If you can't beat em, join em
Ludo walked out of the private meeting room in the back of the Hotel Bouton D’or feeling very much accomplished. Ever since he had learned about Alico and Frisk’s little secret rendezvous he had been making regular visits with the rich prick to gather as much information that he could. At first, Alico had put up a somewhat decent front, trying his best to evade Ludo’s questions, but it didn’t take long for Ludo to back the spineless rich boy up into a corner. Soon Alico was singing like a canary, and Ludo had just gained some very very valuable knowledge about how Frisk and Alico had first come into contact.
It had been a while since he had last visited MTT Casino Royal and Hotel, and now that Ludo knew that Mettaton had been the one who had orchestrated everything, he realized that he would most certainly be making another visit quite presently.
Ludo smirked triumphantly to himself as he made his way through the dinning lounge area towards the gaudy foyer doors. He had to hold back a snicker as well as the urge to click his heels together in delight. Finally, he could take his frustrations out on someone.
Before he could make his way from the bar lounge to the main lobby however, something caught Ludo’s eye. In the far corner, sitting alone at a shadowed table, was someone that Ludo recognized quite well, constable Slyde.
Normally, Ludo would have simply sneered at the presence of the law and continue on his merry way, especially since it was Slyde. The upstanding officer had the moral sense of a prudent nun, and that paired with his authority made him quite the annoying force to be reckoned with. Slyde had personally organized countless sting operations that had ended up emptying many of the illegal Gambino run brothels and speakeasies. Slyde was tenacious, he never left a single drop of contraband booze behind, and had costed Ludo personally quite the pretty penny on more than one occasion.
However, instead of disgust Ludo’s eyes widened in surprise as the Slyde that he was seeing at the moment deeply contrasted against his imagined image of him. The constable was out of uniform, his clothes were wrinkled and his hair tussled. He slumped over the small corner table unceremoniously, his gaze blank as he nursed at an alcoholic looking beverage. When Ludo was sure that his eyes were not playing tricks on him a gleeful smile quickly spread across his face. Within an instant he had turned on his heels and began to make his way over to the sullen looking officer. This was just too good of an opportunity to pass up.
“Well, well, well, never thought I would see Ebott's finest attempting to drown his sorrows in a place like this.” Ludo chirped when he came up next to Slyde's table, before he pulled up a chair and took a seat right across from the officer.
Slyde didn’t even flinch, nor did he acknowledge Ludo’s presence. He merely picked up his glass and took another sip. Feeling unsatisfied by that response Ludo decided to push a little harder.
“So tell me copper, what’s it feel like dabbling on the dirty side of the line? You know, being a hypocrite isn’t really considered a virtue.” He challenged.
“Be quite Ludo.” Slyde responded, his words a little slurred signaling to Ludo that this hadn’t been the officer’s only drink this evening. Ludo snickered.
“Oh what’s the matter copper? Not fond of someone ruining your fun? Well should have thought about that before you busted my bubble so many times.” He retorted.
Slyde just let out a dry chuckle before he rolled his eyes.
“Yeah, a lot of good that did. I took you in more times than I can count, and each and every time you just waltzed right back out onto the streets again with not so much more than a slap on the wrist. What’s even the point anymore.” He said dejectedly.
Ludo actually blinked back blankly, a bit dumbfounded by Slyde’s dismal comment, before he let out a rich hearty laugh.
“Wow, I’d never thought I’d see the day. The proud and stoic constable Johnathan Slyde finally a broken down slob like the rest of us.” He jested.
Slyde just tipped his glass in Ludo’s direction.
“Well isn’t that how the saying goes? If you can’t beat em join em?” He replied before chugging the rest of his drink and slamming the crystal glass down on the table. Ludo nodded in agreement, felling very much amused.
“That is true my friend, here let me get you another round.” Ludo then waved over a waiter and ordered two more whiskeys, one for Slyde and one for himself.
When the drinks arrived Slyde raised his appreciatively, before he looked out at the crowd surrounding him with disgust.
“Look at them, they’re just a bunch of glittering idiots. They think they’re so untouchable, sipping their poison from their crystal goblets.” He sneered as he surveyed all of the hotels patrons dressed in their fine evening ware as they laughed and drank. “I thought once that I could take this place down you know. I worked my way up for ten years following the rules only to find that everyone here can get away with whatever they want. They put a price on innocence and all they have to do is have enough money to pay it, then suddenly they are above the law.”
“Money’s what makes the world go round.” Ludo replied. Slyde huffed.
“You know what gets me even more razzed? My superiors. They all claim they’re fighting for the city, protectors of the people, but they’re all rats. They were bought off from the get go, and whenever I try to make a difference they are the ones that stop me.” Slyde Continued to rant. “I had to let a murderer go the other day because the Pansies had paid off the chief. He killed a boy in the cemetery. One of yours. Let him bleed out in the snow and left him for the crows.”
Ludo’s brows perked up as Slyde continued to ramble drunkenly. The scene that he was describing sounded very much familiar to him.
“I talked with that boy’s ma. He was a good kid, just mixed up in a bad business trying to support his family. What’s worse is that MONSTER took a girl too. I could have saved her you know? But chief let him walk. Now she’s probably already torn to shreds .” He finished before gulping back a huge swig of his whisky.
Ludo tapped on his glass as he took a moment to calm down. He was pretty sure that he already knew who that girl was that Slyde was talking about. He put on an easy smile as he also took a small sip from his drink.
“Well, it is a shame that you couldn’t get her back. I would have owed you one, see that girl is actually a member of the Gambino organization.” He lied.
Slyde turned toward Ludo, his brows furrowed.
“What?” He asked.
“She wasn’t r an official member, but she did some good work for us. It’s a sad story really, she ain’t no criminal like me, just put into difficult circumstances. She’s an orphan left with nothing, all she wanted was to try and get away from the city. Big Sam took a shining to her and took her under his wing. Hell he practically adopted her.” Ludo continued to fib, weaving in half truths about Frisk from his own personal research of her.
“He made her a deal that if she scored him a big enough sell then he would pay her way to freedom. The Pansies unfortunately got word of this little weakness, and decided to use her as a bargaining chip. She’s being held hostage by the Pansies to ensure that the Gambino’s don’t use the smokers against them.” He concluded.
Slyde stared at him in disbelieve.
“No way in hell you’d be risking your hide for the benefit of someone else. I’ve personally witnessed the aftermath of the more brutal crimes you’ve committed. I call bullshit.” He challenged. Ludo smirked and shrugged.
“Well, I can’t say you’re wrong there. Truth be told I don’t give a damn if the girl lives or dies, but whether you believe it or not, us mobsters do have a code of conduct. When Big Sam passed away his final request was to get the girl back, and as his successor it’s my job to do that or I lose a lot of respect from the gang.” Ludo explained, this time somewhat telling the truth as after all Big Sam had order him to make an example out of Frisk before he died and Ludo was more than willing to oblige.
“A lot of members heard about her story and feel pretty attached to it. She kind of became the Gambino’s missing princess. I know it’s stupid, but as the Gambino’s new Don I can’t afford to lose standing with them. I have to deliver a happy ending.” Ludo added in order to really sell his story.
Slyde was silent as he contemplated what Ludo had just told him. After a moment he sighed heavily and slumped back into his seat.
“So all of this was just more gang nonsense.” He then said drearily. Ludo chuckled.
“If that’s how you want to look at it sure. But I think you’re missing the point here.” He said.
“How’s that?” Slyde asked, not really sounding all that interested.
“What I’m trying to tell you is that the girl is still alive. She would be useless to the Pansies if she were dead, which means that you can still be her knight in shining armor and save the day.” Ludo explained. “All you really need is a little bit of help to get to her.”
Slyde frowned as he began to catch on to what Ludo was implying.
“You’re not seriously suggesting that we work together are you?” He asked and Ludo smiled.
“Normally I don’t like to team up with pigs, but in this case I think we can both benefit so why not?" He replied. Slyde shook his head.
“No way, absolutely not.” He answered, preparing to get up from the table to make his leave. Ludo caught him by the forearm before he could.
“And why the hell not?” He pushed. “You worried about your reputation? About your position on the good side of the law? Let me let you in on a little secret pal, that’s all bullshit. If you wanna get ahead in this game then you gotta break the rules, but you already know this don’t you? It’s how that crocked chief of yours came into power, he wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty.” Ludo then released his hold on Slyde, but Slyde didn’t make a move to leave as he considered Ludo’s words.
“If you really want to be a hero in this town then you have to make a deal with the villains who run it. That’s the only way you’re gonna be able to get to that girl while she’s alive.” Ludo continued, holding Slyde in his predatory gaze.
“Wasn’t that the reason why you came down here in the first place officer? If you can’t beat em join em? Those were your words weren’t they?” Ludo then asked. Slyde remained quiet, his expression grim.
Sans woke up late the next day. The diluted light from outdoors perforated his bedroom curtains, signaling that it was indeed morning, but wasn’t so obnoxious as to really rouse him. He yawned, stretched, and scratched at an itch under his shirt. He took his time getting up as he sat on the edge of his mattress examining his still bandaged hand. He felt nervous about today.
Sans was given the day off to properly heal his injuries and since Papyrus would be out at work, Sans had decided that today would be the most ideal time to go through with his plan to search Frisk’s soul. He sighed before flopping back over his bed. He didn’t want to get up.
When Sans had managed to drag his bones out of his room he could see that as perusal Papyrus had already prepared breakfast and Frisk was at the table with his brother waiting for him. She glanced his way and then stiffened in her seat. She smiled at him but Sans could see from her slightly off expression that she was also feeling nervous about today.
Sans fastened his usual grin across his skull as he sauntered forward toward the table.
“SANS, IT’S ABOUT TIME!” Papyrus barked when he spotted his lazy brother claiming a seat at the table. “I KNOW THAT YOU HAVE THE DAY OFF BUT THAT IS NO EXCUSE TO BE LATE FOR BREKFAST.” He continued.
“Sory bro, must’ve over slept.” Sans said simply, realizing then how groggy his voice still sounded. He cleared his throat and attempted to brush aside the blunder with a shrug and a smirk.
Papyrus raised a brow bone and crossed his arms unsatisfied.
“SANS, ARE YOU STILL FEELING WEAK? IS YOUR HAND STILL BOTHERING YOU? DO YOU NEED ANOTHER HEALING SESSION? MAYBE I SHOULD APPLY SOME MORE CALCIUM CREAM BEFORE I HEAD OUT.” He began to question.
“NO! Uh….. I mean no thanks Paps.” Sans protested immediately. “I’m fine really.”
“VERY WELL BROTHER.” Papyrus agreed, though he still narrowed his sockets at Sans suspiciously. “AT LEAST HAVE SOMETHING TO EAT.” He then said as he laid a plate filled with breakfast food on the table in front of Sans’ usual place at the table.
“Heh, sure thing Paps.” Sans said seating himself before picking at his plate.
Breakfast became oddly quiet after that as Sans and Frisk nervously sat and chewed their food, their minds preoccupied by the days coming events.
Papyrus also had a seat and began to dig in, but when he noticed how quiet everyone was being he couldn’t help but wonder that something was amiss.
“MY WORD YOU TWO ARE AWFULLY QUIET THIS MORNING.” He said as he dabbed his chin with his napkin. “AND FRISK, YOU HAVE BARELY TOUCHED YOUR MEAL, YOU ARE JUST MOVING IT AROUND ON YOUR PLATE. IS IT NOT SEASONED WELL ENOUGH?”
Frisk stiffened as she came back to reality.
“Um oh no, it’s great Papyrus sorry. I uh, also must be having a little bit of trouble waking up today haha.” She managed to stutter out.
Sans almost just let his skull fall heavy on the table top. He wasn’t even sure that he had the energy to c go through with this today, but despite his doubts he quickly threw on his typical grin.
“Heh, Guess that’s what we both get for resisting a-rest .” He quipped smartly.
Papyrus snapped very unimpressed eye sockets in his brother’s direction.
“SANS NO!” He scolded. Sans only winked back smugly in return and Papyrus immediately stood from the table.
“I AM NOT GOING TO GIVE YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO RUIN MY DAY.” He declared adamantly before rushing toward the door.
“FRISK, I TRUST THAT YOU WILL TAKE CARE OF MY OBNOXIOUS BROTHER FOR THE DAY.” Papyrus said before he grabbed his coat and hat. “THERE ARE SOME LEFT OVERS IN THE FRIDGE THAT YOU CAN REHEAT FOR LUNCH, AND DON’T LET SANS TRICK YOU INTO SKIPPING HIS CALCIUM CREAM. I KNOW HOW SNEAKY HE CAN BE AT TIMES.” He continued, shooting his brother a knowing glare. Sans grin faltered slightly.
Frisk giggled and nodded.
“Don’t worry Papyrus I won’t let him smart mouth his way out of his medicine.” She stated.
Papyrus smiled at her in response, satisfied by her resolve.
“EXCELLENT! YOU HEARD IS SANS, FRISK IS IN CHARGE WHILE IM GONE. YOU DO WHAT SHE SAYS.” He then nagged. Sans slumped unimpressed in his chair as Frisk shot him a somewhat cheeky grin.
“WELL THEN I'M OFF! HAVE A GOOD DAY YOU TWO.” Papyrus announced before quickly disappearing down the hallway and down the stairs to the city streets bellow.
After Papyrus was gone, and his resounding footsteps could no longer be heard, Sans and Frisk couldn’t help but let out a collective sigh of relief, though it was short lived. As soon as Frisk glanced Sans’ way to see that his pinpricks had also shifted in her direction, the nervousness that she had been trying to bury all morning quickly came bubbling back up to the surface.
She averted her gaze and then pursed her lips in frustration, feeling annoyed for acting so skittish. Sans could see her worries as plain as day and had to admit that he was also a little bit unsure about how he was exactly supposed to go about this. He scratched at the back of his skull as he contemplated his next move.
“Heya sweetheart, why don’t we just park in on the couch for a while and enjoy the morning a little bit?” Sans suggested and Frisk nodded, a small appreciative smile working its way on to her face as she knew that she was being allotted some time to calm down a little.
Sans brought over some warm drinks while Frisk settled herself. He carried his usual morning coffee and a tea for Frisk. She accepted it gratefully and clung to the soothing warmth as it seeped through the mug.
Sans sat on the cushion next to hers and began simple conversation about mundane things, like the weather, and how nice it was to get a little bit of sun during the winter months. Frisk nodded in agreement as she tried to participate and converse with him, but she found it hard to manage more than a one word response.
She wanted to ask him so many questions right now and none were about the weather, but she found that she just couldn’t unstick her tongue. Her nerves just wouldn’t settle.
Sans sighed to himself when he saw that his attempts at easing his way into today’s events wasn’t really working like how he wanted. He opted then to try skipping the small talk and get straight to the point.
“Hey, so if you’re still not comfortable with this you can back out.” He then said. “This isn’t something that you should force yourself to do.” He clarified, holding her with a somewhat serious gaze.
Frisk pondered his offer for a moment.
“No I don’t want to back out.” She then decided, able to finally find her voice. “But, I am a little unsure.” She admitted.
Sans hummed in understanding because of course that reaction was normal.
“This…. won’t be like the soul candy will it?” She then asked, noticing that a slightly queasy feeling had settled in her stomach at the memory of the previously awful ordeal. “I know how you explained before about how monster and human souls merge. It’s just, I want to make sure that there’s no risk of that happening.”
Sans shook his head.
“No I wouldn’t suggest doing this if there was.” Sans explained, reaching out to take a hold of Frisk’s hand reassuringly.
“It um… it won’t hurt will it?” Frisk then asked shyly, and Sans deadpanned a little before smothering the urge to laugh at her question.
“No kid, I promise it won’t hurt.” He said, failing a little at his attempts to stifle his chuckles as a few slipped passed his guard. “You won’t feel a thing. It will be like you’re having a vivid dream.”
Frisk frowned, not liking the slight teasing nature of Sans’ tone.
“So I’ll be asleep?” She questioned.
“No not asleep.” He replied, while he thought off the best way to explain it to her. “More like a very relaxed state, which is why it’s important for you to get all this nervous energy out. I won’t be able to search as thoroughly if you’re scared.”
“I’m not scared!” Frisk retorted and Sans laughed at her outburst.
“Ok not scared, worked up.” He corrected himself. “If I’m really going to go through your whole soul then you gotta let me. Like I said before, I can see a general overview of your soul on my own, but in order for me to see deep deep down you have to be the one to let me in.”
Frisk took a deep breath calming her rattled nerves.
“Ok.” She said in understanding.
Sans smiled, glad to see that she was becoming more open to the idea.
“Hey, how about we go to your room so you’ll feel more comfortable?” He suggested, sensing that if she was in a more familiar environment then she would feel safer. Frisk nodded.
“Good idea.” She said getting up off the couch and leading the way to her bedroom. Sans followed in tow.
When Frisk entered into her room she took in the familiar sights trying her best to lose her anxious energy at the doorway. This place really had become her safe haven away from everything else. The small size of the room served as a comfort as she felt snug and protected within its bright yellow walls. The warm colors brought her a sense of tranquility, and the nick knacks displayed on her desk that she had collected over the months that she had lived here really made the space feel like it was hers. As the uncertainty that she held in her soul melted away she sat down on her freshly made bed, the quilted comforter bunched slightly under her weight as she did so.
Sans joined her in the room after he sensed that she had gained some security from her surroundings, not wanting to intrude while she was getting herself situated. He sat down next to her on the bed.
“You feeling better?” He asked and Frisk nodded as she focused on her breathing, burying away her worry.
Sans decided that now was probably the best time to act. He activated his magic closing his left socket to hide his cyan iris as to not startle Frisk.
“Hey kid, I know you don’t like the winter so tell me about your favorite season.” Sans then asked.
Frisk smiled at the odd question, but she found that it was a welcome one none the less. She didn’t have to think too hard before she answered.
“I like the summer.” She stated.
“Oh yeah? Tell me why.” Sans continued to ask. His voice had grown low and quiet. Frisk felt oddly soothed by the slight deep rumble that it held.
“It’s warm.” She answered. “I like the sun on my skin. The city also looks nice in the sunlight.”
“You think you can try to picture it for me?” Sans questioned and Frisk found herself nodding, her eyes growing heavy all of a sudden.
“It’s ok, you can close them if you want.” Sans encouraged, strangely aware of what Frisk was thinking. “It might help you see it better.”
Frisk found that she agreed with his idea and let her lids fall shut as she conjured the image of Ebott city bathed in a warm glow of golden light.
“Tell me more.” Sans voice spoke in her ear, though now it sounded a bit further away.
“The festivals that go on in the city’s center well into the night. I like the lanterns that light up the dark streets. I like the cool night air after a hot sticky day.” She continued almost able to hear the disembodied laughter and music as she described the joyous annual summer festivals and parades that made the city come alive in the dusk hours of the day.
Frisk felt a strange tug at her chest then, like something important was moving away from her. The feeling scared her a little.
“What else do you like about the festivals?” Sans voice then asked and Frisk was distracted away from the foreign feeling as she dove back into her memories.
“Fireworks! I liked watching from the rooftops; you can get the best view up there, and the sparklers! I liked watching all the kids run around with them and try to spell their names with the light.”
Frisk almost felt as though she was standing on that rooftop now, her hair being ruffled by the gentle evening breeze.
“You’re doing good Frisk.” Sans encouraged. “Now just let go and fall back.”
Frisk looked back over her shoulder to see the town alive and happy, dancing in the golden streets that shown brightly in the night. She really wanted to go and join them.
“You can Frisk.” Sans answered in her ear. “Trust me.”
Frisk felt small then, small and vulnerable, like her entire being could fit into the palm of someone’s hand.
“It’s too high.” Frisk said fearfully as she stood on the edge of the building overlooking the celebration below.
“I’ll catch you.” Sans replied. “I promise.”
Frisk turned around, her back now toward the welcoming streets below.
“You won’t let me fall?” She questioned to the empty air.
“I won’t let you fall.” Sans answered. “Just fall back.”
Frisk nodded and closed her eyes.
“Ok.” She agreed and she spread her arms before she stepped backwards over the edge.
She was falling now, falling right down into the festivals city streets, and at first it was quite scary, almost terrifying. She was about to scream, but then she felt it, Like she was being cradled. She was no longer falling now but floating gently down into the golden light below. Frisk felt a sense of happiness and peace overtake her as the light enveloped her, completely welcoming her in to be a part of the celebration. She smiled and laughed as her vision went white.
Sans sat calmly on Frisk’s bed as he continued to talk softly, whispering words of praise and reassurance into her ear. He focused his magic from his fingertips, providing soothing waves to graze over her being. When Frisk was no longer responsive, and instead sat before him with a heavy lidded glassy eyed gaze, he stopped talking and carefully waved a hand in front of her face. She didn’t react. He then snapped his fingers a few times next to her ear, but she remained completely out of it.
He let out a sigh of relief, glad that she was being cooperative so far. If he played his cards right than he would be able to search through her memories undetected, and Frisk would remain undisturbed. She would awake from her trance like state like she was waking up from a nap and would be none the wiser as to what Sans had even been searching for.
Sans took a deep breath as he refocused his magic now tugging at Frisk’s soul. He coaxed it gently, not wanting to reawaken Frisk from her resting state. It responded to him without resistance. A red stream of energy pooled out of Frisk’s chest following Sans’ beckon call, before it settled in his palm forming a perfect heart shape.
Sans studied its appearance, his sockets widening in surprise at the vivid red color that Frisk’s soul held. The startling crimson was representative of determination, and though the trait was common in most humans, Sans had never seen a soul so completely saturated before. The little heart shown almost unnaturally bright, and Sans felt his thoughts darkening as he knew what this discovery may imply. Sans quickly buried his speculations away. He couldn’t just base his findings on assumptions alone, he needed to look deeper than the surface, and he needed to be absolutely sure.
Sans swirled his magic around Frisk’s soul, gently prodding at the little heart in his hand. He closed his eyes and focused on Frisk's energy, getting himself to let go so he could be in the same state as she was. He saw a golden light flash in front of his mind’s eye and a vision of Ebott before he fell unconscious.