Waking nightmare
Asgore groaned tiredly as he stretched out in his arm chair in front of his desk. Boy howdy, it sure had been a day. He had just reviewed all of the shipping orders for the next week, along with having to make sure that inventory had been well kept up to date. Normally, this wasn’t really his job as it was assigned to lesser ranking monsters in the Pansies who primarily worked as clerks, but Asgore couldn’t help himself. He slept better when he knew that all of his ducks were in a row.
Lately, however, it was starting to wear him out. His usual work was now piled on top of all of these extra meetings with the other monster gangs in Ebbot in order to try to find a solution for the smokers until Gaster was found and eliminated. Most of the other leaders had come down off of their high horses, now seeing that the Pansies were right to be worried. Many of these organizations had also experienced major losses thanks to the smokers. It was unfortunate, and Asgore wished that the other bosses had taken his warning seriously before such tragedy had to occur. Finally, however they were making headway. All previous miss dealings or grudges had been put on hold, a contract had been negotiated, and now all monster gangs were to work as one until the threat of the Gambinos was nullified.
The head position had been decided by the majority of the bosses in a vote, and Asgore had won the title. There were of course some reluctant participants, but Asgore had vowed to rule with fairness and had proclaimed that he would not tamper with anyone else’s dealings unless it was necessary to put a stop to the Gambino’s reign of terror. So far, he decreed that all extra profits that the gangs were bringing in were to be put toward protecting the monster populated neighborhoods of the city. There were a few objections to this decision at first, as not all organizations were as charitable as the Pansies. But after numerous attacks on the innocent, the bosses began to see that their own kind were being targeted and condemned to senseless slaughter. Their greed crumbled and they gave in, agreeing that for now there were more important things on the line then just simply making money. It wasn’t just business anymore, the Gambinos had made it personal.
Asgore rubbed his massive palm over the back of his stiff neck. He wasn’t even sure how he was functioning at this point. Asgore paused then at that thought as a wiry but self-indulgent smile spread across his tired face. No, that wasn’t true he did know. Toriel had come back in just the nick of time. Asgore knew it was foolish to equate her return to fate, but sometimes he couldn’t help but wonder if the universe was deliberately trying to give him a helping hand. She was making this whole business with the Gambinos bearable, doable even. Asgore, though authoritative and respected, did not hold the same level of severity when in the presence of the other bosses. But when Toriel, first lady of the Pansies, walked into the room with that serious look on her face everyone would be hushed into submission and listen up.
She was like a broiling furnace full of self-assured power and controlled rage. It took a big individual to be able to stand their ground against her when she had a goal in mind, but then there was also a softer side to her as well. A smaller flame, but just as powerful in a different way, it was warm and comforting, a protective light that was used to shield the smaller and weaker from darkness. This other power was Asgore’s favorite thing about Toriel. Though he admired her fierceness, it was her kindness that owned his soul…
The door to his office creaked open softly drawing Asgore away from his thoughts. Toriel entered into the room with a tray holding a pot of steeping tea and Asgore’s favorite mug. Asgore straightened up and smiled. He also had to admit to himself that this was the other reason that he liked to stay late. Whenever he did, Toriel always fixed him a pot of tea before she would head home to her apartment for the night. It was a secret little indulgence that just made his days all that much better. Asgore glanced down at the tray and his smile drooped just a bit. He had made a habit of hoping that maybe one day she would bring two tea mugs in on the tray instead of just one…. but Asgore knew that those thoughts were selfish. Tea for one was more than good enough, even though sometimes it could get lonely.
“Another late night I see.” Toriel said as she walked up to his desk. The telling glint in her eye made Asgore a little nervous. He wondered if she was perhaps growing wise to his game. He certainly hoped that she wasn’t as he didn’t want to lose his favorite tea time. But even if she was suspicious, she didn’t seem angry ….and she still brought him tea. Asgore didn’t allow himself to think any more on the subject as he did not want to inspire false hope in himself.
“Yes, afraid so.” He replied with a chuckle. “But I shouldn’t be much longer, I have just one more stack of orders to overlook.” Toriel rolled her eyes playfully before setting the tray down on the desk.
“Well do not over work yourself. Why not have a break before you continue?” She said not so much as a suggestion as she had already begun setting Asgore’s tea out in front of him.
Asgore couldn’t help the fond blush that he could feel dusting his cheeks, though he was sure that it would remain hidden behind his beard. This was the feeling that he had missed. The comfort of being in the warm glow of Toriel’s kindness.
Asgore gingerly picked up the steaming mug, giving it a savoring sniff. The sweet smell of his preferred golden flower tea brand warmed him through and made him feel even more giddy that Toriel had remembered his favorite.
“Thank you Toriel. You didn’t have to go through the trouble.” He said, like he said every time that she did something nice for him. Toriel smiled in turn.
“It was no trouble Asgore.” She replied like she usually did. “Do not stay up too late. I will see you tomorrow morning.” And with that, Toriel turned to retrieve her coat by the door.
“Do have a pleasant evening.” Asgore called out in a goodbye, and Toriel smiled and nodded over her shoulder.
“You as well.” She said before she left the office.
After she had gone Asgore let out a sigh and settled back in his arm chair, allowing himself to take a break. He sipped at his tea enjoying the quiet. He began to feel his tense muscles start to relax, and though he knew that he still had work to do a sleepiness settled over him. His eyelids began to droop as his mind wandered to thoughts that contrasted against the snowy scenery that existed outside of his window. He began to picture gardens and flowers, cinnamon and butterscotch pie in the windowsill, and summertime in the countryside. Toriel overlooking a river in a nice sunhat and floral dress.
The phone rang loudly, and immediately disturbed Asgore’s tranquility. He snapped forward, his large limbs flailing momentarily in his state of panic. When he regained his balance again, he reached for the phone, though he wasn’t sure who would be calling after hours.
“Hello?” He said into the telephone, stifling his urge to yawn.
“Asgore? Darling is that you?” Mettaon’s metallic voice sounded from the other end of the line. Asgore crumpled down into his seat. Though Mettaton had been re instated as a Pansy client, and did provide Asgore with good business, his energy could also be quite taxing at times, and Asgore was already feeling spent as it was.
“Oh, Mettaton hello. What do I owe the pleasure?” Asgore said, forcing his tone to remain upbeat.
“Asgore good, I’m glad I caught you before you left the office. Listen, something serious is going on and I thought that I should inform you immediately.” Mettaton began, and Asgore straightened up. It wasn’t like Mettaton to be so upfront right off the back, usually he tried to work in an angle for himself if he had any valuable information to sell.
“I’m listening.” Asgore replied, now more alert.
“Ludo came by the casino today. He still wanted to strike up a deal about Frisk. Alico has been feeding him information on the matter apparently.” Mettaton said.
Asgore frowned, not happy at all with the news. He had Known about Alico’s relations with Ludo in the past as Sans had been clear to express his distrust of the hotel owner, but he couldn’t afford to cut Alico as a client, not with the rich hotel owners’ status and the black listing going on. Plus, Alico was still a possible well of information concerning the other human gangs of Ebott. But Ludo was the one that worried him more. The new Don was turning out to be an even bigger threat than anticipated. Asgore had hoped that Ludo would give up with his ridiculous chase concerning the harmless human girl. As the boss of the Gambino’s, surly he had more important things to worry about then holding such a pointless grudge. However, it appeared that Ludo’s blood lust, seemed to know no bounds, and would not be satisfied until Frisk was in his clutches. It made Asgore angry that someone like that was wielding such power. Angry, and also very concerned for the future of Ebott.
“I see.” He said solemnly. “This is troubling.”
“Asgore, I believe that things are getting serious.” Mettaton continued. “Look, I have tried to stay neutral in all of this, but it isn’t an option for me anymore… I made my position clear to Ludo tonight, and it ticked him off that I wasn’t cooperating, he won’t stand silently for long. I’m surprised he’s lasted as it is actually, with that temper of his. He will retaliate soon.”
Asgore paused, surprised at Mettaton’s actions. Normally, Mettaton would never place himself in such a risky situation, unless there was something tremendous to gain from it, and also without knowing that the odds were undoubtedly in his favor. To hear that Mettaton had deliberately put himself on the chopping block without any noteworthy exploitations, was unusual for the robot. It made Asgore reconsider Mettaton’s character, maybe Mettaton was more Pansy material then he had first thought. This also, however, concerned Asgore because if Mettaton was indeed choosing a side, like how he had said, then that meant that there was sure to be a fight on the horizon.
“Thank you for informing me of such matters.” Asgore began stoically. “And also for your loyalty. we will surly need all the help that we can get in the time to come. I appreciate your support Mettaton.” He continued sincerely.
There was a pause on the other end of the line before Mettaton began to speak again, fumbling his words a little at first.
“W-well of course! Only doing my duty Asgore, nothing commendable really.” Mettaton said trying to sound dismissive, but his tone gave away that he really did appreciate the praise. He cleared his throat and quickly settled back into his professional role gain.
“I won’t keep you any longer, I know it's past your working ours, but I do suggest that you tell that lazy bones of a consigliere to tighten his security on your human contact, not that that’s any of my business, but something tells me that Ludo may have another trick up his sleeve.” He said.
“I will Mettaton, again thank you for informing me so quickly. Have a good evening.” Asgore replied before he hung up the phone.
Asgore stood in his office, his brows furrowed as he starred at the floor, his hand still on the phone’s receiver. This was troubling. His mind again wandered to Toriel, but this time his thoughts were less serene and instead drenched in concern. No doubt that Toriel would want to know about this, but Asgore already knew that it couldn’t possibly do any good. Toriel was already always fraught with worry over the human girl as it was. It stressed her, Asgore could see it plainly, and she was already taking on so much with the work that she was doing for the Pansies. He grumbled to himself then as he became frustrated with her decision to even get involved with a human child in the first place, but that thought was quickly smothered again by guilt and pain. No, he knew the reason. He too felt that hole left by their past lost child, and he had also known the want to fill that place in his soul again.
Asgore then grabbed his coat, preparing to make his way home through the snowy night, flicking the light to his office off and leaving his work behind him in the dark. He would handle this. He would not burden Toriel any further and he would not allow her to experience that emptiness again, not when she had already come so far. Not when they were so close to healing again.
-------
Ludo snaked away from the main roads of the city streets after he had exited the Casino. He had no intention of staying to begin with after that insulting fiasco of a meeting, but he had also noticed that two of Mettaton’s goons were tailing him pretty closely even after he had left the office. The utter disrespect infuriated him. Ludo ducked into an alley next to the building. He then threw an angry fist at the wall.
He didn’t flinch as the rough brick wall scraped the skin of his knuckles, he only felt his face burn in his utter fury and humiliation. The robot had snubbed him. Mettaton had dismissed him as if he were nothing but trash! Ludo had never experienced something quite like this before. No one had ever dared to deny him of what he asked for, not unless they wanted to end up dead. It confused him, which also added to his frustration. He had risen in status, he wasn’t just an underboss anymore for Christ sake, he was the Don! And yet, it seemed that even as the Don, the fucking boss of the underground, he wasn’t being seen as such. People used to respect him, people used to fear him, but now…it was like they all thought he was a joke. Maybe it was a joke…. Just a big joke that everyone was in on…maybe they all knew that he wasn’t really the one in control, maybe they knew that Gaster was the real leader, the one calling the shots. Maybe they were all making fun of him behind his back!
Ludo grunted ferociously as he threw another punch at the wall, silencing his doubting mind. Both his hands were throbbing but Ludo barely recognized the damage that he had done. He was just far too livid to care about anything else. Snickering then finally tore his eyes away from burning a hole in the brick as shock briefly replaced his anger.
Someone else was in the alleyway, leaning up against the opposite wall by the staff rear exit of the MTT Casino. She was looking at Ludo with sharp mischievous green eyes as her bushy red tail swished next to her in what reflected her mirth. She was holding a cigarette between her dainty fingers, bringing it slowly to her lips to take another drag, not bothering to break her eye contact with the Don even when he had caught her staring. It didn’t take Ludo long to recognize her as the fox monster who he had previously seen preforming on Mettaton’s lounge stage.
Ludo froze for a good few seconds as he processed that she had witnessed his temper tantrum. He slowly smothered his anger down as it began to be overwhelmed by the feeling of embarrassment instead. The fox monsters’ green eyes seemed to gleam with delight then as she tapped the ashes from her smoke.
“Didn’t mean to disturb you.” She then said, her tone a little teasing. Ludo cleared his throat as he fixed his ruffled feathers.
“Uh… sorry, didn’t see anyone else out here.” He then stammered before realizing who it was that he was talking too. He remembered that she was a monster, and that he didn’t need to be sorry for anything that he did in her presence. But even as Ludo attempted to reaffirm his damaged ego his thoughts were immediately snuffed out again by the fox women’s savory chuckle.
“Don’t mind me, it’s no bother. It’s hard to find a place to let out a little steam in this city.” She said.
Ludo nodded back simply. He thought that now would be a good time to make his leave, but then another thought crossed his mind…
“So then is this also your spot for letting off steam?” He then asked, fixing his face into a charming smile.
The women’s brows perked up briefly as she gave him a slow side eye. Ludo realized that her green eyes lacked the flirtatious glint that he had witnessed before when she had been preforming on stage, instead they held a certain hardness to them. Most average Joes would crumple pretty quickly, shuffle off with their tails tucked between there legs, after getting a look like that… but Ludo wasn’t most average Joes.
“Sometimes.” The women then replied after holding Ludo in her stare for a while. “Mostly I just come here after my shift for a little R and R.” She then said before taking another drag from her cigarette.
Ludo smirked before he took a few steps closer. Not enough to come off as threatening, but enough to continue the conversation in a slightly more personable matter.
“So you work here then?” He asked, playing oblivious to the fact that he already knew that. The women nodded but didn’t give anything more away.
“Hostess? Waitress?” Ludo then continued guessing, though he knew the answer to the question that he was asking already. The women smirked seemingly amused.
“I preform.” She said simply.
“Ah.” Ludo said, subtly taking another step forward. “Must be an exciting career, the lights, the stage, the adoring fans.” He continued. The women rolled her eyes in response.
“It’s not all what it’s cracked up to be, but it pays. Can’t complain.” She said, her tone now switching from intrigued to annoyed. Ludo’s interest perked as he began to sniff out an angle to work.
“Huh, guess I wouldn’t know, never really been in the spotlight before…” He said. “So, if this isn’t what you want to do why bother doin it?” Ludo then asked and the women narrowed here eyes, her voice taking on a more venomous note.
“Gotta eat.” She stated harshly. Ludo decided to back off a touch, sensing that she was starting to bristle at his inquiries.
“Well I suppose that’s true, unfortunately this city life isn’t honest. It promises a job and a future and then ends up robbing you blind of everything.” He said whilst playing up the most wistful tone he could manage without sounding to cheesy.
The women paused then and looked back at him seemingly curious. She took the last drag from her cigarette before letting it drop and then crushed the butt under her heel clad foot.
“So… she began what was it that brought you out back here? did the casino end up robbing you blind?” She asked flashing Ludo a mischievous smirk. Ludo chuckled under his breath and shrugged.
“No, I don’t really gamble all that much.” He replied, lying through his teeth. “I was hoping that your boss would actually help me out with something, but that guys a real prick.”
The fox women then let out a genuine laugh before she could catch herself, surprised by Ludo’s comment.
“He certainly can be.” She agreed. “So then what’s your name stranger?”
“Uh, Luke.” Ludo answered quickly extending his hand. It was an alias he often used when he had to deal with common folk who would be too terrified to cooperate if he used his real name. “And yourself miss? If you don’t mind my asking.” He continued
She eyed him slyly before she accepted his offered gesture.
“Vivian.” she replied simply. Ludo smiled kindly in part as he shook her hand.
“Vivian.” He repeated. “That’s a real pretty name.
“Yours isn’t so bad either.” Vivian said playfully. “So then, you’re a mobster, aren’t you?” She continued. “Judging by your fancy suit there.”
Ludo stiffened a little at her inquiry. He paused briefly, to try to come up with a way to dismiss her question but decided against it. If she caught on to the fact that he was playing her then it might ruin his whole scheme.
“Well uh, yeah, I guess you could say that …. But don’t let the fancy suit fool ya, I’m not really on that high of a tier.” He stated carefully.
Vivian smiled, obviously proud that she had pegged him correctly.
“So, this business, it confidential or something?” She then asked and Ludo tried to hide his delight that she was playing into his hands.
“Actually, I’m here on a more personal endeavor, believe it or not.” He began. Vivian tilted her head in interest.
“Oh?” She said, inviting him to elaborate.
“Yeah…” Ludo replied as he scratched at the back of his head, playing up his shy nice guy act. “It’s about my little sister.”
Vivian paused, surprised by Ludo’s bogus answer.
“See, I moved here to the city to get a job and help out my family. I unfortunately ended up getting roped up into this business instead… but I can’t complain, it pays well and I can send most of what I make back to them. I think my sister got the wrong idea about the city life though. It was my fault. I didn’t want my family to worry, so when I wrote about life here, I made it out to be a glamour show. She got it into her head that it was all tinsel town and movie stars and decided to follow me out here. Now she’s gotten herself roped up in this business as well. a different gang and …. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you what happens when little girls from the country with big dreams get caught up in the city life.”
Vivian turned away.
“Sad story.” She said pretending to be bored, but she couldn’t hide it. Ludo could see the sympathetic glimmer that the fox women had in her eye.
“Yeah, it’s not exactly a nice one.” Ludo continued. “but I was hoping to maybe get some help from Mettaton since has ins with all of the monster gangs in Ebott…” Vivian turned back toward Ludo again.
“Monster gang?” She asked.
“Oh, my sister ended up with a monster gang. The Pansies actually.” He said, glad that she had caught his hint. Vivian furrowed her brow.
“I didn’t know that the Pansies hired humans…” She said skeptically.
“Well, not as members they don’t.” Ludo began to explain. “But with a lot of human clientele banning their products as of late, they’ve had to tap into new markets, and well, cater to other tastes of their monster clientele… tastes that might be considered taboo or not so easy to come by…” Ludo trailed off as he faked a teary look in his eye and raised a hand to his face.
“Sorry.” He said. “Mind if I don’t go into the details?”
Vivian nodded as she stood a little awkwardly at first by his side, and then tentatively, ever so slowly, extended a hand to rest on Ludo’s shoulder. Ludo fought his urge to smack her hand off of him and kept up the act. He was quiet for a while before he cleared his throat and continued his phony story.
“I was hoping that Mettaton could get one of his employees to maybe infiltrate the bar that she is working at and sneak her out of there… unfortunately the bar doesn’t allow human clientele so I can’t go in and get her myself. I’d be kicked to the curb within seconds. The cops are no good either, there all crooked, bought out by the Bosses of all the major players in the city. They won’t dare step on any Don’s toes. But as it happens apparently Mettaton is also not an option. He’s in allegiance with the Pansies…so now I don’t know what to do.”
Vivian remained silent not knowing exactly what to do or say. Ludo let his alligator tears sink in a little more before he turned back her way.
“Hey, hold on a second, maybe you can help me out.” He then exclaimed, and Vivian instantly pulled her hand away and starred at Ludo like he had slapped her. She shook her head immediately much to Ludo’s surprise as he was sure that he had her falling for him.
“Sorry Mr. I don’t get involved in no gang drama. I’ve been down that road and its lead me nowhere.” She said sternly, the sympathetic glimmer in her eyes hardening to stone before Ludo could blink. Ludo bit back the urge to scowl.
“It won’t be any gang business. Nothing of that sort at all. All I need is for you to sneak her out the back.” He tried again, but Vivian was already backing away.
“No, I’m not putting my hide on the line for a stranger. This city eats you alive if you let it, and I can’t afford to lose anymore. I wish you luck, but that’s all I can do.” She said remaining abstinent as she quickly turned to go back inside the hotel through the staff exit door. Ludo grabbed her wrist before she could get far from him however.
“Wait!” He almost snarled, but managed to temper himself. She looked back at him, her lips pulled back to show her sharp canines as her green eyes now held a threatening glint.
“Back off!” She growled and Ludo raised his hands in defense as he obliged her command.
“Please.” He said, fighting against his heavy pride that absolutely hated how he was at the moment actually begging for a monster’s help.
“Look, I can pay you.” He then said, figuring that if his pity act wouldn’t work then maybe bribing would. He did notice that the fox women’s ears pricked at the mentioning of money, and now she wasn’t trying to get away from him anymore.
“What you’re asking for is too risky.” Vivian said, trying to talk herself out of considering Ludo’s request.
“You said it yourself that this life isn’t what you want right?” Ludo continued, not allowing her to brush him aside again. “I can help you get out of here, cut ties with this city, all I need is a favor.” Vivian paused as she stared him down not entirely convinced.
“I thought you said that you weren’t high up on the food chain?” She questioned.
“I’m not.” Ludo replied “But I’m high enough to be able to settle your dept.”
“I want ten thousand G, five up front.” Vivian then demanded.
Ludo bit back his snicker at the small sum. He would be able to provide that relatively easily, but of course he couldn’t let Vivian know that. He cleared his throat and prepared a counter offer.
“I can get you one thousand up front, and the rest after you’ve done your part.” He said.
Vivian sneered, not exactly happy, but Ludo knew that she wouldn’t be able to walk away. Ludo had played this game with a many a different folk before. All of them wanted the same thing, more or less. The promise of freedom from whatever was tethering her down was too good to simply turn her nose up at. And money would be able to solve whatever problem it was that she had.
“What about security. I can’t just go waltzing out the door with her.” Vivian then said.
“I’m already working on a distraction.” Ludo replied. “But you don’t need to worry about that right now, all I need to know is if you’re in or if you’re out.”
Vivian stiffened, not liking the ultimatum, but did she really have a choice? If she turned this deal down then she would be stuck performing in Mettaton’s club full of Horney perverts for the rest of her life. She stuck out her hand.
“Fine. But if you don’t work out this distraction angle I’m walking.” She stated harshly. Ludo smiled.
“It’s a deal.” He said returning the gesture.
-------
Panic. Full blown panic enveloped Sans as the burning sensation spread across his ribcage. He clawed at it, desperate to hold himself together. His sockets snapped open wide, his pupils nonexistent in his utter fear of the void trying to drown him. He wanted to scream, but his teeth remained clamped shut, not allowing any sound to come out. He sprung upwards in an attempt to get away, only to fall and hit the ground with a muffled thud. He opened his eyes again, confused as he took a moment to stay on the floor.
“Wait a second…” He thought, his pinpricks blinking back into focus.
He looked around himself. He was not in a sea of overwhelming darkness like he had first thought that he was. He was instead surrounded by brightly yellow painted walls, an old desk, and an end table. A small, homey looking bed was directly to his left. And it didn’t take Sans long to realize that he had fallen off of it in his alarm. The pain that he had felt in his chest, the utterly searing pain, had ceased completely, and Sans looked down half expecting to see his ribcage in fragments, only instead to be greeted by a perfectly intact torso covered by his rumpled dress shirt. He patted himself down regardless, not able to fully comprehend that he was completely unharmed. When it finally resonated with him that he was no longer in the realm of Frisk’s soul, but instead back in reality, he fell backwards in a relived slump, letting out a huge sigh and a chuckle.
“Thank the fucking stars.” He actually said allowed in his relief as he took another moment to ground himself.
He was fine, not dying, not dusting, not facing off with a demon child in Gaster’s messed up lab, everything was fine. It had all been a bad dream, until Sans remembered that it wasn’t a dream. It was a memory, Frisk’s memory. Sans jolted upward again, his relief short lived as he scrambled to get to Frisk.
She was curled up on her bed where he had left her, still in a trance. She was no longer peaceful, however. Her brows were knit into a painful looking grimace. Her limbs twitched slightly in her sleep like state as if they were trying to get her body to run away from the horrors that she was facing off with in her mind. Her breathing was labored, and a cold sweat had broken out across her forehead. Sans felt panic again well up in his soul. He needed to wake her up, he needed to get her out of her past. He reached forward for her, kneeling over her body on the bed as he attempted to rouse her. He shook at her shoulder gently and called her name.
“Frisk! Frisk, wake up!” He said. His own brow bones pinched in concern.
She startled, her eyelids snapping open. At first, Sans was reassured, glad that she had woken without much trouble, until he saw that the terrified look in her eyes had not faded away. Frisk kicked at him as she hurriedly scrambled backwards until her back was against her bed frame. She whimpered in the corner, pressing herself as far from Sans as she could get, while she stared at him in absolute horror. She was still stuck in her nightmare.
“Frisk? Its ok, we're not there anymore.” Sans said trying to sooth her. He placed a reassuring smile on his face as he attempted to reach out and pat the top of her head. An action that had appeared to calm her in the past.
“We're safe now.” He continued, but Frisk just starred at his approaching outstretched skeletal hand absolutely terrified. She recoiled from him further. Sans smile dropped when he saw her preparing to scream. It was then that he realized that she wasn’t seeing him right now, she was seeing Doctor Gaster in his place.
Before she could attempt to shriek, Sans lunged for her, grabbing her and pulling her against his chest as he slapped a hand over her mouth. Frisk resisted, flailing in his hold, her back arching as if the mere contact with Sans was burning her. Sans tried to shush her as he held on to her tighter, even as she scratched at his arms, even as she tried to scream through his hand. He rocked her gently, feeling horrible that he had to grab her so suddenly, but he couldn’t risk the patrons of the bar hearing her from just down the stairs. Someone would come up looking for trouble, and if they found him here like this with her…. Then there would surely be hell to pay.
“Shhh it’s ok sweet heart, everything is ok. You’re safe, you’re safe.” Sans continued whispering so gently into her ear as he hugged her.
He closed his sockets tightly as he tried to make his words get through to her. He extended his magic, coating his hands so that they would emit a soothing sensation. He managed to hold her with one arm as he removed the other from her mouth using it to pat the top of her head. Slowly she began to calm and Sans could see her pupils contracting back to their normal size as she blinked, finally waking from her trance like state. Frisk looked around herself confused as she came back to reality. Sans just continued to rock her. She was quite for a moment and then she began to cry, turning to bury her face into Sans shoulder. She wailed in his hold returning his hug as she clung to him.
“I’m sorry Frisk, I’m so sorry.” Sans said realizing that she remembered everything from her past.
He had hoped that what the red eyed boy had threatened him with in the void was just a bluff, but it looked like Sans had really released the darkness After all. He couldn’t put it back in its box just as Chara had said. Frisk just continued to cry in his arms as her blocked out memories flooded her vision.
She saw the darkness, it was so thick that she could practically taste it. She felt the cold isolation, and the hot burning pain of long ago as it had only happened yesterday. She felt fear like she had never known rattle her body... and she heard him, she heard Chara in her head clear as a bell. It wasn’t like before when he would talk to her in her dreams. It was real, and it scared her.