of the families where he belongs. The leap in Gaster’s soul caused him to jump up as though he where a child on Giftmas, his eye lights glowing with joy and pride that the son he had never meant to abandon still wanted him to play his role in the bonding.

            Heart pounding, soul burning in her chest Frisk could feel her nerves climbing. Chara still stood beside her however soothing her presence was Frisk could still feel her nerves prickle over her skin as she paced waiting for the cue for her to join the rest of the family in the courtyard. What if Sans changed his mind? What if the monsters didn’t like the idea of a human taking a monster as a mate? It wasn’t like the last time a monster and a human had fallen in love went well, the last time had led to the war so she wouldn’t blame them if they couldn’t accept what she wanted. With a start Frisk could feel Chara’s warm paw like hand on her back, turning to meet the red gold eyes of her sister Frisk could feel a calm come over her soul as she took in Chara’s smile. A nod from Chara with a little pressure on Frisk’s arm and the two walked into the courtyard, the crowd was hushed, all eyes on her and Chara as they walked through the gathered monsters.

            Gold flecked hazel eyes locked on the pearl white pricks of light that were Sans eye lights, the world melting away as Frisk felt herself gliding forward without her sisters aid. Chara slipped past Frisk to join the others on the platform, allowing Frisk to make her way on her own. Striding forward Frisk drew closer and closer to Sans, her focus singularly on him.

            The view in front of Sans’ eye lights was like a dream, Frisk with her hair twisted up into a crown, silver circlet perched among her chestnut hair sending flints of light around the courtyard. The way she walked in the plush cyan velvet robes was more like she was gliding across the stones of the courtyard, her black flats poking out from below the hemline of the robes with each of her forward steps. He could feel his soul pulse in his chest, his face tinting blue as he watched the woman that was about to become his mate walk toward him.

            Joining the monsters on the platform, Frisk’s gaze still locked on Sans as her own face flushed at how great he looked in the garb that Muffet had made for him. She could feel her pulse pounding in her chest, her soul thrumming pushing her own magic through her body in wild waves. Sans reaches his skeletal hand forward, his smooth phalanges threading through Frisk’s fleshy figures. Matching smiles crossing over both their faces, lighting up the room around them with the love and joy radiating from their souls. Asgore’s booming laugh ringing across the courtyard, drawing Frisk’s mind back to why she is standing here. A nervous chuckle coming from Sans sending a ripple of laughter through the gathered monsters.

            “Welcome monsters of the underground, as your king it is my great pleasure to be here before all of you for the first bonding since the barrier has been broken. As you are aware this even had been planned to happen a bit sooner however the difficulty that was found in breaking the barrier was more than our princess Frisk had originally predicted.” The crowd nodded along, looks of sympathy and awe on each face present. “That being said princess Frisk has been awaiting this day for a fair bit of time, as I understand it the bond between her and her intended mate Sans-” A wave of cheering washed through the gathered crowd, interrupting Asgore in his prepared speech. “Yes, yes quite right, Sans is quite the fine monster. One that I am quite happy that will be joining my family through his bonding with my adopted daughter.” The smile that Asgore beamed over to Sans caused the skeleton monster to flush deeply blue, dipping his head at the the sudden praise.

            “Dad please don’t embarrass him too much, after all he is going to be your son in law here shortly.” The confused look that briefly passed over Asgore’s face caused Frisk to giggle.

            “Golly I had no intention of causing Sans any embarrassment, I do apologize for that young monster.” A sheepish expression crossed Asgore’s muzzle, his honey colored eyes locking on the skeleton earnestly.

            “nah, no issue asgore, ya know me I can take it. let’s just get through this ceremony so frisk and me can get some, us time.” The cheeky grin on Sans’ face caused the gathered crowd to chuckle, a deep blush crawling over Frisk’s face.

            “Can we please provide, I for one would love to see our youngest child bonded.” Toriel fixed a firm gaze on Asgore, her arms crossing over her chest as she waited for him to regain his composure.

            “Yes um yes quite right. We are here to bond two beings as one, a ritual as old as monsters. First i would ask Sans to tell us when he knew that he was in love with princess Frisk.” Asgore stepped back, indicating to Sans that he should now speak.

            “when I first met frisk, I felt drawn to her. it took me longer than I care to think about to realize what I know now that she is my soulmate.” The crowd gasped and murmured in a wave, a squeak from Alphys sounding above the rest. “once I realized the connection it took me no time at all to conclude she was the one for me, but to see each thing that showed her to be my perfect match. the way she jokes with me, the way she gets to talkin’ about magic and science, her eyes lightin’ up when she smiles and laughs, and so much more.” Eye lights shining Sans watches Frisk’s face, her own eyes sparkling as tears of joy well in the corners.

            “Beautiful my boy, warms my soul to see the love shining in your eye lights, and in my daughters eyes.” Asgore dabbed at a tear that had gathered in the corner of his honey eye. “Frisk dear would you please tell us all how it is you came to find love in Sans?” The sound in Asgore’s voice was thick with emotion.

            “Yes, well I should start with explaining that for a human it isn’t something normal for us to fall in love as fast as I have, in addition to that most humans wouldn’t see a monster as mate material. However as a child my birth father would often tell me a tale, this tale you all should know if not in the same way I do. He would tell me the tale of a beautiful maiden who fell in love with a powerful monster.” A shuddering gasp rippled through the crowd at her words. “Yes the story of how the monster human war came to be, however my father did not tell it as the fault of the monsters for kidnapping the maiden or the humans fault for seducing the monster. My human father told me the tale of true love that was not accepted by the humans or the monsters, the thing that always resonated with me from his telling was that he would always pause and tell me that no matter if I ever loved a man, a monster, or anything else he would always love me.” A loud aww echoed through the crowd. “When I came to the underground I came here to right the wrongs of the past, the evil that humans committed against monsters because of two beings finding love in each other. What I didn’t realize was that my soul was calling me to the underground, to draw me closer to Sans. For as long as I can remember I had dreams from a past life, a life that ended in tragedy. When I met Sans here in the underground I couldn’t help but fall in love with him, the way that he watches out for his brother, the way that he jokes to make those around him laugh, the way that he dose whatever he can to keep those around him happy. In fact I found myself fighting with my feelings in fear of repeating the mistakes that led to the war in the past, it took me far longer to come to terms with being willing to go with my feelings for him than I care to think about.” There was a murmur through the crowd at Frisk’s words.

Chapter Text

Chapter 32

The Ceremony Concludes and the Couple get Some Time.

            “That is quite the revelation my child, I was not aware that you felt so strongly about both Sans and about the monsters as a whole for so long.” Stepping forward Toriel enfolded a gently crying Frisk into her warm arms.

            “Golly to think that my adopted daughter is the reincarnation of the human princess form history. Although that does seem to explain why it is that you feel so strongly about freeing our people and making things right.” it was quite clear that Asgore was torn between his pride in Frisk and his disquiet that it had been her past self that had led to the war.

            “I felt that it was only right that the monsters should know about my connection to the past, however I was not ready to let everyone know till I had provided freedom to everyone.” Fidgeting from foot to foot Frisk looked out at the monsters gathered in the courtyard, unsure how they would take her connection to the past.

            “LOVE SHOULD NOT HAVE EVER BEEN PUNISHED PRINCESS FRISK, IT IS NEITHER YOUR NOR MY DEAR BROTHERS FAULT THAT YOUR PAST SELVES FELL IN LOVE. NOR IS IT RIGHT THAT THE LOVE THAT WAS SHARED SO FREELY WAS PUNISHED BY THE HUMANS AND MONSTERS ALIKE, WAR SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN THE ANSWER THAT WAS PROVIDED IN RESPONSE TO LOVE.” Papyrus spoke up, his voice booming over the gathered monsters causing a few that had been scowling to flinch back in shame.

            “Yeah and anyone that would get in the way of your love for Sans now should be ashamed, you are our princess and you have proved yourself to be more than just as friend to monsters. You brought back the hope of our people, as well as brought us freedom.” It was Asriel that spoke up, tears flooding Frisk’s eyes realizing that the resurrected prince was standing up for her and her love. As he spoke the gathered monsters began to murmur in the affirmative, their support growing by the second causing Frisk to glance around at the faces before her, each one shining with understanding and trust.

            “Quite right, now that we know how the two of you have fallen in love, it is time for us to bind the two of you in that love. Sans please tell us of your hopes for the future you wish to share with princess Frisk.” Asgore waisted no time in pushing the ceremony forward before the crowd could get out of hand, he could see that many wanted to rush the platform and show support for Frisk.

            “the future I see with frisk is a simple one, I see waking up beside her each mornin’ fallin’ asleep next to her each night. I see breakfasts with the family with lots of jokes and puns to keep everyone laughin’. I see supportin’ frisk in any way that I can, helpin’ her in her quest to protect the monsters from what the surface has to offer. when she went through the trials to break the barrier I was there with her, each step she took I was by her side. I plan to continue to always be by her side and keep her safe when I can and heal her hurts when I can’t.” The depth of feeling in Sans’ voice brought tears to Frisk’s eyes, her heart swelling, and her soul sparking in her chest at the simple words and the underlying promise he was making for her.

            “No monster or human could ask for more love behind the words of promise you offer to my daughter, I approve of you as her mate and allow this bond.” Asgore placed his big paw like hand on Sans shoulder, tears glistening in his honey colored eyes as he smiled with fatherly pride. “Frisk please tell us all what it is that you hope for your future with Sans.” Asgore turned to look at Frisk where she stood.

            “Simple, I want to live my life beside him, sharing the love that threatens to burst from my chest every time I look into his eye lights. I plan to support his dreams and hopes in any way I can, and I believe that I have taken the first steps in proving that to not only him but all monsters by breaking the barrier. Yes I brought the barrier down to free all monsters and had I not met Sans I still would have done so, however my love for him pushed me to break it faster, to keep going even when I was injured and tired in the hallway. His support lifted me up when facing those abominations and helped me keep putting one foot in front of the other, without Sans I very well could have died in that hallway leaving everyone trapped underground for stars know how much longer.” The pride and love shining in Frisk’s gold flecked hazel eyes lit up the courtyard, her red soul sparking and shining from inside her chest showing the monsters gathered how deep her feelings went.

            “Heavens I have never seen that before, it would appear that princess Frisk is so passionate about her love for Sans that her soul is shining through her body. This is not something that I have ever seen before in a human and quite rare even in monsters. I would say that based on this it is quite clear that no one can stand in the way of the love she has for Sans and therefor I approve of her taking him as her mate. Sans, Frisk please step over here and present your hands to me.” Asgore spoke, his voice shaking with the awe at Frisk’s display.

            Taking a deep breath to calm the fire in her chest Frisk stepped forward to stand before Asgore, her eyes locked on Sans as he joined beside her. Sans looked from Asgore back to Frisk, his eye lights soft and fuzzy with the love he had for her. As the two approached Asgore he reached his paw like hands out to grasp each of theirs, the smile on his muzzle one of joy at seeing the love displayed by his adopted daughter and the skeleton monster she had chosen as her mate.

            “Sans please care for my child, make her life one of magic and beauty. Frisk my daughter please care for Sans, let your love for him be a shelter in troubled times and lift his soul.” Crossing his arms to bring their hands together Asgore sparked his magic forming a ribbon of light around their hands winding up their wrists, binding the two together in magic and love. “It is done, Sans you are now a part of my family just as Frisk is. Your own family shall also be afforded the same, extending our family and binding them together through the love the two of you share. You may now embrace your mate and greet the world as one.” Asgore smiled at the couple before him, the pride he felt in his soul shining on his face as he watched the ribbon of magic settle into their joined hands.

            Turning to the gathered monsters Frisk and Sans raise their joined hands to show the crowd, the look of joy beaming from their faces infecting the monsters before them. As they stand there the monsters begin to shoot of bullet patterns like fireworks, flashes of light in the shape of all kinds of things from spears that were clearly Undyne to simple blasts of color from a few Moldsmal and even some silvery tears that had to be from Napstablook. A small gasp escaped Frisk as Sans wrapped his arm around her waist dipping her backward like he had during their dance the Mettaton’s resort, pressing his teeth to her lips in a tender kiss causing the whole crowd to erupt in a chorus of cheers and raucous whoops and hollers.

            The sounds of the crowd vanished from Frisk’s ears as she felt the temperature change around her, her eyes popping open to take in that Sans had taken them through a shortcut through the void to their rooms. A giggle bubbling past her lips at just how eager he was to be alone with her now that they could follow through with everything they had been holding back on. The feel of Sans pulling her closer and pressing his teeth to her neck in a tender kiss bringing her mind back to the present.

            “A bit eager to start our wedding night Sugarskull?” Frisk gently teased as she felt a shiver run up her spine at the tender contact of Sans’ teeth on her tender flesh.

            “more than ya know starshine more than ya know. ya sure you’re ready for tonight? monsters are a bit different than humans when it comes to showin’ affection.” Sans nuzzled his nasal ridge against the curve of Frisk’s ear as he spoke, his breath tickling her ever so slightly.

            “Then no more waiting for us, you are my mate now so let’s head to the bed and get to know each other on a more intimate level.” Grasping Sans’ boney hand in her own Frisk led him to the bedroom, locking the door behind her so they would not be interrupted.

***

            Pulling Sans close to her Frisk reaches up and releases the clasps holding the crimson velvet cloak fastened to him, allowing the soft fabric to pool at their feet as she presses her soft lips to his teeth. Slipping her hand behind his skull she can feel his boney hands grasp at her waist as a shudder runs through both of their bodies, the feeling of his conjured blue tongue dancing against her lips causes her to part her lips allowing him to slide the magic appendage into her mouth. A soft moan rumbles from Frisk’s throat, the sensation of Sans’ magic tingling against her tongue sending shivers through her body as she runs her hands along his shoulders to find the hem of the red tunic that adorns his torso. Sans shivers as her questing fingers slip below the shirt sliding up and dancing along the outside of his ribs, a rumbling growl vibrating through his chest.

            Flexing his skeletal hands and pressing the tips of his phalanges into the plush cyan velvet of Frisk’s robes at her waist, Sans runs his hands against her gentle curves as he tries to control himself. The desire to get closer to her waring with his desire to make their very first time last as long as he can. Pulling back from the kiss Sans reaches down and gathers the fabric of the royal robes, tugging and pulling till the garment gathers at Frisk’s waist as he works to pull it farther up till he can remove it from her body. A small giggle escapes her lips at the tickling sensation of his boney fingertips brushing her heated flesh. Stepping back Sans lets his eye lights wander over the sight that is Frisk standing there in a matching set of soft lace panties and bra in a perfect match to the cyan of Sans’ magic, his face heating in a deep blush as his magic sparks through his body.

            “stars your gorgeous starshine.” A soft purr rumbled through Sans, his eye lights going fuzzy looking at Frisk’s soft smooth skin, her lace garments doing little more than obscuring the details of the parts that they covered.

            “So it’s not strange that I’m basically a skeleton covered in flesh?” Frisk said, her tone teasing even though there was a glint of real worry in her eyes.

            A growl rippled through Sans, his eye lights flashing as he reached forward to let his skeletal hands roam freely over Frisk’s soft skin. There was no way he would let her think that he was anything other than completely in love with every part of her. Nipping gently at Frisk’s neck then letting his glowing blue togue slid across her sensitive skin, the shiver and moan causing Sans to chuckle at her reactions to him. Slipping his hands to the bra that covers Frisk’s pert breasts he lets the flat of the tip of his thumb brush over her nipple through the lace of the garment, the little bud stiffening at the contact as Frisk moans arching into his touch.

            Pressing her palms against Sans’ ribs Frisk guides him till the backs of his leg bones press against the edge of the bed, before pushing him down she grasps the hem of the velvet shirt that he has on and pulls it over his head tossing it to the side to puddle on the floor. An appreciative purr rumbles in Frisk’s throat, her eyes roaming over the exposed bones of Sans’ ribs as she stalks closer to him. A blue blush spreading over his face at the hungry look in her eyes, a small squeak coming from Sans as she reaches out and runs her soft fingers over the exposed bones before her. Bending forward she presses her soft lips to Sans’ clavicle, her pink tongue slipping past her lips to lick the smooth warm surface of the bone.

            Magic surging through his body Sans moans at the feeling of Frisk kissing and licking his bones, fighting to not loose his feet and fall back on the bed behind him. his bones clicking together as he feels himself shudder at the rush of pleasure coursing through him, his boney fingers gripping onto Frisk’s shoulders to keep from falling over. As Frisk let up on her ministrations Sans reached his boney fingers down her back to release the clasp of her lacy bra, the fabric falling apart as the garment fell forward and the strips slipped down from her shoulders. His boney fingers sliding under the fabric to pull it away from her skin to remove the bra and drop it to the floor, a shiver running up her spine as his warm bones brushed against her tender skin.

            Pushing Sans back onto the bed Frisk slips her hands up along his femurs, allowing her figures to play across the soft fabric of the black pants that Muffet had made for him along with the surprisingly cute heart covered boxers underneath. Inch by inch her touches crept up to the waist of the pants, searching for the fastenings to release the garment and allow her to pull them from his body. releasing the clasp of the pants Frisk tugs gently at the pants, her gaze locked on Sans’ eye lights as she slowly pulls the pants down his legs. A dusting of a blue blush covering Sans’ face at the naked desire in Frisk’s eyes, shivers passing through his body as the fabric brushes against his bones.

            Unable to take the slow teasing Sans pulls Frisk to the bed, pushing her into the mattress as he hovers over her body. One arm holding him up as the other had reaches up to cup her breast, his thumb tracing lazy cercles over her stiffening nipple. A whimper and a high pitched moan escaped from Frisk, her face flushing in a red blush as she squirmed under Sans’ body. Reaching up she wrapped her hands round his ribs, pulling him fully down in her as she leaned up to press her lips to his teeth in a tender kiss. The feel of his spectral tongue slipping from his teeth and sliding over her tender lips prompting her to part her lips and allow him entrance, her hands snaking around to the back of Sans’ neck as she sparks her magic along the sensitive bones.

            The thrill of her magic on his bones sending Sans’ hips thrusting forward against her, the lace panties still over her heated core. A low growl rumbling through his ribs, Frisk shivering in anticipation from the vibration her lace panties growing damp from the feel of the bulge pressed against them. Breaking the kiss Sans began to place a trail of skeletal kisses interlaced with the tingling licks of his conjured tongue down the side of Frisk’s neck, shivers flowing through her in waves as she drew her knees up her toes curling into the soft fabric of the blanket below her and a soft moan escaping her lips.

            “S-sans nyng.” The sound of Frisk calling out his name sent Sans’ magic thrumming through his bones, his kisses, and nips along her tender flesh as he worked his way from the hollow of her throat down her chest slowing to lavash attention where her collar bone lay just below her trembling flesh. His boney hands roaming over her exposed skin, sending shivers through her body as he sparked his own traces of teasing magic through his phalanges as he allowed his hands to dip and play over her petal soft skin and gentle curves.

            “ya taste so good starshine.” A soft purr rumbled through Sans as he continued to lick his way to the peak of Frisk’s breast, laving his magical tongue over her erect nipple as the thumb and forefinger roll her other nipple in a gentle rhythm. The moans and whimpers escaping Frisk as she squirms and arches into his mouth and waiting hand driving his magic to a fevered pitch, his magically summoned member twitching against Frisks leg with every noise she lets past her soft lips.

            Continuing to kiss lick and nip lower and lower Sans came to Frisk’s navel, licking a trail around the rim before moving farther down pressing skeletal kisses to the jut of her hip bones before hooking his phalanges under the elastic of her lace panties and gently pulling them down. Frisk’s hips pushing up off the mattress to assist him in removing the last barrier that lay between the two of them. Tossing the scrap of fabric aside Sans dipped his skull down, pressing his teeth in tender skeleton kisses along her inner thighs. Licking his way closer and closer to her wet pulsing core, her legs trembling with the sensations and anticipation as her magic flared around them and soft moans drifted from her lips.

            The heat coursing through Frisk’s being as she felt Sans kiss his way over her body his gentle ministrations caused the heat she felt to build in intensity, shudders crossing through her in anticipation of what was to come. The feeling of Sans’ breath fanning over her thighs as he licked his way up to her heated sex sent thrills through her body, a tingle warming in her belly and sparking her desire higher. Her hips jumped forward pressing against his mouth at the first electric contact of his glowing blue tongue on her over sensitive heat, the low chuckle coming from Sans vibrating straight to her center coiling in her abdomen. Frisk couldn’t help the panting breath, the whimpering moans that were slipping past her lips as Sans dragged his tongue over her damp folds, swirling the tip of the magic appendage over the bundle of nerves at the apex of her vagina. Fingers fisting the soft fabric of the bed covers as her heals planted firmly into the soft mattress as her hips bucked against his mouth with abandon.

            It was hard for Sans to keep any kind of control when Frisk was bucking against his mouth, his boney hands pressing against her hips to try and keep her still at to not accidently hurt her as he licked over the honey of her heated core. His magic had manifested on his pelvis early on, though he ignored his own need for now. He felt a more pressing need to watch her shatter in pleasure before he could even think of taking his own. Yes the taste of her heat, the feel of her magic sparking around them as she drew closer and closer to the edge as he licked and swirled his agile tongue over and through her folds was a pleasure to him, her keening cries of pleasure driving him mad with lust as she seemed to have lost her grip on sanity. The pride he felt at reducing Frisk to this state left Sans panting against her damp heat, a rumbling growl of satisfaction vibrating against her sex sending her into another fit of bucking.

            Close, so damn close Frisk could feel the tension coiling in her stomach. The heat in her body felt like an inferno as she drew closer to the edge, her head thrashing as she griped the covers and the pressure built in her center. Sans ran the tips of his boney fingers along her sides, tracing a path up to her breasts once more as he captured the stiffened peaks of her nipples between thumb and forefinger gently rolling the sensitive nubs as he pressed his long dexterous tongue into her slit. Her hips grinding against his face pushing the glowing blue appendage farther into her heat as he swirled and pressed the tip against her straining walls. Sensation building as the heat in her center grew, the tension building to an almost painful level as she drew closer and closer to the edge. Frisk felt like she was about to combust, her vision sparking as she felt her insides shatter, inner walls spasming and clamping down on Sans’ tongue as her hips bucked up and the world crashed around her in her release.

            Panting heavily Frisk felt like her heart was going to pound its way out of her chest, the feeling of Sans sliding up her body bringing her attention back to the moment. She could feel his boney hand slip along her ribs as he positioned his pelvis between her legs, leaning forward and pressing his teeth to her lips in a tender kiss. She could taste herself on his teeth and his tongue as she allowed him to deepen the kiss, her arms reaching out and tracing the lines of his ribs. Her fingers dipping along the smooth warm bones as he shivered at her tender touches, her other hand continued up to the back of his skull and traced lazy patterns over the soft bone there.

            “Wow.” The breathy utterance when Sans broke the kiss to look into Frisk’s eyes sent a thrill straight to his pounding soul, his grin pulled into a wolfish predatory tilt.

            “ya doin’ okay starshine? ready for more yet or ya need to rest a bit first.?” The rumble of Sans voice sending head pulsing to Frisk’s core, exciting her even in her post orgasm glow.

            “More?” Frisk arched her brow as her eyes sparkled, allowing her magic to spark gently against his bones as her fingertips danced over his ribs.

            “mhmm ya didn’t think that’s all ya would get tonight did ya?” The low chuckle that followed Frisk’s hopeful look rumbled through Sans.

            Taking the hint that she was willing and ready for more Sans allowed one of his hands to slip down to the warm damp folds between Frisk’s thighs gently caressing the over stimulated flesh, her hips writhing under him as he checked that she was still wet and ready for him. The pleading whimper coming from her throat causing his magic to surge as he moved his fingers around the base of his magical member, pressing the manifestation to the opening of her sex. The pleading look in her eyes egging him on as he slowly pressed his pelvis forward, allowing the head of his organ to breach her trembling entrance.

            The wine of frustration that came from Frisk as she tried to buck her hips up to impale herself on Sans’ glowing blue member sent a wave of heated magic crashing through his bones, he had waited for this moment and he was going to savor it for everything he was worth. Growling softly Sans allowed him to press his hips forward inch by torturous inch, the heat of Frisk’s inner walls squeezing him and feeling like heaven. As he reached his limit, burred deep withing her damp heat she let out a keening moan, her whole being trembling with the feeling of being filled. Her hands had reached up gripping the thick bones of his arms, her lips parted as her breath came in pants and gasps.

            The magic sparking between Frisk and Sans was hot and intense, she may have just reached release not that long ago however she was already thirsting for more. Slowly pulling back Sans let himself pull almost completely from Frisk’s sex, the whimper echoing through the bedroom as she clutched at him trying to pull him back to her. The gasp that came from her turning to a moan as he thrust forward once more, hitting a spot deep within her that lit her on fire. The grip of her hands shifting down to wrap around the bones of his ribs, magic still dancing over her skin setting his own magic roiling. Pulling back once more he continued to thrust forward again and again, his own moans and grunts joining with her as they both built themselves into a frenzy. Each thrust hitting against that bundle of nerves inside Frisk dragging her closer and closer to the edge once more, the tension that had exploded from her first release quickly building to greater heights.

            Waves of pleasure crested over Frisk as Sans stroked himself within her, crashing over her and sending her moaning and thrashing below him. Nearly feral growls rumbling through Sans as his own release drew closer, thrusting faster and harder with each cry he pulled from his mate. Behind his ribs a white light started to spark and shine, drawing her attention to where her hands clutched at his ribs. She could feel the heat building, tension coiling in her stomach as the precipice drew closer with each thrust he made. The delicious sensation of his magic sparking along her over stimulated skin, his movements becoming faster and more erratic as he too drew closer to his climax. Her legs hooked around his pelvis changing the angle and driving his magic made organ deeper, hitting a spot that sent Frisk careening over the edge. The heated inner walls of her sex trembling and fluttering against the sparking magic of his member, milking him, and sending him over the edge with her. Their joined climax shooting through them with the force of a typhoon, sending waves of magic sparking through the air and through each other.

***

            Panting heavily Sans shifted from his position, snuggling up beside Frisk, his arm reaching out to her and pulling her closer to pillow her head on his arm. The satiated feeling radiating through his soul as the light faded from his ribcage as she snuggled into him, the feeling of peace taking hold of both of them as she nuzzled her face against his neck. The purr coming from Sans was very much like a contented cat as Frisk gently pet his skull with one hand and traced her fingers over his ribs.

            “That was so worth the wait. Heavens Sans I think I saw the stars.” A giggle bubbled up from Frisk as she snuggled closer to her mate, the thrum of her soul in sync with his.

            “ya stole my line there starshine, heheh think I saw heaven tibia honest with ya.” Sans chuckled pressing his teeth to the top of Frisk’s head as he lazily traced patterns on her shoulder.

            “Do you think everyone is wondering where we vanished to? Or… heavens they probably realize where we went… and what we were doing… oh my gods.” Blushing Frisk hid her face against Sans’ chest, her heart pounding as he pulled the cover around them.

            “heheh probably but ain’t a big deal, kinda normal for a bonded couple to vanish after the ceremony.” The sound of utter satisfaction in Sans’ voice just made Frisk groan in further embarrassment.

            “Yeah maybe but… look at who my siblings are… you know those two are going to not stop teasing us for ages.” There was a surprisingly dainty growl that game from Frisk making Sans chuckle in surprise, he didn’t even realize humans could growl like that.

            “nah, ya ain’t got to worry about them… now tori might just get a few ribs in though…” A shudder passed through Sans at the thought of the goat woman, the teasing she might come up with causing a blue blush to dust over his cheek bones.

            “Ugh, do we need to go out of this room for anything important for the next… I don’t know… thousand years?” Looking up into Sans’ eye lights Frisk was only half joking about not leaving the room.

            “heheh well there’s lots we could manage to do in here for a good long time but… yeah thousand years might be a bit long.” The glint in Sans eye lights told Frisk that there was a good chance that they would be spending more time alone in the bedroom now that they could, it filled her with a sense of determination to see just what the two of them could get up to.

            “Hey Sans… can we get some sleep? I think… maybe I used too much magic for our… fun.” Frisk blushed, the red spreading over her face causing her features to light up.

            “heheh yeah starshine, come here so I can snuggle ya though.” Gathering Frisk closer to his side Sans let out a contented sigh, her head resting on his chest as she closed her eyes.

            His mate, Frisk was his mate. Sans had no clue how he had gotten so lucky, the beautiful woman snuggled up to his side drifting to sleep was his, she didn’t want someone else she had chosen him and only him. The realization that her wit, her charm, her determination, her kindness, her laughter she had chosen to share it all with him, it left him floored. The smile over his face as he drifted to sleep holding her was peaceful, a joy radiating from his soul as it thrummed slowly in his chest, resonating with hers as she slumbered safe withing his arms.

            The subtle pop of displaced air rang out as Sans and Frisk vanished leaving their families and the monsters of the underground looking at an empty space where the two had once stood. A wave of laughter and applause echoed through the courtyard as the monsters began to file out, leaving the families to stand on the raised platform looking to each other. Toriel looked shocked but resigned, she knew that Frisk had been waiting for this day, so she wasn’t all too surprised that the two had vanished right after they were bound. Asgore shock his head, a blush dusting the white fur on his cheeks at the implication of his old friend and his adopted daughter vanishing at this time. Gaster coughed into his hand, his look sheepish as the others present looked at him as he shrugged. Papyrus stood there, eyes trained on the spot his brother and his new sister had stood an orange blush coloring his cheek bones, his body still as he possessed what could be happening right now. Chara and Asriel shared a look, glancing between where Sans and Frisk had stood and busted up laughing uncontrollably.

            “Guess someone is getting boned tonight.” Chara wheezed out, doubling over with her laughter as Asriel and Papyrus groaned in exasperation. Toriel was torn between tittering with laughter and shaking her head in disapproval, laughter eventually winning out.

            “I guess young Sans had a bone to pick with Frisk.” Covering her mouth with her paw like hand as she giggled, the frustrated growl from Papyrus echoed in the courtyard.

            “INCORRIGIBLE YOU TWO ARE JUST AS BAD AS MY LAZY BROTHER WITH THOSE PUNS. PLEASE DO NOT ASSAULT THE GREAT PAPYRUS’ EARS WITH SUCH DEBAUCHERY.” Throwing his hands up in exasperation Papyrus stormed out of the courtyard, followed swiftly by Gaster as they headed back to their rooms.

Chapter Text

Chapter 33

Bonding and a Plan

            Laying in bed with Frisk in his arms, Sans watched his mate slumber peacefully. He knew that they had many things to get done in the coming days, however there was more that was left to their bonding that he needed to broach with her. They had done the ceremony so in the eyes of all monsters he and Frisk are mates, no questions asked there. Although there were still two things that would complete the bond, solidifying the connection that already existed between their souls. For now though he would let her rest, the trials that they had been through to get to this point had to have left her with very little energy remaining.

            Eye lights soft and fuzzy Sans watched the peaceful look on Frisk’s face, her soft breaths fanning against his clavicle as she continued to slumber. A smile spread over his face as he watched the gentle flutter of her eyelashes as her eyes moved behind her lids, the sigh warming his soul as Frisk rested in his arms. Sans couldn’t help the soft purr that rumbled from his chest as he nuzzled his face against her hair, the feeling of love welling through his soul almost more than he can contain.

            “Mmmnn.” With a soft moan Frisk scrunched her face as she stretched her limbs, curling back up with her arm thrown over Sans as she pulled him back to her and buried her face into his chest.

            “heheh mornin’ sleepin’ beauty, how ya feelin’?” A rumbling chuckle vibrating through Sans as he brushes some hair from Frisk’s face.

            “Comfy, don’t want to move right now.” Frisk mumbled sleepily, her eyes still scrunched shut as she nuzzled her face against Sans’ ribs, clutching her arm tighter as she buried herself in like a tick.

            “s’okay starshine ya ain’t got to get up any time soon.” Pressing his teeth to the top of Frisk’s head, Sans ran his boney fingertips over her back along her spine in random patterns. A shiver running through her has Frisk wiggling against him, a soft purring growl rumbling through Sans’ chest as she breaths against his bare ribs.

            “You doing okay?” Mind starting to work more as she woke up more, Frisk turned her eyes up to study Sans’ face.

            “better than okay starshine.” Pressing his teeth to Frisk’s lips in a gentle kiss, Sans thread his phalanges through her tousled hair. “so, do ya know there’s more to us bein’ mates than the ceremony and last night?” Deciding it best to see how much Frisk had been taught about the subject.

            “I did read some things… are you saying that… do you really want to?” The blush that suddenly dusted over Frisk’s cheeks causing Sans to chuckle softly at how adorable she was in that moment.

            “yeah starshine, ya know I want to be with ya in every way, every part of bein’ your mate is important to me.” Grasping Frisk’s hand in his own, Sans looked at her with a soft expression filled with love on his face.

            “I want that too Sans, you are my mate, my soulmate, my other half and I want to be with you in every way we can be together.” Sitting up a bit Frisk pressed her soft lips to Sans’ teeth in a tender kiss.

***

            Trailing gentle caresses over Sans’ ribs, Frisk flicked her tongue past her lips as she pressed to deepen the kiss. Responding almost instantly to her gentle yet silent                  request, Sans parted his teeth slipping his glowing blue tongue out, caressing Frisk’s lips gently as she gladly opened herself to allow him entrance to her mouth. Skeletal fingers trailing down her spine Frisk felt herself shiver in anticipation as Sans slid his hand down her to caress her hip, kneading gently as though he were feeling for her skeleton below her flesh.

            A breathy moan sighed from Frisk while Sans continued exploring her mouth with his magical tongue, flicking, and pressing its length against her own pink muscle. Trailing her own hands down to gently grip Sans’ lower ribs, stroking along the length as she allows her tongue to wrestle with his magical appendage moaning into the passionate kiss. A growl rumbled from Sans as he shifted, pinning Frisk down to the mattress as he pressed his hips against her core before pulling back and standing on his knees. Locking his gaze on her face he held his skeletal hand over his own chest, his expression filled with his love and passion.

            “ya ready starshine?” The nod from Frisk caused Sans to smile brightly, twisting his hand to pull his soul from his chest. The shining upside down heart that was his soul popping into the world to hover over his boney palm.

            Pushing into a seated position Frisk pressed her own palm over her chest, a twisting motion and her glowing soul bathed the room in a ruby light. The red heart that was her soul floating above her palm, Sans unable to pull his eyes from the sight of her soul floating before him. Frisk keep her eyes trained on Sans’ soul, the small cracks running through the shining little jewel that was the upside down heart making his soul all the more beautiful to her.

            “You are beautiful Sans.” Frisk leaned forward, her had raising up with the tip of her finger hovering just beyond the cracks in Sans’ soul. A nod from the skeleton sitting in front of her, the finger of her hand gently tracing along the fracture in a feather light touch. Sans moaning deeply as a shiver courses through his spine, his skull falling forward to press against Frisk’s shoulder as he almost collapses.

            “stars…” The hot breath fanning over Frisk’s neck as Sans whispers in a ragged tone, a shiver going through her at the sensation.

            When the intense pleasure of the simple touch to his soul reduces enough for Sans to think once more he straightens to a more seated position, eye lights locked on Frisk’s face with all the love and trust he feels for her. Raising the hand that her soul hovers over, Frisk offers to let Sans touch her soul as she had done to his. Hand shaking he reaches out, the tip of his phalange hovering just above the glowing red heart cradled in Frisk’s hand. Nodding her head she encouraged him to press his finger to her soul, to show him the trust she has in him.

            “S-sans…” Moaning his name as he pressed his boney finger to Frisk’s soul, her body reacting in an instant, feeling like she is being touched everywhere, inside, and out all at the same time. Her breath coming in a heavy panting rhythm, she falls forward with her forehead pressing to Sans’ clavicle. Her breath sending a shudder through him at the sensation.

            Gaining her senses once more Frisk sits back up, her eyes shining brightly. The feeling of love and magic snapping through the air around her and Sans as they face each other. She hadn’t been prepared for the intensity of the sensation, however she knew that she wanted this bond with her mate, she wanted everything that he was and wanted to share everything that she was in turn. Reaching her free hand out to grasp his she thread her fingers with his, bringing the hand holding her glowing read soul forward to hover beside the hand that supported his shining pearlescent soul.

            Locking their gazes together Frisk and Sans slowly allow their souls to inch closer and closer together, a snapping feeling of electric magic filling the air and intensifying as the two souls draw nearer to each other. Slipping her hand under Sans’, Frisk’s soul slips to his boney palm as the two souls begin to gently hover around each other, slowly drawing towards one another. While the two souls come closer together the feeling of magic in the room crackles and caresses over Frisk and Sans sending shivers of anticipation between them.

            Fire, yet not burning, electricity, yet not shocking, waves of memories and emotions crashing down. Frisk could feel and hear Sans in the deepest way possible, his memories flashing through her mind in a torrent of sensation. Sans saw all the things that Frisk’s soul could share with him flashing through his mind. A haze of images from their pasts playing through each of their minds in tandem, the feelings of pain from what they went through bleeding to the pleasure they found in each other. Opening their eyes, that they hadn’t known that they had closed they locked their gazes on their souls as the floated together spinning and slowly overlapping. The white of Sans’ soul bleeding into the red of Frisk’s as the red from her soul seeped to fill the cracks that peppered Sans’ soul.

            The intensity of the sensations of the memories slowly slip to the background as Sans reaches out, caressing Frisk’s face as he brushes a lock of her hair from her face. A smile spreading over her face as she turns her face to press her lips to his boney palm as their joined souls continue to float between them. Leaning forward Sans presses his teeth to Frisk’s lips as he pulls her into his arms, slipping his other hand down to trail is phalanges over her breast, his thumb brushing the sensitive peek of her nipple as he flicks his conjured tongue across her soft lips tasting her. Both moan in tandem as the sensation plays through their joined souls, echoing and building to a crest.

            Wrapping her arms around Sans’ neck, Frisk pulls him into her, his ribs pressing against her soft flesh creating a delicious contrast. Spreading her legs wide to cradle his hips against her core, the heat seeping out and stirring his magic to form. Reaching down between their bodies Frisk brushes against his conjured member, the tips of her fingers brushing along the vibrating length of his magic. Both hiss between their teeth at the sensation echoing through their joined souls at Frisk’s touch, Sans arching his spine and pressing into her palm. A growl rumbled through his chest as he grasps her wrist gently, her lower lip pulled between her teeth as she feels the heat raise between them.

            The gasp that passed from Frisk’s lips was echoed by the groan coming from Sans as he pressed his member into her wet core, the feelings reverberating through the two of them as they felt both their own pleasure as well as that of the other. The sensations building on each other causing both Frisk and Sans to feel as though they may very well loose themselves in a sea of pleasure. Slowly as they calmed he began to move his hips, pulling back then pressing his member back into her warm heat once more. Each stroke through her trembling walls building the pleasure for both of them, the connection of their souls driving the sensations to an almost painfully pleasurable peek.

            Thrusting slowly to draw out the time that they were joined together, Sans continued at a steady pace. Each thrust building the pleasure as his pace slowly increased, the sound of their joined moans filling the air of the bedroom. Sweat slicked over Frisk’s skin as she panted and moaned, Sans pressed his own slick forehead to hers. The magic in the room reaching new heights as they both drew closer to the edge, the coil forming in Frisk’s stomach as the tension built. Her body trembling as her inner walls fluttered against Sans’ magical member, the heat of her core making him groan in a near growl.

            Pumping almost erratically Sans pressed his face to Frisk’s throat, the tension building as he chased the release that they both craved. His breath on her neck sending a knife of head driving into her core, her sensitive nipples pressing against his ribs as he continued to drag his glowing blue organ through her wet heat. Grasping the sheets below her Frisk wrapped her legs around Sans, her hips pressing up to meet his thrusts. Pushing him into the bundle of nerves deep within her walls, his hand slipping between them to reach the sensitive nub between her legs. Pressing a lazy circle around the sensitive flesh as he pressed himself deep within her heated walls causing her to shatter, her climax ripping through her body.

            As Frisk’s walls pulsed and milked Sans’ magical member dragging him to his own climax, his heated breath on her neck as he opened his jaw biting into the tender skin of her neck. His teeth gently piercing her soft skin as he pushed his magic through her, both from his release as well as through the bite. His mark forming on her skin claiming her as his, only and forever his in every way. As Frisk felt the magic swirl through her mixing with her own she pressed her face into his shoulder, opening her own mouth to press her teeth into a bite on his clavicle. Her own magic sparking and pressing into the bite mixing with his and forming her own mark on his bones.

***

            Rolling to the side Sans pulls Frisk against his chest, breath ragged with the spent energy and bones slick from sweat. She nuzzles into his chest, her skin damp from her own sweat as her body continues to tremble from the exertion and pleasure. As they watch their souls slowly separate from each other, spinning lazily between them. The cracks that had webbed through Sans’ soul now filled with pale pink from Frisk’s soul, the cracks that had not been noticeable on Frisk’s own soul now filled with the pale pearl white from Sans’ soul. The bond complete, each healing the other with their love.

            “Wow, just… wow. I didn’t know anything could be that intense.” Frisk snuggled into Sans, a sigh escaping her lungs as he wrapped her in his arms.

            “heheh yeah starshine that was… sans-satonal.” Chuckling as Frisk lightly smacked him Sans pressed his teeth to her forehead as he snuggled her close to him.

            “How can you joke after something like that Sans? I mean really my brain is still kind of like mush right now.” Giggling lightly, Frisk props herself up on her elbow to lock her gaze on Sans.

            “least ya got a brain to turn to mush starshine, ya know I ain’t got nothin’ in my skull.” Leaning up Sans presses his teeth to Frisk’s lips in a tender kiss before flopping back and pulling her back down to the bed and into his gentle embrace.

            “You bonehead, lets get some more sleep… that kind of wore me out.” Frisk pressed her lips to Sans’ sternum as she snuggled deeper into his arms, closing her eyes as sleep started to claim her once more.

            “anythin’ ya want starshine.” Pressing a skeletal kiss to the top of Frisks head he allowed his sockets to close as sleep claimed him, his dreams filled with the visions of the time he had with his mate.

            The yellow flowers that blanketed the throne room filled the air with their gentle scent, Asgore watering them as Asriel stood to the side watching his father work with the delicate plants. On the other side of the room Papyrus had some cleaning supplies and was helping to polish the second throne that had been tucked beneath a sheet while Chara snuggled up on her fathers throne. Toriel entered the room with a tray holding plates, a tea pot filled with golden flower tea, several delicate cups, and a large butterscotch cinnamon pie already cut into slices.

            “I thought you all could use a nice break my dears, I have brought some pie and tea for everyone.” Placing the tray on a nearby table Toriel began to serve everyone up some pie and cups of tea.

            “Thanks mom, you’re the best.” Chara snatched her plate and pressed a kiss to Toriel’s furry cheek as she sauntered back to sit on Asgore’s throne.

            “Yeah mom your pie is amazing.” Wrapping his arms around Toriel, Asriel grabbed a plate and went to sit on the ground near the throne.

            “YOU DID NOT HAVE TO BRING MY ANYTHING YOUR MAJESTY-“ Papyrus was cut off by Toriel interrupting him.

            “Just Toriel is fine, we are family now anyway.” Blushing orange Papyrus nodes to her as he takes the plate that she holds out to him, taking it to go sit on the throne that he had been cleaning.

            “You truly are a treasure, thank you dear.” Asgore went to take his plate from Toriel but was met by a scowl from Toriel.

            “Dreemurr, while our children have been returned to us I would appreciate you being… less familiar as I have not forgiven you for the way you handled the other fallen humans.” The scolding was thick in Toriel’s voice as she locked her gaze on Asgore while handing him the pie.

            “Mom Chill out, dad is trying to be better, and you sort of went off the deep end too in your own way when me and Chara… well when things went bad.” Asriel scolded his mother as he held a bite of the pie on his fork, ready to step in and defend his father.

            “Fine, fine I will attempt to do better myself, now does anyone know when we might be seeing Frisk and Sans?” Toriel huffed a sigh before changing the subject to her missing adopted daughter and the small skeleton.

            “Probably not fore a while, you know how it is when first bonding.” Chara wiggled her brows at Toriel who blushed through her white fur causing Asriel to snort in laughter.

            “This is true, I fear we may not see them for days yet.” Toriel shook her head as she spoke, her cheeks still a bit flush from her memories.

            “I DOUBT MY LAZY BONES OF A BROTHER HAS THAT KIND OF STAMINA… HOWEVER I CAN SEE HIM WANTING TO SPEND ALL DAY NAPPING. NYEH HEH HEH.” Everyone chuckled along with Papyrus, unsure if he were aware of what sort of stamina Sans would need.

            Groaning Frisk woke up with her stomach growling, she felt like she hadn’t eaten in weeks. Stretching she turned over in bed, her gaze locking with Sans’ eye lights as a small blush crept into her cheeks. Chuckling Sans pulled Frisk to his chest, pressing his teeth to her lips in a tender kiss. Humming in contentment she wrapped her arms around his neck before another growl came from her stomach causing them both to erupt into laughter.

            “heheh starshine think your stomach is tryin’ to tell us somethin’. ya ready to get up and get some food?” Pressing another skeletal kiss to Frisk’s forehead Sans chuckled at how adorable his mate was, a feeling of peace and love washing through the bond that was just now settling between their souls.

            “Probably a good idea, we should also go meet with the others and make plans for getting out to the surface here soon too.” Frisk gave Sans one more good squeeze of a hug before slipping from between the sheets and heading to her closet to find something suitable to ware for the day.

            “ya know they ain’t expectin’ us to come out of this room for a couple days right?” Raising from the bed and stretching , bones softly clicking together as Sans moved about. He walked up behind Frisk and wrapped his arms around her waist.

            “Pfft they may not expect it, however it is wrong of us to just spend all day in bed when we have a mountain full of monsters that still need to see the sun.” Playfully batting away Sans’ hands, Frisk plucked a simple shirt and some jeans from the closet and started to get dressed.

            Once dressed Frisk turned to Sans and saw that he had also gotten dressed, a smile playing over her lips as she watched him grin at her lovingly. Walking forward she reached out, looping her arms around his neck, and pulled him into a tender kiss. The low purr that came from him making her giggle softly, his hands gently grasping her hips as he slipped his tongue past his teeth as if to ask for permission. Smiling brightly she pulled back from the kiss, a teasing look in her gold flecked hazel eyes.

            “Sans come on I don’t know about you, but I need something to eat, and I would like to meet with our families to work on our plans for getting everyone on the surface.” Frisk pressed her lips against Sans’ cheek bone in a sweet kiss before pulling away, lacing her fingers with his and pulling him from the room to go and find some food.

            Walking into the throne room after having a nice breakfast with Sans, Frisk is met with the sight of everyone just milling around and cleaning the room up a bit. A smile spreading across her face as she saw Chara lounging on the throne while Asriel sat at her feet just playing with one of the golden flowers that grew in the middle of the room, Toriel was over talking to Papyrus as he had a rag out and was dusting just about everything in sight and Asgore was over by a window looking out on a small garden.

            “Hey everyone, did you guys miss us?” Giggling as everyone jumped and snapped their eyes to her, Frisk smiled sweetly at the shocked expressions on their faces.

            “My child I did not think you would be coming out of your room so soon, is everything well between you and Sans?” The concern in Toriel’s voice warming Frisk’s heart.

            “We are very well Mom, I just couldn’t help but want to be sure we got a plan in place for proceeding to the surface and integrating with the humans.” Striding forward Frisk approached the center of the throne room, her shoulders squared, and head held high.

            “That would be a good idea my dear, shall we move to the council room and discuss the matter further?” Addressing Frisk, Asgore motioned to a door at the back of the throne room.

            “Yeah we can do that, do you think we should get Gaster? And maybe Alphys and Undyne?” Frisk asked as the group walked through the door into a hallway, turning they went through a door in the hallway into a room filled with a large table with several chairs around it.

            “I CAN GO AND FETCH THEM IF THAT IS WHAT YOU THINK IS BEST KING ASGORE.” Papyrus volunteered with a snappy salute.

            “Yes I believe that may be best, as there are sure to be things that will come up that they may have an insight into.” Asgore nodded to Papyrus before the tall skeleton dashed out of the room to go get the others.

            Arranging themselves around the table Asgore sat in the largest of the chairs present with Toriel taking the seat to his left and Asriel to his right, Chara sat to Asriel’s right with Frisk beside her. Sans sat beside Frisk leaving a seat beside him for Papyrus when he returned. Shortly after everyone was seated Papyrus returned with Gaster and Undyne on his heals, a moment later Alphys came trotting into the room with sweat dropping from her forehead and fidgeting with her claws. Undyne took the seat beside Toriel with Gaster beside her and Alphys sad beside Sans.

            “Okay so we need to have a plan of action for once we all go to the surface, I know that all of you have been down here for most if not all of your lives. Because of this I know that my knowledge of the surface is going to play a very large role in a peaceful integration to life on the surface. First we will need to introduce monsters to the humans that are in charge, if we just jump into things I believe that many humans will react in fear because of their lack of understanding in what monsters really are. We are going to have to take things in stages honestly, this isn’t going to be something that happens overnight.” Sighing Frisk met the eyes of everyone in the room, there was looks of hope laced with worry on every face.

            “Will our people be in danger on the surface Frisk?” Asgore asked, his tone firm yet not unkind.

            “I wont lie to any of you, yes there is an element of danger when dealing with humans. Even against their own kind there is often violence that pervades against those that are different, those that don’t believe the same, look the same, think the same. The reason I want to have a plan in place is to minimize the danger that our people face.” Frisk met Asgore’s honey gaze with her eyes flashing with her determination.

            “What is it that you suggest to accomplish a peaceful integration to the surface? Our people have waited for a long time to be able to see the sun, to be able to feel the breeze.” Asgore kept his eyes on Frisk as he spoke.

            “I do not think it is wise for everyone to just rush to the surface, yes I want everyone down here to see the surface I want everyone to be free. I however do not want to risk anyone being harmed. I think that the best option would be if a small party accompanies me to meet with the humans of the nearest town, I know the town isn’t a major center, but it is a good start and should have the larger parts of the government getting in touch to start the prosses of integration. I would normally take Asgore with me however I believe that his size and appearance may be intimidating to most humans, especially knowing how they reacted to Asriel when he took Chara to the surface in the past. therefore I would like to take Mom in his place, she is as much royalty as dad is and has a much softer appearance as well as a kinder aura around her.” Frisk looked to her adopted parents hoping that they would understand her choice, a nod from both of them relaxed the nervous knot that had been forming in her gut.

            “We understand my child, it is very important that this first meeting goes well as it will set the tone of our interactions with the humans.” Toriel reached her paw like hand out towards Frisk to offer her hand a pat of reassurance.

            “Yes I believe your reasoning is quite sound, Toriel is a capable leader and a far better representative of monsters for a first meeting.” Asgore smiled at his estranged wife, earning a small glare from her that melted into a tiny smile.

            “ya ain’t goin’ without me starshine, sorry but I ain’t goin’ to risk loosin’ ya now that I got ya.” Sans reached his hand out to thread his fingers through Frisk’s a stern look on his face, softened by the tender smile on his face.

            “Wouldn’t dream of leaving you behind Sugarskull, was actually thinking it would be good to have your teleportation if things go south. My birth father taught me long ago to hope for the best prepare for the worst and then no matter what happens everything should work out. I think that between Mom and Sans we should be safe and have a decent first contact with the humans, while we are on the surface I plan on looking for some land that we can set up a temporary settlement on for the monsters to come to the surface and use till we achieve full integration. While we are up there I would appreciate if the rest of you can gather the monsters together and have them start preparing for building and moving, there is a lot of work that we are going to need to get done.” Frisk met the eyes of everyone at the table, Chara smirked at her sister knowing that Frisk could handle this.

            “Sis you know you can be scary sometimes when you get all serious and determined, it’s one of the things I love most about you.” Chara nodded her head as she looked from Frisk around to the other monsters at the table.

            “IF MY BROTHER IS GOING I MUST COME AS WELL, I THE GREAT PAPYRUS WILL BEFRIEND ALL OF THE HUMANS AND THEY WILL LOVE MONSTER.” Frisk couldn’t help the smile that crossed her face at Papyrus’ earnest desire to make new friends, however shaking her head at him.

            “Sorry Pappy but I need you down here, no one can get to the monsters around the underground as quickly as you except maybe Sans and Undyne, however I need Undyne to stay with Dad, Chara, and Asriel to keep them safe. With Sans coming with me I need you to gather the monsters for us.” Frisk smiled at Papyrus trying to beam reassurance through her smile.

            “VERY WELL PRINCESS FRISK, I THE GREAT PAPYRUS SHALL DO MY VERY BEST TO BE SURE THINGS GO SMOOTHLY WITH GATHERING THE MONSTERS AND GETTING THINGS READY.” Papyrus smiled before dashing from the room in a rush before anyone could say any more.

Chapter Text

Chapter 34

Panic Attacks and Pampering

            Once Papyrus left in his whirlwind of excitement, the rest of the monsters present in the council room began to file out one by one. First to clear out had been Alphys as she dashed off to her lab wringing her clawed hands nervously, for some reason. The next to leave was Asriel who gave Frisk a hug and a nod to Sans as he left, Chara trailing after her brother with a smile for Frisk and a cheeky wink at Sans. Gaster moved next, stopping when he reached Sans, insecurity on his face before Frisk reached out and pulled her father in law into a gentle hug before pulling Sans into it to. She could tell that there was some healing that was going to have to take place between the two from the time they spent apart. Toriel and Asgore trailed out together not long after gaster, her face still tight yet a soft smile playing over her lips when she noticed the way Asgore seemed to follow her like a lost puppy.

            This left Undyne alone in the chamber with Sans and Frisk, her single yellow eye darting around as she had something she wanted to see if the princess might be able to help her with. However she was unsure if she should ask this in front of Sans or not. To her immense relief Sans, after pressing a kiss to Frisk’s cheek and whispering something to her that Undyne couldn’t hear left the two ladies alone in the chamber. A soft smile played at Frisk’s lips as she locked her eyes on Undyne, waiting for the fish monster woman to bring up what was clearly on her mind.

            “Hey, pu-erm princess… could I ask you to… ugh why can’t I do this… come on Undyne get your shit together it’s just a damn question.” The frustration coming from Undyne was clear as she tried to get out what she wanted to ask, Frisk stifling a small giggle at the clearly boisterous fish woman’s nerves in the situation.

            “Undyne, relax. I may be a princess, but you don’t need to address me as one, we are friends after all. it’s clear that you have something that you want to ask me so just ask what you need to ask.” Smiling sweetly Frisk waits for Undyne to ask her question.

            “Ugh okay fine so you know how you and the lazy bones are like meant to be together or some shit well I feel the same way about Alphys, she is so smart and cute and just wonderful in every way. I don’t know why but every time I get anywhere close to her I can’t seem to tell her how I feel… I wrote her a letter but every time I try and take it to her I just can’t get there cause of the heat around Hotland. Anyway I was wondering if you could maybe take the letter to her and deliver it for me, I really would appreciate the help.” The rush of Undyne’s words as she rushes to get everything out leaves Frisk sitting there in a stunned silence for a moment before she collects herself to respond.

            “So you want to see if Alphys might feel the same way about you? Yeah I can take the letter to her for you.”  Standing from her seat Frisk walks over to Undyne to give her friend a hug, reaching her hand out for the quickly offered letter.

            Once Frisk has the letter she gives Undyne another hug, informing her that she will let her know once she gives the letter to Alphys. Walking from the council chamber Frisk makes her way out of the palace, heading through the underground towards where she knows the lab should be. While Sans had been shortcutting her from place to place, this was something that she felt that she needed to take care of on her own. The way to the lab at least seemed fairly straight forward once she got to Hotland, although she did need to ask a couple of guards for directions since the last time she had been to the lab was through Sans’ teleportation powers.

            Reaching the lab Frisk could feel the sweat sticking her cloths to her body, her hair plastered to her face from the heat. She wondered how the monsters that lived in such a hot place were going to fair once they didn’t live so close to so much heat, after all some creatures needed the heat to survive. Shaking her head at the thought she reached the door to the lab and stepped inside the blessedly cool interior, the cool tiles beneath her feet echoing her footfalls as she padded through the rooms searching for Alphys. Luckily, there wasn’t much to search as she had been to the labs before and knew her way around, first looking through the public areas of the lab then moving on to Alphys privet quarters.

            “Hey Alphys, you here?” Frisk called out as she walked through each room, not getting an answer as she looked around. Could she have been wrong? Would Alphys have been in a place other than the labs when they were getting so close to heading to the surface?

            Seeing what appeared to be a bathroom Frisk slipped inside, figuring that she would use the facilities before heading back to see if Alphys might be back at the palace on some business. However what greeted her on entering the bathroom was not what she expected, instead of a toilet or even some sort of chemical shower she found herself standing inside an elevator. The buttons on the panel on the back wall of the space giving her very few options, however it did give her another place to search for Alphys. Pressing the button to head down she waited for the lift to take her down to another part of the labs, her mind spinning with silly puns that Sans would have been spouting back and forth with her had he been there with her.

            As the door to the elevator slide open Frisk finds herself in a darkened chilly room with the opening to ha hallway off to one side, the small hairs on her arms and neck raising in trepidation at the almost sinister feel of the place. Straining to see if she can hear Alphys down here, all she is greeted by is silence as a chill mist slowly rolls towards her from the hallway. A shudder running down her spine Frisk walked toward the hallway finding it to be long and narrow, lined on one side by monitors displaying different scientific notes on experiments. As she reaches the end of the hallway she finds a room with two calls leading to either side with a large double door in the center, in front of the door she finds Alphys and several white creatures? Monsters? she can’t tell what they are, it’s almost like they are moving masses although they seem to be alive and have some kind of intelligence.

            “A-alphys? Is e-everything okay here?” Voice coming out a bit thready and week as Frisk Stutters a little, unsure of what is going on in front of her.

            “O-oh F-f-f-frisk y-y-y-yes… e-e-everything i-is f-f-fine, I-I w-was j-j-just l-letting th-th-them kn-know th-that w-we a-a-are l-leaving th-the u-underground s-s-s-soon a-and t-trying t-to f-f-figure ou-out w-what  w-we sh-should d-do w-with th-them.” Alphys stutter is far worse than Frisk had ever heard it, nerves clear in the way her clawed hands wring together.

            “Who are they, what are they? Alphys what is even going on down here?” Confusion clear in Frisk’s voice as she looks between the yellow lizard monster and the writhing white masses that vaguely resemble a mix of different parts of different monsters.

            “U-um… e-erm… w-well… o-okay s-so th-the k-king a-asked i-if th-there w-was s-some w-way t-to s-save m-monsters th-that h-had l-lost h-hope, f-fallen d-down… a-and w-well w-we h-had b-been e-experimenting w-with D-determination… w-well i-it t-turns o-out m-monsters a-aren’t m-m-meant t-to h-have m-much D-determination i-if a-any… a-and w-well i-it s-sort o-of w-worked b-because th-they d-didn’t d-d-d-d-die b-but th-the c-consequences… th-the D-determination… i-it… i-it m-m-m-m-melted th-them, a-and th-they s-started t-to f-fuse t-together… I-I… I-I n-never m-m-m-meant f-for i-it t-to h-happen… a-and th-then th-the c-c-c-calls f-from th-their f-f-f-families… I-I… I-I j-just c-couldn’t f-face i-it… s-so I-I h-h-hid th-them d-down h-here… I-I... I-I’m s-s-so s-so s-so s-s-s-s-sorry… I-I d-don’t kn-know w-w-w-what t-to d-doooo.” Ending on almost a wail Alphys stuttered through her explanation, Frisk’s eyes getting wider as she tried to make sense of what she was being told. Fat tears rolling freely down the yellow lizard monsters cheeks, despair clear in her face.

            “Alphys, please breath for a second. I need you to say that again a bit calmer, I know that you are upset right now but we can figure this out together okay?” Placing a hand on Alphys’ shoulder, Frisk bends over to look into her eyes. After a deep breath Alphys tries to explain again a bit calmer.

            “The k-king asked if th-there w-was a w-way to save m-monsters that had f-f-fallen down, from loss of h-hope. I u-used Determination to t-try and h-help them p-persist, h-help them h-hang on a bit l-longer. Monsters a-aren’t s-supposed to h-have Determination and it m-m-melted them, ever s-since I have b-been hiding th-them here. I j-just can’t f-face their f-families and t-tell them what I-I ended up d-doing to th-them.” Covering her face with her hands Alphys continues crying once she finished repeating herself, her stutter less pronounced though her distress is still evident in the way she stands.

            “It would seem that there was some success in they are still here and not dead, yes it would seem they are not the same monsters that they once were. However that doesn’t mean that their families won’t want to see them, even though they have changed. They seem to be perfectly lovely still, they have been just standing there watching us as we talk after all. Do they remember who they once were?” Frisk rubs comforting circles on Alphys’ back as she speaks, her eyes switching between the monster she is trying to comfort and the amalgamations of monsters that have been watching the two of them.

            “Yeah to s-some extent, as l-long as they eat p-plenty and have s-someone to talk to f-from time to time they c-can remember. Do y-you really think that their f-families won’t be m-m-mad at me?” Alphys sniffles as she looks up into Frisk’s eyes, searching for assurance in her face.

            “The only thing I could see the families being mad about would be that you have kept them from knowing that their loved ones are not gone for so long. You really do need to tell them, set their minds at ease and give them back their family members.” With a sigh Frisk turns to the fused monsters, her eyes searching them for any sign that they might understand what was going on.

            “You r-really think so Frisk? D-do you really b-believe they might f-forgive me? Even after w-what… what I did t-to… to their f-family members?” Tears streamed down Alphys’ face, the look of tremulous hope in her eyes pulling a small smile from Frisk as she looked at the yellow lizard monster.

            “I really do Alphys, we just need to get them out of here and back to their families.” Smiling sweetly Frisk reached out patting Alphys on her shoulder, looking between the small scientist and her unintentional creations.

            In short order Frisk had gathered Alphys and the slightly melted monsters together and led the way up out of the lower labs. One by one they went from family to family, explaining what had happened and through the amalgamation of the monsters new connections came into place. The last group that they approached ended up being the dogs of the guard, bringing along the creature that was dubbed Endogeny, a rather large creature with many legs, the spaces between forming the shape of different dogs. At first there was a lot of confusion from the dogs, ears pulled back against their heads and Frisk could swear she heard soft whining coming from Lesser Dog. Though after a few sniffs and an explanation from Alphys the atmosphere changed a lot, the first one to break the tension was Dogaressa as she sniffed Endogeny her tail started to thump against her armor in excitement. Seeing her reaction the other dogs perked up, tails going wild as they each greeted their family member who was returned to them.

            Shortly after leaving Endogeny with their families Frisk and Alphys found themselves sitting in her private quarters at the labs. Alphys had been a nervous wreck the whole time Frisk and her had been returning the amalgamates to their families, her stutter had been hard to keep under control and her hands never stilled as she explained herself each time. Frisk had done her best to smooth things over as well as keep Alphys from getting too nervous, reminding her to breath every time her stutter got a bit hard to keep up with. Now that they had returned to the labs it was clear that Alphys was slowly relaxing again, her shoulders slumping forward as though a great weight had been lifted from them.

            “You doing okay Alphys? Feeling a bit better now that you aren’t keeping such a big secret?” Flopping down on the beanbag chair in the corner Frisk looked over to Alphys, tilting her head to the side in question.

            “Yeah… I n-never thought that I would ever feel… so… r-relieved to have the families know what I did to their loved ones… it’s s-strange really that just bringing it out in the open feels so much b-better.” Smiling Frisk felt her soul warm seeing Alphys was barely stuttering at all, it was clear that the lizard monster was revealed to no long have to hide what had happened. “Hey Frisk, why was it you came to the labs anyway?” Turning to Frisk, Alphys locked her gaze on her friend.

            “Oh right I almost forgot, erm this is going to sound really strange but… Undyne asked me to talk to you.” Fidgeting slightly Frisk sat up in the beanbag chair, her gaze locked on Alphys.

            “R-really? what did s-she want you to talk to m-me about?” A blush crept into Alphys cheeks, if Frisk were any judge she would see the gleam in her friend’s eyes showed more than a casual interest.

            “Do you like Undyne?” Deciding to go with a short approach to the question Frisk kept things simple, better to not have things be up in the air.

            “Y-yeah I do, she is strong and smart, and she protects everyone and who wouldn’t like her?” Alphys practically gushed over the attributes of the fish monster, her eyes sparkling.

            “Well she asked me if I could find out if you might be willing to go on a date with her.” A smirk crossed Frisk’s face as she saw Alphys face break out in a bright red blush, the lizard monsters mouth opening and closing for a few moments before she was able to regain the power of speech.

            " I-I... u-u-um... w-well yes I-I w-w-would... I w-would l-l-love t-that... d-d-did she tell y-you w-where... or w-when e-e-even... o-o-o-oh m-my good-dness... w-what am I-I-I g-going t-t-to w-wear." Stuttering in a blushing flustered mess Alphys rambled, Frisk could only smile at her friends state.

            “She gave me a letter to give you, I’m unsure of what she has planned but it would be best to ask her yourself if you have any questions beyond what she wrote.” Frisk handed the letter to Alphys, the monsters clawed hands shaking slightly as she took the paper. “I need to head back to the palace before Sans misses me too much.” Hugging Alphys, Frisk left her friend to figure out her date with Undyne.

            Once back at the palace Frisk headed straight back to her and Sans’ rooms, her body aching and exhausted for some reason. As she drew closer to the rooms she shared with her mate the ache in her body began to fade, her energy slowly coming back. Thinking back to her reading on the subject of soul bonding, she started to wonder if leaving Sans behind had been her smartest idea. Shaking her head Frisk banished the thought for now, what was done was done. Stepping into the rooms she could feel her whole body relaxing, the itch she hadn’t even realized she had been feeling had eased.

            “Sans, I’m back. Where are you?” Looking around the sitting room Frisk tried to locate her skeletal lover, unsure where he was although she knew in her soul he was somewhere close by.

            “in here starshine. how did things go with undyne and al?” The deep rumble of Sans’ voice calming Frisk further as she heard his voice coming from the bedroom.

            “It went well, Undyne wanted my help seeing if Alphys would go on a date with her. You should have seen it, Alphys couldn’t stop blushing when she heard why I went there.” Frisk giggled softly remembering her friends face and how flustered she had gotten.

            “heheh yeah al is a bit of a shy one. did ya girls talk for a while? is that why ya took so long to get back?” There was a hint of amusement in Sans’ voice as he asked, Frisk continuing her trek to the bedroom.

            “A bit, although what took longest was sorting out one of Alphys’ experiments.” A heavy sight left Frisk before she continued. “I don’t know what dad was thinking but he had her doing some experiments with Determination that ended with some messed up results… I spent most of the day convincing Alphys to come clean to the families and helping her reunite them with their loved ones.” As Frisk reached Sans she wrapped her arms around her skeleton mate, her gold flecked eyes drifting around the room taking in the sight before her. It would seem while she had been away he had been busy setting the room up for a romantic night, candles dotted around the room as a sweet scent drifted through the air, with a smile she pressed her lips to his blue flushed cheek bone and squeezed him closer.

            “i’m sorry starshine, ya want to just snuggle with me and relax?” Nuzzling his face into Frisk’s neck, Sans’ voice rumbled through her causing her to giggle softly.

            “But you went to all the trouble to set all these candles up… what did you have in mind for all this anyway Sugarskull?” Stroking her fingers over Sans’ skull, Frisk hummed softly, content in being held by her mate.

            “just wanted to make ya feel as special as ya make me feel starshine, ya know spend some time pamperin’ ya.” The devilish smile that crossed Sans’ face as he spoke sent a shiver running through Frisk’s spine.

            “Aww… Sans, you are just too perfect you know that? I love you so much.” Smiling sweetly Frisk pressed her lips to Sans’ teeth before bumping her forehead into his, resting there with her arms around the vertebrae of his neck. The warm bones of his fingers tracing circles over her waist as he held her close to his chest.

            “nah starshine, I ain’t anythin’ close to perfect. ya just make me want to be a better monster. i love ya more than i can find the words to say.” Blue dusted across Sans’ cheek bones as he reached one of his hands up to gently cup Frisk’s cheek, his eye lights shining brightly. “ya know what? since ya had such a tough day, how about i show ya just how much ya mean to me starshine?” Gently guiding Frisk towards the bed, Sans helps her up onto the soft mattress.

            “What do you have in mind Sans?” Giggling softly as Sans’ breath tickled Frisk’s neck as he nuzzled into her, his hands helping her lay back on the bed.

            “was thinkin’, ya went through so much with the barrier, then we did our bonding… then ya went of and dealt with al’s troubles. thought ya might like a massage, maybe a nice bath?” The question in Sans’ voice was clear, with a soft sigh Frisk nodded her head as she leaned up and pressed her lips to his cheek bone.

            “That sounds like heaven Sans, what did I ever do to deserve such a wonderful mate?” Laying back Frisk snuggled into the soft bedding as Sans moved down her legs, lifting her feet one at a time and removing her shoes.

            Once Sans had Frisk’s shoes off he began to gently press his thumbs along the bottom of one of her feet, kneading into the muscles along the arch and up to the ball of her foot. A soft breathy moan escaped her as she felt her mate work the tension from her tired feet, her mind drifting slightly as she wondered where a skeleton monster would learn about massaging a human’s foot. A small giggle that broke into another moan as Sans pressed into the heal of her foot, rubbing in circles as he worked her aching foot into a more relaxed state.

            “stars the sounds you make are like music starshine.” Chuckling huskily Sans smiled up at Frisk from his perch between her feet as he continued to work on making her feel better.

            “I would make a quip about your hands being magic but… well they really are magic.” The chuckle that came from Frisk turning into another low moan of delight as Sans gently pulled on her toes, pressing just right to get the muscles to relax, a few soft pops of her joints sending a shiver through Sans at the sound.

            “didn’t mean to do that, did it hurt ya?” There was worry in Sans’ voice as he darted his gaze up to Frisk’s face, a small blue blush on his cheek bones.

            “Felt really good actually, just my toes popping from the pressure when you pulled on them.” Sighing happily Frisk sent a reassuring smile at Sans, his hands moving once more.

            Upon finishing his ministrations on Frisk’s first foot Sans moved to work on the other foot, rubbing and pulling on it as he had done with the other. Every time that he hit a tense spot in the muscle she would let out a moan as he worked the tension out. From her feet Sans worked his massage up her legs, pressing his thumbs into her calf muscles, earning another set of moans from his melting human mate. Working his way up Frisk’s body, pressing his thumbs into the tense knots he would find in her muscles he could feel her body going limp under his hands. Sans decidedly was avoiding letting things get heated, this wasn’t about him, this was about helping Frisk to relax and unwind after everything she had been through.

            “Hey Sans, where did you learn how to massage? Wouldn’t think it is something a skeleton would have a need to know.” The words came out a bit mumbled as Frisk turned her head on the pillow from her position on her stomach, she didn’t even remember turning over but that didn’t matter under Sans’ skilled hands.

            “found some books on it in the dump, never thought it would come in useful, but it was interesting. ya tend to find ways to keep yourself busy when there ain’t much to do, and I like learnin’.” The rumble of Sans’ voice vibrated through Frisk as he leaned over here to press into her shoulders, working the knots that had built there from the stress she had put herself under.

            “Well you’re amazing at it, maybe you could do it as a career once we are on the surface and have rights for the monsters.” Frisk hummed softly as she could feel the tension melting from her under Sans’ attention.

            “nah starshine, you’re the only one I ever want to touch like this.” An adoring smile spread over Sans’ face as he looked down at Frisk as he worked.

            “I love you Sans, you really make me feel special.” Sighing happily Frisk snuggles into the bad as she can feel all the tension and stress leaving her body.

            “how ya feelin’ starshine? nice and relaxed?” Sans questioned as he ran the palms of his boney hands up and down along Frisk’s spine, his fingers playing along the bumps and divots of her vertebrae through her skin.

            “Yeah, I don’t think I have ever felt this relaxed. I’m feeling great.” A contented sight slipped form Frisk’s lips, feathering out her hair in the breeze of her exhalation.

            “good, now come here starshine. got something extra special planned for ya, but I need ya to come snuggle up to me first.” Sitting back Sans beckons to Frisk to come into his arms, a small grumble escapes her as she rolls on her side and pushes up to snuggle into her skeleton mate.

            As Frisk snuggles into Sans she can feel his magic wrap around her, pulling the two of them through the void in an instant. Eyelashes fluttering as she opens her eyes she finds they are now in the bathroom, her body cradled in Sans’ boney arms as she holds her close to him. More candles are dotted around the room, the air perfumed with sweet and calming fragrances, her gaze drifts around finding that the large tub is filled with steaming water that is suffused with bubbles.

            “Did you draw me a bubble bath Sans? That is just… wow, what did I do to deserve someone so sweet.” Pressing her lips to Sans’ clavicle, Frisk can feel him shiver in pleasure at the soft contact.

            “hmm ya know ya deserve more than this ol’ bag a bones starshine, i’m just happy ya want to be with me. ya know ya don’t have to follow the soulmate thing, but ya chose to accept me for who I am… I can’t believe how lucky I am to have ya as my mate.” Nuzzling his face into Frisks hair, Sans sighs happily.

            “I wouldn’t want anyone else Sugarskull, you are everything and more than I could have ever hoped or wished for.” Reaching a hand up Frisk strokes her fingers over Sans’ skull as he purrs softly into her hair.

            Placing Frisk on her feet gently, Sans slowly pulls the rest of her cloths from her. taking the time to toss them into the nearby basket as he presses tender skeletal kisses along her jaw and neck. A happy sigh meets his nonexistent ears as she presses against him, her arms wrapping around his neck drawing his face up to meet her in a tender kiss. As Sans kisses Frisk he scoops her from her feet once more, slowly walking her to the tub and gently lowering her into the steaming water. Sighing as the water embraced her Frisk felt her body warm from the water that was just the right temperature.

            “Are you going to be joining me in here? I might get a bit bone-ly if you leave me here on my lonesome.” Winking Frisk reached her hands out of the water in a grabbing motion, attempting to convince Sans to join her in the warm water.

            Nodding Sans removes his cloths, Frisk watching his every movement as he slowly strips off his blue hoodie, white shirt, and black shorts. Once freed from his cloths, Sans stepped up over the rim of the tub, lowering himself into the warm water and pulling Frick against him. His boney arms wrapping around her waist as he nuzzled into the back of her neck, his phalanges tracing swirling patterns on the skin of her abdomen. After a moment Sans reached out and took hold of a soft cloth, pulling it into the water to dampen it before reaching out and grasping a bar of sweet smelling soap. The smell of jasmine flowers mixed with honey and chamomile drifting through the air as he works the soap against the cloth to make a soft lather. Once satisfied he slowly rubbed the cloth over Frisk, his touches gentle and deliberate. His only desire to help his mate relax, to help her feel content and peace as he cleans her body.

            “Thank you Sans, heaven this feels exactly like I think heaven would feel like. Warm and comforting, the arms of the monster I love wrapped around me as he cleans my skin and makes me feel like the most precious thing in the world. I love you Sugarskull.” Turning in Sans’ lap, Frisk presses her lips to his teeth in a tender kiss.

            “that’s ‘cause ya are the most precious thing in the world to me starshine, ya have no idea how much I love ya.” Responding gently after the kiss Sans continues to wash Frisk, passing the cloth over her skin as he sees a pink flush spreading over her face as she blushes.

Chapter Text

Chapter 35

A Date and Preparations

            Heavy boots splashing through water as Undyne paced through the dump, her mind spinning between the possibilities as to what could be taking so long. Had Frisk not delivered her letter to Alphys? Had Alphys not been interested? Was Alphys coming or not? Ugh why couldn’t dating be like a fight, where you just attack your opponent head on. If it weren’t for the heat in Hotlands she would have just marched up and asked Alphys out herself, yeah she might have gotten shot down but fuck it. The sound of timid splashing steps snapped her attention back from her internal conflicts, her own movement freezing as she spun to the sound.

            “U-undyne? Are you h-here? Your l-letter said to meet y-you here so we c-can talk.” The timid voice of Alphys rippled through the air, Undyne snapping her gaze to where the voice came from.

            “Yeah Alph, I’m over here. Did Frisk have a chance to talk to you at all before giving you my note… or?” Voice coming out more strained than she would have liked Undyne stepped toward the small yellow lizard monster, her hands clasped behind her back to keep them from shaking.

            “Um… Y-yes she did, a-although we did have a s-small distraction so… y-yeah.” Shifting nervously from foot to foot, Alphys gazes at the water covering the ground as the ripples from Undyne’s steps slowly lap against her clawed feet.

            “Oh… So Alphys… I was wondering if you might be interested in… would you go on a date with me, like a real one not just digging through the dump looking for treasures.” A small pink blush spreading over the shining blue scales of her cheeks, her one good eye shining with hope.

            “You really m-mean that? You w-want to go on a d-date with me? I d-didn’t think anyone could w-want to go on a d-date with someone like m-me, let alone s-someone as strong and b-brave and cool and a-awesome and amazing and c-capable as you U-undyne.” Breath coming quickly Alphys gushes over her admiration of the fish monster who she felt lucky to even call a friend, her soul thrumming in excitement at the idea of a date with Undyne as her face heats in a deep blush.

            “You kidding Alph? You’re amazing, you’re so smart, kind, sweet, and damn beautiful, I would be more than lucky to have you go on a date with me.” Stepping up to Alphys, Undyne grasps Alphys small, clawed hands in her own strong webbed fingers pulling the smaller monsters attention to her, A soft smile playing over her face.

            “I-if you are s-sure Undyne I w-would be honored t-to go on a d-date with you.” Glasses fogging slightly as the blush grows on her face, Alphys gives Undyne’s hands a gentle squeeze as she tries to ground the both of them in the reality of the moment.

            “More than sure Alph, hope you’re ready for the best date of your life.” Cackling Undyne scooped Alphys up bridal style, a small squeak escaping the small yellow lizard monster as Undyne dashed through the underground at full speed.

            The wet warmth of Waterfall flashing by as Undyne ran, shining echo flowers bobbing in the breeze of her passage, as the cold flurries of snow took their place as she ran to Snowdin. Before Alphys could gain her bearings she found herself seated in the plush faux leather green booths at Grillby’s bar, the warmth of the establishment easing the slight chill she had picked up from running through Snowdin. Within moments of being deposited in the booth across from Undyne, Grillby himself came walking up to the table. His gaze shifting between the two women before asking them for their orders. Once the placed their orders the fire elemental sauntered back over to the bar, slipping behind it to head to the back room before coming back out holding two plates piled high with fries.

            “So this is nice, I do with there was a nicer place to bring you. Too bad we don’t have a lot of places in the underground to go for a date, but yeah Grillby does keep a nice place.” Picking at the fries on her plate, Undyne tried to start a conversation with Alphys as he cheeks headed in a subtle pink blush.

            “N-no, no this is f-fine. I don’t m-mind honestly, it could be a lot w-worse you know.” Taking a nibble of one of her fries, Alphys pushed her glasses up her nose with a free claw.

            “Yeah.” Fiddling with a fry Undyne glanced between Alphys and her food, unsure of how to break the awkward atmosphere that seemed to be growing between them.

            “How~” “What~” Speaking over each other Alphys and Undyne quickly silence themselves, their eyes darting around the room, bright blushes covering both of their faces.

            “You g-go first U-undyne.” Plucking up a fry and nibbling on the end Alphys tried to calm her blush, her glasses slowly slipping down her nose as she could feel a bit of sweat slicking over her scales.

            “Okay so what do you think the surface is going to be like? Are you excited to see the sun?” Smiling a toothy grin, Undyne plucked up a fry at munched it as he loan eye focused on Alphys.

            “I-it should be i-interesting, there a-are going to be so m-many things that we haven’t h-had access to d-down here. I am l-looking forward to the s-sun although I really am e-excited to see i-if that are any new animes that h-haven’t made it d-down into the u-underground that are a-any good.” A sweet, excited smile spreading over Alphys face as she thinks of all the things that the surface will have to offer once they are up there. “How d-do you think everyone is g-going to handle the t-transition to the surface, I d-don’t know how s-some of the monsters are g-going to do with the ch-changes that come w-with the move.” Fiddling with with her claws nervously Alphys smiles timidly.

            “Most of us should handle it just find Alph, yeah there’s probably going to be a few that might be scared but that’s what the guard is for.” Popping a fry into her mouth, Undyne attempts to reassure Alphys that everything will go well.

            “I d-do hope so, I w-would hate to see the b-bad that could happen to s-some of our weaker m-monsters. So w-what is it that you are l-looking forward to the m-most on the s-surface?” Attempting to pull the conversation away from the potential dangers that lay on the surface, Alphys tries to nibble on a fry to avoid looking too nervous.

            “I really want to go to the beach and swim under the sun, though seeing some new anime would be nice too.” Chuckling softly Undyne smiles her toothy bright smile at Alphys, her webbed hand slowly creeping across the table towards the yellow lizard monster. “Seeing the sun setting at the beach with you would be totally amazing.” Blushing softly Undyne allows the very tips of her fingers brush over Alphys scales on her hand, the smaller woman jumping at the contact and blushing brightly.

            Dashing from place to place Papyrus is pleasantly surprised that many of the monsters he comes to have already started to pack the belongings that they wish to take to the surface with them, His message only spurring them further into making choices of what is worth taking and what should be left behind. Gently reminding the monsters to each come up with any tools and the like that they can gather together for building a temporary settlement once they are on the surface, Papyrus smiles brightly as he sees each monster nod or give some other affirmative response. It was nice to see everyone almost as excited about what was going on as he himself was, his soul pulsing happily in his chest at the changes that are on the horizon for monster kind.

            “PLEASE REMEMBER FRIEND, ONLY BRING WHAT YOU NEED OR CAN NOT DO WITHOUT AND HAVE ANY TOOLS OR CONSTRUCTION ITEMS THAT YOU CAN GATHER PACKED UP AND READY FOR THE GUARD TO COLLECT.” Voice bright and cheery Papyrus repeats the same more than he ever thought he would repeat any one thing in his whole life, his feet carrying the tall skeleton through even the farthest parts of the underground to be sure every monster from the smallest Whimsun to the shy dragon monster So Sorry that was extremely difficult to find.

            The family dining room was silent, Asgore sat at the head of the table while Toriel sat on the far side of the table facing her estranged mate. Her soul ached with the emotional distance that lay between the two of them, yes she had been the one that had forced the separation, however that did not ease the pain as much as she would have liked. Her face twisted into a scowl as she locked her gaze on Asgore’s chagrined face, his claws fiddling together as his paw like hands lay on the tabletop. He knew that he had messed things up badly with the way he reacted to Chara and Asriel dying, he hadn’t known that one day Frisk would come along and save them all. The pain and sorrow he felt over what he had ordered done in the name of a revenge that was no longer necessary twisted at his soul, the distance that his actions caused between him and his mate eating away at the joy of his people finally being able to see the sun in the very near future.

            “Toriel we need to clear the air, I know that what I did is beyond reprehensible. However I do not want you to face the humans before we are able to find some way to find a common ground, some understanding of what we are working towards.” Nervously Asgore smiled at Toriel hopefully.

            “I know, with our children back and another child who seems hell bent on seeing the world happy with all the monsters on the surface and our family whole… Frisk is such a unique young woman to be honestly. I know that we need to find some way to let the past be in the past and move forward or Frisk may never forgive us for it.” Sighing in exasperated fondness Toriel runs her paw like hand over her head, scratching lightly at the base of one of her horns before pulling down one of her drooping ears.

            “What would make things easier for your Toriel, it isn’t like I can turn back time to take back what I did.” A slight bitterness invading Asgore’s voice as he looks down at his paw like hands on the table.

            “It will take time for me to fully forgive you Dreemurr, you should know that more than anyone. However I will attempt to find some way to forgive you enough for us to lead our people as one, as well as remain a strong family. That does not mean I am ready to invite you back to my bed any time soon, though I must admit my soul misses the time that we once shared together.” Still tugging her ear Toriel watches as Asgore lifts his eyes from the table to meet her gaze, his face breaking into a hopeful smile.

            Jumping as Asriel and Chara enter the dining room, Asgore and Toriel look at their children with a mixture of guilt and embarrassment on their faces. Chara giggling at the looks on her parents faces as Asriel flops down in a seat near his father, Toriel scolding him with a look for his lack of care as he flops. Chara moving over to sit beside Toriel as she shows that she has the sense not to aggravate her mom more than needed in a tense environment.

            “So what you two talking about Dad?” Asriel turns his attention to Asgore, his posture lumping back as he relaxes and ignores his mom’s scolding look.

            “Just discussing the upcoming trip to the surface and what we should all be expecting, as well as where your mother and I stand after the events of the past.” Asgore states, unwilling to go into details about what exactly he and his mate had been discussing without lying to his children.

            “Yeah it’s a big thing, the whole going to the surface thing. Mom are you excited that Frisk asked you to be the one to go with her?” Chara turned her red gold gaze to Toriel, her smile wide yet laced with a mischievous lilt.

            “Actually I am a bit nervous my child, I am unsure what to expect of the humans on the surface as you and Frisk are the only humans I have spent much time with even before the war and being trapped underground. I hope that your sister will be able to help with the communication between ourselves and the humans, I know that it is a massive thing to ask of her and am very grateful that we didn’t even need to ask.” Smiling fondly as she thought of Frisk, Toriel reached her paw like hand out to stroke over her Chara’s head playing a bit with the little horns poking form her skull.

            “Don’t worry Mom, Frisk can do anything she puts her mind to with the amount of determination she has. Everything will turn out just fine in the end.” Playfully swatting Toriel’s paw like hand away from her head with a loving smile on her face, Chara leans back into her chair with a small snort.

            Pacing back and forth in the rooms given by the royal family, Gaster pondered what he needed to do to get ready for the surface. Having been trapped scattered across time and space he had very little time to readjust to life being back in the physical world, he had very little in the way of possessions to pack at this time with only the few things that had survived in the lab after his accident. Feeling like there had to be something he could do beyond puttering around his chambers and waiting for things to happen, Gaster debated on what would be the most useful thing that he could put his time to. Unwilling to allow his sons to do all the work in getting ready for the surface when he knew that there was more he should be able to contribute with his brilliant mind he wracked his metaphorical brain for what he could offer.

            Cloths got packed up, books put into boxes that had been found around the underground, hammers, saws, nails, screws, and screwdrivers found and packed into wooden crates. The monsters of the underground all buzzed around packing up the items that they knew they would need on the surface once they were allowed to step out into the sun for the first time, as smaller packs got packed up and ready for shorter time frames for the time that they would be waiting for the move. Food was made up that could be taken with for the first few days, fear that they would not have enough for them to eat fueling the monsters to be ready for the worst that could happen even as their souls buzzed with the hope for the future.

            The atmosphere at Grillby’s slowly got busy, the patrons who had left to get together items they wanted to take to the surface had returned to buy drinks and speculate what their new lives would hold. The sound of chatter mixed with the clink of glasses and soft music filling the air, smiles on the faces of every patron as Grillby himself moved from table to table to be sure that the monsters had what they wanted. Grillby hadn’t had a chance to go to his rooms above the bar and decide what he wanted to take with him, to make choices of what he was willing to leave behind. However that was fine with him as he was more than happy to see to the monsters that had needed him and his bar to find some measure of joy before the barrier broke, now they smiled and laughed with a joy that had nothing to do with the drinks that he offered and everything to do with the freedom that awaited them once the new princess had made contact with the other humans to start the monsters integration. Seeing that Undyne and Alphys still sat in the booth together and had not left the bar as many others, Grillby decided their visit had more to do with the two of them rather than the preparations for the surface.

            Grabbing hold of two glasses Grillby stood behind the bar, his gaze landing on what he could sense was a date between the captain of the royal guard and the royal scientist and let his sense reach out. Reaching for the bottles behind the bar he began to pour in a mix of the contents, the alcohols swirling into the glasses mixing to form layers of green with other layers of a shining dark blue. With a small concentration he sparked his magic through the swirling liquid adding the magic that would help the two women relax and find the courage to be honest with each other and connect. Striding over to the table Grillby places the glasses in front of Undyne and Alphys, a smile cracking the flames of his face as they give him a quizzical look.

            “Hey Grillby, we didn’t order any drinks.” The confused tone of Undyne’s voice causing Grillby’s smile to widen in amusement, the fish monster scowling at his obvious myrrh.

            “I know you didn’t order the drinks captain, however I can see that you ladies are on a date and would be remise if I did not provide beverages for the two of you. Free of charge of course.” Giving a cheeky wink to Undyne, Grillby nodes his head and walks back to the bar to the sounds of a sputtering Undyne as Alphys blushes profusely.

            “What was that all about? Since when does Grillby give free drinks to anyone? Shit even Sans has a tab that he is going to have to eventually pay off.” Confusion evident on Undyne’s face as she looks over at Alphys, receiving a shrug in response from her date.

            “I’m not sure, I never put any cameras in the bar itself, just outside in the town.” Eyeing the drink that was placed in front of her, Alphys wondered what was in the glass.

            “Ugh, well not worth wasting a free drink.” Grabbing the glass in front of her, Undyne watches the swirling iridescent colors in the depths of the glass. With a shrug she raises the drink to her lips and takes a sip, her eyes lighting up in surprise at the flavor. It was what she imagined Alphys, and her souls might taste like if they were a flavor, her brow furrowing at the thought that Grillby could come up with a drink that so perfectly represented her and Alphys.

            “How does it taste Undyne?” Nervously Alphys runs one of her claws over the rim of the glass in front of her, her gaze locked on Undyne trying to assess if it is worth trying the drink for herself.

            “Beyond description, I don’t know exactly how to explain it. You should try it for yourself Alph.” Smiling her toothy grin, Undyne nodes her head to the drink in front of Alphys.

            Nervously Alphys wraps her clawed fingers around the glass, the cool vessel chilling her hands as she slowly brings the drink up to her lips. A small sniff of the contents telling her that there is both alcohol and magic in the drink, her eyes searching the swirling colors as she lifts the glass higher to see if she can figure out what it might do when she drinks it. Her scientific mind working to try and puzzle out what went into the drink to make it the colors that it was, her thoughts going to how the green and dark blue look quite pleasing together. Taking a deep breath Alphys brings the glass to her lips and takes the tiniest sip she can manage, her eyes going wide behind her glasses as the flavor touches her tongue.

            “W-wow, you’re right Undyne. I don’t think I c-can describe what this tastes like.” Blushing Alphys takes another sip of the drink with a soft smile as she thinks that this is the taste she would imagine a joining of her and Undyne’s souls would feel like.

            “Right? I’ve got no clue how Grillby managed to come up with it, let alone why he would give us the drinks for free.” Sipping slowly at her drink Undyne reaches her hand out to Alphys, a pleasant feeling tingling through her soul as Alphys freely links her fingers together with her own.

            “I see Grillby is at it again, every time he sees two monsters on a date he comes up with these special drinks for them. Never has charged anyone for the drinks that he comes with, never makes the drinks again except for the couple if they come back.” A soft feminine voice interrupts the connection that is forming between Alphys and Undyne, looking over Undyne sees that the speaker is Dogaressa.

            “WOWIE. I NEVER REALIZED QUITE HOW MANY MONSTERS ARE HERE IN THE UNDERGROUND.” Softly panting Papyrus flings open the door to Grillby’s, the bar going silent and turning to the taller skeleton brother, unused to seeing him inside the bar with Sans not present.

            “Pap you look like you just ran here from the capitol, is everything okay?” Undyne switches her attention from Dogaressa and the confusion over the drinks to Papyrus, her mind shifting from the ease that the date with Alphys had drifted to, over to being the captain of the royal guard.

            “EVERYTHING IS FINE UNDYNE, I HAVE BEEN DOING AS THE HUMAN PRINCESS FRISK ASKED AND INFORMING THE MONSTERS THAT THEY NEED TO GET READY FOR THE MOVE TO THE SURFACE.” Smiling brightly as he puffs his chest up in pride, Papyrus walks over to stand beside the table that Undyne is sharing with Alphys.

            “Good work Pap, how many more monsters do you need to inform?” Face drawn in serious lines, Undyne looks at Papyrus not noticing that Alphys is watching with a rapt attention. Alphys unable to help the beating of her soul in her chest at just how amazing Undyne is when she is working, her timid smile growing as she remembers that she is here on a date with this amazing woman.

            “THIS IS THE LAST PLACE, I HAVE INFORMED ALL THE OTHER MONSTERS OF THE UNDERGROUND.” Saluting smartly to Undyne, Papyrus lets his face show his pride with a big smile on his face.

            “Good work Pap, go ahead and head back to the palace and help your family get their things together. We may need your help to keep the ball rolling on this move.” Nodding her head Undyne smiles with a proud gleam in her single eye.

            “OF COURSE UNDYNE, I THE GREAT PAPYRUS AM ALWAYS HAPPY TO HELP IN ANY WAY I CAN. ALL YOU NEED DO IS CALL AND I SHALL ANSWER AND DO MY VERY BEST NYEH HEH HEH.” The bright and boisterous laugh ringing through the bar as Papyrus dashes out of the bar once again, heading to gather a few last items from the old home that he once shared with Sans before moving to the palace.

            Yawning Frisk stretches before snuggling closer to Sans, her face peaceful with a contented smile. Running his phalanges through her chestnut brown hair Sans can’t help the feeling of love shining from his soul, his own smile relaxed and happy as he gazes at his mate. Pressing his teeth to the top of her head in a tender kiss he allows a soft purr to come from his chest, a feeling of peace and happiness coming over him at just how perfect things are in the moment. Pressing her lips to his clavicle Frisk enjoys the relaxed feeling that seems to have seeped into her very soul, her smile spreading as she let her mind drift to the way that Sans took care of her. The feeling of the massage, the sweet bath that he had prepared for her, everything they had done after that, a blush creeping over her cheeks at the way her mate had taken such good care of her.

            “I love you Sans, you have no idea just how happy I am that you are my mate.” Looking up into Sans’ eye lights Frisk shifts so she can press her lips to his teeth in a tender kiss.

            “heheh I love ya too starshine, my frisky lady.” Holding Frisk to him Sans relaxes in the soft mattress of the bed they share, his soul shining softly behind his ribs as the two snuggle.

            “I don’t know what made you decide to pamper me, but I really did need that, I think I’ve been stressing more than is good for me so thank you.” If she were capable of it Frisk would be purring just like Sans often did, just like he was in that moment.

            “ya know ya work too hard sometimes starshine, I know ya want everyone to be happy but ya shouldn’t let your own happiness be ignored.” Nuzzling his face against Frisk’s neck, Sans lets himself relax as he pulls her against him more fully.

            “I know but we still have so much to do, we need to get things together for the trip to the surface, we need to make a plan with Mom, we need to get all the monsters sorted out… do you think Dad has a census on how many monsters are in the underground and what types they are? That might be something that we should have with us when we meet with the humans, that way we have a concrete number and plan in place. Also if I remember correctly there are going to be some monsters that have special requirements on temperature and others that are underwater beings… I need to pick the place we build the first settlement carefully because I know it is going to need to be close to the mountain yet still have what we need for all the different types of monsters.” Working into a frenzy Frisk started to breath harder, her heart racing as she thought about everything that needed to be considered for the monsters safety and wellbeing on the surface.

            “starshine, please breath. I know ya want what is best for all the monsters, everyone knows that. ya just need to relax a bit and take things one step at a time, lets start with talkin’ to asgore and see if he has the numbers ya need to take to the humans. from there we can work things out one step at a time.” Pressing a toothy kiss to Frisk’s forehead Sans soothed his mate, calming her fears and helping her slow her thoughts down enough to handle things one step at a time.

            “Thank you Sans… I have no idea what I would do without you right now, my sweet caring and smart mate.” Smiling softly Frisk cups Sans’ cheek bone in her palm as she presses her forehead to his.

            “anythin’ for ya starshine, ya know I would do anything for ya.” Running his boney fingers through Frisk’s hair Sans wraps his free arm around her waist pulling her against him on the bed. “now lets get a bit of sleep before we need to face the day and all that stress, it can keep for a few hours.” Snuggling Frisk firmly against his chest, Sans wraps his arm around her letting a small spark of his magic work on soothing her into a dreamless slumber.

            Sleeping had done Frisk a world of good, her mind was sharp, and her path was clear. A quick shortcut from Sans and the two of them found themselves in the family dining room, Toriel just entering with a lovely breakfast for everyone with Papyrus trailing behind her helping to bring the food to the table. Sitting at the table already was Asgore at one end of the table, Chara, Asriel, and Gaster along one side of the table, leaving the seat at the other end for Toriel to claim and the three seats on the other side of the table for Frisk, Sans, and Papyrus. Once settled in their seats and the food was served Frisk stood to her feet to address the monsters that had become her family.

            “After some thought I know what we need to take with us for the first meeting with the humans, the first thing I need is a count of how many and what kind of monsters are present in the underground. If we can also compile some information on what they need for their survival and comfort as far as climate or other considerations that would be a plus, also a basic rundown of the magic they are capable, nothing in detail just the bare minimum so the humans can understand that the monsters are not there to threaten them or wage a war again. Dad I was wondering if you had any of that information available?” Looking to Asgore Frisk raised a brow in question, her eyes soft yet unyielding, filled with determination.

            “I believe that Doctor Alphys would have most of that information in the labs, as for the count on the monsters I believe I have the most recent one in my study.” Smiling kindly Asgore gave a node of his head at his own thought about where the information would be found.

            “Majesty, I would like to volunteer my own research into the magics that monsters possess. I have been wanting to find what it is that I can contribute to monsters and to my family now that I am back from the void, and I believe this information may be just the thing needed.” Speaking up Gaster looks between Frisk and Asgore, gauging their reaction to his offer, not seeing the look of aww from Papyrus or the reserved look form Sans.

            “How long would it take to have the information together, I would like some time to go over the numbers as well as what I should be looking for when it comes to land for the settlement. I know that it will take many trips to the surface to arrange everything, but I do hope that before long we will at least be able to take small groups of monsters to the surface and begin the prosses of showing them the world outside the mountain.” Looking between the occupants of the table Frisk, lets her eyes finally rest on Asgore.

            “No more than a day I believe if we have the help of Papyrus or Sans to get anything we need from around the underground.” A sigh from Sans causing a chuckle form Asgore as he rests back in his chair, Frisk taking her seat once more with a node of confirmation.

            “Good lets get it done so we can have everyone see the sky.” Smiling brightly, determination in her eyes, Frisk digs into the breakfast Toriel had made as Sans looks at her with adoration in his eye lights.

Chapter Text

Chapter 36

The Final Countdown and First Encounter

            The gentle rustle of paper filled the air of the sitting room of Frisk and Sans’ rooms, her eyes drifting over the information that Asgore and Alphys had compiled for her. As she read she was a bit surprised at the shier number of monsters that had been locked in the underground, the variety of which was almost as shocking as the total populous. Humming to herself as she plucked up the notebook and pen she had handy and started separating the monsters into groups, organizing who would be easiest to integrate to those that would be the most challenging to integrate with humans. Knowing that the integration was going to be a challenge she tried to set up groups of monsters that would also have some defense as well as be useful for setting up the settlement.

            “ya know ya look really cute when ya concentrate so hard starshine.” Pressing a gentle toothy kiss to Frisk’s furrowed brow, Sans chuckled softly as he carefully settled himself beside her on the soft cushions of the sofa.

            “Hmm you really think so Sugarskull? I think I just look frustrated. I had no clue that there were so many monsters in the underground, and all with such different abilities.” Scratching down a few more names on the page, Frisk checked off group twelve on her list of monsters as she placed a mark beside each name from the master list.

            “mhm ya get this cute little creese between your eyebrows and your nose wrinkles up while ya chew on your lip. it’s adorable tibia honest with ya starshine.” Chuckling softly Sans leans back with his hands stuffed in the pockets of his soft blue hoodie, his eye lights never leaving Frisk’s face as he watches her work.

            “Pfft Sans could you grab us a bite to eat, I need to get through the list of names and set the groups up. I know that no one will be going topside till we have our first meeting with the humans, but I want to have everything sorted out before we go up. I don’t want to leave anything to guess work or chance.” Frisk snickered at Sans’ pun, even when focused on something else she would always appreciate her mate’s attempts to lighten her mood.

            “sure starshine, what ya in the mood for? ya want me to get tori to make ya somethin’?” Stretching Sans made his way to his feet, stroking the bones of his fingers over Frisk’s hair as he got up.

            “Hmm you know what I kind of want something less healthy than what Mom normally makes, maybe some Grillby’s would help me keep my focus up.” Jotting down a few more names into the next group, Frisk made marks by them on the master list as she continued her task.

            “as ya wish starshine, be back in a few.” After pressing a skeletal kiss to Frisk’s forehead, Sans vanished from the room taking one of his shortcuts to get to Grillby’s as she continued her task of organizing the information.

            By the time Sans returned with the food, Frisk had finished almost all of the list. She had set up groups of monsters that should work well, with the weakest monsters being the last ones to be on the list. The need to be sure everyone was safe, and the settlement was finished quickly drove her to make sure the groups were set up in a way that made that easiest. Smiling Sans took his seat on the sofa while holding up the bag of greasy food from Grillby’s, the answering smile from Frisk was nearly blinding to him with how radiant it was. Opening the bag he passed her a burger and some fries before lifting out his own food from the bag, pulling a bottle of ketchup from his hoodie pocket.

            “You’re a life saver Sans, you have no idea how much I really love you right now.” Pressing soft lips to Sans’ cheek bone, Frisk sat back humming happily as she unwrapped the burger and dug in.

            “heheh glad you’re happy starshine, how’s the paperwork comin’.” The soft blue blush on Sans’ cheek bones glowed softly, the smile on his face one of pride as he took a swig of the ketchup before digging into his own food.

            “Almost done, should be ready for you me and Mom to head up to the surface in the morning. We have a bit of a hike down the mountain to the closest town, once there we just need to go to city hall and see what we can manage.” Determination filling Frisk’s soul, her eyes drifting to the papers waiting for her to finish her lists.

            With a sigh Frisk finishes her meal, Sans having already finished eating had curled up on the end of the sofa to just be close to her. Picking up the papers to finish her task, she taps the pen against the notebook as she gets back to work. Before too long all the names have been separated into groups of monsters, the different skills, and powers of the monsters of the underground categorized and compiled for ease of explaining what monsters can do to the humans on the surface. Gathering everything up Frisk looks over at Sans as she debates on how to wake him from the nap he seems to have dozed off into. A sly smile spreading over her lips as she clutches the papers to her chest and bends at the waist to press a tender kiss to his teeth, the reaction she didn’t expect was to be pulled swiftly from her feet into his arms as a giggle erupts from her around the kiss that the now wide awake skeleton hungrily deepens.

            “Sans we need to go find Mom and Dad, I want to go over the plans for our trip in the morning.” Pushing gently to disentangle herself from Sans’ arms Frisk sits up with a playful scowl on her face, her giggles breaking through despite her best efforts.

            “okay starshine, shouldn’t be too hard to find them.” Releasing Frisk from his embrace, Sans stands twining his phalanges with her soft fingers as they exit the room to search for Asgore and Toriel.

            With a bit of searching through the palace, Frisk and Sans found Toriel, Asgore, and the rest of their strange family sitting down to lunch in the family dining hall. The smell of food drifting lazily through the room, enticing a growl to rumble through Frisk’s stomach making Sans chuckle a bit at the sound. Rolling her eyes with a wry smile on her lips Frisk settled in one of the two empty chairs at the table, soon followed by Sans in the other empty seat. Within moments Toriel had served up the food to everyone before taking her own seat at the far end of the table across from Asgore.

            “So I have the lists organized and have separated everyone into groups to head to the surface once we make our first introductions. Based on the number of monsters and the types as well as requirements I’ll be looking for a property large enough to set up a decent sized settlement near a lake if I can find one. My largest worry is going to be monsters like Ice Caps and Chilldrakes needing a more frozen environment while Vulkin and Pyrope will need a much warmer place to live. I was wondering if there is any way we can set up zones sort of like what we have here in the underground in a rather quick fashion, that way those with special requirements will have them met without a large delay.” Waving her fork around as she speaks, Frisk attempts to air her concerns and hopefully find a solution to the issue before it becomes an issue.

            “I believe that we can come up with something Princess, after all we do have some of the most brilliant minds of monster kind in our family.” Smiling in a rather smug way Gaster leans back in his chair with a confident air.

            “yeah after all dad’s the one that created the core, can’t be too hard to figure out somethin’ maybe get al to join in with the discussion. did ya want us to figure it out before the trip up top starshine?” Reaching his skeletal hand out, placing it lightly on Frisk’s knee to calm her nervous movements as he spoke.

            “Wait that’s right your dad made the core, that’s what Alphys said anyway… oh and you said the core was the reason Snowdin had snow even underground… hmm does the core make Hotlands hot? Or maybe modifications can be made to the existing design that Gaster made for the core underground to heat up a portion of the surface for the monsters needing a warmer environment… it wouldn’t be that hard to tweak the magic to resonate in the opposite direction, although I’m unsure how much ambient magic is on the surface to accomplish it. Perhaps we could modify the design to use electricity instead of magic, or maybe to use the ambient energy of nature to do so. after all energy is energy one can not destroy energy only change its form.” A snicker from Sans draws Frisk’s attention from her ramble, her cheeks flushing with a soft pink realizing she was doing what Chara called her professor mode.

            “It still astounds me how sharp your mind is Princess, you are quite right that the core is how we control the elements in the underground. I suppose we could easily make a few modifications to use alternate energy sources, that would allow us to create pockets of controlled climate on the surface.” Humming softly Gaster nodes to Sans at his choice in a mate, proud that his oldest child had found such a worthy match.

            “Gaster do you have a possible timeline on how long it might take to get even a temporary solution set up? Perhaps we should also look into setting up our own energy infrastructure on the surface for the settlement. I do intend to have monsters fully integrated to human society, however I am not so naive as to think that humans will just jump into giving monsters rights, let alone letting monsters live wherever they please for some time yet. Sadly, humans are still… less than kind to those that are different, even among their own species.” Sighing with a sad smile Frisk leans over and rests her head on Sans’ shoulder, the feel of his bones through his hoodie bringing her comfort.

            “I should be able to sort out the basics of creating at least a small replica of the core that one or two monsters could power directly with busts of magic from time to time, by the time you return from your trip to meet with the humans about monsters coming to the surface. There may be a few as you called them tweaks needed to the systems once we are on the surface and I have a better grasp of what we will be working with for resources as well as the area that will need to be affected.” Eye lights distant in thought Gaster drums his phalanges on the surface of the table.

            “Good, that should work. This first meeting is to let the humans know that we are here, that we mean no harm to them, and that we wish to be a part of the world once more now that the barrier is broken. Even if the humans can never accept monsters as they should I can say with confidence that there are not any humans that could hope to lock monsters in the mountain again.” Sighing softly Frisk turns her attention to Toriel. “Mom are you ready to head up in the morning?” Tilting her head slightly with a soft smile, Frisk awaits Toriel’s response.

            “Yes my child, I do believe that I have everything prepared for the trip. Do you have any tips on what we should expect on arriving to the surface?” A concerned smile on Toriel’s face, her nerves over the impending meeting of other humans clear on her face.

            “No tips really, other than just stay calm. The humans may scream, or cry, or laugh… hell maybe all three at once. Humans believe that monsters are myth and legend, seeing a goat monster in a set of purple robes and a walking talking skeleton is going to be a shock for most of them. I do have hope for some of the younger generations to be a bit curious or excited by it, between some of the fictions and movies that exist there should be less of a negative reaction from younger humans.” Shrugging with the shoulder not pressed against Sans’ side, Frisk smiles apologetically at Toriel.

            “I see, well my child it would appear then that we are as ready as we can be. You said that you wished to head to the surface in the morning correct?” Attempting to reassure Frisk, Toriel smiles softly.

            “Yeah, the earlier the better since we will be on foot to head into town. It was a rather long hike for me to get into the underground in the first place and I’m unsure where the barrier hall lets out at. We should get plenty of rest and only take what we absolutely need for this first trip, it wont be till we return that we will have a better idea of how to proceed.” With a warry smile Frisk finishes the last of her food, once done she raises to her feet and heads to the door with Sans trailing quickly behind her.

            Snuggling under the covers of the bed Frisk Shares with Sans, her arms wrapping around him and pulling him closer before closing her eyes in mental exhaustion. Sans presses his teeth to her brow in a tender skeletal kiss as he wraps his arms around her as well, always ready for a good nap especially with his human mate by his side. Sleep slowly claimed the two, human and monster, for a nice nap after the excitement and rush of getting things ready for the trip to the surface.

            The faint smell of fresh air and pine needles drifted to Frisk’s nose as she stood in the barrier hallway, Toriel standing to her right and Sans standing to her left with his arm around her waist. Behind her stood Asgore, Chara, Asriel, Papyrus, and Gaster. Each of them with varying expressions of concern plastered on their faces, Papyrus out right crying with fat orange tears falling down his cheek bones as he clutched tightly to Gaster’s arm for support as Gaster stands with a stoic frown on his face with his bone brow furrowed. Chara clutches to Asriel’s arm with her paw like hands with her face pinched with her concern, her knowledge of of the surface from her days before her own fall into the underground fueling her concern of what was going to happen to her mother, sister, and brother in law. Asriel’s face holding fear as well as barely contained hostility for the humans that lead to his death in the past, his paw like hands clenched into tight fists as Asgore stands with a sad smile on his face and his paw like hands on his children’s shoulders.

            “Okay, it is time for us to get a move on. If we don’t leave soon we have no hope of getting back by nightfall, I know you guys are worried, but we should be just fine.” Looking over her shoulder with a soft sigh Frisk looks over her shoulder at the family that won’t be coming with her on this trip.

            “Keep mom safe please Frisk, I know you can but please… just be safe.” Stepping forward to wrap her arms around Frisk Chara whispers in her sister’s ear before squeezing her tight in a hug.

            “You know I will, we will be back soon.” Turning to return the hug to Chara, Frisk presses her face into her sisters warm fur as she hugs her tightly. Upon breaking the hug Frisk nodes at the other members of the family as Chara returns to stand with them, her paw like hands clutching at Asriel once more before Frisk grasps the smooth bones of Sans’ hand and links her arm with Toriel’s much larger arm before walking through where the barrier once stood.

            A soft breeze blew Frisk’s hair across her face, the feeling of Toriel’s arm linked with her own as well as her hand linked with Sans’ boney hand grounding her to the hear and now. Sunlight brightening the sky overhead as it peaked over the horizon, Sans tilting his head back with a dazed look on his face as he sees the sky for the first time, tears flowing down Toriel’s fur covered cheeks freely at her first view of the surface. Frisk could feel the joy flowing through the magic of her adopted mother and her mate, tinged lightly by the sorrow that the rest of the monsters did not get to share this experience with them. Sighing softly Frisk takes the first on the journey down the mountain, the first step into the future for monsters and humans alike.

            Walking down the mountain, the trees overhead, Sans and Toriel dart their gazes everywhere and nowhere at once. Unable to focus on any one thing for long for as they try to take everything in at once, the buzz of nerves and excitement pulsing off the two monsters in waves as they walk. A small smile gracing Frisk’s lips as she watches Sans and Toriel’s reactions to the surface, her soul soaring at the look of almost childlike wonder on their faces as they draw closer and closer to the bottom of the mountain and the town that awaits them there.

            The tall evergreen trees of the mountain side slowly thin, making way for the smaller deciduous trees with branches budding with new leaves as Frisk and her companions draw closer to civilization. After several hours of hiking down the mountain Frisk breaths a sigh of relief as she sees the first houses on the outskirts of the town that her, Toriel and Sans have been making their way to, glancing at her companions she realizes that she still has to walk them through the town to get to the city hall. Head held high and shoulders square, Frisk guides her mate and her adopted mother through the streets of the quiet mountainside town, few people being out and about working to her advantage for the time being although there are a few that see her and her companions. Many of the humans that see Toriel and Sans needing to look twice to be sure what they are seeing as the two monsters walk through the town, Frisk sandwiched between them as she guides them closer and closer to city hall as some humans decide to follow them.

            Reaching the old art deco building Frisk doesn’t even pause when she reaches the steps, striding confidently up the low wide stone steps to the double doors. Determination pulsing in her soul as she approaches the front desk with Sans still clutching her hand like a lifeline, Toriel pulling herself up to look as regal and in charge as she can with pride for her adopted daughter pouring from her soul at the way Frisk is handling herself in this stressful situation. As Frisk and her monster companions approach the desk the small mousy woman behind it looks up, her deep brown eyes going wide at the sight of first Toriel before flicking over to Sans as her olive already fair skin goes almost as white as his bones before flicking to Frisk.

            “C-can I h-help you?” The timid voice of the woman matching her meek appearance, Frisk finding it a good sign that the woman is able to speak first even if it is with a bit of a stutter.

            “Yes please, I need to speak to someone in charge. I would prefer the mayor but if they are unavailable I would be more than happy to one of the council members. As you can see from my companions there is much that needs to be discussed, however nothing to terrible.” Smiling sweetly at the woman behind the desk, Frisk waits as the woman picks up the landline phone behind the desk making a quick and frantic call.

            “Yes sir, sorry I know you have important matters to tend to. No I am not joking sir, there are two monsters and a young woman standing in front of me in the lobby.” Rolling her eyes the timid woman sighs. “Yes sir I’ll send them up to your office.” Hanging up the phone the woman turns to Frisk, her eyes briefly landing on the monsters before focusing on Frisk once more. “The mayor will see you, please go to the forth floor to the double doors at the end of the hall.” Gesturing with her hand the woman behind the desk points to the elevators at the far side of the lobby with a week smile on her face, trying to keep her professional air about her.

            “Thank you miss, have a pleasant day.” Turning quickly Frisk guides toriel and Sans to the elevator, Satchel holding the papers she had prepared swinging against her hip as they enter the small chamber that will carry them to the fourth floor.

            In the elevator Frisk can tell that both Toriel and Sans are showing signs of nerves, Toriel is picking at the side of her robes, Sans while outwardly seeming calm and relaxed with a grin on his face keeps shuffling from foot to foot, his eye lights not quite focused as he stairs at the wall of the elevator. Squeezing Sans hand Frisk draws his attention to her, a reassuring smile on her face as she runs her thumb over the bumps and groves of the bones on of his hands. Toriel catching the exchange between the two smiles softly as her body relaxes some, realizing that with Frisk at their side things will go better than they would have if monsters had ever reached the surface without a human with them.

            “Everything will work out guys, I know it is a long road, but it is worth it.” Hugging both Toriel and Sans to her Frisk attempts to help them stay relaxed as the doors to the elevator open on the fourth floor. A short walk to the end of the hallway has the trio standing before the double doors of the mayor’s office, a swift knock from Frisk is answered by a deep male voice telling them to come in.

            “Greetings, what is this the girl out front says about monsters?” The owner of the voice states as they walk into the office, the man sitting at the desk a rather round balding gentleman in a midgrade suit doesn’t look up from the papers on his desk as he speaks.

            “Yes sir, monsters are back. The old legends of monsters trapped beyond a barrier under Mt. Ebbot are quite true, or I should say they were true until I broke the barrier a couple of days ago. If you would just take a moment to look up from your paperwork you would see that with me I have Toriel, queen of the monster kingdom as well as Sans one of the many monsters that have been trapped underground for hundreds of years with no access to the sun and stars in the sky.” Head held high Frisk keeps her gold flecked hazel eyes locked on the stocky man behind the desk as she introduces Toriel and Sans, waiting for the man to lock eyes on them to gauge his reaction.

            “This is not how I expected my Friday morning to be going.” The gruff response as the man looked up from his papers to lock his watery grey gaze on first Toriel, then Sans before falling to Frisk with an unamused look on his chubby face.

            “Sorry for the inconvenience sir, however I thought it best to introduce the monsters to the highest authority in the local area before having other monsters come to the surface. As this is the closest town to the mountain it would seem that position falls to you, I know that you can do nothing for the monsters as far as rights etcetera, but it would be nice for more of the monsters to see the surface. I would also like your permission to find property that I can purchase to set up a settlement for them as we work on getting them integrated into human society with all the rights and responsibilities that entails.” The determination pulsing from Frisk’s soul strong enough that Sans could swear even the human behind the large desk could feel it, his pride in his mates strength showing in the confident grin on his face as he watches the exchange.

            “Do they talk? I… honestly I have no clue of exactly how to handle this situation young lady, lets start with this what is your name?” The mayor asks, frustration practically dripping in his deep voice.

            “Yes sir they do talk, as for me I’m Frisk Sotiris legally speaking. However since queen Toriel and king asgore have officially adopted me by monster standards at the very least I am known to them as princess Frisk Dreemurr, although the skeleton to my left is my mate, in monster terms that is essentially my spouse so I could also go by Frisk Gaster. Any of the three last names work though as far as human paperwork goes at this time Sotiris is the name on all of my official documentation.” A sweet smile crosses Frisk’s face as she lists the names that she can go by, the stunned and confused look on the mayor’s face priceless.

            “Okay let me get this straight miss Sotiris, the queen over there adopted you?” Frisk nods at the question from the mayor. “Then you essentially married the skeleton?” Another nod from Frisk as the mayor looks at Sans before rubbing his hand down his face in frustration. “Yet your legal name as far as human paperwork is still your maiden name since before this little visit monsters have remained in the realms of myth and legend.” Yet another nod from Frisk as the smirk on Sans’ face grows. “Okay… well for now lets keep with the name that human society recognizes. Gods this is going to be a long day I can see it already.” Mumbling soft curses under his breath the mayor shuffles through the papers on his desk.

            “Sir, I do apologize for interrupting, however my people have spent far too long underground. I do not see how Frisk’s name is of the greatest concern at the moment.” Gently interrupting the stout man behind the desk, Toriel addresses the human for the first time.

            “Shit, it talked.” Sighing Frisk levels a nasty look at the mayor at his insensitivity of calling Toriel an it.

            “My adopted mother and the queen of the monsters is most certainly not an it, she is very much a female and a she.” Frisk corrects the mayor.

            “Sorry, I just was not expecting her to speak. At this point I’m wondering if I might actually be dreaming.” Running his hand through what little hair still remains on his head the mayor sighs.

            “nah, buddy we talk just fine. tibia honest with ya, only reason tori and I ain’t said much till now is cause we figured frisk here would be better received.” Chuckle turning to a soft grunt as Frisk elbows Sans for his pun, her look telling him that now is very much not the time for jokes.

            “Sorry my mate has a tendency to joke at the worst times. Back to the topic at hand, I need to get your permission to purchase some land that we can build a settlement on. The larger the area the better, although I am aware that there will be possible complications. I have a list of the monsters currently still underground as well as proposed groupings of monsters I would like to bring to the surface to make the transition smoother. I have limited the groups to twenty or so monsters per group, the earlier ones consisting of stronger monsters that will be an asset with building houses and the like for themselves as well as other monsters as they come up. I know suddenly having thousands of monsters coming out of the mountain would not be the best for humans or the monsters even though the monsters have waited so long to just be able to see the sun. I was also hoping that even those not moving to the surface in the first few groups would be allowed to at least come out and wander on the mountain close to the entrance to the underground. Along with the groupings and names of the monsters I have another document that has a list of the basic magic abilities of the monsters.” As Frisk speaks she sees the mayor grow more and more pale, his grey eyes growing in size the more information she provides, her hands reaching into the satchel at her hip pulling out her carefully prepared documents.

            “C-can I ask you how long you spent underground miss Sotiris?” Gathering the papers that Frisk hands him the mayor asks.

            “Around a month or so sir, why?” Cocking her head to the side Frisk goes back to holding onto Sans and Toriel once more.

            “Well you said magic for one and the lists and information you just gave me are quite detailed.” Laughing Frisk shakes her head at the shock evident on the mayor’s face as he looks over the papers she handed him.

            “The monsters are rather good at record keeping, I simply took the information provided to me from Gaster and Asgore and sorted it out to help you see what we have on our hands. As for magic yes, monsters are made of magic and very capable of preforming magic. As you can see from the list the magic ranges from simple defensive spells that allow them to protect themselves up to more powerful magic that can be used in protecting others or in healing.” Smiling Frisk turns her attention to Toriel. “Mom would it be alright with you if we give the mayor a demonstration of what you and Sans are capable of?” The feeling of Sans gently squeezing Frisk’s hand in concern has her turning to him with a sweet reassuring smile.

            “If you think it best that we show the mayor what we can do that would be fine with me, Sans what do you think?” Turning her attention to Sans, Toriel raises her brow in question.

            “erm sure I guess, what ya got in mind starshine?” Eye lights locking on Frisk’s face in question Sans enquiries.

            “Nothing too big, I figured Mom could show some healing and you could show some of your defensive magic so the mayor has an idea of what monsters can do. With the two of you being among the stronger monsters from the underground I’m sure having a grasp of what you are able to do would help to set his mind at ease as well as prove to him that magic is just as real as monsters are.” The look in Frisk’s eyes telling Sans he should keep with the less extreme fighting magic, Toriel realizing that showing the man behind the desk her healing abilities may just help the cause in winning the human to their side.

Chapter Text

Chapter 37

The Surface at Last

            Receiving a nod from Toriel and Sans, Frisk turned to focus on the mayor as he sat behind his desk with his gaze darting between the monsters and the human woman. He didn’t have a single clue of what craziness that would walk through his door today when he came in, had he known he may have decided to stay home. Watching intently, he could feel a sweat break out on his head, the moisture shifting the thinking hair on his scalp. Grabbing his handkerchief from his breast pocket, the mayor uses it to wipe the sweat from his brow.

            “It would be my pleasure to do some healing, do you know if anyone nearby may have an illness or injury? It would need to be a smaller illness such as the common cold since the larger the illness the more magic it takes to heal.” Flashing a sweet smile at the mayor, Toriel clasps her paw like hands near her waist.

            “What sort of things exactly is your magic able to heal… miss Toriel?” The wary hesitation clear in the mayor’s voice as he asks Frisk’s adoptive mother.

            “Minor things are quite easy, such as a simple cut or scrape. However, the larger the injury the larger the expenditure of magic used, So anything life threatening uses significantly more magic and can lead to a monster with lesser magic reserves loo overexert themselves to the point of passing out and in rare cases the monsters death.” The smile on Toriel’s face turns melancholy, her amber eyes holding a pain and wisdom as she spoke.

            The group steps back as the mayor pulls his chair from behind his desk, his breath puffing from him as he bends to roll his pant leg up to reveal a scrape along his shin. “Would this be within your ability to heal?” The curiosity in his voice as he tilts his gaze to meet Toriel’s eyes.

            “Yes I do believe that would be quite easy to clear up sir.” Bending herself down, Toriel reaches towards the wound on the mayors leg as her gaze meets his with a question in her eyes.

            With a nod from the mayor Toriel allows her magic to pool in her paw like hand, a green light surrounding her fingers before seeping into the skin of the man’s leg. The small wound knitting together leaving a pail smooth scar behind as a smile of pure wonder spreads over the mayor’s face making him seem like a child in awe of what he had just witnessed. With a sweet smile on her face, Toriel dispels her magic and steps back from the mayor. Hands shaking in disbelief he reaches to where the cut once was, his fingers finding the healed skin as he rubs along his leg trying to find any trace of the wound beyond the new scar.

            “That is amazing, are all monsters able to heal like that? The implications for health care are… well to be frank staggering.” Grey eyes lifting to meet Toriel’s eyes, for the first time looking at one of the monsters with respect and hope on his face.

            “Most monsters have some low level of healing ability, however it is proportional to their magic strength so not all are able to do more than stopping blood flow till someone might seek further treatment.” Stepping back beside Frisk and Sans, Toriel offers a genuine smile at the mayor as her hope for the future of her people takes a firm hold in her soul.

            “What other things can monsters do? You mentioned that monsters have some defensive skills with their magic as well?” Turning his gray eyes to Frisk, the mayor regains his position behind his desk as he clasps his hands together on the polished surface.

            “Yes sir, there are various ways that monsters are able to defend themselves though all monsters are able to summon constructs made of magic called bullets. These bullets can be used both offensively and defensively, with each monster preferring a pessimistic approach of distracting their opponent enough to get away from any conflicts.” Nodding at Sans, Frisk signals him to start his own demonstration.

            At Frisk’s signal Sans summons a few bones, allowing them to spin and weave through the air around the mayor’s office. As he is commanding his attacks into different patterns, Toriel summons a few small flames and sends them towards Sans. On instinct Sans pushes the bones into a simple shield, blocking the fire from reaching him as it splashes against the bones before dispelling. The look of shock on the mayor’s face gives way to glee as he witnesses the simple display of magic that the two monsters have presented to him.

            “Hmm with abilities like that we may have to have the monsters register their attack abilities similar to a concealed carry permit for humans who wish to carry firearms.” Mumbling almost to himself the mayor scratches at the stubble just showing along his pudgy jawline.

            “That makes sense sir, we do understand that there is a long road ahead of us when it comes to integrating the monsters into the human would. All we ask for now is that as our point of first contact you help us facilitate brining these people out of the darkness that has been their prison for longer than any human alive has even been on this earth. Can we count on your support on the road ahead of us sir?” Reaching her hand out Frisk locks her gold flecked green gaze on the mayor, her eyes flashing with determination as she waits for his reply.

            “you are right that things wont be easy for the time being, for now what I can offer is use of the land over the mountain. As it stands the area has been off limits to humans due to the legends as well as the odd disappearance, so that should be easy enough to work with. From there you have my support in allowing the monsters to come to the surface and build a settlement there.” Reaching into his desk, the mayor pulls out a property map that shows the city as well as the surrounding county. Pulling out a highlighter, he cercles the mountain as well as a few parcels of land nearby that may be acceptable for the monsters to settle on. “These areas should be workable for your needs, as for further rights for the monsters we are going to need to work our way up the chain of command as well as propose new laws to either reclassify what it means to be human or extend the rights to other sentient beings.” Reaching to a card holding on his desk, the mayor pulls a card out and scribbles a few numbers and names on the back. “This is my card, I have added contact information on the back for the governor as well as the president. I will do what I can in contacting them myself but having you along for any conversations may be necessary… speaking of should we be introducing you by any title?” Looking up from his scribbling the mayor meets Frisk’s eyes.

            “Well honestly on an official level I am third in line for the monster throne as the adopted daughter of the king and queen, also we have discussed the fact that as a human among monsters that when it comes to the human governments I be referred to as the monster ambassador for simplification.” Pulling a pen and paper from the bag at her hip, Frisk scribbles her contact information for the mayor to share with other officials.

            “Vary well Ambassador Frisk, do you have any other questions for the time being?” Taking the paper that Frisk offers him, the mayor slips it into his book of contacts for easy access as he scribbles a few notes down for what needs done on his end for approving the use of the land on Mount Ebbot for the monsters.

            “Just one more major item of business sir, the monsters have had a thriving economy of their own under the mountain. They use gold coins,” Pulling a single gold coin from her pocket she places it on the desk in front of the mayor. “Is there any way that we can set up a fair exchange between the two currencies so that we are able to put some of the kingdoms funds to use in buying things that we may need in our quest to get a settlement established? We should be fine when it comes to power but being able to get some newer technology set up would be a blessing for the monsters as we get things sorted out.” Watching as the mayor picks up the coin, Frisk notices the man’s eyes grow wide as his fingers brush over the surface of the coin.

            “I would recommend that you are the one to do a trade with the banks miss, from what I can tell this coin is pure gold and as such is worth quite a bit up here. However, I would ask that till things are settled you refrain from flooding the market with too much of this gold as it could destabilize the economy.” Nodding in agreement Frisk waves off the mayor as he tries to offer the coin back to her.

            “Keep it sir, think of it as a souvenir of the first meeting of monsters and humans, as proof that you were here as the first contact.” Offering a sweet smile to the mayor, Frisk has difficulty suppressing a giggle at the flabbergasted look on the man’s face.

            “Thank you Frisk, I look forward to working with you and your family in brining them into the world above the mountain.” Reaching his pudgy hand out for Frisk to shake, the mayor smiles a genuine smile, moving to shake both Toriel and Sans’ hands as well once he finished shaking Frisk’s.

            With the first meeting concluded, Frisk leads Toriel and Sans from the office. Once outside the office, she heaves a sigh. Relief that the first contact went far better than she had even hoped that it would, her smile bright and genuine in her joy. Heading back to the first floor, the party enter the elevator once more, Toriel almost instantly scooping her adopted daughter and son in law into her warm furry arms for a hug in celebration.

            “You were amazing my dear, a true princess in every way as you handled a potentially tense political situation. I am very proud of you my child.” Pressing a warm kiss to the crown of Frisk’s head, Toriel gives one more squeeze as the elevator makes its way back to the ground floor.

            “ya know she’s right starshine, ya did better than perfect in there.” Pressing a toothy kiss to Frisk’s cheek leaves her blushing at all the praise, her heart pounding so strong that Sans can feel it where his arms are around her.

            “We still have a lot of work ahead of us, for now we need to survey the area that mayor said that we can use as a temporary settlement, after that we need to contact the numbers that the mayor gave me. I know as long as I have you guys and the rest of our friends and family we will be okay though. Part of me does worry that not everything is going to go as smoothly as this first meeting went.” Smile straining as worry trickles into Frisk’s soul, her grip on Toriel and Sans growing firmer as fears play through her mind.

            “ya got this starshine, just need to take things one obstacle at a time.” Pressing another skeleton kiss to Frisk’s forehead, Sans gives her another firm squeeze just before the elevator door opens.

            The walk back to the mountain from town hall seemed shorter than Frisk remembered the walk down being, the looks that the people on the street gave her and her companions leaving an itch of unease festering under her skin. Slipping back under the mountain she breaths a sigh of relief as they step into the throne room once more. Asgore, Papyrus, Gaster, Undyne, and Alphys are there to greet them. After a short debriefing everyone heads to their rooms to get some much-needed rest for the night, their minds on the work that lay ahead of them.

            The next morning, Frisk sands with the first group set to head to the surface for the first time. In the group is Undyne, Alphys, the skeleton family, the royal family, and several of the canine unit from the guard. The plan for the day was a simple one, get a lay of the land and where it would be best to start the settlement in relation to the entrance back into the underground. Once the group had a good look around they would set up a base camp that would function as a sort of temporary command post while the settlement was constructed.

            “Remember everyone, this trip up is to find a good spot to start building so we can bring more of our people to the surface. Everyone stay with a buddy while we search the area, remember there are a few holes that lead back into the underground so watch where you step. Remember to use the poles the test the ground before you take a step so no one falls down, I don’t know how far it is from the surface to the chamber underground. With that said, it wouldn’t be a good idea to risk a fall that could land you in the pools of magma in Hotland, or onto the trees in Snowdin.” A round of agreement from the assembled monsters assured Frisk, a nod from her sends everyone off to pair up to search the surface.

            With everyone paired up, Frisk leads the way through the barrier hall to the mouth of the cave. The sound of gasps behind her as the monsters in the group see the surface for the first time causing a smile to spread over her face, her hand squeezing Sans’ as she leads the monsters out into the early morning sunlight. As everyone gathers together, Frisk directs the groups to search different parts of the forested sides of the mountain. Asgore and Toriel head up the mountain to see if the summit would be cold enough for the ice dependent monsters, Undyne and Alphys head towards where Frisk knows a lake should be from the map the mayor gave her the day before to see if it would be large enough for the water-based monsters. Chara and Asriel head to where there should be some hot springs, hoping that the heat will be enough to keep the monsters of Hotland warm enough on the surface. Dogami and Dogaressa are sent to the far side of the mountain due to their speed and sense of smell to search for a place that would be ideal for monsters needing a quieter area. Greater and Lesser Dog head in the same direction while Gaster and Papyrus head to a lower part of the mountain in search for a flat area that would work well as an above ground station for the power being produced by the core.

            As the last of the monsters move off, Frisk leads Sans to a spot on the mountain that overlooks the ocean in the distance. Her hope to find a place that would be good for an above ground capital where they can set up space for the businesses that exist underground as well as a place to function as the center of the above ground monster kingdom. The look on Sans’ face as Frisk drags him along setting her heart fluttering in her chest, her soul pulsing with a happy thrum as his eye sockets widen at the view.

            “I know it isn’t as pretty as the lake in Waterfall that looks out on the castle underground but… I think if monsters can see this every time they come to see the king and queen it might hold a similar splendor.” Blushing Frisk turns to look at Sans, his eye lights drinking in the sight of the horizon. Land stretching to the water of the ocean as the water glistens in the rays of the sun in the distance, land and water as far as the eye can see with a blue sky above and the sun shining on his bones.

            “it’s perfect starshine, how’d ya know about this spot?” With great effort Sans pulls his gaze from the horizon to meet Frisk’s eyes, the sight of the sunlight glinting in her hair taking his breath away for a moment.

            “When the mayor gave me the map, I remembered that there were some good views from up here. I figured that this would be a good spot to start, we can set up the base camp here and build things up as we need them. Though I’m still wondering how you and Gaster are going to get power up here from the core.” Leaning against Sans, Frisk rests her head on his shoulder as she turns to look out at the water.

            “ya ain’t got to worry about that starshine, we got it covered though if we need anything ya know we’ll ask ya first.” Turning to Frisk, Sans presses his teeth to her cheek in a toothy kiss as her smile blooms across her face.

            The sun continues to climb the sky, by the time it reaches nearly overhead the group of monsters meet back up at the mouth of the cavern that leads back to the underground to report their findings. Each pair of scouts reporting that they found good spots as well as paths that can be expanded to function as roads for transporting building materials for the construction of the settlement. Undyne reports that the lake has a decent size to it and after a dive below the surface she found an underwater tunnel that opens into the lakes of waterfall. With that already in place it is agreed that the underwater monsters should be able to move to the surface quite quickly as well as keep some homes underground as well.

            With the scouting done, Frisk pulls her phone from her pocket as well as the card that the mayor gave her. Her first call is to the mayor to let him know of the progress she and the monsters had made in figuring out the locations for different parts of the settlement. He makes her promise that her next call will be to the other numbers he gave her to work on the first steps of integrating monsters into human society. After hanging up from the mayor Frisk dials the number for the governor of the state, her heart pounding in her chest at acting as both an ambassador as well as her role as a princess of the monster kingdom. When Toriel adopted her, she had no clue what that would lead to in the way of being a political figure.

            “Greetings, my name is Frisk Sotiris. Is this the office of Governor Garyth?” Clutching the phone tightly, Frisk speaks as clearly as she can in a professional way.

            “Yes Ma’am it is, may I ask the reason for your call?” A polished female voice replies from the other end of the line, a rustling of papers can be heard in the background.

            “Yes, I am calling as the ambassador of the monster kingdom. Please before you hang up I suggest you take a moment to call Mayor Ernest Everett of Ebbot, he will be able to verify that I am not some nut or prank caller. If you need his number I can provide it to you.” Rushing out the information, Frisk suppresses a sigh as the secretary for the governor does indeed request the number for the mayor. After providing it she sits on hold as she waits for the secretary to return to the line, after what feels like a lifetime the secretary returns to the line.

            “Very well Miss Sotiris, from what Mr. Everett has told me you are indeed telling the truth about a kingdom of monsters, or at the very least that monsters are real.” The slight shake in the woman’s voice has Frisk smiling as she waits. “Please give me a moment to speak with the governor to see how she would like to proceed. Please hold.” With that the line is filled with stock hold music as Frisk waits to hear how things are going to progress.

            “what ya doin’ starshine?” Wrapping boney arms around Frisk’s waist from behind, Sans rests his chin on her shoulder, his breath fanning over her ear causing her to shiver and blush.

            “I’m calling the governor to see what we can do about getting monsters started on the path to integration.” Covering the microphone on her phone, Frisk whispers to Sans as a smile spreads over her face and she leans against him.

            Just as Sans is about to say something more, the line clicks back on and a new voice addresses Frisk. “Miss Sotiris, this is governor Garyth. It would seem you have some business to discuss with me about monsters? Now normally I would not entertain such flights of fancy, however it would appear that the words of mayor Everett have convinced my secretary that what you have to say is true. What is it you are hoping to accomplish by calling me?” The polished voice of governor Garyth filtered through the speaker pressed against Frisk’s ear.

            “Yes Ma’am, simply put it is my goal as the ambassador to monsters to gain them rights as citizens of the world, all the same rights that you or I enjoy as humans. I know it sounds fantastic, or scary, however I assure you monsters simply with to live on the surface in peace with humans, the same with every human has, the same rights that we enjoy. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. If you would like I am more than happy to set up a meeting for you between yourself and the royal family, however you may need to come to Ebbot till we are able to clear the monsters for travel outside of the mayor’s jurisdiction.” The determination in Frisk’s voice has Sans looking at her in wonder, the governor on the other end of the line gives a soft chuckle at her passion.

            “Very well Miss Sotiris, when would be a good time for this meeting you propose? I am a very busy woman, as you may well guess. However, I believe that I can make some time for a trip to meet you and those that you represent.” A hint of admiration in governor Garyth’s voice.

            “When would be the earliest time that would be convenient for you Governor? Though I must ask that you forgive that we are in a transition from being underground, if you would like my mate and I would be happy to give you a tour of where the monsters have lived till I was able to break the barrier and free them from their prison while you are here for your visit.” A smirk plays on Frisk’s lips as she works out a time for the Governor to visit Ebbot, and what Asgore was calling New New Home… she really was going to have to curb his habit of bad naming someday.

            With a time set for the Governor to come and meet with Asgore, Toriel, Asriel, Chara, and herself, Frisk helped the monsters mark out where they would start building the settlement up. The first building that needed to be constructed being what would function as a replacement for the castle underground, designing the building as a place for meetings and official business to take place. The decision that the running of the kingdom should be done in a building that was not directly connected to where the royal family would be living. After much arguing with Toriel, Asgore, and surprisingly Asriel, Frisk managed to convince her adoptive family that she would much rather her own modest home with Sans and his father and brother.

            After only a week of construction, with many trips into Ebbot by Frisk, Sans, and Papyrus, the vision Frisk had for the central part of the settlement had taken shape. Streets lined with shops, most of which had apartments above them for those that owned the business, or employees that would be running them. In the center of the little town stood a fountain, with a statue of the royal family, even though Frisk protested over being included as the only human sandwiched between her adopted siblings. A lush garden was taking shape in the central square, tended by Asgore himself, a library, with the sign spelled correctly this time stood on the opposite end from a town hall with offices for each member of the royal family as well as high ranker members of the court such as Alphys, Gaster, and Undyne.

            At Frisk’s insistence, Papyrus was drafted as a mascot for the monsters. A friendly face to greet and meet with humans alongside her, even if Sans refused to let either of them do any meeting or greeting without him present. Papyrus’ positions afforded him his own office in the town hall as well. For safety it was agreed that the residential areas would be a fair distance from the town proper, with four main areas set up. The first was nearly at the peak of the mountain, the snow that blanketed the summit and a bit below it giving the ideal atmosphere for the monsters that had called Snowdin their home. However, Sans, Grillby, Papyrus, and Gaster had opted to live a bit further down the mountain, mostly due to Frisk wanting to be a bit warmer than always being surrounded by snow.

            The second area was by the lake, Alphys decided to move in with Undyne in a house the two designed together. Unlike Undyne’s house underground, which looked like a fish, this one was a modest building with clean lines and a modern feel. Inside was decorated in what Frisk had taken to calling otaku chic, with posters and memorabilia from any anime that caught the girls’ fancy. At Alphys’ insistence a large home theater room had been set up that also connected to the security system she had set up on the mountain.

            Near the hot springs a third area had been set up, Mettaton commandeering a prime spot to build his above ground resort with easy access to some of the cooler hot springs for the use of his guests. Despite Mettaton attempting to get Papyrus to join him, the taller skeleton had stoutly refused to abandon his brother and father, leaving the robot ghost a bit out of sorts after he finally admitted his crush on the boisterous skeleton. Sans couldn’t get enough of watching the flamboyant robot being shot down by his sweet brother for anything more than friendship. The upside was Napstablook had decided to move into the resort with his cousin, rekindling the broken relationship between the two.

            Finally, Frisk had selected a nice place on the mountain for her home with Sans, Papyrus, and Gaster. Toriel had… convinced Asgore that it was of the utmost importance that the family stay close so had built their home next door to the modest five-bedroom Frisk had designed for her family. Around the royals others had decided to settle in, most of those that made it a point to choose the fourth area being part of the royal guard. The thought was that it would be easier to protect the royals if they lived close by.

            That didn’t mean that all of the monsters had moved to the surface, there were still quite a few that either preferred to remain underground or would rather wait till monsters had full rights and freedoms. Frisk couldn’t help the nerves swirling in her gut as the day of the governor’s visit drew closer, Sans hated seeing her so out of sorts as she paced around their home.

            “starshine, ya keep pacein’ like that and you’re goin’ to put a grove in the floor.” Reaching out to his mate, Sans grasped Frisk’s wrist and pulled her onto the old green couch they had brought up from the underground.

            “I know, I know, I just can’t help going over everything that could go wrong. I know the visit should be fine, however I can’t stop thinking about worse case scenarios. What if she decides that she wont help us? What if instead of helping or just not helping she decides she can’t support monsters being free and instead goes against us?” Leaning into Sans’ side, Frisk presses her face into his chest.

            “if she don’t want to help us, we can always go above her right? ya still got the number for the president right starshine?” Carding his phalanges through Frisk’s hair, Sans gives her a reassuring squeeze.

            “Yeah, but it is soooo much harder to get ahold of the president, let alone set up a meeting with him. By going through the proper channels, getting support from the lower levels first, he will be more likely to listen to me when the time comes.” Sighing, Frisk snuggles closer to Sans, taking comfort from the hum of his magic and the connection between his soul and her own.

            Knowing that in the state of mind Frisk is right now, Sans opts to just hold her close, offering silent support in her worry. He is more than aware that everything could go south if they don’t have the support of the people in power, honestly the looks that people keep giving him and his brother every time the go into town with Frisk for provisions leaves him with a crawling feeling in his bones. Yeah there are some that are just curious, but the sneers from others leaves him worried about the stability of the freedom they have gained with the barrier down.