Mount Ebott
Mount Ebott. A large mountain that had a lush forest surrounding one side and had a beach right on the other. From afar it was a rather beautiful mountain, however that depended on who saw it.
To the many outside people, Mount Ebott, the forest around it and its beach side was cursed. Otherworldly monsters, mythical and powerful beastly monsters at that, roamed the land and caused most of the forest and mountain to be closed off from the outside world and the ocean by the mountain to be terribly dangerous. Those that try to sneak or break in are cursed, punished or never to be seen again. Or so the rumors say.
The rumors circulated the moment a thick thorny wall started growing around the deeper forest area of the mountain, and sharp hard rocks appearing on the coast and waterfront side that sectioned off the beach. The ocean was not even safe as rumors of sea monsters sinking ships- though no one died, some claiming that the sea monsters saved them before they could drown in the water.
At the start, it hadn't caused any panic when a couple of villagers came back from the forest, claiming ghosts and monsters- actual monsters not those from the Monster Kingdom and their like, there were monsters that lived in their village after all- had taken over the forest. Naturally they weren't believed in, their tales of beasts twice their size interrupting their hunting trip, of a growling thunder dog that commanded lightning with its howl, of a nine tailed fire fox that spewed fireballs their way, of a circular rock beast with sharp horns that created snow with a simple breath.
It was a little unbelievable- not because of the impossibility of it, it was very possible with the help of magic however the village of Ebott was a simple village. From its founding nearly a hundred years ago, there wasn't a very big incident that would cause wary for the village aside from the unfortunate deaths of a villager, usually an elder or child during a harsh time of the seasons.
However, as the weeks passed, more tales came up and the villagers both monsters and humans, became wary of the forest. And soon enough the beach as fishermen near the mountain coast came back with tales themselves of something underneath the water.
Their wariness was well rewarded when a thorny thicket wall began to grow throughout the forest deep, and sharp thick rocks appearing at the mountain coast, cutting off the outside world. By that time, the tales of mythical beasts and strange happenings ran rampant in the village and eventually, towards other towns and places.
Ebott began to get more visitors, both good and bad that went to investigate the rumors, stories and tales of Mount Ebott and its forest and waterfront.
The rumors weren't rumors anymore one bad day a gang of bandit poachers ran through the village, ransacking the area and terrorizing the villagers before storming the forest for 'rare mythical valuables', supposedly wanting to hunt down the powerful beasts that lived within the forest.
A bad move on their part as not long after, a faint blanket of mist suddenly overtook the village- coming from nowhere and so suddenly it couldn't be anything natural. And from the edge of the mist in the direction of the forest, two beasts, a giant dark bird thrice the size of a full grown man and then some, and a regal blue and gold canine so much bigger than an average wolf and wielding a golden sword in its muzzle. The sword itself was stained with some blood as behind them, dragged in a large sticky net that was being pulled by the beak of the gigantic avian, were the very same gang that tried to storm the forest.
They were all alive, if very injured they would find.
But the two beasts dragged in the injured gang from the forest, the canine eyeing the villagers sternly, daring them to do anything. The villagers were awed and terrified by the strength that the two beasts projected, and were shocked as the gang were left on the street, and even more shocked when the canine howled with the sword in its mouth, and out of nowhere, a lithe figure in the air appeared for one very quick and brief moment before disappearing, but on the street was a sack filled with valuables- the villager's valuables. The items that had been ransacked by the gang had been returned to them by the beasts of the forest.
And just like that, the two beasts left back towards the forest.
Leaving more stories and tales behind them as the forest, beach and Mount Ebott itself grew to be more than legends.
Five years past, and a certain incident would lead even more excitement to the village by Mount Ebott.
Mount Ebott. A large mountain that had a lush forest surrounding one side and had a beach right on the other. From afar it was a rather beautiful mountain, however that depended on who saw it.
To Frisk though, Mount Ebott was their home filled to the brim with family. A beautiful hidden and protected home that they were lucky enough to call it that.
If four years ago someone told them that they'd find home at the 'scary cursed Mount Ebott', they would have been angry and a bit terrified. Frisk themselves would have tried to convince their younger self to go to Mount Ebott if they could, because Mount Ebott was truly the home they always wanted and never had.
Frisk was an orphan, they had no family- no family that they knew of anyway, they grew up in a bad orphanage before moving on to the streets. But now? They were living what they surely thought was their best life in the greatest home ever. No one could say otherwise.
They loved Mount Ebott, they loved the 'Pokemon' on it, and they certainly loved their adoptive older brothers, however secretive they were.
"Vee! Eevee!"
The brown haired teenager groaned against their pillow, an insistent weight bouncing on their back. They made a muffled noise before turning over to see wide brown eyes looking straight at them. "Eevee!" The small fox-like creature exclaimed cutely, bouncing a bit more on their back.
Frisk huffs and gently swats the creature to get off their back. It chirps its species name once again before hopping off onto their fluffy mattress. Frisk yawns, turning over on their back in place before sitting up to stretch. 'Eevee' hopped on their lap, snuggling against their stomach. Frisk smiled, patting its brown fur, it chirred and quickly got back on its feet, tail wagging furiously. "Evee! Vee vee! Evee vee vee!" It cried out, hopping off the bed and unto the padded floor.
Frisk giggled at its actions, nodding at it before tossing their blanket off them so they could stand up and stretch once more, this time including their legs. With that done, they looked around their room.
Unlike a normal room, it wasn't square or rectangular in shape, it was more oval if anything if only because the room had been carved out from a thick rock wall. The walls had been smoothed over and Frisk had painted the walls years ago, it was a soothing light blue with the occasional light red heart painted on it. Pasted on the wall also, were a papers, mostly drawings and paintings.
Their bed was big, big enough for two people. The mattress was hand made with very soft fluff and feathers stuffed into light purple mattress, they had four pillows, each varying in size and a nice thickly knitted black woolen blanket. Also on the bed was a worn plush of a yellow mouse-like creature, a Pikachu, it always made them smile just by looking at it, their very first birthday gift. By their bed was a desk and shelves filled with books, papers and other things.
"Eevee!"
Frisk looked over at 'Eevee', they smiled and nodded in understanding, walking over towards their large wardrobe at the other side of their room, opening it to get their usual clothes and wear them.
A light purple tunic with some light pink designs, simple blue pants and a pair of brown boots.
"Vee!" Frisk beamed at the small creature, they went over to scoop it into their arms, 'Eevee' purring and chirping, nuzzling into their embrace. They giggled and walked over to their door, it had a small flap on the bottom just for their little friend it was how the small creature got into their room to wake them up. They turned the knob and pushed it open, the cool air of their cave home hits their face and they sigh as the scent of breakfast permeating the air.
They were in a hallway, their room right across their older brothers' rooms. The hallway went both ways but they headed left, heading towards the kitchen where their older brothers were probably were. Or at least one of them.
They ended up in the gigantic front living room, a homey area that had other creatures in it, they weren't scared- it was just more of their family wide awake. They beam at the smaller 'pokemon' as their brother had told them a long time ago, they didn't know why they were all called that as a collective but they didn't care. Two 'Growlithes' barked at them happily, a few 'Rookidees' flew around their head before perching once more in the room, the big 'Arcanine', the grown up 'evolved' version of 'Growlithe', growled fondly at them from a stone ledge.
It was one of their brother's personal pokemon, they waved at the Arcanine, patting their warm snout before going over to the kitchen. However before they did, they stopped before a small elevated crevice at a certain wall, a beautiful looking urn stood there, nestled in a black and grey fabric nest and a picture fixed behind it. They clasped their hands and payed their respects to the deceased family member that they never got to know.
After that, they continued on their journey towards the kitchen!
The smell of breakfast made them drool slightly as they stepped into the kitchen, they smiled brightly at the sight of one of their older brothers. Their other one must be somewhere else, probably a bit busy.
"AH! FRISK! GOOD MORNING LITTLE SIBLING, SIT DOWN AND WAIT A LITTLE BIT MORE. I AM ALMOST DONE WITH BREAKFAST!" Cleat, their tallest brother but not the oldest, exclaimed to them. Cleat was a tall skeleton monster, he wore a bright red and light orange tunic, a nice grey scarf and black pants and dark brown leather boots. Around his waist was a leather belt that holstered six circular objects that were called 'Pokeballs', scientifically magic objects that could capture pokemon and carry them around for easier use. Frisk didn't know how they worked but at least they didn't hurt pokemon.
He was standing by a big steaming pot that was above a fire pit, Frisk's smile grew impossibly wider as they saw the curry that was being created- yes! Curry for breakfast! Their favorite! Well, they hoped it was their favorite type of curry. But they still loved curry no matter what the type.
"Eevee!" Cleat chuckled, "YES YES, THANK YOU RUNE FOR WAKING FRISK. COME HERE FOR YOU REWARD." Rune, Frisk's Eevee, jumped out of their arms to bound up to Cleat, clamoring for her reward. Cleat bent down to offer a small treat made from mago berries. Rune loved sweet and spicy treats, sweets especially.
Frisk pouted at Cleat, clasping their hands together. "AH-AH-AH! NO TREATS BEFORE BREAKFAST!" Cleat told them sternly but with a bright smile on his face. Frisk's pout deepened but they sat down and patiently waited.
*Where's Crest?
They asked as Cleat returned to focus on the curry, "OUR BROTHER HAS GONE AHEAD TO CHECK ON EVERYONE AND THEIR CLUTCHES, ESPECIALLY NOVA." He informed them making them nod in understanding.
Frisk and their brothers were Pokemon Breeders. Mount Ebott was their home and their pokemon's home and breeding grounds.
When Frisk was twelve about four years ago, Crest had found them passed out in an alleyway and very sick during a secret trip outside the mountain and forest to a neighboring village. Crest took them back home for whatever reason, but when he did he pretty much gained a new little sibling after that. Frisk had been wary and scared of them first, but quickly warmed up to them in time.
Mount Ebott was Frisk's home, while Crest and Cleat were their brothers and family alongside the various other pokemon that inhabited the mountain, forest and beach.
Mount Ebott was located in a rather neutral territory between the kingdoms of Monstra and Anthros. Though it was a bit closer to the Monstra, Anthros was the more regular visitor the territory.
Anthros was a powerful kingdom mostly filled with humans, but Monstra matched them well.
Within Monstra, the Royal Family of Dreemurr ruled the monsters with a peaceful but firm grip.
The family was of four people, King Asgore, a just and fair king that while optimistic, was also not to be underestimated. He was a powerful Boss Monster, one of the strongest types of monsters. Queen Toriel, a kind and motherly queen that also had a fiery temper should it be set off, she too was a Boss Monster that would not be easily taken down. Their son Crown Prince Asriel, a lovely mix of both his parents but also his own person, he was growing strong and would no doubt be a great King.
The fourth family member was strange though, for they were not a monster at all. Chara Dreemurr was an adopted human that the Royal Family took in at a young age. Their gender was something of a mystery, somewhat, to those close to them they would find that Chara didn't consider themselves either gender and was content to just be just Chara, the Royal Family's human charge and adopted child. However officially, they were Prince Asriel's Secretary and Advisor and budding Royal Mage.
Within the Monstra Kingdom were other notable figures.
Doctor W.D. Gaster, the Dreemurr's Royal Scientist, he was a mysterious monster that was rarely seen in public. Though he did many a great things for the kingdom and the royal family, some doubted his morality and there more than a few rumors about his dubious behavior but seeing as he was a close friend to King Asgore, no one dared to speak aloud those rumors. They were after all, just rumors and Doctor Gaster didn't seem to care whatsoever.
He had an assistant, a more well known and somewhat well-liked monster Alphys Gekkon. She was much more approachable than the mysterious and vague Gaster, and her inventions were constantly used around the kingdom and allies. She was a rather bright monster, intelligent and kind though socially anxious and nervous around people, even people she knew all her life. It was simply her personality, but she was charming in her own way, the Royal Commander certainly thought so.
The Royal Commander and head of the Dreemurr's army, Undyne Marina, was a headstrong and loyal woman to the core. She served underneath the royal family, following the footsteps of her mother and becoming the trusted Commander. She lead the soldiers with an iron fist and a burning SOUL, inspiring many others into joining the army and guard. Recently, it had been said that she's just begun to court Alphys, which made sense for all who knew them both. They were a great couple.
Finally, there were the two skeleton brothers and Gaster's own sons W.D. Papyrus and W.D. Sans.
Papyrus was the Captain of the Royal Guards, or rather his own unit of the guards at any rate. Which included his older brother Sans who was his Lieutenant, occasional Vice Captain and right hand man. Both were strong Boss Monsters, seeing as they were Gaster's sons it wasn't a surprise for anyone at all. Papyrus was an optimistic younger skeleton, though he was powerful and was very capable of being serious when it came to it. Sans was lazy in comparison and more laid back, however like Papyrus, he wasn't unreliable and would always back his brother up no matter what.
Skeletons were a rare type of monster now a days, a past war had nearly wiped most of that subrace of monsters.
However, unknown to them, there were two other monsters that looked exactly like Sans and Papyrus and once even shared their names before donning new ones.
But that would change one abrupt day as Doctor Gaster's experiment with a machine and attempt of creating new magic, went awry and brought in other versions of his own sons.
That day, was just a few months ago.
Sans sighed tiredly as he stretched, rolling his shoulders before leaning back against his chair to look at the stack of paperwork on his desk. He was finally done. "thank the stars." He mumbled to himself, smiling slightly then stretching.
Paperwork was always a pain in the ass to do but it was a necessary thing unfortunately, not even the King could ignore paperwork for long. That was at least a little comforting for him and Papyrus, and compared to the paperwork the King had to do and their father did- their paperwork didn't look as bad. Still though, a pain in the ass was a pain in the ass.
He nudged the paperwork aside for a bit to reorganize it before sliding the stack into a drawer, stashing his fountain pen in another drawer and finally stood up. Relishing the ability to be able to leave his desk without having to come back for a while- or for the night anyway. How late was it? He looked at the clock, not too far from midnight. "should head to sleep, pap's on duty tonight. things should be fine."
Sans tugged the furred cloak that he'd put on his chair and draped it over his shoulders, clasping the front. He looked over his office, snorting at how messy it was- books littered around the room alongside papers, the cushions from his other chairs weren't in said chairs. At least his desk was somewhat neat, his paperwork was safe and sound in his desk, warded by his magic.
He left for the door, pressing the pad besides the door, swirling a finger against it which made the circular lights on the corners of his room and the middle of his ceiling dim and switch off.
Locking the door behind him, Sans glanced at the stone hall, dimly lit from the same circular light structures, though they were spaced evenly on the wall, some separated by a window or picture or even wall flower bed. Sans hummed, tugging the cloak around him closer as the cold night air seeped into the hall from the windows, he started walking towards his left. Towards his sleeping quarters.
It wasn't that far, his own office was thankfully close by and for all he wanted to make a 'shortcut' into his room, he felt like walking for now. Had to stretch his legs after sitting so long at his desk, and he had some energy to spare and spend. Walking it was.
As he walked though, he came across a balcony- an open balcony. He frowned and checked it out.
Ah, nothing to be worried about. He found two certain skeletons on the balcony, very familiar skeletons.
"comic, cosmic, stargazing again?" Sans mused, snorting when both skeletons jumped at the sound of his voice.
Identical faces glanced back at him, and briefly, Sans had to think back to the day he met them just months ago.
He and Papyrus had been helping their father with his newest invention and experiment, Alphys had taken the day off to spend it with Undyne and it had been a while since both brothers had been with their father or even helped him with his work so naturally they helped him. The machine was supposed to help Gaster create a new form of magic he said, something that Sans had felt strangely about, but his father was a genius and probably knew what he was doing...
How wrong he was when the machine malfunction and the spell they had attempted had gone off the walls. The spell had latched on to him and Papyrus who had immediately tried to shield their father and each other from the impending malfunction, thinking the worse and supposedly that was why it had pulled alternate versions of him and Papyrus. That's right, alternate versions of him and his brother.
They came from other worlds where things were very different, very different. Almost every pair of brothers had come from a world where Monsters, their people and species, had been trapped in one way- mostly underground, but there was the exception of on pair of brothers, the youngest to come in their latest attempt to fix the machine and send most of the brothers back.
There were now twelve additional skeletons in the castle. Previously before their latest attempt, there had been eight. And before that, there had been four. It seemed that four skeletons, two pairs of brothers, would inevitably be pulled from their world as they tried to fix the machine and redo the spell correctly. Gaster was working on that, alongside some others.
Cosmic and Comic were his alternates, one being a lazier and more tired version of himself and not technically part of the Royal Guard surprisingly and the other, a more optimistic and star-themed version of himself. Also not technically part of the Royal Guard. Comic came from a world where the monsters lost a war against the humans and were sealed underground, a rather morbid and foreboding outcome for them, while Cosmic came from a world where monsters had been banished into space instead, rather curious but also morbid and foreboding.
Nicknames had been given out to clear out any confusion, Comic and his brother Pyrus, Cosmic and his brother Orion, Red and his brother Black, Axe and his brother Crooks, Sci and his adorable little brother Papy, little TK and his equally adorable and little brother Paps. Sci and his brother Papy turned out to be younger versions of Comic and Pyrus. Confusing but not that confusing in the long run.
Red, Black, Axe and Crooks had been figures of wary and alarm at first before things had been cleared up. Somewhat. At least they were no longer being regarded as possible threats anymore.
Cosmic chuckled, nodding his head, "yeah, comic and i couldn't really sleep so, here we are again. i'm quizzing him on stars, he's been wanting to beat his record." He replied with amusement.
Comic gave them both a grin, "hey vice, stars are great as always. don't think i'll ever get over them and yeah, i'm gonna beat my record." He confirmed.
Sans, or Vice now, had to snort at the nickname. Yeah, he and his brother took nicknames as well. Even if this was their world, everyone else had nicknames and it felt right to join them. Papyrus took on Cap or Captain, since that was his title much to the awe and some envy of his alternates, while he himself took on Vice or Vans, as in Vice Captain Sans. It fit, if only because he occasionally became Vice Captain whenever Papyrus needed him to be.
Cosmic was sitting on the balcony rails while Comic leaned against them for support. Vice smiled and joined them, "well, how're you doing then? beat your record yet?" He questioned, watching his other's face brighten up. He and Cosmic shared a look as Comic glanced up at the sky with wide adoring eyes, saying how close he was and continuing to try and list off the stars and constellations that he knew from what both he and Cosmic taught him.
It was sad to know that Comic, Pyrus, Red, Black, Axe, Crooks, Sci and Paps had never seen the sky before. Had never seen the stars in all their glory- the first few weeks, Vice had found them up during the night just to see the night sky.
If there was a perk to the machine and spell malfunctioning it was giving these monsters the chance to live and experience things they never had before. What clearly should have been.
"nice job comic, you're doing great." Cosmic grinned, "come on, just name a couple more and you can beat your record."
Comic's sockets narrowed in thought, "... damn, i almost can't think of anything at the last minute uh hold on... oh right! canis minor and lupus."
Cosmic faked a fatal wince, "ouch, sorry bud. you already used lupus before remember? guess you're not breaking the record tonight. good effort though." Vice almost felt bad in laughing as Comic's face dropped in disappointment, almost, he did it anyway.
The Lieutenant skeleton patted his lazier self's shoulder in comfort. "there there, next time maybe." He reassured him, Comic snorted but was thankful of the comfort.
"so vice, finished your paperwork? that is why you're up right?" Cosmic questioned, looking over to him. At the mention of paperwork Vice let out an exaggerated groan and slouched against the stone railing, he and Comic snickered, "this is what you get for accepting responsibilities"
Vice reached over to swat him, the starry-themed skeleton laughed and dodged, "i know i know... the things i do for paps- would've been entirely fine with being a librarian but couldn't let cap get seriously hurt without me there." He sighed and both his alternates gave him understanding and sympathetic looks that made him grin slightly. They understood him, another perk of having alternate versions of himself around.
Comic hopped up and sat on the railing with Cosmic, leaving Vice leaning on it between them. "so, anythin' noteworthy to know?"
Vice hummed, looking up at the night sky, "kind of. things are stable between us and anthros, hopefully it'll stay that way..." His tone soured at the mention of Anthros. He'd already been wary of most humans with the rare occasional exception like the adopted royal human but the humans from Anthros? It didn't help that most of his alternates were condemned by humans, sealed away and suffering one way or another because of them. He didn't want the same thing to happen to his people, his family, to him.
Ever since their arrival, they'd been keeping an eye on Anthros, kind as King Asgore was, he definitely didn't want it to happen either. Better to be safe than sorry.
"oh, we're also finally going to check out mt. ebott." Vice told them, Comic tensed while Cosmic frowned, "cap and i are going to head out to the village near the mountain with a few others. with what you, axe, red 'n sci been saying about the mountain and your undergrounds, pops and king asgore finally think it's time to look into it." Just in case, if Anthros would even think of sealing them up in the mountain then his father and the king would make plans.
Comic looked vaguely uncomfortable, "sure that's a good idea buddy?"
Vice nodded, "very. and we were going to investigate the mountain anyway- there's a lot of rumors around the mountain, even before you guys appeared it's been pretty suspicious and intriguing to hear." Mythical magical monsters that were way out of league of their species. Actual monsters. "you're welcome to come with us, the king's given permission to let you guys roam outside the kingdom now." He offered, though he knew that Comic wouldn't likely take up the offer. That was fine, he understood why he wouldn't- if it were him, he probably wouldn't either.
The lazy skeleton hesitated and sighed, "i'll talk it over with my bro. see what he thinks. if he's goin' then i am."
"same, but it'd be nice to leave the castle and go somewhere new." Cosmic chimed in, grinning at Comic who tiredly smiled back. "when're you leavin'?"
Vice leaned away from the railing, "a couple of hours after breakfast, we're takin' the shortest route to the village and usin' magic to shorten the trip, also we're plannin' on staying in or nearby the village for a couple of days to scout around and get information so if you're coming with then pack a few things." He advised, watching both his other selves' face fall into a thoughtful look. A yawn broke their thoughtful looks, the yawn coming from Vice himself. "sheesh, right. i'm heading to bed. lemme know what you guys want in the morning. and mind tellin' the others?"
"yeah sure, g'night vice."
"night vans."
The cloaked skeleton laughed slightly at the other nickname, "thanks. night comic, cosmic- oh, and if the babybones want to come then someone needs to look after them constantly. gotta keep 'em safe 'n stuff." He yawned again, nodding to them both before turning to head back inside and finally end up in his room to sleep. He had somewhere to be tomorrow after all.
Comic and Cosmic watched him go, looking amused as the cloak swished out of sight when Vice turned the corner, with the lieutenant gone, they stayed silent and observed the stars once more, ruminating on the offer.
Tugging the hood of your cloak over your head, you double check yourself. Utility belt check, basket filled with berries check, pokeballs check, scarf check, knife in leg strap check, grocery list check. You're good, you can leave now. You adjust the scarf from your face, briefly pulling it down to speak.
"aight, Clear! Frisk! I'm heading out!" You call out loudly as you left the cave entrance, readjusting your scarf once more to cover the lower part of your face and pushing past the thick vines that hid the entrance.
Behind you, you hear your brother's loud voice, slightly muffled by distance and the vines. "ALRIGHT! FRISK SAYS STAY SAFE AND COME HOME SOON!" Chuckling, you nod to yourself and look over to see a certain large pokemon standing patiently for you.
Zamazenta, the Warrior Pokemon, in it's base form of Hero of Many Battles- it currently wasn't in battle so it wasn't in its Crowned Shield form. The Rusted Shield hanging off its neck, hidden by the thick red fur of its chest.
You walk over, fondly patting its snout, "mornin' zenta." You greet quietly, the Legendary Pokemon chuffed, nudging your gloved hand. "time to head down. c'mon bud." Zenta chuffed once more and lowered itself enough for you to jump and hook your leg on his other side. With practiced grace, you straddle Zenta's back, patting at the fur and holding on to the thick leather that not only held the Rusted Shield for Zenta but also acted as a type of reign for you, something for you to hold on to while Zenta moved.
Zenta doesn't move one bit until you're comfortably slouching on his back, holding on to the leather, you pat his side, letting him know you're alright. Finally, Zenta stands and starts trotting off. In the corner of your eye, you see movement and a flash of blue. You withhold your snort, Zacian was so protective over you all, it was cute really.
It doesn't take long for Zenta to start running, then sprinting, and suddenly your cloak is flapping in the wind as Zenta ran down the mountain, a very familiar pathway used.
You, your brother and Frisk lived pretty high up on the mountain, certainly not on the top but if it weren't for the help of your pokemon it would've taken hours to go up and down the mountain even while running.
As Zenta ran, you stayed low on his back, keeping your head down, holding your basket tightly but you can't help but let your thoughts wander a bit.
Five years.
Five years in this world, in this body...
It had been unfair, confusing and terrifying as fuck when you suddenly woke up one day with your brother in bodies that weren't yours. You recognized the bodies, these were the bodies of Sans and Papyrus- but not any Sans and Papyrus you both knew. Not really, supposedly they were Poketale Sans and Papyrus and yet they had almost everything and more- they had you and your brother's pokemon. You'd last played Pokemon Sword and Shield, you playing Shield and your brother playing Sword.
These bodies had your pokemon, your items, everything.
You have no idea what happened, and the only one who did was dead.
You close your eyes and think of him.
Gaster.
A wet hand gently cups your cheek, your confused and terrified eyes look into a tired and smiling face, seemingly wanting to comfort you. It would've worked if it weren't for the fact the bone white face was melting, each droplet that hit the ground or surface disintegrated into dust. Your brother is just as frozen as you are, unable to move as the man continued to melt and dieright before their eyes.
"My boys." The melting skeleton says, voice warbling, "Stay safe my children. I-I'm sorry for this... Do what you must- protect yourselves, each other, your pokemon... I love you. Always have... Always... will..." The hand falls and the man collapses, figure disappearing into a pile of dust and lingering cloth. All that was left of the skeleton was a grey scarf, a black coat, and a belt with six pokeballs.
Your face is wet even without the hand- you were crying. Why were you crying?
It had been... rough after that.
Gaster had done something, that was clear enough. And he was a good version of Gaster, you found pictures in your bags back then, of a skeleton family of three. Gaster, Sans and Papyrus- you vomited after you found them. The general sense of wrongness settling in your bones, almost literally now, as you considered the fact that you stole Sans' body. You and your brother weren't Sans or Papyrus. Not this Gaster's Sans and Papyrus. His sons were... gone and he never knew that.
You both swept the dust into a container soon afterwards- not willing to let the dust be blown away by the wind. Gaster deserved better than that. And after getting a beautiful urn, you transferred his dust and now there's a nice permanent place in your home for him. It really was the least you could do for him...
Even after five years, the familiar ache blooms in your SOUL and a sick feeling bubbles in your nonexistent stomach but you repress it- you're on Zenta. You're not going to hurl on a Legendary Pokemon. But the movement isn't really helping your situation.
Thankfully though, Zenta stops, you were finally at the edge of the forest, the thorny magical wall right before you. Hurriedly, you scramble off of Zenta, throwing your hood off and pulling your scarf down to gag and retch into a nearby bush. A mournful whine sounds behind you as you lean against a tree, panting. You wipe the saliva from your mouth with your sleeve and look over to give Zenta a weak reassuring smile, "i'm good zenta. wasn't you, just- not feelin' my top game here." You reassure him, patting his snout again.
You huff as his noses your cheek, "i said i'm fine- an' no i'm not goin' back up. i gotta stuff to do zen." You tell him firmly, Zenta lets out another whine but chuffs and nods. "thank you. i'll be back." You scratch behind his ear briefly before facing the thicket wall, grasping a pokeball from your belt, you sent out the pokemon within. "luka." You greet warmly as the humanoid pokemon nodded.
Luka the Lucario tilted her head, looking over at the thicket wall, closing her eyes, her black appendages gain a blue tinge and float slightly, shifting- Aura Sense as you'd call it. Lucarios were capable of sensing living beings, monster, human- as long as it was alive, they could probably sense it if there wasn't anything impending them or other interference. "anyone there?" You ask after a moment.
Luka opens her eyes and shook her head. You smile, "thanks luka." You're about to move when Luka growls, gesturing to her head with her spiked paw then gesturing to you. "oh right, thanks luka." You thank again as you tugged your hood back on and wrapped your scarf around your face again. "let's go."
Luka snorts with satisfaction, nodding at Zenta who nods back at her. You stand close to Luka as she uses Protect, a green-blueish shield appears around the both of you and together, you walk through the thicket wall. The thorns grate against the shield, unable to get to you and Luka thanks to Protect.
Minutes later, you smile as you both end up at the other side without any problems. "thanks luka." You reach into the basket, pulling out a single berry and offering it to her. Luka's eyes gleam and she gives you a fanged grin. She accepts the berry, chomping on it and eating it in no time. You wait for her to finish before you bring out her pokeball. "in you go." Red light encases her, she closes her eyes and disappears back into the Ultra Ball.
You take in a deep breath, bright blue eyelights looking forwards. On to the village you go, Maryanne was looking forward to your berries and Old Man Ryan was holding on to a few things for you.
Hopefully today things would be fine and peaceful...
Unfortunately for you, a certain skeleton group just entered the village. Say goodbye to the peaceful life Crest, complications were on the horizon.