CHAPTER 1

Finding New Life, Finding New Hope

Chapter1: Welcome

The days passed.

Life was difficult for some time, as the Dreemurr family dealt with the loss of their beloved son. But they were fairly strong people and they endured those gloomy days, and managed to get past them. Hardest to deal with were the questions of what had happened to Asriel. The only witness to the fate of his brother, Kris refused to talk about it or denied it. In fact, he refused to talk much at all, practically becoming a mute. Gossip surrounded him, some of it very unkind, some of it suspicious, but he didn't care. All he cared about were his family and friends; and the bonds between himself, his sister Susie, and his friends Ralsei and Lancer, grew strong, and helped him through those early days when everything seemed bleak and hopeless.

Asgore tried to be a good shepherd to his congregation, a good manager to the Monastery, but he couldn't. He was disheartened. The Light of God faded in his heart, and he was burdened with disbelief. He had to be honest with everyone, first telling his family, then the family of the Church he presided over, that he could no longer serve them. Friar Alvin tried to help his friend and priest as best he could, but to no avail. It became clear when services were suspended that he was destined for retirement. He was given a generous severance, but he cared little for the money. The only thing he desired was to be with his son, whether alive or dead. The other person who re-entered his life was Undyne, the city guard, who was very upset over the broken priest she had been friends with. She made sure that Toriel knew she had no intentions towards her man, though she wasn't sure just how to help him. It ended up that most of the time, they drank together, and even though alcohol was a depressant, it helped make the memories foggy for a while.

It fell to Toriel to maintain the Church for a time until they could locate a new priest to head it. This was unusual, but the monastics there greatly desired that a Dreemurr remain as head of their body, and so they annointed Toriel to be Church Mother, and permitted her to hold services and give the sermon every Sunday. At first it was difficult for her, having to balance the needs of a family full of broken hearts with service to the Church. But she found her footing in this new role, and in time, became a worthy successor to her husband. Still, they all knew this was temporary. The Church required a proper priest.

Kris knew that the mantle would eventually fall on his shoulders. He resigned himself to his fate and prepared for it. He took all the necessary studies, and though at first he cared little for them, eventually he found comfort in the Word of God, and it became easier. It became the foundation for a new kind of faith, the determination to save his brother from the clutches of Hell. He was anxious to set off on his dire mission to the Kingdom of Darkness, but he had enough sense to know that he wasn't ready. He didn't even know how to open a portal there. Nor did he know what to expect when he crossed over to that dark realm. He knew that without preparation of some kind, he would end up with the same fate as his brother, or dead. As much as he anguished over the wait, as desperate to get on with his rescue, he had to prepare for this. But he had to endure being made ready for the priesthood first.

And then, there was the matter of the succubus tormenting him. His situation with Chara had taken a strange turn. Apparently, the demonic girl seemed content to lurk in the back of his mind like a sinful thought, and didn't really torment him as much as he feared she would. But every so often, like a chronic wound that never healed, she would remind him that he wasn't alone in his being. That he was her "meat puppet," that he was a meal just waiting to be served to some demon, perhaps her when she was done with him. That at any time, he might not have control of his body, and worst of all, that he would never be free of her. He would have angry, heated aruments with her in silence during those moments, and while the others wondered about his periodic sour moods, no one knew of his true inner turmoil.

Kris was convinced that he had made her afraid to intrude on his psyche very much, because of his desire to die and go to Heaven, there to wait on his brother to join him when he finally lost his life. Chara would most likely die too, and go straight to Hell. Not wanting to risk this existence made sense, but then, what was the point of her "gentle" possession? Did she simply enjoy dwelling within a body again after untold years as a spirit? Did she have a specific task that she was shirking? He had no idea, but at least the demon girl left him alone, mostly. He had to be careful, though, for his bright red eyes were a permanent part of his being. And if she did take over, there was no telling what she would force him to do.

Susie found a lot of comfort in Lancer's friendship, as Kris became somewhat distant and detached, or so it seemed to her. Asriel's disappearance was hard on both of them, but having to endure the burden of knowing what happened, Kris was particularly hit hard by it. He spent a lot of time alone early on, and Susie resented this, but she couldn't know what Kris was unwilling to tell her. Lancer filled the role well of surrogate brother or cousin, and being playful and funny, he helped lift her spirits. As time passed and they grew comfortable with their lives again, Susie still harbored something of a grudge against Kris, and they once again became targets of each other's pranks. While she didn't really enjoy suffering Kris' abuse, particularly when he would lift her skirts at very embarrassing moments, it made her feel a bit better that they had a more-or-less fun way to maintain their relationship. Both of them knew that they loved each other dearly, even if Kris was less obvious about it. But in Susie's heart, she began to feel very warm feelings for her increasingly handsome brother, even slightly romantic ones, though she was simply being infatuated, with no other boys she felt all that attracted to. And of course, this was a deep secret no one would ever know...

Ralsei had to fight his own depression for some time, since he felt responsible for enabling Asriel to make his treacherous deal with the Devils. He was certain that something had gone wrong, or the boy had done an utterly foolhardy act, like sold his SOUL to them. Whatever the case, his friend was gone, and it was a terrible burden on his heart which took almost as long to heal as it had for the family. He still had to lead the choir on Sunday, though many times he wept through the performances. But with time, a measure of joy returned to his life, for he dearly loved music, and serving their Heavenly Father. The one thing that troubled him was that God would allow this calamity to nearly ruin all their lives. He felt badly for the Dreemurrs, for they were wonderful people, and the way it affected Kris and Susie was heartbreaking. He did everything he could to win their friendships, and they were grateful for his affection and company. There were many days he helped them get through some very dark sorrows. He wished he could tell them of his work, studying the occult, but he feared both what they would think of one of their friends trying to become a wizard, and setting them up for crushing disappointment if he couldn't rescue their brother.

Chapter1: About

The years passed.

Kris became the priest they expected him to be - after a fashion. He was almost nothing like his friendly, outgoing father. Instead, he was a kind, polite, but distant young man who barely spoke outside of his sermons, or in dealings with his family. And even with them, he spoke very little. He knew his Scriptures, he was kind and involved with the people of the Church and the town of Sanctuary. But he became known as "the weird priest" for various reasons. Some didn't like his aloof, unfriendly attitude. Some didn't like the fact that he wasn't a Monster, but a Human, merely adopted and not a true Dreemurr. They wanted Asriel to reappear. This surprised Kris, as he didn't expect any sort of racism from his community, though he came to understand it from how Humankind tended to look down on his adoptive Monsters.

Some didn't like his occasionally childish behavior, playing pranks on people, especially his sister Susie. And many didn't like his haircut, which left long bangs over his eyes, but that couldn't be helped. What would they think if they saw his blazing red eyes? Demonic oppression, perhaps possession, and rightly so. But, he ignored their slights, remarks of how he wasn't like his father or brother, and carried on as best he could.

Chapter1: About

Susie became one of the Church sisters rather than a nun, since she wanted to marry, and carried out her duties faithfully. She had the support of the monks and nuns there because of the terrible loss of her brother, but time had soothed that wound to the point it was bearable. On occasion it bothered her, particularly on birthdays, either Asriel's or her own, or Christmas, but she had no shortage of friends and people in the Church to confide in. And of course her parents were always there for her. For that, she was eternally grateful. But the one she ended up being closest to was Lancer, the odd little fellow who never seemed to grow, and was a perpetual child at heart. And together, they made things interesting for a few people in the monastery due to their pranks. As much as they enjoyed the monastic life, many times, they found it to be mind-numbingly boring, and a good trick on someone, done in good fun, helped liven things up. Though sometimes the target of their pranks didn't see it that way, particularly when that target was Kris. They seemed to take particular delight in vexing him, and though they were never really mean about it, sometimes it was hard to tell. But while she wouldn't make up for a prank gone wrong right away, she made sure he knew that she loved him dearly.

Asgore and Toriel moved out of their Church home when he retired and she gave up her ministerial duties. Kris was the priest now, after all, so it was officially his residence. While he would have let them stay, it was something of a relief to have the place to himself, and Susie. She stayed there with him in her old room, and he took up his bed in his parent's large bedroom. It was something of a comfort having her there. In spite of being a loner and a recluse, he needed to know that someone was nearby, when he needed comfort, and he did what he could for her when she had need of him. But he was also mindful that Chara was ever present in his mind, and he made sure to let her know that she needed to lock her doors at night, just in case. Chara hadn't been a problem, yet, but he was fully aware of her wicked tendencies for either lust, or bloodlust. He swore that if she ever killed anyone, he would be put to death, and he would leave his tale of Asriel's demonic kidnapping with Susie, in hope that someday, someone would try to rescue him. Somehow.

Ralsei took a leave of absence for a year, for "personal" reasons. He had reached an impasse with his studies, and realized that he needed to be initiated by a wizard into the full status of a wizard, or he would be unable to advance any further. Plus, he could contact another wizard if he required assistance with anything. The problem was that he had no idea whether or not this initiation ritual he had to go through was going to prove damaging to his SOUL. But he didn't know what else to do, and so he went on a journey for a year of study under a wizard who had a good reputation. However, what that wizard's name was, and what he experienced in that year, he never told anyone. But when he returned, some of the boyish delight had faded from his eyes.

* * * * * * * *

Kris picked up his notebook to put in his briefcase, and grabbed his pen. But it snapped up off the desk, and stuck itself to his hand from some incredibly adhesive substance, proving difficult to remove. He wasn't in the mood for a prank like that just then, and bellowed, "Susie!"

She was hunched over, snickering with Lancer, when that cry rang throughout the Church offices. The pair froze, and Lancer murmured, "Gee, and I thought he was in a pretty good mood today."

She scowled, muttering, "He's been off and on this week... I don't know what's up with him. But maybe we'd better lay low for about an hour."

He grinned up to her. "How about an early lunch? And then an after-lunch?"

She smiled back. "We could, if we hurry up and volunteer for kitchen duty."

He looked miffed at the idea for a moment, then smiled up to her. "Oh well, if it means some extra food, what the heck? Let's go before Kris - kills us," he stumbled out, looking suddenly afraid.

Susie cringed, feeling a presence behind her. "He's... there isn't he?" she muttered, to which Lancer could only nod. Her instincts were to grab him up and bolt off in a dash for freedom, but she knew that a few minutes of escape would result in an hour of penitence, or more. It was best to get it overwith, so she turned around, saying in an overly cheerful voice, "Hiiyee--!"

She blinked as he tapped his pen a bit hard on her nose, smirking at her as it stuck there. He held up his hand, demanding, "What removes this goo?"

She tugged the pen from her snout, and grumbled, "Ohh... lighter fluid... acetone - that's fingernail polish remov--"

"I know," he snapped. "I also know... you two, late, garden work."

They groaned together, as gardening was one of their least favorite chores. Only cleaning restrooms and bathrooms was worse. She muttered as she went to leave, "I'll have to change into work clothes..."

"Good idea," Kris remarked, slapping her in the back, and it seemed as if he'd affixed something, but she couldn't quite tell what till she had taken a few steps. It felt like a draft on her legs and in her rear. She looked behind her, as did Lancer, who burst out laughing. He had lifted the flap of her skirt and used his pen to glue it to her back. "Why you... Kris!" But her brother had made good his escape. She yanked it back down, blushing with embarrassment, and growled, "Get that stupid pen off of me! And next time, don't come up with something that can be used against me like that!" As she calmed down though, she began to chuckle, thinking Kris had been quite clever.

He went back to his office, and had to settle for some hot soapy water to remove most of the gum on his hand. He knew that he shouldn't be all that upset over it, but he was about to go back to looking through the books his brother had been researching, the books that had put him at the mercy of infernal beings. Infernal beings capable of murder. One line had impaled itself in his psyche from that horrible night, when his brother had been stolen from him.

I should have picked a better mate, and killed your mother sooner.

His mother... his Human mother, the one who risked her life to give him a decent life among Earthlings. She had chosen Monsters, for whatever reason. Perhaps because the Devils wouldn't think to look among them for years. He was eternally grateful for her choice, and couldn't imagine better parents. But his real parent, his mother... it had cost her everything, her life taken from her for her transgression, and likely in a horrible way. He would never know her, know why she had become the wife of a Devil, why she had stayed with him. Never know her love. He felt sorely depressed, and angry. His father, the murdering bastard... how would he ever confront him? Fight him, hope to defeat him? How? But if he was going to save his brother, he would have to. Gemaliel wouldn't give up the son of a priest willingly, and if he wasn't careful, he would join his brother in that hellish domain, another living trophy. A trophy to his father, no less. He wanted to spit.

The Bible made sense to him, but then, it was all about relationships and love, real Love. Still, one thing didn't make sense: why had the Father allowed this to happen? Was free will so crucially important, that even if it cost a family one of their own in one of the worst tragedies imaginable, it was okay? Worth it? He wanted to scream. A few times, he had screamed out of frustration and despair, when the pain and hurtful memories wounded his heart all over again. But he did all he could to rein in his emotions, because Chara loved it when he cried. She was so deeply interwoven in his consciousness now that they were close to becoming one entity. And if that happened, would he be able to control her? He wasn't sure.

He went to the cloistered library his brother had become absorbed in. Being the priest, he had the key.

These books didn't make much sense. The occult had a certain rhyme and reason to it, but it wasn't very clear. It was twisted, too easy to get something wrong, and he would have to be careful because getting a ritual wrong could get one killed, or worse. Become a living trophy until Doomsday, among other things. It didn't help that the notes Asriel had used were half ruined in the rain. But he had to piece them together, because it was the key to summoning his demonic father. And he was damned well going to see that infernal fiend and make him give his brother back, and then make him pay for his mother's death. He swore it.

* * * * * * * *

Susie and Lancer unhappily began their garden work, pulling weeds among the rows of vegetables and othjer crops in the field next to the Church grounds. She wore her torn denim jeans and a t-shirt, with a bandana to hold her hair back from her eyes, and glad that there was no skirt for Kris to lift and embarrass her. Lancer broke the silence first. "Why d'you think Kris is in such a grumpy mood today?"

"Ohhh..." she began, but had to think quietly for a while. "I dunno... he seems to be really moody when he goes to the library, and 'specially when he comes back. He's been better lately. I wish he wouldn't go at all, but he says it's the only place to give him the knowledge he needs to do his Church work. But his sermons... they all seem to be things I can read right out o' the Bible. I don't get him sometimes."

Old Sister Ida butted in, saying, "He's a queer one, he is. I know Humans're different, but he's ne'er been quite right. Tis why he's called 'The Weird Priest'--"

"That's not fair!" Susie snapped a bit hotly, always coming to her sibling's defense. "You lose a brother 'n see what it's like. It's not easy..." She looked down at her weed work, upset now. She would have to say something like that, remind herself of how she still hurt inside after losing Asriel to an unknown fate. Thankfully, that ended the gossip about Kris among the garden workers.

"Still," Lancer said quietly, "why d'you suppose he's cooped up in that secret hoard? Ya know... that's what Asriel did before he--"

"Yeah, I know," she interrupted sadly. She wasn't about to lose her only remaining brother to some secret scheme. "We'll have to get him to drop it for a while. Without pranks," she was quick to add.

Lancer pretended to scowl at her. "You had to spoil the fun! But... how do we keep him from going about The Lord's Work?"

She gave him a shrug. "Yeah... that's the question, isn't it? But we have to do some stuff to cheer him up, get him away from those creepy books. Whatever he's studying, it's not good for him. It messed with Asriel too... what the heck could they be?" When it began to affect Kris the same way as their brother, she began to worry that there were secrets of God that were... bad. But the Spirit of God, when she could feel It, was wonderful, like a taste of Heaven. Like the pure flavor of True Love in her SOUL. Maybe... it was Something Else. Something she was afraid to think. But... why would a Church have dark books? It made no sense. But then, so many things about this life absolutely baffled her. She looked up to the sunny June skies, wondering aloud, "God... what's the point of this life? And why do so many bad things happen to us?"

"He won't answer that," Lancer told her philosophically. "We've asked that one for thousands of years. He's a sneaky guy. Heck, why did He make a universe He'd have to kill Himself to save? It's hard to live in a world full of faith and doubt, but we have to. It's all we got."

She nodded somberly. It was all they had, and Kris was the only close family she had. She would die before she lost him to some terrible fate. But hopefully, all it would take is some fun and games.

* * * * * * * *

The layers of the Heavens are seven, for seven is the number of perfection and completion. And these are not the True Heaven, but merely the Holy Realms which Ezurel in His wisdom has established for His Kingdom. With each Heaven comes a new angle, and the sight of it is something to behold, and confusing to the minds below. So He did decree a Gate to withhold those below which are unable to fathom the realms above, and so to each Realm, each Heaven, those beings He has made to inhabit them. And in the Realm beneath, where we do live, we are shut in, restricted to those three angles plus progress, which eyes of flesh can perceive, and minds of matter can comprehend...

Kris had to take a break and closed the ancient tome, sitting back in his chair, and rubbed his eyes. He loved going to those works ascribed to the Elves, but like this stuff he was slogging through, some of it was incredibly deep and beyond him to grasp easily, if at all. This was heady stuff.

He wished he could go to their Realm and talk to them about his problem. He could easily see that a small number of them would want to find a solution for him. Set off themselves on a crusade to help him free his brother, as they had in the writings of Tolkien. Except no Elf would go anywhere near the Tainted Realms of The Devil Spawn. They were too saintly for something like that. But they would have weapons and armor made of True Silver, they wrote, that no Devil could withstand, save for the strongest and most wicked. He wondered if the Halflings, the half-Elves, might consider going on such a quest, to aid a Halfling from the Tainted Realm. Oh, if only they still lived on this Earth. He could really use their wisdom. Friar Alvin was quite knowledgeable and helpful, to a point, but he couldn't let his friend know what he was truly involved in, what he intended to do. And he was afraid he might have to become a wizard... what would the old Boom say to that?

What he would say now is, You have been at this reading stuff--

"--Far too long, young man," Alvin said, standing over him. "Get out. Well, at least that would be a good idea."

He sat bolt upright as the old Studinid grinned to him. He looked over the table quickly to make sure nothing incriminating was exposed for the Tortise to see. "Oh, uhh... Friar Alvin," he said, nodding. "I probably should."

He looked at the old volume Kris had been reading. "That's a choice piece, that one. Easily centuries old, and said to have originally been written by Efrethel. The only half-Elf to ever dabble in magic."

Kris sat up in astonishment at that. "Really?" Wow... he could seriously use help from someone like that!

"Oh yes," he said with assurance. "We're very lucky that the old Patriarch, Justus, saw fit that the treasures of the Church were dispersed evenly among all the monasteries. The originals are all back in Rome, but copies serve well enough, I think you'd agree."

He nodded, still fascinated by that one bit of revelation from the older Tortise. "Why did he become a mage?"

"Well... we're not sure whether he used magic or just knew about it," Alvin admitted, "but legends have it that he was a wizard of some repute."

He looked at the ancient book wistfully. He was a Halfling too, and of Devilish descent. So why was this magic study so hard for him?

I could help out... if you'd just let me.

"Piss off," he muttered at the thought in his head.

"What's that?" Alvin asked innocently.

"Ohh... nothing. A passing thought." Chara, the last being this side of Gemaliel or Satan himself he would trust for help. He was sure she would rather go to Hell than turn against her God-cursed father. "Guess I'm done," Kris said to the friar evasively.

That's not very priestly, she chided him.

"Don't care," he grumbled, and began to take his books back where they belonged on the shelves, making note of where the Elven writings were. He would have to make it a point to read at least a portion from them every visit. They were as calming for him as the Scriptures after a session with those devilish spellbooks.

Ralsei lingered in an alcove, half hidden, as Alvin made small talk with Kris as they left. What he overheard had his eyes bugging out in surprise. "Father Kris has been coming here... for years now? How have I missed him!"

Something, either God or the Devil, had made sure he never saw Kris around this forboding, hidden collection. Sure, there were other books and writings in there than the occult tomes he was after. But Kris' melancholy moods over the past few years made sense if he was doing the same things he himself was, and the thought alarmed him. Kris could only be doing this subversive study if he was trying to follow Asriel's line of research - and it cost him his life! He couldn't let his friend and priest suffer the same fate. He had to talk to him about it. But in doing so, he would be confessing the same transgressions. What would he think? He had a feeling that Kris would deny everything and forbid the youth from ever going to the library again, or there was a good chance of it. And Kris would plow headlong through this confusing pagan world and... he dreaded the thought of what might hapen to him... what would happen! He had to reason with his friend and spiritual shepherd, but he would have to think of what to say, to convince him to let a friend - and more importantly, a qualified wizard - carry this burden for him. And he was sure he was close, so very close, to figuring out how to summon himself to the Realm of Darkness...

"Perhaps... you should take a breather from your studies," Friar Alvin said to the young priest. When Kris looked up to him, he added, "Just for a while. I am afraid that the time spent alone in that room full of strange books is taking a toll on you, much as it had your brother Asriel."

He frowned at that, wondering what was changing in him besides his mood, which he knew had been going downhill over the past year or so. If his mental faculties were suffering too, that might explain why he was having such difficulty grasping these arcane matters. And his parents had complained that they barely saw him anymore. Maybe a break was in order, at least a short one, so he could reset and air out his psyche. "I suppose."

"I'll be fine," Kris said quietly, and went out of the library section of the monastery. The Friar watched his friend depart somberly, wondering if they were going to erect another monument to one of their own which vanished in the middle of the night.

The young priest found himself flanked by his two closest friends, his sister and Lancer. The short dumpy imp said to him, "Imagine seeing you here as usual every day! Here, let me take that--" He snatched the briefcase from his hand, but it proved rather heavy, and he groaned, "Here... let Susie take that."

She chuckled and reached across to grab it, refusing to let Kris have it back. "I promise to take good care of it," she told him irritably. "And I promise not to peek. If you tell me what's inside."

His mouth turned sour at her, and his voice moreso. "Notes, hard to understand. Now give it back."

Susie groaned to him, "Kris, come on, don't be such a grump. We're worried about you. You really should get out of this grind. It's what happened when Asriel..." She shrugged, murmuring unhappily, "Y-you know..."

"I know," he admitted. "Friar Alvin already talked to me. I'll stop for a while."

She blinked at him in amazement. That was easy! "Really? Uhh... great! Want to do anything?"

"Supper," he replied simply, as was his habit. "Then... whatever."

"Want to play some games?" she asked rather definitely.

"Uhh... one or two," he said, noting the impending sunset. "Kind of late."

"Okay, okay, but I'd love to," she said to him, trying to sound upbeat. "We don't spend much time together, ya know."

"I know," he confessed, and his voice was tinged with regret. He looked tired, careworn and half defeated as he added in a quiet tone, "I'm real sorry."

This pulled at her heartstrings, and she handed the briefcase back to him. "Ohh... don't be sorry. Just... make things different. Okay? Spend more time with us."

"Marvelous," he said, holding his hand out. "Then perhaps you wouldn't mind if I held the key--" Kris clutched his hand to his chest in answer, and emphasized by pocketing it. "Yes... well, it was just a suggestion."

Chapter1: About

"I will," he replied, and it sounded like an unspoken promise. "I miss you."

"We live in the same house, and you miss me," she chided him. "Don't you think that's kinda stupid?"

"Yes... I don't like it either." He surprised her by dropping the briefcase and grabbing her in a brief but tight hug. Her aroma, mingled with the fragrance of her sisterly garments, seemed particularly sweet just then, and his heart melted with love for her.

She wasn't about to let him go so easily, and held on to him as he began to pull away. "Nuh-uh... not so fast," she murmured, clinging to him, and lay her head against his. It had been so long since they held each other like this, that the loneliness in her bosom for her brother welled up, strong and bittersweet. Her cheeks flushed a bit as thoughts of sweeter things teased at her heart, but she had to ignore them. He was her brother, and that was that. But she could enjoy this moment of emotional intimacy, and stroked his back lightly, then had the presence of mind to motion with her eyes for Lancer to leave them alone.

"Oh... well," he said a little regretfully, "guess I'll go paint my shoes or something. See you two later!"

Chapter1: About

She felt bad for brushing him off like that, but darn it, this was a chance to spend some time with Kris, and she didn't want anyone to intrude, even her closest friend. She savored this moment with him as long as she could, till he finally pushed out of her arms, looking a bit flushed himself as he muttered, "Well, nice... but... supper won't cook itself."

Kris did the cooking for them. She could prepare a decent enough meal, but he had the real talent for it, so she always helped him. She didn't know for sure if he made a special supper for them that evening, but it seemed like it, and she took it that way. Every bite was more delicious, and the warmth of affection filled the place with the aroma of the meal, even if Kris was as somber looking as always. The dessert was very special though, as he prepared fruit tarts topped with Nice cream. She prayed that this was a real turning point in their life, as they had all been afraid that his reclusive habits would end up with his disappearance, like his brother's. Even though he never talked this way, they feared that he was almost planning to vanish on them, perhaps to conceal his suicide. She refused to think of that anymore, though. This was a precious, special day.

She offered to do the dishes, but he told her no. It seemed he was playing servant for her that evening to make up for years of neglect. "Well, I'll help then."

"You helped with dinner," he told her. "Pick out some games and relax."

He smiled to her, and that put a sparkle in her eyes. He had such a pretty smile, and she regretted how rarely she saw it. She smiled back, giving his arm a bump. "Okay, you win. I'll pick out some things that won't keep us up or give me an advantage."

He smirked at that. "We might have to buy one then, because I'm only better at video games."

"The heck you are," she snickered, even though it was mostly true. As she set off to the closet where they kept their collection of games, she found herself wanting to turn around and help him anyway, even if all she did was stand there beside him.

She thought briefly of just pulling out the chess set, though it wasn't really fun, and he was the master at it. Instead, she chose a couple of board games. He decided to play on the floor, as they had a plush rug which was fairly comfortable to sit or recline on. He threw on his usual green and gold striped pullover shirt and slacks, while she wore her typical t-shirt and worn-out jeans. He wore socks while she was barefoot. They were working their way through Monopoly as the evening wore on, making small talk with each other. It felt almost like a holiday rather than the middle of spring, and Susie's heart fairly swooned with warm feelings for Kris. It was such a relief to have him there, rather than spending his evening on his mysteries in that horrid reclusive Church library they had all grown to hate, while she was left alone to worry. While one day didn't necessarily mean anything, she was determined to make this a pivotal moment for them both, to make sure Kris kept to his word and spend time with his family. Spend time with her. After all, wasn't she supposed to be his closest friend?

He sat cross-legged as he played, and she found herself wishing he would lay down as she was, so she could admire the length of his body. And even though she shouldn't think such things, it would emphasize his manhood...

He caught himself gazing at her, his eyes wandering lazily along her length, along her legs, along her curves which her clothing did little to conceal, and lingered on her lower body. Where her hips curved deliciously, and where muscular legs led to certain feminine organs. He chastized himself silently and looked to her face instead. And as his eyes rested there on her purple snout, framed by that shaggy purple-brown hair, he thought of what a pretty girl she really was, with a rather deep but sweet voice. She didn't think so, and took it personally when someone would joke about seeing an eggplant bobbing around in the garden on its own. But really, God fashioned the perfect face for her, and he couldn't imagine her looking any different. He loved the way her lips curved around her snout, and how it flowed up to those pretty golden eyes...

And realizing what he was doing again, he focused back on the game, and saw that her piece was sitting on Boardwalk, the most prized property. He pointed, asking, "You gonna do anything with that, or just visit?"

She looked down in a fluster, caught in a secret desire. "Oh, uhh... well..." She recovered and smirked to him, saying, "Eh, I know someone who'd put it to better use than me. He'd prob'ly build a Church there."

She could tell he was rolling his eyes, and picked up his money, holding it out to her. "If you're gonna give up, I could quit now and let you win."

"Oh no you don't," she grumbled in false outrage, pushing his hand back. "Cheeze... try'n do you a favor, and you want to up and quit on me, Mister Hypercompetitive. Fine, Boardwalk is mine. Happy?"

"As a matter of fact, I am," he replied with a lopsided smile, and rolled his dice. And he was telling the truth. As anxious as he was to go to the world of the Devils and fight to rescue his long lost brother, unraveling that mystery was taking a heavy toll on him, even of his very SOUL. And he regretted losing all the moments like these over the years, being able to grow up with his sister and have fun with her, when not trying to out-prank her.

She won, but it's a challenge to win with only two players when one of them owns the most expensive propeties in the game. He put on an exasperated display as he handed over his cash to her, moaning, "Here's my money, you shuyster."

She snatched it from him with a smirk, feeling a slight thrill from her victory. "Aw, heck, Kris, you push me to really play, then you try 'n make me feel bad when I win! Make up yer miiind!"

That brought a chuckle from him, something else she wanted to hear more often. "Okay, okay... so, are we about ready to wind down for - what's this?" He looked to a colorful box she held up, and groaned, "Mad Gab? But that requires at least four people."

"I know," she said with a mischievous grin. "But it's so funny! And we haven't had a good laugh in ages. Just a few?"

"Ohh... all right," he muttered, though he was smiling as he began to put away the Monopoly game. "I was going to have another tart a la mode."

That made her eyes flash. She was a typical girl and loved her sweets. "Let's do that too!"

"Don't you have to watch your figure?" he asked sarcastically.

"It watches itself just fine, thanks," she said as she preceeded him into the kitchen. Which was true; she seemed able to eat anything and her metabolism burned it right up. He always made twice as much for her, particularly desserts, and as expected she had a double helping. They ate rather quickly and returned to the living room floor, as the gaming was even more satisfying than the desserts.

Chapter1: About

He sat facing her, holding up a card as he read it with a smirk. "Tree ford a doll herd."

He was saying it precisely, and she groaned at him, "Tree. Ford. A. Doll. Herd... you're saying it too right. You gotta slur it a little, kinda hint with the syllables... faster, something... oh, you know how this works!"

"Right, right," he grinned at her. "Okay, listen... tree ford a doll herd... tree forda dollherd..."

Then it clicked, and she said triumphantly, "Oh, three for a dollar!"

"Got it." He put his card in the used pile and said, "Now do me."

Considering some of the notions running through her heart that evening, she had to bite her tongue, but she couldn't resist playing with them a little. "Okay, you flirt, here, let's see..." She drew a card and choked.

She flung it at him and doubled up on her side, roaring with laughter. "What's so funny?" he wondered aloud, then looked at the card.

Hiney dairy seat

Chapter1: About

She lay on her back, beginning to laugh even harder as she heard Kris joining in. Ohmygawd, I'm gonna suffocate! she thought. It was so hard to have a care in the world just then as she felt downright giddy from the relief of having Kris back in her life like this, especially as he leaned over her and took her lips in a warm kiss...

She choked again, gaping up at the ceiling in astonishment, and more than a little disappointment when he wasn't there. That was a bit too real, the way her imagination had run away with itself like that. But she chuckled in relief, beginning to relax. She had no business having those kinds of desires - for her brother! Still, it was kind of sad how their relationship kept them apart like this, even as they were very close siblings. But, she didn't really want him like that... did she?

Then she gagged all over again as he practically fell on top of her, propping himself up on his hands as he gazed down at her, laughing and panting, and staring. And staring. Her laughter died in her throat as she gaped up at him, both of their chests heaving from lack of breath as she gasped out his name. He was close... so very close, as if her heart had summoned him and he obeyed. He was poised over her as if ready to take her, and she reached up to brush his cheek as his eye flashed the most pretty, startling, dazzling red--

He grabbed her hand, leaning back to haul her up on her rump, gazing at her with an inscrutable look - well, his eyes were hidden under thick bangs as hers were most of the time. But... were his eyes a blazing fire red now? Ohh - who cared about that! Why hadn't he...?

He tried to catch his breath and rein in his passions as he sat beside her, their thighs touching, brushing as their lungs sucked air in hungry breaths. Hiney... he wanted to see her bottom. To touch it, to fondle it, to lick her orifices with his tongue... and damn it, what the hell was he thinking those thoughts for! He scooted back, facing away as he fought to get hold of himself, and succeeded, mostly. The clock - that was a great excuse, and he seized on it. "Hey... uh... almost eleven."

She was lost for a moment, feeling as if a rug had been yanked out from under her and her head struck a hard floor. She was utterly dazed and confused, and lost for words. "Yeah. Uhh. Sure..." Then the meaning struck her and she sat on her haunches, beginning to fumble with the deck of game cards. "Late... sorry, I... guess I pushed things too far..." She couldn't help but wish that they could be pushed even further.

He stood up, seeking for what to do, and felt lost for a moment, awkward, as if he had wandered naked into a living room full of people. He stood close to her, who dropped everything to gaze up at him, and their eyes locked for a moment, a long, lingering moment filled with sweet, clumsy, jumbled emotions. He reached down to fondle the thick locks of her hair, his fingers trailing through them, and lower, to stroke along the softness of her muzzle. They both held their breath, they both swallowed, and continued to stare. He had to do something to break this spell they had fallen under. "This was... nice. Real nice." He moved away slowly, woodenly, as he didn't really want to, but knowing he'd better, and said in a soft voice over his shoulder to her, "Goodnight."

She watched him go down the hallway leading to his room, watched as he was swallowed up by the darkness, listened for the sound of his door closing, and just heard it over the silence of the house. She kept gazing down it as if hoping he would reappear, though she knew that wouldn't happen. She didn't know what to do with herself, staring blankly at the decks of game cards on the floor. She should be happy. Neither one of them had given in to improper urges. Being a male virgin, he likely would have, and... then what? She no doubt would have let him, and tarnished a precious relationship with tawdry sexual desires. So, this was good. They were still... proper, virtuous. Untarnished. But right then, she didn't know if she really wanted to be untarnished, as foolish and potentially ruinous as that would be...

What the hell was wrong with her!

She made herself put the games away. Cleaned up everything. Went to her room and got undressed. Completely. She grabbed a brush and began brushing her hair out. But she wasn't doing it for him, not to look pretty for him. She damn well wasn't...

Chapter1: About

He sat on the edge of his bed with a sigh. Chara had thrown a fit in his mind when he denied his urges.

What the hell is wrong with you! She wants you bad! Are you blind and stupid?!

He swore at her, told her that she was brain dead and let her oversexed libido read everything wrong, which of course made her laugh and make fun of him, though both of them were frustrated at his reluctance to give in to his desires. But... damn it to Hell, she was his sister! What more sacred trust of her honor was there than to hold their relationship in pure esteem? So... this was good. He hadn't behaved like a typical male, and let something terrible happen that couldn't be undone. Chara hadn't been able to take over and force the issue. Their relationship was still untainted. He would get up the next morning, and she would still be his sister, they would both still be virgins, and he could love her properly and honorably.

Chapter1: About

But he took everything off, and as he lay in bed, he wished he could relieve his nagging sexual tensions. He doubted it was just Chara stoking his desires, and the notions lingering in his bosom gnawed at his heart. He rubbed his thighs together on his member, then his hand, and it began to throb...

Chapter1: About