#I do think chara is cautious not to get on his bad side at first but comes around in later runs

[thatabitcryptic]

How well do you think sans and Chara would get along if they met? I'm asking this cause of how much the fandom seems to love to depict them as rivals cause of the genocide route and wanna see something different. Sorry if I'm bothering you btw I get really anxious when asking for requests.

I actually think they would be pals!! :-)

If we go by the narrator chara theory they are very sassy and funnie,, I think they would appreciate sans’ sense of humour or at least in the same why that papyrus does (saying they hate puns but laughing along and making their own jokes)

As for sans I think he would feel similarly towards chara as he does to frisk tbh… his dialogue about the anomaly being lonley and maybe needing a friend.. I think yeah,, that applies to chara

I love the hc that chara is guiding frisk through the game and I think sans would appreciate that as an older sibling himself actually :)

The fandom has a bad habit of taking the genocide route as hard canon facts about chara and I feel like it’s not a proper evaluation of them as a whole - anyway chara is good and sans would be pals with them

#I do think chara is cautious not to get on his bad side at first but comes around in later runs #chess.txt #asks #ut #also!! you’re not a bother!! I love answering questions so thank you!! :-)

[nyashykyunnie]

Might as well hope on the bandwagon. May I please request a Father Xiao scenarios? Maybe his child can be a half-adeptus like ganyu (Child auto-corrected to Childe when I was typing this xD)

A/N: took me awhile to think of a Xiao hc cuz I was tryna choose between some scenarios AHWHEGW Also SAME, MY PHONE AUTCORRECTS INTO CHILDE ALL THE TIME AHAHAGAGSG AND YES XIAO HAVING A HALF-BLOOD CHILD EEE NGL HE GONNA BE EXTRA PROTECTIVE AHADHJADGS I’m so excited for this ehehh. Also tyvm for the req!!! I hope you enjoy this anon!! Btw this was supposed to be for three charas but I got carried away with xiao so ahah,.... Woops =w=;;

𝙵𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛! 𝕏𝕚𝕒𝕠 x 𝙶𝙽! 𝙲𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚍! ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕕𝕖𝕣

.     　﹢　˖    　✦      ¸ .　﹢　 ° 　¸.    ° ˖ ･ ·̩　　 ｡　☆　　　ﾟ ＊ 　 ｡　☆ ✦˖

Having a child, with his own blood running through your veins, you being the spitting image of him- Was the last thing Xiao could ever imagine ever happening to him.

It’s understandable that he was really shocked to know you are his. Xiao is, after all, the Conqueror Of Demons. He is more than used to being in battle, always being on high alert and ready to slash any enemy down since it isone of his duties as the Vigilant Yaksha who protects Liyue.

Xiao was very cautious around you. With your small and fragile body, he feared that even touching you was enough to kill you. The Wangshu Inn keeper had to teach him ‘how’ to hold you because Xiao’s fear of holding you might just make him stay ten feet away from you at all costs.

He watches over you from afar, always ready to strike at whatever dares to bring you harm.

Though, most of the time, the yaksha is always leaving you to Verr Goldet’s care so he can fulfill his duties. It was fine at first- Until Verr had to talk to Xiao about it. He told him that he shouldn’t be too focused  on that job. 

She told him the possibilities of his constant negligence of you, she told him you might grow “Deprived From Fatherly Affection”. Xiao was shocked of course, he didn’t really know that. 

He felt guilty, he was so blinded by not wanting to inflict any form of harm on you, he didnt expect that it’ll inevitably lead you to growing some unwanted mindsets and habits.

Xiao isn’t really one for affection, there’s no need to explain that. Majority of his skills are more on the ‘slaughter’ and ‘exorcise’ expertise.

Regardless, he is not just a protector of Liyue now, he is a ‘father’ now. Specifically your father. This new responsibility isn’t something he will run away from.

Don’t expect much from him though. Xiao is still hesitant to some extent, he’s trying to figure out how he will interact with you.

 Unlike him, you’re fragile. More fragile than glass. He’s afraid of exerting accidental force that will lead him to hurting you. You’re just too small- so small can’t even reach pass his knees(Please this yaksha is just overthinking too much)

Baby steps, that’s what he’ll do. Slow and steady so he wont be too overwhelmed.

He starts off by simply talking to you, maybe even playing with you for a bit with enough begging. Xiao slowly got used to handling you as time went by. Verr was even suprised at one point when she saw Xiao handling you during your tantrums. 

Xiao made good progress with you. He didnt even know that he was unconciously getting attached to you, he didnt know that he adored your presence. He didn’t realize that he gets a little frustrated when he needs to leave you behind. Xiao developed his ‘father instincts’ to such a level to the point that he sometimes wished his Yaksha responsibilties were less demanding.

When you are trouled with nightmares- Xiao will put some stuff to wardoff evil. Though, he also heard that child mortals are more effectively comfoted if they are sung a lullaby, so he’ll do that. Just... Don’t tell anyone else or that will be your last (maybe)

The immortal sometimes even comes home with new clothes since he knew that children grow and he wouldn’t want to see you struggling with the small fit ofyour clothing. He also makes sure to put some spells on them too to ward off evil.

 Xiao unconciously spoils you, his mind always drifting; ‘Maybe they’ll like something like that. Mortal children I’ve seen are fond of those stuff’.  Naturally, he’ll make a way to afford that small gift for you. If he cant, then he’ll just learn how to make it himself.

He loves you, he just doesnt know how to convey that. Being an adepti, being raised as a machine for war- Love wasn’t something he is great at. But even if it’s that, he’ll still strive for you secretly. Xiao will no doubt make the most descreet efforts to adore you. He still doubts himself even after all the progress he’s made in becoming close to you.

“Silk Flowers!” You squeel in delight as you spotted a bouquet of it from afar. You dash off from Xiao’s side, making the adepti startled and call out your name.

But still you were a child, of course you just kept running and running until the ground beneath you rumbled at what seems like caused from footsteps. Your feet wobbled and almost knocked you off of your feeting. Then it stopped, a huge shadow looming over your small figure. You look up only to have the color of your face drained.

“D-Daddy!” You cried out in absolute horror, falling down to the ground. You were terrified, how could you not? Monsters were real, and one of those monsters was about to murder you in cold blood. “Daddy! Help!”

Just at the beast was about to swing it’s flaming axe towards you- The  wind shifted, as if slicing through the air and knocking back the mitachurl.

“How dare such filthy demon dare to even make their presence in front of my child, let alone even dare to strike!” Xiao growled, his eyes flaming gold from raw fury as he walked with the air dancing violently around him. “ I’ll make you pay”

Xiao’s voice was flooded with resentment, his primodial jade radiated as it felt it’s master’s sudden abundance in power. He spun it as his Yaksha mask formed in his face. At the roar of the enemy, Xiao leapt forward, striking the demon in overwhelming speed. He moved so fast it’s too the point the mitachurl wasn’t given any chance to react. But was it done? No, not even a little bit. That demon frightened you to the point your voice faltered in calling him. He has seen you in tears but never to this extent. Xiao was fuming as he plunged down, his anemo spears stabbing the enemy with no hint of sympathy. 

When he finally finished the kill, Xiao’s mask disintegrated and immediately walked to your crying state. He clicked his tounge, feeling a huge pang in his heart as he saw you this disheveled.

“Da-daddy!” You wailed, reaching your arms out for him desperately as your tears clouded your eyes. “Waah!”

He wanted to scold you, he really did. But the sight of you crying like this made the words stuck in his throat. Xiao instead lifted you in his arms, letting you bury your face on the crook of his neck and sob freely. You soaked his shoulder and Xiao didn’t complain, he just rubbed your back to let you know he is there.

“Does anywhere hurt?” His nonlachant voice rung in your ears softly, stealing your attention. “If there is, better tell me now or those wounds will cause  further damage in you.”

“[Y-y/n] is bad.” You hicupped. “[Y/N] is so bad daddy is now ou-ouchie. Daddy now hates [Y-Y/N]”

“Hate? You mortals have odd ways of thinking” Xiao sounded a little rough, making you flinch. “Don’t be ridiculous, I would never bear such hostility towards you. Moreover, I’m not hurt. I’ve lived for thousands of years, pain is something minimal for an adepti such as myself.”

He scoffed.

“On the other hand, your life is counted by only one hand. You have yet to experience what life will truly bring you.” Xiao’s voice started to soften bit by bit as he softly squeezes your small body towards him more “However, I am your father. If darkness decides to crawl at your feet and even when you are frigthened of what’s ahead- Call out my name. I’ll always be there.”

“Da-daddy promises?” You look up to stare at his amber orb. “Daddy will make monsters go bye-bye?”

“Yes” He simply answered. “Now stop your noisy crying, we’re going back to eat.”

He appears cold, his way of talking always straight to the point, but still he loves you. Adeptus Xiao, the guardian yaksha, his power will not simply be used in order to slaughter the darkness creeping around Liyue. With his Vision and might as Alatus, the Golden-Winged King,... He will protect you at all costs and raise you no matter how he is troubled regarding his difficulty in making much of emotions.

You are one his greatest gifts, a treasure he will sincerely hold in his heart forevermore. It doesn’t matter if his karmic binds attack him, he will venture out of it for you. 

A/N: AIGHHTT AAAA ITS MY FIRST TIME WRITTING FOR XIAO HNNN, Did I do good??? AAAA I DUNNO AHDKSGF. I hope you all liked it hngghhhh ;___; Also I’m sorry for being inactive a lot AAAAA, school is starting to get mre and more demanding. I have more hcs upcoming so dw! I wont end up completely turning into a dead ghost!

#genshin #genshin impact #genshin x reader #genshin x gender neutral reader #genshin headcanons #genshin scenarios #genshin fic #genshin imagines #genshin xiao #vigilant yaksha #xiao x reader #xiao x gender neutral reader #xiao #adeptus xiao

[generallypo]

night/day

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sticker proj! am still learning. more important to my brain, however, are the HOB/TOG crossover thoughts courtesy of 4am and bad sleeping habits. there lie hysterical laughing and raving, all under the cut. 

all warnings are dead at this point. yeet haw

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so hear this: TOG, except khun is now an infamous hobo trash god living his best life after getting the boot from heaven. this is his third time. the first two were official mandates, the third more of a soft plea for mercy after everyone up there gave a collective groan of christ, not this little shit again.

baam? probably been pining in a cave or a volcano or a very wee ramshackle house for, oh, say 800 years. no one’s really sure if he grew out of his emo phase or not yet.

yep that’s it that’s literally all i was thinking about. the rest is just character and story banter and a couple of hot takes. thanks for tuning in.

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in all honesty, i feel like matching tog charas with hob charas could go both ways -- surface personality-wise, i would say khun would actually fit hua cheng better? both start off as mysterious protector types to the MC and are sly and charming; on the other side, baam and xie lian are sweet and mild-mannered, enduring whatever problems come their way. hmm.

but if -- spoiler alert, i guess? -- we were to look at backstories and further, underlying character traits, khun’s history lines up with xie lian’s almost to a scary extent. born to a royal/extremely prominent family? indirectly leading them to disaster? suicide in the family as a result? being exiled to the very lowest level in society? aye aye, sir.

and by the end of all these events -- xie lian after the first few centuries of fucking with and getting fucked by history, khun after he arrives at the bottom of the tower -- neither are outwardly affected by their past, but it haunts them in subtler, unwanted ways, and it makes them jaded, cautious men. xie lian is obviously nicer when going about things, but i like to remember that khun actually does harbor an altruistic streak in him: helping maria simply because he admired her kindness, vowing to aid baam after his interest in the black march wanes and he realizes baam is a legitmately decent person. he has no attachment to rachel, but for a simple promise to a dead boy he’s willing to carry her several floors up the tower. khun is a softer soul than he shows; it’s the constant danger of the tower that makes him behave with such a contrasting harshness and vigilance. (also, as of s3 khun is apparently an unkillable cockroach... so now he really is twinsies with xie lian. little buggers.)

and conversely, baam isn’t always just sunshine and honey -- his intense, almost obsessive capacity to fixate on -- worship, even -- a person is pretty starkly reminiscent of hua cheng’s focus on xie lian. at least, from an outsider’s perspective. as a reader, we’re privy to the far more benign nuances of his  interactions with the local trash god, but from the pov of an another character, the way he constantly hovers and menaces anything between him and xie lian is... basically season 1 and 2 of tog with baam and rachel? 

cue the blatant similarity between their motives for doing so as well: growing up isolated from the rest of society, finding a reason to live through the first person to accept them and consequently building their entire life around that person.  that extreme of a love, regardless of its purity or good intentions, can be terrifying -- and is why, i think, rachel’s rejection during the hell train arc is completely reasonable, and xie lian’s acceptance of it is a beautiful miracle. tog is the example of a failed and, frankly, very human ‘love’ story, and hob showcases the very best of one, uplifted by a superhuman willingness to wait until both parties are ready to see each other equally. and for that reason, hob truly is the romance of all romances -- 800 years of patience and quiet understanding and mutual comfort? godly.

hence, my chipmunk brain stands up and screams: xie lian!khun and hua cheng!bam! it makes perfect sense! do it! do it! do ittttt! i like to think there’s a bunch of cute similarities with the plot and character development and overall progression and that it totally works and all. it’s totally deep. yeah.

(additionally, all the matching butterfly imagery and coloration stuff: warm red tones for hc/baam, white/blue-ish for xl/khun. yep. for some things, i don’t have to think too hard at all, and i like that.)

anyway, the comparisons could totally go both ways, i agree with that. but here’s my current take on it since this one vibes with me a little more and i think there are deeper thoughts to be extrapolated out on it. also bc literally one reason: if khun were hc it would take him tops a century to scout out baam, convince him to travel far away, and like, i dunno, climb a tower with him or something.

#tower of god #tog #heaven official's blessing #hob #tian guan ci fu #khun aguero agnis #twenty fifth baam #khunbam #long ass emotional screeching #fanart #4am small brained mammal shenanigans

[promisedangel]

Fresh Meat: Confinement- Chapter 25

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Thank you so much for your patience. I figured out part of my problem was circular topics. I’m in the process of trimming and streamlining the future events of the story to prevent this from happening again.

Chapter 25- Status

Alphys turned back towards Chara with concern. It had been a long time since she saw Chara in such a state of grief and dismay. She almost felt at a loss. She wanted to say something. Anything. She thought about her words as she carefully grasped Chara’s hand with both of hers. Chara’s eyes drifted to their grasped hand, their sobs unhindered. Alphys spoke gently, “Chara. I promise it won’t get that bad.” Chara’s voice cracked through their sobs, “Please… don't lie to me.” “I’m not lying…” Chara shot a glare. They pushed their upper body up to Alphys’s eye level. They raised their voice, “You are lying!” Alphys shivered. She jumped back with a startle. Chara continued to shout at her, “You are lying to me and lying to yourself! You haven’t stopped him yet, so what makes you think you will stop him from hurting me further?!” Alphys curled inward. She raked her brain for a few terse moments for anything better to say. Chara’s expression slowly cooled back to their sorrow with the realization of what they’ve done. They laid back down on their bed and spoke quietly, “I… I’m sorry. I… should not take this out on you.” Alphys twiddled her claws and replied in a chastised tone, “No… you’re right. I shouldn’t be making promises I can’t keep.” She approached the bedside again. She got down on her knees and spoke gently, “So… instead I’ll promise I will do everything I can to mitigate your pain.” Chara sighed and closed their eyes. Their mood and tone evened out to relief, “Thank you.”

Alphys stood. Her tone brightened slightly, “Um… I’ll get your breakfast ready. We can decide what to do after. Okay?” Chara silently nodded. They watched as Alphys left them alone, only to return sometime later with a tray of food and water. Alphys carefully placed the tray down at the foot of Chara’s bed. She approached Chara cautiously. “Do you want help sitting up?” Chara affirmed, “Since I am on my stomach, I will need help slowly adjusting my leg.” Alphys went to the foot of the bed. She quickly scooted the tray under the bed. She questioned, “Okay. Did you want me to hold your leg up?” Chara nodded as they tossed the bed sheet to the side. Alphys slowly lifted Chara’s left leg upwards. Chara hissed slightly but began to turn over on the bed. Alphys helped Chara settle back onto the bed in a sitting position, including the ice pack. Once done, She gave Chara the tray. She sat on the floor at Chara’s bedside as Chara slowly began to eat.

Alphys broke the silence with a question, “Um… can I ask a… difficult question?” Chara raised a brow with their cautious reply, “About?” Alphys grimaced before she spoke, “What… I mean, why do you think he’s broken you?” Chara paused their meal. They were silent for a moment. Alphys replied nervously, “Y- you don’t have to answer if you don’t feel comfortable.” Chara recounted, “Before he broke my leg… he asked me a question. If I answered correctly, he said he would let me go before he sent the Royal Guard after me.” Alphys’s eyes widened. “He… He wouldn’t do that. Not after you were almost taken by that intruder.” “Exactly. It was a cruel trick.” Chara expression seemed distant as they continued, “I don’t think there was a correct answer. It was too vague, only asking left or right.” Alphys’s eyes narrowed. She gave a confused tone, “What kind of question is that supposed to be? Is that even a question?” “You see my point. In hindsight, I can only see it as a trick to break me.” Alphys’s expression softened. She sighed, “After everything that’s happened, I shouldn’t be surprised you feel this way. I…. never thought something like this would happen. But I think part of me is surprised something like this didn’t happen sooner.” Chara muttered dryly, “He enjoys it, you know. His expressions, his tone, his posture as he looms down at me. He enjoys every second of it.” Chara shook their head, “I should have figured that out when he laughed at me when he punished me with the laser.”

Alphys cleared her throat. Her expression oozed her discomfort with the topic. She tried to change the subject. Her tone was nervous at first, but slowly relaxed as she spoke, “Um... did you want to give the wheelchair a try? Or did you want your hair washed? Like we discussed.” Chara gave a despondent gaze. They relaxed as they slumped their body against the wall. They spoke quietly, “After I've eaten.” Alphys nodded, “Okay.”

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The morning passed into the late afternoon as Alphys tried to cheer Chara up. Learning the limits of the wheelchair did little to improve Chara's despondent mood. Washing their hair had just as little effect but fluffed Chara's hair to a semi-clean state. As much as Alphys wanted to stay and continue to help, Chara shooed her away quietly. She sighed, complying with Chara's wishes.

Once kicked out, she knew her next move was to confront Dr. Gaster about Chara's leg. Yet, no courage bubbled. No voice of confidence to disown this kind of behavior. As she thought of things to say, her throat seemed to close on her. Her expression lowered. She at least had to hear it from his side.

Alphys knocked on Gaster's door. She heard permission to enter, indifferent as usual. She entered and closed the door behind her, but did not approach his desk. He gave glances towards her in between his stacks of papers. He spoke evenly, “I assume the human has been tended to?” Alphys leaned against the door as she nodded. She quietly asked, “Why did you do that to them?” Gaster replied bluntly, “It was necessary.” Anger flashed on Alphys's face. Her confidence temporarily restored itself. Her mind caught up with her quickly. She bit her lip before she spat words. She shook slightly. No, even if she wanted to, this wasn't the way. She had to endure it to stay by Chara's side. Her expression deflated to a resigned sadness. She confessed, “You broke them.” Gaster rolled his eye sockets but did not make eye contact with Alphys. He retorted, “I know it seems harsh, but the human keeps finding ways to escape. All I did was ensure that it stays where it can be protected. We cannot afford any more mistakes.” Alphys swallowed the rest of her desire to retort. It showed as hesitation in her voice, “N... no, sir... I don't mean just their leg. I, um, think you shattered their mental state.” Gaster paused from his paperwork. He looked up at Alphys with hints of shock and trepidation. He questioned, “Are you saying its will is broken?” Alphys looked away and affirmed, “Yes...” Many emotions battled within Gaster. Disbelief budded first: was the human truly broken? Or was Alphys exaggerating? He had noticed the human slowly become more and more submissive as the month went on. Perhaps this was the last shock the human needed before they broke. A small smile appeared and disappeared just as quickly. He was grateful for this news. Truly. He felt more at ease with the knowledge his work became easier to manage. Just in time to take blood on a regular basis. He spoke with a calm smile, “Good. It will make drawing blood next week easier.” Alphys seemed despondent. Her tail curled around her feet. Her boss's reaction flashed by so fast for her. In the end, he only had a few calm words to say about it. She sighed, “I see.” Gaster went back to his paperwork, “Is that all?” Alphys shook her head. She replied quietly, mournfully, “Yes, sir.” Alphys turned towards the door. She opened the door and hung on the doorknob for a moment. Her desire to retort bubbled once more. If not about the cruelty, then at least about Chara's mental state. But, it was brief with the knowledge nothing would come of it at this point. Not if she wanted Chara to be somewhat safe. She exited quietly.

Alphys walked back to her room in silence. There was still time before she had to start making Chara's dinner. The day and night before had been heavy on her, she had begun to drag her feet and tail as she walked. Halfway back to her room, her cellphone began to ring. She raised her eyebrow, confused. Was Gaster calling her back to his office for something? A chill ran down her spine at the thought. She fished her cellphone from her pocket. She answered the phone carefully, “Um... hello?” “Ah Alphyss, good. I'm relieved I remembered your number.” Serol's voice calmly projected from the phone. Alphys sighed in relief. Her relief quickly switched to confusion. She questioned, “What's wrong, Serol? Did something happen?” Serol sprinted through speaking, “No! No no! I sswear nothing hass happened!” He cleared his throat before he continued, “I... I thought about what you showed me this morning.” Alphys paused. She looked around the hallway. She saw a camera a ways ahead of her on a corner. She spoke tensely into the phone, “Um... give me a minute to get back to my room.” Serol made a quick affirming noise. Alphys hung up the phone quietly. She wanted to sprint to her room, but she held back that instinct. Her eyes drifted back to the camera in suspicion. Even though he wasn't actively looking, she knew he could rewind any camera feed with any footage. She couldn't risk it.

It took a few minutes for Alphys to retreat to her room at a casual pace. She closed the door behind her before she slumped and slid down the door with a groan. Once sat on the ground, she called Serol back. He answered quickly, “Yess?” Alphys apologized, “I'm sorry... if there was any chance he knew I let you in Chara's room, I... I don't know anymore.” Serol spoke calmly, “I undersstand.” Alphys stood up and made her way to her bed, “Anyway, what did you want to talk about? You said you thought about Chara's leg or something?” Serol's tone turned serious, “More broad, but yess. I want to help you.” Alphys blinked. She sat on the bed as she spoke in a confused tone, “Help me?” “From the little I've sseen of Chara'sssituation, I can only imagine the pain they've been through. Dr. Gasster may be keeping them ssafe from monssterkind, but the way he'ss doing it feelss wrong.” Alphys's tone turns to a slight somber, “Serol, I don't think you can help me.” He gave a nervous chuckle, “Yess, well, I am not sure how to help. That'ss why I called you.” “Again... I'm not sure you can. Not since he's increased security into the lower lab.” “I sstill have accessss while my team and I are working on the sssoul sscanning devicce. And, if I prove usseful beyond that, I could have accessss indefinitely.” “What if you can't 'prove useful' to him? What then?” “I can ssneak ssomething in the ssupplies. The hum- erm, Chara needss food, right?” “Well... yes...” “And part of your dutiess iss to check those ssupply shipmentss, yess?” “I'm losing his trust. He could check the shipments himself.” Serol paused, “Then... I can help you regain his trust.” Alphys groaned before she replied, “Serol... I really appreciate you trying, but things are too high strung now. I don't want you getting in trouble either.” She sighed, “If... I agree to accept your help, do you think you could only help when I ask?” Serol affirmed, “Of coursse, I won't be recklessss.” Alphys relaxed. She smiled as she replied, “Thank you, Serol.” “Pleasse call for my help ssoon.” Serol hung up the phone. Alphys gently set her phone on her nightstand. She rubbed her face and groaned, “Serol... you don't know what you got into...”

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 A week had gone by without incident. Chara shook and held their right shoulder tightly. Their right arm was opened, elbow down along their bed. New bandages were tightly wrapped around their elbow, a tiny splotch of blood bled through the bandage. Chara watched silently, glowering at Gaster as he walked towards the door. In one hand, he held a large vial. Blood freshly stolen. He looked back one last time, a dark, satisfied smile across his skull. Chara's glower faltered as he looked back. He spoke, “If you are like this from now on, you can expect to be rewarded in a few weeks.”

Chara's eyes instinctively drifted to Gaster's pocket, knowing exactly what he meant. Their expression brightened for only a moment before Gaster opened the door. He looked to his right and spoke, “Ah, perfect timing, Alphys.” Alphys's voice rung from just beyond the door, “I didn't realize you'd be doing the blood draw this late...” Gaster sighed, “Sadly, I'm running behind today. A few meetings ran longer than expected.” Alphys spoke gently, “Well, hopefully, you catch up.” “I will.” With that, Gaster disappeared. Alphys sighed in relief. She entered the room with a tray of food for Chara as always. She spoke with worry, “Did he hurt you while drawing blood?” Chara accepted the tray as they spoke, “Not physically. He was testing me; seeing if I would react.” Alphys spoke with understanding, “And you didn't.” Chara paused from drinking their water. They squeezed their glass. They gritted their teeth and spoke, “But I wanted to. I wanted to say something. Anything. I could barely look at him. I scowled at him as he left, but I couldn't when he looked back.” Alphys nodded silently by Chara's side. She kept a sympathetic gaze. Chara continued, “I hate him. But, I don't want to hurt anymore...” Alphys spoke gently, “I know. And I'm here for you.”

Tears budded from Chara's eyes. Anger bloomed in their expression. They raised the glass above their head. They raised their voice, “I hate feeling useless!” Chara threw the glass. The moment it left their hand, they gasped and widened their eyes. Alphys and Chara could only watch helplessly as the glass hit the floor and broke into several large pieces and some small pieces. Both Alphys and Chara gaped at the broken glass, their minds at first failed to process the event. Alphys began to step towards it. Chara noticed this and began to apologize, “I'm sorry. Truly.” Alphys shook her head before she responded calmly, “It's okay. You didn't hurt either of us.” Chara removed the covers from their bed. They sniffled and wiped their tears away. They spoke, still recovering from their sorrow, “Let me help.” Chara carefully crawled out of bed. Their leg still had some pain from moving, but it was not debilitating due to the gauze healing the break. Alphys started to bend down to pick up some of the glass before she noticed Chara. She began to panic slightly, “Oh! No, no! I can take care of this! Don't... don't strain yourself!” Chara carefully crawled on the floor. They were careful and aware of the pain in their injured leg. Alphys resigned, “Okay... Just be careful. I can pick up the small pieces without worry.”

Chara affirmed. They stopped around the foot of their bed. They grabbed a few smaller pieces silently. They cradled the pieces in one hand while they picked up glass shards with the other. They grabbed a larger piece. They flinched and made a small noise. Alphys noticed immediately. “Are you okay?” Chara held the piece to their chest. They spoke nervously, “I thought I cut myself, but I’m fine.” Alphys blinked. She let out a, “Oh... okay. Just be careful.” Chara nodded. Alphys's focus returned to picking up the pieces. Chara relaxed and looked down on the newest piece of glass in their hand. The glass had cut into their palm just under their pinkie and their ring finger. Their mind drifted as the intensely looked at the piece of glass and the blood it freed. Chara looked over at Alphys. She looking in a different direction as she picked up the rest of the pieces. Chara slowly slipped the blood dipped glass shard under the sheet of their bed. Chara went back to picking up the rest of the pieces with Alphys. The two used the tray to hold the glass. Alphys sighed in relief, “Okay. That should be all of it. Thank you for helping.” Chara mused dryly, yet apologetically, “It's the least I can do for breaking it.” Alphys dismissed it, “Don't worry. It was an accident.” Alphys collected the rest of the utensils and silverware from Chara's bed, “Okay. You rest up. I'll see you tomorrow.” Chara nodded, “See you.” Alphys left without another word.

An expert from the journal of Dr. W.D Gaster

The human is far too clever for its own good. It tried one last time to escape last week. I had no choice to deal an extremely harsh punishment. But it was worth it; Alphys informed me the human's will has broken. Today, I was able to test this during the first scheduled blood draw. The human couldn't look me in the eye, let alone retort to anything said. Despite this change, I cannot take the chance it won't escape again. The new room is nearing completion. With it, I won’t have to worry about escape ever again.

#predatortale #undertale predator au #undertale au #undertale fresh meat #Confinement #fresh meat confinement #chara #alphys #serol #original character #gaster #w.d. gaster #chapter 25 #fanfic #fanfiction #tw blood

[gasters-story]

Fallen's Chapter 2

Word Count: 1,805

Chara got along well with the two skeleton brothers. They almost became like siblings with how close they got. After a few days l, it was normal to see them around the lab. Fallen got use to them exploring or watching after the boys after a few weeks. He was able to finish his security system because of it too, yet he's left it off for a few reasons. One was so he didn't get in trouble with Asgore. He did, however, leave the alert on for when someone enters or exits on. He'd get it on a small pocket device so only he'd notice for now, and not who happens to be entering or exiting.

Fallen was nervous the first time it went off. He expected Asgore to be the one who walked in, but to his surprise it was Asriel instead. Either way, Fallen had to at least have Chara hide away from the prince. If Asriel is anything related to Asgore in personality, Chara probably wouldn't be safe if found. Fallen made sure to remind them of that, even if the scientist had partly raised Asriel.

Fallen watched over the kids while he reread a book nearby. He had warned them not to say anything about Chara for the human child's safety, but he wanted to make sure. He wasn't suspecting any of the brothers for being bad, he just expected their mistakes, especially when they're having fun. Luckily, they managed to not spill the beans. Only problem was Fallen's worry about Asriel coming in without him realizing it, since Asriel is now becoming more independent acting as he got older and didn't announce his presence like his father. Mischief waiting to happen. 

Worst part is Asriel actually did once decided to roam the labs without permission. Fallen never noticed since he was taking a nap during the time Asriel entered. He expected his kids to be responsible enough, by apparently that wasn't the case. Instead, Fallen found the four of them, Chara, Sans, Papyrus, and Asriel, all talking happily in the main common room of the lab. Fallen thought he was still asleep at first, but once he realized he wasn't, he decided he'd ask later how it managed to work out. He just watched from afar for now.

They talked casually like old friends. The first one to notice Fallen was there was Papyrus, being as observant as usual. He ran up to the scientist for a hug, bouncing into his arms.

"How are you all?" Fallen asks and gives a small smile to play off his worries. Chara gave a skeptical look at first but just played along.

"We're doing great!" Papyrus exclaims happily. Fallen picks up the small skeleton, allowing for Papyrus to pay the other's head gently. Fallen smiled more, this time more genuine, and hugged Papyrus as best as he could while he's holding the small child.

"That's good then." Fallen says and takes a moment to glance at Asriel. He didn't seem to act like he entered at a bad time.

"How did you rest, Dad?" Sans asks. He seemed to see more problems with the way his smile seemed more on the nervous side. 

"Well enough so far. We'll see as the day continues." Fallen put down Papyrus and looked at Asriel as the kid spoke up. 

"Can we go play together now? Sans and Papyrus said they weren't sure if I could." He explains. That fits a few pieces together.

"Well, you're already here. Might as well let you." Fallen couldn't just turn him away now. At least they all got along. 

Fallen supervised while reading one of his old, favorite books, just as he had always done. He was more attentive to the kids though. Whatever happened while he slept, it was settled now but Fallen wasn't sure how settled it really was. 

Of course there was the point where Asriel had to go home. As skeptical and cautious as Fallen was, he confronted Asriel before he fully left the labs.

"What do you think of Chara, the human?" Asriel jumped a bit in surprise and turned to face the skeleton. This was kind of new from Fallen, so the prince took a moment to respond.

"They're nice. And friendly. What about them?" His facial expression showed his unease, from shifting eyes to his attempt to smile.

"Because after taking care of them for as long as I have, their safety is important to me. If you really do want to hang out with them more, you must not say a word about them to your father. That risk must not be taken." Fallen's height and stare made for an intimidating figure to Asriel. While he understood every word clear, he wasn't sure how to respond. It was clear he knew his father's faults when it came to humans, to put it lightly.

"I-I understand, sir…" Asriel mumbles. He had never before referred to Fallen like that, only his dad when he got into some kind of trouble. Fallen sighed, letting his intimidating figure go, and gave Asriel a pat on the head. He couldn't help but feel guilty for scaring the other.

"I apologize, but I'm sure you understand why." The scientist starts. "Just know I'll be proud if you can keep this a secret and you can continue to hang out at the labs with us anytime." 

Asriel softened his stance a bit and gave a sheepish smile. "Alright." He was still quiet when he spoke but it was at least a bit louder than before. He was probably just still shaken up from the moment before.

Fallen let Asriel leave, leaving him alone with his anxiety to haunt his mind. There wasn't much the scientist could do besides reread a book and hope his trust in Asriel doesn't cost him.

Fallen assumed that since the royal family hadn't stopped by at all, especially Asgore and Asriel, that so far they were in the clear. If they weren't, Asgore would be storming in here, that's for sure. As long as that didn't happen, they were safe for the time.

Asriel would visit the day after, almost making a system of every other day, but it wasn't exactly routined or in a system. He was like that cousin that occasionally came over with little warning which is pretty much what the skeleton brothers at least saw him as nowadays. 

After a few months, Asriel didn't come over as joyous as he usually did. He was quiet, never answering anyone's concerned questions. Fallen offered him things to eat and drink, yet Asriel rarely took any of it. He was there physically, but it was clear his mind was elsewhere.

Asriel stayed the night for the first time, making Fallen wonder if something happened at the castle. Was he even allowed to be here? He was sure he'd know soon enough, but he decided that sleeping wouldn't be easy. Asriel seemed to silently agree.

Fallen checked on Asriel when he couldn't sleep yet the other kids were. The prince laid in bed with his eyes open, like he gave up long before. The scientist tried to talk to the young goat monster.

"May I know what's wrong?" Fallen asks.

"She's… She's gone…" Asriel mumbles with little change in his expression.

"Who is?" While Fallen didn't know much of Asriel's life outside of the labs, his soul ached at the possibilities it came up with.

"Mom left and I don't know where she went…" Asriel buried his face in his paws as he let out a whimper. "They got on another fight because they don't know what to do and she just… left this time… and now Dad won't leave his room…" 

Fallen gently rubbed Asriel's back to comfort him as best as he could. He thought that the couple had things settled and decided on what they would do, but then again, hey hadn't seen a human in years. Things must've changed because of that. Now Toriel just cut herself out of the scenario completely, which made it worse for Asgore. He was already struggling heavily in the emotional bonds he holds for his people as their king. Now his family split because of it.

It was a lot Fallen didn't want to entirely get involved in. He didn't just want to leave Asriel like this, though. "Asgore must be taking it hard as well. Do you think you can help him? It might help you move on as well." He accidentally made it sound like she passed away. While Toriel may not be, Queen Toriel in a sense was.

"It'll be weird without mom there." Asriel mumbles as he slowly pulled his paws from his face.

"I know, but unless she plans to come back, there is not much you can do. Try what you can." Fallen's advice wasn't as good as he wished, plus it's the best he had.

Asriel seemed to understand, bhut he stayed silent. After a moment, fallen decided to leave it at that. "Get some rest." He says as he gets up. "I'll try to do the same." He gave the best smile he could muster before he left the room.

Asriel was gone by the time he woke up. Fallen wouldn't know the situation until Asriel decided to come back to the labs. Fallen wasn't planning to go find out himself anyways. Who knows how that would turn out.

The labs became a bit more solemn while Asriel was gone. He wouldn't come back for a while either. Fallen worried a bit, so he did take the trouble to look for Asriel to make sure he was alright. Fallen didn't bother him though. He just wanted to be reassured in his safety. The anxiety was killing him.

Papyrus would ask where Asriel was after a few days. Fallen would just say he's been busy instead of giving the real story. Chara knew this but they decided not to call him out on it. There wasn't a need to, even if they could also tell Fallen didn't like doing such a thing.

Everyone just hoped everything would pass.

When Asriel finally came back, he wore the best smile he could and tried to hang out like old times. While it wasn't exactly like before, it was better than nothing. Sometimes Asriel even stayed long enough to have sleepovers, perhaps to make up for all the time he was gone.

Fallen was at least glad Asriel was feeling fine enough to manage a fake front compared to before. He should get better with time, especially in a place not as affected by Toriel's absence.

Yet, somehow that's not how it went. Within just a couple of weeks, the Underground would change drastically from the prince's next choices.

Reborn Arc End

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#gaster #asriel #chara #sans #papyrus #fallen's story #fanstory #undertale #headcanon #chapter 2 #reborn arc

[ruetheend]

BitterBlossoms - Chapter 1: Ruins, from the abyss.

Synopsis: A long time ago, a child fell into the Underground. With their determination, they defeated the enemy.

Frisk, trapped in darkness all this time, is full of regrets. She wishes to undo the damage. A bored Chara, intrigued by Frisk's sudden desire, obliges her and resets. Yet this world is not what it seems, and it appears the rules have changed.

Click to read the first chapter below.

Chapter 1

Author’s Note: This fanfiction is being reworked, and here is the new version of Chapter 1. Best read on AO3. 

It had been a long time since Frisk was conscious. Since Chara sent her to this unknown abyss after that last run, Frisk felt empty. In the end, she felt nothing, and the darkness consumed her. It seemed similar, in some ways, to the place where Flowey would leave her when she would reach the end...

In what felt like many years after the final point of EXP pushed her over the edge, Frisk's memory stirred. Her SOUL floated from her body, red as ever. In it's illuminating glow, she could see scenes from her past play out. Frisk recalled the warm hug of her adoptive mother. She remembered the good times she had with her friends once a long time ago. She remembered bad jokes, even worse food, but a friendly smile. How that one person, despite everything, still believed in her. Her ability to be a good person. How they never gave up on her, and how they gave her the strength to try again despite Flowey leaving her in the void. And finally, after so many tries and resets, how she helped her friends see the sun. She smiled as she remembered these moments. These precious times.

Then her smile faded. Frisk remembered what followed the breach to the surface. Dusty alleyways, protests, and a different kind of uncertainty for monsterkind.

Somehow, she felt an ache in her bones and her stomach fluttered at her next memories. The memories flashed by quickly on her red SOUL.

A good intention gone wrong.

A single misstep.

A curiosity.

The dust on her hands. How they pleaded for their lives. How they defied all odds, and still died at her hands.

For the first time in a long while, Frisk began to cry. The heat of her tears scared her, but they came anyway. Frisk couldn't be sure how long she spent crying, but she remembered her every sin. Then, she heard a voice call out to her. His voice was still young despite the flow of time.

Frisk. You seem so gloomy these days.

I am growing concerned.

You have been faithful to me and I, quite honestly, am bored.

Let us reset this cursed world again. I can make it go back to zero.

Frisk felt a bright light erupt around her. Carefully, she opened her eyes to see Chara still young as ever. He stood before her fetal form with an expectant look upon his face.

No one will remember. No one will know of your crimes.

You can try again. In return... you will just give me one thing. The one thing I want.

Frisk realized then that she had been floating. She pulled her legs away and down, her foot touching the ground. Chara held out a hand to Frisk.

What do you say, partner?

Frisk tensed. Chara was giving her a deal, but he didn't specify what he wanted. Would she truly accept it? Then again... what did she have to lose? She reached out and took Chara's hand. He gripped her hand tightly in his. From his sleeves, a black ooze rushed out and covered Frisk whole. It expanded from her chest and pulled her SOUL into it's darkness. As Frisk tried to pull away, Chara only laughed until his eyes cried black.

I grow bored of the usual reset. I've actually been working on something new... I hope you understand.

Frisk took a deep breath as the ooze spread to her face. The last thing she saw was Chara's normal face. The face he wore when he wanted to pass for human. He almost looked...

Like he had a regret.

Underground in the far west of the cavern, was the usual point of total reset for Frisk. Previously, golden flowers bloomed aplenty and gave the dark space a radiant glow in the center. It was usually day when Frisk woke up. The moonlight from above illuminated her body. The flower bed around her shimmered blue as the flowers whispered sad stories and conversations all around her. When she opened her eyes, this was the first thing Frisk noticed. She sat up and noted her body. A knit, purple sweater Toriel had made her a few resets prior, a pair of blue jean shorts with suspenders she found in a drawer in Toriel's home, and the brown boots she had fetched from Toriel's treasure trove of shoes. As always, she seemed to retain her same age despite the reset. When Frisk reset, even the true reset, her mind and age remained, while everyone else seemed to revert back to how they were when she first fell. Slowly, Frisk stood and took a few cautious steps. One foot in front of the other. She nearly toppled over as she unused to walking.

As she walked, she heard passing conversations. They were whispers usually, and she heard a similar theme. "What do we do now? What are we going to do about this?" Frisk saw a singular blue flower ahead of her.

A face grew on the flower, and she immediately recognized him. Flowey.

As Frisk approached the flower, she noticed something else was different about Flowey. He didn't smile at her. In fact, he looked worried.

"Oh no..." Flowey looked away from Frisk. "I'm sorry... you really shouldn't be here. How did you even get here?"

Frisk thought of speaking up, but couldn't find her voice. Instead, she pointed upward. It wasn't necessarily a lie.

"This is really... really unfortunate for you." Flowey looked back at Frisk, then away again. "Wowie, you look like you took a dirt bath... I thought humans showered regularly?"

Frisk blushed as she patted the dust and dirt from herself. Flowey nervously laughed and shook his head.

"Well, that's okay... I'm Flowey. I guess that makes me... Flowey the Flower," Flowey looked aside awkwardly, as if he were unused to having to introduce himself. "Well... why don't I show you how things work around here."

Frisk nodded as her SOUL faintly appeared from her chest. Its familiar red glow even more distinct against the shimmering blue flowers around them.

"That's your SOUL, it's the culmination of your being," Flowey said. Frisk simply nodded. "Human SOULs are pretty strong, so I don't think you need to worry about gaining LV... er, what's LV you may be wondering!" Flowey looked aside nervously. "Its... its not important. Anyway, monsters down here tend to greet each other with magic! Um, like this!" White pellets materialized around Flowey and swirled around him. "It's um... normal for monsters to use magic on each other. So, get used to it? A-anyway, try to avoid the pellets!"

The pellets flew toward Frisk's SOUL. Rather than move it around, she allowed the pellets to hit, after the first couple landed, Flowey visibly swung his leaves around and the pellets flew to either side of Frisk's SOUL. She furled her brow. Why would he do that? Checking her HP, that attack didn't take her down to 1. Why...?

"H-hey, you are supposed to dodge those attacks." Flowey looked a bit frustrated. "You are pretty tall for a kid, right? Aren't you an adult human? I mean... you aren't wearing a stripped shirt..."

Frisk had no idea how to respond to that. Why wasn't he trying to reap her SOUL? Was this some kind of new trick? Flowey shouldn’t remember true resets… he didn’t seem to remember that last one anyway...

"Maybe it's cause you can't move all that well, right?... you look so uncomfortable..."

Frisk noticed her legs were shaking and she was hunched over somewhat. She tried to speak, but it came out as a squeak. Instead, she nodded at the small, blue flower.

For now, she would play dumb just like he was doing.

"Wait here," Flowey had a glint of hope in his eye as Frisk's SOUL disappeared back into her body. "I'll go get help." He disappeared into the earth.

Frisk waited minutes and was confused. Usually, Flowey would attack her, then Toriel would rescue her. Or if Flowey was aware, Flowey would say something mean and Toriel would show up. Not to mention the echo flowers that seemed to replace the golden ones. Frisk recalled Chara's words. I grow bored of the usual reset . What did Chara do?

"Hello." Frisk heard an almost familiar voice. The voice pulled her out of her thoughts, and her attention was grabbed by Toriel. Her voice was lighter than usual, more youthful. She was also shorter. Toriel seemed to be the same height as Frisk. Strange, as Toriel still stood at least a head over her even at her full height. Toriel was dressed somewhat differently. She wore a solid, purple dress that bore the delta rune crest on it's chest. She also wore a dark purple mantle, which seemed to have a longer cape that reached down to the goat's pink boots. Toriel also wore pink gloves over her paws. Frisk studied Toriel's face for a moment. She seemed younger, but tired. More tired than she ever seen Toriel be before. Was this Toriel? "Ah, you are the human Flowey told me about..."

"Um..." Frisk tried her voice. It was scratchy and unused, but she managed to project loudly enough for Toriel to nod at her. "Who are you?"

"Oh dear, I forgot to introduce myself." Toriel waved from where she stood, keeping a fair distance from Frisk. "My name is Tori. I am one of the keepers of these ruins. You have fallen underground, my dear to... well, we call it the Underground around here."

"Oh..." This was definitely Toriel, though it was odd for her to introduce herself as Tori. Usually, it was a nick name reserved for close friends. Frisk pondered for a quick second as she noticed an absence. After all, he had called Tori to this place. Why wasn't he here? "Where is Flowey?"

Tori looked aside and seemed to try to suppress a concerned expression. "Ah, yes. I told Flowey to stay home. It is not... safe for some like him to wander about the ruins alone."

In response, Frisk merely nodded.

"Let us proceed to the next room..." Tori turned and exited through the door she came through.

Frisk followed Tori into the other room and spotted Flowey ducking into the ground at the top of the stairs. Red leaves were scattered around the middle section by the steps as before, but through the leaves, Frisk could see echo flowers blooming through the ground. The blue and red against the deeply purple surroundings almost gave Frisk a headache just looking at it. Frisk spotted the usual save point in the leaves, but it wasn't yellow. It was blue. A small quirky change, she assumed.

As Tori climbed the steps, Frisk reached out to interact with the save point. It glowed to her touch, and time around her stood still with Tori half way up the steps. Strangely enough, a menu popped open to Frisk, though she quickly remembered the feeling. It had been a while since she last saw it. The name was Chara, as usual, and she saw the words Save and Continue. Frisk saved at the save point and it healed her. She felt the familiar power course through her veins. Then, she tried to pull up the Continue and Reset menu. Nothing happened. She tried again, but time continued to move forward and no menu appeared for her.

"What's wrong, my dear? Please, do not lag behind." Tori called out from the top.

Frisk looked up at the small goat woman. Tori gave her a small, patient smile, but Frisk felt a seed of worry plant in her soul. What if she messed up? The menu was not appearing... Had she lost the power to do resets?

Frisk noted that Tori kept a decent amount of space between them as they walked. "So the ruins can be pretty dangerous to newcomers," Tori explained as they entered the first puzzle room. "You have to solve puzzles to get from place to place here. Like so," Tori solved the step puzzle for Frisk, as she had done many times before, and pressed the switch on the wall. "You will need to make sure you read signs to solve the puzzles here. I made sure to leave some instructions on some of the more... dangerous puzzles." Tori looked aside.

"Dangerous?" Frisk questioned as Tori led her to the next puzzle room.

"Yes, the puzzles in the ruins can be quite dangerous." Frisk was certain Tori was exaggerating. So far, as she noticed the puzzle in the second room was exactly the same as in the previous timeline, nothing had changed other than Toriel's size... and Flowey's temper. How could these puzzles be dangerous? "I've marked the correct switches. Please press them, and we will proceed." Tori went to the end of the hall and stood by the spike trap. As usual, Frisk flipped the marked switches and the spike traps retreated. "Good! You are doing so well!" Toriel seemed genuinely pleased.

As they toured through the various puzzle rooms at the start of the ruins, Frisk picked up on a few things with Tori. First, Tori was still the same old Toriel for the most part, but other than her look something else was off. Something Frisk couldn't quite place. Second, Tori avoided having Frisk fight the Dummy completely. Usually, Toriel wanted Frisk to know how to deal with battle in non-violent ways. Instead, Tori seemed to avoid the conversation entirely. Finally, Frisk and Tori entered the long hallway. Rather than stopping for Frisk to run down the hallway, Tori and Frisk continued to walk.

"Ah, so now I have a request to make of you... oh dear! I forgot to ask for your name. Silly me." Tori turned to face Frisk as she stopped walking in the middle of the hall. "What is your name, my dear?"

For a brief moment, their eyes met for longer than a few seconds. In those moments, Frisk wondered how difficult it would be to cut Tori down. Would she die as easily as mother had? Would she cry just like she had before? Frisk's breath caught in her throat as she chased the thoughts away, breaking eye contact with Tori. After a moment of silence, she finally managed to say, "Frisk..."

"Frisk... that is a lovely name." Frisk looked back up and met Tori's gaze. The smaller woman offered a quiet smile. "Truly, in the short time we have spent together... you have not once tried to attack me. So I have decided you can be trusted for now," Tori had a strangely determined look on her face. Frisk felt confused. Had Tori expected Frisk to attack? "I must ask for you to stay here in this hallway for a moment. I need to make... arrangements. In time, I will come for you. Consider this... a test of sorts."

"Oh... sure?" Frisk nodded.

Tori seemed pleased with that response. She produced a cellphone and handed it to Frisk. "Here is a cell phone. Within, you will find my number. Call me if anything happens."

Frisk waited a minute or two after Tori had left and followed her out the entry way. She saw the same old Froggit, though he seemed even weaker. Puny. She bet he would take only a single hit. Frisk shook her head. No, she didn't want to do that anymore. This time things would go differently. Frisk squat down and listened to the Froggit.

" ribbit. " It said, 'Human, you would do well to stay close to Tori. She will protect you. And if a monster fights you, please show some MERCY.' " ribbit ."

Frisk nodded, understanding what Froggit meant. She traveled the halls of the ruins, and even encountered a few fights. Her usual options were present: FIGHT, ACT, ITEM, and MERCY. Frisk was practiced from her previous runs and none of the monsters could land a single hit on her. Reflexes came back to her, and she felt certain she would be safe for this entire run. Frisk noted her LV had dropped down to 1 as it usually did in these resets, which made her breathe a sigh of relief. At least Chara really had let her start back at the beginning... though she couldn't be sure she understood where this beginning was . Echo flowers, a friendly Flowey, and a short Toriel... These were not normal.

As Frisk traveled, she saw the blue flower trailing her. Flowey. He kept his distance and watched her. He seemed to be trying to stay hidden, but Frisk was used to his shenanigans and could see him from the corner of her eye. He looked shocked and worried when she accidentally fell down a hole onto a bed of flowers. She wore a look of shock as well, however not due to the fall. Instead, it was because she hadn't expected there to be flowers. Each pit that normally contained red leaves, instead contained various flowers.

Frisk finally made it to Napstablook... only this time, it wasn't Napstablook. Or even a ghost. It was a large monster facing opposite of Frisk. They seemed to be watering the flower bed they stood on. They wore blue jeans and a white Hawaiian-type shirt with a purple, repeating triangle pattern on the hem and the sleeves. White fur covered the rest of their body, and they had a yellow mane along with large horns and floppy ears... could this be?

The person turned around, their cute, blue elephant-ish water pail still dripping water down on the flower bed. This was Asgore. A younger Asgore. He was not as massive as he was in her previous timeline. Instead, his shoulders were more narrow and he was not quite as tall. His full beard was not present, instead, he had a short, curled billy goat beard. Asgore was humming a soft tune, then he noticed Frisk standing before him. "Oh... howdy..." He abruptly stopped watering as he stared at the girl.

"Um, hi," Frisk gave him a small wave. This felt incredibly awkward. What was Asgore doing here?

"So... you are the human. I heard the Froggits speaking about you, but... I did not think you were real." Asgore pulled out his phone. "Ah... I see you have met my wife, Tori." His eyes scrolled over his phone for a moment, but he didn't seem to respond to whatever he saw on his screen. "Well... I am sorry, human, but... I cannot let this opportunity pass. Good-bye."

Frisk's SOUL was pulled out from her chest. A small, red heart floated by her chest. Asgore stood before her, his eyebrows narrowed, but his red eyes seemed unsure. Frisk took this opportunity to CHECK Asgore.

* Asgore - ATK 20 DEF 11

* This father wants what's best for his family.

Asgore didn't say anything as he thrust his hand out toward Frisk. What followed the motion were several flower bulbs materializing out of thin air around Frisk. He snapped his fingers and they all opened and moved toward Frisk at once. She tried to dodge, but was caught completely off guard by the attack. Asgore had always attacked with fire or his trident. She misstepped into one of the blooming flowers, taking damage. As she took the hit, he looked a bit frightful, but showed no signs of stopping.

As she moved her hand toward the ACTs she could do, her vision lingered a moment on the FIGHT button. Couldn't she fight Asgore? Would it be easier than trying to talk him out of attacking her? That is how she always fought Asgore anyway. He always destroyed her MERCY and forced her hand. Isn't this the same? Frisk saw Flowey peeking at her from behind Asgore. He looked... worried?

Frisk shook her head and ACTed. She only had a couple options. Talk, Flirt, and Scoff. Frisk tried the obvious option first. Pointing at him with both fingers she exclaimed, "I hope you're a doctor," then pointed at herself with her thumbs, "cause you make my heart skip a bleat, " she was surprised her voice came out as confident as it did. Heh, still got it.

Asgore blushed and replied, "I-I am a married man!" He threw both arms into the air. As he did, flower petals began to fall from thin air and fluttered around her in a more familiar pattern.

Frisk moved carefully, dodging his attacks with much effort. It seemed flustering him caused his attacks to become faster. She ACTed, and said, "I'm sorry, I just... I came down here to find someone. I don't want to FIGHT or hurt anyone."

Asgore seemed to hesitate for a moment, "I am sorry... but I must do this for the future of my family." His eyes briefly flashed a bright red. He looked down at the ground as he fired another set of petals.

Frisk found it much more difficult to dodge this attack than before. Had Asgore found his resolve? "If you hurt me... won't Tori be mad?"

Asgore hesitated further. "My wife... she would not be happy... but we are running out of options..." He waved his hands, causing many flower bulbs to materialize all around Frisk. She managed to dance her way around them, though her margin of error seemed to narrow.

"Please, I don't want to fight you." Frisk gave him a small smile as she pleaded.

Asgore looked away. He rubbed his palms with his thumb as he thought, finally he looked up with a frown, his eyes glinting red. "If I capture you... then we will be allowed to re-enter the kingdom... then my child... will have a chance at life..." With that, he took in a deep breath and rained more petals upon Frisk. As she dodged the fluttering flowers, she miscalculated and took several points of damage. She mentally cursed herself for forgetting to take a piece of monster candy.

Frisk was about to speak, but then Flowey appeared between Asgore and Frisk.

"Hey Gori," Flowey had a huge smile on his face. "Uh, I see you met the human."

"Oh, uh, yes, I have," Asgore looked down at the flower. "We were just... chatting."

"I think Tori needs help with the groceries... she is planning on having the human come over for dinner," Flowey looked aside nervously. "Uh... I think you should go and help her. Don't you? Instead of doing... something I think you would regret?"

"Ah... yes," Asgore blinked a few times, the light in his eyes seeming to dim somewhat. He returned Flowey's smile. "I... I suppose I should." With that, Frisk's soul returned, and Asgore looked apologetic. "I... I am sorry human. I am not sure what came over me... We should not be fighting." He bowed awkwardly, then ran off.

"Hey... uh, Frisk you said your name was?" Flowey twisted his stem to look back at Frisk. Frisk nodded at his question. "You really should have listened to Tori. You shouldn't be walking around here... you might've... or someone could've been..."

Frisk tilted her head in confusion. Why was Flowey acting genuinely worried about her? About the other monsters? Yet, she couldn't deny the look of fear and frustration on Flowey's face. Frisk saw a similar face before, but this one was different. It came from a more innocent place.

"Listen, why don't I escort you back home. I'm sure Tori won't mind," Flowey nodded to himself. "It's just this way." Frisk nodded at Flowey, but kept her distance.

As they traveled through the rest of the ruins, Flowey kept plopping up and down out of the ground, shooing away the weaker Monsters while Frisk completed the puzzles. He scared off the monsters by making the creepy faces Frisk was used to being on the receiving end on. Finally, they made it to the familiar structure Frisk oft recalled in her dreams. The normally dead tree was very much alive. It's red leaves had littered the ground somewhat, but not as badly as it had in the previous timeline. Frisk could see the glowing, blue save point, but this time it was nearly buried in a beautiful garden. In front of the home, she saw Asgore and Tori speaking, with Tori pressing a phone to her ear. She looked as Asgore pointed to Frisk, a look of shock, then disappointment washing over her face. She hung up the phone.

"Frisk, dear... You should have stayed where I told you," Tori scolded. "You didn't get hurt, did you? Look at you... have you been fighting?"

The human nodded sheepishly. Tori shook her head, then turned toward the house.

"Come along, you won't get healed until you've had something to eat." Tori walked and disappeared into the home, Asgore returned Frisk's sheepish nod, and followed his wife inside.

Frisk stood outside for a moment with Flowey. She approached the save point and held her hand out to it, it's warm glow caressing her hand with its energy. She saved with the menu, and as time proceeded, Flowey cocked his head and gave her a strange look, but said nothing. Instead, he disappeared into the ground as Frisk entered the home.

They all sat around the table in an awkward silence. The wood fireplace gave the room warmth despite the chill Frisk could feel coming from the cracks in the foundation of the home. Flowey sat in a flower pot in his own seat. They all had bowls of cold soup, aside from Flowey. Frisk took a sip, and had to hold still to not recoil from the taste. Tori read Frisk's expression and sighed. "I am sorry my dear... I called Gori, but he did not answer his phone ... so I had to make due." As she stressed the words, Frisk could tell Tori was angry with Asgore. Asgore stared down into his bowl.

"Well, I think it is delightful," Asgore ate his portion without complaint. Every now and then he seemed to eye Frisk. Frisk felt guilty, despite the fact that Asgore had attacked her first. Of course... if she hadn't had taken the true reset... Frisk shook her head as she took another bite. She could practically feel a chill creep up her spine as she did.

After dinner, Tori guided Frisk to her room. It was in the usual place. "I know this is not much, but, I hope you enjoy yourself here... please do not venture about the ruins without myself or Gori. It is... unsafe." Tori looked away as she spoke the last words before she walked away. Frisk understood what Tori actually meant. Tori was not worried that Frisk would get hurt... she was afraid that someone else would get hurt.

Frisk settled into her bedroom, which was recently cleaned. The wood floors looked a bit moldy and rotten, and the bed felt lumpy. Frisk could tell Tori had tried. Frisk sighed as she waited. After several minutes had passed, Frisk couldn't wait any longer. She stood up and made for the door. Flowey appeared from the floorboards behind her. "Frisk, where are you going?"

Frisk looked down at Flowey. She shook her head and opened the door. The house was eerily quiet. However, as she approached the room at the end of the hall, she could hear Tori or Asgore in their room.

"Tori, we really cannot allow this human to stay with us in our home... I understand that you want to give them a chance, but..." Asgore trailed off.

Frisk heard Tori sigh. She could hear heavy footsteps and then the sound of someone climbing into bed. Tori said, "Asgore, not all humans are bad. We know this as a fact. Remember...?" Frisk couldn't quite make out the whisper near the end. A name?

"You know as well as I do that they were found guilty, Tori. We trusted them and then... and then..." Asgore sounded like he couldn't speak anymore.

"Let us rest on it tonight. The door is firmly locked, and... I just do not believe the human will hurt us... I think we should believe in the philosophy of the king."

Frisk heard no more, but saw movement in the corner of her eye. She looked down to see Flowey had popped up wearing a confused expression. He pointed to her room with his leaf and disappeared. Instead of going back as Flowey seemed to suggest, Frisk started to walked to and down into the basement of the building. As before, the hallway was long, but in disrepair like the rest of the house. Flowey kept springing up to speak to Frisk.

"Frisk, how do you know this is the way out?"

"Frisk, you really, really, shouldn't leave."

"It doesn't matter what Asgore said. Stay here with us..."

When Frisk reached the end of the hall, she was surprised to see that no one stood there at all. Perhaps she would be able to go straight to Snowdin. Her mission was to see them as soon as possible. After all, if it hadn't been for her mistake... Frisk felt uneasy at the memory. A happier time that abruptly ended with dust... dust on red. It replayed in her mind. A memory from years ago, though it was a moment that was technically in the future. The terrible sound of trumpets, a shrill cry, and then just... dust. Dust on her clothing... the ground... and her hands. She felt tears start to pool in her eyes, but was pulled out of her vision by Flowey's shaky voice.

"Frisk? A-are you okay?" He asked looking up at her. She looked him in the eyes and saw genuine concern. Genuine concern where there should be none. She felt her breath catch in her throat and the tears began to flow as she realized it. She didn't want to acknowledge the situation, but the truth was plain as the look on Flowey's face. She thrust open the ruin doors and ran out. She ran down the long, dark hallway as Flowey gave chase, shouting, "Wait! Frisk! You shouldn't leave! It's dangerous out there!"

With a final push, Frisk flung the door to Snowdin Forest open and stepped out. She looked around herself, but found nothing new. "I'm still here... I'm still in the Underground. The same Underground... this isn't some new place... this is still the Underground." Frisk tried to convince herself of the lie. She ran as Flowey dared not venture past the door of the ruins, which closed on his sad face.

Frisk saw the giant stick and ran past it. It snapped behind her. Happy with the sound, she raced to the end of the narrow, wooden corridor. She stopped at the bridge, her heart in her throat. Frisk would be meeting him soon. The person that had planted the seed in her head. That ruined their happy ending. She turned, her timing on his entrance perfect. So perfect that she had honestly scared him in many of the runs where she had started to become unhinged and eager.

Just in time for her chest to be impaled by... something . The sudden pain overwhelmed her and she was quickly losing consciousness. Frisk caught a glimpse of a cloaked figure before her world turned white.

Her vision burned like a movie reel melting on screen. The sudden white pulled just as suddenly toward the center of her being. The deep purple of the ruins flooded her eyes, and she gasped for breath for a moment. Usually, she would be greeted by the faint murmur of King Asgore speaking to Chara, but instead she received that violent vision of the world whiting out. It almost felt like she had really died. She found herself standing at the front of the home she had stood before just a couple hours earlier. Flowey behind her gasped.

"That was... you are in control, aren't you? Did you... die?" Frisk turned to see Flowey's concerned face. "I... well, never mind. Hey, wait." Flowey tilted his head. "You didn't have a flower in your hair earlier, did you?" Frisk shook her head and felt her hair. She felt something soft on top of her hair. Yet, when she tried to pull it off to see it, it hurt somewhat. Like pulling a hair from one's head, she looked down at her hand and saw a single blue petal.

#fanfiction #undertale fanfiction #bitterblossoms #bitterblossomsAU #fromtheabyss #ruinsarc #frans #frisk #toriel #asgore #flowey #undertale spoilers #undertale

[throwingideasatthewall]

Clone Wars     Episode 22

            Hostage Crisis

An interesting title nonetheless

[Starting     off    with     the     title    scene]

 Starting      off     with         a    quote;

     A secret shared is trust formed

 I-

              I                 Have complicated                 feelings                   about                  this                 quote

On one hand   yes, if someone tells you something you shouldn’t generally share it with another party    (Un-involv -ed)

-or   inflict it   on them   without      their    Know-     ledge

 Or    Consent

But   that   doesn’t   really   refer      to     Secrets,   Which   Impy     Nefar-      Ious

There isn’t exactly a rule-

Oh     yes   there     is

Speech is meant    to express        Thoughts     necessary or beneficial to humanity

And rule of   tox      (Speech)

Reflect the words back at them

  The matter was dealt with

 No more he said or she said     forward

  Do not carry the    tox

 Carrying on;

Alright,     How’d      he     get   injured       -     Those     are   bandages       -        Hey       that’s         a      clip      from         the        Movie!

  (You really don’t-     want to remind me          of that)

   I know it’s made     semi-good episodes      Out of those clips before  

And the authors    have tried     to make   . better       out of it

   But      it’s seriously    just-        a lost cause

   Like, seriously

       That Movie           is deader           than dead            to me

      (Nothing            can           salvage            it)

          Just               let                it                 die

         Aight,             That’s more on point           than last time

      Good          for         them

      And       inti-        midating-           -

Ooh,

  Space        Pirates

 I’m sorry   but every time it goes    Yeehaw pirate     (Space pirate.)  (Space cow         boys)

  It generally    flops

 The last one was    ‘Dooku captured’    And    that one was definitely on the weaker side        (Logic wise)

    So..

(Well I do hope it    gets   better.”

   I am   somewhat   cautious

(Specially with them holding the     Space Coucil..       Hostage..

Likely    ..for money

Weird       ...vocals

   He        supposed         to be           a        gangster           ....      

    Aight         ....

[Puts     on      riot       gear]

 Look,     Don’t       get     me   wrong...

 But I     can see where     this is going

 This is the    “heist” movie       rip off

  And     like most     rip-offs      Doesn’t      seem     to understand      the    premise      (Or    what   made       it         good     in     the    first     place)

 The       Heart;   

  With         Heist        Movies;        That      comes       from       three     different      places;            (at          least)

 1. Establishing        the characters         and the plan

  2. Establishing          the reasons            (Not the goal        the motivation)

   3. The             Risks

   4. (Optional)             The                Reward

  So far none of that has been       established;

  Only        One      Chara-        cter;        With       no    backstory       to     make       us   sympathize

    Sev-eral        Un-named           (Un-        characterized          As       Well)           Mooks;

      Well it’s true it could be starting us off in   Medias res

        I worry it’s going to be              Like everyone thinks       Heist movies are at the first glance           (Excuse my           pessimism)

       * Just their          track           record

        And the space          Cowboys

        And the protag.               /Main            That sounds           like he garbled             marbles

        (Making it            hard to            sympathize)

         But hey          maybe that’s part of           his character              ...

         The Vocoder

        Not being unable to sympathize    (Or empathize        For en-       ablers - and                Vil               - l                ians)

           That’s a writing flaw

Heck,        Okay,       that’s a noticeable             Character             Design                   ...

    Shooter...

    I mean - it is kind of     nice

   That they implement the environment 

      into the attack

 That’s,     ...neat

     Can kind of get    that...

  Alright... 

   Whelp..

The Centurion garb was really a mistake

 Right

Okay...

 Wait, robot        gangster...  

  No, no movie     that’s too silly

 Don’t get me wrong       (I’m not going to stop the review      here)

  But I think movie has grabbed more than (mouthful)    it can handle

To       reiterate,           The cowboy space robotic     gangsters are attacking      The intergalactic       Citadel              As        part         of          a        heist          (Of     unknown         goal.)

    And I’m looking at this  

Mess

   Going;

     Movie I think you took too much for you to   handle

     You struggled with one trope   last    time   

   (And yeah,      last episode was a    good one,”

    But that’s   pretty    damn   am-      bitious

  I’m pretty       sure some of these don’t even fit        together...

Imma shut up   and      watch this play out

   It might be a drug trip]

It lacks the    smartness...    Of the heist        Episode  

  Not necessarily       a bad...

 [Husband and wife]

   Nope!

It’s Frita    

He knows    too much

Ahhhh....

  It     really      ....... didn’t    work

Which is a shame because I actually do think it could’ve   work   ed    All   being   concepts      of    excess

(With one crewmate     for each   genre)

But...

This doesn’t pull it   off...

Understanding the small details fairly   well...

But the big picture...

   Let’s start with each      - genre       (Recognized            Trope)

    Western-

     The general plots tend to            proceed as follows;

     - Cowboy

    - Cowboy in distress

    - Cowboy               Gangsters

    - meet up cowboy gang stores and rescues Cow in distress

- Robot

  -there’s not a lot in sci-fi fiction

   - over throw robot?

- Heist

    - Group of several different people with several different skills in several different back stories come together to accomplish a goal, uniting them  I think;    the romance factor could’ve been a nice thing reuniting them

So how could this have worked;

    Okay, purely         Spec          U          La           t          Ive;

The story starts;

With   Anakin;  

Establish        ing         our           Pro-tag-

   Heist         Leader;         Still a robot      to signify unification of all       of them

   Under heat

   Anakin still keeps his light saber

   Power         Cut

            (None of that toxic!)

   ....

   This is just a rehash of a      previous plot      and I know it

      This is almost an              exact             rip-off               —- 

           I’m trying to think of ways to improve it       but unlike      the virus episode;                                               Screw it                                                  I’m                                                trying                                                  to                                                 think                                                   of                                                   ways                                                    to                                                improve                                                   this                                                  episode,                                                   but I’m                                                   rollin’                                                     too                                                   high                                                   from                                                    all                                                    the                                                    non-

 Just-            Watch      this   episode     with     care            -

                                   WTF.                                         Did                                         I                                       just                                      watch                                           !

[seekingseven]

Mephibosheth Ch.4

Chapter 4 of my Undertale fanfic! You can also read it here on AO3 :D 

┍━━━━━━━★━━━━━━━┑

Hot.

Hot.

Hothothothot.

Long strings of keratin clung to Chara's face and neck. Fat drops of sweat trickled into his sweater. Drenched cloth gripped his skin with the desperation of a dying man.

This wasn't exactly the nicest way to wake up.

Blinking rapidly to get the bleariness of his eyes, Chara took quick stock of his surroundings. They were on a boat - he remembered docking on the strange ferry with Asriel just after leaving Grillby's - and it was very, very hot.

"Tra la la. Wash your eyebrows twice a week."

Purple cloth swished in the corner of his vision. Ah, that was the Riverkid. Chara remembered that much. They were much less interesting than Asriel had hyped them up to be; cryptic maxims and a weird dog-boat didn't precisely fit Chara's definition of "fascinating." The human was getting used to his companion's hyperbolic tendencies.

"Thank you so much, Riverkid." A familiar white blur - oh, must be Asriel - wafted towards Chara. "Glad you got some shut-eye, dude. We're in Hotland now, it'll only be a few minutes until we're home. Ready to go?"

Chara nodded, blinking again as the wet air blurred his vision, and grabbed his Grillby's takeaway bag. Still heavy. Part of him was surprised that nobody had made any advances on his lunch.

The boat bobbed downwards as Asriel stepped off and rocked gently as the human stood up. Chara grasped the goat's paw as he crossed from boat to dry land, waving the Riverkid a half-hearted goodbye as he did so. The two giggled as the little ship grew a set of legs and quiet literally skipped back the way they came. It seemed like this place was always full of surprises.

Asriel started walking down the dark corridor in front of them. Chara followed hastily, not used to being left behind. "Golly," the Prince muttered to himself, "sometimes I forget how hot this place is. My dad named it Hotland for a reason, I guess." Chara chuffed in agreement, digging through his bag for the chocolate bar. His fingers pressed into something suspiciously soft and vaguely rectangular; a wave of grief crashed over him as he realized the heat had already liquified his sweet treat. He pulled it out anyways - solid or liquid, it was still chocolate, and he was going to eat it.

The pair stepped outside the corridor and were greeted by an astonishing expanse of red. The color was everywhere. Colonnades of crimson stone rose from the pulsating magma beneath, melding together to create the floor the two stood on. The proud obelisks reached towards the ceiling and cradled a labyrinth of buildings and houses between them. Lava trickled from the steppe-like sides of the cavern; the shadow of a massive machine loomed in the distance. The whole place smelled like burnt earth and fire.

Chara brought the packet of liquified chocolate to his lips and sipped as he stared. He stopped his observations for a split second to appreciate how delicious the chocolate was; it didn't even leave the sugary grit on his teeth most chocolates did. Probably something to do with weird monster magic.

"-and that's the lab that the Royal Scientist and his assistants work at. They're going to bring down the barrier one day." Asriel pointed to a massive white building on the right with the words 'LAB' painted haphazardly over sliding doors. Masters of science, clearly, but not aesthetic.

The human nodded thoughtfully to himself, wordlessly criticizing the weird white box of a building, and found his gaze captivated by a massive, rectangular shadow in the distance.

"Azzy, what's that?" Chara directed a single, slender finger to the grey structure in the distance. Was it an extension of the LAB? It looked much bigger and decidedly cooler.

"Oh. That's the CORE," Asriel replied, the apathy thick in his voice, "it's some weird machine the Royal Scientist is working on...I don't really get what it does, but it's supposed to be a big deal. Something about magical electricity? Dunno."

"Magical electricity?" the human queried as the two squinted at the shadow, "don't you guys have that already? Snowdin Town had lots of lights. And how would the sliding doors of the LAB open up without power?"

The fur on the back of Asriel's neck stood up as he became acutely aware of his intellectual inferiority. He didn't understand the CORE despite his mother's best attempts to explain and couldn't see why everybody else was so excited about it. Like Chara said, they already had electricity - right? He tried to swallow the bitter taste of frustration and blinked away the water already building in his eyes.

With a nonchalant huff, the Prince shrugged and said everything wasn't as complicated as it looked. He explained that the CORE had been running for years even though it wasn't finished (he was pretty sure this was true) and that there was no reason to be hung up on it because it honestly wasn't even that important (that part wasn't). He sighed a silent breath of relief when Chara turned his head away from the CORE and towards him.

"Let's keep going then, alrighty?" Asriel suggested with a poorly hidden sense of urgency. The human nodded, and he relaxed.

A wave of heat washed over the two as they passed the LAB. Chara made an offhand comment about weather in the Underground being on the extreme side, to which Asriel said something about Waterfall and rain.

"Waterfall?" Chara quipped absent-mindedly through a mouthful of chocolate goo.

"Oh, yeah. It's another place down here. We passed it on the ferry, but you were asleep, I think. I don't go there often, but it's this huge place, all blue, you know, with stars and rain and waterfalls. Boy, is it gorgeous! Much nicer than Hotland." Chara raised his eyebrows in casual surprise, and Asriel, emboldened by the reaction, continued. "I'll make sure to take you there sometime. But we gotta go home first, you know. Let me guess...you want to take the short way?"

Chara nodded vehemently. For all the earthly beauty of Hotland, its name encapsulated the reason why it was so unbearable. The thought of relief outweighed the desire to explore.

"Haha! I thought so. Follow me." Asriel sprinted off towards a thin pathway in front of him, forcing Chara to toss his packet of chocolate sauce back in the bag and hastily lick his fingers before following the goat.

Ahead of them, the soprano sparkle of electricity accompanied a dull metallic clink. Asriel reached the end of the red stone path and stopped abruptly; a sudden rush of self-awareness on Chara's part the only thing saving him from face planting into the former's back. With a comical flourish, the Prince stepped aside to reveal a shimmering, bullet-like contraption. It looked vaguely like an elevator, and, with the exposition Asriel supplied, confirmed to be so.

"This bad boy'll take us right to the biggest apartment building in the Underground." Asriel explained as the two stepped inside the strange contraption, "from there, we can take another elevator straight to New Home. That's where my parents live and where you'll, uh-" A robotic chime cut off Asriel's short explanation, which had already begun dying off for some reason. The doors swung open, and the pair stepped outside.

A tall, blue building whose only shape could be described as obscurely octahedral greeted them. Despite being nowhere near as proud as Hotland's stone columns, it carried its own self-important sense of confidence. Flashes of domestic life could be seen through the windows: a bunny monster rocking a child to sleep, a dragon child drawing cautious shapes on their bedroom wall, and a family of what seemed to be anthropomorphic volcanoes scampering around a dinner table.

"This, Chara, is the biggest apartment complex in the Underground. A-and believe me, considering how many of them are in New Home, that means a lot." Chara raised his eyebrows, a now obligatory gesture, and made a movement towards the glass doors.

"W-wait!" Asriel cried.

Chara froze. Had he done something wrong?

"Uh, s-sorry to scare you. But considering the time, there'll be a lot of monsters in the lobby. J-just stay close to me, and you'll be fine." The Prince's eyes grew cloudy all of a sudden, and his voice dropped. "You won't need to worry about crowds when you're with me. They, uh, typically go away when I'm around. I call it the 'Asriel Effect.'"

If the epithet was intended to be a joke of sorts, the only indication of it was a lame laugh on the speaker's part. Asriel blinked quickly and grasped Chara's hand, opening the door with his unoccupied paw.

The scene in front of them reminded Chara immediately of Grillby's. On their right, a small family of bunny monsters chatted with a group of what Asriel called 'Temmies.' A disembodied fox head gossiped with an equally disembodied hand. A little man made entirely of fire clutched a tiny green ember to his chest and shouted endless expletives at the overwhelmed receptionist. What looked like a cross between an alligator and a toddler scrambled past, shouting greetings at a small cat-monster with a heavy prairie-girl inflection.

Chara's earlier anxiety melted away. Something magical bloomed in his chest - fiery, soft, delicate - that drenched the scene around him in pink. A rush of gratitude flooded his veins. With the faint vestiges of religion still in his blood, he thanked an unknown god for sparing him long enough to see such a sight.

It was at that moment that Chara realized that he was irreversibly and impossibly in love with monsterkind.

An empty part of the human suddenly felt whole again.

Intermingled scents of cleaning products and cold tile wafted up Chara's nose as Asriel guided his human through the rapidly-dispersing cloud. The "Asriel Effect" had been surmised excellently by its namesake; monsters young and old hastily stepped out of their way and proceeded to stare at them with quiet looks of awe. Awkward small talk was made with a little jello monster that spoke entirely in wiggles and with the busboy who'd taken great pains to shoo everybody except for "His Majesty and His Majesty's friend" out the Capital-bound elevator

Another ping, another swish of mechanical doors, and another scene. New Home revealed itself in front of the human. Traces of gasoline and pollen pirouetted in the air and settled into their clothes. Asriel guided Chara down a twisting and turning grey pathway with much less commentary than before, a strange change of pace from his earlier talkativeness. Idly licking the foil of the now-nonexistent chocolate bar in hopes of another drop of ebony goodness, Chara twisted his head this way and that to get a full view of the Capital. On his right, monochrome apartment buildings fraternized with the clouds above. Faint shards of gossip and chit chat could be heard in the distance; the loud vibrations of city life made the exact subjects impossible to discern, however. A look to the left revealed a scene identical in color palette and structure.

"You live here?" Chara whispered.

Asriel flinched in surprise, rudely awakened from whatever melancholy train of thought he had been conducting, and cast a quick glance at Chara. The question only seemed to register after a few seconds of awkward staring. Quickly stuttering out an explanation, the Prince elucidated that yes, he technically lived here, but not in an apartment building. Chara's unreadable expression prodded Asriel to continue, and he laid out the hasty verbal blueprints of his house, tracing a finger through the air to make an impression of the path from the living room to the bedroom.

In all honesty, Chara wasn't paying much attention to Asriel's explanation. Soon enough, he would see the place for himself; all this gesturing and waving and stuttering was a little bit excessive. Ruminating on these thoughts, Chara pulled out a paper napkin from the takeaway bag and ran it over his fingers and mouth, cringing when he saw the copious amounts of melted chocolate that had been smeared on his face for at least the past half hour. His brain slowly processed Asriel's endless stream of words as he pressed the corners of the ruined napkin together and tossed it back in the bag. Dark, unreadable eyes focused themselves again on Asriel.

"Hey, Azzy," Chara began, cutting the Prince's detailed description of his toy box in half, "why are you so nervous?"

"Nervous?" The Prince giggled painfully. "Aha, gosh, can't say I know what you mean."

Something furious flashed across Chara's face - just long enough for Asriel to swallow his words but not enough for any nonverbal threat to be communicated. Taking the silence as his cue to continue, Chara opened his mouth and said, "Asriel, there isn't really a point in lying. You're nervous. What for? Is it me?"

Asriel's eyes widened in horror, and he shook his head vehemently. Multiple attempts at answering the question were made, all dissolved into a shambling mess of malformed syllables. Finally, the Prince steeled himself and drew in a huge breath. He gave Chara a pointed look.

"I'm scared, Chara."

"Scared?" The human rolled the word around on their tongue like a marble, "Scared of what?"

"O-of what we're about to do."

"What do you mean? Are we doing something wrong?"

The goat boy shook his head and gestured to the little yellow house standing in front of them. The meticulously cut front lawn was a bright green that stood in friendly defiance to the Capital's grey; tiny purple morning glories, elevated by a web of vines, pressed their heads against the yellow brick. Brilliant buttercups cushioned by shy clusters of baby's breath lay like a garland around the little cottage.

A tinge of cinnamon and butterscotch hung in the air.

Asriel grasped Chara's hand and gripped the human's shoulder with his unoccupied paw. His eyes sparkled with an amalgamation of sorrow, anticipation, and pure joy.

"Chara, our lives are about to change forever. You know that, right?"

┕━━━━━━━★━━━━━━━┙

#undertale #asriel #chara #fanfiction

[asktemmie-frisk]

Hidden Strength in an Ominous Atmosphere (ゴッドモードアーク(Goddomodoaku) (God-mode Arc)

After the lockdown drill, the teacher berated a great many students on how they were talking through the lockdown drill. The only ones who didn't receive a verbal lashing were Frisk, Chara and Asriel. After school, all 3 of them were talking about the entire thing again while going home on the bus. They couldn't shake off the severity of the situation. Chara was fuming the entire time, and it only got worse after she and Frisk stepped back inside their house. Asriel went back to his father's house. He went to the couch immediately after stepping inside, and started crying. Asgore noticed this when he was just coming through the door about 2 minutes later. "Asriel, what's wrong?" He asked, worried about his son. "It's school, dad." His son replied. "Bullies, huh? Well, let me tell y-" "No, dad. It's about the drill. People were talking the entire time." "Yes, the drill. It is worse than we thought. Clearly, the humans are unaware of the looming threat to us all. But we cannot let that deter us. In addition, it seems that the school is trying to make everyone aware, but someone else is preventing widespread panic." "How would that even be possible? Unless...oh, no." "What?" "There's a mole in the building, and they're trying to keep us all in their line-of-sight. It's gotta be one of the staff members." Asgore was petrified at what his son was proposing. After a stunned silence, he picked up the phone, and he called his ex. The phone rang for a few seconds, and Toriel picked up the phone she had in the kitchen. "Hello?" She said. "Toriel. They know where our children are." Upon hearing this, she dropped the phone and fainted. Chara and Frisk heard the fall from the living room. They both ran to her, and Chara screamed. Frisk waved his hand in her face to give her some air. They kept by her side for a few minutes, until she came to. Asgore heard everything on the other side, and hung up the second he heard the thud. Upon receiving his son's ominous warning, he sat down before anything could happen to him. Asriel was nervous at his father, and Asgore was scared for his son and daughter. None of them got any peaceful slumber that night. The next day was even less forgiving, as the lessons that day were shortened in favor of safety drills. More students started believing the situation was actually worse than they initially thought, due to them thinking it was just a normal drill. More rumors spread around the school of Talrok, and none of them were good or serene. More students became cautious, withdrawn, even scared. It was likely that the entire school was starting to learn more about the school invasions, each day having more than the last, with every single one involving the same person: Talrok. The more intrusions that occurred to the schools in the region, the more fear and panic spread to the students. Even the teachers started thinking Talrok was dangerous, which was very accurate because later that day in the evening, the news came on and warned about Talrok again. Only this time, it was revealed that a police officer was injured in a scuffle with Talrok, who, although they didn't kill the cop, they did injure him. It wasn't life threatening, but it was noticable enough to raise an alarm. "That's it." Frisk said while listening to the report. "I need to get ready for a fight." "Oh, good. So you're finally willing to forsake your mercy?" Chara congratulated questioningly. "I never said I'm gonna kill him; I just said I gotta get ready to fight him. There's still a chance that he's willing to give up if he's too close to dying to recover." "Those chances are some slim pickins'. You see what he did, so him getting close to dying won't be easy, or likely for that matter." "I know. I know." The next day, when they were in their gym class, they had substitutes for the day. What Frisk, Chara, and Asriel saw was unexpected. They saw none other than Sans and Undyne. Frisk was delighted for Sans to be here; Chara threw a cocky smile; Asriel tried to hold back his frustration. "Well, well. If it isn't Undyne and the comedian." Chara said, proud and confident. Sans gave Chara a wink. "Alright, ya little punks!" Said Undyne. "Today, your normal gym teachers called off, so the school asked us to fill in. That being said, we're gonna give all of ya a workout! You guys ready to dominate?" All the students said "yeah", while Chara did her creepy face and a sinister chuckle, Frisk shot a determined look at Sans and Undyne, and Asriel started seeing red with black scleras. "Sweet. Name's Sans. I'll be coaching the boys today." The skeleton introduced. "And I'm Undyne. I'll be handling the ladies in this class." "Now that you know who we are, let's mix things up a bit. Today, the boys and girls will be spliting into teams with each other, one team on one end, and one team on the other." Chara got confused. "What? Why?" Sans emptied his eyesockets and held up a dodgeball. "You see this ball here in my right hand? This is why. We're playing dodgeball." Sans' left eyesocket flashed yellow and cyan. Chara got scared at what Sans was saying. Not again, she thought. I get at home, but why here? Everyone split into teams just like Sans instructed, and then came the onslaught of dodgeballs from both sides. There weren't very many students who reacted fast enough to dodge, and the ones that did couldn't throw to save their lives. Asriel especially got hit so hard, some of the wind got knocked out of him. Chara took a ball in the back of her head, dizzying her enough to make her lose balance, and land on the floor on her backside. "Wow. I can't believe that just happened." Said Undyne. "Sans, did you really think they could handle your skills?" "No, I knew they couldn't." Replied Sans. "To be honest, I'm ashamed because they're even lazier than me. At least I-" "Hey, fish bitch and skele-pun!" Said a voice from the "wreckage". Both of them looked out, and they saw Frisk, standing tall and proud without even a single scratch or bruise. He threw a smug look at both of them, feeling unusually determined. Sans and Undyne both got angry and confused. "Wha? How'd you..." They said in unison. "HOW DID YOU DODGE ALL OF THOSE?!" Undyne shouted at Frisk. "You can blame Sans for that!" Sans clenched his fists in anger, then his eyesocket poured enough energy to give himself a faint aura flashing yellow and cyan. He was ready to throw what he had at Frisk. "Do you wanna have a bad time, bro? If you do, pick up that dodgeball. You won't be able to get enough of what happens next." Frisk threw a sadistic smile at Sans, and picked up the dodgeball. "All right, then. But just to make it fair, Chara, get up." Chara obeyed with her creepy face, ready to catapult a dodgeball to Sans' face. "Now then, let's do this." "Not so fast!" Said Asriel while he was getting back up. "If you get to use your powers, then I get to play on Frisk's team!" "Fine. The more, the merrier. Just means I get to dunk you even harder now." Sans used his magic to launch more dodgeballs at the three, while they dodged as best as they could. Asriel got hit so hard with one, it knocked him back a few feet. Chara kept moving as one sped to her. She ducked, but it grazed her head barely, which was just enough to consider her out. Undyne and Sans showed no mercy to Frisk, who showed none in return. After dodging an onslaught of dodgeballs, Undyne threw one as hard as she could at Frisk, who was just fast enough to spot it and catch it. Frisk then threw it at Undyne, who was so focused on grabbing another dodgeball that by the time she looked at Frisk, the ball struck her. It hit in the face with enough force to throw her onto the floor. She sat up after a few seconds. Then everyone in the class, especially Asriel and Undyne, looked at Frisk, shocked at what he just accomplished. Frisk looked in amazement as well. Whoa. I did that, he thought to himself. "What? How'd you...when did you...why are..." Asriel stammered in complete shock and awe. Frisk looked at his hands in fear and surprise. "Bro. How did you do that?" Mumbled Sans. For the first time, Sans looked at Frisk in fear. Frisk had no response. The entire gym was silent for a few seconds until Undyne managed to utter something. "Uh, Frisk, go to our office. Or something." She said, still awestruck. "Everybody else except Chara and Asriel, take a breather." Frisk, Chara, and Asriel all went to the office, with Sans and Undyne following. When they shut the door, Undyne started yelling. "How the fuck were you able to hit me so hard?!" She shouted. "I don't know!" Frisk shouted back. "Well, why not?!" Asriel cut in loudly. "First, you beat the dignity out of me, then you embarrass me in front of mom and dad, and now, you hurl a dodgeball at Undyne so hard, you knock her on her ass! WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU HIDING FROM US?! TELL US, NOW!!" "I don't know!" Frisk started to get angry. "Well maybe, you should be finding out! WHY CAN'T YOU JUST THINK OF A GODDAMN REASON, FRISK?!" "I DON'T KNOW, OKAY?! How the fuck was I supposed to know I could throw that hard, Asriel?! I don't even remember how I got that strong! You think I have any idea how I did that?! NO, I DON'T! SO STEP THE FUCK OFF! Unless you like getting hurt by me, which would actually be good, since I get to have fun and payback at the same time!" "ENOUGH!!" Sans and Chara had it. They wanted to defuse this problem NOW. "Everybody, shut the fuck up!" Chara asserted. "How Frisk did what he did doesn't matter right now. We can't just lose it on each other like this. How are we supposed to keep people from trying to lynch our asses if we ju-" "Lynch?! Really, Chara? That's the word you say?" Snapped Frisk. Chara slapped him. "Shut up! People just saw what you just did. They're gonna start thinking that you're something you're not!" "What could they possibly think I am?!" "I don't know, one of the magicians, probably?! Don't look to me for answers, Frisk! I don't know everything!" "That's strange; you and Asriel always act like you do. And you always act like I'm a fucking idiot!" "Please. I never said or thought that!" "Chara, come the fuck on, already. You think I never noticed you and Asriel 'eye-fucking'? I know, and, to be honest, I don't blame you. If I were you, I would probably give him a few glances too. If I didn't know what he did beforehand, of course." Chara was fuming, but the words she had in retaliation were lost to the wind. She opened her mouth, but there was nothing she could say other than a confirmation. "Okay, I admit it. I do think Asriel's attractive, but he and I have known each other for a long time as siblings, so at this point, if we did anything, it would feel weird to the both of us." Asriel blushed and scowled at the truth of what Chara said. I hate that she's right, he thought. She is pretty cute, except for her creepy face. "You about done roasting my ass now? Because if you are, that's fantastic. Long story short, Frisk is stronger than he let on, or knew, initially, and we don't know how he got that strength, but it doesn't matter right now. We gotta get back out there before everybody get suspicious, or people will start digging for answers that might not be there." They all went back outside to the gym. "Alright, you guys. Let's get some more sweat out of all of you!" Undyne commanded. "Give me 3 laps around the gym as fast as you guys can manage!" All the students started running, with Asriel and Chara keeping in the middle of the pack. Frisk, however, started putting more effort into his running, and started sprinting. He was quick, and people were getting curious. He finished the laps about 3 seconds before one of the other students. "How did you do that so fast? And what about Undyne?" One of them asked. "Well, I guess I had a lot of practice. Sorry." Lied Frisk nervously. The other students believed it 100%. Chara and Asriel started seeing red again at how fast Frisk finished the laps. They had a talk when Undyne gave the class a little free time near the tail end of gym to talk to him. "Frisk, what the fuck?" Said Chara. "Why did you run that fast?" "You heard Undyne!" Said Frisk. "She said 'as fast as you can manage'. That means you gotta go full throttle. Don't half-ass it like you two did!" "The weight of our sins is what keeps us from moving much faster than we showed." Chara said sarcastically. "So what's your fucking excuse? Practice?" Frisk just glared at Chara angrily. "That's what I thought, dipshit." Chara was having none of it from Frisk after what happened moments earlier, so all 3 of them just barely managed to get through gym without fighting even more. Afterwards, they went back to their normal outfits. When the bell rang, they all started going to their biology class. It was tense after what went on in gym. "Hey, Chara? Asriel?" Said Frisk. "Yeah?" They both said, turning their heads to Frisk. "Sorry about earlier." "Yeah, us too." "Let's just forget about earlier for now." Suggested Chara. "It's almost time for our biology class, anyway." Asriel and Frisk agreed to this as they stepped into the room and took their seats.

#Undertale #Frisk (undertale) #Chara (undertale) #sans #undyne #toriel #Asgore Dreemurr #Asriel Dreemurr #sorry for the long post #I'm trying to tell a story here #God-mode Arc #Goddomodoaku

[thrashermaxey]

Ramblings: Point Reaches 30 Goals; Tavares Tops 80 Points; Rangers Defencemen; Josh Manson – March 31

For as well as the Bruins have been playing, it’s easy to forget that they still have a bevy of players out of the lineup. We have some good news for Boston fans as the injured players look to be returning soon. At the least, it looks like Jake DeBrusk will be back Saturday afternoon against the Panthers. Zdeno Chara and Charlie McAvoy are not expected back on Saturday but they are not far behind. If you’re in a head-to-head league that plays through to the end of the year, reinforcements are on the way.  

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The Eeli Tolvanen Watch has ended as he’s signed a contract, practiced with the team, and looks to feature in the lineup for Sunday’s game against the Lightning. I imagine he’ll be eased in (though in practice he did take a couple rushes with the top line) so there won’t be much fantasy value for the rest of this season. There will, however, be some good scouting opportunities for next season.

*

Stephen Johns is out with a concussion for the Stars. They say it’ll be at least four or five days but there are only seven left in the season after today. I can’t imagine they bring him back from a concussion for one or two days. If you need an emergency pickup from the team, Esa Lindell played over 24 minutes after Johns was injured in their last game.

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The return to New York of the players that had been traded to Tampa Bay was looking like it would be the biggest moment of the night. Alas, we had this:

pic.twitter.com/6C2qRPWp8N

— Shayna (@hayyyshayyy) March 30, 2018

Yes, that’s Pavel Buchnevich and Steven Stamkos fighting. You read those names right. It followed Buchnevich taking a big hit and then taking a run at Nikita Kucherov himself (and it was kind of dirty). Anyway, though Stamkos was held with a point in a game his team won 7-3, he got you 19 penalty minutes. If you’re in a multi-cat league, can you really be angry? The people who should be angry are Nikita Kucherov owners, who also was held without a point but didn’t contribute much else.

Brayden Point had a pair of goals and that gives him 30 on the year. He’s looking every bit the number-1 centre teams covet.

Filip Chytil scored his first (of what should be many) NHL goals. Mikhail Sergachev had an assist and is now one point shy of 40 on the year. Not bad for a teenager playing under 16 minutes a night!

*

TJ Oshie played most of the game in their loss to Carolina but he didn’t finish it and he apparently suffered a lower-body injury. All the coach would say after the game was that they were being very cautious and he’ll be re-evaluated on Saturday.

Two assists for Jaccob Slavin pushed him over the 30-point mark for the second consecutive season. He had three blocked shots to push him over 150 for the year for the second season in a row as well. Slavin doesn’t hit very much but all in all, not a bad multi-category season for him at all.

John Carlson assisted on Washington’s lone goal, his 50th helper of the year, the first time he’s hit that mark. It was also his 65th point of the campaign. Yeah, he’s going to get a very large contract this offseason.

*

The big boys came to play for the Leafs in their 5-4 win over the Islanders, at least offensively. All of Nazem Kadri, Auston Matthews, and Mitch Marner had a goal and an assist while James van Riemsdyk also scored. The two-point performance from Marner gives him 69 points on the year. He also needs one more power-play assist to reach 20 such helpers.

John Tavares scored a power-play goal which was his 34th goal of the year, a three-year high. He also cracked 80 points for the first time in three seasons. This is the bounce back year we were all hoping for last season.

Brock Nelson also scored and he’s one shy of 20 on the year. Were he to get there, he’d be one of 25 forwards (so far) to crack 20 goals in each of the previous four seasons. As he’s been pushed down the lineup his assist totals have suffered but he’s been every bit the goal scorer he’s always been.

Two assists in this game leaves Jake Gardiner two points shy of 50 on the campaign. For as high as some people have been on him for his career, I don’t think anyone saw a 50-point season on the horizon.

*

Semyon Varlamov was injured in Colorado’s win over the Blackhawks. He was crashed into by Tomas Jurco on the play and replaced by Jonathan Bernier. Jurco seemed to lose his balance driving the net from the slot and slammed into Varlamov’s left leg. Now, it was late in the game and the score was out of hand so maybe they were being cautious, but he did seem to be in a good amount of pain. When we have updates we will pass them along.

Sven Andrighetto scored for the first time since December! He finished with two goals, five shots, and over 17 minutes in ice time. He was a big part of the depth scoring earlier in the season and would go a long way in lengthening the scoring if he can return to that player for the Avs. His eight goals are a career-high, by the way.

Mikko Rantanen has a goal and an assist and has the quietest 82 points in the league. Tyson Barrie had a goal and two assists, and that gives him a career-high 55 points in just 64 games. As I’ve mentioned before in these pages, he’s one of the most elite offensive defencemen in the league that no one talks about unless it’s rumours about being traded to a Canadian team.

*

Rickard Rakell scored his 32nd of the year, one off his pace last year, and it was the overtime winner for Anaheim.

Drew Doughty scored the lone goal for the Kings, his 10th of the season. It’s three straight campaigns with at least 10 goals for the blue liner, and 7 of his 10 NHL seasons. Two of the seasons he failed to reach 10 markers were his rookie year and the lockout year. He’s now one point shy of his career-high of 59.

*

William Karlsson had a monster fantasy night as he’s known to have (this year anyway). He had a goal (short-handed), two assists (one on the OT winner), was plus-2, had four total shots on net, one blocked shot, and three hits. Line mate Marchessault had two goals, one of which was the overtime clincher. 

*

At the risk of sounding redundant, can I say how impressive it’s been to watch Ryan Donato since he debuted with the Bruins? I know it’s a common trope in the media and among fans, but he genuinely looks like a middle-six winger that has been playing in the NHL for three or four years. Should the injury to Rick Nash prove even more serious and he misses playoff time, Donato is a very nice insurance policy. I’m also very optimistic for his fantasy value next year. Without Nash in the lineup – which he won’t be for 2018-19 – Donato has been earning those top power-play minutes. Second line with David Krejci and top PP unit with Bergeron and co.? Yes please.

*

With the news earlier this week that Kevin Shattenkirk would miss the rest of the season, it got me wondering: how do we value the Rangers defencemen next year?

Neal Pionk has been the point producer since be recalled with 14 points in 23 games (heading into Friday night). The bad news is that half his points have been second assists. The good news is that they have come on the power play, where he’s supplanted Brady Skjei and been given priority over John Gilmour. A healthy Shattenkirk would mean secondary PP minutes for Pionk but at least he’d have those. At the least, he’ll get first crack at the second unit in 2018-19.

Pionk not shooting is a bit of a concern as he’s shot considerably less than many other Rangers d-men. While shooting isn’t an absolute necessity for fantasy value – Keith Yandle and Jake Gardiner have shown that – it does help fill some roto categories and it’s hard to score an acceptable amount for a d-man landing fewer than two shots per game playing.

Gilmour, on the other hand, has no problem shooting the puck. He’s played just under 340 minutes at five-on-five but in that limited sample he’s taken over 16 shots per 60 minutes, one of five defencemen to do so along with Brent Burns, Yohann Auvitu, Dougie Hamilton, and Johnny Boychuk. His ice time has been taking a hit of late though, failing to crack 15 minutes in three straight games of late.

It would appear the Rangers coaching staff is higher on Pionk than Gilmour given their deployment, but the Rangers staff may not even be around next year. Nevertheless, Gilmour’s upside without power play time might be something akin to Boychuk; 5-8 goals and 25-30 points. Pionk would be a bit more on the production side with some PP points mixed in. Because of how he’s being used, I would guess Pionk would be the guy to own after Shattenkirk next season, but a lot can change between now and October. Just wanted to get some initial thoughts out.

*

Speaking of production among defencemen, I’m not sure how many people realize this but over the last three seasons, Josh Manson leads the Ducks blue line in points per 60 minutes at five-on-five (0.85) and it’s not particularly close with Cam Fowler at 0.62. Over those three seasons, league-wide, he’s tied with the likes of Shea Weber, Morgan Rielly, and Matt Niskanen. That’s pretty good company.

It’s been a fantastic season this year with 32 points and none on the power play. All those five-on-five points have him third in the league on a per-minute basis behind only Erik Karlsson and Torey Krug. He doesn’t seem to have favour with the coaches, though, at least offensively given his non-existent PP usage and the fact that even though they lost Shea Theodore in the offseason, traded Sami Vatanen, and have been fighting injuries all season, he’s still earning just about 20 minutes a game (including a lot of short-handed minutes).

With no PP time, and without additional five-on-five minutes, this season will be the high-water mark for Manson. Don’t chase these points next year in drafts.

*

Over the summer, one thing I wrote about a couple times was the dilemma of choosing William Nylander or Mitch Marner for this season. It appears as though Marner will be the right decision. For whatever reason, even when he’s in the lineup, the Auston Matthews–William Nylander PP unit can’t get it together but the Marner unit can.

So I ask Dobber heads: if you had to pick one player for a dynasty league at the end of the season, would it be Marner or Nylander? Sound off in the comments.

*

I kind of wonder what Vladimir Tarasenko’s ADP will be next year. Barring a big point binge over the balance of the season, it’ll be the first time since 2013-14 that he’ll fail to crack 70 points. He needs four more goals to crack 35 or he’ll fail to do so since that same season. He was typically a late first round pick this year but will he be next year?

You have the staples of Crosby, Ovechkin, McDavid, and Kucherov. Brad Marchand, Evgeni Malkin, Auston Matthews, Patrik Laine, Patrick Kane, and Steven Stamkos probably all find themselves in the top-10. Then you have defencemen like Brent Burns and Erik Karlsson, and goalies like John Gibson and Connor Hellebuyck. Throw in wild cards like the Big Two from Dallas, Mark Scheifele, Jack Eichel, Victor Hedman, Pekka Rinne, and Sergei Bobrovsky, and we could easily see Tarasenko fall outside the top-12 and maybe in the 15-20 range.

I’m just thinking out loud for now but Tarasenko is probably going to be a value next season. He’s shooting 8.45 percent on the power play (by far a career-low, having never been below 15 percent before), 10.75 percent at five-on-five (the second-lowest of his career among 82-game seasons), and has a four-year low in total assists per minute. All this is to say that despite having an established career, there may be some bad luck going on for him and his line mates. We’ll dive deeper over the summer, but I feel confident, in March, planting my flag for Tarasenko as a must-draft in the second round come September.

from All About Sports https://dobberhockey.com/hockey-rambling/ramblings-point-reaches-30-goals-tavares-tops-80-points-rangers-defencemen-josh-manson-march-31/

[promisedangel]

PredatorShift- Chapter 10

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Chapter 10- Royal Pains

A new glow came from the direction of the King of All Monsters. A light blue glow pierced through the darkness, much more vibrant in its glow than the gems of Waterfall. A glow that matched Papyrus’s warning. Yet, the eye it emanated from had yet to fall upon the three. It seemed to slowly scan the area as the king’s boot-like footfalls echoed throughout the cavern. Searching. Seeking. Craving.

Chara shook quietly, their hand still hovered above their sheathed knife. Their mind raced for the possible answer. Should they fight? No. The risk was far too great. The second that eye fell upon them, they were the king’s next meal. Could they run? Perhaps, but Sans could potentially catch one if not all of them with probable ease. If he caught Frisk, then all of their efforts would be for naught. They couldn’t hide forever either. The longer they lingered, the closer the king would be on fully catching their scent. Chara gritted their teeth; they knew the only reason he hadn’t found them yet was the dust diluting their scent. Asriel tried to speak, but Chara instinctually put a finger to his mouth to quietly shush him. They blinked, now snapped out of their fear. They saw the rock Asriel had knocked slightly, alerting the king of their presence. Chara’s eyes widened in realization. This could be the solution. A distraction. They quickly went to grab the rock but froze upon Sans’ voice once again echo in the cavern, his tone annoyed, “C’mon, neither of us want to play this game. Come out and it won’t hurt. Much.” Chara shook once more, this time within Asriel’s view. Asriel carefully put a hand on Chara’s shoulder. Chara blinked and once more broke from their trance. They mouthed, ‘Get ready’ to Asriel. Asriel nodded in response. Chara carefully touched the rock and picked it up gently. No noise was made, much to Chara’s relief. Chara held the rock and readied their arm backward. They faced away from the encroaching king, in the direction of their fight with Toriel. Chara quickly threw the rock in that direction. The initial impact wasn’t loud, as though it had landed in some grasses, but the bounce echoed through the cavern. The blue light locked onto the direction of the sound. It was only visible for a second before it vanished in an instant. Chara spoke quietly and pulled at Frisk and Asriel, “Go. Go!”

The three quickly removed themselves from their hiding place and ran in the direction of Hotland. In the darkness, Frisk stepped into a pile of dust and winced. Chara quickly shushed them and forced them to continue onwards. It wasn’t until the three made it to one of the bridges that they all took a chance to breathe. Chara turned their gaze backward as they attempted to catch their breath. Nobody came. Chara breathed a sigh of relief before they crumpled to the floor of the bridge. Asriel noticed this and spoke out, “Chara?” Chara sat on their knees and shook. A strange smile dawned on their face before a nervous laugh quietly poured from them. Frisk felt a chill down their spine and stepped away from Chara nervously, unsure of them. After a few steps, Chara noticed this and seemed to snap out of their strange state. Their strange expression replaced with a glare in a near instant. Three knives appeared around Frisk, two within their sight. Frisk let out a worried noise before they stopped their steps and stood stiffly in attention. Chara’s voice faltered slightly, but they still managed to keep their menacing tone, “Don’t you dare.” Chara slowly stood. Asriel tried to interject, “They were jus-“ Asriel cut himself off as he saw Chara. They were still shaken. Their face partially red with tears welling in their eyes. Even Frisk was partially disarmed by this. Chara quickly wiped the tears from their face and spoke, their voice more together, “We will keep moving, but you will stay close.” Frisk lowered their head and hugged themselves. They nodded silently to Chara. Asriel perked up once more, “Are you… sure there really is no other way?” Chara, seemingly recovered, spoke bluntly, “There is no other way. We cannot go through the barrier. We must break it.” Asriel seemed to be deep in thought for a moment before Chara began to walk. They spoke gently, “Let us continue. That diversion will not last for long.” Asriel nodded before the three of them continued onwards back to Hotland.

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 Boogie had been keeping a close eye on the two humans and goat-monster. Not for any concern, but merely for something to do. It was preferable than waiting in the ruins of Home. Papyrus’s company could only do good for so long, especially for a monster like Boogie. Soulless. Unable to feel love. A husk of what once was. Boogie had become cautious at the sound of the king’s voice. One voice he knew all too well. He distanced himself a fair bit from the king, erring on the side of caution. Boogie sighed, “They’re dead… oh well…it was bound to happen.” He had to find some way to entertain himself once more. Back to the ruins, maybe? After Frisk leaving, Papyrus would probably not let Boogie leave. He didn’t like to be alone.

Before Boogie could think of any other ideas, his thoughts were disturbed. A rock bounced into the grasses near him and then landed on rocks. Boogie tilted his head curiously. His eyes locked onto the rock. Where did it come from? But something new came as well; a glow of light blue, one which locked onto Boogie. Boogie’s eyes widened, but before they could react, they were ripped from the ground by a bony hand in black, fingerless gloves. Boogie began to shake. He knew exactly who this was. He turned his gaze to the being that plucked him and found his captor wearing a long, navy cloak. It was a simple cloak that covered most of the wearer’s clothing, and it also had the delta symbol as its clasp. The cloak had some smaller tears in places and dust scattered through the cloak, mostly on the bottom, near the clasp and near the center-middle of the cloak. The hood was current up, but the features were fully seen due to the being’s left eye aglow in blue light. A rounder skeletal face, with a literal sharp grin, one that already had dust upon it. King Sans.

Sans’s smile dropped slightly as he realized what he had caught, “You’re barely a snack. I thought I smelled a feast.” Boogie shook within Sans’s grasp, barely able to speak. Sans mused, “Maybe… you know where it hid?” Boogie pointed a leaf back towards the direction Sans came from. Sans turned his head back a moment before his grin turned to annoyance. He teleported with Boogie in hand back to the general area he was in before. He slowly began to sniff the area before he let out an annoyed ‘tch’ sound. Sans muttered, “It got away…” He then turned his attention to Boogie, “Which means, you helped it escape.” Boogie shook his head, his eyes still wide with terror, “The rock came flying to me! It wasn’t me!” Sans gave a low chuckle, “Then it used you as a distraction. So that’s why I haven’t found it yet. It’s actually intelligent.” Sans then returned to a frown, “And it left you to die.” Boogie exclaimed in worry, “Wait! I can help you find them! I can help you get both of them!” Sans’s sockets widened for a second before he bellowed over in laughter, “Both? There’s two of them?!” A wicked grin dawned on his face, drool began to seep between his teeth, “A feast fit for a king.” Boogie became more submissive, “So, I’ll tell you where they’re going, and you’ll free me, right?” Sans scoffed, “Why would I need you? They can’t hide from me. I can find the main course without your help.” Boogie shook even more as Sans continued, “For now… I’ll help myself to an appetizer.” Boogie’s eyes seemed to glaze over, not fully focused on what was currently happening. As though he was seeing this and something else. He quivered, “No... Not again. Please-“

With one bite, all but a small section of Boogie’s stem vanished into Sans’s gullet. He swallowed quickly, but he quickly frowned. Dissatisfied. He looked and the hand that once held the flower and let out a ‘tch’ sound before he spoke, “Barely a bite, and no soul. Useless weed.” Sans turned and walked through the cavern towards the prey he was eating before. His cloak fluttered about, revealing his plain white shirt and black baggy sweatpants beneath. However, the white shirt was now a light shade of grey from splatters and drops of monster dust all over the shirt. Especially the chest area. He knew his prey would already be dust, he had already taken a good number of bites when it was still flesh. When he saw the dust pile, there was no surprise in his gaze. But it only was for a moment. Upon further examination, he saw a shoe print in the dust, one unlike the black boots he wore. This was more akin to a running shoe. He raised a ‘brow’ at the size of the print, “Another kid?” He shrugged before he flashed a wicked grin, “Too bad for them.” He slowly sniffed the air around the dust pile, only finding hints of human scent and the overwhelming stench of monster dust. He frowned in annoyance but then shrugged it off, “I’ll find those humans soon enough.” He then disappeared in an instant.

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Dr. Gaster was very far behind on his work. He should have had this substitute prepared days ago, and yet he was unable to due to a delay in extracting blood from Chara. He mused, soon he wouldn’t have to worry about this anymore. Either Chara would bring back the soul of the new human that fell, or Chara would sacrifice their own soul. Another option loomed in his mind, one that would bring doom; if the king would reach both of them first. He shook his skull of that thought. Asgore was watching the cameras for him while he prepared this substitute. There was little chance. All that was left for him was to wait for the last pills to finish so he could deliver it to Papyrus. He frowned at the thought of Papyrus; the ‘lost’ prince of the underground. To the average monster, one day he disappeared from the palace without a trace. Many thought him to be dead, even Gaster thought this for a time. That is until he tried to examine the ruins of Home. He decided to think back on that encounter. He had little else to do other than wait, after all.

After collecting three human souls, Gaster had noticed a pattern. The corpses of these humans were always found somewhere in Snowdin Forest, the souls thankfully rescued from being eaten by the now feral monsters. It was time to investigate this and find a way to collect humans before they find themselves in a monster’s stomach. Gaster found himself wandering deep into Snowdin Forest, taking paths monster had not tread in many long years. It was strange for him to come across a large door so far out here. He marveled at the large door for a few long seconds before he realized what it was; an entrance to Home! This must be where the humans fell, he thought. He went to open the door, but he found no way to open it. He touched the door to find some way to open it, and that is when he felt the magic that coated the entrance. One that was all too familiar to him. His eyes began to glow in his shock, “Prince Papyrus?!” He tried to teleport past the door but found himself unable to. He held his head, a slight headache dawned from the attempt. After recovering, he banged on the door and called out, “Prince Papyrus, is it really you? Please! Open the door!” A voice replied from the other side of the door, “Who are you?” Gaster paused and was relieved at the voice. His eyes ended their glow before he calmly explained himself, “Your first cousin, once removed… your Royal Scientist… Surely you remember me?” The voice didn’t say a thing for a few moments before speaking, “Why are you here?” Gaster raised a ‘brow’ in confusion, “Sire… it’s not like you to be this cautious.” The voice raised, “Are you here because Sans told you to find me?” Gaster stumbled over his words, confused, “What? I- no! I-“ He sighed, “I thought you were dust. Many monsters do.” The voice, Papyrus’s voice, softened to worry, “They think…. I’m dead?” “Yes. As far as anyone is aware, you disappeared from the castle. The king becomes violent to anyone who talks about it in his presence.”

Papyrus tensed behind the door, unknown to Gaster. Gaster continued, “If I may ask… what happened?” Tears began to well in Papyrus’s sockets, “I don’t want to talk about it.” “But-“ Papyrus’s voice broke, but was strict, “Please. Don’t…” Papyrus sat on the ground and began to slowly sob. Gaster sighed, “Sire…” Papyrus sniffled, “Please… don’t call me that. I don’t want any titles…” Gaster mused, now more composed, “You and Sans had a fight, didn’t you?” “Sort… of…” “Tell me. I will not tell him you are here if you do.” “Promise?” “I swear it.”

Papyrus groaned, “Do you remember the two ghosts Sans and I adopted?” Gaster blinked, “Mettacrit and Blook?” “Yes.” “They found a human.” Gaster’s eyes widened for only a moment, “What happened to it?” “They walked through the barrier at the throne room. This was during a few days when Sans was away.” Papyrus seemed nostalgic as he continued, “The human was very brave, they weren’t scared of me, or Mettacrit and Blook. They were sincere… and we taught each other about our cultures and needs.”

Papyrus clenched his jaw and tears returned to his sockets, “And then… they wanted to help free us.” Gaster interjected, “A human wanted to free monsters?” Papyrus nodded, “They even said they could easily get the remaining souls easily… something about older humans in their town. We decided the best way to cross the barrier was for Blook or Mettacrit to possess them, and they could cross the barrier.” “What went wrong?” “Sans was due back that day, and Mettacrit and I went home to speak with him. We waited there for… I don’t even remember how long… but we decided to go back to Blook and the human in the throne room.” Papyrus attempted to hold back his sobs, “But… when we returned… Sans was… there.” He spoke through his sobs, “He was eating both of them.” Gaster frowned, “He killed them… We always thought those two had disappeared- wait… what happened to Mettacrit?” “He… tried to snap Sans out of it, but… Sans killed him… too…” “And so, you ran.” “I… I never want to see him again… he did such horrible things… and he didn’t feel anything.” Gaster sighed, “To be honest… he hasn’t improved. He’s been hunting monsters so he can eat. Many just assume they just turned to dust, but their king is consuming them.”

Papyrus didn’t respond, he only sobbed behind the door. Gaster bowed slightly, “I’m sorry… I shouldn’t need to make you upset like this… My Liege.” “I… I don’t want any title…” “You deserve it far more than your brother.” Papyrus didn’t respond. Gaster spoke after a few moments, “I see you need some time to think this over. I will abide by my vow and not tell a soul you are here. I shall return, however. There is much we should discuss.” “….Okay…” “I bid you goodbye, Prince Papyrus.”

Gaster turned away from that memory, returning to the present day. He noticed the remaining substitute was ready. He quickly bottled the pills and teleported away. He had a home visit to conduct.

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