Jim sat in front of his normal spot typing away on the computer, "So I see the kid is back, seriously you should quit while you're ahead, but you've always been a hopeless dreamer and stubborn to boot. Which is why we get along so well." He just looks up and smiles at Clyde, "So how's the work going? Clyde could you tell me anything what Brod is up..." Clyde just shakes his head, "I would if even I knew about the main projects, but now all the really doesn't matter. I found out that all main project were relocated from here and all the other projects I've been working on have been destroyed." Jim looks pale and eyes wide with fear, "Clyde what do you mean by that?" He just shrugs and turns around, "They probably know that we've been doing secret projects of our own behind there backs. So if I was you I'd hurry on your project for the kid. Though I think we have some time, if any of the main projects were ready we wouldn't be having this conversation, but that doesn't mean we should let our guard down."
Jim face darkens, "I worried that this would happen, but I had hoped I covered our my tracks well enough. I need to do what I can to get Brod mentally ready for what he's about to possible face. I hate to rush him like this, but we don't have time to spare. After this is all over I'll be more then happy to listen to everything he needs to get off his chest. Right now there's just to much at stake and not just for monsters, but humans as well." Clyde nods, "I don't like this anymore then you do, but Dualality needs to be stopped and who knows if what your working on will be enough." Clyde leave the way he came in and Jim gets back to work. Both of them knowing that the count down has officially started.
You stir awake your head slightly pounding. You look around and notice a familiar scene up above you, "Never thought I'd be looking at this again." You sit up, legs feeling a little shaky as you make your way to the door. The door opens and you see Jim putting a kettle on an electric burner. He looks over at you standing there, "Well looks like your finally up. You feel like some ramen and hot chocolate?" You walk over and sit down at a nearby chair. "You and those cup of noodles. I swear do you ever run out?" He shakes his head, "Not if I can help it." You both laugh and then you look down at the ground your face growing doleful. "Jim I can't deal with this anymore. I'm so mentally shot and I keep involving those I care about."
He turns his chair to face you while he waits for the water to boil, "I understand that Brod, you've been through a lot, and just recently destroyed a small section of forest and set a house on fire. Not the best way to keep a low profile." A look shocked and surprised on your face, "How do you know about that? It hasn't been that long since that all happened. Yeah, okay, maybe the house would have shown up on news, but the forest..." Jim just interrupts you, "Look how or why isn't important at the moment. You need to not let your emotions get the better of you. Your a good kid who's been through a tough time, but going around and destroying stuff is like saying, "Here I am." Dualality could exploit your emotions against you if your not careful, but you're not their true objective."
You look at him with an eyebrow raised, "What do you mean? I thought it was because of me that everyone at Mt. Ebott is at risk." Jim just looks at you with a stern face, "Brod, you never were that important to Dualality and they've been interested in Mt. Ebott before you were even born, but lack anyway to get to the monster behind the barrier. The reason they're after you at all is you may derail their plans." You're now at a loss for words. All of this was news to you. "Why didn't he tell me any of this before?"
You begin to open your month to ask, but the kettle starts whistling. Jim turns his chair to turn the burner off. He takes the two cup of noodles, two mug, and fills them with water. Then he opens two packets of instant hot chocolate with mini marshmallows and pours a packet in each mug. He stirs them and scoots one of each towards you. He pulls out two plastic forks and gives you one. "You're probably wondering why I didn't say anything prior to this before now and that's because I only recently obtained this information. Also the situation has changed and you need to be ready for what may be coming."
"Ready for what? What is it that I need to ready for?" "I haven't seen what they personally been working on, but what they want is control." You look at him confused, "Control? Control over what? People, the world?" Jim shakes his head, "The ability to control time and space. They could change events to fit their needs and destroy anything from existence." Now you're worried again, "How would that be possible. Is their something here that can do that?"
"If they had something here with that capability it's now been moved to a new location. Even to me it sounds like something that isn't possible, but wither it can or not is beside the point. Even some of the lesser projects were a threat to everyone and anyone. So if they every get one of the main project ready god help us all. This is what we need to prepare for and hope that this whole controlling space-time is a pipe-dream. Even Clyde doesn't know how close they're to being completed. "
Your hands are shaking a bit, "Then they could attack tomorrow or years down the line and we have no way of knowing." Jim just nods, "Yeah, again why we need to be ready, but you shouldn't shoulder everything yourself. I'm doing my best here to help, but what I'm working on may not be ready in time. Which is why Asriel would be best suited to..." You stand up suddenly and knock your hot chocolate to the floor when you do. The mug breaks as it hits the liquid spreading over the floor."NO! I'M DONE GETTING AZZY INVOLVED IN THIS! I'LL HANDLE THIS..." before you could finish shouting your disagreement, Jim slams his fist down on the keyboard next to him breaking it. Jim's own frustration from lack of sleep, long hours, and your sudden outburst at him to lose control.
You were startled at the sudden impact and display from Jim. Normally he's always calm and collected regardless of what you do. You knew he meant well and regretted yelling at him. "I sorry Jim, I didn't mean to snap at you like that. I just don't want to see Azzy get hurt." He took a deep breath, "I know, we've both had a lot on our plates as of late, but just hear me out okay." You nod as you sit back down. "Do you know why Asriel he's the best choice to help you against Dualality?" You shake your head in response, "He's good at casting magic and is also able to use my abilities. He's even been able to cast some spells I... "
Jim jumps in at this point, "Your abilities is one part, but being able to cast human spells isn't possible under normal circumstances without dire consequences. That book you found showing monsters casting the same type of magic that humans can from the past. There's more you should know about it, that was when human and monsters were friends and during a time of peace. That when their goals were the same, monster could channel human magic to enhance it greatly, and normally this was only done to prevent something neither one could not do alone. So a human mage teaching a monster any spell in this manner was a one time occurrence resulting in the monster forfeiting their life. Those who did so were respected by all, but this information has been scattered over hundreds of years. What you saw was just a small piece of a larger picture. "
You sit back down slowly with a horrified look on your face, "Are you saying that if I would have taught this to any other monster other then Azzy they would..."you trail off and Jim nods, "They would have died, yes. Azzy is an exception to this rule due to the bond he shared with your rune stone. Asriel being a boss monster and mainly made of magic has the potential to cast both magics and not get as fatigued as you. Though his overall problem is physical combat and why he should stay at a distance if in a fight. Your able to deal and take physical damage more then he can and magic wise you're able to cast human magic faster because of the rune stone. Being able to cast monster magic has helped you break past the limitation you once had. " he stop to take another drink before continuing.
"I should also tell you humans overtime have lost touch with magic, but some people still have the ability to do so it's just rare. People over time just forgotten such things and any information still available is just seen as old folk tales. Dualality experiments focused to find those with such rare gifts of magical potential. This is why you survived the experiment they performed on you. You had this rare gift, but the problem with this is finding those who could make it through the process. Even those who have shown the same rarity of magic in them weren't all the same and some became unstable during testing. Dualality believes if they harness the magical properties of the monsters in Mt. Ebott they could infuse the magic into anyone allowing them to create more stable hybrids in testing and it would speed up their current experiment."
This news just kept on getting worse, "Then they want all the monster just to use them to further their experiments. Jim can't you find a way to locate..." Jim shakes him head and cuts you off, "Brod I've tried to find out where they've possibly moved their current experiments to, but even with Clyde's help would couldn't come up with anything. That's why I need to complete what I'm working on and you need to continue your training. You're the only one I believe who will have an inkling of a chance to take down Dualality, but all we can do at the moment is be ready." "There's one thing I don't get, why create the hybrids in the first place? How does this work towards controlling time and space?" Jim sits back.
"That as I said I don't get myself, but its got something to do between human and monster Souls. Though you are the result of that and impressive as it is I don't see that happening. Humans can take more physical punishment then monsters weaker magical bodies. Though even humans with magical capabilities couldn't even come close to how well monsters could tap into magic. In a few books Dualality got there hands on I read about a monster gaining a human Soul and gain great power. Which lead to the humans fearing monster and that lead to the war, but the reverse could also be done with boss monsters since their Souls could remain behind for a short time after death. Though the problem with either of them getting one was control of the body would be split."
"How may time did this happen?" "There were two instances this happened, one when a monster absorbing a human Soul, and one of a human absorbing a boss monster Soul. Sure they gained great power, but it did them little good since the Soul was forcefully taken. Having a war in front of you was bad enough, but then having a war within you was worse. They ended up getting killed while distracted with their internal struggle. No one tried to do so for the rest of the war, in which the humans manage to win, but there were still humans who cared for monsters. They manage to get them to the safety of Mt. Ebott and the rest is how you know it. Which is why Dualality created a hybrid as such to eliminate such control problems in ones body. This is why you're so unique and if you let Asriel absorb the fragment of Soul you put in the locket you gave him it will enable him enough to protect himself and you as well."
You blink, month slightly open, and then shake your head, "How do you know about the locket I gave Azzy? I never told... have you been spying on me somehow?" He chuckles, "In a sense I have, but you could say that it has limitations. Its not like I'm seeing everything going on in your life. You really need to lay off Asriel a bit, you're going to traumatize him as he gets older, but I get that you seem to have a thing for him. For now though you two should focus on working together. Then once this is all over you can continue to explore those feelings more." he gives a slight chuckle at the look on your face.
You're blushing like crazy, "You know that's none of your concern and how in the hell... you know what, your right, I'll continue to focus on training, but once we're done dealing with Dualality we're going to talk about this whole spying on my life business." He just laughs, "Sure, though I think you'll find out someday, but until then. As for Asriel, keep him out of close range combat, and have him supports you from a distance. Both of you need to learn to keep an eye out for one another. Asriel should take care of targets your unable to get to, but you should make sure that the primary attention of anyone stays on you. If things get out of hand Asriel should pull out of the fight."
You nod, "I agree, though even if i give him the Soul piece he still could get hurt if things go south. We're still not sure if the abilities he gained are stable either." Jim looks down at his keyboard for a second and then picks up the cup of ramen, "All you can do is keep an eye on it and any edge he has will be helpful. I also was checking your vitals and notice with that piece of your Soul missing there's a slight dip in your strength and magical output, but you should be able to retrieve it if push come to shove. Normally that wouldn't be possible if a monster absorbed a human Soul or vise-versa, but your Soul isn't normal so it's not surprising that it wouldn't follow the same rules." You nod in understanding.
"I really wish there was more I could do, but just keep your guard up for now and if anything new comes up on my end I'll keep in touch." Jim finishes. You sigh, putting your hands behind you head and lean back in your chair making it tilt back, "All I wanted to do was just live with my family in peace, but is seem that won't be possible until Dualality is stopped. That everyday I'll have to be watching my back until then." Jim adjusts his glasses, "That's about the sum of it. I don't think you'll have to worry to much though. I'm sure they won't send normal soldier seeing as it wouldn't get results, but they may have something up their sleeve. I just wish I could tell you what that might be. On another note I called your family and told them you were here while you were sleeping. They asked me to have you call them once you woke up."
This nearly caused you to tumble back in your chair, "What? How? I didn't have my contact information on the cell phone you gave me." Jim just chuckles, "I transferred all that over to the phone when I gave it to you. Wait you didn't notice and been carrying both of them around all this time?" He picks up your cell phone and hands it to you, "I figure I would save you the time having to do it yourself. Figure you might give your old phone to someone as a gift." You take back the phone and look through it. Everything had been transferred over except some recent photos. You feel embarrassed not noticing this sooner.
"I think it would just be easier to head back and explain everything in person. Not like it'll take me long to get home. So much for my break, but I have one final question about Dualality. You said the control is split if a human or monster absorbs a Soul. Yet if they're going to use the magic of monster are they going to use Souls to make the process more stable? Isn't that what they're trying to avoid?" Jim nods, "Yes, but what I meant was hooking them up to machines to absorb magic directly from their bodies while keeping them alive. So they'd have an unlimited source to run additional experiments."
You were going to say something else, but Jim raise his hand to interrupted you. "I think we both had enough for today, you should get home before they start worrying about you. Don't worry about the mug I'll clean that up later." You stand up and start heading to the door. You stop and turn around, "Jim, thanks for the information. Again I'm sorry I snapped at you. I feel like all I end up doing is dropping more problems on to you every-time I come here." Jim smile and shakes his head, "Don't worry about it, even I got lost in the moment. I think all this doom and gloom talk just got the better of us. Let's just try and take our minds off it for now." "Yeah, but I doubt your going to take your own advice." He just laughs, "Likewise, knowing you you're going to want to start training as soon as you get back." Now you both were laughing. You say good-bye once more and head out.
You look down at your phone once you're back in front of the entrance to Mt. Ebott. You notice the time and it just now dawns on you you've been out for over sixteen hours. You had a feeling Jim used something on you after you fell asleep. You re-enter the underground and didn't bump into anyone on the way back. Which was fine with you at this point since you wanted to avoid as much interactions with those outside of family at this point. Walking up and stopping at the front door as you sigh. You're not looking forward to the news and information you had to tell them. Turning the handle slowly you walk in an notice it was fairly quiet. As you make your way around the house it seemed that no one was around.
You walk to the kitchen to see if your mom was there and found it empty of anyone. So you went to check the other rooms of the house, but maybe everyone was out at the moment. Well that would let you get a little more prepared mentally...or not. You open the door to your bedroom quietly and inside you see Asriel sitting at the desk working on something. "Well if there's anyone I should talk with first it's Azzy." You walk in and sneak up on him, "Hey Azzy." He tumbles out of his chair as you startled him. He looks up at you noticing a goofy looking smile on your face, "B-Bro, your back." He scurries to his feet and gives you a hug. You pat him on the head as he does.
"Sorry Azzy, I know Jim said he would have me call, but I just figure I rather talk to everyone in person and avoid trying to explain everything over the phone." Asriel backs up a little looking concerned, "Jim told me about Frisk's parents and the house being set on fire. I get that you were upset, but I didn't think you would go to such measures yesterday. I figure you might go out and punch a few trees or something." You give a light chuckle, "Yeah, I did something like that afterward, but I think I got a little carried away."
You both took a seat on the bed while you went over the details of what Jim told you, but leaving out the details on the locket for now. Asriel seem very pained at all this, "Azzy I know that it's a lot to take in..." Asriel just puts a hand up as he speaks, "So everyone down here was in danger of Dualality long before you even were brought here?" You just nod as you look down, "Yeah, I thought it was me, but I just seem to be more of a nuisance to them. Seems all I did after they took down the barrier the first time is just delayed them with the new barrier. I guess a small part of me is happy to know I'm not the direct cause of their attacks. "
Asriel changed the subject, "About being able to cast human magic. You said that I'm able to do so because of what happened with the rune stone. That any other monster casting magic of this type would end up..." His voice trailed off and you speak in a low voice, "Nothing seems to be that cut and dry, but I just thought monster forgot about being able to do so. I'm just relieved that I've been so busy with everything that I never got around teaching mom and dad. I don't think I could live with myself knowing I... damn it, if it wasn't for the way things have worked out..."
Your emotion were getting the better of you as you embrace Asriel in a hug. Gripping him tightly, your voice trembling as you start crying, "I-I'm s-sorry A-Azzy, I'm such an i-idiot. I-I'm not qualified t-to be teaching m-magic." He wraps his arms around to help calm you down, "Bro, you can't blame yourself for not knowing. I mean we're just kids and your taking on responsibilities that even adults would have difficulties with. You can't be faulted for seeing information that could be used to help protect everyone. We should be having fun and be doing things like math, not trying to stop an evil organization. Let's just take things as they come okay."
You nod as you let go still sniffling and rubbing your nose, "Azzy there's something else I need you to know. During our training I felt excited and was enjoying it more then I should have. I've been fighting so much in my life that I've just come to accept it I felt at time I'd never fully escape it, but being with you, mom, dad, and Frisk I found that this doesn't have to be my fate. I want to find a way to make it possible so we can live our life's peacefully without fear. I know I can't do this alone and Jim saying you would be best suited for that, I didn't want to have you train for those reasons, but knowing you are there at my side is comforting. If you want to stop training with me I'll understand and I'll..." you were interrupted as you feel a finger pressed against your lips.
You look up at look at Asriel as he speaks,"Bro, you know I'd do anything I can to help you, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared. It has been harder for you though, having no one to love you as you grew up, but that's no longer the case. You have friends and family who will do anything they can to help you through these hard times." Asriel takes your hand in his, "So please accept our help and don't try to shoulder everything yourself." You eye's stung with tears as you nod, "I-I'll d-do my best, b-but it s-still hard to do." word were harder to say as you embrace him in a hug and whisper out, "T-thank y-you." Asriel just sit there quietly, caressing the back of your head with his hand.
About ten minutes went by and Asriel was the first to speak, " I've been helpful in magical training, but what about the physical training? Your still going to be mainly practicing that by yourself or do you have a idea how I can help with that?" with regret of having to pull yourself free of the hug. You smile at Asriel, "Well I talked about that with Jim. See there's something special I placed in your locket to allow you to pass safely through the barrier. Seeing as the current barrier is link to my Soul the only way I thought possible to allow this was to remove the barrier and place a new one. "
You reach around and unclip the locket from Asriel's neck and open it, "Then while I continued to think about I heard almost like a distant voice in my head. I couldn't make out what it was saying, but I felt like I knew what It wanted me to do." You remove the picture gentle and then place your finger back in. Now hovering over the tip of your finger was the small heart-shape piece of your Soul you cut from your Soul. Asriel starred at the fragment hovering there, its purple-gray form slowly spinning in place. "So cut a piece of my Soul out with my claw. I'll tell you this sounded crazy to me, but despite the pain it worked. This is what allowed me to make essentially a "spare-key" to the barrier for you."
You bring forth your Soul to show the empty spot where the piece of Soul use to resided, "So when me a Jim were talking he said I should give the fragment to you. The additional benefits should allow you to have a fraction of my strength. This won't allow me to go fully force, but it should help protect you a bit more in the event that I do get a little out of hand." "It still means your going to be restricting yourself." You shrug, "I doubt I'll ever have anyone to be able to use my full strength with, but that's not the entire focus of our training anyway." you return your Soul back inside you.
"So you going to teach me those other spells you promised me?" You laugh, "Of course, I wouldn't want to break my promise to you. We'll also be continue your training with swift-step. Which reminds me, I need to check to see if you're still able use both of them." You grasp his hand and prick his finger with one of your claws. He winces as you do so and then check the area for the wound you just made. Beside the brief amount of blood there wasn't any trace. You smile, "Well seems your still good to go with the healing ability. When we get a chance we'll check on the other one. Now that's out of the way..." You then hold the small Soul piece in front of Asriel.
He looks at it as he reaches out to take it from you. He concentrates on bring his own Soul forward and then slowly brings the two next to each other. There's a momentary flash of light and you both cover your eyes. When the light dies down you both look at his Soul and notice a light gray Souls with a purple center. Though if you examined it closer you could see that the gray of your Soul was a bit darker then Asriel's. He allows it to return to him and you ask, "So how do you feel? You feel any different?" Asriel looks down at his hands, opening and closing them repeatedly.
He then looks back up at you, "Not really, at least nothing I can tell at the moment." You then hold up your hand, "Punch my hand as hard as you can." This caught him off guard a little, but he get in a better position to do so. He then pulls back and punches as hard as he can at the palm of your hand. You felt that, normally his punches felt like getting hit by a feather, but this actually did some damage. You smile at him and then give a thumbs up, "Nice punch Azzy." He smiles himself and looks down as he watches the marks heal on the palm of your hand. "I can't believe that I did that with just a fragment of your Soul. So this is what your always trying to control everyday."
You nod as you stand up, "Yeah, but take that and multiply it several times over. When I first learned to control it was random at best. Some moments I would cause massive damage and others I would just end up hurting myself. So you'll still need to learn control yourself, but that's why I want to help you with it. So we can both improve and hopefully once this problem with Dualality is over with then we'll not have to worry about fighting anymore. Then we'll be able to live a normal life, Of course our current daily lives is anything but normal. Its never a dull moment." You both chuckle at this, "I can't argue with you on that. Even with all the bad stuff that has happened I've been lonely growing up before you showed up down here, but ever since then I'm happy to have you as a brother and Frisk as a sister."
"I'm glad, but speaking of everyone where did they all go? I sort of forgot about no one being around since I got back." Asriel thinks for a minute, "Oh yeah, I sort of was absorbed in doing homework mom gave me when they went out. They needed to run after a few item and went to Snowdin. They took Frisk with them since they've been cooped up lately. Though they really didn't seem to mind, but mom insisted they get out for a bit. They also need to drop of a package to Alphys, but I'm not sure what was in it." You then walk over to the bedroom door, "Well that means we have sometime until they get back. Want to continue lessons on your new bound physical strength? A hand is one thing, but do you want to see how well you can do against something else?"
Asriel tilts his head, "What do you have in mind?" You think about and then have an idea, "Remember that imprint that I left on the wall in the barrier room?" He nods, "Well how about you add your own and then compare the difference. It can also be a symbol of dedication for us." "Didn't you punch the wall due to frustration and because of that mind control device that almost made you kill me?" You smirk, "Well yeah, but unless you want me to re-punch the wall and possible collapse it in, lets just pretend its for this instead." he chuckle and you were kind of annoyed at this. "Come on Azzy, let's leave that in the past and anyway I want to see what you can do to something that's not my hand."
You both head down to the barrier room and Asriel move to a spot on the wall the was further from the location your mark was. He pulls back and punches at the wall a much smaller impact from the one you made is left and cracks web-out from the center point. Through you see him reel back gripping his hand and looks to be pain. Worried you walk over to see if you was alright as you get closer he turns to you and says, "Gotcha." as he sticks out his tongue and back peddles away from you. You both have mischievous grins as you give chase after him, both of yelling, and laughing around the room. You give a playful tackle as you both fall to the floor. Both of you just lay there next to each other for a minute catching your breath, still chuckling. "You know I thought something seriously went wrong with that punch you did. I'm going to get you back for that one day." Asriel giggles, "I think well call it even. You did leave without telling anyone about your problems the other day."
You frown at this, sit up, and scratch the back of your head, "Yeah, I guess I did run off again without telling my family about my problems. Guess I should consider myself lucky a small joke by my brother is the worst that I got." He sits up and smiles at you, "Well I think mom my lay into you a bit more, but she'll understand that you weren't in the best frame of mind when making your decisions. At least we knew where you went thanks to Jim." "Yeah, he's a good guy, but I still wish he'd be more open about certain subjects with me." "I'm sure he'll let you know when he's ready. It took you a while to tell us about your past and I know there's still some parts you haven't told us yet." You sigh and stand up offering a hand to Asriel which he takes.
"You're right again. Everyone has things they don't want to talk about, but I'm sure he has reason just like I do. So I'll just be patient like you all have been with me. I think we hung around here long enough. Ready to head out?" He nods and as both of you head closer to the barrier you stop. Asriel turns to you and asks, "What's wrong Bro?" "Azzy I forgot to mention something. When I went to let off some steam and got back I said I punched some trees. Well when we head out just try to stay calm about what you might see okay." He only give you a slow nod and you continue heading towards the barrier taking his hand as you do.
When both of you exit the barrier and the sight comes into view, Asriel looks on in surprise of the scenery below. There area below was completely bare and stripped away of trees. Your grip on Asriel hand tightens as you look away from the sight of destruction below. You were worried what Asriel would say about this and then the silence was broken when Asriel spoke up, "Wow Bro, you weren't kidding when you said you over did it. It must have taken you a while to clear out this much." you sigh and shake your head, "Not really, that was all done in a single punch that was infused with gravity magic. I didn't even realize what I've done til the until I looked around. I didn't even know I could focus my magic into a punch like that and I've been trying to figure out how to do so again, but I haven't quite been able to recreate the attack."
Asriel just chuckles, "Well you have a promising career in demolition. Also we have an open area to practice in, so it works out, but we should replant the trees when everything settles down." "I'm glad your taking this well Azzy. Seeing what I..." before you could finish Asriel starts down the mountain pass and you grin as you follow suit. As you both reach the clearing your both facing each other at opposite sides. "So Azzy you want to have a little sparring match before we get into the nit and gritty of lessons?" Asriel grins, "Well I don't have a lot of close combat experience as you do..." You just laugh, "Don't worry about it, I never learned anything fancy myself. I've just been doing whatever works, but I'll teach what little bit I do know." You allow Asriel to take some practice punches at you and do your best to teach him a few things. As his starts getting a feel for it you both are going more at it. The next few punches that happened went by so quickly as you both were in the heat of it.
You both had started using swift-step, visually it looked as though things slowed down around you, and the punches looked as if you both we swinging at a normal speed. Asriel got in a couple of shots and both of you grinning from the excitement. As you charge at each other one last time with another exchange of blow and blocks traded off between you both as you come to a halt. As you do you see Asriel stumble back and fall to a knee. Worried you start heading towards him, "Azzy you okay?" He wipes some blood away from his mouth, "I think..." was all he got out as he slumps to his side. You were now rushing to his side and checking him over.
You checked the areas your punches landed and feel a rib or two are broken. Something was wrong the healing ability should have kicked in by now. Then realization hit you, "Shit, I just checked it not that long ago." You raise your hands over him and begin to heal Asriel. Luckily your healing magic was less taxing then before, but it was still the third most draining spell you knew. You see Asriel begin to stir as he slowly opens his eye's and you let out a sigh of relief. "Mental note: Teach Azzy healing magic." He looks up at you, "What happened?"
As the green glow of the healing aura dissipates around him, you reach down and slowly help him sit up, "Well remember when how I checked to make sure you still had your healing ability earlier. Well cross that off the list. I didn't think it would wear off already. Had I know I would have held back a little more, but we both ended up over doing it. I was only matching you blow for blow, but the last few exchanges the ability must have worn off. Guess I'm back to very light jabs, but you can continue to pummel me as you did today. So next lesson for you should be healing magic." You help Asriel up the rest of the way until he's on his feet. He still looked a little wobbly for a second, but he manage to get his bearings. "So do you think both abilities wore off?" You shrug, "I don't know, only one way to find out. Do you feel up to it?" he nods.
Asriel starts a little of balance, but the was off. You watch him run around a bit and then he make's his way back over to you. "So... Looks like speed is still a go. I think I'm ready to call it for the day. Still feel the effects from those punches despite the healing." You give him a gentle hug, "Sorry Azzy, I guess I still need to work on that, but at least we're not going to explain broken ribs to mom." He chuckle, "Yeah, first thing we end up doing after you return is have a little sparring match while they're out of the house and you end up breaking my ribs. That's last thing we need to tell mom. She's already concerned and worried from our previous lessons." You both chuckle, "So, you okay to head home or do you want me to carry you?" Asriel just give you a smirk, "Your just looking for a reason to carry me aren't you?"
You shrug, "Maybe, or I just want to sweep you off your feet and run off into the sunset with you." you're both trying your best to not laugh, but end up falling back in laughter. "I-I think we'd be... grounded for life... if you did that.." Asriel getting out as he tries to catch his breath, "Worth it." you both snicker a bit more before getting up and dusting each other off the best you could. "She still going to know we've been up to something if we don't get cleaned up." You shrug, "Well no point in hiding it, but race you for dibs on the bathroom." You both race off, but let him have the lead. You could get there before him if you wanted to, but felt he need to relax from the soreness he was still feeling. That didn't mean you wouldn't have a little fun messing with him before hand.
As you got home you walked into the bathroom and made it seem like your were going to join him, but you let him shoo you out and he locked the bathroom door behind you. You could have easily picked the lock, but you were good for now. Going into your room you set out some clothes on the bed for yourself and Asriel. Taking you current clothes you put them into the hamper and knew that Toriel was going to have to fix some of the holes that were caused during your little match. You shrug knowing it wasn't the first and probably won't be the last set of clothes to get messed up. You take your nano-outfit off and carefully lay it on the bed to put back on later. During previous training sessions you swear it should have been damaged, but it always seems to come out unscathed. You always forget to as Jim questions about it, but that was mainly due to other problem that come up. Though those question were once again going to be put on back burning as you hear the bathroom door open.
Asriel enters the room only in a towel and looking wary at you as you give him a mischievous smile. He gives you a glare and forms a small fireball in his hand. You knew it wouldn't hurt you, but you knew he just wanted to get dressed in peace. You laugh as you pass him, "Alright Azzy I'll lay off for now, but if you really want to heat things up for me your going to have to do more then that." As you point to the fireball. You continue your way out of the room, but sworn out of the corner of your eye that he increased the size of the fireball. Nothing came of it, but Asriel seemed to be learning more of your bad habits as time goes on. That was not going to make Toriel happy with you, but it made you happy and you were willing to take that risk. The bath was nice and relaxing. After thirty minutes you finish up and get dressed.
Though as you waited on the couch for everyone to get back, you were snuggling up against Asriel and were nibbling on his ear. You also laid a little kiss on his snootle as he tried to keep his ears away from you. Though all of Asriel effort was in vain, but a small part of him was happy to see you in such a good mood despite how embarrassed you were making him feel. Asriel let out another little bleat as you got a hold of his ear again. It was the cutest sound along with the blush that followed it, but you heard the door open and knew the fun would have to stop for now. You both waited patiently as Frisk, Toriel, and Asgore made their way into the living room. You both wave at them and say, "Hi mom, dad, Frisk." Toriel makes here way over scooping you up in a hug, "My child I'm so glad you're back. We were hoping you'd call and have time to get back to greet you. Did Jim not relay my message to you?"
Returning the hug you shake your head, "He did give me the message, but I just thought it would be easier to talk about the matter in person. Though this gave me and Azzy sometime to talk about some matters first. Which is what we need to talk to you about now. Dad could you make us some tea? I think it'll help while I go over all the news and information I just recently got." You'll were all seated as you waited for Asgore to finish making tea and join you at the table. A few minutes pass as he come out of the kitchen and serves tea to everyone then takes a seat himself.
You took a deep breath and let it out, as you try to think of where to start. You explain the topics that you and Jim talked about, stopping from time to time to answer questions Frisk had. You hadn't told Frisk certain information about some of the subjects brought up and wanted to make sure they understood everything. It wasn't a pleasant conversation and saw worried looks from Toriel and Asgore. You also kept the fact about your Soul on the down low for now. Frisk still was taking in all the information you were laying down and Asriel was sitting quietly, already being told most of this earlier.
Toriel spoke up first, "I've been fine with letting Asriel help you train and even learn how to use the abilities he's gotten from the rune stone, but now your asking him to use this in fighting Dualality. Also you said that one of these abilities have stop working. What if the other one was to fizzle out during such a fight..." you jump in, "I know and that's why I've been keeping an eye on it, but Asriel wouldn't be getting in close. At most Asriel would be helping me from a distance, but I hope he won't need to fight. I just want him able to defend himself in case of situations that none of us are around. The first couple times we were attack there wasn't a chance for him to learn the spells I've taught him, but if he could have things might have went differently." Asgore spoke up, "Even so, what's done is done, but I understand what your getting at. If we have another situation like that and he can protect himself or others he should know how."
You felt a bit of relief Asgore was being understand, but Toriel still looked like she was against it. "Mom I really don't want to have to do this all on my own. Please at least allow Asriel continue to help me. If you really don't want him be in a situation were he'll end up in a fight I'll do everything I can to make that happen." Asriel was about to say something, but you hold your hand up and he falls silent. "My child, I do understand, but I've already seen you both hurt. I know I can't change what you've been through before you came to us, but I feel so helpless in not being able to protect my children from such dangers." It was silent for a while, but you spoke up, "I know how you feel. I wish there was so much more I could do to stop all of this from happening, but that doesn't mean you can't help."
This puzzled Toriel, "What do you mean my child?" "Well there's a lot you both could still teach us, along with others in the underground. Asgore, Undyne, and Gerson were in the last war. Fighting techniques is something we're both still lacking in and I'm sure there's plenty we could learn from all of them. Mom your the best teacher we could have for monster magic. I still have a lot of room to improve and I'm sure Azzy does too. Even Papyrus can help in his own way and Sans could help if he wasn't such a lazy bone." Toriel sighs, "I guess it would be worst to be in a situation and not know how to get out of it. Though I still don't fully approve of this I will be more then happy to help in anyway I can." You and Asriel turn and smiling at one another. You both get up, thanking her as she receive a hug from both of you. Even her expression had lighten more.
Asgore spoke up, "Though what about the barrier? Isn't it currently only possible both you and Asriel can pass through. Is it possible to allow everyone you mentioned to do so as well?" You sigh knowing that this would come up sooner or later, " It's possible, but its going to be difficult. I would have to take the current barrier down completely and then place a new barrier to allow it to do what you asked. The problem with this is the time it takes to bring down the barrier." Toriel speaks up, "How long would it take to bring down the current barrier?" "From what I've read of the spell it would take me about a full day to do so. Though afterward I would be almost completely drained and need to rest. This would leave the underground open to anyone. That means we run the risk of even Dualality finding out and sending more soldiers. Though me and Azzy did a little sparring recently and I used a bit of magic up. I rather wait until I'm fully rested before doing such a task. "
Frisk then chimes in, "Couldn't you and Azzy do some training outside the barrier and do the other training down in the underground?" "Well we could, but we'd have a bigger area to practice with everyone on the surface. I mean Azzy and I nearly brought the the training hall last time we tried practicing down here. There's not really an area down here we could practice in without limiting what we can do." Asriel speaks next, "Also it'll be nice to have more monster be able to enjoy the surface. Though we'll still have to keep it to a select few, we don't want every monster in the underground coming and going as they please." " I agree with Azzy on that. I think we should currently make the selected monsters and humans be Asgore, Toriel, Undyne, Gerson, Sans, Papyrus, Asriel, Frisk, and myself."
Toriel then asks, "So how long will it take you to put up the new barrier?" "That's a lot easier to do then taking it down, the problem is still with bringing down the barrier. I'll need between eight to twelve hours to recover once I bring down the barrier before i can work on the new barrier. Which will only take me somewhere between twenty to thirty minutes to do. So while I'm recovering from bringing down the barrier we should have everyone mention guarding the entrance, with the exception of Frisk and Asriel, they'll help me back home once I'm done." Asgore spoke next, "Is this the only method that will work? What about what allows Asriel to pass through the barrier?" "That method was crazy and would require me to dice up my Soul to allow everyone to do so." This of course got Toriel attention, "Wait, what is this about your Soul?" "Well currently Asriel has a small piece of my Soul and this is allowing his to pass through the barrier." Everyone was looking worried about this except Asriel. "My child are you okay? How is that even possible to do with a Soul."
You shrug, "I don't understand it fully myself, but apparently from what Jim told me that it wouldn't be with a typical human or monster Soul. It seems my Soul plays by a different set of rules, but I didn't really ask the detail on it. Though I can freely take back the piece I gave to Azzy at anytime." "Are you in any pain?" You shake your head, "No, I mean it hurt when I first cut it free, but once it was over I had no lingering pain. My Soul just feels full of holes." Toriel knew she shouldn't laugh about it, but did so anyway. "So I think everyone will hopefully agree that bringing down the current barrier is the better of the two options. Though a piece of my Soul already belongs to Azzy." you wink at him and he has a sheepish grin on his face. Everyone didn't need much time to think about it and agree with the current method for the barrier.
"Well if that is everything for now I think I have some calls to make and preparation to make. When would you like to start working on the barrier?" Asgore ask you and you reply, "Well I'll be ready in the morning. So if you can have everyone ready to go by then." "I think I can manage that, is there any extra preparation you need to do?" "Not really, I have the barrier spell memorized, the biggest headache will be the duration." Asgore stands up, "Why don't you three go off and enjoy yourself before tomorrow." Everyone is now getting up themselves. "Well since we have some time before the day is over I'll teach Asriel how to cast healing magic. It can at least be done safely in the house." Toriel agrees to that and you, Frisk and Asriel head to the bedroom.
You spend the next few hours teaching Asriel the words to the spell, but he was having a hard time cast it. It was the same problem you had and nothing would happen, but you were sure he'd get it in time. Frisk watched on and wished that she could cast magic like both of you. You remember that it was rare, but some humans still had potential to cast magic. You decided to see if Frisk had this gift to do so. You had some simple spells that were easy to cast. You knew a light spell, which you hadn't really needed, but this would be useful for Frisk. You taught her the spell, but nothing was happening. You figure that it was possible she just didn't have the ability to cast magic. They look down, but told her that it was a slim chance that she be able to in the first place. Toriel called all of you for dinner and the rest of the night was quiet. All of you turned in for the night and you all went to sleep. Both of you were asleep and didn't notice a small light appear under Frisk's blanket as a small smile creeps on her face as she falls asleep for the night.
In the morning you all had breakfast and Asgore called everyone to start making there way to the barrier. Undyne, Gerson, Sans and Papyrus were there shortly after all of you arrived. You were surprised to see Sans arrive with everyone else, "Didn't think you'd show up this early." Sans shrugs, "Well normally I wouldn't, but Pap insisted that I help out. Plus if things do end up taking a turn for the worst I'm not going to let Pap face it alone. I already lost one person I care about, not about to let that be two." "Well hopefully we're just being paranoid and this will all go smoothly, but glad your both here regardless." You move away and get into position. "Well everyone get comfy, but not much is going to happen for the next twenty-four hours. Also once I begin I can't stop or be interrupted for the duration. Once I'm done casting the spell I'll have Asriel and Frisk help me back home and everyone can keep watch over the entrance-way. Hope you brought some snacks in the meantime. "
Papyrus speaks up, "I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS HAVE MADE ENOUGH SPAGHETTI FOR EVERYONE. ALSO I WILL MAKE SURE TO SAVE SOME FOR YOU." Everyone looked at Papyrus with a worried expression a bit of sweat forming on their foreheads when he mentioned the spaghetti. The only not bother by this was Undyne and Frisk. You give a half smile, "That's great Pap, I look forward to it." you give a very unenthusiastic chuckle and then sigh. You see everyone snicker at knowing that you were unable to wiggle free of the fated spaghetti Papyrus brought. You glare at everyone, but begin focusing on the spell. An aura of magical energy could be seen glowing around you. As you close your eyes to focus more you slowly levitate off the ground a few inches. All of the rune that you engraved around the entrance begin to glow a soft blue as you continue to chant, but nothing more happens beyond that.
Everyone spends their time either talking, reading, playing games on their cell phones, or in case of Undyne goes off to do some training. After an hour goes by everyone sees you move your right arm in a slashing motion as one of the runes vanishes from the stone, but then you move back to your original position and resume chanting. A few more hours go by and a few more of the rune were erased from the stones around the entrance. Papyrus passes out spaghetti to everyone in the area first, but then leave to find Undyne to offer her some. During this moment everyone except Frisk finds a spot to hide the containers before he returns. Asriel turns to see Frisk eating the spaghetti and his face scrunches up, but to his surprise Frisk doesn't seem to even bat an eye at it. Asriel was worried that Frisk taste buds haven't register the awfulness of it yet, but minutes passed and the entire content was gone. Even Toriel started to worry about her at this point.
Frisk looked around at everyone as they watch her finished the meal, confused at everyone expression. "Frisk are you sure you're okay? I know this was the first time you've had Papyrus's spaghetti and no one warned you, but how can you stomach it?" Asriel asked. Frisk just shrugged, "It's not that bad. It was a little bland, but I've had worst. Does no one want theirs? If not, I could go for a second helping." At this point Asriel was convinced that Papyrus cooking had ruined any sense of taste that she may have had. Papyrus had return shortly afterward and hiding the spaghetti seemed to have backfire on everyone. Papyrus was so happy everyone had enjoyed it so much that he ran off to make more. When he was out of ear shot everyone let out a groan with the exception being Frisk. After everyone manage to forced the new batch of spaghetti Papyrus made down another few hours went by.
Asriel was practicing on the incantation for the healing spell you taught him and was making more progress. A green aura that he's seen before when you performed it formed around his hands and his eye lit up in excitement, but in his excitement he lost focus on the spell and it faded. Frisk gave Asriel a quick hug and congratulated him. After another four hours passed by, Asriel looked over at you and began to worry. You were sweating up a storm, your clothes were soaked through and the aura had dimmed quite a bit since you started. Frisk saw the look of worry on his face, "Don't worry Asriel, I'm sure he'll be okay. He wouldn't suggest doing something he wasn't able to complete, right?" Asriel still looked worried, "I want to agree with that, but Bro has done things that he shouldn't have before. I remember the first time he cast the healing spell he taught me. He came looking for me and when he found me I was injured. After using the spell he attempt to carry me back home, but the spell took a greater toll on him then he let on. He ended up collapsing and we both ending up being rescued by Undyne in the end."
Now Frisk was looking worried herself, "But that was a few years back wasn't it? He's gotten much better with magic from what I've heard. Though I haven't seen much of it for myself, but that healing spell seems to have gotten easier for him." "True, but I never personally seen him have to remove the barrier before. The old barrier required seven human Souls to fully remove it or one could pass through with a human/monster Soul fusion. We heard a loud noise one day, when we attempted to find out what it was, soldiers and a power armor come up from the stairwell. The old barrier had been removed and the best we assumed it was done so with seven Souls collected by Dualality. After the battle with the soldier he placed the new barrier."
Frisk reaches out and take Asriel hand, "We have to believe in him. He'll get through it and when he does he'll need us to help him back home." "I do believe in him, but it still worries me seeing him in such a tired state. I'm not even sure what would happen if he's unable to complete the spell." Sans made his way over to both of them, "What's with the gloomy face kid? It sounds like you're talking about Brod over there. Plus the worry looks in his direction is also a give away. I know things look bad, but he did say that this was going to leave him bone dry in the end. He's still has another twelve hours to go and I'm sure he's not going to look much better by then. Though he's one tough Kid, he's manage to avoid coming apart at the seams, and can take a beating. He's not going to let all that go to waste now. So buck up because he's not going to want to see any of us with worried expression once he's done. Well since we still got sometime I'm going to head to Grillby's, you want anything?" Asriel nods and then watches Sans walk in the opposite direction.
"I don't think I'll ever understand how his shortcuts work." Frisk just giggles at this and both of them continue to find something to entertain themselves with. After another two hours Toriel walks over with some sleeping bag and hands them to Frisk and Asriel, "You two should get some sleep to be fully rested for when Broderick gets done." They both protested, but Toriel wasn't having any of that. Asriel kept glance over at you from time to time as he tried to fall asleep. Frisk saw this and took his hand with a smile. He looked at Frisk with a light blush on his face, but takes hold of her hand as well. They both slowly drift off to sleep, hand in hand, with a peaceful look on their faces. It hit about the eighteen hour mark and you were feeling the effects catching up on you. You body felt heavy and you couldn't even really tell if you were still floating off the ground anymore. Though you had manage to speed the spell up slightly and only had about four more runes to remove. Even with your eyes close you could see the magic of the runes clearly in your mind which was part of the effect from the spell.
Though this spell really was draining, even though your pool of magic was larger this spell was by far the worst spell you had under your belt. Of course this was the first time casting it and from what you read this wasn't suppose to be cast by a single person. Both of the barrier spells was meant to have at least seven mage to cast it in the past. You were a lone genetically alter human boy of fourteen doing the work that mages who spent their entire life to the craft of spell casting should be doing. Though you really wish you had maybe one or two of them here at this point, but you sure weren't going to let that be an excuse to fail at this. You were determined to see this through to the end and that's what you're going to do.
You were finally down to the last rune and with your left arm, that you couldn't even feel at this point you swipe right to left then do a circle and then dotted the center. The last rune vanishes and with exhaustion you plummet those few inches to the ground. Everyone ran over and in the commotion Asriel and Frisk were roused from their sleep. They too joined in, sleep forgotten as they check to see if you were okay. Despite feeling dead tired you smiled at your handy work. You stomach rumble and everyone laughs, "Does anyone have anything to eat?" Frisk reply's, "Well Papyrus kept his promise in saving you some spaghetti." At this point you weren't picky. After receiving help getting some water and a meal that you couldn't really taste at this point. You sat there looking at everyone around you. "So how long was I at it? Kind of hard to tell when your focusing on the whole ordeal." Toriel answered your question, "It's been about twenty-two hours." "Well nice to know I was able to cut some time off the spell, but I really could use some rest now."
As Asriel and Frisk put your arms around them to help you back to the house, you all hear clapping echo through the cavern. Everyone looks in the direction of the entrance as they see an outline of a figure from the sunlight pouring in. A slightly feminine voice followed right after they finished clapping, "Good show, I must admit I wasn't expecting to find the barrier down during my shift, but it seems fate is kind to me. I also my get a reward as well for bringing you all in and from the looks of the situation any resistance will be minimal." As the figure move in closer you could make out they are wearing a one piece spandex outfit with purple, pink, and bright yellow strip all the way down. They stood at around five foot ten inches, but that wasn't what worried you the most. They also had black cat ears that matched their black hair and tail. Everyone was on guard and you were thinking at this point, "Aw, son of a bitch."
