Grillby hoped that the situation would improve once everyone went through the trouble of creating rain… It seemed so at first, but as time went by the crowds grew denser and denser.
Frisk commented beneath the mask, “This doesn’t look right.”
“…I concur…” Grillby furrowed his brows. “…Seems like people are getting into town… Somehow…”
Frisk looked down at their left shoe. Immediately after that they departed for the nearest bush. For their safety, the fire elemental thought to stay close by their side.
Two talking yellow flowers peeked from the gaps between the leaves. They were reporting everyone’s locations to Frisk.
His briefing with Lady Lucidia made it clear that Flowey was the former Prince Asriel brought back to life. The other rosy-cheeked one was Chara, the first human that fell down the Underground. Their presence still felt impersonal despite the knowledge.
Flowey dropped as much information as he could: “Jacob is at the Town Hall, Rosemary got kidnapped, Edmund and Victor picked up Sans, dropped him off at the big tent, and now they’re heading to the library without the trashbag. Undyne rushed Lucas and Cenna to the Lab, and left with the foreign boys. Papyrus then drove off somewhere with Aiden.”
Before they could formulate a new plan. Dark red smoke flares launched from the edges of Ebott Town. Their long trails brought silence to the crowd, both protesters and police.
Soon after, it was absolute pandemonium. The spectacle whipped the already tensed crowd into a frenzy, causing them to push hard against the edges of Point Gamma.
Fortunately, the organized deployment of Lucas’ Green Magi squad proved ever so useful. They cast a row of shields in unison to reinforce the existing front lines. If necessary, Frisk could even support them by adding their own magic into the mix.
Witnessing the fallout, Chara asked: “Are you sure the plan is working? Maybe you should RESET and try again. It seems like the longer we go on, the worse it gets.”
Frisk shook their head. “Even if I do that, I don’t know how to prevent this from happening yet.”
“Maybe we should slap Mezil awake.” The rosy-cheeked one suggested, swiping a leaf across their face.
“Chara, no.” Frisk refused, “He already didn’t sleep the whole night. I don’t want to kill him with stress overload.”
Frustrated, Flowey exclaimed: “So what, are we just gonna sit here and do nothing?!”
Grillby crossed his arms and said, “…You flowers seem fast…”
“Uh, well, yeah. We can move fast as long there’s earth to travel through. Plus we can cover more ground by using our roots to sense what’s on the other side.”
“…Does that include hearing?…”
“Hearing? Like sounds? We can definitely pick up certain vibrations if that’s what you’re asking.”
That mention sparked an idea from Frisk. “That’s it! Flowey, Chara, could you figure out where the new arrivals are coming from?”
The flowers sank back into the bush, delving deep into the soil to complete Frisk’s request.
They popped back out after a while. Both excited and alarmed, Flowey reported: “I heard a lot of wheels coming from the south side of town!”
“North side too,” Chara added. “Those stupid humans. Still pouring into town even though we told them to go away…”
Rubbing their chin, Frisk pondered. “So one of you should go south and the other should go north. I think Flowey has better experience making vines, so he should go to the more difficult zone of the two. Barricade the border as much as possible. What do you think, Grillby?”
“…It’s a good plan… I agree…” Grillby nodded for extra affirmation.
He then heard a jingle of gems coming from behind him. Looking that way, he saw the enigmatic Hajikami Hua leaning against a nearby tree. He kept well out of sight from the other law enforcers.
“Sir Grillenn,” Hajikami spoke, “Your next trial lies northwards, at Point Alpha.”
Tilting their head, Frisk asked: “Another trial? I thought we’re already finished with the whole Crimson Hall business?”
In which the musician replied in a stoic, factual manner. “Consider this Sir Grillen’s personal test, from me to him. You need not worry, child.”
Frisk seemed a little annoyed to be dismissed that way, but they decided not to fuss about it. “Flowey,” they said, “I think you should follow Grillby to the north. Chara should handle the south. Meanwhile, I’ll stay here to make sure this crowd doesn’t go anywhere. Or do anything bad.”
“O-okay,” said Flowey. Narrowing his gaze at Grillby, he then asked, concerned: “Are you sure I won’t dry up hitching a ride on THAT GUY? He’s in METAL ARMOUR! I’m gonna sizzle like a fried vegetable!”
In the most cheeky tone, Frisk answered: “You survived Mom’s fireballs, didn’t you?”
“But, they’re Mom’s, and, argh whatever I get your point. I’ll go.”
Pointing a leaf at Grillby, the little flower ordered: “Reach your arm out.”
The fire knight did as told, and a vine curled upwards. Before long, Flowey was riding on his shoulder.
“…Okay,” Flowey blinked a few times. “The armour is surprisingly cold.”
Another day, another misconception about his physique. Grillby shook his head. “…I don’t burn indiscriminately…”
Hajikami Hua seemed satisfied with the arrangement. “The roof shall be your road, and the trees your stepping stone. Whenever you feel weary, have your feet touch the earth. Let this be another lesson for you.”
The bard played a melody. Grillby felt a strange sensation wrap around him. An immense power awakened soon after, coming from within his SOUL.
“…I’ll be going…” He nodded at Frisk. Then, he began a dash. A thin but intense layer of flame lined the soles of his feet. Wherever he once traversed, it left a scorch mark behind.
To his astonishment, he leapt across the landscape with swift ease, be it the rooftops or trees. The strange Magus did not jest: any foothold was enough to maintain momentum, from the hardest concrete to the smallest leaf.
Hanging on for dear life, the former prince asked: “Y-you’re even faster than me! Were you always this awesome?”
“…No…” Grillby replied, “…Not at all… Strange things have been happening to me… since that musician appeared…”
“T-that’s lucky for me, I guess! Because if you were THIS strong down in The Underground, I might have needed to wrap you extra, like a mummy!”
That whole paragraph made zero sense to Grillby’s mind. “…I’m sorry… I don’t understand…”
Realising that he had let his tongue slip, Flowey bashfully responded, “F-forget about it. It’s not important anyway.”
If the former prince insisted on such, then he wouldn’t pry further. They had more troubles ahead anyway.
Midway, he started to feel his strength wane. That’s when Grillby made sure to land on solid ground. The moment he did so, he felt energy draw into him through the soles of his feet.
The immediate restoration bolstered his confidence. To quickly regain altitude, Grillby tried to scale a three-storey building. It’s one of the techniques he was taught by a master climber, and he himself passed down to Undyne.
He soon found himself kicking his whole body upwards as every step inflicted vertical recoil against his feet, almost like a flawless wall run. At this rate, he didn’t need to grab any part of the wall with his hand. Not even the wet slipperiness from the fake rain slowed his ascent.
And so, he continued his journey from up high until he reached Point Alpha.
Point Alpha made Point Gamma look peaceful. With all that space around, people gathered at the border of town without restraint.
To make matters worse, the communication blackout had caused the Royal Guard, Magi, and the police force to fall into disarray. The situation grew too much for them to handle without the necessary on-site leadership. Perhaps the Dog Clan suffered the most. One of them was already whimpering behind ally lines, being consoled with pets from nearby officers.
…The rain didn’t fall very far from the edge of the remaining buildings…
…They’re free to burn pyres and effigies. And I can’t publicly banish the flames here like I did at Gamma…
A Magus approached Grillby. Judging from the way he’s dressed, he should be a member of Lucas Fennel’s squad.
After a salute, the Magus said: “You must be Sir Grillbz Grillenn. Blue Squad is doing its utmost to regain order at Point Alpha. Are you here to provide backup?”
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“…Yes…” Grillby replied.
“That’s great news! How much personnel?”
“…I… was sent here by Hajikami Hua… Alone…”
Flowey raised his leaf and added: “And our lovely Frisk Dreemurr sent me.”
“Oh.” Anxiety hid beneath that stoic reply. “I will report this to Judge Fennel. If you need any help please don’t be afraid to ask The Blue Squad for assistance.”
“So,” asked the flower. “Any bright plans?”
Before any brainstorming could be done, a massive wail of multiple sirens came from the main highway. The constant flashing of blue and red lights stung his eyes, forcing him to shield his sight.
…That’s one way to announce your presence…
Angry protesters attempted to block the incoming police force from entering the town using their own bodies. The entourage stopped, making it look like the civilians won. But then, the water trucks started to deploy their nozzles, aimed square at the people.
A few sprays were enough to break their flimsy, unorganized formation and scatter them. Then the force resumed onwards into Ebott Town uninterrupted.
Flowey asked, “Are they on our side? I sure hope so. Otherwise this day is gonna suck even more.”
The member of the Blue Squad commented: “This was definitely not authorized by Keeper Fennel. We would have been informed otherwise. I’m going to report this.”
…An unknown police force joining the fray… I should talk to them… Clear any misunderstandings early…
Grillby started walking towards the entourage. This prompted Flowey to try to hide behind his back.
“…Your Highness?…” Grillby asked.
“Flowey. Just, Flowey, please. I-I-I-I just don’t want to be caught on live camera, upfront and personal. If you get what I mean.”
It’s not good for someone from the Dreemurr Royal Family to be so camera-shy. Perhaps a change in perspective would give him some much needed boldness, Grillby thought. “…Would you let me be your delegate?…”
“Uh. Yeah! That’s a great idea! You do the talking. I’ll just observe. Like always.”
And so Grillby proceeded to meet with the police with the Prince hitching a secret ride.
Two police officers emerged from the frontmost car: a man and a woman.
The man’s uniform had similar decorations to Roger Eldin’s: a sign of the highest rank. Meanwhile, the woman’s attire was more in line with the lower rank and file. It was plain to see who’s boss.
Observing them further, Grillby noted that they had many things in common however. Both had a fair complexion, light blue eyes, and light brown hair. Their combination marked a stark contrast to Roger’s trademark red-and-white.
He also noted that they’re roughly Roger’s age, and they each carried an air of refined meticulousness.
The man asked: “Are you the leader of the monster defense force?”
“…No…” Grillby replied, “…That would be Captain Undyne… I’m here to assist while she’s busy with the other zones…”
“Since you’ve come forward, I’m guessing you’re her representative. Name and rank?”
Grillby placed a hand over his chest and bowed lightly. “…Sir Grillbz Grillenn… Knight of Berendin.”
“Oh! What luck,” the man smiled brightly. “That means you’re the new Knight of Berendin we’ve been hearing about. Here I am worrying that there’s no figure of authority at the border. I’m Assistant Commissioner Clement Eccleston. And next to me here is Commander Hannah Eccleston.”
…The same surname… with similar features… Are they siblings?…
The fire elemental asked, “…What brings you to Ebott… If I may ask?…”
Clement replied: “We recently lost communication with Commissioner Eldin. Quite a troubling predicament, isn’t it? Hence, I’ve brought a force to rescue him.”
Looking at all the smoke and fire around, the man added: “It certainly looks like he needs some help either way.”
Whether or not this man’s words held true, Grillby knew he had to remain polite. “…Thank you for your aid… Unfortunately, the blackout is town-wide… I don’t know where he is either…”
The Assistant Commissioner tried to use his phone. A few seconds later he put it away as expected. “Well, this is quite a pickle. Dear me, that means we have to locate him ourselves.”
Turning towards the woman, he said: “Hannah, you lead the search for the Commissioner. He prefers to see your face. Meanwhile I’ll assist the border.”
Grillby noted that the woman was not too keen on leaving the border to her superior. Nonetheless, orders were orders, and she had to comply.
When she tried to coordinate a search party, officer Hannah realised that her own communication channels were also cut off. She looked at the wet asphalt road for a moment before leaving to give her orders face-to-face.
…Hmm?… Is it me, or did they still have functioning intercoms when they fired the water cannons?…
…The response was too prompt and organized if the systems had already failed…
…In other words, I’m standing at the edge of the interference… And those further back would be broadcasting this event to the world…
While the Ecclestons did their job, Grillby kept a watchful eye on them. Slowly but surely, the existing exhausted forces were being swapped out by their fresher friendlies.
Flowey whispered into his ear. “Hey. If we make a big wall juuuust outside of the ‘designated zones’, would it still count as ‘magical interference’ and piss everybody off?”
Grillby replied, “…Definitely… But we might need to do that soon…”
“Why? Because of the police?”
“…Yes…”
“Doodoobutts.”
When the line was sufficiently assembled, Clement raised his hand. On his command, Rifles were pointed towards the air and warning shots rang in unison.
Fear descended upon the collective. They hushed and stopped whatever they were doing.
With a megaphone, the policeman declared: “Ladies, gents, and everyone in between. Thank you for your attention. I’m here to enforce order while abiding by your rights to protest. From now on, anyone outside of the designated zones will be disciplined as per protocol.”
“In layman terms,” he continued, “Your delinquency will be met with force. Either you comply, or leave, effective immediately.”
Once he said so, rifles were aimed towards the civilians. Some people started to flee. Those who remained started to jeer and boo about ‘police brutality’.
In that moment, Clement showed his true ruthless colours. Frowning, Grillby realised that this force didn’t come to their aid. Quite the opposite: they’ve come to impose their rule of law in the gaps of chaos.
Didn’t Roger already warn Judge Thyme of this very outcome? He remembered the grizzled Commissioner chiding Mezil for his poor choice of words. Yet this new entity just waltzed in, took over the situation, and destroyed whatever careful front they had created.
…He’s doing this on purpose…
…The plans Judge Thyme put in place… They’re eroding, fast…
“…Flowey… Time to wall the place up now… Completely separate the crowd from the police.”
“Golly. Alright fire dude, run where you want the wall to grow!”
So Grillby dashed between the police lines and the protesters, cutting across the edge of Point Alpha. Any possible dispute was better than letting people get shot.
Distance was not a problem for Grillby in his current state. In a matter of seconds, a thick wall of thorny vines prevented either side from seeing each other. It stretched far enough that it became impossible for anyone to circle around.
His swift feet then brought him back to Clement’s forces.
Amused, the leader commented: “My, my, I thought I’d only see that kind of light footwork in fiction. What a time to be alive.”
On the other hand, the fire elemental’s flames flickered in anger. “…I expected more restraint…”
“Hm? Are you worried about the guns?” Remaining genial, Clement explained: “They may look dangerous, but they’re not. They’re riot control weapons designed to fire only rubber bullets. Very low lethality.”
“…You’re firing into the crowd… The weapons don’t matter… It’s the perception…”
Still with a pleasant face, he plainly stated: “You should raise your objections to your new boss, Judge Thyme. Though I daresay that we have more in common with each other than Roger does.”
“Besides,” As he turned head towards the vine walls, he added, “Don’t you think all this plant matter is a bit too… flammable?”
Feeling insulted, Flowey poked out from over the shoulder to retort: “Hey! My vines are not THAT dry and weak!”
“Oh, I didn’t notice you brought a little friend. Here I wondered how a fire elemental could conjure vegetation. Either way, I regret to inform you that the amount of flammables you’re about to face will test that claim.”
Before the flower could protest back, he was interrupted by sounds of breaking glass. Fire started to burn on the other side of the wall, fostered by the fuel Flowey himself made.
To add to the trouble, they heard the sounds of chopping. Some may have brought hatchets or axes, and now those same folk were trying to hack their way in.
A member of the defense yelled: “Molotovs incoming!”
A couple of flaming bottles crashed down from over the thorns,breaking against the asphalt road and setting that ablaze. Toxic fumes rose from the chemical concoction.
Grillby consumed the flames, considering them too dangerous to leave around
…I can see why I was sent here alone… It’s a condition that a Fire Eater could exploit…
He had the idea to command the fires from behind the wall. That should be the best way to keep everyone safe, albeit in a roundabout way.
Yet before he could do anything, he heard a boy cry out for help.
…Where?!… His eyes darted around, looking for the possible victim.
Flowey tugged his left shoulder, firmly pointing towards the base of the vine wall. “He’s over there!”
A human boy had attempted to squeeze underneath a gap in the vines. Thorns must have snagged against the fabric of his attire, preventing him from moving forward or backwards.
…If I can see his head popping out… He must be too far in for the adult humans to pull him out by the feet…
Grillby rushed to the rescue. Getting the child out from underneath there should be a snap. His newfound might could rip the vines apart if needed.
But, when Grillby got down to the ground to reach out, the boy started screaming in fear.
“GO AWAY!!! Go away go away go away you stupid fire monster!!!” He actively tried to push himself backwards to no avail.
“Shut up, you stupid crybaby!” Flowey spat back. “Just sit still and let us help! Okay, I’ll try to loosen it here and there while the big guy does the pulling.”
When they tried to do just that, glass bottles clinked against each other with every tug. “Uh, Grillbz? My vines are stuck on a big bag. And whatever’s inside, there’s a lot of sloshing liquid!”
The bag was packed to the brim with more homemade incendiaries. Unaware of the boy’s plight, the angry mob on the other side lobbed more and more of their own. Fire started to build right above where the boy lay trapped. Soon, embers started to fall between the thorns, leaving blackened marks on the bag and the boy’s clothes.
Memories flashed past Grillby’s mind. Once upon a time, a human boy was burned to death right in front of him. History threatened to repeat its tragic notes.
…I refuse to let you die!…
The fire elemental wasted no time to make a decision in the heat of the moment. Absorbing the fire would endanger the boy in its path, plus he won’t risk depending on a voice he had yet to master. So he started digging through the wall, ripping out the ensnaring vines and burning them to ashes in his grip.
…A little bit more… Just a bit more!…
Time was running out.
When the opening got large enough for him to reach inside, Grillby grabbed the bag’s straps. Put all his focus into melting them within his palms, snapping them in half.
Even if he freed the boy, there’d be no opportunity to scramble back on their feet and escape. So he beckoned to the plant hitching on his back. “…Flowey…! …Please… Call the Blue Squad… Now!…”
The flower turned towards the Blue Squad. “Blue Squad, HELP!!! PULL US OUTTA HERE!!! ANYTHING!!!”
Despite the boy’s frightened squirming, Grillby yanked him out in one swift motion. The collective union of Blue Magic helped him soon after, whisking them further out of harm’s way.
Heat and flames engulfed the incendiary bag, triggering a small explosion. If the boy had been there for a second longer, he would have been set alight or blown to bits. Whichever way, it would be a terrible outcome.
Grillby and Flowey stared at the burning inferno before them. The boy too remained in quiet shock: whatever feistiness he had was long gone. All three of them still tried to comprehend what disaster they had just averted.
The fire elemental needed a moment for himself. Sir Grillbz Grillen turned his back away from the gazes of others and clutched his hand with shaky breaths.
Those hands that had once killed… had saved. His logical side tried to dismiss the action as the duty expected of a knight. But, monsters were made of emotions, weren’t they?
“C’mon, hothead. Get yourself together.” Although Flowey’s words were rough, his tone was gentle. “You did the right thing.”
Indeed. No matter his past guilt, Grillby would have tried to save anyone trapped in those burning vines. Human or monster, child or adult: he would have done the same.
After a few calming breaths, the fire elemental nodded to the flower on his shoulder. “…Thank you…”
When Clement approached, Grillby raised his inner guard again.
The Assistant Commissioner asked in his usual pleasant cheer, “Bravo on the exemplary rescue! We’ll take custody of the boy from now on, if you don’t mind. Other than that, are you alright? That was quite something.”
“…Everything’s fine…” Grillby replied.
“Good. Come along then. We still have a long day ahead of us.”
“…Indeed…”
The border watch continued unabated even after all that action. There was no moment to rest just yet.