Determination (Charisk) [OUTDATED]

98 - FIRST IMPRESSIONS

(FRISK POV)

     I got awkward thumbs ups and death glares alike from the castle guard as Chara led me through the halls of the castle. The magic had completely drowned out the six sources of pain and anguish that I picked up on earlier. It was so intense, I had to lean against his shoulder for support.

     We made it out of castle grounds, although a small escort helped us cross the open path from the castle to Asgore's house. Several magical bullets and stunners bounced off the dark green bubble, coming from no direction in particular.

     "I knew that people wanted me dead but this... this is crazy."

     "It'll be okay. They can't hurt you."

     "It sounds like you're trying to convince yourself more than you are trying to convince me."

     "..." We walked in silence all the way to the house of Asgore Dreemurr. It wasn't big or grandiose like I thought a king's house would be. It didn't even look similar to the castle. It was a replica of Toriel's house from the Ruins.

"It's... familiar."

"New home was already established and excavation complete before I was even born, the houses just look similar because Mom and Dad knew what they wanted."

"Ah."

"We're here." The door itself was very large, presumably so that King Asgore could walk through comfortably. I saw him on the broadcast, but seeing him in person. I couldn't be more nervous. I mean, Papyrus, Undyne, Alphys, even Gerson Boom all said that he was a big pushover. It can't be that bad... right? I knocked on the door. It opened slowly to reveal a large, intimidating, regal... middle-aged goat in a pink sweater.

"Howdy! I'm Asgore." He extended his large paw-like hand.

"I'm... Frisk Archer. It's nice to meet you." I shook his hand. Well, that might be an exaggeration. It's more like I was shook by his hand.

"Would you like to come in for some tea?" I couldn't help but smile. How could this be the same guy I saw on TV? His voice alone sounds like a warm hug.

"I would love to." The inside looked, you guessed it, exactly like Toriel's house. The magic was quieter in here, but everything has been bleached a silvery-grey color. I sat down at the table, and waited for Asgore to come back from the kitchen.

"S-Sorry! Dinner's almost ready!" He shouted from the kitchen... did I smell burning?

"Hey," Chara nudged me. "You should go help."

"Are you sure? I mean, I'm a guest! I'm human and he's—"

"It'll be fine. I promise." After all this time, seeing his face, somewhere where he feels safe. It's nice.

"Alright." I walked meekly into the kitchen. "Excuse me, King Asgore?"

"Golly, Frisk. You don't have to call me King in my own home. Between you and me, I'm trying to avoid being a king right now, the pauldrons don't exactly do wonders for the shoulders." I couldn't help but laugh.

"Okay, fair. Mr. Dreemurr? Do you mind if I help with dinner?"

"By all means, go ahead! It'd be nice if it was edible for a change!" Again, I laughed. Why was I so afraid? I quickly swooped in and helped avoid burning things, balancing spices, and chopping up vegetables. It's strange, the last time I held a knife, back in Hotland, I almost had a panic attack. But being here, with Chara and his Dad. I felt safe. In my element. Like, this was where I was meant to be.