#a charas personality and voice and Vibe down is probably what i focus most on while writing. getting into their head enough that the words

[gontagokuhara]

i couldnt get to sleep last night so i saw this one in my email as it came in and its just. kisses it. frames it. it has broken down all my defenses

serious note: this is exactly the kind of feedback that genuinely is really encouraging, because not only am i having fun writing it — people are having fun reading it! i’m really proud of pointy objects, but it being enough to convince multiple people (!) to want to read the source material because they like my interpretation so much. sobbies into my hands this is def the kind of comment i save and reread because it makes me happy. thank u 🫶

[mysterion-the-ghost]

Gallowstale chapter eleven

Mk's pov

I turn around to see a group of people walk towards me at first; then they started running towards I don't really know why.

-a few minutes before the group spotted him-

Sans' pov

We were finally going on a supply run as we just ran out of food supplies. Frisk and Flowey were play fighting as we all walked while Paps kept an eye on the two being in the back of the group just in case of a surprise attack. I sighed and stick by Chara as they silently chuckle at their siblings.

“Are they always like this?” I asked them and received a nod from them as they had a smile; they seemed to be used to the play fighting and oddly found it just as amusing as I did.

Undyne seemed a little annoyed by it, though, as she turns to scold the two to quit horse playing around and keep their focus at hand; otherwise, the two would be left behind. Though it sounded like a threat, it was an empty one…...knowing Undyne; she had a strict rule that no one was left behind, but she would pick up the pace if the two didn't hurry up.

The two groaned, but they stopped play fighting as we near another small town…..and let me tell ya, it was a ghost town like there wasn't as much carnage as we usually see. I mean, it was probably because not many people lived there, to begin with, but at the same time, there were enough houses for a good amount for a small-town population, so maybe we'll see survivors soon then.

As we were about to walk into the store, I noticed a loud sobbing sound, and the others must have heard it too because they also stopped walking after I did. “Did you guys hear that sobbing noise?” the flower asked, looking at us, and we nodded.

“Let's go check it out! Maybe someone is hurt!” my brother suggested having a sorrowful look as he fidgets with his medical bag that was slung over his shoulder.

Undyne and I hesitate because last time we checked a noise like that, we were ambushed, and I don't look forward to that again. “I don't know, Paps, we might get ambushed….” I finally said after a moment, and Undyne actually agreed with me on this.

Paps sighed softly and looked upset. “But what if we don't? Then that poor soul will be killed if we just ignore it….” he says, being serious as he stares at me.

I sighed because this was also true, so I look at Undyne to see what she thinks about it before she gave in. “Fine, we'll go check it out…” she groans as rolled her eyes at the grateful Papyrus.

The group then went towards the sobbing sound. As we got closer, the sobbing got clearer. It was a kid about maybe eight or nine who was sobbing for his mom to wake up. That's when we saw a small child nudging his mom, trying to wake her, but she wasn't moving, and she looked like she was dusting slowly, but I don't think the kid noticed it.

The others looked bothered by this, mostly Chara. Their expression looked to be in deep thought as if they remembered something. They were probably thinking about their parents.

“Yo, kid!” Frisk shouts, being the first to speak as they moved ahead of us to get closer to the kid. The kid had paused his sobbing to turn to us confused.

The rest of us started walking towards him before catching a glimpse of those ink creatures coming behind the kid, and we started running, trying to get to the kid in time.

The kid noticed us running and froze before looking behind him. At seeing the creatures, he went utterly stiff in fear.

No one's pov

The group continues to rush to Mk as the creatures try to get there before them. Undyne yells at the others to form a circle around the kid as the group gets closer to the kid. As the group form, a circle around Mk, the creatures got closer, and the group, already knowing how to kill these things, started fighting the creatures protecting the kid.

Frisk uses their magic to make more weapons using a spiked bat to bash some of the creatures in the head-smashing their brains inward before the creature dusted quickly. Chara uses their pistols and their magic to make knives as they shoot some creatures while throwing knives at others. Their knives would go through the creatures' limbs, stomachs, and chests before going through the creatures' head, making them dust quicker than Frisk was dusting them.

More ink leaking zombie-like creatures come, and the group continues to fight for the kid who was frozen in fear as he watched the group fight and kill the evil creatures.

Sans used his magic to make bones come from the ground and go through the creatures splitting them in half. The sight of the creatures in half was disgusting as they had organs like humans, but their color was an odd greenish-yellow color meaning the organs were rotting away. If the group were close enough, they would see bugs and worms inside the creatures' bodies that are really disgusting, plus the weird ink like blood added to the horrid sight. Then the creatures would dust, some faster than others, but there were a few that dusted just as slow as Mk's mom.

Paps was using his gaster blasters as he saw it as a faster way to dust the creatures, though he was using a lot of his magic, so he sees why his brother chooses not to use the gaster blasters as much. He continues to use them, though, to handle most of the creatures.

Undyne was having a blast using her magic to make spears as she was, like Sans, splitting the creatures in half or, like Chara, she aiming at random spots before aiming at their head. She would laugh or grin every time she would dust the creatures.

The group continued to fight off the creatures till there were none left. The group looks around, still on guard as they take a breather from a long fight. The kid finally looked a little relieved and caught the breath he realized he needed.

Sans looks over the kid. “You….ok….kiddo?” he asked in between breaths, still concerned.

Mk slowly nodded and mumbled a thanks to the group. The group honestly felt bad for him since he just lost his mother and was still so young.

Undyne stares at the kid for a moment before she kneels down in front of him. “How about you come with us, little dude? We'll take care of ya, and we're just about to get supplies so you can grab whatever you want,” she said softly as she gently wiped his tears from his face.

Mk stares at her before looking at his mom. “What about mom? Can she come to?” he asked, looking back at Undyne. This made the group feel even more guilty as the kid was too naive to realize that his mother was dead, which was a sad sight to the group.

“She's in a better place, little man.” Flowey surprisingly said to the kid in a soft tone.

‘So he can be nice instead of an asshole..’ most of the group thought, having the expression of the neutral face of displeasure.

(The -_- expression for those who don't know what I'm talking about)

After the group convinces Mk to come with them, they all head to the town store and grab any and everything that they need/want.

After the group was satisfied with all they got, they headed back to the base with full inventories and their bags outside of inventories.

Mk was still a little down that he left his mom, but the group was pretty cool and so welcoming that he felt at ease that at least his mom was with his dad now.

-at the base-

The group put all the food supplies away, and every pantry, cabinet, and room in the fridge, including the freezer, was stocked for months of food so the group would be alright for a while.

Frisk, Chara, and Flowey went to decorate their rooms with the personal stuff they got from the store as the other three monsters stayed with Mk.

Undyne smiles at him. “Look, you can stay here as long as you like and do small chores, but you aren't going to leave here unless we move bases or in case of emergencies, ok?” she spoke softly as she looked at Mk, who nodded. “And you aren't going to train with us till you're at least 13,” she said, having this grandma vibe right now.

Mk groaned and didn't like the sound of that. “But I don't want to be stuck here all by myself! That's boring, plus you guys fought for me. It's only fair that I train with you guys!” he said, looking at her, and the skeleton brothers were surprised that the kid even wanted to train.

Undyne blinks at him, not expecting that response from the kid, and she sighs. “Alright, how about this? If you can prove that you can be here by yourself without being caught by those things, then we'll discuss the training, but for now, you wait, understand?” she spoke in a more deadpan as she and the kid stared at each other before the kid finally agreed to the terms.

Before Undyne takes Mk to a room, she hums. “What's your name, kid?” she suddenly asked, and the two were at the entrance to the hallway of rooms.

“Just call me Mk.” came Mk's soft response as the two started walking again.

-back to Alice's lab-

???'s pov

I was looking at the hit list my parents had, and I felt terrible because most of the people on the list had kids, and one of them was around my little brother's age.

“Suki suki?” came a small voice from behind me. Ah, speak of the devil there was my little brother probably here to visit me.

“Yes, Pan?” I asked softly though my voice was very soft and almost non-existent due to me screaming a lot during punishment or when my parents experiment on me.

Pan smiles and gently hugs me from the side. “Hi, I stole some pastries from the cupboard for you,” he said softly and was really sweet.

I smile a little. “You'll get in trouble,” I mumbled sadly at him. Pan just continues to smile at me as he looks up at me.

“I know, but it's worth it to see you smile, Itsuki,” Pan said, hugging me more. I grew flustered and softly hugged him back. He indeed was too precious for me.

“I love you; you know that, right?” I spoke softly as I gently kissed his head and hugged him more.

“Hehe, I know I know Suki,” Pan said softly before handing me a cookie. I gently took it and split it in half before we both had a piece of the cookie.

After we eat our sweets, I smile and kiss his head again. “Now go but upstairs before they see you, ok?” I spoke softly and smiled as he frowned, but he nodded as he wiped his face before leaving me alone in the lab.

After he left, I heard bigger footsteps and hurryingly put the hit list back where I found it, then went back to my "room" which is more like a small closet with jail cell bars as a door. I quickly slip in and lock the cell back before putting the chains back on my limbs as to not look suspicious.

My mother walks into the lab and pays me no mind as she gets her lab coat on before my father soon joins with another poor soul in handcuffs. The poor soul looked like they were some homeless person I heard them talk about. The poor soul looks at me for a moment before my father takes him to the experiment room. The poor soul didn't come back, and as far as I know, is probably dead...

[scartale-an-undertale-au]

Papers of Homelessness - Chapter 28

(This banner had been made by the awesome and amazing artist @benteja​. i am so honored that she had drawn this banner for this story. please go and show her all the love in the world that she deserves!!! \[^o^]/)

BEFORE | NEXT

a/n: i’m terribly sorry for not keeping to schedule, but life is a bit of a mess lately... enjoy nonetheless *smirk darkly* this chapter is certainly... interesting XD

Somehow you move on, it seemed.

After everyone had calmed down, Grillby had brought over the soup pot and distributed the broth to the four of you, putting the plate with the bread on the middle of the table.

And so an awkward silence fell upon the table as you each quietly took from the bread and feasted upon the soup. You noticed Papyrus' eyes brightening up at the taste and Frisk twitched but kept her eyes on her bowl.

You didn't fault her. She probably was filled with different emotions and thoughts.  She most likely doesn't wish to speak to anyone at the moment.

You wouldn’t.

"Sans?"

Or she would.

The older man's head shot up, his eyes duller than before and the spoon stopping just shy of entering his mouth. You grimaced at the repulsing sight of the soup dripping from the soup and the open mouth.

Sans quickly shook himself out of his reverie and placed down the spoon thankfully, giving a weak grin. "Water is it, kiddo?"

You gave a snort. "There is no water around and you used that joke already."

Frisk gave a small snort as well and Sans shrugged, his grin turning genuine. "But seriously. What is it?"

The woman fingered their hair, her fingers twitching and occasionally reaching for her hoodie only to stop and return. You sighed and placed a hand on her head. She jolted and turned to you, eyes confused.

You shrugged. "No one ran out screaming yet so don't worry about your eyes."

Frisk blinked and then frowned. "Yet?"

You smirked. "You do have a way of making people scream—ouch!"

She had pinched your unguarded ribs. You retracted your arm and rubbed the sore part. "Hey! I was just trying to be supportive!"

"No violence!" Papyrus piped in and you rolled your eyes. Frisk eyed the tall young man, her face hidden from your position. But then Papyrus grinned and placed a hand on his chest. "I personally think that your eyes are magnificent, so never fear over covering your face with the great Papyrus."

That's basically what you had just said… without the 'great Papyrus' part.

Seriously, why does he even do this?

"Thank you…" Frisk said and you scowled. And of course that sun incarnate managed to convince Frisk. Was it the childhood friends' vibe or just Frisk being annoying?

Frisk turned to you and gave a small smile, making your insides twist yet you felt your mouth quirking up in reply.

...

Damn that woman.

A cough turned the three of you back to an amused Sans and a silent Grillby. Frisk blinked and shrugged sheepishly. "Sorry."

Sans chuckled. "It's okay, kiddo. So what did you want to know?"

"How… were my parents?" Frisk asked and Sans' smile drooped a bit before he grinned and nodded.

"Well, how about I just tell you baby stories? That way it's funnier," He suggested and Frisk stiffened.

You smirked. "You have embarrassing ones?"

Sans' eyes flashed. "Soup much."

"And then this tiny girl, barely reaching to my knee, like ‘this’ tiny, just approached me and demanded with this haughty princess like manner that I would be the knight," Sans told his third story by now and you were fighting hard not to laugh at Frisk's wide eyes.

Toddler Frisk was extremely bossy, it appeared.

Sans wiped his eyes and gave a big laugh. "I thought that she had wanted me to save her from the big, scary, dragon. But then she goes to Papyrus, who was wearing this ridiculous hairband with two horns, and said that as the dragon, he must protect her from the evil knight."

"Frisk, you had gotten it all wrong!" You cracked and evaded a pinch to your side. Frisk's cheeks were red at this point and Papyrus was too enraptured in the stories to notice.

"Sorry, sorry," Sans laughed, "Your father always liked to record stuff that you did so as to when you grew up, he would have a lot of blackmail to use with your future significant other."

You smirked at Frisk. "I have blackmail now."

Frisk frowned. "No, you don't."

"I do."

"Don't." Frisk attempted to pinch you again, but you realized her intention and stood up, stepping away from her fingers. Frisk's frown turned to a scowl and she stood up as well, rushing after you.

Shit!

You ran away, jumping to the side and ducking when her fingers reached too close. Frisk shot out her right hand and you flung over a table and turned to deflect her arm. She grabbed your arm and went to pinch it.

So, knowing it was pointless to wrench your arm away from the strong hold, you pinched her arm. Frisk froze and her eyes grew wide.

You smirked. "I won."

Frisk blinked and then swiftly in a sharp move, she pinched your nose.

You looked at her fingers closing over your nose, scowling. "I still won."

"I did. I got your nose."

"Oh, yeah?" You swatted her hand away and attempted to reach for her nose when a loud exclaim and long arms circled your body and lifted you up.

Heartbeat skyrocketing from the sudden panic, you flailed. "Put me down!"

"The great Papyrus will help Frisk vanquish her opponent!" Papyrus exclaimed louder, hurting your ears but somewhat calming you down from your fit. But you were still panicked over being held by someone like that and tried to get off. But Papyrus was stronger than first impression and you were too high in the air to get your legs working.

You wanted to yell at Papyrus to put you down but for some odd reason, cold washed over you and the panic beat loudly in your ears.

You had to get down. You were in a bad position. You're vulnerable. You can't fight back. You can't win. You can't—

"And 'The Vanquisher' holds him up, people! Seems like a new kind of move for our big guy."

"Too bad Player is so small for his age."

"Would be interesting to see how Void's best puppy would fare in this troubling position."

Breathe smelling of dirt and blood on your neck and cheek. Fatty arms holding you up. Your knife is on the floor. You can't get down. You can't kill this kid. You can't fight. You're going to die like a dog. After all this time, you—

"Chara."

Air whooshed in and filled your pruned lungs, and everything swirled and you grabbed your head as the world went black for a moment. You were on your knees and two warm spots were on your shoulders, preventing you from falling forward.

"Chara, breathe with me."

You nodded, groaning when your head exploded and your forehead throbbed from the bruising from earlier. But you still followed the heavy breathing, trying to rein in the panic and the exhaustion buzzing and weighing your bones down.

That vision… it wasn’t real, yet felt so real. What the hell had even happened to you?

"You're with me?"

You made a small hum, not wanting to move your head again. A sigh of relief followed your sound and a hand was placed on your forehead. "No fever, no throwing up. That's good. Grillbz, get him on fluids and send him to bed. That was a really bad one."

You didn't see Grillby, but you felt small arms circle your back and pick up your arm, looping it over a small shoulder. A small body was pressed to your side and the familiar earthy scent chased away the smell of dirt and blood, making your body relax. You lowered your closed eyes to the hair tickling your nose, taking in some deep breaths.

"Stand up, Chara…" Frisk's soft voice slightly soothed away your panic and you nodded, using her to get up to your trembling feet. You had to stay bent over for her to be able support your weight, but you weren't able to straighten up anyways so you didn't mind. You just needed her to walk, not to stand up. You just needed to know she was the one holding you up. That she was there.

And so, you slowly made your way to the staircase.

"I'm sorry, Chara…" Papyrus' voice started but then was dropped. You didn't open your eyes or acknowledged him. You just wanted to be in bed and be close to Frisk, that's all. Or your mother. That would be great as well.

"Bro, it's okay. You didn't know, how about we leave them be for the meanwhile?" Two sets of footsteps left followed by the front door closing with a jingle and more tension left your body. You were now with people you trusted. Grillby's arms joined Frisk's on the stairs and soon you were laid down on a bed – Frisk's probably since it smelled strongly of her.

"…I'll get… tea."

The door shut close and fingers fluttered over your closed eyelids. You stiffened on instinct and the fingers withdrew. You relaxed and sighed. "Sorry…"

"Don't be. Sorry for Papyrus," She mumbled and pulled the blanket over you, hand resting on your cheek. You slumped and your heart settled. She brushed your hair back, massaging your temple a bit harshly but slowly growing softer as she adjusting her strength.

She was unused to this as well.

"…What did you see?" She suddenly asked and you jolted from nearly falling asleep. Then you froze and your heart leaped to your throat as you recalled the vision.

Someone was holding you. You were about to die, that you were certain of—

"Chara..." You heard rustling and a warm object pressed to your forehead… was it her forehead? Frisk blinked, her eyelashes brushing your bruise. So you were right...

You took a deep breath and reached out, meeting with Frisk's hand and holding it tightly, needing something to ground yourself with.

What was going on? You didn't remember it happening so why were you having that panic attack? Why were you so affected by it?

"Chara, focus on me…" Frisk muttered and you nodded. "You're safe…"

Safe… that's right. Grillby’s is a safe haven. Grillby was here. Frisk was here. They won't let you be in pointless danger…

You sighed and gently pried your eyes open, your sight blurry and foggy but it slowly cleared as you blinked, Frisk's nose appeared and the woman shifted so the gold-flaked garnet eyes focused on you. Your noses were touching and you were staring into one another's eyes.

So at least now you had a name for the color…

"How are you feeling?" Frisk finally asked and you blinked. After a moment, you gave a weak shrug and your eyes closed, too exhausted to keep them up. Frisk exhaled, her breathe tickling your lips. "I understand… sleep."

It was as if you were waiting for those words, since the next thing you knew was the oblivion of slumber.

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