“Hey Sofia, you awake in there?” I heard a voice coming from outside my tent. I mumbled in annoyance as I got up and walked outside to see Asriel starting there, in his light leather combat gear and a massive LMG on his back. No, not a cannon, an actual LMG. He apparently arrived long ago, before I showed up from a world called Horrortale… wherever ever that was. Myself? I’ma Ex-Xcom Sharpshooter… yeah, I know what you maybe thinking. I have my own personal reasons for leaving Xcom and wanting that no good waste of space Jet Sunstrider dead. I escaped the New Mexico HQ and after many weeks of wandering alone, I ran into this camp, on the border to the US. They took me in and patched me up, I offered them my skills in return. Soon, I because one of their best hunters, gathering supplies. I also trade with other camps and settlements nearby that are neutral in the war. I have my own ATV that tows around a small trailer full of a decent chunk to items that I trade with on a daily bases. Long story short, these guys saved me from the horrors I endured with Xcom. Asriel is also super friendly, he’s head of security for the camp, making sure we are all safe. I ended up becoming the head of the supplies for the camp. But anyway, I feel like Asriel really does care about me… which is odd… not everyday you see a big goat dude wanting to help you, but he and the rest of the camp soon because my new family. “Yeah? What’s up Asriel?” I asked, still rubbing the sleep out of my eyes. “We are running low on supplies, we need to you make a supply run. Bring back as many as you can get, okay?” Asriel explained. “Okay, sure. Just let me get changed.” I replied. Asriel nodded and walked away. I turned around and changed into my combat gear… pretty much redesigned Kevlar armor. I removed the padding on my arms and I painted over the Xcom logo in red. Regardless, I grabbed my hunting rifle and revolver and went to find my ATV. As I was walking, I walked past Larry, the head medic. I gave him a nod as I passed him and soon, found my ATV. I made sure the trailer was hooked on, took a seat and put on my helmet. I started the ATV up and set out to find… somewhere I could hopefully trade some stuff for supplies.
Chapter 2: More Monsters (Sofia’s Point of View)
As I was making my way around, I noticed a big cluster of buildings through the trees… or at least I think it was a group of buildings. I had to slow down on the pathway to make sure I did not crash, but after I made past the Forest boss, I came across a cluster of buildings, almost like separate settlements. I drove up to the main house… or what I hoped was the main house and looked it all over. I saw a group of Advent Troopers in a big factory-ish buildings a few miles out. Before I could string together a theory, I saw a group walking towards me from the house. Some looked like teanagers, as a couple of them looked really young. Then their was a big goat dude that looked like Asriel. “Hello there.” The big goat dude approached me. “Heya, sorry for trespassing on you like that, I just wondering why I missed this place before.” I replied. “Oh, no need to worry. You don’t look like Xcom, so I assume you're friendly?” The goat asked. “Well, no need to worry about Xcom here. I went out of my way to separate myself from them a couple years ago. Anyway, the name’s Sofia Firestar, I’m a traveling merchant for my camp up near the border.” I explained. :Well, nice to meet you Sofia, I am Asgore.” Asgore introduced himself. I nodded and took of my helmet, revealing my red hair and nose stud. I got off my ATV and the kids/teens walked up. “Heya, I’m Fell Frisk, this is Fell Chara, Fell Asriel, Classic Chara, Classic Asriel, and Classic Frisk.” F.Frisk explained. “Classic? Fell? What?” I felt my head start to hurt. “It’s… a long story… mind if we take a look at what you got?” F.Chara asked. “Oh, sure.” I replied, happy to change the subject. I popped open the top of my trailer and let them all have a look. As the kids/teens looked at my stash, I looked at Asgore. “You look like someone I know…” I rubbed my chin. “Oh really?” Asgore raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, the head of security at my camp, his name is Asriel.” I explained. Everyone kinda froze and looked at me. “What?” I asked. “Did he say what world he’s from?” F.Asriel asked. “He comes from a place called Horrortale… that’s all I know.” I replied, still confused. Before anyone could press on, a werid looking Lizard person ran up followed by a couple Advent Officers carrying crates of supplies. “You're a merchant? Awesome… do you have a wide screen TV I could use?” The Lizard person asked. “Ugggh… I think so…” I replied, looking inside my trailer. At the very bottom, was a decently sized screen. I pulled it out with effort and displayed it. “Awesome! That’s perfect! I’m these crates of supplies will work well, right?” The Lizard asked. I looked at the crates… I wanted to take both, but that was a lot for just one widescreen TV. “One crate is more than enough, thank you.” I replied, taking the one on top. “Oh, okay, fair enough. Thanks.” The Officers took the TV and the other supplies away as the Lizard went back to where she came from. “Who was that?” I asked. “That was Alphys… Classic Alphys that is. She’s a scientist, and I guess one of her projects needs a screen.” C.Chara explained. “Okay then… how many other Monsters are there?” I looked around. “Well, there are the settlements, and a few even hang out in the Blacksite just up the road.” F.Frisk replied. “I might just have to go check it out then.” I rubbed my chin again. “Just make sure nobody mistakes you for an Xcom Operative.” Asgore warned. I nodded and got back on my ATV. “Nice meeting all of you!” I put on my helmet and started my ATV. Everyone waved as I rolled out.
Chapter 3: The New Ex-Xcom Operative In Town (Kayla’s Point of View)
As I was busy sharpening my sword, I heard the sounds of a small engine outside the gates. My eyes narrowed, and I got up to check it out. Leaning against the wall, I felt my gene mods kick in as I turned invisible. As I approached the gates, I could see a ATV with a trailer pull up, the driver turned the vehicle off, and before they could make a move, I felt the grip on my hand tighten. “Who are you?” I called out, unafraid because of my advantage. The person, a woman, took of her helmet, revealing red hair… and a deeply scarred face. She pulled out a revolver and looked around. “Who’s asking?” She replied. I sighed unimpressed. “I don’t think you're in a good position to ask questions… just answer my question.” I called out again. “Alright then. I’m Sofia Firestar, Ex-Xcom ranger. I work as a trader/supplier for my camp.” Sofia explained. Another Ex-Xcom operative? This just got interesting. I stepped away from the wall, and I turned visible again. Sofia heard me and instantly turned around, pointing her weapon at me. “Impressive reflexes, but not necessary. More so because you're just about to enter a highly populated Advent Training facility.” I chuckled. “Wait… what? Who are you? How’d you do that?” Sofia asked, holstering her weapon. I sheathed my sword and laughed again. “The name’s Kayla, I’m also Ex-Xcom. I live here now with my boy- er… boy…” I trailed off. “Boyfriend? You're dating an Advent Trooper or something?” Sofia tilted her head. “It’s… complicated… he’s actually a human, belive it or not. Since I have no where else to go, I share his quarters.” I explained. “Interesting… I heard stories of Human Advent… but ever seen one myself. But since you're Ex-Xcom, like me, that’s your story?” Sofia asked, sitting on her ATV. “That’s easy… the commander treated me like an old newspaper…. Felt like they did not want or need me, so I left. I Meet Jax, the human Advent Trooper… he helped me, I helped him… and I guess we are just kinda… together now.” I leaned against the wall. “Sounds like you had it easy… I wish I could say I just wasn't wanted… I left for more… ugh… well…” Sofia started looking around awkwardly. “Gonna spit it out anytime soon?” I asked. I could tell Sofia was uncomfortable with her past, and I was questioning if she was even gonna share. “Well… I’m just gonna say I have my own personal reasons for wanting the commander dead…” Sofia finally admitted. “Alright, fair enough. Guess there is no reason for me to stop you any longer.” I shrugged. “Alright then… I guess… I’ll talk to you later…” Sofia looked towards the gate and started walking. I stepped back towards the wall and became invisible… I wanted to know why she left Xcom.
Chapter 4: Truth Revealed (Sofia’s Point of View)
After my talk with Kayla, I made my way across the Blacksite’s courtyard, troopers eyeing me from almost everywhere. I thought about what Kayla said about being unwanted… then my reasons for leaving Xcom… I feel like my story is the complete opposite… I was wanted to much. Regardless, I was knocked out of my daydreaming as I passed by a giant vault… with the most bizarre person guarding it… a… Skeleton? “And who might this new face be” The Skeleton walked up to me. “And who’s asking?” I replied, crossing my arms. “Someone looking for potential intruders.” The Skeleton countered. “Alright, fair enough. I’m Sofia Firestar, Ex-Xcom Sharpshooter. I was just at a settlement a little down the road, who directed me here.” I explained. “Your turn, Mr.Bones.” I added. “Huh… another Ex-Xcom Op. Regardless, I am The Great Papyrus, a pleasure to meet you.” Papyrus introduced himself. Before I could ask anything else, the air shimmered next to em as a shorter Skeleton appeared beside me. *“How many people are gonna run away from Xcom before the war is over I wonder.” The new Skeleton rubbed his chin. “SAAAAAAAAAANS! Stop scaring our guests!” Papyrus shouted. *“Right, where are my manners. I’m Sans, Sans the Skeleton.” Sans winked. “Well… apparently you overheard my conversation… but in any case… might I asked why there are Skeletons here?” I asked. *“Buckle up kid, it’s quite the story.” Sans chuckled. “I’m all ears.” I crossed my arms. Sans went on to explain how he and his brother meet Jax, a human Shieldbearer working for the army I know too well. He offered him and his friends safety in return of the Monsters support in the war. As they are not fully active in the war, the Monsters do provide a good support for when Xcom get’s a little… too close. He also told me of Alternate Universes of the same people, just different personalities. *“As you can tell, it gets pretty hectic around here.” Sans finished his explanation. “Yes, I know what you mean by those… AUs? I meet some of them back at the settlements. Then this Lizard came by… she wanted a TV screen for some reason. Bloody offered me two full supply crates for it! I only took one though, two is a little much for a single screen.” I explained. *“Yeah, that must of been Alphys. She working on something for me. And hey, you're honest, I like that.” Sans nodded his approval. “Ever since I left Xcom… all I wanted was honesty.” I sighed. *“Speaking of that, what’s the deal? Why’d you leave?” Sans asked. “That’s… a… long story…” I mumbled. “Hey like you said, I’m all ears…. Even if I had none.” Sans shrugged. I sighed… took a deep breath… and figured I might as well tell the truth. “Well, it was five years ago, I first joined Xcom when I was 20. wanting to take back our planet, right? Like everyone else, right? Well, it all started out ok.. I became a sharpshooter, I had a pretty high kill count… I lost track after 100.” I beagin…. Laughing halfheartedly. “But… it started about 2 years ago… when I was 22… I was moved to the Xcom HQ with Jet Sunstrider because I spent most of my time in Canada. Jet was happy to see a new veteran join, but there was that look in his eyes…. after a month of being with Jet, we started to become good friends… but he… he was a little...pushy...when it came to me. Only me too, I was confused, but I guess I just thought he thought I was one of the best soldiers, so I did not press on that much. But one night… she snuck into my room.. He tied me up and dragged me outside… I woke up… alone...nude… my weapons were gone and I was so cold. I had to sneak into the HQ just to get more clothes… I had no idea it was him until one week later, where re raped me again… right in my room!” I started forming tears in my eyes… both Sans and Papyrus’s eyes went wide. “He...I...I should of done something...but it kept happening… every night… again...and again...I just wanted out! After I turned 23… I packed my bags...and...ran away...I meet the settlement...they supported me...but...I..I don’t think I’ll ever recover again…” I finally finished, full on crying this time… all this time I kept that a secret… this is the first time I ever told ANYONE the full story. *“Good god… as if I never thought I could hate that fucker any more…” Sans grinded his teeth. “What the hell!?!?!?” I heard a familiar voice boom as Kayla came into view. “No wonder you were so quiet out by the gate… man I knew Jet was bad… but holy shit…” She added. “Yeah… well… shit happens…” I sighed, wiping my eyes. *“Well, you can promise no one is gonna do that around here. And I’ll do everything I can to help you get you're payback.” Sans gave me a nod. “You’d do that? For someone you barely know?” I asked, shocked. “Hey, I never liked that guy to begin with, and after hearing this, that fucker deserves it.” Sans assured me. I took a deep breath, and for once in 5 years, cracked a smile.
Chapter 5: Playing Catch Up (Jax’s Point of View)
As I was working on my latest project at my workbench, I heard a loud crackle outside that sounded like a gunshot from a sniper rifle. Also followed by loud screeching and the flapping of wings. Grabbing by Mag Rifle, I ran outside to see Kayla sitting in the middle of the courtyard with some other women wither, and the Meta… that weird space dragon thing flying away. Running up to Kayla, the other women saw me and stood up. “Who is this?” The women asked, I scoffed and rolled my eyes. “I could ask you the same thing.” I crossed my arms. “Weeeel… I did ask first….” The women smirked. “I also have the power to arrest you for trespassing on Private Military Property, I wouldn't push your luck.” I countered. Then, Kayla stood up, she seemed to be shaking. “Don’t worry Jax… she’s a friend… at least I hope… she’s Ex-Xcom.” Kayla explained. “Really now? Well, she must have quite the story to tell.” I relaxed. “Long story short, Jet Sunstrider deserves to die… I have my own personal reasons for wanting him dead.” The women explained. “Well, considering the fact that I am his brother, I think I deserve to know why… also, who you are.” I say her eyes go wide as this mystery women looked like she was ready to punch me. “You… are related to that asshole? Well, you must know that he likes to rape and abuse his soldiers for fun then…” The women explained. My heart skipped a beat… “What? That’s what he did to you?” I asked. “Yes… more than once too. No one gave a shit of course, until I ran away and found a neutral camp where they actually took care of me.” The women explained. “Right… well, that’s definitely a reason for wanting revenge. But I would still like to know your name.” I repeated. “Yes, yes, of course. I am Sofia Firestar.” Sofia replied. “Very well… with the introductions out of the way, what the hell just happened out here?” I walked over to Kayla, who just fell into my arms. “That damn dragon thing was annoying her, I had to scare it off.” Sofia explained. “Yeah… it’s… just some bad memories…” Kayla mumbled. “Hey, just remember that it’s all in the past… I don’t know exactly what it was, but just don’t let him get in you're head, alright?” I hugged Kayla. “Right… of course… just…” Kayla mumbled. “Don’t worry about it, you don’t need to explain…” I hushed her. “Well… I guess I’ll just leave you two alone…” Sofia looked around awkwardly. I nodded and lead Kayla down to our quarters. I may not know what the hell just happened, but I figured it was serious enough that she could use some rest. After allowing her to calm down, I walked back over to my workbench. “What’cha got going on over there?” Kayla asked from the couch. “I’m trying to remake one of those early Laser Gun designs. I saw a blueprint in the storage the other day, and thought I could give it a try.” I replied. “Really? You found a Laser Gun blueprint?” Kayla waked over. “Yeah, it’s only for the basic rifle though. I figured I’d give it a try, gives me something to do in my down time.” I replied. “Interesting…” Kayla picked up the paper. “Hey, why not you pull up a chair? Maybe we could work on it together.” I offered. “Really?” Kayla looked shocked. “Why not, eh? You must know some of this old tech, since you come from that time.” I shrugged. “Huh… okay, sure.” Kayla pulled up a chair. Soon, we were on a roll. Kayla may not be the best girl to take out for dinner, or a day at the mall. But if it’s just us, she’s one of the best people to hang out with. Chapter 6: Window Shopping (Sofia’s Point of View) After my run in with Jax and Kayla, I was about to head back to my ATV when I was stopped by Sans, who had that Goat dude that looked like Asriel with him. *“Hey Sofia.” The two walked to me. “Oh, hey Sans. Annnnd Asgore, right?” I replied. “Yes, we meet back at the settlement.” Asgore replied. “Right, of course. Anyway, what’s up?” I asked, leaning against the wall. *“Asgore tell em that their is an Asriel back in your camp, right?” Sans asked. “Yeah…” I replied. *“Well, we were wondering if we could head to your camp so I could see him for myself.” Sans explained. “Also, since you're a merchant for them and all, maybe we could do some shopping.” Asgore added. “Eh, I guess it wouldn't hurt. But it’s pretty far away… all the way up next to the border of Mexico and the U.S….” I turned to get my ATV. *“I wouldn't worry about THAT too much.” Sans grinned. Suddenly, I heard a SNAP and after a blinding flash, the three of us were in front of the main gate to my camp. “What the hell!?!?!” I shouted. *“Nice shortcut huh?” Sans winked. “What!?” I was still confused. “You’ll get used to it…” Asgore sighed. Regardless, I walked the two into the gates. People greeted me as I walked by. I asked around to where I could find Asriel, and Larry directed me to the main tent. I walked up and saw him talking to the other district leaders. He saw me, told the group to take five, and walked outside to meet us, freezing when he saw Sans and Asgore. “Hey Sofia, how’d the recent ru- what the!? Sans? As… Asgore? What are you two doing here!?!?!?!” Asriel’s jaw dropped. *“Easy kid, we ain't exactly the people you're used to.” Sans raised a hand. “Well no shit, cause last I cheeked my father was dead, and you had a massive hole in your head.” Asriel rubbed the back of his neck. Sans went off to explain something about timelines, and Asriel rubbed his chin. “Well… that’s some… interesting news.” Asriel remarked. “And Sofia says you come from a place called Horrortale?” Asgore asked. “Sadly, yes… my old timeline was hell on earth. Toriel went insane, Asgore was killed by Frisk, Undyne took over and made a rule that all Humans that fell were to be executed.” Asriel explained. *“How’d you get out?” Sans asked. “Me? I ran into the ruins to avoid everything… after the first couple years, the food supply ran out… the Monsters turned to more, drastic measures. You know, Horrortale used to be a cut off of Underfell, that is until the Monsters turned to eating humans for food.” Asriel replied. “Don’t worry, I never ate any humans.” He added. “Jesus… that sounds rough.” Asgore commented. “No kidding, after a while things started to get fuzzy… but I don’t remember much from when I was about 18 to when I showed up here. I was about 25 when I found this place, but the Humans here were already used to monsters. Since I had nowhere else to go, it became my home.” Asriel finished his story. *“Well, at least you're safe. Found anyone else from your world since?” Sans asked. “Not that I know of.” Asriel shook his head. *“Huh… guess we should keep an eye out.” Sans’s eyes narrowed. “But if you don’t mind, I’ve been looking for something, since you guys are big traders, maybe we could have a look around?” Asgore asked. “Sure, why not?” Asriel smiled. “You three go ahead, I’m gonna get some rest.” I giggled. Watching the three walk off deeper into the camp, I walked to my tent. But before I crawled in, I heard rustling in the bushes outside the walls. I couldn't make it out… but it looked like it was wearing red powered armor…
