Chapter Text
A cloud of warmth and comfort surrounded you as soon as you stepped foot into Toriel’s house. The welcoming atmosphere was so intense, you almost stopped in your tracks. Toriel however, took no notice to your awe, and ushered you over to sit by the warm fireplace. Frisk wasted no time and bounded over to sit in a plush chair that seems to have been made especially for them. Toriel also made her way over to a larger chair that fits her body perfectly.
“I apologize, I wasn’t expecting guests so I don’t have another chair for you dear. You can use one of the chairs at the table if you would like?” You nodded and scooted a chair closer to them and sat down. You looked at the two of them.
“Okay, what’s going on?” You crossed your arms, readying yourself. Toriel shifted slightly in your seat, unsettled by your cold eyes.
She coughed, “Well, I suppose I should start at the beginning.”
Toriel smiled at you. “Welcome to the Underground. This is where the monster race resides after the humans banished us here centuries ago.” Her face fell slightly, but she quickly recovered and continued. “Long ago, humans and monsters resided peacefully on the surface. However, as time went on, the humans grew envious and frightened of monsterkind’s magic. The unease grew until the humans declared war on the monsters. Even though us monsters have powerful magic, we were no match for the human’s determination and spirit. Many lives were lost, and the monster population dwindled. Eventually, we were pushed back on Mt. Ebbott. Seven sorcerers, humans that could use magic, cast a powerful spell that trapped the rest of the monster’s that remained deep underground. They sealed us here using a barrier that allowed people from the outside to come in, but never come back out again.” Her eyes had a faraway look to them, and she sighed.
“I’m so sorry..” You said, reaching a hand out and patting her shoulder.
She smiled sadly. “Oh dear you don’t have to apologize, after all, it was the sorcerers that put us here, not you.” You felt a twang of guilt pang in your heart; if you’d come to this dimension sooner, maybe you could have helped the monsters in the war.
“You said that there were humans that could use magic? Was that common back then?” You asked, a slight feeling of dread pooling in your heart.
“Oh no no, the only known sorcerers at the time were the seven. Horrible beings they were, they could split the ground below their feet and cast waves of fire and ice. We, unfortunately, stood no chance.” Toriel’s gaze hardened, and her fist clenched. “ Dammit, I had a feeling they could wield the elements. It wouldn’t be good if I revealed my powers to these monsters who were scorned by people like me. ” You thought. “You sound like you’ve had experience with this, were you there at the time of the war?”
“Yes, I helped lead it. I am the former queen of the Underground.”
Your back straightened. “Oh your majesty! I’m sorry for speaking so informally!”
She laughed. ”There’s no need for that my dear, I am no longer royalty. But I suppose I must go on to how I met Frisk. Honey, perhaps you would like to help tell this story?” She said, directing her question to Frisk. Frisk gasped excitedly and got out of their chair, hands moving animatedly, to help tell their side of the story. Frisk told you everything, from the moment they fell underground up to when they befriended all of the monsters, including the King.
You raised a hand, eyebrows furrowing dangerously. “Wait wait wait, let me get this straight. You fell through the hole on the mountain, everyone in the underground tried to kill you, but you made friends with them and stopped them from taking your life?” Frisk looked hesitant at this but nodded slowly. “And why exactly were they trying to kill you in the first place.” You looked dead at Toriel, demanding answers. You placed your body just in front of Frisk’s, growing distrust budding in your soul. “I believe I can explain.” she stated.
“When the seven sorcerers trapped us under here, the spell was so powerful it cost them their lives. So, in order to break it, seven human souls were needed. We have six, from… unfortunate circumstances. So Frisk would have been our last soul. But do not fret! A peace treaty was signed to prevent any attempts on Frisk’s life.” Toriel waved her hands in front of her, trying to calm you down.
“That doesn’t change the fact that every single one of you tried to kill a child. My baby sibling in fact.” You stood up, eyes steely. “I’m not sure I can trust you anymore Toriel. Unless you give me an explanation adequate enough to justify killing a child , which I doubt, me and Frisk will be leaving.”
“Dear, there is nothing in the world that can justify that, but I hope that it will ease your heart to know that I never tried to kill Frisk, any of the humans that fell in fact. I battled with them, yes, but I had to know if they were strong enough to endure the rest of the underground. And you should be proud to know that even though they faced strong adversity, Frisk has stayed determined and managed to steal every one of our hearts. I know an apology will never make up for what we have done, but nonetheless, I apologize with all of my soul that we put Frisk through this.” Toriel looked straight at you, eyes shining with unshed tears. When you looked at her, all you could sense was deep remorse and honesty. You looked down at Frisk. Their eyes are staring at you intensely, conveying to you that they had already forgiven them and urging you to do the same.
You sighed. “Okay. I understand. But if anyone tries that shit again, I will not hesitate to retaliate.” You gave her one final glare, punctuating your words. Frisk pinched you, pouting. “I know I know, language, I'm sorry flower.” You chuckled. Toriel looked relieved, but still a little unsettled by your threat. You looked down, frowning.
“I’m still confused about the nature of you and Frisk’s relationship? You seem close.” You said as Frisk, once again, stood by Toriel’s side.
“Oh yes well since it was decided Frisk will be protected, they live down in the Ruins with me. I take care of them here.” Frisk bounded over to you, bouncing on the tips of their toes. “Mmm!” they hummed. Your eyes widened.
“Mom? You think of Toriel as.. your mother?” you questioned. They went to hug Toriel and nodded. “...I see.” You looked down pensively. “ It’s not like I can expect them to not seek paternal affection, especially since.. we lost ours.” Toriel’s words broke you out of your quiet contemplation.
“And, since you are Frisk’s family, you are also welcome to stay here, but only if you would like!” She smiled. Her eyes shone with a gentle kindness, one you were hesitant to accept.
“Oh um, are you sure? I’ve not exactly been the most, err, friendly towards you.” You rubbed your arm awkwardly, looking away.
“Of course! It’s getting late and I’m sure you and Frisk have much to catch up on, so why don't you show them to your room Frisk?”
They squealed excitedly, grabbing your hand and dragging you to their room. They stood in the middle of the room and put their hands on their hips proudly. The room was small, but cozy. A twin sized bed sat in the corner of the room with a wooden dresser beside it. Small plushies of various characters adorned the bed and twinkling fairy lights lined the walls.
“This is very nice Frisk, I like what you’ve done with the place.” You smiled and laughed a little. Toriel stood in the doorway.
“I am not sure if the bed will be big enough for the both of you. I apologize if you would have liked to sleep on a separate bed, I wasn’t expecting visitors.” She said, bashful. You quickly reassured her.
“Oh no it’s fine Toriel! Frisk and I usually sleep together anyways. Thank you for allowing me to stay here, it's been a long day.”
“Stay as long as you would like dear, my home is your home. I hope you two rest well.”
She smiled as she closed the door. You turned towards Frisk, face somber.
“..I expect you have a lot of questions, Frisk, and as do I.” You said, dreading the conversation to come. Frisk crossed their arms and studied your face. After their inspection, they tilted their head at you, wearing a confused expression. You answered their unspoken question with another question.
“Why do I look so old? Why do you look so young Frisk? You.. look exactly the same as the day I lost you, how long has it been for you?” They shrugged.
“Wait, a couple of months !? Frisk honey… it's been 10 years for me.” You accentuated your words, hugging yourself. “Ten years I lived not knowing if you were alive or dead. I was desperate to know if I was the only one left, the only one with the memories of our past.” They looked confused, placing a hand on your arm to comfort you. You teared up at their next question.
“Mom and Dad? I'm sorry Frisk, I... I couldn’t save them, they-” Your voice cracked, a feral sob ripping from your throat. “They are in the spirit realm now. I’m sorry, I'm so sorry. Everyone-everyone is gone and it's my fault.” You sobbed, sinking down to your knees, hugging them tight and babbling apologies. They clutched you tightly, trembling. You stayed like that for a while, feeling their tears drip down and soak your shoulder. You sighed, and forced yourself to look them in the eyes, clutching their arms.
“After we got separated in the rift, I thought I lost you too. But I never stopped looking, not once. And here you are. I’m so.. so glad you're alive. We’ve only got each other now. I promise, nothing like that will ever happen again okay? I’m strong now, strong enough to protect you. I refuse to ever freeze up like that again.” You promised them, gaze resolute. They seemed to calm down with your words and managed a small smile. You smiled weakly back at them, picked them up, and walked over to the bed. “We should get some rest now, Frisk. I love you.” You said as you draped the blankets over yourselves. They nodded softly against your shoulder, clutching your sleeve in response. You hugged them tight and fell asleep.