Abandoned Past

Chapter 18: Something Smells Fishy

"Have you ever been to the surface?"
A timid voice asked, the human pausing before turning to the young skeleton beside them. Having found a spot in Waterfall, both monster and human had settled there to relax. It was always a nice change of pace. Even if they were literally doing nothing.
"I used to live there before coming here. Something happened and I just needed to get away."
The human replied vaguely, earning a solemn nod from the monster.
"I understand. Sorry for bringing it up. It's just... Every monster is conditioned to have one wish. To get up on the surface and to indulge in the environment. The things humans take for granted."
"The surface isn't what monsters crank it up to be. There are different regions, all run by a single leader who can be voted out. It's not a fun thing to do."
"Is that why you left? And came to the underground?"
The human looked to the monster who spoke softly, seeming more than interested in the humans recollection of the surface.
Shaking their head slightly, their gaze moved up to the quiet water that flowed peacefully along its path. Always moving, never stopping. If something bothered it, it just kept on going.
"No... My life took a turn for the worst. So I abandoned what else I had and..."
"Well, think of it as the universe guiding you. I mean, clearly something always happens for a reason, does it not? And maybe you are destined to be down in the Underground. To advance through the difficulty that is life. It is just a theory but I believe where you're going is the path you are destined to take."
Earning a snort of amusement, the monsters cheeks flushed a bright violet before puffing out his cheeks. Stifling giggles, the human was pushed slightly before they looked to the pouting monster. Huffing as the warm flesh of the humans hand came into contact with the top of the monsters skull, their golden eyes glanced up to the human.
"You know I don't let anyone control my destiny. I like to carve my own path so I can get where I want to be."
Patting them on the back, the human got to their feet before wandering through the flood of echo flowers that echoed quietly their conversation. The monsters eyes trained on them before he exhaled a deep sigh.
They had always been the kind to throw away anything for someone else. Or at least that's what the monster had noticed. He'd also noticed how jitterish they'd become when any mention of the surface came up in the topic. Tapping his fingers on his exposed knee, he slowly clambered to his feet before looking out upon the soft blue glow that illuminated the otherwise dark environment. It truly was...beautiful.
Shaking his head softly, the echo flowers wavered as he made his way after the human, the flowers catching his soft remarks. Almost as if he was whispering directly to them.
"You truly are a wonder, my friend. If only you'd take things more seriously."

Daddy Sans paced in front of the ruin doors frantically. Something wasn't right. Something was off. Something was...annoying him. Pausing in the dense snow for a moment as a similar screen to his new technology appeared, he frowned ever so slightly. If he answered, there was no doubt that his ear would be chewed off. If he didn't, that meant they'd send out a kid to his location. Well, where the last call was anyway. Either way, both options sucked in his favour. Scratching his scalp in a slow manner, he waved away the screen before moving forward to one of the sentry stations across the bridge. Sure he'd have the element of surprise but from what he'd gathered, whoever was coming wasn't going to be too surprised to see something waiting for them.

Pulling out his phone as it began to buzz, he frowned before rolling his eyes. Declining it almost instantly, he whirled around in response to a noise and raised his hand to summon his magic attack. Earning a defensive return of magic, the human paused before frowning heavily.
"Oh don't tell me you're the one."
With the shield of bones disappearing back into the ground, a tattered, grumpier version of Mint stood firmly. Half of his skull was cracked, his entire persona very different to the one Daddy Sans knew. This was one of that UF pricks' kids.
"Nice to see you too. For your sake and mine, I suggest you fuckin run."
"Excuse me? Don't use that tone with me!"
"Oh for fu- Can you stop fucking around? Boss got his hands on a couple of skeletons. They mean business and will murder your fuckin ass if you don't leave."
The copy of the skeleton shifted uncomfortably at the furious aura Daddy Sans was giving off. He certainly wasn't going to be told what to do.
"Your ass can't even defend yourself from your own prick of a father. What makes you think that I'll trust you when he can bend your will to do what he wishes?"
He provided a good point. Although his UF copy was weaker than the original, he still packed quite a punch. Especially when it came to monsters. Half of the kids UF Daddy had had already been killed. Turned to dust and left to blow away. Luckily, Pumpkin was able to transfer them into those plushies he always kept in his workshop.