#and. head in hands. extractors popped the last machine

[shrot-t]

live goob reaction

[spacetimewraithwrites-archive]

OC Kiss Week Day 5: Memory

WIP: Thriving series Pairing: Warren x Thrive Timeline: Thriving: Meridian CW: Some, like, pain and stuff. Injury? Uh, if you don’t like reading about people in sustained physical pain, then don’t read this lol. Also, blood. Rating: T Words: 1,729

***

“How bad is it?”

Thrive tightened his fists over the surface of the table, jaw wrenched closed, and shook his head. After a few beats during which the veins in his arms became alarming in their prominence, he released the breath he’d held. “It’s not as bad...as it was the last time.”

Warren cast a worried search over the screen of the organic data extractor from his position in the corner of the room. “Yeah...I’m not sure that’s making me feel better about this.”

Thrive grimaced and a hand reached up as if to remove the electrodes attached to his skull, but instead he pressed his fingers to his temple. “It merely means that Ataneq and I will have to adjust the ratio of input and...and the output of...no.” His face went blank. “I can’t think.” He slammed his wrist on the table and threw his head back, letting fly a lengthy swear in Solnai at the top of his voice.

Warren, understanding how much agony one had to be in to use that particular swear, switched the machine off and jumped to his side, kneeling beside his chair. “Okay, sweetheart, okay. That’s good enough.” He whipped an absorbent cloth from his pocket and dabbed the moisture from Thrive’s forehead, turning his face toward him and registering the swelling relief through not just through their physical connection, but their mental one as well. “You’re doing great. Let’s take a break.”

“I’d rather not,” Thrive rasped. “We’re close. This is the most important thing I’ve ever done.”

“And I’d rather not watch you fry your beautiful brain to a crisp.” Warren dragged a second chair over and helped Thrive’s trembling hands hold the cloth to his neck and the rest of his face. “Also, this is very much not the most important thing you’ve ever done.”

Thrive grinned at him, as exhausted as he was in doing so. “Well...one could argue that you are the Most Important thing I’ve ever done.”

“If you don’t shut your fucking mouth,” Warren muttered playfully, beginning to take the electrodes off of Thrive’s chest.

Thrive grabbed his hand. “No. One more.”

“Hey, I meant it when I said I was gonna put a stop to this if you punched that damn self-destruction button of yours again.” Warren gripped Thrive’s hand. “This machine is in its infancy and could kill you if you don’t take a break.”

Instead of the belligerence Warren expected, Thrive turned to him with excitement in his eyes. “The solution is right here. We could be moments away from a breakthrough. The entire kingdom is as close to being able to harness th’crode technology as you and I are right this second, Warren. You will be able to store your own memories without my help.”

“Yeah, I kinda know all of that—”

“Do you understand how difficult it has been for me to watch you forget?”

Warren paused. The excitement had fallen away to reveal a deep sadness, remorse he hadn’t seen in quite some time. “...It’s gotten pretty bad.”

“Yes.” Thrive applied pressure onto the electrode Warren had started to remove. “Conversations with you about our shared past have become daily reminders of my misjudgment. My selfishness. You shouldn’t have to rely on someone else to make sure your cherished memories never die over time.”

Warren looked from him to the data extractor. “I still think you need to do this while natural....”

“The point is to test the extractor’s capability on a human subject.” Thrive straightened his spine. “Our physiology may be different in a lot of ways while I’m human, but I’m not about to test it on you in this stage of development. All it needs is recalibration. I’ve suggested putting the extraction points directly on the brain, but that idea was shot down rather quickly.”

“Thank you, Ataneq,” Warren grumbled.

"Let me do this one last time.” Thrive pointed to the machine. “One last time. If it doesn’t work, I will give up for the rest of the day.”

Warren sighed into his hands. “I can’t. I can’t inflict more of this pain onto you. It’s too much. No, I’m saying no. If you wanna torture yourself one more time, you need to get someone else in here to do it.”

Thrive’s eyebrow quirked.

Which is how, ten minutes later, Warren found himself standing next to Thoeala on the other side of the room while Ataneq calibrated the machine.

Warren turned a frown to Thoeala.

“Oh, you think I’m gonna say no?” Thoeala laughed. “You think just because he’s my dad I have an opinion about his well-being?”

“Why are you still here if you didn’t want to do this, Pop?” Ataneq asked, repositioning the electrodes on Thrive’s head.

Warren sniffed. “Because if this doesn’t kill him, I will.”

Ataneq took Warren’s previous spot behind the extractor. “Right. Counting down from five. Father, recall a memory. Let’s keep it simple.”

Thrive screwed his eyes shut and nodded, hands tightly clasped together. “Test designation eight-four-six-four,” he said for the audio/visual records. “Recalling a memory of my last audience with Delegate Sinkship.”

“Simple,” Warren corrected. “Not painful.”

Ataneq swiped a finger over the screen. “Long live the King. Five. Four. Three. Two. One.”

A high-pitched whine rose from the machine and Thrive placed his hands flat on the table. “Yes...immediate drop in physical discomfort from designation eight-four-six-three.” He inhaled slowly through his nose, then released through his mouth. “My sinus cavities are warm and there is a sharp sting behind the eyes.”

“Holding onto the memory?”

“Yes. Begin transference...now.”

Ataneq had only just done what he was told when Thrive let out an unusual sound. A guttural wail he tried to suppress, hanging his head, face contorting into a grimace. Thoeala bristled beside Warren and Ataneq narrowed his eyes.

“There’s now...” Thrive touched the center of his forehead, fingers shaking visibly, “...severe—severe pain. Frontal and...damn it....”

Warren’s guard raised. Any pain he deemed “severe” could have killed anyone else on the spot. “Thrive, shut it down.”

“How close are we,” Thrive asked through gritted teeth.

“I can’t actually tell. Everything’s going haywire,” Ataneq said. “Your receptors are being overloaded; you need to stop the transference or you’re going to go into self-preservation mode.”

As Thrive opened his eyes, a single rivulet of blood rolled down from his nose. “Hemorrhaging. Numbness in...in the hands.” He swiped the blood away with a thumb and winced again. “And I’m experiencing a burning sensation on the skin.”

“Fuck,” Warren spat. “This is exactly why I didn’t want to do this again!”

Ataneq held up a hand in Thoeala’s direction when she crossed over to Thrive. “Don’t touch him yet. I’ve stopped the extractor but he wasn’t able to cut off the transference. He’s got to come down gradually.”

Thrive’s eyelids drooped and he snapped upright in an attempt to stay present and focused. “I...I’m about to...fall into preservation state.”

“Genius.” Warren leaned over the table and gestured around his eyes to get Thrive to make eye contact. “I have been alive for four hundred years and you wanna know why I’m only now starting to get gray hair?”

Thrive carefully rested his head in his arms, tugging the electrodes’ wires to their limit. “I may have an idea....”

“Yeah, he’s out,” Ataneq said after a second of silence.

Thoeala sighed. “So he did that for no reason?”

“No, he succeeded.”

“Excuse me?” Warren glanced at him in alarm. “...You mean he actually managed to transfer a memory into the databank?”

Ataneq nodded. “It’s not very clear, but it’s there. I can just make out vague shapes moving across the screen. We can work with this.”

Warren walked around the table and kneeled beside Thrive, who didn’t appear to be breathing at all. He felt his neck for a pulse and was satisfied to catch the glacial thrum of his system working to mend his brain. “Babe....”

“Wow,” Thoeala exclaimed, peering at the screen of the extractor over Ataneq’s shoulder. “That is incredible! Yeah, I can see an outline of Sinkship!”

“Thrive,” Warren said, raking his fingers through Thrive’s hair. “You did it. We’ll celebrate when you’re awake.” He removed the electrodes and kissed Thrive’s temple, his ear, and the bit of cheek exposed to him. “You cause me enormous stress but you also never cease to make me proud.”

Thoeala and Ataneq each took turns patting Thrive on the back before leaving the room. “Give us a heads up on how he is.”

“Always,” Warren promised before settling down on the floor.

He was there for close to half a hour before Thrive sank back into consciousness, folding himself upright and wiping the rest of the blood from his nose.

“Welcome back,” Warren said.

Thrive turned, clearly not expecting to see him, grogginess still present in his face. “You waited.”

“Well, yeah...you pulled it off. I couldn’t just leave you here.”

Thrive patted himself down for the wireless electrodes that were used to monitor his physical response to the testing as Warren got up to perch himself on the table. “I'm surprised that it actually worked.”

Warren leaned over to capture him in a firm kiss. “I’m not.”

“I suppose I owe you an apology.” Thrive kissed him again. “I’ll take this as a sign to always do what you say from now on.”

“Oh,” Warren said with a sly smile. “Nice. I don’t even care that you’re making fun of me. I will take full advantage of this.”

“As I’ve no doubt.” Thrive offered him an only half-sarcastic smirk in return. “I believe you called, rightfully, for a celebration.”

“You heard that, huh?”

“I'm...in a word, spent. Would you like to stay the night at the Fertile Patch? We could set up a camp.”

“That sounds fantastic.”

Thrive kissed him one final time before they parted ways to prepare for the hour-long shuttle trip. Warren apprised the kids of Thrive’s state and while Thrive managed to stay awake on the ride over, as soon as his head hit the lush grass of the uninhabited area of wilderness he was down for the count again.

Warren watched the sunset by himself, using Thrive’s stomach as a pillow, lost in thought about the impact the day’s accomplishments would have on the neighboring galaxies.

He’d played a part in history yet again, it seemed.

[mikotyzini]

What Defines Us - Ch. 15

Good morning everyone!  I mentioned in another post, but I now have Microsoft Office so I can more easily copy and past the chapters here without having to reformat everything (ugh, that was always so tedious).

So now the chapter is right here!  And here’s a link to it on fanfiction.net, if you wanted to leave me a review.  Chapter 15!

Also, good luck.  I won’t tell you why, but good luck.

The hallways were busy and crowded - filled to the brim with a bustle Weiss had long ago learned to tolerate but still hated all the same.  They were built wide and tall, yet somehow seemed cramped on the best of days, and suffocating on the worst.

There was nothing she could do about it though - the additional employees were necessary in getting this plant off the ground.  Important deadlines were rapidly approaching and many processes still weren’t completely up and running yet.

“What’s this?” she asked a man standing next to a cart carrying a stack of filled crystal boxes.  She didn’t bother waiting for his response before answering her own question, “These are supposed to be on the third manufacturing floor.  Take them there now.”

There wasn’t a single word of argument to be heard as he took the handle of the cart and pushed it towards the elevators as quickly as he could.

“Incompetence…” she muttered to herself before turning into the nearly operational boxing facility.  

The massive room held several large pieces of machinery that cost more than most houses to purchase.  Feeding into each machine was a towering stack of flattened boxes - not unlike the ones the man on the cart had just taken upstairs - that would be popped into form before riding long conveyor belts to be filled with vials of Dust.  From this morning’s report, she knew that the room had successfully integrated with the refinery next door, but was suffering from several internal yellow lights which needed to be resolved.

Her eyes scanned the silent machines - monstrosities that cost vast sums of money every day they sat dormant - before searching for someone in charge.  Finding a middle-aged woman nearby with a green badge clipped to her shirt and a notebook in her hands, Weiss stalked over.

“What’s the status?” she asked, causing the woman to visibly start from the unexpected demand for a progress report.

“Uh, the uh, assembly line is running smoothly, but the boxing machine needs to be recalibrated one more time.”

“You’re kidding me, right?”  Weiss didn’t allow the woman time to answer the rhetorical question.  “This needs to be working in two hours.  Make it happen.”

“Yes, Miss Schnee,” the supervisor replied, bowing her head before rushing towards her subordinates.

Sighing, Weiss pinched the bridge of her nose and closed her eyes.  It was going to take them three hours to have the machine recalibrated, but at least they wouldn’t lose another full day.

“Miss - uh, Miss Schnee?”

Opening her eyes at the sound of her name, she found a younger man in a white polo waving and rushing over to her.  Rushing was never a good sign - rushing meant something had gone wrong.  Again.

“What is it?” she snapped, irritation growing at the continued issues that shouldn’t even be occurring.  There were very clear, very detailed step-by-step guides for every single process in this building - how did these employees fail at every possible turn?

“I just need your signature!” he said, holding a clipboard out to her.  Snatching it away from him, she flipped it around so she could read the form before approving it.  As her eyes skimmed the words on the page, her displeasure grew.

“You lost...an entire shipment of Dust?”  Looking up from the authorization in her hands, she stared at the man in utter disbelief.

“Not lost!” he quickly replied, looking more uncomfortable by the second and refusing to meet her eyes.  “Temporarily misplaced.  It was supposed to come here, but went to Vacuo instead.  We just need your signature to approve the additional transport bringing it over here.”

It was a monumental error that he was attempting to make sound like a simple mistake with an easy fix.  Of course, Weiss knew better than that.  She’d grown up in these factories, after all.  She knew how much it cost to run the lights in the manufacturing floors for an hour.  She knew how much the daily supply of coffee cost.  And she absolutely knew how much it cost to reroute a shipment of Dust from across the globe.

Gritting her teeth in now-simmering anger, she swiped the pen out of his hands and quickly signed her name - there was no other option but to acquiesce, they needed that shipment here yesterday.  She paused for only a second before carefully placing the date beside her name - curling the ‘2’ and slicing through the ‘7’ before shoving both items back into the man’s hands in annoyance.  Before she could threaten to fire him, he smartly spun on his heel and raced the way he’d come without ever looking back.  Staring after him in irritation, she unclenched her fist and tried to loosen her ever-tightening jaw.  

Today was supposed to one of the happiest days of her life.  Instead, she was spending it attempting to squeeze a modicum of competence out of complete and utter incompetence.

Feeling the ache in her chest, she forced her mind away from the date and back to her ever-expanding list of problems.  There were a million different boxes that needed to be checked and she seemed to be the only one doing the checking.  But her agitation at her employees’ repeated failures was a much better emotion to hang onto than that ache, which she needed to keep her mind as far away from as possible.

A loud grinding suddenly filled the air, followed closely by frenzied shouts of surprise before the sound cut off.  Turning towards the source of the noise, she sighed when she saw the thin plumes of smoke rising out of one of the boxing machines.

Someone must have set the calibration incorrectly.  That was going to cost them another day to replace the gears that had just been fried by sheer ineptitude.

Shaking her head, she left the boxing facility behind in favor of the busy corridor.  Moving out of the way when two large, motorized carts transporting heavy pieces of machinery passed by, she then crossed the hall and walked onto the extraction floor on the other side - where Dust was removed from the rocks it was embedded in.  

Upon entering the massive room, she was pleasantly surprised to be greeted by the sight and sounds of a manufacturing center in full production.  There were employees at several of the terminals running last-minute diagnostics, but she could tell them that everything was working properly without running a single test.

There was a particular sound these machines made when they were working in perfect harmony…a soft hum that had its own unique melody.  This was knowledge she’d gained over years of walking through these rooms as a child, so she couldn’t fault the new workers for not recognizing it yet.  But all of the machinery was performing flawlessly at the moment.  When they finished their second and third tests, this would be confirmed and eventually green-lit for operation.

Which meant that something was finally working - and ahead of schedule.

Taking a content breath, she wasn’t able to enjoy the meager victory for more than a second before a familiar flash of white drew her full attention.  Off to her right, stepping around one of the extractors before giving it a nod of approval, was the very last person Weiss wanted to see on this inauspicious day.

Winter.

Straightening her posture on instinct, Weiss watched Winter make a short comment to the floor supervisor before catching Weiss’ gaze and striding purposefully over.  There was something about the way Winter walked that exuded authority.  Maybe it was her hands clasped behind her back, or the rigid posture, or the tightened bun...regardless, nearby employees skirted out of the way without her ever having to alter her path.

“Weiss,” Winter said after she’d stopped a polite distance away, dipping her head in greeting.

“Winter,” Weiss replied in kind - their ultra-formal greeting nearly a ritual by now.  Only after the formality was completed did Winter unfurl a warm smile.

“How are you doing?”

The question was soft and caring, but Weiss didn’t feel like answering the true intention behind it at the moment.

“Everything is progressing as to be expected.  Specs are up-to-date and production is running...moderately smoothly.”  She gestured towards the assembly line while she spoke, and Winter’s gaze briefly followed the path of her hand before returning to her.

“That’s great to hear, but not what I was asking.”

Pursing her lips, Weiss remained stubbornly silent.  She knew exactly what Winter was referring to, but that wasn’t a subject she wanted to broach right now - or ever.  

Winter waited patiently for a reply that wasn’t going to come before finally turning and gesturing with her head for Weiss to follow.  With no other option but to oblige, Weiss fell into step beside her sister as they made their way out of the large manufacturing floor.  Side-by-side, the two of them re-entered the corridor and moved towards the bank of elevators.  Where Weiss had felt cramped several minutes earlier, she now found there was plenty of breathing room - the ever-spacious halls providing ample room for walking in Winter’s presence.

“How long since you’ve slept?”

The unexpected question made Weiss’ brow furrow while the tired pressure behind her eyes re-announced itself on cue.  

“I’m fine.”  

The words were short and clipped as she obediently followed her older sister through the halls of Schnee Dust’s newest operating facility.  A strong cup of coffee had gotten her through most of the morning after yet another night with no sleep to speak of.  Another cup would be waiting for her later on - as many as she needed to carry her through the day.  She didn’t need sleep when she had a steady supply of caffeine at her fingertips.  And, most importantly, she didn’t need to have this conversation again.

“How long since you’ve eaten?  A real meal?”

Snapping her jaw shut, Weiss glowered down the hallway and remained silent as they stepped into the next empty elevator.  There were plenty of other employees waiting to be ferried to the higher levels, but no one attempted to share the confined space - instead, the doors shut with just the two of them inside.  As soon as the doors soundlessly sealed, Winter selected a floor and then resumed her perfect posture.

Glancing at the number, Weiss now understood that her sister was taking them to Weiss’ office on the top floor of the building.  Fine by her.  At least there they would have some privacy if Winter insisted upon continuing this one-sided conversation.

“I thought you’d be in Mistral until next week,” Weiss commented as the elevator climbed into the sky, both of them watching the floor numbers illuminate in succession rather than look at one another.

“I came back early.”

“To check up on me?”

There was no response, which may as well have been a resounding ‘yes.’  Grinding her molars together, Weiss attempted to hold the indignation to a moderate level as it built in her chest.  

The only reason she’d assumed it would be a normal work day was because Winter was out of town.  To hear that she’d flown all the way back for no reason other than to monitor Weiss’ wellbeing was aggravating and entirely unnecessary.

“Today’s the 27th -”

“I’m well aware,” Weiss snapped before Winter could finish the thought.  The blunt reply caused Winter to pause for several seconds before finally speaking again - continuing her soft, patient tone.   

“I thought that today, of all days, you might need someone to talk to.”

Winter couldn’t be more wrong.  Today was the very worst day for Weiss speak about what had happened.  Today was the day she wanted to do anything but acknowledge the past.

“I’m fine,” she grumbled towards the wall, folding her arms over her chest and tapping one foot in agitation.  In the silence that followed, her stomach gave a small jolt when the elevator came to a stop - a soft ding announcing their arrival.

The doors slid open to reveal a sparse corridor with no employees in sight.  Compared to the manufacturing floors, this floor was well-decorated, with expensive paintings on the walls and living plants that required their own assistant to care for them.  There were only a handful of offices on this level - Weiss’ included.

In relative silence, Weiss followed Winter’s lead towards the glass door - second on the left - which opened into a larger lobby that acted as a reception for any of Weiss’ visitors.  There was a desk placed immediately inside the doorway, although it was noticeably devoid of anyone at the moment.

When Weiss glanced around the room in search of the secretary who practically lived in this chair, Winter broke the quiet.

“I asked her to take an extended lunch break,” Winter explained - the response only creasing Weiss’ brow further.

“Why would you do that?”

“Because I wanted the opportunity to speak with you,” Winter answered calmly, continuing in earnest when she heard the sigh Weiss let slip.  “I knew today would be difficult for you -”

“Winter,” Weiss interrupted, holding up one hand in an effort to prevent her sister from saying anything more.  “I’m fine. Today is a day like any other. There's nothing special about it.”

The response would have been more believable if her voice hadn’t cracked in the middle of delivering it, but, instead of arguing, Winter smiled sadly and placed her hands behind her back as if she didn’t know what to truly do with them.

“I had a feeling you might say that...” she commented before turning her blue gaze back to Weiss.  “I would do anything for you, you know that?”

“I know,” Weiss replied, fully understanding that what Winter said was true.  When Weiss had been younger, her sister was one of the only people she’d had in her life to lean on for support.  Winter had done her part in ensuring that Weiss was protected - as much as was possible given their family circumstances.  It still hadn’t been easy, but...Weiss shuddered at the thought of what it could have been like without her sister.

Thankfully, the answer made Winter nod in content.

“I know we weren’t able to grow up as normal people do,” she continued.  “There was always so much pressure to be perfect, on you more than anyone else.  I worried how that would affect you…”

Weiss frowned, unsure if the comment was vaguely insulting in some way - as if Winter might be implying that she wasn’t able to handle the pressure.

“I think I managed just fine.”

“I know you did.  You thrived in it.  But at what point does perfectionism begin to affect you?”

The question appeared rhetorical from the way Winter’s gaze unfocused, then drifted into a distant corner of the room.  When Winter did return to the present moment, she took a step sideways to lead them towards the solid wood door of Weiss’ office.

“Have you thought anymore about returning to Vale?” she asked as they walked, hopefully failing to notice how the mere mention of the city was enough to make Weiss flinch.

“No.”

The answer was a complete lie.  There wasn’t a day that passed without Weiss grappling with whether or not she should leave Atlas - she considered it each morning before heading to a job that served only as a distraction, and each night while attempting to find some semblance of sleep in a house that would never be her home.   

But the idea of returning to Vale terrified her far more than the reality of staying away did.  That life had ended - this was her life now.  One of these days, she had to accept that.

And Winter would have to, too.

Reaching the office door, Winter finally stopped and turned to Weiss with caring eyes that were almost too much sometimes.  Knowing what Weiss had done, how could Winter still look at her in that way? Weiss wasn’t the one who needed compassion or concern right now.  She wasn’t the one who’d been forced into months and months of doctor's appointments and physical therapy.

“I only want what’s best for you,” Winter said, her eyes never leaving Weiss’ so she would know that the words were true.  Sighing at the sincerity, Weiss tried to let go of her stubbornness and at least recognize that her sister was looking out for her.  And, even though she didn’t believe she deserved any of that kindness, the fact that Winter still extended it was worthy of gratitude.

“I know,” Weiss replied softly, dipping her head a fraction of an inch in deference.  “I appreciate that - I really do.”

Satisfied with the answer, Winter nodded her head once before opening the office door and gesturing Weiss through.  Willingly obliging, it was only when Weiss’ eyes found the room beyond that her feet planted to the floor.  She actually took one step backwards, only to hear the sound of the door closing behind her.  A second later, Winter placed one hand on Weiss’ shoulder and gently prodded her forward.

She’d only been annoyed before - now she was on the verge of steaming mad.

“Weiss, this is Dr. Marigold,” Winter explained, gesturing to the petite blonde woman who was rising from one of the comfortable leather chairs situated in front of the desk.  “Doctor, this is my sister, Weiss.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” the woman politely replied, stepping forward and extending a hand.  

Agitated by the intrusion into her personal space, Weiss wanted very much to ignore the greeting, but she failed - the social training ingrained too deeply for her to circumvent so easily.

“Nice to meet you, too,” she said in a clipped voice, quickly shaking the woman’s hand before turning to Winter with a meaningful glare.  “Now if you’ll both excuse me, I have work to do.”

“I’ve already cleared your afternoon schedule.”

The sentence made Weiss spin back to Winter in disbelief.

“You did what?”

“I cleared it,” Winter repeated, not wilting at all under Weiss’ withering gaze.  Instead, Winter stepped closer, setting one hand lovingly on Weiss’ shoulder while dropping her voice to a whisper.  “If you won’t talk to me, you need to talk to someone.”

“I’m fine,” Weiss spit out through gritted teeth.  The response only managed to make Winter sigh while the briefest expression of hurt flashed through her eyes.

“Please, Weiss.  Do this for me?  Fifteen minutes - that’s all I’m asking.”

There were so many words Weiss wanted to say right now - none of them very nice - but she could say nothing while company was present.  The incredulity and annoyance would have to wait for another day when their conversation would remain private.

“If I do...then you’ll drop this?  For good?” she asked instead.  Winter was slow in responding - her nod a hesitation late - but she did nod in agreement.  

“If you want me to, yes.”

This wasn’t at all what Weiss wanted to do right now, but if she could put up with it for a few minutes it would be worth finally escaping the subject altogether.

“Fine,” she huffed out in response, hastily sitting on one of the chairs in the most disgruntled way she possibly could.

“Thank you,” Winter replied softly, squeezing Weiss’ shoulder again before quickly exiting the room and pulling the door quietly shut behind her.  Once the room fell silent, Dr. Marigold took the seat in front of Weiss and watched her intently.  It was a gaze of careful analysis that made her want to squirm in discomfort, but she refused to grant the woman the vindication.

“How has your day been, so far?” Dr. Marigold asked after several seconds.  It was a simple question, but every bit of the woman’s persona reeked of too much concern.  It was hard to find that level of concern believable, even though the veneer was genuine.

“It was wonderful until two minutes ago,” Weiss quipped in reply, folding her arms across her chest in what she knew came across as a defensive position.  But she was defensive.  This was her office and her sister had invited a goddamn shrink into it.

“Your sister is worried about you - that’s the only reason she would go to such great lengths to help you.”

“So I’ve heard,” Weiss replied before rolling her eyes.  Falling silent, she stared out of the floor-to-ceiling windows of her office while clenching and unclenching her jaw in anger.  She’d always known that Winter would try to help, but to do this?  This was nearly unconscionable.  

“Is there anything you’d like to talk about?” Dr. Marigold finally ventured to ask.

“No.”

More silence followed as Weiss refused to look anywhere but the freshly-cleaned window glass.  The cleaners had actually missed a small spot.  She’d have to point that out to them later...

“Your sister told me a little bit about what happened.  I can only imagine how difficult this has been for you…”

That statement brought Weiss’ eyes snapping back to the woman, feeling a sudden surge of fire burn through her veins.

“You can’t even imagine what this is like,” she replied, her voice low and angry.  “Unless, somehow, you’ve also lost your partner and best friend - all because of a mistake you made.  Because of your own failings.”

She glared at the woman while waiting for a response, but Dr. Marigold was silent for several seconds before speaking again - undeterred by the hostility.

“Sometimes, when traumatic events happen, we forget that even those who escaped physically unharmed can suffer emotional injuries -”

“I’m fine.”

How many times must she reiterate that sentence before it became true?  She couldn’t not be fine.  She couldn’t be weak or broken.  ‘Emotionally injured’ wasn’t a label someone in her family could ever accept.

“You might be walking fine and speaking fine, but what about sleeping?  Eating?”

Pausing, Dr. Marigold finally caught Weiss’ gaze - her own yellow-brown eyes emitting open empathy and compassion for stories and woes she’d yet to hear.

“What do you like to do in your free time?”

“I try not to have any,” Weiss answered easily, pulling away from that understanding gaze.

There was no one more involved in the day-to-day tasks in this building than she was.  Even her father had seemed mildly impressed with the level of commitment she put into getting this factory up and running ahead of schedule.  Each day she came in earlier than anyone else. She stayed later.  She worked weekends.  There was no such thing as a day off for her.  When she did end up away from the office, she brought work with her and spent her evenings consumed in the fine print until she might literally fall asleep at her desk.

Free time wasn’t a part of her schedule by design, for it was in the moments when life slowed down that the tidal wave of emotions began to erode the edges of her mind.  The doubt...the agony...the overwhelming sense of loss...

“I understand today is an important day for you.”

The comment succeeded in making her flinch in pain - if that had been the doctor’s intention.  Weiss had started the day determined not to acknowledge the date and its significance.  It would’ve been much easier to accomplish that goal if life wasn’t set on reminding her at every possible turn.

“It was supposed to be,” she replied, dropping her gaze and watching her fingers curl and uncurl in her lap.

“Do you ever think back on what happened?”

It was a stupid question, and she gave the woman a look that said as much.

“Would you think about it?” she shot back sarcastically.

Even though she’d removed all free time from her schedule, her brain always seemed to find pockets of time to dwell on the past.  No matter how busy she kept herself, no matter how much work she did, her mind found moments in which to needle her heart with agony.  When she walked from meeting to meeting, waited for a cup of coffee, or was driven home from the office - there were still small gaps in her schedule that were more than enough for the wave of emotions to wash against her levees.  The moments, though seemingly minor, constantly threatened to unravel her...preventing her from ever feeling whole.

Even if she could somehow manage to block out these portions of the day, there was the problem of sleeping…as soon as she closed her eyes the memories came back - the forest, the blood, the hospital, the blank way silver passed right over her.  If she did manage to fall asleep, it was with the assurance of nightmares - a replay of true events or new tortures her mind created just for her personal viewing.  They were filled with ‘coward,’ ‘failure,’ ‘your fault,’ and the worst of all…‘I thought you loved me.’

So, yes.  While she attempted to keep herself busy at all times and hours of the day, she still thought about the past - constantly.  There were triggers all around her - the smell of flowers, which she’d ordered removed from the building to be replaced by scentless plants.  The smell of baked goods, causing her to alter the path taken to work to avoid passing too closely to a small bakery nearby.  

In every way, the world beckoned her to look back - and, when she first arrived in Atlas, she made the mistake of listening.  There were messages between her and Ruby still trapped in her scroll. There were photos, saved voice messages, saved video messages.  She’d spent nearly an entire day crying after going through them, and hadn’t dared glance at them again. Instead, she silently grieved, and grieved, and grieved, for the love they’d lost.

“Have you spoken with anyone about it?”

“No.”

That was a pretty simple answer.  Of course she hadn’t spoken to anyone about what had happened - besides when she’d still been in Vale.  Everyone had needed a summary when Ruby had gotten hurt, but that hadn’t meant they needed to know how Weiss felt about it.  There’d been no reason to mention the rampant guilt and anguish that spread through her like an infection...taking over her system the instant it was clear Ruby was never fully coming back.

“Would you like to talk about it?” Dr. Marigold followed up.

“No,” Weiss still replied - another easy answer to give.

Evidently undaunted, Dr. Marigold leaned forward and rested both elbows on her knees before clasping her hands together.

“You’re not alone in this,” she remarked quietly.  “You have people who care about you.  People you can lean on for support.”

“Who?” Weiss asked, anger again beginning to swell in her chest at the woman’s continued lack of understanding.  “The friend whose sister I abandoned?  Or that friend's partner and girlfriend?”  She shook her head at the idiotic idea.  “The only person I’ve ever felt comfortable being honest with is gone.  And she’s not coming back.”

When Dr. Marigold leaned away, Weiss shook her head again - this time in annoyance that the woman had managed to pull that information out of her.

“Have you ever thought about how that day might have hurt you too?”

“Do I look injured to you?” Weiss snapped, leveling a steely gaze across the space between them.  

“I work with huntsmen - many of them,” Dr. Marigold continued, ignoring the sarcasm.  “And I can tell you that physical injuries aren't the only things that leave scars behind.  While you may appear uninjured, that might not be the case.”

Weiss scoffed at the psychoanalytical attempt at rationalizing her behavior.

“Clearly you don't know much about my family.  We aren’t exactly known for our mental weakness.”

“Does your family name grant you invincibility?”

“Basically,” she retorted, using the answer to be haughty and confrontational.  However, Dr. Marigold didn’t take the bait.  Instead, she looked at Weiss closely, carefully, as if she could read the guilt and insecurity tattooed on Weiss’ skin.

“How does it make you feel that you’re sitting here, ‘unharmed,’ while your partner is still in and out of the hospital?”

Weiss immediately felt her face contort in pain and rage at the question.  In and out?  Ruby had been released and readmitted to the hospital?  Why?  Had something gone wrong?  Were there complications?  Were her injuries worse than initially diagnosed?

“How would it make you feel?” she weakly shot back while struggling to regain control of her spiking emotions.  Unfortunately, Dr. Marigold took the question seriously and furrowed her brow with great thought.

“It would make me feel...very guilty, I believe,” she answered sincerely.  “I would be sad...distraught...maybe even angry that the results had been so unequal - where I was able to walk away when she could not.  That’s not very fair, is it?”

“No, it’s not,” Weiss mumbled, finally agreeing with something the woman had to say.  

The results hadn’t been close to fair...and there had been absolutely nothing Weiss could do about it.  She would’ve gladly taken all of the pain for herself...but if she couldn’t do that, couldn’t they at least share in the repercussions?  Why had Ruby been forced to shoulder everything?  Why hadn’t there been some way for Weiss to alleviate her partner’s burdens?

“Can you tell me what made you leave?” Dr. Marigold asked.  The quiet question was innocent enough, but it touched on the one subject Weiss refused to discuss with anyone.

“I’m sure Winter already provided you with a rundown,” she replied before checking the clock - making the motion as obvious as possible.

“She told me about how successful your team was, and how talented your partner was personally.  She seemed very proud of what you were able to accomplish with them.”

The longer Dr. Marigold spoke, the harder Weiss clenched her teeth together.  But the doctor continued regardless, seemingly oblivious to Weiss’ growing anger at her former team being spoken about so casually.

“She also mentioned that your partner was very special.  ‘Extraordinarily talented’ I believe were the words she used.  How did it make you feel to have a partner who was able to hold a small candle to yourself?”

Squeezing one hand into a fist in her lap, Weiss frowned at the woman sitting across from her.  

“Ruby was always better than me,” she answered in quiet anger, annoyed by the way Dr. Marigold refused to use Ruby’s name.  “She did more than hold a candle to me - she blew me away.”

Dr. Marigold nodded at the statement.

“That must have made it even more difficult to see her fall in battle.  We expect our heroes to always be there for us -”

“Then she shouldn’t have gotten in the way!” Weiss shouted at the woman, rising out of her seat as frustration and anger flashed past her boiling point.  “I never asked for her help! Why did she always insist on being so - damn - selfless?”

The room became deathly quiet as hot tears sprang into Weiss’ eyes.  Quickly retaking her seat, she raised one shaking hand to wipe across her eyes while trying to pull herself together.  

Dr. Marigold didn’t seem at all disturbed by Weiss’ outburst.  In fact, she appeared rather unsurprised by the sudden display of emotion.  Weiss should have seen this coming...and she should have been better equipped to guard herself against such mental intrusion.  It was always this way with these people - they would needle and needle away at a sore spot until their patient inevitably lashed out, then they would use that fit of temper as proof of whatever point they were attempting to make.  

Knowing this, she should have done a better job remaining calm and collected.  She shouldn’t have allowed her emotions to get the better of her.

“When you say she shouldn’t have gotten in the way…” Dr. Marigold began quietly.  “What you’re saying is that she shouldn’t have saved your life.”

A few minutes ago, Weiss had been successfully masking her lack of sleep with copious amounts of coffee, but suddenly she felt every bit as tired as she should.  Not just tired - she felt drained, as if her willpower had been sucked right out of her.

Given her current state of weakness, she allowed herself a few additional seconds to regain control and place an iron cage around her raw emotions.  She forced the tears back inside, where they belonged, and clamped the lid shut on her wretched past. Only when she was confident in her ability to survive the rest of this conversation did she look up and meet Dr. Marigold’s gaze dead on.  

“I’m saying that she should have saved herself,” she answered steadily.  

They both understood the implication of that statement.  But out of Weiss and Ruby, who was more valuable? Who was the better fighter?  The better leader?  The better sister and better friend?

Between the two of them, who was the better person?  Who was more deserving of a long, happy life?

“What do you plan to do now?”

Opening her mouth to reply, Weiss found no words to use for what should be another simple answer.  Confusion began to mount as she realized that, for the first time that she could remember, she didn’t have a plan for the future.  

What would the future hold for her?  Growing up, this had been an easy question to answer.  She would hone her skills, be admitted to Beacon, and become a world-renowned huntress.  She would save lives.  She would wipe away sour taste her family’s name left in people’s mouths.  She would make a difference.

Maybe her downfall was that she hadn’t dreamt large enough, because she’d partially accomplished all of those objectives before her life came crashing down upon her head.  Even more than her childhood delusions of heroism, she’d found a family who’d accepted her unconditionally, discovered hidden depths of power she’d never known existed, and learned what it meant to be truly selfless.

These days her only ambition was to muddle through the days while avoiding the past.  She lived from minute to minute, one second to the next.  Instead of charging towards lofty dreams, she was drifting through an endless sea of doubt and self-loathing.  Instead of having purpose and direction, she was...lost at sea.

That fateful day had changed everything in the blink of an eye.  That day had taken something from Weiss. She couldn’t put her finger on exactly what it was, but a part of her had disappeared along with Ruby’s memories.  

“I'll figure something out.”

What would she do when this new Dust facility was up and running?  When her eighteen hour workdays dropped to twelve or ten?  Would she run off to whatever plant was next on the list?  Would she just keep running, forever, until one day time caught up to her?

They were supposed to spend eternity together.  They were supposed to spend every day of the rest of their lives together.  Instead, Weiss had been forced to confront a life without Ruby.  And who was she without Ruby?

“From what I've been told and what I've heard, you’re an incredibly talented and capable young woman.  I know that this type of situation must be scary and unfamiliar to you, but I want to help.  I don't want to see you self destruct.”

It might already be too late for such a sentiment, but Weiss didn’t bother to say so.  Instead, she glanced at the clock again and mulled over a question before finally asking it aloud.

“If you had any advice for someone like me, what would it be?”

The answer would likely be of minimal use to her, but she’d been taught too well to collect the advice of highly-skilled professionals whenever the opportunity presented itself.  Seeing as how Dr. Marigold had gathered far more information than Weiss had been willing to provide, she would begrudgingly admit that the woman was highly skilled.

Seeming to sense that this was the one opportunity to offer some words of wisdom, Dr. Marigold thought carefully before responding.

“This exile of yours - sequestered away from your friends and teammates - understand that it’s your choosing.  No one asked you to leave.  In fact, they’d probably like for you to come back -”

The comment made Weiss scoff in disbelief.  The idea that Yang would welcome her back was almost laughable, but Dr. Marigold continued on as if Weiss hadn’t just interrupted her.

“Guilt and fear are powerful emotions, but we can’t let them control us.  In most cases blame can’t be placed solely on any one party, but we blame ourselves completely whether or not we’re at fault.  If I were to give you any advice, I would suggest that you try to see the difference between punishing yourself and truly working towards forgiveness - from others, but mostly from yourself.”

Forgive herself...Weiss would never do it.  Not as long as Ruby was still in pain.  Not as long as Ruby’s life was still in shambles.  And even if Ruby somehow made a miraculous recovery...Weiss might not even forgive herself then.

Nodding in acknowledgement of the advice, even though she wasn’t willing to accept it, her eyes shifted again to the clock before she stood up.

“Our fifteen minutes are up,” she said, shaking the woman’s hand again when Dr. Marigold stood to join her.  “It was very nice meeting you.  Please see yourself out.”

Rather than immediately head towards the door, Dr. Marigold rustled briefly in the bag Weiss had failed to notice sitting by the chair before placing a small, white card facedown on the edge of the desk.

“Feel free to call me anytime.  I’m more than happy to come back.”

“Thank you, but that won’t be necessary,” Weiss replied, walking over to her desk chair and picking up a document that had been left for review.  She held it up as if she might read it, but her mind wasn’t capable of absorbing any of the letters on the page.  Instead, she stared at it blankly until the sound of the office door closing signaled that she could finally relax.  

Dropping the page onto the desk, she reached across and picked up Dr. Marigold’s business card before immediately throwing it into the garbage can.  Satisfied that any trace of the woman would disappear with the next cleaning crew, she walked over to the side of her office and stood in front of the glass windows looking out from the top of Schnee Tower - overlooking the bustling Atlas city center below and the massive expanses of forest off in the distance.  In the surface of the glass, she could just barely see a reflection of herself - a ghost of the girl she’d once been.  The dark circles under her eyes refused to be hidden by any amount of expensive concealer. Her skin was gaunt and her clothing hung off of her shrinking frame like she was slowly starving to death.

Closing her eyes to remove that image from her mind, she turned away from the glass.

She was fine.

She was fine, she was fine, she was fine.

The shaking in her limbs was the result of skipping breakfast, not the conversation she’d just experienced.  The sharp ache in her chest was from the stress of her job, not the despair of being worlds away from the people she loved.

Sighing, she opened her eyes and walked back to her desk.  Stopping down, she picked the business card out of the trash before sticking it into one of her desk drawers in case she needed it as a reference later.  As she did so, her gaze fell upon Myrtenaster - who leaning against the back of the desk chair right where she’d set it this morning.  

Picking up the weapon, she spun it in her hands over and over again while pacing the length of her office - savoring the weight of metal that was more familiar to her than anything else she owned.  It was like an extension of her own body and, as such, she brought it with her to and from work every day even when she had no purpose in doing so.  She didn’t need Myrtenaster here.  She didn’t need Myrtenaster period.  Yet...she refused to be separated from her weapon.

She’d always considered it to be the one possession in the world that was hers and hers alone, but now even Myrtenaster was burned with the memories of another.  It was as much Ruby’s weapon as it was her own.  How many hours had they spent down in the workshop together while Ruby tinkered with the weapon and Weiss ‘supervised?’  How many adjustments had Ruby made and then personally tested before every single aspect of the weapon felt iron tight?

It was the one possession Weiss still had that linked her to her partner.  It was the only thing she’d refused to let go of, because it felt like she could communicate with Ruby through the etchings in the blade.  Somehow, someway, through the microscopic alterations and painstakingly crafted upgrades, Ruby spoke through Myrtenaster.

As her pacing slowed to a stop, Weiss closed her eyes, wrapped her fingers around the grip and squeezed tightly.

‘How does it feel?  Does it feel awesome?  Do you like it??’

A small sob escaped while tears burned behind her eyes once more.  Her weapon was perfect because the person who’d been in charge of working on it spent countless hours ensuring it was perfect.  Ruby devoted hours and hours of her life to making sure Weiss had a wonderful weapon to fight with - all while never expecting anything as much as a ‘thank you’ in return.

Holding Myrtenaster upright and touching the cool blade gently to her forehead, Weiss stood still as a statue while her shoulders shook with emotion.

“I’m sorry...I’m so, so sorry…” she whispered before another sob crept out and the first wave of tears spilled over.  “I didn’t mean it…you know I didn’t m-mean it...”

Of course she wasn’t mad at Ruby.  How could she be mad when she would’ve done the same thing without even thinking?  They were teammates - all of them had been prepared to lay down their lives for one another.  It was just...that Weiss never expected that she’d be the one who needed saving…

If she was mad at anyone, it was herself.  For not being better.  For being in the situation where she needed to be saved, to begin with.  

She loved that Ruby was selfless.  She loved that Ruby never hesitated to help someone in need.  She loved that, in a world where everyone looked after only themselves, there was someone like Ruby out there making a difference.  Of all people though, Weiss didn’t deserve to be the one Ruby saved.  Weiss didn't deserve to be the one Ruby sacrificed herself for.

As the tears continued to fall, Weiss clenched Myrtenaster tightly in one hand and tried to draw an iota of strength from the weapon that had once been her backbone.  

Every time she broke down like this, it felt like it was more and more difficult to piece herself together again.  It was as if the very act of crying was eroding the edges of the puzzle pieces in her mind - allowing nothing to fit perfectly back together the next time around.

And she was so tired to crying by now.  One of these days, there would be no more tears left...right?

When the tears slowed to a light trickle, she opened her eyes and whipped Myrtenaster down to her side, sending a snap through the air.  After wiping her free hand across her eyes to rid them of the remaining moisture, she stared out of the window towards the forest in the distance and the perpetually snow-capped mountains even further beyond.

Dr. Marigold brought up the subject of fairness - and she was right.  How was this fair?  While Weiss marched around barking orders at subordinates, Ruby probably hadn’t been allowed to walk around on her own.  While Weiss had been spending restless nights in her mansion, Ruby had been stuck in a hospital bed. While Weiss wrestled with the decision of whether or not to leave Atlas, Ruby hadn’t even been able to go home.

And while Ruby toiled through months of physical therapy, probably unaware that she might never regain full strength in her hand, Weiss was a world away - never having to suffer any of the consequences of her own mistake.  There was no struggle in her ivory tower.  There was no difficulty outside of what she created for herself.

How was this fair?  

At the very least, she should be forced to fight for the privileged breaths she took.  She should find the road as difficult and tedious as the one Ruby must travel.  Only then could the subject of fairness even begin to be discussed.

Striding back to her desk, Weiss jabbed the intercom button to one of the other assistants.

“Have an airship ready for me in three minutes,” she ordered before rushing out of the room with Myrtenaster in hand.  Still waiting in the empty reception area, Winter immediately stood and walked over to join her.

“I know you’re angry -”

“No,” Weiss cut her sister off, shaking her head.  “I’m not angry.  But now that I’ve fulfilled your request, I’d very much appreciate if we could leave the matter be.”

For a second it appeared as if Winter wanted to press the issue, but instead she sighed and nodded her head.  It was at that moment that her eyes found Myrtenaster, and she turned back to Weiss in surprise.

“Where are you going?”

“I have somewhere I need to be,” Weiss answered, ignoring the worried gaze and ducking around her sister to walk back into the hall.

“Why do you need Myrtenaster?” Winter pressed while following Weiss to the elevators and watching as she pressed the button to summon the next one.

“Believe me, you’d much rather I had Myrtenaster with me than not,” Weiss commented lightly.

“Weiss...where are you going?”

Done with the conversation, she stepped into the arriving elevator and watched as the doors blocked out concerned blue eyes.

“I’m going to make things a little more fair.”

The elevator was enveloped in silence and her stomach dropped when it was pulled further into the sky.  It slowed only a matter of seconds later, causing her to shake Myrtenaster with the beginning of anxious jitters.

There was one more level to Schnee Tower - the rooftop.  

The doors opened and she was greeted by a cold blast of wind and the steady roar of engines.  Blinking her eyes against the steadily rushing air, she left the elevator behind and strode purposefully towards the airship that was waiting for her - waiting to take her to the forest.

[the-smallest-star]

Gaster was lost in the maze of hallways. The skeleton had long given up peering into doorways- they never led to an exit, only to rooms of torture and death. He wasn’t sure what he expected to find as he rounded another corner- but a sickly human, working on a terrifying machine, was certainly unexpected. He freezes at the sight of the human, suddenly nervous. But as his gaze drifts to the machine, he tilts his head and curiously steps closer. What on earth was it…? -avoiided

James had been working hard, despite his sickness slowing him down some. There where times he’d passed out, head resting against the cool metal feeling like a gift before he’d jerk awake again and feel relief Gaster hadn’t seen.

With another tug on the machine’s wiring he managed to pop open the panel he’d been trying to open for the past 10 minutes. A small success. He was about to look inside when he spotted someone out of the corner of his eye, turning to look only to regret it instantly.

He jumped out of his skin, almost knocking his head against the newly opened panel as he swallowed some bile caught in his throat that threatened to vacate his stomach. He looked strangely dressed, his expression… softer than usual. Maybe he was imagining things.

“G-Gaster! I didn’t see you-… the DT extractor was fixed by 55% since you last dropped b-by.“ James stuttered, he seemed more afraid of Gaster than he did of him. The human wasn’t in great shape, shaking, thin, smeared with dirt in places and his poor hands were battered and trembling.

James didn’t make any sudden moves, staying where he was crouched as if waiting for the monster to lash out at him or perhaps mock him again. But he couldn’t help but ask one thing, “H-How’s my daughter?”

@avoiided

[spectroamer]

SERVERTALE Chapter 21: A light of hope

Amy found Ne in his room, recording something. Amy: What are you doing? Ne didn’t hear her come in, so he was surprised. He quickly ended his recording. Ne: Oh. Uhh, nothing much. Amy ignores him hiding what he’s doing. Amy: I wanted to talk to you. Ne: About what? Amy: I’m not sure if it’s such a good idea for you to go on that battle. Can’t you just ask Kris and his people to work with the police against the Sentinels? Ne: I can’t trust neither of them. Armies are easily bought. I don’t even know if Kris will show up. Amy: You do realize that you are saying that you and Slasher are gonna face all of the Sentinels alone. Ne: Yes. Amy: You can’t win like that. Ne: We don’t need to win. We just need to hold them off for long enough until Frisk and the monsters are out. Amy: Well you can’t just expect them to defend on their own if your no there. Ne: Do you have a better plan? Amy tries to think of an argument, but fails. Ne: Listen. I know you don’t like this. Neither do I, but we don’t have a choice. Tell Slasher to get ready. The portal should have activated already. It’s probably gonna happen soon, if not right now. Cobra decided to take care of any possible interventions. He sneaked in the police station. It would be easy. All he needs to do is find the captain and make a deal. Their security system could use an upgrade. After some time of getting around random officers, he finally reached the Captain’s room. He enters and sees his target. The policeman notices Cobra and starts taking his gun, but before he had the chance to fire, Cobra already got close enough to disarm him. Cobra: Captain Lopez. You’re quite a known policeman. I am sure that a successful law enforcer like you knows how to be nice. Lopez: What are you ding here? Cobra: I have a favor to ask of you. In a few hours, the portal of the Computer is going to activate. Your people will ignore it and won’t go there. Lopez: That’s not happening. Cobra pulls out his revolver and puts it to Captain’s head. Cobra: Are you sure about that? Lopez: Go ahead. Kill me. The shot will alert the whole station. Cobra hits Lopez with the handle of his gun. Cobra: That is exactly what I want. More lives to take. Now, will you help me, or not? Lopez: Fine. The police will turn their blind eye. Cobra releases Lopez. Cobra: Was that so hard? Lopez: You might have the police and EDS, but the Lights don’t answer to us. They will fight you. Cobra: Lights? Is that the name you use for those excuses that are supposed to represent heroes? Well, the lights will not be a problem. Cobra exits the room and then the police station. he enters his vehicle and drives back to his base. He meets with Ramirez. Ramirez: Is it done? Cobra: Yes. Ramirez: Good. You have done well my friend. Soon, we will bring justice and the traitors will be punished. Slasher got all of his equipment packed. He brought a machine gun, a AK and two uzis and the ammo for the said guns in his backpack, he has his pistols and combat knives in his holsters and plans to carry a RPG in his hands. Slasher: I’m ready to go. Ne: How do you plan to carry that thing while riding your bike? Slasher: The bike has a holster as well. Ne: Alright. now we have to wait. Amy comes in the room with Slasher’s phone and reminds him in a sarcastic voice. Amy: Did you forget something? Slasher takes the phone. Slasher: Thanks, almost left it behind. Amy: I think you had a message. Slasher: I’m gonna check it later. Everyone enters the throne room. It is completely empty. Sans: he’s at the barrier. They all walk to the barrier and, as Sans guessed, they found him there. He turns around and notices everyone, but most importantly, he noticed Toriel. Asgore: Tori! You came back! Toriel: Asgore. We have a lot to talk about. Their attention is distracted as Alphys enters the room. Alphys: Sorry I’m late. The elevator was blocked. Alphys tries to ignore the glare Riverperson is giving her. Toriel: As I said. We need to talk. Asgore: About what? Toriel: Your laws against humans. Asgore: But Tori, this is the last soul that will grant freedom to all monsters. Toriel: And what do you have your scientists for? To just sit around in their lab coats? I am sure that we have monsters that are smart enough to figure something out. Sans: actually, there is a possible solution, but it would take a while. Asgore: Sans, if you knew about this, why didn’t you tell me sooner? Sans: the plan involves the determination extractor. it could take a part of the magic of a human’s soul. with enough energy gathered it would be able to replace an actual soul, but it only works with a determination soul. Toriel: See? There is no need for violence. Asgore: What will the people think of this? Toriel: We will tell them what to think of it. Asgore: Does that mean you are coming back? Toriel: Well, obviously you can’t rule alone. Suddenly, a huge vine passes through, trapping every monster except Riverperson. Flowey pops out from the ground. Flowey: You idiots. While you guys were having your little pow-wow... I took the human souls! And now, not only are those under my power... But all of your friends’ souls are gonna be mine, too! Hee hee hee. And you know what the best part is? It’s all your fault. It’s all because you made them love you. All the time you spent listening to them...  Encouraging them... Caring about them... Without that, they wouldn’t have come here. And now, with their souls and the humans’ together... I will achieve my real form. Frisk: Why? Why are you doing this? Flowey: Don’t you get it? This is all just a game. If you leave the Computerworld satisfied, you’ll “win” the game. If you “win”, you won’t want to “play” with me anymore. And what would I do then? But this game between us will never end. I’ll hold victory in front of you, just within your reach... And then tear it away just before you grasp it. Over, and over, and over... Hee hee hee. Listen. If you do defeat me, I’ll give you your “happy ending”. I’ll bring your friends back. I’ll destroy the barrier. Everyone will finally be satisfied. But that won’t happen. You...! I’ll keep you here no matter what! Flowey circles Frisk with his pellets. The pellets fly towards Frisk, but Riverperson creates shields around Frisk, protecting her. Flowey: Ah, yes, I forgot about you. Flowey stabs a vine through Riverperson, but without affect. Flowey: What? Riverperson: Foolish child. You still have much to learn. Flowey creates multiple pellets and fires them at Riverperson and Frisk. Riverperson protects themself, while Toriel creates fireballs that burn the pellets before they reach Frisk. Toriel: Do not be afraid my child... No matter what happens... We will always be there to protect you! Flowey sends more pellets, which get blocked by Papyrus’ bone and Undyne’s spear. Papyrus: THAT’S RIGHT, HUMAN! YOU CAN WIN!! JUST DO WHAT I, WOULD DO... BELIEVE IN YOU!!! Undyne: Hey! Human! If you got past me, you can do anything! So don’t worry! We’re with you all the way! Sans: huh? you haven’t beaten this guy yet? come on, this weirdo’s got nothing on you. All of them keep blocking Flowey’s attacks. Alphys: Technically, it’s impossible for you to beat him... B-but... Somehow, I know you can do it!! Asgore: Human, for the future of humans and monsters...! You have to stay determined...! All of the monsters show up, supporting Frisk. They slowly surround Flowey. He looses his patience for games. Flowey: I can’t believe you’re all so stupid. ALL OF YOUR SOULS ARE MINE!!! Everything flashes white. The portal starts charging, sending a blue beam into sky. Ne feels the sudden change of energy level in the city and looks out the window. Ne: It’s time. Slasher: Lets go. Ne: Wait. First, check your phone. Slasher checks his message. Slasher: Okay. Ne, you won’t like this. Ne: What is it. Slasher: The message was from Natalie from half an hour ago. It says that she’s gone cycling there. Amy: Than go! The portal is closer to Sentinels, you don’t have much time. Ne: Right. Ne quickly hugs Amy before he starts to exit the house. Amy: Be careful. Ne: I will. Slasher gets on his bike, while Ne creates his. Slasher: We ride together till we die together, huh? Ne: Damn straight. Ramirez: The portal has been activated. Notify the others. Cobra: Understood. Cobra uses the main audio system that is connected through the whole base and orders everyone to get into their vehicles and to go to the portal. They arrive before Slasher and Ne to the area. Natalie as able to see them before she was spotted. She quickly hid her bicycle and took a wrench she had in her backpack, in case that she would need to repair her bmx and she tied a mop around her mouth as a bandanna. Cobra ordered one soldier to scout out the area, for any hidden enemies. When the soldier got close to her, she got up from her cover and hit the soldier with all of her strength, knocking him out, or killing him. She didn’t have time to check, because she alerted the other soldiers. Ramirez ordered them to capture her, but not to waste their ammo on her, because they’re gonna need it later. She runs through the trees, trying to lose them. Frisk and Riverperson are still fighting Asriel, while Chara is trying to get control over herself, because of the fact that Asriel is still alive. Riverperson keeps holding the shields around Frisk, defending them from the attacks, but they know that the shields won’t withstand the attacks for long. Riverperson: I have to do something. I’ll keep the shields up, but be ready to move if they break. Frisk: Got it. Riverperson flies away. Asriel: Your last help has abandoned you. Now you have no hope. Frisk: we’ll see about that. Riverperson quickly flies to the room in Datafall in which was the passage to the void. They quickly use their magic to open the passage to the void and find Gaster inside. Riverperson: I need your help. Gaster: Who are you? How did you get in here? Riverperson: We’ll have our reunion later. Watch. Riverperson opens up a window, showing Asriel attacking the damaged shields around Frisk. Riverperson: Those won’t stay up for much longer. Asriel has the equal power to seven souls. I can’t do anything to stop him. What do we do? Gaster observes his attacks. Gaster: You are correct. He can’t be damaged in any way, but, he can be beaten. It is quite simple actually. He is using the power of the souls he absorbed. Soon, he will run out of magic source. All you three can do is survive until that happens. Riverperson: Okay, thanks. Riverperson opens the passage to Datafall again. Gaster: Wait. Who are you? Riverperson: Just a lost soul. Riverperson exits the void and closes the passage behind them, before flying back. Frisk: Did you find anything that will help us. Riverperson: His powers will run out soon. We have to survive until then. Chara: How was I so blind. I should have known it was him. This is all my fault. Riverperson: Now is not the time to think of the past. We are fighting for the future. Frisk: You’re right. Asriel: You can’t possibly think you have any chance. Frisk: Oh, haven’t you heard? I often ignore chances. Asriel: Well, then in that case, this will be fun. Ne and Slasher arrive to the location. Amy: Alright. I have your cameras connected and i can see everything. Wait. Is that Natalie? Slasher looks forward and sees her running away from soldiers that are chasing her. The rest of the army didn’t follow, so it’s only 5 people chasing her. Slasher takes out his pistols and shoots them, scaring Natalie and alarming the rest of the army. He quickly calls her to run to him. Slasher: What the hell are you doing here? Natalie: What? I don’t understand. Slasher: I told you not to come here while the portal could be running! Natalie: Wait. Dominik? Ne: Real smooth. Slasher: Well, I’m sorry for not being professional while I’m trying to save her from Sentinels soldiers. Natalie: What is happening? Slasher: There’s no time for explaining. I’ll tell you everything later, but, right no, you need to go as far away from here as possible. Natalie: What are you going to do? Slasher: Isn’t it obvious? I’m gonna shoot some skrubs. Now go! Natalie nods before running behind them and through the area filled with trees. Soon after, Ramirez and his army arrives. The army stops as soon as it sees them. Ramirez: You can’t keep us from achieving justice! Ne: Oh, don’t worry. I’ll show you justice. Ramirez: Don’t you see what’s happening here? You two are alone! And we are an army. Surrender now, and you will be spared! Ne: Fun fact: I was just about to say the same thing to you. Ne: Slasher. Mow them down. Slasher: Of course. Slasher takes his machine gun and sprays a whole line, from left to right. Ramirez creates a shield in his hand, while Cobra blocks the bullets with his sword. All of the soldiers that weren’t behind cover got shot. hen his gun gets empty, Ramirez releases the damaged shield and orders the soldiers to open fire. Ne creates a vortex shield in front of him and Slasher, which absorbs all the bullets, before sending them back. He creates a big shield and stabs it into the ground, giving Slasher cover, before he starts running towards Ramirez. Ramirez starts firing his gun on Ne, while Ne blocks the bullets with his plates and jumps when he gets close enough. Ne takes his sword and prepares to cut down Ramirez. Ramirez uses his magic to create a sword of his own and blocks the attack. Slasher dropped his machine gun and took the AK. He carefully shot the soldiers one buy one, making sure that he isn’t too exposed while doing it. He sat back down behind the shield when he saw that Cobra was aiming at him. Slasher contacts Ne through their communication link. Slasher: Gonna need some help over here. Ne: Got it. Ne quickly puts back his swords, blocks Ramirez’s attack and quickly pushes him away with soul control. While Ramirez is down, Ne quickly runs through and takes down a few soldiers and distracts Cobra, giving Slasher time to get closer. He runs towards Cobra, while killing off some of the remaining soldiers. Cobra drops a smoke bomb, giving himself time to move. Ne gets all of the soldiers’ attention, while Slasher randomly shoots in the smoke with his pistols, after he put the AK back on his backpack. Cobra suddenly walks out of the smoke on the left side and aims his revolver. Before he has the chance to fire, Slasher uses his grapple to disarm Cobra, before pulling him closer with it. Cobra takes his sword and sings it towards Slasher, who blocks it with his gauntlet. Cobra quickly disarms Slasher as well.  Cobra: We wouldn’t want our fight to be unfair, now would we? Slasher: Just keep talking while you can. Asriel readies Shocker breaker II. Asriel: And again! Deadly lasers crash down from above, the last one breaking the only shield Riverperson had left. Riverperson: I’m too weak. I can’t hold any more of them. You’re gonna have to do the rest of the battle on your own. Asriel: Because you ant a “happy ending.” Magic stars fall from above and Frisk deflects them with her light stick. Asriel: Because you “love your friends.” Chara tried to call out to Asriel, even tho she knew that he can’t hear her. Asriel creates his swords and starts attacking. Frisk dodges his attacks. For the last attempt, Asriel swings both of his swords from above. Frisk holds out her glow stick and barely blocks the attack. Asriel: Because you “never give up.”  Asriel creates his gun and shoots the stars with an energy beam coming out from the barrel. The attack overwhelms Frisk and breaks her soul. Riverperson reacts quickly, and uses a spell to merge back the soul before it gets destroyed. Frisk is surprised at first, but gets back into the fight quickly. She gets better and better at dodging his attacks. Annoyed by Riverperson’s assistance, Asriel sends a few magic beams from above to crash on top of them, but they easily dodge the attacks. Riverperson: Tra la la. A god can’t defeat a dusty old cloak. how shameful. Asriel: Shut up! Asriel creates his gun again and fires it. The beam goes through Riverperson, without damaging them. Frisk notices Riverperson’s plan to waste Asriel’s energy on them. Unfortunately, Asriel realizes that as well and turns his attention back to Frisk again. He sends another attack. Frisk dodges it, with a close miss. Asriel: Isn’t that delicious? Your “determination.” The power that let you get this far... It’s gonna be your downfall! Slasher knows that he isn’t going to be able to fight like that for much longer, but to his relief, the same fact is true for Cobra. At least, Ne is nowhere near getting tired, while Ramirez can’t fight forever neither. To their misfortune tho, more backup starts arriving. Amy: There are still a lot of them. Slasher: We know! Lets just hope e last long enough so that Frisk can complete her mission. Amy: I won’t just sit here and watch you two die. Ne: No. Stay there. Amy: I’m sorry Ne. Ne: Don’t go! Amy cuts off her connection and enters her car. she enables combat mode and drives to their location. Ramirez: Begin phase two! The elites start coming out of the vehicles, while Ramirez and Cobra go back. Slasher takes his uzis and shoots some of them, while Ne creates a neon blaster and fires it, while rotating it, so that the beam hits more enemies. More and more soldiers arrive. Ne creates a vortex shield for Slasher and defends himself with his swords. Just as the shield is about the fail, Amy arrives, parks in front of Slasher and uses the car turret to take down some of the soldiers. She enables the auto aim on the vehicle, before exiting with her stun pistols. Ne quickly runs to her, ready to defend her. Ne: N2O, I told you not to come here! Amy: I’m not letting you do this alone. Ne: Just stay behind me. You’re not ready to fight. Amy: Too bad. She teleports in front of him, instantly feeling pain from her soul, but starts to shoot the soldiers anyway, before running to the nearby trees for cover. Once all the elites are out, Cobra and Ramirez get back into the fight. Ne fires off many neon bullets, which Ramirez blocks with his magic sword. Ramirez shoots his gun at Ne. Ne dodges the first few bullets and phases through the last ones, before engaging in close combat. Amy fights the soldiers of the Sentinels and Slasher attacks Cobra again.  Asriel creates a huge attack, similar to a gaster blaster, but larger and in the shape of a goat head. It absorbs all the nearby energy, including Frisk’s. Asriel: ...even after that attack, you’re still standing in my way...? Chara: How is he still so strong? Frisk: Are you sure that he’ll run out? Riverperson: I can bet my life on it. Frisk: that’s hat I’m afraid of. Asriel: Wow... You really are something special. But don’t get cocky. Up until now, I’ve only been using a fraction of my real power! Chara: Are you kidding me? Asreil: Let’s see what good your determination is against this!! Asriel’s body transforms. He becomes bigger, gains wings and his body is changed into armor. Frisk tries to move, but realizes that she can’t. Asriel: Urah ha ha ha... Behold my true power! Asriel spreads his arms, spreading magic bullets everywhere. Riverperson gains enough strength to stop Frisk from having her soul shattered, when the bullets go through her. Asriel: I can feel it. Every time you die, your grip on this world slips away. Every time you die, your friends forget you a little more. Your life will end here, in a world where no one remembers you. Frisk finally breaks free from Asriel’s control, and just in time to defend herself from his next attack. Asriel: Still, you’re holding on...? That’s fine. In a few moments, you’ll forget everything, too. That attitude will serve you will in your next life! Asriel creates more bullets. Frisk is too exhausted to move and she gets hit with them again, but Riverperson manages to save her.  Asriel: Ura ha ha... Still!? Come on...  Show me what good your determination is now! Asriel sends another attack and Frisk somehow dodges it. Frisk knows that she can’t win. She tries to go back to stop this from happening, but she can’t reach her save file. Having no other options in her mind, Frisk tries again, but nothing happens. Chara: Maybe, with that little power we have... we can save something else. Everyone is getting worn out. Amy is way weaker than before, since she didn’t have time to recover, Slasher and Cobra have been fighting for a while and the same could be said for Ramirez. Ne is still not tired, but he is starting to use his powers too much. The last wave of reinforcements arrive. Ramirez: Initiate phase three! All of the soldiers start shooting at Ne and Amy, while they leave Slasher to Cobra. Ne creates a two vertex shields, one for him and one for Amy. They start retreating back, while Cobra’s attacks start to overwhelm Slasher. Frisk already saved Undyne and all of her memories returned. Next was Alphys. Frisk: Come on Alphys! I’ve supported you before. You can’t give up now. Alphys: You hate me, don’t you. Frisk: Do you remember the quiz? That was interesting! Alphys acts like she didn’t even hear Frisk. Alphys: I’ve got to keep lying... Frisk: You don’t really think that, do you? Alphys’ memories return. Alphys; No, that’s not true! My friends like me! And I like you, too! Frisk can feel something resonating within Asriel. Next, she encounters Sans and Papyrus. Frisk tells a pun to Sans. He likes it, while Papyrus hated it. Sans: just give up. i did. Papyrus: I MUST CAPTURE A HUMAN!  Frisk’ soul is turned blue, as slow bones start moving towards her. She knocks the bones out of the way. After defending herself, Frisk asks Papyrus to help her with a puzzle. He doesn’t know why, but he really wants to help her. Papyrus: THEN EVERYONE WILL LIKE ME! Sans: why even try? Frisk felt uneasy with Sans’ comments. She decided to talk with him about it if she gets out of the battle alive. After more mentions of memories, Papyrus and Sans get their memories back. Sans got some of the memories he didn’t even had before, and obviously, not all of them were pleasant. He watched the Riverperson with a blank expression, only one tear going out of his left eye. As soon as he noticed, he quickly ran a sleeve over his face and continued to act normal, supporting Frisk. Only Toriel and Asgore left. Amy And Ne are getting surrounded with the soldiers, while Slasher is starting to lose against Cobra. Slasher takes out his knives and swings towards Cobra. Cobra dodges the attacks and disarms Slasher before taking one of the knives and using it against him. Slasher uses the gauntlet to block the attacks. Ne is still holding his shields, while spawning bullets and firing them off at the soldiers, while Amy is shooting with her pistols. She knows she won’t be able to hold on for much longer, and she can notice that the same could be said for Ne. Frisk succeeded to save Toriel and Asgore. She feels her friends’ souls resonating within Asriel! Strangely, as her friends remember her... Something else began resonating within the soul, stronger and stronger. It seems that there’s still one last person that needs to be saved. Chara: Reach out your soul. Frisk: Why? Chara: Just trust me. Frisk does as Chara asked her, while Chara uses all of her determination to call Asriel. She remembers the first time they met. Asriel: Wh... what did you do...? What’s this feeling...? What’s happening to me? No! NO! I don’t need ANYONE!  Asriel sends dozens of bullets flying towards Frisk. They all hit their target, but Frisk is still standing. Asriel: STOP IT! Get away from me! Do you hear me!? I’ll tear you apart! Asriel starts to lose energy and sends only a few bullets. Frisk succeeds to move out of the way. Asriel: Chara... Do you know why I’m doing this...? Why I keep  fighting to keep you around...? I’m doing this... Because you’re special, Chara. You’re the only one that understands me. You’re the only one who’s any fun to play with anymore. Asriel: No... That’s not just it. I... I... I’m doing this because I care about you, Chara! I care about you more than anybody else. Chara feels tears coming don her cheeks. Asriel: I’m not ready for this to end. I’m not ready for you to leave. I’m not ready to say goodbye to someone like you again. Asriel: So please.... STOP doing this... AND JUST LET ME WIN!!! Asriel creates a huge beam with his hands and fires it on Frisk. Riverperson Creates a shield, but the beam breaks in in less than a second. Chara uses all the determination she has and steps in front of Frisk. Chara: STOP! With all her determination, Chara’s weak soul starts to get power and absorbs the attack. Frisk feels the beam burning her, but Chara is taking the biggest part of the attack on herself. Chara screams in pain, ash she holds hers and Frisk’s soul in one piece. When the beam ends, Frisk is left with barely any stronger injuries, but Chara is just above the edge of death. Frisk starts to panic, but Riverperson calms her down. Riverperson: She will be okay, just give her time. Asriel: I’m so alone, Chara... Ne is at his limit. Amy has already stopped fighting and is barely standing. Cobra got Slasher on the ground. The soldiers and Ramirez keep firing at Ne’s shield. Amy notices that the hand with which he is holding the shields starts to shake. Amy: Ne, stop. Ne ignores her. Amy: You’re gonna break. Ne still holds the shields. Amy: MIKE! As she calls him by his previous name, Ne looks at her. Amy: It’s over. Ne: I can’t just let them kill you. Amy: You have no choice. Cobra holds Slahser’s knife and walks up to Slasher, before crouching in front of him. Cobra: Got you right where I wan’t you. Ne: Please... Don’t make me do this. Amy: It’s okay. We’ll go together. Cobra: I wonder how will it feel to get hit with your on weapon. Right before Ne was going to drop the shield, the soldiers suddenly start getting shot from a nearby hill. When Ne looks at the source of the shots, he sees Kris and his squad. Ne: Abut time. Kris shoots Ramirez in the shoulder. The shooting distracts Cobra, giving Slasher enough time to drag in his pistol with his grapple. Slasher: It will feel something like this. Slasher shoots Cobra with his own revolver, before activating his gauntlet blade and cutting off The hand Cobra was holding Slasher’s knife with. Cobra screams in pain, before ordering the soldiers to shoot at slasher while he runs away. Ne drops his shields, while Kris and his team give Slasher cover. Ramirez: Retreat! This battle is lost! Ramirez, Cobra and the soldiers run back into their vehicles and drive away. Ne sighs, in relief and takes off his helmet. Ne: We won... we’re alive... Amy takes off her mask and drops her guns. Amy: We did it. Ne: I guess we make a good team. Amy: We make a great team. Amy grabs Ne and pulls him into a kiss. Ne is surprised for a second, but he hugs her and accepts the kiss. They can feel their souls healing each other. Slasher turns back and notices them kissing. He calls Kris over their communication link. Kris: How does it feel being saved by me? Slasher: It feels almost as good as you owing me a bet. Kris: hat? Slasher: Look at Ne. Kris notices them and remembers their bet. Kris: God damn it. Slasher: I warned ya, but you didn’t listen. Frisk finally succeeded to turn Asriel back to normal. Asriel apologized to Frisk and told him about his past with Chara and his actions as Flowey. Having his apology accepted was the last thing he was expecting, but it happened anyway. Asriel: Frisk, come on. You’re gonna make me cry again. ...Besides, even if you do forgive me... I can’t keep these souls inside of me. The least I can do is return them. But first... There’s something I have to do. Right now, I can feel everyone’s hearts beating as one. They’re all burning with the same desire. With everyone’s power...  With everyone’s determination. It’s time for monsters... To finally go free. Asriel uses the power of every soul to break the barrier. Asriel: Frisk... I have to go now. Without the power of everyone’s souls... I can’t keep maintaining this form. In a little while... I’ll turn back into a flower. I’ll stop being myself. I’ll stop being able to feel love again. So... Frisk. It’s best of you just forget about me, ok? Just go be with the people who live you. Frisk hugs him. Asreil: You’re gonna do a great job, ok? No matter what you do... Everyone will be there for you, okay? By the way... Frisk. Take care of mom and dad for me, oaky? Frisk: Of course. Suddenly, Frisk wakes up, surrounded by her friends. They all finally got a chance to talk with each other on a more friendly matter. All except Sans and Riverperson. Frisk noticed that Sans was watching them in a weird way, but decided to ignore it. Sans called frisk to come talk to him away from the crowd. Frisk: What is it? Sans: i have good news and bad news. the bad news are that chara can’t currently come to the surface. Frisk: WHAT!? Chara: Don’t worry about it! Sans: yeah, that’s where the good news come. me and paps talked about the subject and e are pretty sure that we found a way to make it possible. we’ll do that just as everyone gets to the surface, ok? Frisk: I guess that’s fine. Chara: It’ll be over before you know it, and then we’ll all be free! Frisk: You’re right! Lets do this! Sans: ready? Frisk: As I’ll ever be. They all go through the portal. As they reach the real world, the blue beam on the other end of the portal shuts down, alerting Ne and the others. Amy: Guess it’s time for you to go. Ne: You should come with me. Amy: What about Slasher and Kris? Ne: They’ll be busy arguing about their bet. Come on, lets meet the people we just rescued. Prologue Chapter 20

[robertperkins24]

H&R Block, TurboTax, iPads, Microsoft Surface Pro, Apple HomePod, Instant Pot, and more on sale for Feb. 6

"Backstreet's back alright!"

Did you know that the Backstreet Boys (or should it be the Backstreet Men?) have their first number one album in nearly 20 years? Their new record DNA just hit the number one spot on the Billboard 200 Chart, while the last time they had a number one hit album was back in the year 2000 with Black & Blue. 

Hopefully, the pop band does a better job keeping their funds together this time around and doesn't spend it all like they did back in the early 2000s. And with tax software from H&R Block and TurboTax on sale, you and the Backstreet Boys can keep track of all your finances and expenses to get the best possible refund from the IRS during tax season. Read more...

More about Ipad, H R Block, Turbotax, Mashable Shopping, and Shopping Amazon

IMAGE: Amazon

$41.99

$18 OFF (30%) $59.99 Prime

AmazonBasics Microwave, works with Alexa -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$109.97

$40 OFF (27%) $149.97 Prime

Fire 7 variety pack, 8GB -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$329.97

$30 OFF (8%) $359.97 Prime

Fire HD 10 three-pack, 32GB -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$179.97

$60 OFF (25%) $239.97 Prime

All-New Fire HD 8 3-pack, 16GB -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$39.99

$10 OFF (20%) $49.99 Prime

Fire TV Stick 4K -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$79.98

$20 OFF (20%) $99.98 Prime

Fire TV Stick 4K bundle with all-new Echo Dot (3rd gen) -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$14.99

$5 OFF (25%) $19.99 Prime

Amazon 9W Official OEM USB charger and power adapter for Fire Tablets, Kindle, and Echo Dot -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$329

$89.94 OFF (21%) $418.94 Prime

Ring Alarm home security system (14-piece kit) -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$49.99

$39.99 OFF (44%) $89.98 Prime

Echo Dot (3rd gen) with two smart bulb kit by Sengled -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$219.98

$40 OFF (15%) $259.98 Prime

Buy two Echo Spots, get $40 off -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$199.98

$40 OFF (17%) $239.98 Prime

Fire TV Cube (includes all-new Alexa Voice Remote) bundle with Cloud Cam -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$249.97

$50 OFF (17%) $299.97 Prime

Fire TV Recast (DVR) bundle with Fire TV Stick 4K and an HD antenna -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$359.98

$100.01 OFF (22%) $459.99 Prime

Buy two Echo Shows (2nd gen), get $100 off original price -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$44.98

$32 OFF (42%) $76.98 Prime

Echo Dot (3rd gen) with TP-Link Smart Plug Mini -- See Details

IMAGE: AMAZON

$199.98

$40 OFF (17%) $239.98 Prime

Buy two Amazon Cloud Cams, Save $40 -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$229.99

$50 OFF (18%) $279.99 Prime

Fire TV Recast, over-the-air DVR, 1 TB, 150 hours -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$189.99

$40 OFF (17%) $229.99 Prime

Fire TV Recast, over-the-air DVR, 500GB, 75 hours -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$114.98

$40 OFF (26%) $154.98 Prime

Echo Spot bundle with Amazon Smart Plug - Black -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$34.99

$35 OFF (50%) $69.99 Prime

Echo Dot Kids Edition -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$149.98

$50 OFF (25%) $199.98 Prime

Fire 7 Kids Edition Tablet two-Pack, 16GB kid-proof case -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$24.99

$20 OFF (44%) $44.99 Prime

H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe + State 2018 -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$39.99

$20 OFF (33%) $59.99 Prime

TurboTax Deluxe + State 2018 Tax Software -- See Details

IMAGE: WALMART

$349.99

$49.96 OFF (12%) $399.95

Apple iPad (5th generation) 128GB WiFi silver -- See Details

IMAGE: WALMART

$672.98

$206.02 OFF (23%) $879

Apple 10.5-inch iPad Pro, WiFi + cellular 512GB - rose gold -- See Details

IMAGE: WALMART

$273.27

$76.72 OFF (22%) $349.99

Apple HomePod -- See Details

IMAGE: BEST BUY

$699

$260 OFF (27%) $959

Microsoft Surface Pro -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$119.95

$10 OFF (8%) $129.95 Prime

Instant Pot DUO Plus 60 -- See Details

IMAGE: Mashable

$229.99

$100 OFF (30%) $329.99

KitchenAid Deluxe 4.5-quart tilt-head stand mixer -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$59.99

$30 OFF (33%) $89.99

Ninja 1000 Watts Blender NJ600 (certified refurbished) -- See Details

IMAGE: WALMART

$143.34

$56.65 OFF (28%) $199.99

Cuisinart Burr Grind & Brew Thermal 12-cup automatic coffeemaker -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$41.99

$18 OFF (30%) $59.99 Prime

AmazonBasics Microwave, works with Alexa -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$179.97

$0 OFF (0%) $179.97 Prime

All-New Fire HD 8 3-pack, 16GB -- See Details

IMAGE: PEXELS

$11.99

$188 OFF (94%) $199.99

Automate the Boring Stuff with Python Programming -- See Details

IMAGE: PEXELS

$11.99

$138 OFF (92%) $149.99

The Ultimate Drawing Course - Beginner to Advanced -- See Details

IMAGE: CHEWY

$9.19

$2.3 OFF (20%) $11.49

Nylabone DuraChew double bone bacon-flavor dog toy -- See Details

IMAGE: CHEWY

$2.99

$2 OFF (40%) $4.99

Newman's Own chicken & rice recipe snack sticks dog treats -- See Details

IMAGE: CHEWY

$9.39

$4.53 OFF (33%) $13.92

Blue Ridge Naturals Alaskan Salmon jerky dog treats -- See Details

IMAGE: CHEWY

$3.44

$1.55 OFF (31%) $4.99

Fancy Feast Purely Natural hand-flaked salmon cat Ttreats -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$24.99

$20 OFF (44%) $44.99 Prime

H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe + State 2018 -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$32.49

$32.5 OFF (50%) $64.99 Prime

H&R Block Tax Software Premium 2018 -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$17.49

$17.5 OFF (50%) $34.99 Prime

H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe 2018 (Federal Only) -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$47.99

$32 OFF (40%) $79.99 Prime

H&R Block Tax Software Premium & Business 2018 -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$14.95

$5.04 OFF (25%) $19.99 Prime

H&R Block Tax Software Basic 2018 -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$48.99

$6 OFF (11%) $54.99 Prime

H&R Block Premium 2018 Self-Employed/Rental Property Owners Tax Software -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$39.99

$20 OFF (33%) $59.99 Prime

TurboTax Deluxe + State 2018 Tax Software -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$64.99

$35 OFF (35%) $99.99 Prime

TurboTax Home & Business + State 2018 Tax Software -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$54.99

$35 OFF (39%) $89.99 Prime

TurboTax Premier + State 2018 Tax Software -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$29.99

$20 OFF (40%) $49.99 Prime

TurboTax Deluxe 2018 Tax Software -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$104.99

$45 OFF (30%) $149.99 Prime

TurboTax Business 2018 Tax Software -- See Details

IMAGE: WALMART

$349.99

$49.96 OFF (12%) $399.95

Apple iPad (5th generation) 128GB WiFi silver -- See Details

IMAGE: WALMART

$672.98

$206.02 OFF (23%) $879

Apple 10.5-inch iPad Pro, WiFi + cellular 512GB - rose gold -- See Details

IMAGE: WALMART

$273.27

$76.72 OFF (22%) $349.99

Apple HomePod -- See Details

IMAGE: BEST BUY

$699

$260 OFF (27%) $959

Microsoft Surface Pro -- See Details

IMAGE: BEST BUY

$1,099

$200 OFF (15%) $1,299

Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$199

$70.95 OFF (26%) $269.95 Prime

Blendtec Total Classic Original Blender -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$185.02

$164.93 OFF (47%) $349.95 Prime

5805 Great Northern Popcorn Red Good Time popcorn popper machine -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$89.99

$20.98 OFF (19%) $110.97 Prime

Tabakh D-Lite Indian Mixer Grinder -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$59.99

$30 OFF (33%) $89.99 Prime

Ninja 1000 Watts Blender NJ600 (certified refurbished) -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$50

$9.99 OFF (17%) $59.99 Prime

BELLA (13694) High Power Juice Extractor -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$39.99

$20 OFF (33%) $59.99 Prime

BELLA (13683) Personal Espresso Maker -- See Details

IMAGE: Amazon

$119.95

$10 OFF (8%) $129.95 Prime

Instant Pot DUO Plus 60 -- See Details

IMAGE: WALMART

$64.57

$34.43 OFF (35%) $99

Ninja Coffeemaker System Black, Cf020 -- See Details

IMAGE: WALMART

$194.88

$55.11 OFF (22%) $249.99

Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso Maker -- See Details

IMAGE: WALMART

$143.34

$56.65 OFF (28%) $199.99

Cuisinart Burr Grind & Brew Thermal 12-cup automatic coffeemaker -- See Details

IMAGE: WALMART

$229.99

$100 OFF (30%) $329.99

KitchenAid Deluxe 4.5-quart tilt-head stand mixer -- See Details

IMAGE: WALMART

$69.88

$29.12 OFF (29%) $99

Farberware 3.2-quart oil-less multi-functional fryer -- See Details

IMAGE: MACY'S

$79.99

$20 OFF (20%) $99.99

Magic Bullet NutriBullet Pro NB90901 900-watt professional series -- See Details

IMAGE: MACY'S

$199.99

$50 OFF (20%) $249.99

Ninja BL770 blender & food processor -- See Details

IMAGE: MACY'S

$29.99

$8 OFF (21%) $37.99

Black & Decker RC516 16-cup rice cooker -- See Details

[quantumfeat72]

FOFUPTA Chapter 7

This fic’s actually been updated up to chapter 9 on AO3 I just forgot to post them here haha oops.

Again, I would highly recommend reading on AO3 rather than here because tumblr tends to mess up the formatting.

First Chapter here

Next Chapter here

AO3 here

The Missing Pieces

[Chara]

The underground feels just as big as it did when you died, which is not very.  Frisk walks straight to the room where they first fell and stares at your grave for a moment. “Alright,” they say, “that should be far enough.” You don’t have a chance to ask what they mean by that before they sit down, crosslegged, and recede entirely from their body, leaving you in control.  If you’d been standing, you would have fallen over from the shock.  It takes you a second to remember to breathe. “What?” you ask, barely sure that Frisk is there at all. “I’m tired,” they reply.  “As long as you don’t leave the underground, and don’t kill anyone, I don’t care.” “Well, alright,” you say, standing up and getting used to the ability to move at will again.  You’re surprised they’d be willing to do this, but it makes sense.  The more they fight you the harder it is for them, and they can only go so long before they slip up.  You stare down at your own grave for a moment.  “How long has it been?” “Two months.” You can’t help but laugh.  “Is that all?” you say, because even though it isn’t half as long as you were in the underground it feels like so much longer since then. You walk out into the ruins and wonder what you should do.  You head to your mom’s old house and take a detour to look at the mirror before you head toward Snowdin. “It’s you,” you say.  Frisk laughs. The only place in Snowdin you can think to go is Sans’ house.  You unlock the door to his lab and go inside. “Seriously?” says Frisk when you flick through the coded notes on his desk (definitely Gaster’s cipher), that he left behind along with the machine when he left the underground.  “What is your obsession with him?” “It’s not an obsession.” “He’s all you ever talk about.” “He’s the only one that isn’t boring.” “You knew him before we met, didn’t you?” You put the notes down and give up on sifting through them.  “...Yes.  But.  He doesn’t remember Gaster,” you say on the way out of his lab.  “Which means, he might not remember me, either.” “Nobody remembers Gaster, Chara.  Why do you care that Sans doesn’t?” You head toward the lab in Hotland.  “Because Sans was created by Gaster.”

The door is locked but it’s no match for determination and a hairpin.  Frisk is disgusted that you know how to pick locks but they don’t try to stop you.  Alphys’ lab is dark and empty, and you take the elevator into the true lab. “What are we doing here?” asks Frisk, disturbed. “It’s easier to show you.  Besides, the amalgamates are living on the surface now, so there’s no danger.”  Unless Gaster’s hanging around in here, but you doubt that.  You equip your knife, though, just in case. It takes you a long time to find what you’re looking for in the maze of a lab, but when you find a small room with what could pass for a bed and a door that locks from the outside, you know you’re in the right place. “Once upon a time,” you say to Frisk, as you look for the room his notes will be in, “there was a royal scientist called W. D. Gaster, and he did a lot of bad things that hurt a lot of people.”  You find the room and start looking for clues.  “By the time the king learned of his misdeeds, he was already dead, so the king decided that Gaster would be remembered as an okay guy.  He told the story that his life was cut short when he fell into the core, and the people believed him.”  You start pushing buttons on an ancient computer to see if it will boot.  “The truth is more complicated.  See, Gaster didn’t fall into the core.  It was the determination extractor.  And he didn’t fall.”  The computer works and pulls up a long list of journal entries written in Gaster’s code.  “He was pushed.” You start looking around for the key while Frisk thinks about what you said.  You’re not even sure there is a key here, but the one Sans wrote must exist somewhere so you may as well look. “What does this have to do with Sans?” There are a few ways to answer that.  You decide to go with the least disturbing.  “Sans is the one that pushed him.”  Frisk doesn’t say anything, and you start to give up on finding the key.  “You know, a few months after it happened, he told me he regretted it.”  They don’t seem surprised, which bothers you.  “It doesn’t make sense.  Sans had no reason to let him live.  Killing him was the only way.  But he regretted it.”  And for some reason, the thought makes you angry.  Frisk continues to say nothing and you give up and head toward the exit. You stop when you reach the determination extractor.  There’s no dust at the bottom of it.  You wonder why.  The design of it reminds you of the blasters and you guess Gaster has a thing for creepy skulls.  It’s no wonder Sans ended up with a permanent smile. You reach out one hand and touch the surface.  It’s old, but it’s not worn like you expected.  It’s not hard to imagine the power this thing wielded.  “That must have been a pretty painful way to go,” you say, almost without thinking.  “Losing the will to live is bad enough for a human.  For a monster... well.  It’s everything.  Without it...” You cut yourself off and leave the lab.

You always seem to find yourself back in the room you shared with Asriel.  You dig through your old stuff to see if there’s anything you’d want to take to the surface with you.  All you find is the old recording of Alphys’ lab from so long ago.  You pick it up. “Perfect.” “Huh?” “Now I don’t have to tell Sans anything out loud.  This recording should give him everything he needs to know.”  You think for a second.  “Actually, not everything.  But I can fill in the blanks later.”  You pocket the recording.  “You can give him this so you don’t have to let me in enough to tell him.  Just make sure he doesn’t listen to it without Papyrus.  And probably Alphys.” “Why don’t you just tell me so I can tell him?” “I already told you, it’s not my secret to tell.  I already said too much today, and he kept my secrets even after I died.” “We’ll both find out either way.” “Not if you decide not to tell him.”

After a while, you find yourself staring at your own grave again.  It makes sense, you think, that your mom buried you here.  It’s where you fell, and it’s the only place in the underground where you can see the sky. “...You probably can’t give him the recording without saying who I am, huh?” “...I probably could.” You pull out Frisk’s cell phone.  “Why don’t I just tell him now, and save the trouble?” “I thought you didn’t want him to know.” “I don’t want Mom to know.  Sans, I just want to be the one to tell him.” “You’re going to call yourself a demon again, aren’t you?” “...If I promise I won’t, will you agree to this?” Frisk hesitates, but agrees, and you dial Sans’s number with Frisk’s right hand. It takes him a few rings to pick up.  “sup, frisk.” “Actually,” you say, “not Frisk right now.” “...shit.” he says.  You laugh. “Don’t worry.  They’re just resting.  It’s pretty exhausting for them to fight me the way they’ve been doing, so I pinky-swore I wouldn’t leave the room for a while so they can relax.” “how do i know you’re telling the truth?” “You don’t.” “Chara, be nice.” thinks Frisk. “Ugh, fine,” you reply. “what do you want?” asks Sans. “Well,” you say, “I figured it was about time I told you my name.”  He says nothing.  “Promise you won’t freak out?” “no.” “That’s fair.”   You take a deep breath.  “It’s Chara.  Chara Dreemurr.” “...the fuck?” You laugh.  “So you do remember me.  That’s good to hear.” “how the hell are you here?  wait, no.  you could easily be lying about this.  prove you’re chara.” You think about it.  “Nah.  Besides, anything I could say that would convince you of that is something you’ve inexplicably forgotten since I died.  I guess I could tell you one of my secrets but the ones Frisk knows aren’t convincing enough and the ones they don’t I’d rather they not.” That doesn’t pass by Frisk unnoticed, but they don’t say anything. “...if you really are them,” says Sans taking a deep breath, “why’d you do it?” “Do what?” you ask. Sans doesn’t answer. “The whole killing people thing?”  You take his silence for a yes.  “Actually, Frisk pretty much guessed right.  At first I wanted to get us killed by pissing you off, but it kept not working.  I wanted to see how much it would take.  I guess I got carried away.”  You wait for him to respond but he doesn’t.  “Sorry I didn’t go to hell like I promised, but y’know, it was probably frozen over already.  Anyway, that’s all I wanted to say right now.  Bye.” You hang up without giving him the chance to say anything.

“I know you’re there, Asriel.” The flower pops out of the ground in front of you with a scowl on his face.  “I told you not to call me that.” “Correction.  You told Frisk not to call you that.” His scowl is replaced with confusion in record time.  “What do you mean?” You laugh.  “Don’t you recognize me?”  He doesn’t.  That disappoints you a little.  “I’ll give you a hint,” you say, and show him the creepiest smile you can muster. He jerks backward, confusion drawing into fear.  “...Chara?” You relax your smile into something more genuine.  “Nice, you got it on the first guess.” “But you’re dead!” “So are you.” “But...” he inches toward you, as though to get a better look, “Chara, how long have you been there?” You put your hand to your chin and think for a second.  “A few months?  It depends on whether you count the other timelines, but I’ve been here since Frisk fell.” “Huh? But that would add less than a day to it, right?” “Wrong.  You can’t remember all of the resets.  Or, any of them, I guess, since the last one was a true reset...” You trail off and Asriel doesn’t say anything for a while.  Eventually, he asks, “Why didn’t you tell me?” “I tried.  Frisk didn’t want me to.  I think they were scared that if they gave an inch, I’d take over and start killing people again.  Even though I already promised I wouldn’t.” “Last time I let you in you almost killed someone.” thinks Frisk. “Humans aren’t people, Frisk.” you reply, out loud, “Also, he threatened you with a knife.” “A fake one.” “So what if it was fake?  You’ve seen the damage a human with a plastic knife can do.”  Frisk doesn’t respond.  “Oh, that reminds me, Asriel.  Have you ever heard of someone called W. D. Gaster?” He tilts his head to one side.  “...No.  Why?” “Huh.  So whatever happened, it was after we died, and after you came back, but before I did.  That doesn’t narrow it down much.” “What do you mean?” “Oh, it’s not a big deal.  He’s just some asshole that got erased from everyone’s memories for no apparent reason.” You’re both silent for a long time after that.  You wonder if you’ll have another chance to talk to him.  Probably not. “Hey, Asriel,” you say, “I know you already know this, but... It wasn’t your fault.”  He looks at you and you avoid his eyes.  “I knew how much of a crybaby you were.  I should never have asked you to kill them.  I should never have expected you to go through with it.” Frisk seems surprised.  That pisses you off.  Asriel seems even more surprised.  That makes you sad.  Frisk’s phone beeps and you pull it out to see a text from Sans. *let me know when you’re back, frisk. “He’s starting to worry, isn’t he.” you say, and stand up.  “Well, we should head back.  See you around, Asriel.” You step back when you hit the place the barrier used to be and let Frisk walk down the mountain on their own.

Frisk stops at the bus station and pulls out their phone to check the time.  The next bus arrives in ten minutes, and it’s about a twenty minute ride into town from here.  They pull out their phone and send a text to Sans. *I’m on my way home now, should be about 30 mins. He replies almost immediately. *k. “So,” you think when they close their inventory, “feeling better?” Frisk replies a little bitterly, “As if you care.” “Of course I care.” you say, genuinely offended. They ignore you in favor of staring at the sky.  It’s late afternoon and there are some clouds out, and Frisk starts looking for shapes in them. You listen to the conversation of a few people behind you.  Kids around your age, you think, maybe a little older.  Human. “Hey, is that the kid who freed monsters from the underground?” “Rumor has it they fought the king of all monsters and won.” “No way.  Haven’t you seen pictures of that guy?  He’s huge.  There’s no way a shrimp like that could’ve beat him.”  Frisk shudders a little and you guess they’re hearing it too. “I’ll bet you five dollars I could beat that kid in a fight.” “I’ll take you up on that bet.” Frisk sighs.  “Why don’t you let me handle this?” you ask. “We’re not killing her, Chara.” “I won’t kill her.  I’ll just threaten her a little, maybe hit her once so she’ll back down.” “No, Chara.” “Ugh, fine.” “Hey,” says the girl in question, having walked up to Frisk, “Are you the kid that freed the monsters from the underground?” “No,” says Frisk, “you must be thinking of my half-brother, Asriel.” “Since when is Asriel YOUR half-brother?” you ask. “Quiet.” replies Frisk. “But you’re the fallen human.” says the girl, “The one that supposedly beat the monster king in a fight?” “I’m not sure how that rumor got started,” says Frisk with a shrug, “but I suppose it couldn’t apply to anyone else.” The girl nods once and immediately throws a punch in Frisk’s direction.  They dodge with practiced ease and step backward to take a look at their opponent. You provide your standard assessment.  “Amanda. 10 ATK 10 DEF.  Thinks she has something to prove.” “Wow, great.” thinks Frisk sarcastically, “That was so useful, Chara.  I definitely didn’t know all that already.” “Hey, it isn’t easy for me to get people’s names, you know.” Amanda attacks again and Frisk steps casually to the side to avoid her.  She looks angry.  “Five dollars,” thinks Frisk, “Is that 20g? 25?” “Hell if I know.  You suggesting we bribe her into leaving?” “Do you think it would work?” “No.  Besides, monster currency isn’t worth much here.” “Maybe if we buy her dinner.” “You can’t flirt with everyone, Frisk.” “Watch me.”

“She reminds me of someone.” thinks Frisk after a solid five minutes of dodging. “Undyne.” you reply. “Hold still, dammit!” screams Amanda. Her friends get bored and leave.

Amanda curses and comes at you again, panting.  Frisk steps out of the way and watches her trip on something and fall.  She pulls herself to her knees and you can tell she’s holding back tears.  You see that her arm is a little bloody from where she hit the pavement.  She doesn’t move to attack you again. Frisk walks up to her timidly.  “Excuse me,” they say, “do you want to know how to beat me?” Amanda turns to look at you and you can’t help but laugh.  “That’s it, that’s exactly the face Undyne made.” Frisk stubbornly ignores you and holds out their hand to help her up.  She accepts it and stumbles to her feet.  “May I see your arm?” asks Frisk, and she lets them use what little healing magic they know on it.  (It’s nothing compared to what your mom can do, but healing magic isn’t exactly entry-level.)  Amanda looks impressed anyway.  “How does that feel?” Frisk asks, and she moves it around a little. “Better,” she says. Frisk smiles.  “Tell you what,” they say, “since I cost you five dollars just now, why don’t we get dinner, on me?” “...You mean like a date?”  Amanda looks a little grossed out, but she tries not to show it. “Not if you don’t want it to be,” says Frisk, “I was planning to meet up with a friend soon, he’s friends with the bartender at this local place nearby so we were going to get dinner there.  You want to join us?” Amanda thinks for a bit and agrees.  Frisk sends a text to Sans. *Let’s meet at Grillby’s.  I’m bringing a friend.

Sans, unsurprisingly, is already at the door of the restaurant when you arrive.  Frisk waves at him on their way over (making a point to use their left hand) and he waves back. “you’re late.” he says. “Sorry,” replies Frisk, “got a little sidetracked.”  Amanda catches up to you and Frisk turns to face her.  “Amanda, this is my friend Sans.  Sans, Amanda.” Sans holds out his left hand and Amanda shakes it, detonating the whoopee cushion on his palm.

You don’t pay much attention to the little meet-and-greet between Frisk, Sans, and Amanda, but it isn’t lost on you the way Sans keeps staring at you, or the way Frisk exaggerates their left handedness whenever he’s looking. Amanda notices Sans’ behavior during a lull in the conversation, but doesn’t say anything.  Frisk gives Sans a look that you guess is their way of telling him he’s being weird.  He shakes his head.  “i don’t get it.”  Frisk tilts their head to one side.  “frisk,” he says, “how can you be so calm about this?” “About what?” asks Frisk, and Sans looks at you like they’re talking nonsense, and they continue, “About Amanda?  It’s not like she’s the first-” “no, frisk.” Sans interrupts, hand on his face, “about chara.” Frisk looks down at their food.  “We can talk about that later.” Amanda looks back and forth between the two of you curiously. “frisk,” says Sans, “were they telling the truth over the phone earlier?” Frisk nods.  “Every word.  Now can we please talk about something else?” “you’ll tell me if there’s trouble, right?” Frisk pauses and considers what they’re going to say for a long moment.  “Seriously?” they finally say, “What are you gonna do, Sans, fight them?”  They wait for him to respond but he doesn’t.  “Why do you care all of a sudden, anyway?  How did you know Chara before we met?” “Good question,” you think, “I wonder if he’ll tell you the truth.” “Shush.” replies Frisk. Sans thinks for a moment before answering.  “i didn’t.” “That’s a lie,” says Frisk. “let me finish,” says Sans.  Frisk waits.  “we met about a month before the buttercup thing.” Frisk interrupts.  “You knew about the buttercup thing?” “...i was the first person they told about it,” he admits. “Before Asriel?” asks Frisk.  He nods. “i tried to talk them out of it, but... well, you know how they are.”  Frisk nods.  “by the time i thought to tell their parents, it was too late.  they died about a week after they told me.” “Wait, what?” says Amanda, “Died?” “Yeah,” says Frisk, “Chara is the soulless husk of my dead half-sibling.  Long story.  Oh, you never answered my question, earlier.” “Huh?” “Do you want to learn to fight?  Because the former head of the royal guard just happens to owe me a favor.  I’m sure she’ll teach you if you ask nicely.” “since when does undyne owe you a favor?” asks Sans. “Since I delivered a very important letter to Dr. Alphys on her behalf.” Amanda speaks before Sans can respond.  “Undyne is a good teacher?” “If his brother is anything to go by,” says Frisk, pointing at Sans, “yes.”

Undyne glares down at you with her arms crossed, looking contemplative.  “Fine.” she says, before turning to Amanda.  “Alright, punk, let’s see what you’re made of.” Frisk watches them spar from a safe distance and you notice for the first time that Undyne really isn’t that great at dodging.  She blocks most of Amanda’s attacks and dodges the rest in jerky motions that Frisk’s would put to shame.  Amanda isn’t great at it either, but she’s already better than Undyne. Someone walks up behind you and Frisk turns to see Sans. “so,” he says, “can we talk now?” Frisk turns their head back toward the fight.  “It’s rude to talk about someone who’s listening.” they say. “well maybe chara needs to learn a thing or two about eavesdropping.” says Sans, walking up beside them. “That’s offensive,” you tell Frisk, “I’m offended.” “It’s not like they could leave if they wanted to.” they say, refusing to acknowledge your comment. “they can’t?” asks Sans. “Believe me,” replies Frisk, “They would have left a long time ago if they could.” There’s a moment of silence before Sans asks, “so, what happened earlier today?” “The whole thing was my idea,” they tell him.  “You see, this whole... thing, whatever’s going on, it’s not supposed to be all-or-nothing like this.  Chara could control one hand while I controlled the other... after a while, I almost forgot where the line between us really was.  That was before we’d really disagreed on anything.” Frisk breaks for air and Sans speaks.  “it’s hard to imagine you agreeing on much.” “You might be surprised.  The first time around, when I didn’t even know we could alter the timeline, it was actually their idea to flirt with Papyrus.” “really?” “I was joking,” you say.  Frisk laughs. “They probably meant it as a prank, though.” they say, “Anyway, my point is that pushing them out like this is pretty tiring.  It makes Chara mad, too, and... not without reason.  This isn’t exactly comfortable for them.” “It’s not that bad.” you say. “It hurt like hell when you did it to me.” replies Frisk. “That’s ‘cause this is your body.  It’s more attached to you.  Also, it hurts less if you don’t struggle.” “so,” says Sans, having noticed that Frisk trailed off, “did they stick to your deal?” Frisk nods.  “Also, they told me something about Gaster.”  Sans looks at you and Frisk doesn’t look back at him.  “They said the story we heard about him falling into the core was a lie Asgore told the kingdom so they didn’t have to know the truth.” “which is...?” “They said he was pushed.” Sans seems to consider not asking, but he does.  “who pushed him?” Frisk takes a deep breath.  “You.”

[itsworn]

Coolest Junkyard Mopar Ever! 1969 Dodge Charger “Scraptona”

When you look at a machine like this and find out it’s the result of a risky, hare-brained business decision, you know you’re hanging with passionate car guys. That’s the ethos that drives Michael Hunt and Lee Clayton, the owners of TredWear. Their business revolves around permanent tire graphics that can be applied to any tire to dress them up. The best way in the automotive world to display your product is to build cool cars that embody the spirit of what you’re selling, so that’s what they’ve been doing, and as it turns out, this hare-brained idea is actually pretty business savvy.

TredWear’s last creation, the “Tarantula,” was featured in the July 2018 issue of HOT ROD magazine and debuted on the 2017 HOT ROD Power Tour. The 1939 Chevy had been turned into an open-wheel modified dirt-track racer that the guys converted back into a street car. Going into the 2018 SEMA show, a new car was needed to represent the brand. Michael tells Car Craft: “We wanted to do something racecar-based, but we wanted to take it to the next level.” Their starting point again tapped into the world of circle-track racing with a 2001 Rocket chassis that they were going to use as the foundation for the build. They were also toying with the idea of building something with a Mopar flavor—something from the beginning of the smog era. End-of-the-line Challengers and mid-’70s Chargers were at the top of the list, until a 1969 Charger popped up on the radar screen. Michael was appointed the hands-on guy behind the project, while Lee took care of the day-to-day running of the business.

The Charger was located in North Alabama, so Michael went to see if it fit the profile for what they were trying to accomplish. “The guy was thinning down his collection. It was an old parts car that had been cut up and used for another car 28 years ago and it was resting on blocks out in the woods. We had to cut down three trees and use a front loader to get to it.” It was still wearing hints of its original Q5 Bright Turquoise paint and was actually a slant six car when it rolled off the assembly line. You Mopar guys know that is a rare beast, but sadly it was so far gone and picked over that it was unsalvageable. From the floor pans to the rear tail panel, it all had been cut out. There were no doors, engine, trans, subframe, and no rear. The only thing left was the front suspension, cowl, and roof.

Once they had the body in their shop the next step was to do something with it and the dirt-track chassis. Their initial thought was to clean up the chassis a bit and skin it. “I started Googling Charger racecars and it just showed Daytonas, so that’s when it hit me that we could actually build a wing car,” he explains. The shell was then sent to Ozan Chassis Shop—owned by John Alexander— who was also responsible for much of the work on the Tarantula. When John took a look at it and started diving into what it actually took to reskin the dirt-track car to look like a Charger, his conclusion was that it was much simpler to take all the hardware from the dirt track car and build a tube frame around what was left of the car.

The frame was planned around the engine and a set of huge dirt track wheels and tires. Their challenge was to build a chassis that was narrow enough to accommodate those tires, but also wide enough to accept the engine. They were also going to tap into all the hardware from the dirt car. It donated the entire Wilwood brake setup, which included the wide-five hubs, quick-change rear, and all the bits for the running gear. Using all of these pieces meant that the Charger would end up being a wide-body design.

The change to a wing car also meant that they needed to source some very specific parts to make it happen. Original pieces were out of the question, so the guys at Janak Repros in Spring, Texas became their source for reproduction hardware. They purchased a wing, a pair of fender scoops, and a Superbird nose. “We ended up going with a ’bird nose instead of a Daytona nose,” Michael notes. “The ’bird nose was a little more rounded and a little more voluptuous.” Using that nose meant that a set of 1970 Coronet fenders was needed, and those came courtesy of eBay. At all four corners changes needed to be made to accommodate the larger rubber. At the rear there was still plenty of metal left of the original quarter panels to widen the body but they needed a mounting position. They didn’t want to cut and stretch them and ruin the lines, so they bought some new AMD quarters and left about an inch on the original ones to make it racecar friendly with Dzus fasteners. This gave the back end of the Charger an additional 2.5 inches on each side.

At the front, they didn’t know how to deal with the 15-inch wide rubber and thought they might have to slap on some wheel arches, which would have stylistically killed the wide-body look. One thing was clear, they weren’t going to mess with the dimensions of the nose, so Michael took a chance and did a pie cut down the whole length of the top of the fenders and welded some new metal in. That covered the rear of the front wheels, while two smaller pie cuts at the front drew the front out of the fender. This gave the front of the car an additional 2.5 inches on each side, making it a lot smoother of a transition.

As a result, the scoops from Janak were rendered useless because they were just too small. Michael had to improvise and the first thing that came to mind was to cut down some motorcycle tanks. They had a pair of Kawasaki KZ650 tanks hanging in the workshop, so he started cutting until they met that complex fender profile. Also on the table was the rear window. They didn’t want to use a Vega plug, or a fiberglass plug, because they had made a louvered Polycarbonate window, which required a bespoke piece to be crafted. They ended up fabricating all the windows from Polycarbonate and made them flush fit.

All of this stretching was in part due to the use of the wide-five hubs and the massive rubber. The problem was that there were only a few wheels available with that unique bolt pattern wide enough to mount on those hubs. That was remedied with a set of barrels they sourced from a wholesaler. They drew up a design, cut and machined them in-house, and crafted wheel centers that worked. Wrapping them was a set of Mickey Thompson SS Street radials.

A mill that was in keeping with the character of the car was also on the list. When it was just another budget build, the plan was to drop in a 440 with a set of aluminum heads they had purchased out of a motor home. “When we decided to do the wing car, we knew that we should step up to the plate and do something pretty fantastic,” Michael explains. “We didn’t want to do what everyone else has been doing by dropping in a Hellcrate. I knew about these R5-P7 engines that are sort of sitting around. I’ve seen them pop up on eBay from time to time and they are usually a fantastic deal.” What he was looking for was what Dodge had developed for their Winston Cup cars and are plentiful on the secondary market. That led him to Scott Eatmon at Eatmon Race Parts in Wilson, NC. Scott had an engine that was pretty fresh and didn’t need a complete rebuild, so they bought it, which included the dry-sump system and everything all the way back to the bell housing, including the Tilton race clutch. Before it was shipped out, it was put on the dyno where it pulled 740 horses at 8,300 rpm. It would be mated to a Tremec TKO 600 5-speed.

While that addressed the mechanical side of the equation, the visual side was undefined. When they initially did the renderings they planned to do a full livery on the car that was aged just like the Tarantula. Michael says, “As the pieces came together they spoke to us. The ugly brown fenders, the red and yellow door, and the rusty trunk lid started to speak to us and told a better story of how the car came together than we could tell people verbally.” He adds, “The main body was the only thing that I had to add color to, but when I did it, I wanted to do it in the most legitimate way possible. I went to Lowe’s and got them to mix up some enamel tractor paint matching the original color and got the closest match I could. I wanted to have that rough look so I laid down a lot of paint at once using a paint roller, so in one afternoon I just got in there and rolled the whole body. On the fenders I did the same thing. I blended in brown where new metal was.” They spent a lot of time blending it all in. On the turquoise they added white, black, and brown in strategic areas and blocked it to bring out all the existing patina. He notes, “You have to cover up the new and enhance the old.” The same treatment was done on the Le Mans style livery they chose. It was vinyl printed and treated to some steel wool. They hand-rubbed every decal to give it an original richness that went with everything else.

All of this was taking place days prior to SEMA. It was coming down to the wire and they didn’t have a hood. Part of the original design was to craft a large shaker hood. On their second option rendered by Pfaff Designs, they had the idea of using an inverted wheelbarrow on top of the engine. He states, “We put it on top, looked at, and knew right away there was no way to make it look right. We already had a couple of carbon fiber air cleaners so we went with that. We had a big enough piece of Polycarbonate left behind and we were already so pleased with the way things had turned out on the windows that this would be the perfect way to show off all the hardware and also give the car the finished look it deserved. We got some square tubing, built a frame, and worked the extractor into the hood just in time for SEMA.”

The final product was christened “Scraptona” and debuted in Las Vegas, where it was well received for its irreverent approach to a classic shape. Topping this one might be a tough act to pull off when Michael and Lee start planning their next build!

Tech Notes Who: Michael Hunt and Lee Clayton What: 1969 Dodge Charger “Scraptona” Where: Columbiana, AL

Engine: The engine of choice was a departure from the expected mills used in most Mopar-flavored builds. It is an R5-P7 that was developed by Dodge for their return to Winston Cup racing back in 2001. It is an open-decked, deep-skirt engine with the block, heads, and intake specifically designed for racing. Petty Racing Enterprises built this particular engine in 2005. It displaces 358 cubic inches with an 11.5:1 compression ratio. It features a Jesel belt drive instead of a timing chain, and also has Jesel roller rocker arms, roller keyway lifters, a Comp solid-roller camshaft, and a dry sump oil system.

Induction: On the top end a ported Dodge aluminum intake is crowned with a Holley XP 750 and a carbon fiber air cleaner.

Electronics: Sparking the engine to life is an MSD distributor, MSD 6AL ignition box, and an MSD Master Blaster 3 coil.

Gearbox: The use of a 5-speed was set in stone as a key element of the road race theme. TredWear opted for a Tremec TKO 600 sourced from American Powertrain to mount on the Tilton bell housing. The clutch is a Tilton 3-stage semi-metallic unit.

Rearend: The rear is a classic Winters quick-change unit stuffed with a set of 3.55:1 gears.

Chassis/suspension: The chassis for the Scraptona was built around the Charger body and is a tube frame design. The front suspension consists of Aldan coilovers with 550-pound springs, Rocket chassis upper A-arms and two-piece lower arms, Afco severe-duty ball joints, a Speedway 1.25-inch sway bar, and a Woodward steering rack. At the rear, Aldan coilovers with 300-pound springs are also used. It’s a three-link setup with a torque arm and a magnesium tube that houses a Winters quick-change rear.

Brakes: The braking system was lifted directly from the dirt track car. It was upgraded to include new Wilwood 13-inch rotors up front and 12-inch rotors at the rear. Calipers are forged Superlite 6R units.

Wheels/Tires: Wheels and tires were a key component that influenced other aspects as the car came together. The wheel barrels were selected as the foundation for the massive tire size. The wheel centers were custom made to allow mounting onto the Wilwood wide-five hubs. The end result was a set of 20 x 12 wheels that were the wrapped in 29×15.00R20 Mickey Thompson SS Street radial rubber.

Paint/body: The Scraptona foundation is a 1969 Dodge Charger shell infused with 1970 Coronet fenders and an array of Superbird and Daytona reproduction pieces. The fenders were mounted on the car and modified to keep the massive rubber tucked within the body. They were sectioned with metal added giving them an additional 2.5 inches of width. At the rear, AMD reproduction quarters were cut down and installed with Dzus fasteners for quick access. The addition of these added the needed 2.5 inches at the rear to also keep the rubber tucked inside the body. The rear window plug was fabricated to accommodate the louvered Polycarbonate rear window that has inspired a new product line that will be available from TredWear in 2019. The headlights are a wing car departure in that they are fixed using a set of BMW E30 headlight buckets. The nose was hung using an internal structure built from .5 inch square tubing. Paint on the body is a mixture of original factory applied color and tractor paint from Lowe’s. The tractor paint was applied with a roller and was distressed with additional colors, steel wool, and Scoth-Brite pads. This technique was carried over to the livery.

Interior: The interior is very basic; a pair of Kirkey Vintage Class 18-inch bucket seats was installed along with 5-point Simpson harnesses. Instruments are minimal, consisting of a RacePak IQ3S display.

The post Coolest Junkyard Mopar Ever! 1969 Dodge Charger “Scraptona” appeared first on Hot Rod Network.

from Hot Rod Network https://www.hotrod.com/articles/1969-dodge-charger-scraptona/ via IFTTT

[zenruption]

4 Reasons to Start a Restaurant Business Venture

Everyone has new startup ideas popping into their heads on a regular basis. Perhaps you could start an idea that no one has thought of, maybe you see an unmet niche in an industry you’re familiar with, or perhaps you want to take the dive and tackle a new project to gain more experience. Whatever your reasons for starting a new business, there’s one industry that is always booming and always welcoming new talent: restaurants.

Image Source

Be it a humble mom and pop restaurant, a trendy fast food location or an extravagant restaurant that all the celebrities go to, there are countless ideas to play with and it’s easy to start one up assuming you have a solid plan. But starting up a business on your own is never easy, so here are a couple of good ideas to get you started and reasons why you should invest in a restaurant.

Unleashing creativity and passion

If you feel passionate about food or deem yourself as a creative type, then you can never go wrong with a restaurant venture. You can base it around food that you enjoy, you can focus on what’s trendy in the area, or you could meet a niche that hasn’t been explored. For instance, Korean food was largely unheard of until the last few years. The popularity exploded and you can now find countless Korean restaurants and barbeque locations to eat at. However, it’s important that no matter what idea you plan to use, it has to be consistent so that your customers return.

Image Source

It’s easy to setup

A restaurant doesn’t take too much work to set up. All you really need are some chefs, a couple of tables and chairs, a good idea and a kitchen. Of course, there is stock to manage, health and safety to think about and kitchen equipment for your chosen cuisine. You can equip your kitchen with extractor fans for commercial kitchens if you need extra power to exhaust fumes from frying and grilling, and you can find cheap industrial spaghetti and pasta machines if you know where to look. You also have the option of setting up a takeout location that doesn’t need many tables and chairs, if any at all.

People love to eat

No matter what you sell, people will always be curious enough to come and visit your location should they pass by. If you get a decent amount of foot traffic or advertise your business locally, you’ll get plenty of business by just being around and offering food to paying customers. It’s a business that will always get customers unless your food is horrible and your customer service is atrocious.

Image Source

Using the internet is simple

Many restaurant owners are turning to services such as Uber Eats to promote their business online. Their fleet of drivers and riders can help you turn your static location into a local sensation if you offer online delivery, and there’s no easier way to do that than to register yourself with Uber Eats or a similar service to get your food into the hands of everyone that lives locally.