deercountry | facing demons (closed)

( The judgement hall is a place that Frisk has gotten to know incredibly well. They've lost count of how many times that they've been here. However, this is not a memory that they want to see now. Sans isn't there to praise them or give them advice, Sans is there to stop them. Frisk has killed countless times by now, and although they hadn't known it at the time, it was Chara who was telling them how many times to kill. But, it isn't because they know that they'll die that they want to stop watching. They want to stop watching because this is a path that they never wanted to relive.

They stand before Sans now, the real knife gripped tightly in their hands, the heart-shaped locket glowing faintly in protection. They stand still, expression unreadable and unchanging as the skeleton before them begins to speak.

* hmm.
* that expression...
* that's the expression of someone who's died thrice in a row
* what comes after "thrice," anyways?
* want to help me find out?

It's then that Frisk steps forward in preparation to fight. However, the Frisk that's observing the memory now looks to Satoko. )

I gave up after he killed me this time. I had to go back.

Edited 2022-06-17 21:12 (UTC)

[ the satoko standing by frisk - the observer, the voyager, the theatergoer - doesn't say a word until prompted. it's rude to speak during a production, after all, isn't it? especially one solely for her gaze.

but when the producer solicits her words, she gives them freely. she respects the one talking, after all - more than they might realize, less than they might hope. ]

I didn't take you for a quitter, Frisk-san. [ there's no judgment in the words. it's an observation, not a jab. ] What made you decide to return?

[ "i gave up." the sort of words she hates hearing most, the sort of words she respects least. but... sometimes, the only words to move forward.

she'll reserve judgment on her fellow witch for now, at least. ]

I'm not. ( Rather: ) .... Back when we were on our adventure together, Chara helped me so I wouldn't give up.

( Thinking back on it, it's even more haunting than Frisk first assumed. They had always heard Asgore's voice when they had to LOAD after death, even before knowing him. And now, knowing the source of it...? Frisk can't help but shudder lightly at the memory of it.

Instead of focusing on such memories, they place their focus back on Satoko's question. )

If you hurt a lot of people, but could take it back like it didn't happen - would you?

( This was a memory that Frisk remembers well, despite only having experienced once. This wasn't like the other memories they had - it wasn't something that they could relive. After all, every time the went back, Flowey would have something new to say to Frisk. They remembered it all. Back then, Frisk had thought that they were the only ones who could remember.

He was the only one who could understand what it was like to have DETERMINATION, despite how different the both of them are. But, Flowey wanted to abuse that power. They wanted to use it to make Frisk and others hurt. It was something Frisk had no choice but to try to stop at the time.

Before Kokichi and Frisk both, a single, golden-colored flower seems dejected -- hurt and beaten and battered. When they speak, it's with a panicked voice, but Frisk looks on unflinchlingly. Each time Flowey speaks, Kokichi may notice how the Frisk in their memory is moving towards a button that says MERCY, pushing it repeatedly in an attempt to spare him.

* ...What are you doing??
* Do you really think I've learned anything from this? ...No.
* Sparing me won't change anything. Killing me is the only way to end this.
* If you let me live...I'll come back...
* I'll kill you.
* I'll kill everyone.
* I'll kill everyone you love.
* ...
* ...?
* ...why?
* ...why are you being...so nice to me...?
* I can't understand.
* I just can't understand!
* I just can't understand...

It's then that Flowey runs - burrowing himself into the ground and leaving Frisk alone. The Frisk that's looking on, however looks to Kokichi. )

He wanted me to try to be like his friend. For a long time, he wanted me to try to hurt others.

Edited 2022-06-17 22:13 (UTC)

( Adventuring to the underground was nothing new to Frisk, but the last time that they had done so in this world, it hadn't lead to anything good. Not initially. There had been rewards at the end of it all, but it had all been difficult on Frisk's well-being. There had been illusions of those important to them, only they weren't themselves. It was almost as if they had passed away ages ago. There were fires that tempted Frisk to go inside, and monsters that were nothing like the ones that they had known from home.

No, it had been nothing like the underground from home. There was no warmth that Frisk had become accustomed to. It was dark and cold.

It's the reason for their hesitance now. Even with Ochako with them, their footsteps are slower than usual. Still, they quicken their pace as their path begins to grow darker, reaching to grip her hand wordlessly.

They... want to know what's out there. Curiosity was what was encouraging them to walk forward at this point. )

[In all honesty, Ochako didn't really like the idea of Frisk being down in the caverns. She went because it was her duty - she will always be a Hero, no matter what, in any and every world - and the idea of anyone having had fallen down into this dark pit...she had to be sure people were okay, or just alive. Her quirk was essentially among the best for a rescue scenario like this - floating people up and down effortlessly, moving heavy boulders and dirt from a cave in, stuff like that. So of course she suited up and did her part. But Frisk...they're small, young, and while Ochako hates to judge on appearances alone, she can't help it. They may have an invaluable skill she doesn't know about, but they're still a child.]

Ne, Frisk-san, how are you doing? [Ochako felt the little squeeze to her hand, and slowed her pace for them to maintain step and not be dragged behind her accidentally, but she remains friendly as she holds her lantern in one hand, trying to keep her spirits high for their sake.] You know...if you don't like the quiet, we can maybe sing a song or something, ehehe.

I'm okay.

( It's admittedly strange to do this without someone to guide them. They've become so used to a voice belonging to someone else helping them every step of the way that adventuring without it doesn't really feel the same. It feels more like stepping into the unknown. At the least, Chara was with them the last time that they had ended up underground here. What had happened wasn't a situation they'd wish on them again, but it had helped to have that sense of familiarity with them.

They look up at Ochako then, tilting their head a little in curiosity. Something to fill the silence would be nice. )

What kind of song should we sing...?

[Ochako smiles back at them pleasantly, trying to ease their nerves even more, because she's heard so many times people say "I'm fine" or "I'm okay" and not really mean it sincerely. Hell, she's done it a few times in the past herself, not wanting to worry or burden anyone else with her own problems and fears.

Pinky still raised as she grips Frisk's hand, Ochako lets her thumb rub soothingly across the back of the small child's knuckles, humming a bit.]

Well...I know one that I like, and it pretty special to me, but what sort of songs do you like?

( The way that she smiles only further helps ease Frisk's nerves, and they can't help but offer a smile - one that's genuine - in response. The way that Ochako is helping soothe their worries feels nostalgic for Frisk. It reminds them of the first time Toriel helped lead them through the ruins - how her presence helped to ease any worries that they had. It's the same for them now.

The question is enough to make them stop, trying to think of any songs that may come to mind before they begin to hum a a melody, directing their gaze to the looming darkness ahead of them. )

[It's really part of who Ochako is, really. She loves kids, she loves helping people, and she just loves it when people are happy. Frisk reminds her a lot of Eri in a way - though older than the young girl, they are still a child at heart, and don't deserve to be stuck in a place that can so easily do them harm. Brave, kind, considerate, caring... Ochako really, really doesn't want any child to forget what it's like to smile.

The song is not one she knows, but it's simple enough to follow along too, and sounds almost like a lullaby. It's beautiful, and she nods her head along to each beat, trying to get the rhythm down a bit and hum along.]

Oh, I really like that one...it's really pretty, hehe. I-- [Ochako pauses, and stops a bit suddenly. Hopefully Frisk doesn't stumble, but she'll apologize if they do.] S-Sorry, but...look.

[She points ahead, to a straight, narrow corridor that spans a relatively long distance. The floor is immaculately clean, without a speck of gravel or dust, unlike the rest of these carved pathways.]

I think that might be a trap.

( Frisk is about to speak then, if only to tell her where they had first heard the song -- only for Ochako to stop rather suddenly. Luckily, experience has helped them not only become quick on their feet, but it's helped their reflexes as well. They look upwards then, tilting their head in curiosity before looking to what lies in front of them.

A trap... and one that doesn't feel different than something they'd face at home. Back then, it was Toriel who had guided them through a puzzle like this one. But now, it feels like Frisk may be the one who takes the lead. )

I can go first. ( They start quietly. ) ... Home had a lot of puzzles and traps like this.

( And... it's okay if they get hurt. They can always LOAD if things get too dangerous. ... Perhaps. )

Eh?! B-But...

[Ochako bites her lip, unsure of letting a child go into danger before her - it's her job to protect people, that's literally what she's training and schooling to do for the entirety of her life - but she knows she ought to trust a little more, too. If Frisk says they can do it, she should believe in them. Kids are more resourceful than some people oftentimes give them credit for, after all.

She takes a deep breath in and decides to take a chance. If something bad happens, then she'll just ~~ACT~~ jump in and take the blow. It'll be fine...she has to tell herself that.]

Mmnn...okay. But please, be very careful. I don't want you to get hurt, s-so I'll make sure to get to you if anything happens.

( There's a brief pause on Frisk's end before they nod their head. They appreciate having someone look after them, especially considering how dangerous it was the last time that they ventured somewhere dangerous here...

They step forward then, quietly crouching downwards to look to the floor carefully for any sign of a trap. They look back and forth, brows furrowed -- and this continues for a while before they look back to Ochako. )

There's a path we can take. There's a part of the floor that looks a little different.

[Ochako is definitely waiting as well, and though she definitely trusts Frisk, she can't help the edge of nervousness that prickles on her skin when they get close to the floor. Of course she'd race to grab them, and even has her wires for additional reach, but needing to do that...ugh. It reminds her a little too much of that city ravaged by Gigantomachia - the little children, brother and sister, that were almost crushed to death under falling rubble, and Ochako and Tsu were there to grab and free them at the last second. And, ah...a-all the other things that come with those stormy memories.]

Mm? Oh, I think I see it, too!! Yeah, the color of the stone isn't as dark and weathered, but it's subtle enough you wouldn't see it normally if you were just walking along. Ehehe, that's really good observation skills, Frisk-kun!! Do you like puzzle and stuff like this?

[They said they were good at them or something, she vaguely remembers... And if Ochako can keep the conversation light, it'd probably be best for them.]

( Frisk's chest puffs out a bit at the compliment, a rather wide smile on their face. They can't help but feel some pride when Ochako compliments them. No matter how much they may have gone through, they were still just a kid. Being complimented by someone they admire meant quite a bit to them. )

The monsters at home like them a lot. ( They answer quietly. ) ... I got to practice a lot because of that.

But... I had help then, too.

( In a sense, this is the first time that they're really trying to do this on their own. )

[Reaching out for their hand to take (pinkies up!), Ochako walks Frisk along the path they indicated, testing it first just to make sure it's safe. Once sorted, they're on their way, though Ochako is definitely still on guard and her eyes are surveying pretty much everything around them very carefully.]

Monst--eh, that's right, you did say that before... What kinda of monsters were there in your world? [It sounds so funny, but she can't help but envision something from a children's picturebook of sorts.] And they liked puzzles, really? Ehehe, that's cute!! I bet you're really good at them, then. So I'll be counting on those good puzzle-solving skills while we're down here, ne.

And maybe we can find some cool treasure or something.

( There were so many monsters in the underground. It was hard to narrow it down to a couple that they want to talk about... But, when some come to mind, they can't help but smile. )

There were a lot of different kind. There were a pair of skeleton brothers, and uhm -- someone who owned a restaurant was a monster made of fire. And the person who saved me that I told you about looked a lot like a goat.

( They can't help but pause at the mention of treasure. They can't really imagine what they might find here... After all, the last time they had finished some puzzles here, they had ended up with Pokemon. )

What kind of treasure?

[That smile in contagious, if only because the description makes Ochako grin and think back on her own friends and classmates. Man, if only she had a picture or something...of her class. Just to show people how cool and unique they all were.]

Ah--... [S-Skeletons. Oh lord. Ochako tenses and her laugh becomes a little shaky and awkward. Okay, no, don't judge because you're a weenie. You've met a nice skeleton in Nippon once, too...it's fine. It's fine. Focus on the fire man and go--...]

[Skeletons, man made of fire, and goat monster. Hm... HMMMMMM...]

A bible. [OCHAKO, PLEASE...] I-I mean, maybe some candy.

...?

( Frisk can't help but tilt their head at that, gazing at Ochako for a moment in confusion. )

The last time I ended up somewhere like this, my friend and I found something that ended up being our friends.

( Frisk has felt what exhaustion that Chara has felt. Their connection makes it difficult for either of them to keep much from one another, but it's something Frisk finds themselves grateful for here for that reason. They know when something is wrong with their friend, even when Chara doesn't tell them.

But, it's a strange sort of exhaustion. Frisk feels it growing increasingly more dramatic with each time that Chara rests -- as if their being drained of what energy they have. It becomes more apparent physically as well, Chara's well-being seemingly deteriorating quickly. It's suspicious, to say the least. After being here for months, it's easy enough to come to the conclusion that something out there is causing this. The question is what it could be.

While Frisk doesn't hesitate to speak up, it's only when they begin to see something seemingly clinging to Chara that they once again say something. )

What is that...?

( And why hadn't they noticed before? )

( It feels like it happens in an instant. Frisk is spending time with their newfound friend on a shopping trip that they had spoken about ages ago -- when they had first spoken on the network, in fact. It was something that they had been initially rather excited for, if only because it would be a way for them to get to spend time with someone that didn't involve immediate danger.

However, it seems like their friend-date is cut off rather quickly.

It begins with a rumble -- the sound growing increasingly louder before the area around them begins to shake. Immediately, Frisk reaches for Katherine's hand and tugs at her -- attempting to usher her under one of the nearby counters.

They want her to be safe. )

[ not again.

that's all katherine can think when the ground begins to shake beneath them. the last time she had been in a building for the purpose of shopping and felt the ground rumble, the ceiling and walls had collapsed in on her. (and stefan's never let her live it down.)

she'd been alone. now, she doesn't particularly want to take any chances.

katherine follows frisk easily, dropping what's in her hands for the sake of survival.

huddled behind the counter, katherine ensures to stay close to frisk. she tries to ensure that frisk is covered; even though she doesn't particularly like things falling on top of her, it's better it happens to her. she can heal from it. ]

Why is this place always falling in on itself!?

[ honestly!!! ]

( Frisk keeps their gaze upwards, watching for any sign of something potentially falling on their friend. They can at least try to protect her in the case of things getting worse. )

Something bad always ends up happening here.

( But, if they're glad that they aren't alone right now, just as they're glad that they aren't alone.

It's only when the rumbling stops that Frisk feels themselves relax a little, pushing themselves up to stand. )

I wonder what caused that.

Hang on, hang on. You don't want to hurry just yet.

[ considering trench has so many surprises, well... it's good to be cautious.

katherine doesn't move and she encourages frisk not to, either. the rumbling may have stopped, but that doesn't mean it's gone. staying quiet for a moment longer, she looks around as she tries to listen to the natural-sounding creaks of the building and the world around them. ]

I can't hear anything else.

[ it's then that she ushers with her hand for frisk to continue with their plan, intending to follow suit. ]

( Frisk waits for Katherine give the okay for them to leave, following closely behind her as she begins to make her way outside. )

If there's anything out there -- I have a way that I can protect you.

( It's not a power that she'd remember them using, but they don't want her to think that they're completely helpless. They might be a child, but they've been through a lot more than what this world has done to them.

Still, they'll stay behind Katherine. It may be better to have someone watching her back right now, anyways.

But, as they continue walking, Frisk will stop in their when they see just how things have changed outside, wordlessly looking to the path that seems to have opened up. There's a brief look of fear in the way that they're frozen in their steps. They've been through the underground once before here.

Seeing what lies below may not lead to anything good.

[ stopping alongside frisk, katherine quietly exhales. it's never easy here, is it? where there's an earthquake, there's always something to follow. katherine was hoping this would be simply a mere growling of the earth and nothing more. ]

I believe that.

[ she says that kindly; even though it's belated, katherine imagines frisk may like hearing that. it's always nice to have your capabilities believed, especially when you're a child.

she sighs again, heavier this time. ]

Are you afraid of dark spaces?

( Her words are indeed encouraging, and Frisk can't help but smile a little in response. They're used to people wanting so desperately to protect them at this point in time.

Frisk looks over the newly-formed hole then, shaking their head. )

No. ... But, last time that we could go underground here, it was--

Scary. Dark in another way.

Hm.

[ katherine takes a step forward and tilts her ear towards the hole opening. narrowing her eyes, she listens intently for a few noticeable seconds. she even wiggles her nose.

shaking her head, she looks back at frisk. ]

I can't hear or smell anything… which is a little unusual for the Trench. [ and deerington. deerington always liked its jumpscares. ]

Are you curious about what might be down here? It could be nothing.

Yes.

( Despite Frisk's fears, there's no denying that. There's no telling if the situation will be the same as before when they played that board game from before. )

There might not be anything. But, there could be somewhere new to see, too.

( Nothing here really happens without a reason for it. )

There could be an underground city waiting for us to hit their shopping centres.

[ it's a tease, what with katherine pursing her lips and lifting her shoulders, but there is some truth to it. given the nature of deerington and the trench, she wouldn't be surprised if they stumble across some weird city that's waiting for them to be explored. ]

I'm game if you are. I am wearing my underground heels.

[ they're just regular black boots, but, hey! they're perfect for collecting dirt. ]

( Frisk can't help but smile then, lips tugging upwards into a smile. The way she's joking now helps comfort them. )

Back at home -- I ended up falling into the Underground. I ended up making a lot of friends then.

( They have a lot of memories then -- both good and bad, but there's no mistaking the fact that they were able to meet others who they could call family now. )

When it happened here, it was scary, but uhm... You're right -- it could be different here.

( They pause for a moment before extending a hand for her to take. If she's going to go, they definitely don't want her to go alone. It could be dangerous... )

[ placing her hand in frisk's, katherine smiles. she thinks to leave it at that, to let frisk's own experience hang between them. katherine likes to think of herself as a selfish person who doesn't consider the needs of others. it's easy to play into that role when it's expected of her, but frisk... frisk doesn't expect that unkindness.

and so katherine doesn't wish to let frisk's own vulnerable confession hang between them, leaving them feeling heavier.

this isn't her first time being underground. the last time she had been surrounded by such dark and possibly dank walls, it'd been of someone else's doing. ]

I spent some time underground back home. I was in a tomb. [ the way she says it is with a light tone, although it's somewhat of a dark time for katherine. desiccating had been terrible. the boredom had been unbearable. ]

I think this will be a much better experience. [ she smiles at frisk. ] I at least have company this time.

( Frisk stops in their steps then, looking to Katherine with concern - mouth pressed together into a thin line, brows furrowed as their grip on her hand increases - just a little. )

... Why were you in a place like that?

( It reminds them of when they had fallen into the underground here. The catacombs were a place that Frisk would never wish for anyone to visit. They can't help but wonder if that place was similar to where Katherine was beforehand. )

[ she could make up a lie. spin some tale about how she had been so unjustly trapped in a tomb. but katherine knows that the story has different ways of telling it. stefan's perspective may have changed over the last year, but she's still certain his version of events would still claim that katherine was causing too much mayhem for a lot of people. ]

Some people thought I wasn't very nice, so they wanted to trap me somewhere I couldn't get out of.

[ she says it like she's speaking of a pair of shoes. it's better to mentally keep her distance. the tomb had been long and hard and utterly uncomfortable, and katherine had hated feeling powerless.

she looks at frisk and lifts a shoulder. ] I wasn't a nice person to some people. They'd say I was unjustly mean. I wouldn't.

( Frisk looks up with a sympathetic look then, shaking their head. They don't know Katherine very well, and they don't know their past. But, they do know that they've been a good friend. She's been kind and helpful -- easy and fun to speak with. Frisk has known people who were cruel to them, and even then they wouldn't have wanted them to suffer through anything cruel like what she was describing. )

You aren't a bad person.

[ she sighs quietly. looking at frisk, she smiles. ] Many would disagree.

[ some may have changed their minds. she knows stefan has. but many would say that she is a bad person who has done bad things. katherine knows she has. but without the context of why... it's easier to paint her as the bad guy. ]

But thank you. [ looking ahead, she ducks her gaze momentarily. scrunching up her face, she looks at them again. ] Do you find it hard to take a compliment?

[ as someone who preens and enjoys attention every now and then, a genuine compliment throws her off balance. ]

( Frisk is about to ask her why that may be, but then she asks something else and they can't help but stop - tilting their head in a curious manner. )

No. Why?

( It almost feels off topic from what they were just talking about, so they can't help but ask. )

I do.

[ for someone who was as vain and fond of preening as katherine, she does find herself struggling with taking genuine compliments. it might have something to do with the fact she's so used to disparaging comments instead.

she shrugs in an effort to downplay it. ]

I don't get to hear a lot of them. [ she waves her hand. ] It's the whole being perceived as a bad person thing. [ pursing her lips, she jokes, ] For some reason, no one wants to compliment you.

[ except people like frisk. the good ones. ]

But, you aren't a bad person. ( Frisk starts, stopping in their steps. That's something that they're certain about. And... even if she was someone who did bad things: )

... Sometimes, the people who seem bad are the people who need to be cared for the most.

[ that's another way of putting it. she stops and lifts her gaze up to the cave walls thoughtfully. that's not something many of the people who know her would say… but then again, none of them had known her at all. ]

Even if they were very cruel and did reprehensible things?

... Yeah.

( There's a pause then, Frisk going quiet as they look down. )

Someone at home called me a best friend -- but, they ended up hurting me a lot. But... a lot of bad things had happened to them, too.

[ she sighs quietly. that best friend sounds a lot like her to the people she called friends.

gently, she asks, ] Do you think they did it on purpose? Hurting you.

Yeah.

But, it was because they thought that they had to.

facing demons (closed)

satoko

i'm. i'm doing it. i'm finally blasting notifs in my email

HELL YEAH

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I KNEW WHAT SONG IT'D BE AND I STILL WIBBLED LIKE A SMALL CHILD

IT WAS THE FIRST ONE THAT CAME TO MIND....

GOOD it's a good song but oof ow my heart

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cw: mild MHA spoilers

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chara

katherine

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