Torch of Will

Chapter Seven - Innate Nature

No one lived in this house anymore, except me. Before yesterday, I had no friends, and the only reason any of my relatives would check on me is if I got hospitalized. They sent me money for expenses, or at least until I got a stable job and graduated. There was no reason for anyone to visit.

'So why,' I thought, hearing the loud knocks on the front door. ', is someone trying to visit me?!' It was four in the morning! Who would be outside at this time?! Not wanting to probe at Bonnie, who was still 'asleep' in my mind, I quickly went to the door. Looking outside, I was met with a familiar tanned face and locks of brown hair.

"Frisk?!" She heard me and waved from outside.

"Hi, Ryan!" I gaped in shock.

"W-Why are you here?!" I stuttered. "No, how are you here?! How did you know where I live?!" She scratched the back of her head sheepishly.

"We, uh...we were the car that almost ran you over yesterday..." I flinched, then groaned. I must have looked like an idiot...

"Sorry about that..." She tilted her head.

"Sorry? We almost ran you over! We should be apologizing!" Straightening herself out, she cleared her throat. "I am so, so sorry-"

"Ah!" I cut her off. "I should have been looking."

"Me too!"

"Then, let's both agree to look both ways next time, okay?" She sighed, but nodded, immediately hugging me tightly. I tensed up, but soon relaxed, loving the warmth. Frowning, I looked behind her.

"There isn't anyone with you..." Frisk shrugged.

"Azzy's the only one that can cook, and Chara's still asleep." She stepped inside and closed the door. "I was wondering if you wanted a ride. The school's not far from here." I flashed back to Chara and our encounters.

"I'm fine-"

A loud storm rumbled outside. I cursed nature for not letting it pass since yesterday. "Actually, I would appreciate that..." She grinned. "Still, why now? The school's fifteen minutes away from here."

She took off her shoes and walked towards my backpack near the couch. I was too cautious of her movements to ask what she was doing. "You still have the book, right?" I remembered the book they lent me.

"Yeah...do you need it right now? I can give it back." She waved it away.

"No, I'm just wondering how far you read." I counted the pages and tried to recall the information.

"I got the War, and page 23." She nodded approvingly and sat down, motioning me over. I went behind her and looked over her shoulder. Rolling her eyes, she pulled me to the spot next to her.

"C'mon, it's easier this way..." Putting the book to the side, she faced me. "So? What do you think about it?" At my confused expression, she explained. "You know, Soul Magic."

"Oh...it seems kind of unbelievable..." 'But a lot of details match up...' She sighed and gave me a serious expression.

"Okay, I know it does, but please, take this seriously."

"Frisk, it's Magic. I know I snapped and scared that guy, but do you honestly think I have that?"

She nodded immediately. "Yep!"

"Do you have proof?"

She winced. "That's what I wanted to talk to you about." She leaned forward. "Ryan, what do you remember from the fight?"