Asriel moaned as his mother once again adjusted the tie on his green suit. He HATED having to dress up, and tonight was one such occasion. The invitation on the table said it all.

"Dear Queen Toriel and family,

You are all invited to the Grand Galloping Gala this year, in honor of a union of peace between the various races of Equestria. Please accept the invitation and our heartfelt thanks relating to various events you have handled in Ponyville. We look forward to seeing you in Canterlot!

Sincerely,

Princess Celestia."

 

Asriel was originally excited about the invite, but now he was having second thoughts, especially since he and Chara and Frisk all had to wear dress clothes. It was NOT something any of them wanted to do.

"Come on mom.... can't we just wear our sweaters and some nice pants? I am sure it will be acceptable!"

Toriel glared but smiled. "Asriel, this is a major event for ALL...of us. And even Twilight and her friends are dressing up in fine attire for the event. This is a very high class social event."

Chara, nearby, moaned in his dress outfit, which oddly incorporated his knife, giving it a jeweled hilt like it was the sword of a king. Clearly it was a Rarity design. "High class my foot, mom. You hate these things as much as we do. Can't we just go to Pony Joe's instead?"

Spike nearby helped Frisk with his outfit, and at the mention of Pony Joe's perked up. "That's a wonderful idea! They have some new flavours out now, and I bet that..."

Frisk recalled a certain event not too long ago. "NO. NO DOUGHNUTS."

Everyone chuckled. Once Asriel was all tidied up, Toriel looked the three boys over. They truly were three peas in a pod, representing now three parts of a whole: soul, innocence, and hope.

****************

Edward looked over what he’d written, and smiled to himself. He saw Asriel as the SOUL, as he was resurrected thanks to the efforts of several others, all of whom now loved each other and him greatly. He was in many ways a living embodiment of SOUL, a Symbol of Unyielding Love.

Frisk was innocence, and that was obvious. He could find a way to turn even SATAN himself into someone good he reasoned, his gentle heart one that would not kill. He had united the underground and now was its ambassador, smiling and gentle, loved by all who touched him.

But it was Chara that most touched the author, the symbol of hope. Chara had done terrible things before, and lived a life not wished for by anyone who ever existed. But now he was starting to see a better day ahead, one where maybe he could set aside his past and live for the future. There was always that hope.

How Edward chuckled as he wrote what happened next, confirming that this story was not about these three.... but about something else that needed to be resolved once and for all...

*************

A sudden knock on the door brought the former queen out of her happy thoughts, curious over who it might be at the door. She knew the Crusaders were coming, the three boys eager to hang out with them (Clearly what will likely be the highlight of their evening!), but as she opened the door, she was surprised... and not in a happy way.

Standing there in royal attire was King Asgore. He was dressed in a long cape of blue and golden armor, which had the Delta Rune on it. He wore on his head a crown made of pure gold made by Rarity for the occasion, with seven gems on it, representing the seven human children (Frisk included) who helped to redeem Chara.

But when Toriel saw it she only remembered something ELSE about six of those souls.

"What are you doing here?" She said in a low voice.

"I came to escort you and the boys to the train. I was sincerely hoping to..."

"We HAVE...an escort, thankyouverymuch, Asgore. And isn't this event the wrong time to honor that law you made?" She looked at the crown, her anger fuming. "To openly be proud of killing those children... you really are an IDIOT."

Asgore blinked. "What? But that isn't..."

"Come children.... we must not be late. The Crusaders and the Mane Six will be waiting for us." She brushed past Asgore, glaring at him. "And don't you try anything at the Gala, Asgore. As I told you before, it is over between us. I don't fall for murderers." She let that hang as she led the kids out, only Frisk stopping to look back. Asgore looked at him and gave a weak smile.

"Someday Asgore.... Someday." He assured the king. "I personally like that you still remember them."

Asgore smiled. "I always will. It was my greatest shame... but even so it was because of them that I have my sons back... and that thing that controlled Chara is gone forever. And yet.... I would give anything to have not done what I did. Those children... they didn't deserve my anger."

Frisk said nothing as Asgore let the tears fall. He didn't say his other regret... that he lost not only his sons for a time... but Toriel, his truest love. He would give anything to have her back in his life. Even just as friends.

*************

The train was a bit noisy today as the Mane Six, the Crusaders, and the Boss Monsters all were discussing the Gala. True, so many times it had been so boring and such a disappointment. But this time they were focused on being together rather than the galas itself. This time they just wanted to hang out somewhat.

Toriel however was lost in all this, and oddly silent. Asgore had ruined her good mood, and despite the compliments on her lovely blue gown and accompanying crown with gems on it like the Delta Rune, she was lost in thought over Asgore. How DARE he try to act like an innocent when he...

"heyas." A familiar voice said. Toriel turned to her side and saw Sans, dressed in a black suit with a red tie. Toriel thought it looked a little dark for him, sort of like a reversed Sans, but he had a blue flower in the button hole that seemed to make the look soften up.

"Evening Sans. You come over to cure my femur?" Toriwel asked.

"nah. you seemed like you needed a ear to listen to." He held up the ear monster, waving a little before leaping off Sans hand to get some corn. Toriel snickered.

"forgive me for asking toriel, i don't want to butt in  or goat you  into answering something you don't want to... but why the long face?"

Toriel sighed. "Asgore came by. He tried to escort me to the train." She glared over at him as he, Undyne, and Big Macintosh were laughing. "I hate him. OH how I hate him."

Sans sighed. "oh boy, here we go again." Toriel looked at him as he looked in her eyes. "look Tori, I already know you and I are friends, but forgive when I say you're acting a little like a bonehead."

Toriel blinked. "Huh?"

Sans clarified. "the king was acting out of anger, and yeah, he coulda easily gone through and killed six random people. but he couldn’t kill anyone. not willingly. kind of like you in many ways. but he made the law, and he knew that if humans fell in he would have to do what he said.”

Toriel hmphed. "There had to be a better way though."

Sans put a bony hand on hers, making her smile a little. "the past is in the past. i wanna ask you something... you know all that chara and asriel did right?"

Toriel sighed. She knew where he was going with this. "Touche."

Sans smiled. Toriel had no interest in a relationship with Sans and Sans was not really into the whole being the serious dad kinda thing. But if there was ever anyone more reliable for problems it was Sans the Skeleton.

He only hoped she understood what he was trying to do.

**************

"Announcing, Prince Asriel, Ambassador Frisk, and Bodyguard Chara." A snooty pony announced at the top of the steps. The three walked down the massive flight of stairs into the ballroom where the Gala was taking place, stopping to say hello to Twilight and Celestia. Both looked bored out of their minds.

The three saw way as they descended. The ballroom was done up like a high class party, with only the three of them and the Crusaders representing the youth. All around ponies had their noses in the air as they talked about things like fine wine deals, stock trades, and other things that made paint peeling seem exciting. Even the Wonderbolts, who were doing an air show later this week, looked downright bored. As the three reached the floor, Chara finally said it.

"Alright, when we get home we are making mom pay for having us go to this. I mean, come on guys, this isn't us at all!"

Asriel nodded. "You're telling me, I mean look at me! I hate wearing suits!"

Frisk nodded. "I think I was more comfortable in a dusty tutu than this thing."

Chara sighed. "Come on, let's go find the Crusaders. Maybe then we can have SOME fun.... MAYBE."

The others groaned but agreed, as on the stairs Celestia and Twilight watched with similar feelings.

"Twilight, my dear student..... why do I subject myself to this?! Every year it is the same thing, boring and dull. Worse, I never get to enjoy the company of friends, and one would think this is the one day I would."

Twilight nodded, seeing her friends mingling in the party. "I know what you mean, Princess Celestia. Maybe we should make this the last gala?"

As Celestia greeted the next pair of ponies, she sighed. "Unfortunately, the Aristocracy prevents that. But I am looking forward to this ending, then we can all do something fun."

Twilight nodded. "Yeah, I think we all will need it after this. One thing though.. .seems every gala since the one I came to has had SOMETHING happen. Maybe something special will occur tonight?"

Ohhhh how right she was.

**************

As she prepared to enter, not wanting her children left alone for too long, she felt she needed to use the powder room and freshen up her fur a little. But as she went, she saw Asgore. He was nervously pacing, clearly not wanting to go out into the public, dreading facing them. But Toriel only saw the one thing she hated most.

And yet she remembered Sans' words.

"Asgore." She said simply. The king of monsters looked over at her, and ducked into a side room. Toriel hmphed and followed. She wasn't waiting any longer... she was having her say.

She followed him into the room, which was a cozy looking guest bedroom, Asgore hiding behind the bed, but his crown showed.

"REAAAAALLY? Isn't that a little childish, even for you?" She scolded, fuming again.

"You said your peace before...but I didn't want any trouble today so I debated going in at all."

Toriel rolled her eyes. "There you go again. Always hiding from your responsibilities, always cowering when others did what you said to cling to hope. You’re pathetic, Asgore, and I wonder how I ever loved y-" She went to leave.... but the door did NOT open.

"It's... it's locked....." She said, going wide eyed. "IT'S LOCKED!"

Asgore came over. "Ok, stand back!" He rammed into the door, then went wide eyed. "OW! Damned Equestrian enchanted wood...can't be broken...." He clutched his shoulder, Toriel sighing as she threw her flames at it.

They went out as they touched the door.

"And enchanted to prevent fires. Of COURSE it is. Great. We are trapped." She said, slumping on the bed. "Most important night for monsters, and here we are, stuck in a bedroom." she glared at Asgore. "And DON'T be getting any thoughts Dreemurr. If you move too close to me I will burn your soul until it is a little charred ember."

Asgore sighed. "No more than I deserve really." He turned away. "You are right about me Tori. I was a coward. Always have been. I wanted nothing more than just peace, no more killing even if it meant our freedom. And yet... when our sons died... I was so angry I made that stupid law. And I bound it in stone so it could not be broken."

Toriel sighed. "Why did you make it a solid law? Didn't you think about what would fall in the underground?"

"I didn't care." Asgore said. "I saw all humans as evil....and I wanted them all dead. And then... the six came in. I saw that there was hope.... but then I heard how they were trying to help us escape.... and I was ashamed. I wasn't fit to wear this crown." He sighed, tears in his eyes. "I wanted to find you then. I wanted to relinquish the kingdom to you... and exile myself forever. But I couldn't... it was too late. So I tried to just keep a happy smile and be friendly, but if I saw a child I would have to...."

Toriel sighed. "So that was why Frisk was not angry with you even. He knew. He knew you really didn't want to hurt them."

Asgore nodded.  "I was always a weak ruler, love...with you I was strong, but..."

Toriel sighed. "You’re no more weaker than I. I ran from my duties as queen and hid away, letting the children go to their fates without helping them even in the slightest. I thought if I made my deal with Sans through the door that would be it. But... I never even followed it up. Not until Frisk."

Asgore and Toriel were silent for a moment, the silence hard and heavy, digging into them like a knife.

Perhaps…

They were more alike than they thought.

***********

Frisk and Chara were getting tired of the suits they had to wear and hoped they could find Toriel to try and get them loosened. Asriel soon followed suit, so to speak, trying to find their mother. But...

"She isn't in the gardens..." Asriel said.

Chara nodded. "I didn't see her with the Mane Six."

Frisk nodded. "Yeah, and she isn't with Sans or Discord either. Did they ever come in?"

Asriel nodded. "Mom was a few paces behind us in the crowd to get in but.... let's ask Twilight. She would know."

The three agreed, heading off. But as they approached they saw an annoyed Celestia and an even MORE annoyed Twilight forced to sit through talking to Prince Bluebloods long list of complaints.and suggestions, Celestia looking to the three eventually with a pleading look.

"This....could be awhile." Frisk finally said.

**************

".... Do you remember how we first met?" Asgore finally said, breaking the silence. Toriel smiled softly.

"Yes.... it was on the surface.... I was a young monster in service of a blacksmith.  I used my fire magic to help heat his furnaces. After the incident with the sword... I wanted to learn more about how fire was used to make things. Then... I saw you come in."

Asgore chuckled. "I was the new king, and I needed some armor maintained. I saw you and my heart just fluttered. I thought I had fallen down."

Toriel chuckled. "You were so charming.... with your trimmed beard and your soft, shy look. So unlike what your form would suggest of you. You were strong but gentle."

Asgore chuckled. "We talked for awhile about things... and I was smitten. I asked you to come to the lake for a picnic and you said yes."

Toriel blushed. "That was my first pie.... and my first kiss."

Asgore smiled, the two finally chuckling. She looked at him and he at her. "Tori.... I'm sorry I let you down."

Toriel smiled. "I think I see why you did.... and I know now I should have stayed. I should have seen your pain."

Asgore suddenly felt her hand on his cheek, and he went wide eyed. The look she gave him, those beautiful eyes, her perfect smile...

"Tori..." He managed to say.

"Gori..." She said, equally smitten by the old memories of a love that, if she was truthful, never really died. The two smiled, and closed in to one another.

Love was rekindled.

**************

".... item 103." Blueblood said, continuing to read the massive scroll to the now red eyed princesses, Twilight's eyes twitching. "I demand an extra tub of gel be supplied at all major events such as this. Surely one who is above the COMMONERS should know that we take special pride in our appearance, as compared to certain ones who just throw on a little suit and say they are... civilized."

That did it. Chara had heard enough derogatory statements about monsters and Ponyville in general. He stormed up to Blueblood and turned him around with all his force.

"I say there!" He said, before Chara hit him square in the eye. Everyone gasped as Chara stood over him. But what Chara said next shocked everyone.

"You have insulted my friends and family for the last time! I demand satisfaction!"

Everyone gasped as Blueblood stood up. He nodded and raised a hoof, slapping Chara across the face. "Agreed. Name the challenge and time."

Chara smiled. Frisk got worried. He expected Chara to say pistols at twenty paces or a knife fight or SOMETHING. But instead....

"A doughnut eating contest. Right NOW." HE said, smiling. Prince Blueblood was wide eyed.

"A WHAT?!"

"Will you defend your claims or publicly announce your wrong?" Chara said. Twilight giggled a little and Celestia smiled. NOW things were getting good.

"I WILL defend my claim you...you hairless monkey! BRING THE DOUGHNUTS!"

Everyone present could not help but giggle as the two made for the center, two servants bringing the table. Meanwhile, Frisk and Asriel approached the princesses.

"We have something serious to talk to you about."

*****************

A few moments later several guards, Celestia, and Twilight were searching the rooms, certain they saw the two come in. Frisk was opening every door and finding nothing.... until...

"Hey,... this one is locked!" Frisk said. Celestia came over.

"Strange.... the lock on it has never worked before, I just assumed it never locked." She hmmed.  "No matter, Twilight and I will have this open immediately."

Frisk and Asriel nodded, and the two alicorns used their magic on the lock, it finally clicking, the door swinging open, but everyone gasped at what they saw. Inside was Asgore and Toriel.

Together.

In the bed.

Snuggled up and asleep.

"Ohhhhh myyyyyyy." Celestias managed to say blushing. Asriel and Frisk were wide eyed.

"How...how long were they gone?"

Twilight blinked. "Long enough it seems." She smiled. "I guess this means they have made up somewhat?"

Celestia chuckled. "I think it at least means they are starting to. We better give them some privacy." She turned to the boys. "As for you two.... better not say anything about this."

"We promise." The two said, crossing their hearts.

"Well, now that the mystery is solved, let's go watch a duel." Celestia said happily. "I was hoping something interesting would happen! But I never expected TWO interesting things!"

Twilight chuckled. "I think Rarity will like seeing this too."

The group walked off, leaving the two former husband and wife and slowly reconciling lovers return to their snuggles.

****************

A while later, Blue Blood lay on the floor with a massive stomach ache, Chara beside him. Both had only one doughnut left.

"Alright...alright..." The prince said. "I withdraw my statement. Anyone able to enjoy the finer tastes in life is okay in my books."

"Ohhhhhhhh..... my stomach..." Was Chara's only reply. "Please, let me LOAD... I wanna make the pain stop...."

Blue Blood moaned. "LOAD heck, a bottle of antacid... and maybe a bucket...."

Everyone had thoroughly enjoyed the duel, in spite of the mess it made, as it turned out to be a fine distraction from the same old same old. Celestia soon had several ponies thinking it was her idea for the duel, and hoped next year for something similar.

"In my opinion," one said, "we need more than just fine food and music. A game or two like this makes for a smashing distraction."

Fleur-De-Lis chuckled in agreement nearby, as did her lover. "I must agree your Highness, and phooey on what Blueblood said, these monsters and humans are simply marvelous! I see now why you invited so many races here, it makes for a fine party indeed, worthy of any high class!"

"Well put my love, well put. How we did not recognize these creatures as fine citizens I never will know, but I think any creature that makes a fool out of someone like Blueblood definitely has good taste."

Celestia smiled, as did Frisk nearby, despite being a little green at seeing the doughnuts. It brought up some... bad memories.

"I say, I almost forgot, where are your parents my boy? I had not seen them all evening?"

Frisk smiled. "Oh... they had an important meeting to take care of."

********************

Toriel awoke first, shocked at where she was... or rather, who she was with. She finally smiled some, realizing her anger at him might have been ill placed. He payed for his crimes in his own heart, and did not need additional hatred, especially when she was not so innocent herself. Seeing him now, lying with that soft look like when they first met, she knew she still loved him.

She smiled as she looked to the door, now slightly opened. Guess someone found them while they slept. She was tempted to go...

...

...

...

...she curled up close to him again, and threw the blankets over them as she went back to sleep. Eh, they could wait a bit.

After all... they had a lot of time left.

All the time in the world.

 

THE END