Safe, but not quite sound
Frisk felt herself go weightless. Her body lurched forward as sans pulled them both through the shortcut. He had instructed her to shut her eyes tight and hold her breath before they had entered in through the tear and Frisk tried her best to comply. When they came out at the other end she felt absolutely wretched. On top of all her other injuries her stomach now also felt like it had flipped itself upside down. She groaned as she clutched Sans shirt tightly trying to will her head to stop spinning.
“Sorry buddy, sorry.” Sans apologized softly in her ear as he continued to carry her.
He knew that his short cuts would probably have some ill effects on her but he also knew that he needed to get her help as fast as he could. Sans winced as he winked his left eye socket firmly shut trying to stifle the wild flame burning within it, but his magic continued to sear lapping beneath his lid. He shook away his pain as he strutted forward. He had managed to bring them only a few feet from Grillbys, though his strength was failing and fast. He needed to make sure Frisk was safe before he had completely exhausted himself.
With his arms full carrying Frisk, Sans kicked in the door hard before he swiftly entered the building making a b -line to the bar. The monsters all turned their heads to the sudden disturbance and were silenced immediately by the sight of a blood stained Sans cradling the incapacitated human girl.
“Grillby!” Sans shouted. The flame elemental turned his head to his friend’s urgent voice. When he saw Sans as well as Frisk he dropped the glass that he had been polishing in his shock. It shattered loudly on the wooden floor.
“Grillby, call doctor Alphys! Get her here now!” Sans ordered as he continued through the room. Grillby just continued to stare at Sans and the badly injured Frisk wrapped up in his bloody trench coat.
“Grillby call Alphys!” Sans shouted again only louder. Grillby finally seemed to shake out of his stupor as he fumbled his way out from behind the bar and moved to the phone in the back. Sans proceeded to make his way up the stairs to the apartment praying that his brother was home.
“Papyrus!” Sans called as he burst through the door. “Papyrus! I need you!” he shouted his voice starting to break with panic.
“SANS, WHY ARE YOU SHOUTING?!” Papyrus responded as he made his way out of his room at his brother’s call. “THERE IS NO NEED FOR –.” But he immediately stopped mid-sentence, his sockets wide when he saw the bleeding and motionless Frisk cradled in his brother’s arms.
“Paps I-.” Sans began, but Papyrus silenced him with a finger and pointed toward the couch.
“PUT HER ON THE COUCH SANS.” He instructed firmly. Sans quickly did as he was told as he lay Frisk gently down on the lumpy sofa.
Papyrus quickly stalked over to her both his hands already glowing orange with his healing magic. He placed one over Frisk’s face and the other on her abdomen as he closed his eye sockets in concentration allowing his magic to flow into her damaged body.
Frisk sighed with relief as the pain started to ebb away. Her brows were no longer furrowed and her teeth no longer clenched as she began to relax into unconsciousness once again. Sans paced nervously back and forth across the living room floor not sure what to do with himself as he anxiously watched his brother work.
“SANS …” Papyrus said breaking the stifling silence.
“Ya bro?” Sans replied almost too eagerly.
“SANS GO LIE DOWN YOU HAVE EXPENDED TO MUCH MAGIC. I CAN TELL BY HOW YOU’RE LETTING IT LEAK ALL OVER THE ROOM.” Papyrus continued. Sans was about to protest but Papyrus silenced him before he could even speak.
“PLEASE BROTHER I WON’T BE ABLE TO CONCENTRATE WHOLEHEARTEDLY ON FRISK IF I AM WORRIED ABOUT YOU TO.” He said. “I ASSURE YOU THAT I WILL COME AND GET YOU IF I NEED ANYTHING OR IF ANYTHING ELSE HAPPENS.” Sans still stood rigid in the living room, his tired gaze constantly falling to Frisk on the couch.
“You promise?” He finally asked and Papyrus nodded firmly.
“YOU HAVE MY WORD AS THE GREAT PAPYRUS.” He replied.
Sans sighed as he made his way to his bedroom. His brother was right. There was little he could do for the kid at this point. With his magic levels so low he would be more of a bother then a help to his brother and he also had to think about his own health. His left eye socket still throbbed painfully and now that Sans was coming off of his adrenaline rush he felt absolutely exhausted. His vision was blurry, and his head ached. He desperately needed a nap to recharge. Though, even as he was in such a tired state Sans still knew that sleep wasn’t going to come easy to him. He was still anxious. He knew that he could trust Papyrus with Frisks care, his brother was the most capable healer that he could think of, but he still didn’t like the idea of leaving her side.
There was also the fact that he was going to have to bring her to the boss when she regained some of her strength. The stunt that she had pulled had almost caused great disaster for the Pansies. Even though Frisk wasn’t officially affiliated with the monster gang as of yet the Gambinos still saw her as a member, meaning that if she did go through with her plan to shoot Ludo she had put everyone at risk by potentially starting a gang war. Sans fiercely rubbed at his temples as a twinge of anger sparked in his soul.
What a stupid, stupid move she had made. How could she possibly have thought that her actions wouldn’t go without consequence? Did she realize how worried they all were about her? What she was putting everyone through? Or maybe she just didn’t care? Sans narrowed his eye sockets at the thought. No, he knew that she cared, even more than most. She was still his good kid despite the mistake that she had made. She was just hurting and people aren’t always the most rational when there hurt. Besides, Frisk had already suffered enough for her actions in Sans opinion, and he knew that the last thing she deserved at the moment was to be reprimanded. That could wait until after she got back on her feet. Sans just hoped that Asgore would feel the same way and not be too harsh on her.
Sans awoke when a soft knock was sounded on his bedroom door. Slightly dazed and bleary eyed he made his way over and opened it revealing Papyrus who stood with slumped shoulders and tired eye sockets. Sans winced at his brothers exhausted appearance. Papyrus must have used up a lot of magic healing the kid.
“BROTHER I AM SO SORRY TO WAKE YOU, I KNOW THAT YOU STILL NEED REST BUT IT SEEMS THAT I HAVE PERHAPS MAYBE GONE A LITTLE BIT OVER BORED WITH MY HEALING MAGIC.” He said as he swayed slightly in the hall way. Sans jumped forward and quickly wrapped a hand securely around his brothers waist helping to support him.
“Na its ok Paps I got a little shut eye, I’m feeling much better.” Sans replied with a convincing smile. “Now I think it’s your turn to sleep. Don’t worry I’ll watch the kid.” He said as he led the stumbling Papyrus to his room.
“THANK YOU SANS. I PROMISE IN NO LESS THEN A HALF HOUR THE GREAT PAPYRUS WILL BE AS RIGHT AS RAIN ONCE AGAIN.” Papyrus stated with dreary enthusiasm as Sans tucked him into bed.
As soon as Papyrus’ head hit the pillow he was out like a light. Sans chuckled and rolled his eyes at his brother bundled under the covers. He had always been one to fall asleep quickly even when he was just a baby bones. When they were younger Sans would barely be able to get through two pages of a bedtime story before Papyrus would be already well off to dreamland. A little part of Sans was actually quite jealous of the fact that Papyrus could fall asleep so fast, but the rest of him was just happy that his baby bro would be getting the rest that he deserved.
Sans stretched and yawned as he made his way back to the living room. His eye socket was still a little tender but it no longer pulsed with painful energy. He was by no means fully recovered but he had at least been able to sustain enough magic to be able to babysit for a few hours while his brother rested.
When he rounded the corner, he was half surprised to see Alphys standing over Frisk with one of her clawed fingers pressed against the girl’s wrist as she studied her watch. She was measuring Frisks heartbeat. Sans had almost forgotten he had gotten Grilbby to call her. When Sans stepped into view Alphys snapped her gaze up, a look of relief sweeping over her features.
“Oh Sans your up! Sorry to wake you, but I was afraid that Papyrus was going to drain himself dry if you didn’t take his place next to Frisk.” She said nervously.
“That’s ok Al you made the right call. My bro sometimes doesn’t know where his limits are.” Sans replied throwing Alphys a thankful smile.
“So how is she?” He asked as he glanced over at Frisk. He was relieved to see that she did look a lot better than when he had first found her. Her breathing was steady now, no longer labored, and most of the swelling of her more minor injuries had gone down, but she was still painted black and blue with bruises and her hair was still matted with blood. Clean white bandages hid half of her face and also wrapped around her forehead. Sans noticed there were other bandages under her clothes wrapped around her wrists and up her arms. She was now also wearing another one of Papyrus clean dress shirts. Alphys must have changed her when she had bandaged her up.
“Papyrus helped greatly with his healing abilities, and I did all that I could with what little knowledge I have when it comes to human medical techniques. We got her stable but she still has a long way to go before she is completely healed”. She said furrowing her brow while fiddling with her glasses. “You’ll have to change her bandages daily and disinfect her wounds. I have relayed all of the information to Papyrus so he'll no what to do.
Sans nodded in understanding as his gaze continued to sweep over Frisk. Had she always looked so small before? She had always been such a little firecracker. It just didn't sit right with sans to see her looking so…fragile. Sans averted his eye sockets. It unsettled him. She was lying too motionless on the couch, too still for his liking.
“Thanks doc, I really appreciate you coming all the way out here for her.” He replied when he finally managed to tear his gaze away. Alphys sighed as she packed up her medical bag.
“I would say that it was my pleasure, but to be honest I really don’t like when I have to make a house call to something like this.” She said sadly. “I forget sometimes how ruthless gang life can be.” Sans patted her on the shoulder reassuringly as he walked her to the door.
“ Call me if her condition worsens. Oh! Or if you have any other questions.” She stammered as she went through her mental task list, making sure she hadn’t forgotten to mention anything important. “I think the best thing for her now is to pump as much healing magic into her as possible, but don’t let Papyrus go over bored either. Use magic powder infused with food instead.”
Sans nodded at her instructions as he saw the doctor out of the apartment. He waved briefly to her in farewell before turning back to the kid in the now silent room. He grabbed a chair from the kitchen and placed it in front of the couch. He then sat down and proceeded to watch over her as she slept.
Barely ten minutes past before Sans started to get antsy. He began to bounce his leg and strum his fingertips against his forearm. He then got up and made his way to the kitchen. He grabbed a clean cloth and a large bowl which he filled with warm water before making his way back to Frisk in the living room. If he was just going to sit and watch her, he may as well try and make himself at least somewhat useful. He moved his chair closer to the couch and proceeded to dampen the cloth in the water before moving to wipe at the dried blood in her hair. He ran his phalanges through her short locks as he worked, untangling the matted clumps. When he was satisfied he then moved to wipe the un-bandaged portion of her face clean before making his way down to clean the speckled dried splatter off of her neck.
Frisk stirred at the warm sensation on her face and neck. She drowsily blinked opened her eyes, before immediately bolting upright on the couch. She regretted her quick action as pain shot sharply through her ribs at the sudden movement. She winced and buckled over, clutching at her side as it throbbed.
“Easy there bucko, you’re safe now.” Sans said as he placed a hand on her shoulder and eased her back into the couch cushions.
“Wh- what ? how.” Frisk began to ask as she scanned her familiar surroundings. She was back in the skeleton brother’s apartment.
“Hold that thought.” Sans said as he got up from his chair before briskly making his way back to the kitchen.
He riffled through the cupboards before he found what he was looking for, his last can of tomato soup. He quickly dumped its contents into a pot and threw it on the burner. He then grabbed a mason jar hidden behind a couple bags of dried pasta from the very back of the pantry. He opened it and took a tablespoon of the glimmering magic powder that was stored safely inside, sprinkling it into the soup and stirring it in until the powder dissolved. He then poured the hot soup into a mug and brought it back to the living room, passing it to Frisk.
“Sans how did you find me?” She asked groggily, but Sans only motioned back to the hot mug of soup in her hands.
“Drink up first, questions later.” He instructed. Frisk eyed the soup questioningly. In all honesty she really didn’t feel like eating anything. Everything hurt, her ribs ached, her head pounded and she felt so very nauseous.
“I don’t think I can.” Frisk replied as she tried to hand the mug to him, but Sans only pushed it back gently toward her.
“Trust me; it will make you feel better.” He Said. Frisk furrowed her brow, her nausea spiking at the mere sight of food.
“Please?” Sans said. Frisk let out a quiet huff as she brought the liquid to her lips and took a very small sip. As she swallowed she felt sick and moaned, moving the mug away from herself again, but then her nausea seemed to dissipate slightly as a warmth moved through her core. It actually felt rather pleasant. Frisk brought the mug back to her mouth and took a bigger gulp. Sans then moved beside her on the couch and gently placed his hand on the mug helping Frisk to tilt it back as she struggled to hold it up with her injuries.
“There see? What did I tell you?” He said with a light chuckle. Frisk only nodded in response as she settled back down in to the cushions.
“How are you feeling?” He asked. She shrugged.
“I’m Fine.” She said as she averted her gaze. Sans felt his soul sink. She was still pushing away from him.
“No you’re not.” Sans replied sternly, fixing Frisk with serious sockets.
He moved to grab her shoulder to turn her toward him, but before he could a knock sounded on the front door. Sans paused, debating whether to answer it or not. When the pounding continued he sighed and reluctantly pulled himself off of the couch to go and see who was there. He guessed that his and Frisks little chat would have to be put on hold for the time being.
When Sans opened the door he was surprised to see Undyne standing in the hallway. She looked as stern as ever upright at attention. However, Sans noticed that she was guilty avoiding his gaze as she instead stared at the floor not bothering to make eye contact. Sans narrowed his eye sockets immediately suspicious.
“Heya Undyne, what brings you here?” he asked her casually. Undyne cleared her throat before she finally managed to peel her good eye up from the ground to meet Sans calculating stare. However, she still looked remorseful.
“I’m here for the kid.” She replied solemnly. Sans stiffened.
“What do you mean?” He asked.
“Asgore heard about what happened. He wants to speak with her as soon as possible.” Sans widened his stance as he tightened his grip on the door. Not intending to move out of her way.
“Kiddos resting right now come back later.” He replied gruffly.
“Sans, its Asgores orders.” Undyne said, trying to make the skeleton see reason.
“Well then you tell Asgore that she is in no condition to speak to him at the moment and will come by for a visit when she can walk.” Sans snapped back, Undyne huffed.
“You know that’s not how this works.” She said. Sans still didn’t move from his spot blocking the entrance.
“Can’t we just give her one night’s rest?” He practically begged. Undyne shoulders slumped slightly as she turned to the floor once again. She was silent for a moment before she straightened herself back up.
“Orders are orders, Sans let me in. this is serious.” She said regaining her firm authoritative voice. Sans hesitated a moment longer, before he reluctantly stepped out of the way.
Undyne strutted into the apartment. As soon as her gaze fell to Frisks bruised and bandaged form she stopped dead in her tracks. Her good eye widened as it scanned over all of the injuries that littered her frail body.
“Jeez punk, what the hell-.” But she cut herself off and buried her shock and anger deep in her gut as she reminded herself that she had come here with a purpose. She had a job to do after all. Undyne then took a deep breath before meeting Frisks gaze with her firm yellow eye.
“Asgore wants to speak to you.” She said in a somber tone. Frisk nodded.
“Alright.” She replied as she struggled to hoist herself of the couch. Sans quickly made his way over to her side and slid an arm around her waist supporting most of her weight.
“Frisk, you don’t have to do this right now. You can wait until morning. Give that magic a little more time to heal you up first.” Sans said, a pleading tone evident in his voice.
“No.” Frisk replied flatly. “If Asgore wants to talk to me then let him talk to me.” She said. Sans was silent as his shoulders slumped in defeat.
“Ok.” He finally managed. “But I’m not letting the kid out of my site.” Sans said fixing his dark sockets on Undyne.
“That’s reasonable.” She replied as she led the way to the door.
Frisk struggled to make it to the Buick even with Sans helping her with a steady and patient arm. She grunted in pain at every step she took. Her breathing became fairly labored and she was even starting to break a sweet at her expended effort, but still her process remained excruciatingly slow. As she hobbled her way through the bar the usually jolly atmosphere in the room was now silent as the monsters watched her struggle. some kept there gazes turned away, not comfortable seeing the injured human while others stared on commendably giving silent support, showing their appreciation as they knew that Frisk had sustained those wounds avenging one of their own. Undyne waited by the exit holding the door open her gaze withdrawn to the floor in slight shame.
When Frisk finally made it to the car she was almost drenched in sweat. Sans opened the door for her and practically lifted her into the seat. She didn’t protest, she was far too tired to try and manage on her own at this point. When she was settled she let her head fall back against the headrest and allowed her heavy lids to close. She was so exhausted.
“You doing ok pal?” Sans asked concerned. She nodded lightly back at him not bothering to open her eyes. Sans didn’t even mention the sack this time as Frisk fell back asleep as soon as he started up the engine.
When they got to warehouse the procedure went the same as it always had every other time Frisk had been brought there. Undyne would lead the way up the stairs and through the corridor to Asgores office and knock on the door to announce their arrival. Then they would wait until he called them to enter.
Frisk straightened herself up as she prepared to meet with the Pansies boss. She knew that he was bound to not be very happy with her. In fact, she was pretty sure that he was going to withdraw his previous offer to let her stay, which by all means was fine in Frisks book. Tomorrow was the end of the month and also the end of her contract. She would finally be free to leave this place and all of the memories it held for her far behind.
When Undyne opened the door, Sans led Frisk slowly through the entrance way before placing her gently on the chair in front of Asgore’s desk. Instead of falling behind her like he usually did however, this time he stayed by her side. Asgores eyebrows shot up in surprise and also concern at Frisks injured appearance, but the hint of worry present in his honey eyes was quickly replaced by his powerful authoritative nature as he settled back in to his regal character.
“I have been informed by Mettaton about the incident that has come to pass this afternoon.” He spoke eyeing Frisk harshly. Sans subtly gritted his teeth at the news. So the robot had ratted himself out in an attempt to save at least some face with Asgore. Sans almost let out a dry chuckle at how typically self-serving Mettatons actions were.
“Though I am not particularly pleased by my contacts attempted business dealings with the Gambinos I am grateful that he informed me of this serious matter at hand.” Asgore continued.
“Frisk, I’m sure I don’t need to explain to you why I called you here.” Asgore stated sternly. Frisk nodded her head silently in understanding.
“Then you realize that your selfish actions not only almost led you to your own demise but also put every other monster under my charge at great risk?” He questioned, his firm voice growing more severe. Frisk narrowed her eyes at his comment but nodded again.
“Then you will understand why I will be terminating our agreement.” Asgore continued. “Your behavior today has proven to be far too risky for me to ever consider hiring your services permanently.” He stated Frisk huffed to herself. She had guessed as much. Undyne flinched from her position before beginning to fidget, agitated by Asgore’s decision. Sans didn’t say anything as he continued to stand rigid by Frisks side.
“Tomorrow is the end of the month I suggest in light of your circumstances with the Gambino’s that you may want to consider leaving town for a while. I thank you for your time with us until this point and wish you luck on your own.” Asgore finished. Frisk just rolled her eyes as she got up from the chair preparing to leave.
“You know if that’s all you wanted to tell me you could have just as easily sent a letter or even bothered with a phone call instead of dragging me all the way out here.” She spat. Frisk then dug her hand into her trouser pocket before producing a small round device that held a peculiar red liquid in its clear base.
“It’s been a real pleasure working for you.” Frisk finished before She then tossed the soul smoker on to the desk in front of Asgore.
Asgore stared down at the device in front of him with wide eyes. Undyne’s toothy jaw hung slack in shock and even Sans appeared dumbfounded at the appearance of the device. Frisk just continued to stagger toward the office door. She didn’t say anything as she exited the room deciding to wait downstairs until the monsters had finished discussing the rest of their business.
“Holy hell!” Undyne finally stammered as she made her way over to get a better look at the soul smoker. An excited smile beginning to form across her face.
“Boss do you know what this means?! Once Alphys cracks this thing the Gambino’s won’t even stand a chance!” She stated happily.
“Undyne please!” Asgore said his tone turning impatient as he stared down at the object. Undyne smile quickly fell to a frown at her boss’s reaction.
“Wh- whats the matter boss?” She asked confused. Asgore didn’t respond as he continued to stare down at the desk. Sans ever present smile grew a little bigger at his boss’s guilty disposition.
“Hey Undyne, heads up.” He said as he tossed her over the keys to the Buick. Undyne swiftly caught them and raised a confused brow to the skeleton.
“You mind taking the kid back home for me?” Sans continued. “the boss and I have got a few things to chat about.”
“Sure, but how are you gonna get back?” She asked.
“Don’t worry about me pal, I know a shortcut.” Sans replied with a shrug. Undyne nodded briefly before casting one more quizzical glance over her shoulder at the two men and then exited the office to go get Frisk. The two stood silent in the office for a little longer before Asgore finally let out a loud sigh.
“What is it that you want Sans?” He asked gruffly.
“I want you to reconsider kicking the kid out of the gang.” Sans replied. Asgore huffed.
“My decision is final on that matter.” he stated sternly. Sans smile faltered slightly.
“You can’t honestly be serious about letting her go off on her own.” Sans began. “The Gambino’s under boss has her on his death list. She won’t last a week without our protection.” He argued.
“That is none of my concern.” Asgore retorted. Sans felt a pang of anger well up in his soul at that comment but forced it down, keeping his calm grin present on his face.
“I can’t have her insubordinate attitude running amuck in my operation. If she was to follow through with her intended actions then she would have put everyone in great danger. If she killed Ludo she would have started a gang war!” Asgore continued his voice growing louder.
“But she didn’t follow through with her actions and now instead she has even provided you with the key to beating the Gambino’s at their own game.” Sans replied, motioning back to the soul smoker. Asgore wrinkled his brow.
“We were lucky this time Sans, and we cannot rely on luck alone! What happens the next time she decides to act out?!” He questioned angrily. “We also don’t know if she told the Gambino’s anything important during her interrogation with Ludo.-“
“She didn’t talk boss.” Sans interrupted.
“And how do you know that Sans!?” Asgore shouted.
“Because they were still beating on her when I got there!” He shouted back.
Asgore became quiet after that comment but still furrowed his brows stubbornly as he continued to seethe in his desk. Sans took a deep breath and swallowed his frustration as he forced himself to calm down.
“Look, the kid made a mistake. I’m not denying that fact, and yes she should be reprimanded for her actions, but boss don’t go throwing her to her death over this.” Sans said. Asgore turned his head away, obstinately averting his gaze.
“It’s out of my hands now.” He replied. Sans stiffened his eye sockets darkening.
“You know boss I remember you telling me that when you first started up this little organization you wanted it to be a safe haven for monster kind against the tyranny that they faced in Ebott. You wanted it to be a place where they could go to find refuge, to find safety, to find a home and a family.” Sans said. Asgore clenched his fists tightly as Sans recited his words back to him.
“What is your point Sans?” He asked.
“My point is that Frisk needs your help. She needs that safety and she needs a home. She may not be a monster, but she did just risk her life to avenge one of our own.” He continued. “I think that also paired with the little gift that she just gave you should be more then enough to cover the cost for your mercy. Sans stated firmly. Asgore remained silent in his seat, still refusing to meet Sans gaze.
“I know that you don’t trust humans, especially after what happened to your family.” Sans continued and Asgore flinched at the painful memory.
“But don't make her suffer for it, you know she's a good kid, and you also know that we still need her, just give her one more chance.” Sans pleaded. Asgore let out a very breathy sigh.
“Alright Sans I’ll let her stay if she wishes to on one condition.” He finally replied “If she stays she will be your underling, meaning that any action that she takes, good or bad, you will be held personally accountable for. Is that clear?” Sans nodded in understanding.
“Clear as crystal boss.” He answered.