Crossover Twisted Karma

[IFBench]

An Ace Attorney and Undertale crossover, featuring Franziska von Karma.

Contains major spoilers for Undertale and several Ace Attorney games.

Spoiler: Chapter Select

To be added.

It had been two weeks since the legal world had been turned upside-down from a certain attorney's disbarment.

Franziska von Karma has had enough of it all, and takes a vacation from her job to investigate a mystery of disappearing children.

Legends say that those who climb Mount Ebott never return.

But a von Karma is perfect. A von Karma won't be bested by a simple mountain.

Right?​

I hope you all enjoy!​

 

[IFBench]

Chapter 1: Investigation ~ Opening​

“Those who climb Mount Ebott never return.”

Or at least, that’s what the supposed legends of this place say.

But a von Karma is perfect. A von Karma could climb this mountain, and make it back intact.

And maybe, just maybe, it’d help alleviate the anguish in her heart.

Phoenix Wright, the man who had bested her and her little brother, disbarred. Just as she had started to care about that foolish fool, he lost his badge!

Just like her little brother almost lost his.

Except this time, there was no getting it back. Phoenix Wright had been caught using forged evidence. There was no recovery from that for a defense attorney.

But not a prosecutor?

Franziska lashed her whip against the mountain as that thought entered her head. No, a von Karma was perfect! A von Karma didn’t need to forge evidence for the perfect victory!

She took a deep breath, and pulled out the newspapers she took with her. A reminder of her mission here.

Seven children, last seen in this area, only to never be seen again.

While most of the names, such as Chara and Clover, were unfamiliar to her, one stood out among the rest.

Bailey von Karma. Included was a photo of a girl in a tutu and ballet shoes, bearing a striking resemblance to herself.

Franziska had never gotten to meet her second cousin, or much of her extended family. She only found this photo from looking through an old photo album.

But perhaps, she could get some answers here.

Franziska was so lost in thought, that she didn’t notice herself wandering into a cave, at least until the ground slipped away under her feet. And by then, it was too late.

Though she tried to grasp onto the ledge, she couldn’t get a good grip, and so with a scream, Franziska plummeted

deep

down

below.

…​

Franziska almost couldn’t believe it when she woke up after her fall. Somehow, despite the odds, she had survived, with nary a scratch on her body.

She looked down at what she was laying on. Golden flowers. Did they save her from her fall?

Well, she was unhurt. And even if she was hurt, that wouldn’t stop her.

She took her cell phone out of her pocket, and dialed an emergency number. If someone could lend her a rope so she could climb back up…

But nobody picked up.

Strange.

She tried another number, only to receive the same result.

It seemed like her phone wouldn’t do any good, at least for getting help.

But perhaps there was another way out of here. The cavern did seem to continue deeper.

So, Franziska walked onwards, until she reached a strange archway made of clearly carved purple stone.

Franziska stared at the archway. What was architecture doing down here? Surely nobody lived down here, right?

But it wasn’t like she’d get any answers standing around here, so she walked through the archway…

…only to come face to face with an impossible sight.

That flower had a face.

“Howdy!” it said, as if it wasn’t defying everything she knew about botany. “I’m Flowey! Flowey the Flower!”

…no, it couldn’t be real. It was probably an audio recording hidden in a mechanical flower.

But the Kurain Channeling Technique was real, so maybe…

“Don’tcha know it’s rude to stare at people you don’t know?” Flowey said, and its facial expression changed, sticking its tongue out at her.

“Don’t you know it’s rude to stick your tongue out at people?” Franziska said.

“You’re new to the Underground, aren’tcha?” Flowey said, smiling again. “Guess little old me will have to teach you how things work down here!”

It winked, and Franziska felt something strange. A bright yellow light shone from her chest, in a heart shape.

“See that heart? That’s your soul, the very culmination of your being!” Flowey said. “Your soul starts off weak, but can grow strong if you gain a lot of LV. And what’s that stand…for…?”

Flowey trailed off, staring at Franziska’s soul.

“If you’re going to say something foolish, say it before you make yourself into more of a foolish fool than the fool you already are,” Franziska said.

“...you already have a LV of 3,” Flowey said, its grin beginning to widen. “Then I guess you already know all of this. You already know the true meaning of this world.”

“Just what are you insinuating?!” Franziska shouted, reaching for her whip.

“In this world, it’s kill or be killed. And it looks like you know that already!” Flowey said, its expression turning into something sinister.

Suddenly, hundreds of white, spinning pellets surrounded Franziska, and the flower began to laugh.

“Die.”

The pellets began to close in on her—

CRACK!

—but her whip rang true, and it struck Flowey.

“OW!” It yelped, and the pellets flickered for a moment.

“Foolish fool who foolishly believes I am a fool!” Franziska yelled, as she prepared to strike the flower again.

But before she could, a ball of fire struck Flowey, and he burrowed into the ground.

Franziksa looked towards where the fireball came from, only to come face to face with another impossible sight.

A tall…creature of some kind, with white fur, long floppy ears, and two small horns, wearing a purple robe with some strange symbol on it.

“What a terrible creature, torturing such a poor, innocent youth…” the creature said, gazing at where Flowey once was.

“What are you?” Franziska asked, whip still in hand.

“Ah, do not be afraid, my child,” the creature said. “I am Toriel, caretaker of the Ruins, and I am a monster.”

Franziska had seen a lot of strange things, such that foolish fool she often saw behind the defense bench.

But “Toriel” was perhaps the strangest of them all.

But a von Karma was not rude. A von Karma didn’t show weakness. A von Karma was perfect.

So, she did a curtsy towards Toriel, and said, “I am Franziska von Karma. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Toriel.”

“My, aren’t you polite! It is a rare sight to see a human here,” Toriel said. “You are the first to fall down in a long time.”

“There were others?” Franziska asked. Perhaps she truly would find her answers down here.

“Yes…” Toriel’s tone seemed to grow somber for a moment, before she said, “Come, I will guide you through the catacombs. We can discuss more on the way.”

The glow in Franziska’s chest faded, and Toriel began to step towards another archway a short distance away, before turning to wait for her.

Franziska didn’t need help. A von Karma didn’t need help.

But Toriel seemed to know a lot about this place. And knowledge was one of the most valuable things you could have, even outside a court of law.

“I will follow you for now,” Franziska said, walking after Toriel, and the two entered the archway together.

Now they were in a proper room, made of bricks and carved stone, away from the rocky walls of the cavern chambers Franziska was just in. Twin staircases led to a doorway, with a pile of autumn-red leaves between. And just in front of that pile was a strange, star-like object.

Franziska approached the star. As she was about to touch it, she heard…

…a voice in her head, different from her own.

* The shadow of the Ruins looms above, filling you with determination.

* File saved.

=====​

“Greetings. If you’re hearing this message, it means that I am either asleep and you are a fool, or I have been incapacitated in some way. Please leave a message after the beep.”

Edgeworth dialed the number again, and received the same message.

He dialed again. The same message.

Again, and again.

“Mr. Edgeworth, sir? I don’t think she’s going to pick up,” Gumshoe said, from the corner of the office.

Edgeworth knew, deep down, that Gumshoe was right. Calling her again and again was very unlikely to accomplish anything.

But it was very hard to avoid the urge to dock his pay right then and there.

Is this what Wright felt, when…?

Deep breaths.

“I…suppose you’re right, Detective Gumshoe,” Edgeworth said, putting down the phone.

These past several weeks had officially become the worst weeks of his life. Ever since March 12th, it was one horrid event after another. From facing an international smuggling ring, to discovering the depths of the corruption in the CPE, to Wright losing his badge, to potentially losing Franziska.

At least after the DL-6 Incident, he had Franziska. At least he had his new sister.

And sure, over the past several weeks, he found all sorts of both new and familiar allies. Eustace Winner, Verity Gavèlle, Eddie Fender, Shi-Long Lang, and Kay Faraday.

…though speaking of Kay, where had she gone?

“Mr. Edgeworth! What’re you up to?” a familiar voice asked. Edgeworth would have smiled, if he hadn’t noticed where the voice was coming from.

Edgeworth turned around, and saw a girl with a key in her hair climbing through his open window. His 12th-story window.

“Kay,” Edgeworth said, exasperated. “Please stop entering my office through the window.”

“Fine, I’ll use the door next time,” Kay Faraday said. “Why do you look so glum?”

“It’s…Ms. von Karma,” Gumshoe said.

“What happened? Is she ok?” Kay asked.

The resounding silence spoke more than any words could.

=====​

COURT RECORD:

Evidence:

Prosecutor’s Badge - Proof of my profession. Like my papa and little brother, I keep mine in my pocket.

Cell Phone - My phone. It seems to be getting signal, but nobody is picking up.

Newspaper Articles - Articles detailing the disappearance of several children on Mount Ebott.

Photograph - A photograph of my second cousin, Bailey von Karma. I never met her.

Doodle - A drawing that I had obtained during my third trial with Phoenix Wright. I had meant to return this to him, but now…

Profiles:

Bailey von Karma - An aspiring ballerina who went missing on Mount Ebott, and my second cousin.

Flowey - A talking flower that attacked me shortly after I found myself down here. I couldn’t make sense of its inane ramblings.

Toriel - A self-proclaimed “monster” who shooed away Flowey. She insists on guiding me through this place.

Odd Voice - A voice that appeared in my head shortly after I met Toriel. Why are they in my head?

 

[IFBench]

Chapter 2: Logic and Trick​

“Who are you, and why are you in my head?” Franziska asked once Toriel was out of earshot. “I demand that you leave at once!”



* You realize you should follow after Toriel.



“I’ll ask again. Who are you, and why are you in my head?!” Franziska nearly shouted.



* You realize you have better things to do than argue with a voice in your head.



“If you are, somehow, stuck in my head, then at least have the courtesy to be quiet,” Franziska said, gritting her teeth.



* You realize you really should follow after Toriel.



Clearly she wasn’t going to get anywhere with this voice, and staying here wouldn’t help matters. Franziska glared at the air, before heading up the stairs and into the doorway.



“Welcome to your new home, innocent one,” Toriel said, as Franziska surveyed the room. “Allow me to educate you in the operation of the Ruins.”



There was some sort of sign in the far corner, a large door, a switch, some buttons on the ground, and—



Before Franziska could even think about solving the apparent puzzle, Toriel walked over four of the buttons, flipped the switch, and the door opened.



“The Ruins are full of puzzles,” Toriel said, as if she hadn’t just robbed Franziska of solving one. “Ancient fusions between diversions and doorkeys. One must solve them to move from room to room.”



“I need no help with puzzles,” Franziska said. “I will solve the next one myself.”



“...very well,” Toriel said. “Follow me, and you may try solving the next puzzle.”



Franziska followed Toriel into the next room, glancing at the sign as she went. “Only the fearless may proceed. Brave ones, foolish ones. Both walk not the middle road.”



So don’t step on the middle buttons! She could have solved that easily!



Nonetheless, the next one was hers to solve.



There was another sign nearby. “Stay on the path.” And there was a lavender-colored walkway spanning the room.



Franziska walked along the path, until she arrived at a bed of spikes, with a switch next to them, just above the path.



There was also bright yellow writing next to the switch, reading, “Please press this switch.” Even if it hadn’t been signed, she could tell who had written this.



She resisted the urge to confront Toriel about this, and simply flipped the switch, making the spikes recede.



Up next was a pair of two switches. Only one was above the path this time, though predictably, there was once again a hint from Toriel.



Oddly, the ground beneath the other switch seemed to have been repaired semi-recently, judging by the boards over it.



That was a mystery to solve later, though. For now, Franziska flipped the correct switch, and marched on over to Toriel.



“Since you had already added hints to this puzzle, I demand to solve the next one, too,” Franziska said.



“Are you sure? The next puzzle is…rather dangerous,” Toriel said, looking uneasy.



“I will solve it myself,” Franziska demanded.



“...very well. Though first, there is something I must teach you in the next room,” Toriel said, walking ahead. Franziska reluctantly followed her.



In the next room, there was nothing of interest, aside from some sort of training dummy.



At least, if Toriel was going to explain this one, she didn’t need to listen. This was self-explanatory.



She reached for her whip, and—



“What are you doing with that?!” Toriel shouted, and Franziska looked towards her.



“What do you mean? I was about to practice on the training dummy. Is that not its purpose?” Franziska asked.



“What part of ‘strike up a friendly conversation’ includes a whip?!”



Franziska simply stared, dumbfounded.



“As I was saying,” Toriel said, expression stern. “When you encounter a monster trying to fight you, strike up a friendly conversation. Stall for time. I will come to resolve the conflict.”



Franziska von Karma had made a mistake. She had made a false assumption, and was wrong about it.



Deep breaths.



Franziska marched over towards the dummy, and spoke, “What are you up to?”



She felt like a fool.



* It doesn’t seem much for conversation. Probably because you threatened to whip it.



“Ah, very good! You are very good,” Toriel said, before proceeding to the next room.



Franziska followed after her, eager to leave behind the memory of this embarrassing situation.



“There is another puzzle in this room…I will let you solve it, as you requested,” Toriel said. There wasn’t much to see, aside from a winding path through the room, and a sign reading, “The western room is the eastern room’s blueprint.”



Perhaps the path would be important? She was about to commit it to memory, when her chest started glowing yellow again. A strange, frog-like creature leapt towards her.



* Froggit attacks you!



Franziska reached for her whip, before stopping herself. No, no matter how juvenile Toriel’s request was, she would not falter.



Perhaps she could practice her objection on it. It had been a few weeks since she last shouted it, and she didn’t want to get rusty.



So, Franziska shouted, “OBJECTION!”



The “Froggit” flinched, backing away a bit.



* Froggit didn’t understand what you were saying, but was frightened anyways.



Perhaps it was a bit much for a frog, but Franziska felt satisfied.



Before she could make another move, Toriel glared at the Froggit, and it quietly slunk away.



“Are you alright?” Toriel asked, as the glow in Franziska’s chest receded.



“I am perfectly fine,” Franziska said, walking ahead.



She paused once she saw the massive bed of spikes in front of her.



“Now do you understand why I wish to help you with these puzzles?” Toriel said.



“I will solve it,” Franziska stated.



“...I will be here to heal you if you need it,” Toriel said, sounding uneasy.



Franziska looked over the spikes. The spikes in the switch room were retractable, and these looked similar. Perhaps these were also retractable?



“The western room is the eastern room’s blueprint.”



That path in the other room…it held the answer to this puzzle, she was sure of it.



Franziska stepped towards a patch of the spikes, corresponding with where the path had begun in the other room. She took a step forward…



…and right as her foot was about to collide with the spikes, they retracted.



She knew it. Now just to solve the rest of the puzzle.



…



A few minutes later, Franziska emerged on the other side of the spike bed, unharmed.



She looked towards Toriel, smirked, and curtsied. “I told you, didn’t I? I would solve this puzzle, and I have.”



She expected a look of frustration on Toriel’s face, or perhaps disappointment.



What she didn’t expect, though, was the proud look Toriel gave her, as she navigated her way through the spike bed.



“You did very well!” Toriel said, as she reached Franziska. “I am proud of you.”



Franziska didn’t respond.


“I was going to test your independence in the next room, but…you have already proven to me that you are very good at that. So instead, I will trust that you will be safe on your own,” Toriel said.



“You’re leaving, aren’t you?” Franziska said, looking up at the monster.



“Yes, though I am only running a few errands. I will be back before long,” Toriel said. “Could you stay here for me until then?”



“No,” Franziska said. “I will be fine going ahead.”



A von Karma didn’t need to be coddled.



“Are you certain?”



“Yes.”



“Very well,” Toriel said. “But at least let me give you a cell phone, so you can call me if you need help.”



“I already have one,” Franziska said, taking hers out of her pocket.



“I see…I will tell you my phone number, then,” Toriel said, before stating a string of digits, which Franziska entered into her phone.



It wouldn’t hurt to have her number, she supposed. She could always delete it later if it got to be too much.



“Thank you,” Toriel said, smiling down at Franziska. “Be good, alright?”



And Franziska was left alone.



…



It had been at least three minutes since she began walking through this room, and only now was she finally at the end. Whoever designed that absurdly long corridor deserved a healthy dose of whip!



There was another Froggit here, though when this one approached her, the glow didn’t occur.



“Ribbit, ribbit. Ribbit,” the Froggit said, as if that meant anything.



* Excuse me, human. I have some advice for you about battling monsters. If you act a certain way or fight until you almost defeat them they might not want to battle you anymore. If a monster does not want to fight you, please use some mercy, human.



“What was that for?” Franziska asked. The Froggit blinked one of its eyes.



* It’s a direct translation of what the Froggit said.



“It was three words,” Franziska stated.



* A dense three words. Perhaps you should learn their language.



Franziska didn’t dignify that with a response, and entered a nearby doorway, leading to a small room with a lone pedestal. Atop the pedestal was a bowl filled with strange candy.



* It says ‘take one’. Will you take a piece of candy?



Franziska took a step toward the bowl, before stepping back. “No need. A von Karma does not need any mass-produced sweets.”



* They’re handmade.



“A von Karma does not need sweets.”



* It says ‘take one’. Not ‘take none’.



“Why are you so insistent that I take a candy?”



There was no response.



Franziska left the room, a smirk on her face, only to bump into a small, flying monster. It yelped, then hesitantly looked at Franziska.



Once more, that yellow light appeared.



* Whimsun approached meekly!



It really didn’t seem like it wanted to fight. Maybe…



“I don—” she began, but before she could finish her sentence, the Whimsun burst into tears and flew away, and the light faded.



* Your overwhelming presence was too much for the Whimsun, and it fled out of terror. You won!


“Save your sarcasm,” Franziska said, as she noticed something nearby. Another star, just like the one in the stair room, in a pile of leaves.



She walked over towards it, brushing the leaves aside, and reached for it. Just what were these?



* Refusing to have fun fills you with determination. Somehow.



* File saved.

=====​

COURT RECORD:



Evidence:



Prosecutor’s Badge - Proof of my profession. Like my papa and little brother, I keep mine in my pocket.



Cell Phone - My phone. Toriel’s number has been registered to it.



Newspaper Articles - Articles detailing the disappearance of several children on Mount Ebott.



Photograph - A photograph of my second cousin, Bailey von Karma. I never met her.



Doodle - A drawing that I had obtained during my third trial with Phoenix Wright. I had meant to return this to him, but now…



Profiles:



Bailey von Karma - An aspiring ballerina who went missing on Mount Ebott, and my second cousin.



Flowey - A talking flower that attacked me shortly after I found myself down here. I couldn’t make sense of its inane ramblings.



Toriel - A monster who has been guiding me through the Ruins. She has left me for the time being, thankfully.



Odd Voice - A voice that appeared in my head shortly after I met Toriel. They seem to be frustrated with me.

 

[IFBench]

Chapter 3: Departure from Regret
​

There was little of importance in the next room, as all Franziska needed to do was leap over the cracked floor. Immediately upon entering the next room, however, she received a call on her phone.



“Hello? This is Toriel,” came Toriel’s voice through the receiver. “For no reason in particular, which do you prefer? Cinnamon or butterscotch?”



“Cinnamon,” Franziska plainly answered. It had a more refined taste.



“Oh, I see,” Toriel said. “But…you do not dislike butterscotch, do you? Would you turn up your nose if you found it on your plate?”



“It’s…tolerable,” Franziska said. “Though why do you ask?”



“It is for a surprise. I do hope you will enjoy it,” Toriel said, and with that, she hung up.



Was Toriel going to make her something? As annoying as she found the monster, that did sound nice.



Memories of simpler times flowed through Franziska’s mind, of the rare treat of cinnamon swirl pancakes fresh off the griddle, baked by her papa.



If Toriel was going to make her cinnamon swirl pancakes, she could more than tolerate some butterscotch.



Now that that was over with, she could survey the room. It seemed rather simple, a spike gate, a button, a rock, and a sign saying, “Three out of four gray rocks recommend you push them.”



These “puzzles” could hardly be called such. Franziska pushed the rock onto the button, ignoring the aching in her shoulder, and carried on.



The next room was much of the same, only this time there were three rocks and three buttons. Still brain-numbingly simple. She went to push the nearest rock—



“Whoa there, pardner! Who said you could push me around?” the rock spoke, and Franziska stumbled backwards in shock.



“I was under the impression you weren’t alive,” Franziska said. “Please move onto that button near you.”



“Okay, just for you, pumpkin,” the rock said, and slid on over to the button, lowering the spikes. Odd, were the other two buttons unnecessary?



It didn’t matter. Franziska strode forward towards the next room.



She did not expect the spikes to push back up just as she was about to step over them.



Franziska narrowly avoided impaling herself, and whipped her head around, to notice that the rock had moved off of the switch.



She didn’t hesitate to take out her whip, and strike the rock with it. “Are you trying to get me killed?!” she shouted.



“What was that for?!” the rock said, moving backwards away from Franziska. “I did what you asked! You never told me to stay there!”



“It should have been implicit!” Franziska said, rearing up to whip the rock again.



* Stop it! You’re going to—



Her whip rang true, striking the rock.



“...suppose this is it, then,” the rock said, as it started to…disintegrate? “I only…hope my family in Snowdin will be safe.



Then it was gone, a pile of dust in its place.



* You won.



* Your LV increased to 4.



Franziska stared at where the rock monster once was, her eyes wide. That…didn’t just happen, did it? Had she just killed it?



No. She wouldn’t be a murderer. She wouldn’t make the same mistake her papa did!



She wouldn’t.



She



would



make



this



right.



…

FILE LOADED​

…



When Franziska’s eyes opened again, she found herself standing amidst leaves, a familiar star in front of her.



This was…the room near the candy room, wasn’t it? What was she doing back here?



Last she remembered, she…



She murdered someone. A talking rock, but still a someone.



* …very well.



She didn’t pay any mind to the voice, as she dashed through the rooms of the Ruins. If she truly had murdered someone, the least she could do was give it a proper burial, and turn herself in to the authorities of this place.



But when she returned to the triple rock room…there it was, once more. The rock was alive and well.



“You’re…!” Franziska said, eyes wide.



“Hm? What’s got you all surprised, pardner?” the rock said.



“I…you’re back?!” Franziska said, clutching her shoulders.



“Back from what? This is my first time meeting you,” the rock said.



“But I…” Franziska began, before her phone rang. She quickly answered the call.



“Hello? This is Toriel,” echoed Toriel’s words through the receiver. “For no reason in particular, which do you prefer? Cinnamon or butterscotch?”



“You…already asked me that,” Franziska said. “But for the record, cinnamon, though butterscotch is tolerable.”



“I have?” Toriel asked. “...you know, it’s strange. When humans come through here…sometimes, it feels like I already know them. Like with you just now. It feels like we’ve had this conversation before, though I can’t put my paw on when.”



“...I need to go. I wish you well,” Franziska said, and hung up before Toriel could respond.



What had happened? She had felt immense regret after murdering the rock monster, and now it was like it had never occurred. She had wanted to go back to before it happened, and somehow, everything was as it was when she had touched the star. And with what Toriel just told her…



…had she somehow traveled back through time?



It wasn’t like that was much stranger than most of the other stuff she had seen here, and she had heard rumors about an experimental time machine being developed in London.



Franziska wouldn’t waste this second chance. She wouldn’t let herself become a murderer again.



She’d think about the implications of this later.



Franziska turned back towards the rock, and said, “I…apologize for inconveniencing you, but could you please move onto the button near you? …and stay there until I exit this room.”



“Well, since you’re being so polite, I’d be happy to,” the rock said, and slid onto the button.



Franziska curtsied at the rock, and as she stepped over the receded spikes, said, “Thank you.”



In the next room, there was a small hole in the wall, probably for some sort of mouse. There was also some extremely stale-looking cheese atop a table, and…another star.



She didn’t hesitate to reach for it.



* Believing that you are above consequences fills you with determination.



* File saved.



“No,” Franziska said. “Nobody is truly above consequences. The courts makes sure of that.”



* …



Franziska knew that she had directly taken a life. Even if she had managed to give it back afterwards, it had left a scar on her soul that would never fade.



But she was determined to make things right. She would get out of here, and perhaps, she could make up for her wrongdoings.



One step towards perfection at a time.

=====​

COURT RECORD:



Evidence:



Prosecutor’s Badge - Proof of my profession. Like my papa and little brother, I keep mine in my pocket.



Cell Phone - My phone. Toriel’s number has been registered to it.



Newspaper Articles - Articles detailing the disappearance of several children on Mount Ebott.



Photograph - A photograph of my second cousin, Bailey von Karma. I never met her.



Doodle - A drawing that I had obtained during my third trial with Phoenix Wright. I had meant to return this to him, but now…



Profiles:



Bailey von Karma - An aspiring ballerina who went missing on Mount Ebott, and my second cousin.



Flowey - A talking flower that attacked me shortly after I found myself down here. I couldn’t make sense of its inane ramblings.



Toriel - A self-proclaimed “monster” who shooed away Flowey. She intends on surprising me with something cinnamon-related.



Odd Voice - A voice that appeared in my head shortly after I met Toriel. They are rather irritated at me, and rightfully so.

 

[IFBench]

Chapter 4: In Search of Family

​

In the next room, there was a leaf pile in the way, with a strange monster atop it, resembling a child’s depiction of a ghost, repeating the letter “z” over and over.



Franziska approached it warily, one hand on her whip.



* This ghost keeps saying ‘z’ out loud repeatedly, pretending to sleep. Will you move it with force?



“No,” Franziska said, before whipping the leaves near the ghost, making sure not to actually hit the ghost. “That should scare them away.”



* Of course you would do that.



“hey…” the ghost said, before that now-familiar glow appeared on Franziska’s chest.



* Here comes Napstablook, and the consequences of your actions.



“i’m not that important…” Napstablook said, as it began to…cry? Its tears were flying towards her, and looked alarmingly similar to the pellets Flowey had threatened her with.



One struck her, and Franziska flinched in pain. Avoid the tears, then.



This ghost was so meek, it was almost comical. Putting itself down, attacking via crying…Franziska was sure that she could threaten it again with her whip and it’d flee.



But no, that wouldn’t do. After what had happened with the rock monster, she didn’t want to take any chances. She wanted to make things right.



* You ready yourself to strike Napstablook with your whip, like the violent, selfish human you are.



“Why do you think you’re unimportant?” Franziska asked, ignoring the voice’s comment.



* …what? You didn’t do that?



“i don’t want to talk about it…it doesn’t really matter anyways…i don’t matter…” Napstablook said, the tears stopping. In their place, a grey message appeared. “Not really feeling up to it right now, sorry.”



“Hold it!” Franziska shouted. “Do you not have family who care about you? Wouldn’t they think you matter?”



* What are you doing?



Napstablook started crying again, even more than before. “he doesn’t care about me anymore…he left me behind…”



This was starting to sound eerily familiar. Franzisks swerved between the tears, and said, “Then whoever “he” is doesn’t deserve you. Realize your own merit, and rise up above him!”



“but he’s so talented…and i’m not…” Napstablook whimpered, though the tears began to slow.



“You have talent, I am sure of it,” Franziska said.



“well…i can do this…” Napstablook says, as their tears begin to fly upwards, coalescing into a top hat. “i call it ‘dapper blook’. …do you like it?”



“It could use some more frills, but it’s an impressive talent,” Franziska said, slightly smiling.



“oh gee…” Napstablook said, and the yellow glow faded. “i usually come to the ruins because there’s nobody around…but today i met somebody nice…”



Franziska was about to ask if Napstablook could move out of the way now, when it floated upright, and asked, “you’re a human, aren’t you?”



“Yes, I am. Franziska von Karma, prosecutor,” Franziska said. “You’re more pleasant than most others I’ve met here so far.”



“i see…if you know any dead humans, and have a picture of them, i can try to do a channeling for you…” Napstablook said.



* A what.



“its a tradition passed down with ghost monsters…we can summon the soul of a dead human and let them communicate through ourselves. though nobodys been able to channel a human for a long time…but i can still try if you want…” Napstablook said.



Franziska von Karma had done her research on the Kurain Channeling Technique, for her first case against Phoenix Wright.



You need three things for a channeling: The person’s name, a depiction of the person’s face, and a vessel willing and able to channel.



And, somehow, she had all three. This ghost monster was willing and able to channel for her.



Realistically, she only had two options for who to channel. And while one of those options would provide some answers as to what happened to her second cousin, the other would be far more likely to help her escape this place.



She knew that Maya Fey channeled her deceased sister, Mia Fey, rather often. If she could get Mia channeled here, then wait for Maya to channel Mia again…



Franziska took out her phone, and scrolled through the image gallery, until she found it: A picture of Mia looking at an absurdly large burger with a baffled expression on her face.



“Could you channel her? Her name is Mia Fey,” Franziska asked, showing the image to Napstablook. “She died two and a half years ago.”



* You show a photo of a strange woman to Napstablook and ask them to do the impossible for you.



“oh…ok…i’ll try. it’s the least i can do after attacking you…” Napstablook said. “and its not impossible…she has a picture and a name of a dead human…thats all you need…for a channeling…”



* Somehow they’ve agreed to this.



“its the least i can do…” Napstablook says, before closing their eyes. “here goes…”



And suddenly, where Napstablook once was, is a translucent silhouette of Mia Fey. Her chest faintly glowed red.



* It actually worked?!



“Of course it did,” Franziska said with confidence. While this was unconventional for spirit channeling, it was still the same principle.



“Who…?” Mia began, before narrowing her eyes. “You’re Manfred von Karma’s daughter, correct?”



“I am Franziska von Karma, the prodigy,” Franziska said, curtsying at the spirit. “And loathe as I am to admit it, I require your assistance.



“Sorry, but I don’t do favors for people who try to get my family arrested,” Mia said, crossing her arms. “I don’t know how you got Maya to agree to this, but…I…”



Mia looked down at her translucent arms, and said, “...this is new.”



“Correct. You are not being channeled by Maya Fey, who for your information, I have reconciled with,” Franziska said. “You are being channeled by a ghost monster named Napstablook.”



“I have many questions,” Mia said, uncrossing her arms. “And I feel like you have some answers. Fine, what do you want?”



“Simply put, I am trapped,” Franziska said. “Next time Maya channels you, I would like you to tell the nearest person that I am trapped beneath Mount Ebott, and to send a rescue party.”



“You climbed Mount Ebott?! What were you thinking?” Mia said, eyes wide.



“There has been a lot going on, and I needed a way to distract myself,” Franziska said. “Solving a mystery about disappearing children felt like a productive use of my time.”



“You know what, fair enough. I’d probably have done the same thing if I had the opportunity,” Mia said. “Supposedly a Fey went missing on this mountain some years ago.”



“Then that makes two of us,” Franziska said, taking out the photo of Bailey von Karma and presenting it to Mia. “This is my second cousin, who went missing in this area.”



“...I guess I can’t begrudge you for wanting to solve the disappearance of a family member,” Mia said. “I will do my best to help you.”



“Thank you, Mia Fey,” Franziska said, a small smile on her face. “It is much appreciated.”



“Good luck in getting out of here,” Mia said. “But for now, it’s time for me to return to the Twilight Realm.”



Mia Fey faded away, but the red glow remained, even as Napstablook reappeared.



“oh no…she’s still here…did i do it wrong…” Napstablook said, tearily looking at the red glow.



* …huh. Seems I can’t return to the Twilight Realm.



* What.



“Perhaps monster spirit channeling is different from how the Feys do it?” Franziska said.



* I wouldn’t be surprised. But…maybe this isn’t so bad. This is pretty interesting.



* Might as well travel with you while I’m here, until Maya channels me.



Franziska…wasn’t sure how to feel about a defense attorney accompanying her, even if she was the sister of her friend Maya Fey. But she already had one strange voice with her. What was one more?



“Fine, you may accompany me. Though try to not be irritating,” Franziska said. The red glow seemed to disappear, but she could still hear Mia’s voice.



* No promises!



* Mia Fey joined the party.



* Who’s that other voice, by the way?



“They refuse to talk about their identity, or why they’re here,” Franzisksa said. “I don’t suppose you’d be willing to talk now?”



* Questioning voices in your head doesn’t seem to be the best use of your time.



* I like your sense of humor already.



“i’ll let you have fun…see you…” Napstablook said, before fading away.



“Let’s continue,” Franziska said, dreading what chaos Mia and the other voice would bring. She walked into the next room, and saw several cobwebs, as well as a sign advertising a “spider bakesale”.



* Will you purchase a spider donut? Or perhaps some spider cider?


“A donut is far too sweet, but perhaps some cider,” Franziska said, digging into her wallet, and taking out some money.



* You don’t have the right currency.



“Then why did you ask if I’d buy anything?!” Franziska asked, putting the money away as she left the bakesale behind.



The next several rooms were uneventful, until Franziska spotted a monster that resembled a giant eyeball, tying some sort of ribbon around one of its horns.



* Wow, you weren’t kidding about the monsters. That one looks right out of Monsters Inc.



* What do you mean, ‘Monsters Inc’?



* It’s a movie. Ask Franziska to show you it once we’re out of here, it’s…Franziska, could you take a closer look at that ribbon for me?



“I thought I asked you not to be irritating, but very well,” Franziska says, approaching the monster. The ribbon was very faded, but along its length was a pattern, depicting the unmistakable silhouette of a magatama.



* Could this be…?



“Hey! What are you looking at?” the monster said, as Franziska felt her soul appear once more.



* Loox drew near!



“It’s rude to stare!” Loox said, as white circles began to fly towards Franziska. How many of these monsters were going to attack her?



* Patia Fey.



* Who?



* She’s a Fey girl who went missing in this area. That ribbon belonged to her.



* Franziska, please, retrieve that ribbon!



“What are you doing with that ribbon?” Franziska asked, as she ducked underneath one of the circles.



“I found it, and what I do with it is none of your business!” Loox said, as more circles appeared.



“And where did you find it?” Franziska asked, flinching as a circle collided with her.



“Why do you care about that ribbon so badly?” Loox asked, narrowing their eye. “Are you trying to pick on me?”



“No, I’m not going to pick on you,” Franziska said. “That ribbon belonged to a…friend’s family. I’d like to examine it more closely.”



“...promise you won’t pick on me?” Loox asked, eye widening.



“A von Karma keeps her word,” Franziska said. “I will not pick on you.”



“Finally someone gets it!” Loox said, and the glow faded once more. They unwrapped the ribbon from their horn, and offered it towards Franziska. “Here, if it’s that important, you can have it. Thanks for not picking on me.”



Franziska took the ribbon, and curtsied. “It is appreciated. I hope you can find a suitable replacement.”



“I liked the pattern, but I can probably find something similar,” Loox said, walking away. “Take care!”



* You got the Faded Ribbon.



* Great! Now we can examine it more closely, to look for possible clues.



Franziska looked over the ribbon. While most of it was a faded pink color, there were a few splotches of darker color on it. Blood.



* …



“Let’s continue. We’ll have time for more examination later,” Franziska said, passing by an old-looking tree, completely bereft of leaves.



* Every time this old tree grows any leaves, they fall right off.



Just beyond the tree was a house, and in front of the house was another star. As Franziska walked towards the star, though, a familiar figure appeared from the house’s doorway.



“Oh! You’ve made it!” Toriel said, walking over towards Franziska with a green glow in her paws. “Are you hurt? I will heal you.”



* Who’s that?



* Toriel. …caretaker of the Ruins.



* She seems nice enough.



“I’m fine,” Franziska said, even as she felt her pain subside. “I have been through far worse.”



“That is not exactly reassuring,” Toriel says with a frown, but backs away. “Still, I should not have left you alone for so long. It was irresponsible for me to try to surprise you like this.”



“I can handle myself,” Franziska said. “Now, what is this surprise?”



“I’ll show you. Come with me!” Toriel said, walking back into the house.



Cinnamon swirl pancakes…she couldn’t wait to taste those again, even if they might be laced with butterscotch.



First, though, she reached for the star. Somehow, these felt comforting. Safe, even with how unfamiliar they were. They filled her with determination to make it out of here.



* The smell of Toriel’s cooking lingers in the air…it fills you with determination.



* File saved.

=====​

COURT RECORD:



Evidence:



Prosecutor’s Badge - Proof of my profession. Like my papa and little brother, I keep mine in my pocket.



Cell Phone - My phone. Toriel’s number has been registered to it.



Newspaper Articles - Articles detailing the disappearance of several children on Mount Ebott.



Photograph - A photograph of my second cousin, Bailey von Karma. I never met her.



Doodle - A drawing that I had obtained during my third trial with Phoenix Wright. I had meant to return this to him, but now…



Faded Ribbon - A ribbon belonging to a child who disappeared on Mount Ebott, Patia Fey. It’s speckled with blood.



Profiles:



Bailey von Karma - An aspiring ballerina who went missing on Mount Ebott, and my second cousin.



Flowey - A talking flower that attacked me shortly after I found myself down here. I couldn’t make sense of its inane ramblings.



Toriel - A monster who has been guiding me through the Ruins. I seemed to have arrived ather house.



Odd Voice - A voice that appeared in my head shortly after I met Toriel. They seem to know Toriel.



Napstablook - A ghost monster who offered to channel a spirit for me. I hope my advice helps them.



Mia Fey - A deceased defense attorney, and the sister of Maya Fey. She is now accompanying me on my journey.

 

[IFBench]

Chapter 5: Wandering Heart
​

“Do you smell that?” Toriel asked, as Franziska entered the house. It seemed surprisingly cozy, for a house in such an obscure, dilapidated area.



“Yes, the smell of cinnamon,” Franziska said. Almost time for cinnamon swirl pancakes…



“Surprise! It is a cinnamon-butterscotch pie,” Toriel said, shattering Franziska’s hopes of pancakes.



“...I see,” Franziska said, crossing her arms.



“...are you disappointed?” Toriel asked, frowning.



“To be perfectly honest, yes. I was expecting cinnamon swirl pancakes, not…pie,” Franziska said. The only type of pie she vaguely enjoyed was pumpkin pie, and even that was too sweet for her.



* Wow, you’re one picky eater.



* She’s a von Karma, what’d you expect?



“I…understand,” Toriel said. “I just…thought it might be a nice surprise for you, to welcome you here. But we can do cinnamon swirl pancakes another day.”



“The gesture is still appreciated. And I might as well at least try it, I suppose, so as to not let your gift go to waste,” Franziska said, though she was dreading the taste. She had never had this type of pie before, but it was still a pie . Far too sweet for a von Karma.



But she wouldn’t let this gesture of kindness be in vain, nor would she let her two trespassers have the last laugh over her.



“Come with me, then. There’s a slice on the table for you,” Toriel said, walking into a comfy-looking room that seemed to be for both dining and relaxing. Franziska followed after her.



There was a slice of pie on the table, in front of a large-looking chair. Two other chairs were at the table, one large and one small. Along one of the walls was a bookshelf, some gardening tools, a lit fireplace, and a reading chair, which Toriel sat down in.



Franziska sat down at the table, and stared at the pie for a few seconds. It had cinnamon in it, so it wouldn’t be all bad. But the butterscotch…and the fact that it was pie…



* Will you let the pie triumph over you?



No, she wouldn’t. She grabbed a nearby fork, tore off a small chunk of the pie, and shoved it in her mouth.



It…



…actually tasted very good.



Somehow, the butterscotch wasn’t overpoweringly sweet, but worked in harmony with the cinnamon. It tasted almost like a less-sweet pumpkin pie.



She didn’t hesitate to take another bite, and then another. The flavor profile was immaculate, she didn’t know pie could be good , let alone this great.



“My, you seem to like it!” Toriel said, laughing a bit.



As Franziska finished the last chunk of the slice, she said, “If perfection took the form of a pie, this would be it.”



* I’ve seen Maya eat burgers slower than that. Must’ve been really good.



* That’s the power of Toriel’s cooking.



* Did you have any of her cooking in the past?



* …



“I am glad you enjoyed it,” Toriel said, standing up from her chair. “Now, I would like to show you something. Please follow me.”



Franziska followed Toriel as she walked down a hall. As she walked past a mirror, she noticed that her jabot had been ruffled a bit. She took the time to adjust it, making sure it was properly fit.



* It’s you.



* The spitting image of a von Karma.



Once her jabot was once again pristine, Franziska walked over to where Toriel was standing, in front of an ajar door. She could see toys strewn around inside.



“Oh! There you are,” Toriel said, smiling. “But…well, this is a temporary room for you.”



“I am not staying in a child’s room,” Franziska said.



“It is only a temporary arrangement. The guest room for adults is still undergoing renovations, but it should be finished soon,” Toriel said. “I want you to have a nice time living here.”

“While the gesture is appreciated, I refuse. I am not going to be ‘living here’. How do I exit this place?” Franziska asked.



“What? But…this is your home now,” Toriel said.



“No it is not. How do I leave?” Franziska asked, crossing her arms.



“Um…how about I show you my favorite bug hunting spot?” Toriel said, looking nervous.



“How. Do. I. Leave,” Franziska said, just barely keeping her voice below a shout. It was rude to shout in someone else’s home.



“...I have to do something. Stay here,” Toriel said, before walking away, towards a set of stairs leading down.



* Maybe you should back off for now. Sneak out while she’s sleeping.



“No. I will not let her hide anything from me,” Franziska said, making her way down the stairs. As she reached the bottom, she found herself in a long, purple corridor, with Toriel a few steps away from her.



“Do you truly wish to return ‘home’?” Toriel asked, as she walked down the corridor.



“Of course,” Franziska said, following Toriel. “I have a life I must return to.”



“I am sorry, but you cannot,” Toriel said. “I am going to destroy the door leading out of the Ruins. Nobody will ever be able to leave again.”



“What?!” Franziska yelled. She nearly whipped Toriel right then and there. “Do you intend on trapping me here forever?!”



“If you leave the Ruins…they…Asgore…will kill you for your soul,” Toriel said. “I have seen it happen again and again. A human comes. They leave. They die.”



“Then I will make sure this Asgore receives justice for their crimes,” Franziska said. “Let me through.”



“I am only protecting you, do you understand? Go back upstairs. This is your final warning,” Toriel said, before she stopped at a large, purple door.



“No. A von Karma needs no protection,” Franziska said. “I will leave this place, and return home alive.”



“A von Karma…of course. You are so much like her,” Toriel said, turning around. “There is only one solution to this. Prove yourself…prove to me you are strong enough to survive!”



As Franziska’s soul appeared once more, she knew that this was it. She had to prove herself now, or she’d be trapped here forever.



* Toriel blocks the way!



As flames flew towards her, an idea popped up in Franziska’s mind. This wasn’t a traditional court, far from it, but she was a prosecutor. She was great at proving things.



She just needed to find the right evidence.



Franziska dug into her pocket as she ducked beneath a wave of flames. She didn’t expect this to ever be used as evidence, but it may be the key here.



“Take that!” Franziska shouted, as she presented her prosecutor’s badge.



Toriel seemed unimpressed. “Is that supposed to protect you?”



“It is my prosecutor’s badge, the proof of my profession,” Franziska said. “It is my job to see that the guilty are punished for their crimes, and it is not an easy job. Yet I persist, because I am capable of handling myself.”



* You present your Prosecutor’s Badge. Toriel looks away.



* …wow.



“But surely you haven’t done all that alone?” Toriel asks, sending more flames Franziska’s way. “What if you get hurt, and there is nobody to help you?”



Franziska flinched as a flame collided with her soul, but she couldn’t give up. Not when the exit of the Ruins was in reach.



One piece of evidence wasn’t enough, but she had plenty more.



“Take that!” Franziska said, showing her cell phone to Toriel. “I still have your phone number! You told me that if I need help, I could call you! Have you changed your mind about that?”



* You present your Cell Phone. Toriel’s breathing gets funny for a moment.



* Is this…actually working?



* You underestimate the power of evidence.



“Well…yes, but this is different. Out there, monsters are far more hostile towards humans,” Toriel said, the flames starting to waver. “And if you’re willing to rely on me, would it not be safer here, under my protection? I could make sure you never come to harm.”



The flames were much easier to dodge this time, as they were fewer in number.



Franziska was getting somewhere, she knew it. And she knew where to launch her next line of rebuttal.



“Take that!” Franziska said, taking out the faded ribbon.



* That’s…



* You presented the Faded Ribbon. Toriel covers her mouth.



“What…what are you doing with that?!” Toriel asks, eyes wide. The flames had stopped entirely.



“A monster named Loox had found it. This belonged to one of the humans who fell down here, didn’t it? Patia Fey,” Franziska said. “It’s speckled with blood. Did she ever make it to this house? Or did she die, even despite your care? Can you really claim you’re able to protect me?”



“You…how dare you bring a child’s death into this?!” Toriel shouted, as the flames returned, blazing more than ever.



* Perhaps taunting Toriel with her regrets wasn’t the best idea.



* No. She’s almost gotten through. I can feel it.



* Is it worth this much pain? Is it worth putting Toriel through so much anguish?



* The truth can hurt. But it can also set you free. Turning away from it would only bring more pain.



* …



Searing heat barraged Franziska’s body, but she grit her teeth and endured it. Mia…she may be a defense attorney, but she couldn’t agree with her words more.



“I know I failed! I know I couldn’t protect her! I know I’ve never been able to protect anybody! So let me start now! Let me at least protect you!” Toriel shouted. “What is so important to you that you must return to the Surface so badly?!”



This was it. The finishing blow. Maybe it was a good thing that she held onto this for so long.



“Take that!” Franziska said, presenting the Doodle to Toriel.



* You still have that?!



* You present the Doodle to Toriel.



“What…what is that?” Toriel asked. The flames kept coming, but they swerved around Franziska now, avoiding harming her. “A card with a seashell on it, with a face drawn over it…and the name ‘Nick’?”



“It is evidence from a case long solved,” Franziska said, standing with confidence. “I had vowed to return this to a certain man when we met again. And a von Karma does not break her vows.”



“Is…that all? Is that all you have to go back for?” Toriel asked. The flames had started to fade away.



“No, it is just the beginning. That man…he has touched many lives. And recently, he…met the worst fate a defense attorney could have,” Franziska said.



* Phoenix Wright…



“Is he…?” Toriel asked. The flames were but embers now.



“He is alive, but…he may wish he wasn’t,” Franziska said. “My little brother is close with him, and so is a dear friend of mine. Let me return this to him.”



* …



* The flames have stopped.



“Ha…ha…” Toriel laughed, though there was no joy in it. “Pathetic, is it not? I cannot save even a single human.”



“You can save me by letting me leave this place,” Franziska said. Had she finally broken through?



“...I understand,” Toriel said at last. “You would just be unhappy trapped down here. The Ruins are very small once you get used to them.”



“Then you’re letting me leave?” Franziska asked.



“If you truly wish to leave the Ruins…then yes. I won’t stop you,” Toriel said. “But…before you go. Please let me give you something.”



Toriel walked away, back towards the stairs, leaving Franziska alone.



* Why didn’t you fight back?



Perhaps not quite entirely alone. “What do you mean?” Franziska asked.



* You’re a human. You’ve hurt others before. You’ve attacked people with your whip.



* So…why? Why didn’t you hurt Toriel, when she was threatening to trap you here?



After a brief period of silence, Franziska said, “I did not want to repeat my mistakes.”



* But humans are violent. You’re violent. It would have been so easy for you.



“Just because it is easy, does not mean it is worth doing,” Franziska said. “Improvement is never easy, but it is always worth doing. This is the path I chose, and it is the path I will stay on.”



* I…see.



* …thank you for not hurting Toriel.



* You must care about Toriel a lot.



* …I do. But now is not the time for that.



The sound of footsteps signaled Toriel’s return. She was carrying a piece of paper and a small bag.



“Here you go. This is the recipe for my cinnamon-butterscotch pie,” Toriel said, handing her the paper. “You enjoyed it so much, and I thought…you may as well have the recipe, so you can make it yourself.”



“Thank you, Toriel,” Franziska said, taking the recipe. Maybe it was for the best that she never got those cinnamon swirl pancakes here. Now, she knew that pie could be good. Her horizons had been broadened with this recipe.



“And this is some spending money,” Toriel said, giving the bag to Franziska. “It’s only 1000 G, but I hope you can buy some things you like with it.”



* You got the Recipe, and 1000 G.



Franziska curtsied at Toriel, and smiled. “I will put it to good use. Farewell for now, Toriel.”



Toriel hesitated, before beginning to walk away. “Good luck, my…friend. Please stay safe. And…goodbye.”



With that, Toriel disappeared from view, and at last, Franziska could exit the Ruins.



She made her way through the door, only to be greeted with a familiar sight.



A flower with a face, smiling at her.



“Flowey!” Franziska yelled, grabbing her whip.



“You think you’re clever, don’t you?” Flowey said, a sinister smirk on its face. “You thought nobody would know what you did. You thought that, if you could spare the life of a single person, you could fix things.”



“But I know what happened,” Flowey said. “You killed. And then you went back, because you regretted it.”



* How…?

* Franziska, what in the world is that flower talking about?



“If you think I will be rattled by your threats, then you are sorely mistaken!” Franziska shouted. “I will never become a murderer! I am not my papa!”



“Oh, but you are. Just because you erased it doesn’t mean it didn’t happen,” Flowey said. “I wonder, how many people have you hurt before? How many lives have you taken?”



“Do you think I don’t realize that?! I already know what I must do,” Franziska said, raising her whip above her head. “Now leave, or I’ll make you!”



“Jumping to violence already? Didn’t Toriel teach you anything?” Flowey said, its voice becoming a twisted mockery of Toriel’s. “But don’t worry. I’ll be out of your hair. But take a long, hard think about this power of yours…and what someone could do with it.”



Its face twisted outside of its petals, and it laughed a horrid laugh…before disappearing back beneath the earth, just before Franziska’s whip hit where it once was.



* What in the world…?



* …



“There’s no point in standing around here. Let’s continue,” Franziska said, walking towards the doorway at the other side of the chamber.



It was time to find out what was beyond the Ruins.

=====​

“So…von Karma is…?” Kay asked, and Edgeworth could see the tears forming in her eyes.



“Missing, yes. The police don’t seem to have any leads either,” Edgeworth said.



“Trust me, pal. I asked everyone I could, and nobody had any idea where she went,” Gumshoe said, scratching the back of his head. “The most I could get was Payne saying that he overheard her mentioning some ‘important business’, but…well, Payne’s unreliable at the best of times.”



“That at least confirms she’s probably still alive!” Kay said. Even though he’d only met her a few weeks ago, her optimism helped more than he could admit.


“Yes, provided Payne wasn’t making it up,” Edgeworth said. “But we don’t have any leads.”



Maybe he could ask that man. He always knew what to do when things seemed hopeless.



But he had just lost his badge. Did he really need Edgeworth’s problems on top of his own?



…no, he didn’t. Edgeworth would simply have to find Franziska alone.



“The police don’t know everything!” Kay said. “There’s way more people to ask! And I just know who to talk to!”



“And who would that be?” Gumshoe asked, raising an eyebrow.



“When you live on the streets for a while, you learn who’s ‘in the know’,” Kay said, grinning. “I have an old contact in mind!”



“Would this old contact happen to be a thief?” Edgeworth asked, bracing himself for the answer.



“Yup!” Kay said.



Why did he think they’d be anything else.



“Normally, I wouldn’t condone this, but…this is a dire situation,” Edgeworth said. “Who is this old contact?”



“I haven’t seen them in a while, but I’m sure we’ll be able to find them easily! You can’t miss their striped sweater!” Kay said, walking towards the door out of Edgeworth’s office.



“What’s their name? Maybe we can find them easier if we do a background check,” Gumshoe asked, following after Kay.



“Oh, you probably wouldn’t be able to find them like that. Legally they don’t exist,” Kay said. “But since you asked…”



“...their name is Frisk.”

=====​

COURT RECORD:



Evidence:



Prosecutor’s Badge - Proof of my profession. Like my papa and little brother, I keep mine in my pocket.



Cell Phone - My phone. Toriel’s number has been registered to it.



Newspaper Articles - Articles detailing the disappearance of several children on Mount Ebott.



Photograph - A photograph of my second cousin, Bailey von Karma. I never met her.



Doodle - A drawing that I had obtained during my third trial with Phoenix Wright. I had meant to return this to him, but now…



Faded Ribbon - A ribbon belonging to a child who disappeared on Mount Ebott, Patia Fey. It’s speckled with blood.



Recipe - Toriel’s parting gift to me. A recipe for cinnamon-butterscotch pie.



Profiles:



Bailey von Karma - An aspiring ballerina who went missing on Mount Ebott, and my second cousin.



Flowey - A talking flower. It knew that I traveled back in time. How did it know that?



Toriel - A monster who intended on keeping me trapped in the Ruins. Fortunately, I was able to convince her to let me go.



Odd Voice - A voice that appeared in my head shortly after I met Toriel. They care deeply about Toriel.



Napstablook - A ghost monster who offered to channel a spirit for me. I hope my advice helps them.



Mia Fey - A deceased defense attorney, and the sister of Maya Fey. She is now accompanying me on my journey.



Asgore - A monster outside the Ruins. Wants to kill me for my soul.



Other:



1000 G

 

[IFBench]

Chapter 6: Strange People​

“I do not like this one bit,” Franziska said as she walked down the snow-covered path. “Too much like Hazukura Temple.”



* You and me both.



“How is there even snow down her—” Franziska began, before a loud sound rang out through the forest, sounding almost like…



…a gunshot.



Franziska’s arm immediately went to her shoulder, her eyes widening as she scanned the forest for any sign of him, of de Killer. He wouldn’t put another bullet in her. She’d emerge triumphant this time, and make it to the trial, and…and…



* Why are you so riled up? It was just a branch breaking.



She was a fool. Of course the assassin wasn’t here, she was underground, and presumably the only human alive down here.



“Not de Killer, then,” Franziska muttered to herself, as she continued onwards.



* What kind of name is that?!



* One you should avoid at all costs. He’s an international assassin, and kidnapped my sister.



* Oh.



Pushing the thoughts of that accursed case to the back of her mind, Franziska found herself reaching a bridge. Thankfully, it was nowhere near as long, rickety, or dangerous as the one at Hazukura Temple. There were some sort of cell gate over it, but for some reason the bars were a meter apart, far too wide to be effective.



She was about to cross, when she heard footsteps coming from behind her. She didn’t hesitate to turn around, to see who this mystery miscreant was.



“now that’s no way to greet a new pal, is it?” the short sweater-wearing skeleton said, reaching an arm out. “shake my hand.”



“I do not shake the hands of strangers,” Franziska said, crossing her arms.



“wow, tough crowd,” the skeleton said, putting something in his coat pocket. “anyway i’m sans. sans the skeleton.”



“I am Franziska von Karma, the prodigy,” Franziska said, performing a curtsy at the skeleton.



“you’re a human, right? that’s hilarious,” Sans said. “i’m actually supposed to be on watch for humans right now, but i don’t really care about catching anybody.”



“So you are shirking your duties?!” Franziska said, reaching for her whip.



“whoa, take it easy. do you want me to try to capture you?” Sans said, shrugging.



“...I suppose not,” Franziska said, moving her arm away from her whip.



“my brother papyrus, though…he’s a human-hunting fanatic ,” Sans said. “i think that’s him over there.”



“And are you going to turn me in to him?” Franziska asked, crossing her arms once more.



“nah, i’m gonna hide you. quick, this way,” Sans said, walking past Franziska and through the gate.



“I do not need to be ‘hidden’,” Franziska said as she followed after Sans. “I will handle this myself.”



“you sure? my brother’s pretty strong,” Sans said. “and there’s a convenient lamp over there you can hide behind.”



“I am certain,” Franziska said, surveying the clearing she had entered. Sure enough, there was a lamp nearby, though it was much too small to hide her even if she wanted.



“welp. thank you for making my brother’s day,” Sans said, sounding almost happy. “prepare for greatness.”



Just as he said that, a tall skeleton wearing a strange outfit ran into the clearing, and shouted, “SANS! IT’S BEEN NEARLY EIGHT DAYS, YOU STILL…HAVEN’T…”



“sup, bro?” Sans said, as Franziska braced herself.



“SANS!! IS THAT…A HUMAN??!?!?!” Papyrus screeched.



“Yes,” Sans said.



“Greetings. I am Franziska von Karma, the prodigy,” Franziska said, curtsying at the new arrival.



* Do you do that with everyone you meet?



* Yes, she does.



“SANS! I FINALLY DID IT!” Papyrus exclaimed. “UNDYNE WILL…I’M GONNA…I’LL BE SO…POPULAR!!! POPULAR!!! POPULAR!!!”



Franziska simply crossed her arms.



“HUMAN! YOU SHALL NOT PASS THIS AREA! I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, WILL STOP YOU!” Papyrus shouted. Franziska’s ears were starting to hurt. “I WILL CAPTURE YOU, AND YOU WILL BE DELIVERED TO THE CAPITAL!”



“And just what will happen to me afterwards?” Franziska asked. “And my name is ‘Franziska von Karma’, not ‘human’.”



“...I’M NOT SURE WHAT’S NEXT. BUT IN ANY CASE, CONTINUE…ONLY IF YOU DARE!” Papyrus yelled, cackling as he ran off.



* He’s a strange one.



* You’re one to talk.



* Same goes for you.



“hey,” Sans said, walking up to Franziska. “just wanted to say, thank you for humoring my bro.”



“He’s a fool,” Franziska said. “Either he is so naive that he does not know that monsters want to kill me for my soul, or that was a complete lie.”



“oh there’s plenty of monsters who want to take your soul,” Sans said. “but my bro’s not one of them. he’s not dangerous, even if he tries to be.”



“...I suppose it is better than the alternative,” Franziska said. “Better idiocy than malice.”



“seriously, though, thanks a million. haven’t seen him this happy in ages,” Sans said, winking an eyesocket. Somehow. “though my bro’s a lot smarter than you might think.”



“I’ll need evidence before I can believe that claim,” Franziska said, smirking.



“you’ll see. anyways, i’ll be up ahead. good luck,” Sans said, before walking in the opposite direction Papyrus went, towards the Ruins door.



“Where are you going?” Franziska asked.



“up ahead, like i said. i know a shortcut,” Sans said.



“...very well,” Franziska said. Something seemed off about this, though she’d look into it later. For now, the path ahead.



As she trudged through the snow, she spotted a familiar glimmer in the distance. Another one of those stars.



Before she could reach for it, though, some sort of feathery monster stepped in front of her, resembling a giant snowflake.



“Hey!” the monster said. “Wanna hear an ice pun?”



“I don’t—” Franziska began, but she was interrupted by her soul appearing once more.



* Snowdrake flutters forth!



“I’m fighting you in ‘cold’ blood!” the monster said, as crescent-shaped projectiles flew towards Franziska. “What do you think?”



“As I was saying, I would rather not hear any foolish jokes,” Franziska said. “It’s not even a good joke.”



Snowdrake looked horrified, before narrowing his eyes, and sending a barrage of crescents at Franziska. “Then this won’t be funny either!”



* You heckled Snowdrake. He’s rightfully mad at you.



Franziska winced as a couple of crescents grazed her, but she stood her ground. “If you didn’t want to hear my honest opinion on your lack of a sense of humor, you should not have asked me what I thought.”



“I…I…” Snowdrake stammered, looking down. The crescents slowed to a crawl. “Dad was right…”



* You heckled Snowdrake some more. He’s heartbroken by your words.



* Franziska, this isn’t helping.



Perhaps it wasn’t. But it did give her an opening for questioning.



“Right about what?” Franziska asked.



“He said I’d never be a real comedian like him! He’s been so cold ever since mom fell down…” Snowdrake said, before glaring at Franziska. “Why do you care?!”



“Has he ever tried to teach you? Has he sat down with you and at least tried to teach you humor, or has he simply left you to your own devices, not even making the attempt to help?” Franziska asked.



“He…he just kinda told me I wasn’t funny and never will be. …it might’ve been because I tried making a joke about mom falling down to lighten the mood,” Snowdrake said. “Chills said I could prove him wrong, though.”



“Perhaps it was not a good idea to make a joke about…this presumably tragic event,” Franziska said. “However, that was no excuse for your father to say that to you. Perhaps your sense of humor is lacking now, but as with all things, that can be mended with time and effort.”



“...you really think so?” Snowdrake said, looking up at Franziska.



* You encouraged Snowdrake. He seems thoughtful about this.



“Seek out a mentor who is willing to help you, and you’ll find people laughing not at you, but with you,” Franziska said, a small smile on her face.



* Color me surprised, Franziska. I didn’t think you had it in you.



“Ok! Thank you, scary lady!” Snowdrake said, before taking something out of a satchel he carried. “Here, you can have this! I found it in that box over there.”



It appeared to be some sort of grey sparring glove. Seemingly not one for a monster though, given the five fingers it sported.



* You got the Tough Glove.



Perhaps it had belonged to one of the humans who fell down here. Though as to who, she didn’t have any leads yet.



“Thanks again! See ya!” Snowdrake said, as he ran off. And now that she wasn’t fighting anymore, Franziska could properly reach for the star.



* Knowing that Snowdrake may one day surpass his father in matters of punmanship fills you with determination.



* File saved.

=====​

COURT RECORD:



Evidence:



Prosecutor’s Badge - Proof of my profession. Like my papa and little brother, I keep mine in my pocket.



Cell Phone - My phone. Toriel’s number has been registered to it.



Newspaper Articles - Articles detailing the disappearance of several children on Mount Ebott.



Photograph - A photograph of my second cousin, Bailey von Karma. I never met her.



Doodle - A drawing that I had obtained during my third trial with Phoenix Wright. I had meant to return this to him, but now…



Faded Ribbon - A ribbon belonging to a child who disappeared on Mount Ebott, Patia Fey. It’s speckled with blood.



Recipe - Toriel’s parting gift to me. A recipe for cinnamon-butterscotch pie.



Tough Glove - A glove Snowdrake gave to me. Seems to be fit for a human hand.



Profiles:



Bailey von Karma - An aspiring ballerina who went missing on Mount Ebott, and my second cousin.



Flowey - A talking flower. It knew that I traveled back in time. How did it know that?



Toriel - A monster who intended on keeping me trapped in the Ruins. Fortunately, I was able to convince her to let me go.



Odd Voice - A voice that appeared in my head shortly after I met Toriel. They care deeply about Toriel.



Napstablook - A ghost monster who offered to channel a spirit for me. I hope my advice helps them.



Mia Fey - A deceased defense attorney, and the sister of Maya Fey. She is now accompanying me on my journey.



Asgore - A monster outside the Ruins. Wants to kill me for my soul.



Sans - A skeleton monster I met shortly after exiting the Ruins. He wants to make his brother happy.



Papyrus - A skeleton monster I met shortly after exiting the Ruins. Very eccentric and loud, though harmless according to Sans.



Snowdrake - A bird monster, and an aspiring comedian. His father told him that he’d never be funny.



Other:



1000 G

 

[IFBench]

Chapter 7: Don't Lose Your Cool

​

There was a clearing up ahead, with little of interest in it aside from a shoddily-constructed imitation of a shack, even worse than the “Heavenly Hall” at Hazukura Temple.



A bit further down the path, though, there was another shack, this one more well-constructed. Though the smell of smoke lingered in the air, and the nearby sign reading “Absolutely NO MOVING!!!” raised far more questions than answers.



Franziska wouldn’t make it out of here if she just sat down and listened to this sign. She kept moving, until she heard a startled bark from the guard station. Turning to look at the noise, she saw a bipedal dog, looking around with squinted eyes.


“Did something move? Was it my imagination?” the dog said. “If something was moving, for example, a human…I’ll make sure it never moves again!”



Before Franziska could say a word, the dog leaped out of the shack, and her soul appeared once more.



* Doggo blocks the way!



“Don’t move an inch!” Doggo said, as he ran at her with a knife. She tried to run out of the way, but the knife’s blade extended, glowing a strange cyan color. It collided with her soul, sending pain through her body.



“Why do the dogs have knives,” Franziska muttered. This dog seemed much more grizzled than the one she was familiar with, Missile, but he was still a dog. If she could distract him…



“Aha! Movement! I see you!” Doggo shouted, before running at Franziska again.



Franziska whipped the ground a distance away, and Doggo changed course towards where the whip struck. That’d probably distract him for a few seconds, but she needed more time to get away.



Then she spotted a stick nearby, and smirked.



Picking it up, she threw it back towards the way she came from. Just as she hoped, Doggo bolted after it.



The light of her soul faded, and Franziska ran down the path, past some half-burnt dog treats that were inexplicably there, until she was far enough away from the shack to have hopefully lost Doggo’s lead.



* He really was a dog at heart.



“That he was,” Franziska said. “And seems to have the brain of one, too.”



“hey, who are you talking to?” a familiar voice sounded. Franziska turned to see Sans behind her, despite her not having run into him on the path from Doggo’s shack.



“Where did you come from?” Franziska asked.



“i took a shortcut,” Sans said. “anyway, here’s something important to remember.”



“What is it?” Franziksa asked, crossing her arms.



“my brother has a very special attack. if you see a blue attack, don’t move and it won’t hurt you,” Sans said.



“...I see. That would have been helpful two minutes ago, but it is appreciated regardless,” Franziska said, curtsying at the skeleton.



“here’s an easy way to keep it in mind,” Sans said. “imagine a stop sign.”



“While that seems like a rather pointless way to remember it, I will keep that in mind, Franziska said, walking away.



There was a sign in the middle of a nearby clearing, but the surrounding area was far too icy for it to be safe to get up close to it. Judging by the other signs she’d seen down here, it probably wasn’t anything important.



* I don’t think Sans was finished.



“I do not need whatever mnemonic he had in mind. I can remember it on my own. Stay still for blue attacks,” Franziska said.



* You’re very self-righteous, aren’t you?



* She’s a von Karma. What do you expect?



She was about to continue heading forward, when she noticed a snowman on a nearby ledge. It wouldn’t hurt to at least check it out.



As she made her way towards it, she thought back to her childhood, of trying to compete with her little brother to make the best snowman. Whenever she managed to finish her snowmen, they were always perfect. Symmetrical for a classic design, and detailed for a more complex one. Though sometimes, she got too caught up in making them that her curfew passed, and she had to go back inside, leaving the snowman unfinished.



Her little brother, though, made more sloppy snowmen. Sometimes the eyes weren’t perfectly aligned. Sometimes the nose fell off. Sometimes the entire thing fell apart. But he always at least finished his snow work before it was time to head inside.



This snowman in front of her, undoubtedly, was like one of her little brother’s snowmen.



“Hello,” an unfamiliar voice said, jolting her out of her thoughts.



“Who was that?” Franziska asked, looking around. But there was nobody there.



“I am a snowman,” the voice said, and Franziska realized that it was the snowman who was talking.



“I am Franziska von Karma, the prodigy,” Franziksa said, curtsying at the snowman.



“It is nice to meet you,” the snowman said. “If it is not too much to ask, could you do me a favor?”



“What is it?” Franziska asked.



“I want to see the world…but I cannot move. If you would be so kind, please take a piece of me, and bring it very far away,” the snowman said.



“I’m afraid I can’t do that,” Franziska said. “It’d melt as soon as I reach somewhere warm.”



“Oh…perhaps my nose, then? Or one of my buttons,” the snowman said. “It would mean a lot to me.”



“Very well,” Franziska said, plucking one of the buttons off of the snowman. “I will bring this button with me.”



“Thank you…and good luck!” the snowman said.



* You got the Snowman Piece.



* Don’t lose it, or I’ll be disappointed in you.



After saying farewell to the snowman, Franziska walked back into the clearing with the ice, before continuing down the path east. A loud voice greeted her arrival. Papyrus.



“—ERE NAPPING ALL NIGHT!!” Papyrus yelled from the other side of an oddly snow-barren clearing. Sans was standing next to him.



“i think that’s called sleeping,” Sans said.



“EXCUSES, EXCUSES!” Papyrus shouted.



“What are you two talking about?” Franziska asked, as she walked over towards the two of them.



“OHO! THE HUMAN ARRIVES!” Papyrus exclaimed, turning towards her. “IN ORDER TO STOP YOU…WAIT WAIT STOP—”



Just as Franziska stepped onto the part of the clearing bereft of snow, the sound of electricity crackled through the air. Papyrus jolted around erratically, it was like he’d been electrocuted.



“Papyrus!” she shouted, as she ran across the rest of the clearing. He shook around more, smoke beginning to rise from his body. Just what had happened to him?! Had someone tried to kill him right in front of a prosecutor? He may be a fool, but that didn’t mean he deserved to be killed!



As she reached the other side of the clearing, she noticed that Papyrus had finally settled down, though he didn’t appear to be moving, not even breathing.



There was now a murderer on the loose down here. And Papyrus’ brother had just watched him die in front of him.



She turned towards Sans, and took a deep breath. “I am sorry for the passing of your brother. Rest assured, I will find the person who did this to him, and ensure they are punished for their crimes.”



“er…” Sans said, and it was only now that she had noticed that his eyesocket lights had disappeared, though they were starting to light back up.



* He’s not dead. Monsters turn into dust when they die.



* How do they have autopsies, then?



* What’s an autopsy?



* It’s…maybe this isn’t the best time for this.



“...oh,” Franziska said. Right. Of course. Monsters.



If she ever did find a real criminal down here, her job was going to be very complicated.



“you kinda did this to him,” Sans said. “there was an invisible electric maze back there. paps had the orb that’d shock you in his pocket, and—”



“You were planning on electrocuting me?!” Franziska said, one hand on her whip.



* Are you really going to do this again?



…no, she wouldn’t. She let go of her whip.



“the shock was supposed to be small and quick like a joy buzzer. small enough it wouldn’t hurt much, but enough to make you flinch away from the electric zone. we didn’t really expect you to run into the electric part and stay there,” Sans said, before turning to look down at Papyrus. “but you’re right. we went a bit far. i’m sorry.”



“Save your apologies for after we find a doctor for your brother. What’s the emergency number down here?” Franziska asked, taking out her phone.



“oh he’ll be ok. but some food might help,” Sans said. “there’s an ice cream salesman nearby. get some ice cream for my bro, and we’ll call it even.”



“How is ice cream supposed to help with electrocution?!” Franziska asked, fidgeting with her whip.



“monster food has healing properties,” Sans said, as if that didn’t raise more questions than answers.



“...very well. I will be back shortly with some ice cream,” Franziska said, running off to the east.



Sure enough, there was some sort of food cart on a nearby plateau, with a glum-looking blue rabbit monster leaning an arm onto it.



“I don’t understand why these aren’t sell—” the monster began, before Franziska walked up to them.



“How much for ice cream?” she asked, taking out the bag Toriel had given her.



“Wow, you’re eager! It’s 15 G for Nice Cream, the frozen treat that warms—” the monster began, interrupted by Franziska placed 15 coins from the bag on the cart.



“Any flavor will do,” Franziska said.



“Alright, here you go!” the monster said, handing her a wrapped ice cream bar.



Quickly thanking them, she ran back towards Papyrus, ignoring the rabbit monster asking her to wait.



“Here,” Franziska said, handing the ice cream to Sans.



“thanks,” Sans said, as he unwrapped the ice cream, and put it in Papyrus’ mouth.



The taller skeleton soon began to stir, before standing back up. “NYEH…MAYBE THAT PUZZLE WASN’T THE GREATEST IDEA…”



“Even the most foolish of fools would agree that foolishly making a foolish puzzle like that is a fool’s decision,” Franziska said, crossing her arms. “However, I am glad you are alive, Papyrus.”



“OF COURSE I’M ALIVE!” Papyrus yelled. “BUT STILL…THANK YOU, HUMAN!”



“My name is Franziska von Karma, not ‘human’,” Franziska said.



“THIS PUZZLE HAD MAJOR DESIGN FLAWS! BUT THE NEXT ONE WON’T BE SO EASY FOR YOU! IT IS DESIGNED BY MY BROTHER, SANS! IT’S CONFOUNDED ME, AND I’M SURE IT’LL DO THE SAME FOR YOU!” Papyrus said, before running off laughing.



“hey, thanks,” Sans said. “my brother seems to be feeling better now. he seems like he’s having fun.”



“Next time, leave the electric shocks out of the puzzles,” Franziska said.



“i’ll try to rein paps in next time,” Sans said, before walking away.



As the clearing became devoid of skeleton monsters, Franziska noticed the discarded ice cream wrapper in the snow. It wouldn’t do to leave litter lying around. She picked it up, deciding to throw it away once she found a proper place to dispose of it.



* It’s an illustration of a hug.



* How cute!



“It’s trash nonetheless,” Franziska said, though she did note the drawing on the inside of the wrapper of two monsters hugging.



As she walked back eastwards again, she heard the rabbit monster call out, “There you are!”



Franziska walked back over to his cart, where they nervously smiled. “You forgot your four other Nice Creams!”



“I only paid for one,” Franziska said. “I was under the impression that one of these coins was 1 “G”.



“Oh, no. You paid me in 5 G coins,” the rabbit said. “Do you want the rest back?”



“No need. Consider the rest a tip,” Franziska said. “And perhaps consider moving your cart to somewhere warmer.”



“A…alright! Thank you!” the rabbit said, ears perking up. “Have an extra super-duper day!”

=====​

COURT RECORD:



Evidence:



Prosecutor’s Badge - Proof of my profession. Like my papa and little brother, I keep mine in my pocket.



Cell Phone - My phone. Toriel’s number has been registered to it.



Newspaper Articles - Articles detailing the disappearance of several children on Mount Ebott.



Photograph - A photograph of my second cousin, Bailey von Karma. I never met her.



Doodle - A drawing that I had obtained during my third trial with Phoenix Wright. I had meant to return this to him, but now…



Faded Ribbon - A ribbon belonging to a child who disappeared on Mount Ebott, Patia Fey. It’s speckled with blood.



Recipe - Toriel’s parting gift to me. A recipe for cinnamon-butterscotch pie.



Tough Glove - A glove Snowdrake gave to me. Seems to be fit for a human hand.



Snowman Piece - A button belonging to a talking snowman. They asked me to bring it very far away.



Wrapper - Discarded trash from when I gave Papyrus some ice cream. Contains an illustration of a hug.



Profiles:



Bailey von Karma - An aspiring ballerina who went missing on Mount Ebott, and my second cousin.



Flowey - A talking flower. It knew that I traveled back in time. How did it know that?



Toriel - A monster who intended on keeping me trapped in the Ruins. Fortunately, I was able to convince her to let me go.



Odd Voice - A voice that appeared in my head shortly after I met Toriel. They care deeply about Toriel.



Napstablook - A ghost monster who offered to channel a spirit for me. I hope my advice helps them.



Mia Fey - A deceased defense attorney, and the sister of Maya Fey. She is now accompanying me on my journey.



Asgore - A monster outside the Ruins. Wants to kill me for my soul.



Sans - A skeleton monster I met shortly after exiting the Ruins. He wants to make his brother happy.



Papyrus - A skeleton monster I met shortly after exiting the Ruins. Very eccentric and loud, though harmless according to Sans.



Snowdrake - A bird monster, and an aspiring comedian. His father told him that he’d never be funny.



Other:



925 G

 

[IFBench]

Chapter 8: Differing Feelings

​

As Franziska walked near the bridge near the ice cream cart, she spotted Sans in the distance. She made her way over towards him, noting the large snowball nearby.



“i’ve been thinking of selling treats too,” Sans said. “want some fried snow? it’s just 5 G.”



“Objection!” Franziska called out. “You told me a few minutes ago that you needed food for Papyrus, and now you’re telling me you had some the whole time?! Either you don’t actually have any ‘fried snow’, it is simply water, or you’ve tried to make a fool out of me!”



“woah, take it easy pal,” Sans said. “you saw right through me. i don’t have any snow.”



Franziska decided not to dignify that with a response, and looked out into the next area. Seemed to be a dead end, with two shacks. If they were anything like Doggo’s shack, it was likely best to not go anywhere near them.



She turned around, and was about to continue south, before seeing a hole, perfectly sized for the giant snowball.



* Oh! Can we play Ball Game?



“And just what is this ‘Ball Game’?” Franziska asked.



* It’s where you try and get that snowball into the hole as quick as you can. It’s fun!



“I have far more pressing concerns than a simple game,” Franziska said, starting to walk away.



* …



* Tell you what. If you give it a go, I’ll be…a bit less harsh on you.



“Fine. Only once, though,” Franziska said, walking over towards the snowball. She took out her phone, opened a timer, and got to pushing.



Oddly, as she pushed the snowball around, it seemed to get smaller. Its smaller size only made it easier to push, though, and soon, it landed in the hole. A yellow flag rose from the hole, and three coins popped out. Franziska stopped the timer. 10.974 seconds.



* Yellow - Your sure-fire accuracy put an end to the mayhem of “Ball”. You are awarded 3 G.



* Is that good?



* It’s the third best! On your first try, too! Can we try again?



“I did what I was asked,” Franziska said, picking up the coins.



* Wow. Thought you’d go for perfection.



* There’s a red flag if you’re fast enough that gives you a really big prize! I’ve only ever seen it once, and never could do it myself.



* …please? I think you have what it takes to get the red flag.



“...I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to at least try,” Franziska said. “Though it may be difficult to find another proper snowball.”



* There’s an invisible monster here that makes them. There should be another one by now.



“Do you truly believe such a foolish thing?” Franziska asked, crossing her arms.



* Of course! The snowball tax is partially to pay them for their work.



* Snowball tax?



Franziska looked over towards where the snowball originally was, and sure enough, another large snowball had taken its place.



“...nothing down here makes sene,” Franziska said, walking back over to the snowball, and pushing it towards the hole once more. She was a bit quicker on her feet this time, but still she got the yellow flag. Her time was a bit faster, though. 9.168 seconds.



She kept trying. 8.649 seconds. 8.274. 8.019. And finally, as she pushed the snowball in at a time of 7.640 seconds, an orange flag appeared.



* Second best! You’re almost there!



* Orange - You are the kind of person who rushes fist-first through all obstacles. You are awarded 5 G.



* More like whip-first.



“Enough,” Franziska said, walking back towards the newest snowball. “I will not let this game best me.”



7.478. 7.109. 6.723. 6.345. 6.280. It was getting harder and harder to make new improvements, but she wouldn’t give up.



6.221.



6.197.



6.215.



6.158.



6.123.



6.084.



6.126.



6.023.



* You’re so close!



Even despite the voice’s encouragement, Franziska was starting to get tired of this game. It lacked nuance, it was simply all about speed.



This would be her last attempt.



She pushed the snowball as fast as she could manage, and as it finally fell into the hole…that fabled red flag popped up, along with a miniature shower of coins.



* You did it! You actually did it!



* I haven’t seen anyone get the red flag since…



* …



* You alright?



* Bravery. Justice. Integrity. Kindness. Perseverance. Patience. Using these, you were able to win at “Ball Game”. You were awarded 50 G.



“Are you satisfied now?” Franziska asked, the adrenaline starting to leave her. “I got the red flag, like you wanted. A perfect victory.”



* …yes. I am.



* …thank you.



“Who obtained the red flag last?” Franziska asked, as she surveyed the area once more. Sans seemed to have left, there was a smaller snowball nearby, and…



…a camera hidden in a lump of snow.



* Someone…very important to me.



She brushed away the snow, trying to see if there was any identifying information on the camera. Sure enough, there was a serial number. 013.



* ?!?!?



* Why is there a camera here?



“I’ll hold onto this for now, until I find whoever is spying on people,” Franziska said, picking up the camera.



* You got the Spy Camera.



Invasive camera or not, it was time to continue. Franziska walked eastwards, and once more heard the booming voice of Papyrus.



“THERE YOU ARE, HUMAN!!! I WAS WORRIED ABOUT YOU!!” He shouted from across a small clearing. Sans stood next to him, and in front of them both was a piece of paper.



“My name is Franziska von Karma, not ‘human’,” Franziska said. How many times would she have to repeat that? “I am perfectly fine.”



“BEFORE YOU STANDS MY BROTHER’S PUZZLE! THE INSURMOUNTABLE JUNIOR JUMBLE!” Papyrus exclaimed. “EVEN I HAVEN’T BEEN ABLE TO SOLVE IT, SO SURELY YOU CAN’T EITHER!”



“...do you truly think this… paper will stop me?” Franziska asked, crossing her arms as she looked down at the paper. “Monster Kidz Word Search” the title read, in a variety of too-bright colors.



“...NOW THAT I THINK ABOUT IT YOU COULD PROBABLY JUST WALK PAST IT. BUT THEN YOU’RE MISSING OUT ON THE FUN OF THE PUZZLE!” Papyrus yelled.



“I doubt a puzzle meant for children will be fun for me,” Franziska said, walking past the paper.



“SANS!!! THAT PUZZLE DIDN’T DO ANYTHING!!” Papyrus screeched.



“whoops. knew i should have used today’s crossword,” Sans said.



“WHAT?! CROSSWORD?!” Papyrus yelled. “THAT’S WAY TOO EASY! IN MY OPINION, JUNIOR JUMBLE IS EASILY THE HARDEST!”



“what? dude, really? that easy-peasy word scramble is for baby bones,” Sans said.



“UN. BELIEVABLE,” Papyrus said, finally quieting down somewhat. “HUMAN! SOLVE THIS DISPUTE!”



* Which is harder? Jumble or crosswords?



“It is subjective. Word searches and crosswords both test different skills. It’s like comparing apples and oranges,” Franziska said. “Neither is inherently more difficult than the other.”



* Really? Not what I expected from you.



“However,” Franziska said, smirking. “Sudoku easily triumphs over both. It requires strategy, skill, and critical thinking, something that neither crosswords or word searches have.”



Not to mention that they were always her favorite of the newspaper puzzles her papa gave to her. Crosswords were glorified trivia, and word searches only needed basic spelling ability and good eyesight.



“WOWIE! A THIRD CONTENDER!” Papyrus yelled, before starting to run off once more. “I WILL BE SURE TO KEEP THIS IN MIND FOR NEXT TIME! NYEH HEH HEH!”



“pap’s actually pretty good at sudoku,” Sans said. “he just struggles with puzzles that don’t require much thinking. yesterday he even got stumped trying to ‘solve’ the horoscope.”



“The horoscope is nonsensical. Perhaps it would be better suited as a puzzle,” Franziska said. “The stars do not determine personality.”



“good thing too. we don’t have stars down here. just glowing rocks on the ceiling,” Sans said.



“Then how do you have horoscopes?” Franziska asked.



Sans simply shrugged.



Franziska figured she probably wouldn’t get any answers from him, and continued onwards.



The next area was…how could she even describe this?



Another mousehole, an unplugged microwave, a plate of spaghetti that was likely far too cold to eat, a note on the ground, and another star.



Most pressingly, though, there was Snowdrake staring at the spaghetti, alongside another monster of presumably the same species. This one was green and wearing sunglasses.



“C’mon, I dare you to try it!” the green monster said.



“I dunno, Chills, it’s his cooking,” Snowdrake said, a nervous edge to his voice. “What if it dusts me in one bite?”



“What is the meaning of this?” Franziska asked, walking towards the two.



Snowdrake’s eyes widened, and he hurried towards her. “Scary lady! There you are!”



“My name is Franziska von Karma,” Franziska said, crossing her arms. “And who is that with you?”



“Oh, this is my friend Chilldrake!” Snowdrake said. “Chilldrake, this is the scary lady I mentioned!”



“So you’re the weirdo who thinks she can get Snowy to grow up,” Chilldrake says, turning away from her. “Hmph.”



“Just what are you insinuating?” Franziska asked, stepping closer.



“You’re a grown-up. Stop stepping on our turf,” Chilldrake said, turning back around. “Or I’ll make you.”



“Chills, she’s…well, not nice, but she’s good!” Snowdrake said.



“I was simply giving your friend some much-needed advice,” Franziska said.



“You were telling him to ‘get a mentor’ and ‘improve’,” Chilldrake said, puffing up their feathers. “Grown-up stuff! He’s his own monster, he doesn’t have to listen to what grown-ups like you have to say!”



“Growing up is an essential part of life!” Franziska raised her voice. “It’s crucial to becoming a better person, something you don’t seem to want to be!”



“Hey, please don’t fight! This…this is ‘snow’ joke!” Snowdrake said, looking back and forth between Franziska and Chilldrake.



“Stand back, Snowy,” Chilldrake said, as Franziska’s soul appeared once more. “It’ll be alright. She won’t hurt you anymore with me around.”



* Chilldrake blocks the way!



“Are you seriously going to fight me against your friend’s wishes?” Franziska said, one hand on her whip. Maybe she could use it to scare them off…



No, that’d just reinforce their beliefs about adults. Even if it was hard to resist letting her whip fly with this fool around.



“Why do you want me to stay away from Snowdrake?” Franziska asked.



“Isn’t it obvious? You’re a grown-up trying to get him to do grown-up things. You’re not even using his nickname!” Chilldrake said, sending a pattern of crescents at Franziska.



“I was unaware he even had a nickname until meeting you,” Franziska said, weaving between the crescents. “However, if he wishes, I…suppose I could use his nickname.”



“No way, lady! You’re a total stranger, and a grown-up,” Chilldrake said, continuing the assault. “Who’s to say you won’t try telling on us to our parents for not doing homework?”



“I do not even know your parents!” Franziska said, grimacing as a crescent struck her soul. “I only just fell down here!”



“Fell down here…no way…are you a human?!” Snowdrake exclaimed, eyes wide.



“Yes, I am a human,” Franziska said. “I am Franziska von Karma, the prodigy.”



“Pah. No way, she’s just faking it,” Chilldrake scoffed. “And you’re even using fancy words! That’s so stuck-up!”



* I don’t think arguing with Chilldrake is going to accomplish anything. They seem very set in their ways.



* There must be some way, though.



* Let’s try a different approach. If we can’t break through to Chilldrake directly, let’s talk to Snowdrake instead.



Franziska didn’t need the advice, but it did sound like a good idea. She turned towards Snowdrake, and asked, “How do you feel about me?”



“Well…you were really mean at first. Ice cold. But you didn’t flake out on me, and even though you didn’t laugh at my jokes, you gave me advice to get better!” Snowdrake said. “But…you’re a human…so I should probably hate you…”



“What are you doing?” Chilldrake asked, the crescents flying at greater force than before. “Are you trying to manipulate Snowy into hating me?!”



“Interesting conclusion,” Franziska said, smirking even as one hit her soul. “Are you so afraid of him leaving you that you feel like you need to control him into staying?”



“Why, you…!” Chilldrake said, before letting out a furious squawk. “You ain’t know nothing about Snowy! You don’t know my cause!!”



* Chilldrake is furious! Their bullets increase in size.



“And just what is your cause?” Franziska asked. “Is it so worth it that you might push your friend away? When I arrived here, you were trying to force Snowdrake to do something he clearly didn’t want to do. How often do you rope him into ‘dares’ like these?”



“He needs to toughen up!” Chilldrake said. “Or else the grown-ups will take everything from us! We need to rebel! We need to—”



“Stop it…stop it!” Snowdrake shouted, before running in between the two of them. “Stop fighting!”



Both Franziska and Chilldrake stared for several seconds. The bullets had stopped completely.



“...Snowy?” Chilldrake asked, taking a step towards Snowdrake.



“She…she’s right, Chills. I don’t want to eat the spaghetti. I don’t want to do most of your ‘dares’,” Snowdrake said. “I don’t want to ‘toughen up’. Not really. I just wanna be funny.”



“...you should’ve told me sooner, Snowy,” Chilldrake said. “This…putting your talon down. That’s true rebel behavior. …even against me.”



“Chills? …are you mad?” Snowdrake asked.



“No. I’m proud, Snowy,” Chilldrake said. They put a wing up to their sunglasses, and adjusted them so that one eye was showing. “Maybe you don’t need to toughen up. You’re great just the way you are.”



“A…alright. Thanks, Chills,” Snowdrake said, before turning towards Franziska. “Scary lady?”



“My name is Franziska von Karma,” Franziska said, but she was smiling nonetheless.



“Franziska. …thank you for helping me and Chills. Now we can be real friends again,” Snowdrake said.



“Yeah. As far as grown-ups go, you’re not the worst,” Chilldrake said.



“I…since you’re human, I guess I have to fight you now, but I really don’t want to,” Snowdrake said.



“Then don’t. I do not know why many monsters here seem insistent on fighting me. But perhaps Chilldrake is right about one thing,” Franziska said. “You’re your own monster. You can make your own decisions.”



“Alright. Then…I don’t want to fight you,” Snowdrake said.



“Thank you,” Franziska said, performing a curtsy.



With that, the glow of Franziska’s soul faded back into her chest.



“I’ll see you around, Snowy,” Chilldrake said, before flying off.



“Franziska?” Snowdrake asked, once Chilldrake had disappeared into the distance. “Can I ask you something?”



“What is it?” Franziska asked.



“Could you be my mentor?” Snowdrake asked. “I…haven’t heard any jokes from you, but I—”



“Declined,” Franziska said, crossing her arms. “I do not feel like I would be an adequate mentor to you, especially in the matter of humor.”



“Oh, ok.” Snowdrake said, looking down. A few moments passed, before he looked back up at her. “Could we be friends at least?”



“...perhaps,” Franziska said. “I will have to think about it.”



“Ok! I hope you say yes! That’d be cool !” Snowdrake said, before taking to the skies like Chilldrake had. “See ya!”



Franziska watched Snowdrake fly away, before turning to the nearby star. She had almost forgotten about it in the scuffle.



She reached for the star.



* Making an unlikely new friend fills you with determination.



* File saved.

=====​

COURT RECORD:



Evidence:



Prosecutor’s Badge - Proof of my profession. Like my papa and little brother, I keep mine in my pocket.



Cell Phone - My phone. Toriel’s number has been registered to it.



Newspaper Articles - Articles detailing the disappearance of several children on Mount Ebott.



Photograph - A photograph of my second cousin, Bailey von Karma. I never met her.



Doodle - A drawing that I had obtained during my third trial with Phoenix Wright. I had meant to return this to him, but now…



Faded Ribbon - A ribbon belonging to a child who disappeared on Mount Ebott, Patia Fey. It’s speckled with blood.



Recipe - Toriel’s parting gift to me. A recipe for cinnamon-butterscotch pie.



Tough Glove - A glove Snowdrake gave to me. Seems to be fit for a human hand.



Snowman Piece - A button belonging to a talking snowman. They asked me to bring it very far away.



Wrapper - Discarded trash from when I gave Papyrus some ice cream. Contains an illustration of a hug.



Spy Camera - A camera I found hidden in a lump of snow. Has the serial number 013.



Profiles:



Bailey von Karma - An aspiring ballerina who went missing on Mount Ebott, and my second cousin.



Flowey - A talking flower. It knew that I traveled back in time. How did it know that?



Toriel - A monster who intended on keeping me trapped in the Ruins. Fortunately, I was able to convince her to let me go.



Odd Voice - A voice that appeared in my head shortly after I met Toriel. They enjoy the snowball game.



Napstablook - A ghost monster who offered to channel a spirit for me. I hope my advice helps them.



Mia Fey - A deceased defense attorney, and the sister of Maya Fey. She is now accompanying me on my journey.



Asgore - A monster outside the Ruins. Wants to kill me for my soul.



Sans - A skeleton monster I met shortly after exiting the Ruins. He wants to make his brother happy.



Papyrus - A skeleton monster I met shortly after exiting the Ruins. Very eccentric and loud, though harmless according to Sans.



Snowdrake - A bird monster, and an aspiring comedian. His friend Chilldrake was trying to get him to toughen up, but I seem to have resolved that.



Other:



1060 G

 

[IFBench]

Chapter 9: I Want to Protect You

​

“ ‘Warning: Dog Marriage’ . Am I reading this correctly?!” Franziska said, staring at the sign containing the baffling message.



* Yes, you read that correctly.



* I don’t understand either, but it’s best to be cautious.



The nearby puzzle was trivial to figure out, at least. A map buried under some unpacked snow, indicating a switch to lower some spikes. She made sure to cross the receded spikes as quickly as she could.



Before she could cross the bridge, though, she heard a nearby bark. She turned around to see a dog monster in armor staring at her. It seemed to be pomeranian-adjacent, like Missile.



“...hello,” Fanziska said. Hopefully this one wouldn’t be as aggressive as Doggo was.



It barked excitedly, wagging its tail.



“There you are, pup!” a voice called from nearby.



“We were worried about you!” another voice sounded, as two cloak-wearing dog monsters approached. They both carried axes.



Perhaps it would be best to flee, before those axes started swinging at her. Franziska began to walk across the bridge, but as soon as she reached the other side, one of the dogs called out, “What’s that weird smell?”



* Might be a good idea to run.



“I was already planning to,” Franziska whispered, as she ran south.



In the next room, there was an arrangement of piles of snow, a button, two tiles with blue Xs on them, a row of spikes, and a sign. She could hear footsteps coming towards her.



Looks like she’d have to solve this puzzle quick.



“Turn every X into an O. Then press the switch,” the sign read, not explaining how to turn the Xs into Os. This puzzle needed more direction.



A bark reached her ears. She didn’t have time to bemoan the lack of proper instructions for this puzzle. She needed to start experimenting, now.



Maybe stepping on them would do something? Franziska stepped on one of the Xs, and it turned into a red O. Perfect. Just step on both Xs.



She hurried over to the other X, and it too became an O. All that was left was to confirm her solution by stepping on the button.



But just as she was about to step on it, an axe swung in front of her. The dogs had finally caught up to her, and while the pomeranian seemed to be as carefree as before, the other two weren’t so happy.



“There’s the weird smell!” one of the dogs shouted. “Smells like…a human!”



“Makes me want to eliminate,” the other dog said.



“Eliminate you!” they said in unison, as Franziska’s soul appeared.



* Dogi assault you! Lesser Dog is also there.



* This could be bad.



Franziska looked around, for a stick to throw. Unfortunately, there were no trees nearby, and thus no sticks.



The two non-pomeranians began to…nuzzle each other, as they swung their axes at Franziska. Lesser Dog’s sword turned cyan, and it joined in the assault.



“Second place nose nuzzle champs ‘98!” one of them cheered, as the axe struck Franziska’s soul. She fell to her knees from the pain.



“Of course we were second,” the other muttered.



* Perhaps you should have been more cautious of the dog marriage.



“Now’s not the time for this!” Franziska shouted, mustering the strength to stand back up. She was in real danger here. These dogs were no joke.



“Let’s kick human tail!” one of the dogs shouted, swinging their axe at Franziska again.



“Do humans have tails?” the other asked, swinging their own axe in turn. It only grazed Franziska this time, but she could barely stand.



Was this it? Franziska von Karma, dying to “dog marriage” of all things?



She couldn’t let it end like this.



She began to reach for her phone, when she saw a bone fly by her, and heard a familiar voice yell, “FETCH!”



The dogs immediately went for the bone, and Franziska turned towards the source of the voice. Papyrus was standing beyond the spikes, with his eyesockets narrowed. “QUICK, HUMAN! OVER HERE!”



She didn’t hesitate to hit the switch and run towards him. As soon as she made it across the spikes, Papyrus raised an arm, and another bone flew towards the switch. The Os turned back to Xs, and the spikes raised back up.



“THAT SHOULD BUY US SOME TIME, BUT YOU SHOULD FOLLOW ME JUST IN CASE,” Papyrus said, walking east. “THANK GOODNESS I ARRIVED IN TIME! BUT ARE YOU ALRIGHT, HUMAN?”



“My name is Franziska von Karma,” Franziska said, stumbling after Papyrus. “And what do you think?!”



“GOOD THING I BOUGHT ONE OF THESE EARLIER!” Papyrus said, handing her a rabbit-shaped pastry that smelled of cinnamon.



She still didn’t know how monster food could heal people, let alone if it’d work on humans, but she scarfed it down anyways. It tasted delicious, and sure enough, she found her energy returning, and she could properly stand again.



* You ate the Cinnamon Bun. HP restored.



* That was a close one.



“Thank you, Papyrus,” Franziska said, curtsying at the skeleton.



“OF COURSE! I CAN’T CAPTURE YOU IF YOU’RE DEAD!” Papyrus shouted.



Franziska simply stared at him.



* Better to do the right thing for the wrong reasons than the wrong thing for any reason.



“...I suppose you’re correct,” Franziska said, looking around. There was another X puzzle nearby, though this one seemed to be much more complex. Another line of spikes was beyond it.



“HMM…HOW DO I SAY THIS…” Papyrus began. “YOU WERE TAKING A WHILE, SO I DECIDED TO ARRANGE THE SNOW IN THIS PUZZLE TO LOOK LIKE MY FACE!”



“There’s no resemblance,” Franziska said, crossing her arms.



“WELL, THE SNOW FROZE TO THE GROUND WHILE I WAS DOING IT. AND NOW THE SOLUTION IS DIFFERENT,” Papyrus said. “BUT FEAR NOT! I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, WILL SOLVE THIS CONUNDRUM!”



“No,” Franziska said, stepping forwards. “I will solve it myself.”



“WOWIE! YOU MUST REALLY LIKE PUZZLES!” Papyrus yelled. “I, PUZZLER PAPYRUS, WILL SHOW YOU MY FAVORITE PUZZLE BOOK! …ONCE WE GET TO SNOWDIN TOWN.”



Franziska smirked, and as she stepped onto the first X, she said, “Perhaps you’re not as foolish of a fool as I thought.”



It took a few tries. Franziska quickly learned that she couldn’t step on the same tile twice, or it’d turn into a green triangle. But soon enough, every tile was an O, and the spikes had receded.



“YOU SOLVED IT! WITHOUT EVEN NEEDING MY HELP!” Papyrus yelled. “I’M EXCITED TO SHOW YOU THE NEXT PUZZLE! IT MAY EVEN BE TOO EASY FOR YOU! NYEH! HEH HEH!”



Franziska followed after Papyrus as he ran off, but stopped once she saw what appeared to be a monochrome dance floor ahead. Papyrus and Sans stood at the other side of it, next to some sort of boxy machine.



“HEY! YOU’RE GONNA LOVE THIS PUZZLE!” Papyrus shouted. “IT WAS MADE BY THE GREAT DR. ALPHYS!”



“Who is that?” Franziska asked. It could be valuable information, if she were to ever run into this doctor.



“SHE’S THE ROYAL SCIENTIST! HER LAB’S IN HOTLAND,” Papyrus exclaimed.



“A scientist,” Franziska muttered. Perhaps she might have some answers about all the bizarre oddities down here.



“ANYWAY, YOU SEE THESE TILES? ONCE I THROW THIS SWITCH, THEY WILL BEGIN TO CHANGE COLOR!” Papyrus yelled. “EACH COLOR HAS A DIFFERENT FUNCTION!”



Papyrus then began to list a barrage of colored tiles and their effects. Some of it made sense, like red tiles being walls, and pink tiles doing nothing. Others, though…



“Hold it!” Franziska shouted. “This is nonsense! Where did Alphys even get piranhas?!”



“they’re mechanical,” Sans said. “and before you ask, they won’t actually hurt you. they’re designed to just push you back to the previous tile. same with yellow tiles.”



“That is good to know, but it still doesn’t address a major flaw with this puzzle!” Franziska said. “There are far too many mechanics here, and very few are intuitive!”



“THAT…IS A FAIR POINT. EVEN I FORGOT SOME OF THE INSTRUCTIONS ALREADY,” Papyrus said. “BUT SHE WENT THROUGH SO MUCH TROUBLE TO MAKE IT…WHAT TO DO?”



“She can take my feedback into account for her next puzzle,” Franziska said. “As for this one, I respect the amount of effort that went into it, but I refuse.”



“really? you’re just giving up like that?” Sans said, shrugging.



* Admittedly, I want to see this puzzle myself.



“...fine. Pull the switch and activate it,” Franziska said, crossing her arms.



“ALIRGHTY!” Papyrus said, pulling a switch on the boxy machine. The tiles immediately lit up, a sea of rapidly-changing color. It hurt her eyes to look at.



Then it stopped, turning into a straight pink path, flanked by red walls.



Papyrus and Franziska simply stared at the tiles, until Papyrus wordlessly began to spin away.



“...I suppose it must have malfunctioned,” Franziska said, walking across the tile path. “A foolish puzzle dreamed up by a fool who foolishly tried to fool me.”



“wow, you must really like that word,” Sans said.



“It is a very useful word,” Franziska said, walking past him.



There was another shack nearby, though it thankfully seemed to be empty. More importantly, though, there was another star.



Franziska reached for it.



* Your refusal to use a thesaurus fills you with determination.



* File saved.

=====​

COURT RECORD:



Evidence:



Prosecutor’s Badge - Proof of my profession. Like my papa and little brother, I keep mine in my pocket.



Cell Phone - My phone. Toriel’s number has been registered to it.



Newspaper Articles - Articles detailing the disappearance of several children on Mount Ebott.



Photograph - A photograph of my second cousin, Bailey von Karma. I never met her.



Doodle - A drawing that I had obtained during my third trial with Phoenix Wright. I had meant to return this to him, but now…



Faded Ribbon - A ribbon belonging to a child who disappeared on Mount Ebott, Patia Fey. It’s speckled with blood.



Recipe - Toriel’s parting gift to me. A recipe for cinnamon-butterscotch pie.



Tough Glove - A glove Snowdrake gave to me. Seems to be fit for a human hand.



Snowman Piece - A button belonging to a talking snowman. They asked me to bring it very far away.



Wrapper - Discarded trash from when I gave Papyrus some ice cream. Contains an illustration of a hug.



Spy Camera - A camera I found hidden in a lump of snow. Has the serial number 013.



Profiles:



Bailey von Karma - An aspiring ballerina who went missing on Mount Ebott, and my second cousin.



Flowey - A talking flower. It knew that I traveled back in time. How did it know that?



Toriel - A monster who intended on keeping me trapped in the Ruins. Fortunately, I was able to convince her to let me go.



Odd Voice - A voice that appeared in my head shortly after I met Toriel. They enjoy the snowball game.



Napstablook - A ghost monster who offered to channel a spirit for me. I hope my advice helps them.



Mia Fey - A deceased defense attorney, and the sister of Maya Fey. She is now accompanying me on my journey.



Asgore - A monster outside the Ruins. Wants to kill me for my soul.



Sans - A skeleton monster I met shortly after exiting the Ruins. He wants to make his brother happy.



Papyrus - A skeleton monster I met shortly after exiting the Ruins. Wants to capture me, but doesn’t seem to want me dead.



Snowdrake - A bird monster, and an aspiring comedian. His friend Chilldrake was trying to get him to toughen up, but I seem to have resolved that.



Alphys - The royal scientist of this place. Her puzzle was far too overcomplicated.



Other:



1060 G

 

[IFBench]

Chapter 10: Investigation ~ Middle

​

Franziska simply stared at the puzzle in front of her. Several Os and a button, arranged in a pattern.



The problem was that the entire puzzle was frozen over. Everything was encrusted with ice, even the button.



In such a state, who’s to say that the puzzle even still worked?



* Seems like someone forgot to do puzzle maintenance.



At least there weren’t any spikes this time. It seemed to be frozen in a completed state. There didn’t even seem to be anything stopping her from just skipping it entirely, and moving on with her life.



So Franziska did just that, walking on a narrow path between some tall trees. It was difficult to see, the canopy so thick that little light shone through.



She probably should have expected to bump into a monster at the other side.



“Hey! Watch where you’re going!” a deer-like monster said. Its body was decorated with several miscellaneous items.



“If you don’t want people to bump into you, then perhaps you shouldn’t stand in places where it’s hard to see where you’re going,” Franziska said.



“That sophisticated tone of voice…you’re not a teen, are you?” the monster said. “Haven’t seen anyone like you around these parts, so it’s hard to tell.”



“I am new here, and I am an adult,” Franziska said. “Unless ‘19’ still counts as a teen for you.”



“Good enough for me,” the monster said, stepping aside to let Franziska through. “Would you mind undecorating me? I’ll show you the way to Snowdin Town.”



“Of course,” Franziska said, taking a box of raisins off of their back.



“That’s a little better,” the monster said, before starting to trot eastwards. “It’s this way. You can keep undecorating me as we walk.”



“Who did this to you?” Franziska asked, removing some pipe cleaners from their antlers.



“Teens,” the monster said, as the two walked by several lumps of snow. “They thought it’d be funny to decorate me as a prank.”



“Could you describe them for me?” Franziska asked, taking off a stocking filled with chicken nuggets. “I’ll give them a…stern talking to.”



“Appreciated,” the monster said. “Snowdrake and Chilldrake are their names. Those darn teens always think they can do whatever they want!”



* Somehow, that doesn’t surprise me.



“...I see,” Franziska said, removing a framed photograph of a young Snowdrake and two larger bird monsters. “I suppose that explains this photograph, then.”



“Ah, I remember that. I took it, actually,” the monster said, passing by some sort of doghouse. “Snowdrake’s family and I used to be close, though we haven’t spoken much since Crystal fell down.”



* You got Snowdrake’s Photo.



“I presume she’s a relative of Snowdrake’s?” Franziska asked, removing a small cane from the monster’s antlers.



“She was his mother. His father hasn’t been the same since that day,” the monster said. “Neither has Snowdrake. He’s fallen in with the wrong crowd, if you ask me. Chilldrake’s a bad influence on him.”



“I encountered both of them about an hour ago,” Franziska said, removing a bookmark of a smug Chilldrake winking.



“Of course you did. You can’t take ten steps in these woods without them trying to play some prank on you,” the monster said. “What were they up to this time?”



“Chilldrake was daring Snowdrake to eat some frozen spaghetti. When I confronted them, Chilldrake said I was ‘stepping on their turf’ and tried to battle me,” Franziska said, removing an insulting t-shirt from the monster.”



“I should’ve known they’d do that at some point. Chilldrake’s a menace,” the monster said. “I think there’s just one decoration left, could you take it off?”



Franziska removed a small, confused dog from the monster’s antlers, and said, “That should be everything.”



“They even put Greater Dog in my antlers? Those darn teens!” the monster said, as the dog ran away. “But I don’t believe I heard your name, kind lady.”



“I am Franziska von Karma, the prodigy,” Franziska said, curtsying at the monster. “And you are?”



“Gyftrot,” the monster said. “Thank you for undecorating me. A weight has been lifted.”



“It is no problem,” Franziska said, a small smile on her face.



“Here, I’ll show you the rest of the way to Snowdin town,” Gyftrot said, walking towards an unnervingly long rope bridge, far too reminiscent of the one from Hazakura Temple.



“Is this…the only way?” Franziska asked, hesitantly stepping towards the bridge.



“Oh, there’s no need to worry. It’s actually solid rock. Someone just painted it to look like a bridge. Silly, if you ask me,” Gyftrot said, walking across the bridge. With her nerves eased, Franziska followed after them.



“Do teenagers prank you often?” Franziska asked.



“Used to. Then monsters started giving gifts to me to make me feel better, and the teens stopped…at least until Snowdrake and Chilldrake,” Gyftrot said.



“Do you hate them?” Franziska asked.



“I wouldn’t say ‘hate’,” Gyftrot said. “I just wish they would leave me alone.”



“Snowdrake told me something interesting earlier,” Franziska said, as the two approached a small, cozy-looking town. “He said that he ‘just wants to be funny’.”



“And this wasn’t the way to go about it!” Gyftrot said, shaking a hoof in the air. “He doesn’t realize what real humor is.”



“He also told me that his father refuses to teach him,” Franziska said, crossing her arms. “And that his father told him he’d ‘never be funny’.”



“...is that so,” Gyftrot said, shaking their head. “I had respect for that monster, once.”



“I had advised Snowdrake to find a mentor that’d help him mature his sense of humor,” Franziska asked. “Do you know of any monsters that could help? Perhaps another outlet would make him stop these pranks.”



“Well…I do know of one,” Gyftrot said, putting a hoof to their snout. “I used to be a bit of a comedian when I was younger. I could even make the royalty laugh! But that was a long time ago.”



“It’s your decision, in the end,” Franziska said, as the two passed a large sign reading “Welcome to Snowdin” .



“I suppose I’ll give it a shot. Not much to lose, and so much to gain,” Gyftrot said, stopping in front of a building. “Here we are. Snowdin Town. I have matters to attend to, so I’m afraid this is where we must part ways.”



“Thank you, Gyftrot,” Franziska said. “I wish you luck.”



“It was a pleasure talking to you, Franziska. Good luck to you too,” Gyftrot said, trotting towards some presents under a decorated tree.



Franziska looked around at the town. Monsters of all sorts of shapes and sizes went about their days, as snow gently fell from who-knows-where, and there was another star nearby. She reached for it.



* Seeing such a nice, cozy town down here fills you with determination.



* File saved.



* Seems like a pretty nice place.



* It is.



* Have you been here before?


* …



“Perhaps it may be best to purchase some supplies,” Franziska said, looking over at a nearby building helpfully labeled, “Shop” . She decided to head inside.



“Hello, traveller. How may I help…” a rabbit monster inside said, before narrowing her eyes. “Are you a human?”



“Yes. I am Franziska von Karma, the prodigy,” Franziska said, curtsying at the monster. “And you are?”



“Well…I suppose another one would come eventually,” the monster said with a sigh. “What do you want?”



“I would like a look at your inventory,” Franziska said. “Do you have any foods with cinnamon?”



“‘Course! Cinnamon buns are my signature recipe,” the monster said, ears perking up briefly, before drooping back down. “You’re not going to try to steal anything, are you?”



“Of course not!” Franziska said, crossing her arms. “I am a prosecutor. It is my job to punish criminals, not to be one myself!”



“Very well. But if I find anything missing, I won’t hesitate to call the Royal Guard,” the monster said, turning away to open an oven. “How many would you like? They’re 25 G apiece.”



“Two, please,” Franziska said. The one Papyrus had given her was great, but she didn’t have much time to appreciate the flavor. With these, though, she could enjoy them at her leisure.



The monster placed a bag of two rabbit-shaped pastries in front of Franziska. “That’ll be 50 G.”



Franziska reached into the bag Toriel had given her, and placed 10 coins on the counter. “Is this enough?”



“That it is,” the monster said, taking the coins. “Are you a fan of cinnamon?”



“I am,” Franziska answered, taking the bag of pastries. “My papa used to make me cinnamon swirl pancakes on special mornings.”



“Well, I hope my cinnamon buns live up to that legacy,” the monster said. “Every monster who’s tried them, save for Jerry, loved them. Though for some reason a few like them smushed flat.”



“Consider myself among them,” Franziska said. “Papyrus gave me one on the way here, and it was delicious.”



“Papyrus…yes, he bought one earlier,” the monster said with a smile. “I’m glad you can at least enjoy my baking, even if you’re a human.”



“Do you have something against humans?” Franziska asked. She knew this was a dangerous line of questioning, but maybe she could finally get some answers.



“What monster doesn’t? Your kind imprisoned us here,” the monster said, eyes narrowed once more. “It’s hard not to feel at least a little resentful for that.”



“I had no idea monsters even existed until I fell down here,” Franziska said. “As far as I knew, they were only the stuff of hoaxes and fairytales.”



“Really? I suppose that makes sense. History is written by the victors, and all that,” the monster said. “Though my issues with them are a bit more personal than most monsters.”



“And why would that be?” Franziska asked.



“One of the rascals broke into my shop when I first started running it. Stole all my earnings,” the monster said, taking out a bandana with abs drawn on it. “They at least had the decency to leave this in return, but forgive me if I have a grudge against them.”



“...I see,” Franziska said. “Thank you for answering.”



“It’s no problem. You’re much more pleasant than a thief,” the monster said. “To be honest, I wouldn’t mind if you settled down here. Even with you being a human.”



“I refuse,” Franziska said, crossing her arms. “I have too much to return to.”



“Shame,” the monster said, ears drooping a bit. “At the very least, my sister runs an inn next door. Tell her I sent you, and she’ll give you a discount for a night’s rest.”



“Thank you,” Franziksa said, curtsying once more. “It was nice to talk to you.”



“You too,” the monster said, smiling a bit. “Take care.”



Franziska exited the shop, and looked at the inn next door. Did she really need to rest, when she had a mission to complete?



…yes she did. It was difficult to properly prosecute on little sleep, and this adventure of hers was likely no different.



She walked inside, seeing another rabbit monster behind the desk.



“Welcome to Snowed Inn! One night is…” the monster said, before her ears began to droop. “Are you a human?”



“I am,” Franziska said, curtsying at her. “The shopkeeper next door sent me.”



“Oh, my sister sent you?” the monster said, perking back up. “You must not be a thief, then. Very well, a night is 60 G with my sister’s recommendation.”



Franziska placed the money on the counter, and the monster smiled, before handing Franziska a key. “Thank you! Your room is the first one upstairs.”



Franziska nodded, and walked upstairs to her room. It was admittedly barebones, with only basic amenities. But it’d do for one night.



Her first night down here. So much had happened, it was hard to comprehend it all.



But she was a von Karma. She would make it out of here.



* You alright, Franziska? Been a long day.



“I am fine,” Franziska said. “It’s far from the most chaotic my life has been.”



* What kind of chaotic mess was your life like before this?!



* Law school does that to people. And Franziska passed the bar at 13.



* What’s the bar?



“The bar is an exam you must take before you can practice law,” Franziska said. “I passed it at an early age compared to my colleagues.”



* Is that why you keep calling yourself a prodigy?



“Yes, it is,” Franziska said. “That, and…something that no longer matters.”



* …was there a lot of pressure on you?



“There was. There always will be. But I can handle it,” Franziska said. “I do not want to elaborate further to a stranger, even if that stranger is in my own head.”



* Do you know anything about it, Mia?



* It’s…not my place to say.



* Alright.



* …rest well, Franziska.



* You are the future of humans and monsters.

=====​

COURT RECORD:



Evidence:



Prosecutor’s Badge - Proof of my profession. Like my papa and little brother, I keep mine in my pocket.



Cell Phone - My phone. Toriel’s number has been registered to it.



Newspaper Articles - Articles detailing the disappearance of several children on Mount Ebott.



Photograph - A photograph of my second cousin, Bailey von Karma. I never met her.



Doodle - A drawing that I had obtained during my third trial with Phoenix Wright. I had meant to return this to him, but now…



Faded Ribbon - A ribbon belonging to a child who disappeared on Mount Ebott, Patia Fey. It’s speckled with blood.



Recipe - Toriel’s parting gift to me. A recipe for cinnamon-butterscotch pie.



Tough Glove - A glove Snowdrake gave to me. Seems to be fit for a human hand.



Snowman Piece - A button belonging to a talking snowman. They asked me to bring it very far away.



Wrapper - Discarded trash from when I gave Papyrus some ice cream. Contains an illustration of a hug.



Spy Camera - A camera I found hidden in a lump of snow. Has the serial number 013.



Snowdrake’s Photo - A childhood photograph of Snowdrake and his parents. Was used to decorate Gyftrot.



Profiles:



Bailey von Karma - An aspiring ballerina who went missing on Mount Ebott, and my second cousin.



Flowey - A talking flower. It knew that I traveled back in time. How did it know that?



Toriel - A monster who intended on keeping me trapped in the Ruins. Fortunately, I was able to convince her to let me go.



Odd Voice - A voice that appeared in my head shortly after I met Toriel. They enjoy the snowball game.



Napstablook - A ghost monster who offered to channel a spirit for me. I hope my advice helps them.



Mia Fey - A deceased defense attorney, and the sister of Maya Fey. She is now accompanying me on my journey.



Asgore - A monster outside the Ruins. Wants to kill me for my soul.



Sans - A skeleton monster I met shortly after exiting the Ruins. He wants to make his brother happy.



Papyrus - A skeleton monster I met shortly after exiting the Ruins. Wants to capture me, but doesn’t seem to want me dead.



Snowdrake - A bird monster, and an aspiring comedian. His friend Chilldrake was trying to get him to toughen up, but I seem to have resolved that.



Alphys - The royal scientist of this place. Her puzzle was far too overcomplicated.



Other:



Cinnamon Bun X2



950 G

 

[IFBench]

Chapter 11: So it Begins Anew​

“Good morning! Did you rest well?” the rabbit monster asked, as Franziska walked back into the lobby of the inn.



“I did,” Franziska said, curtsying at her. “Thank you for letting me stay the night here.”



“You’re welcome! Even if…you’re a human, everyone deserves hospitality!” the monster said. “Take care!”



As Franziska exited the inn, she noticed that fewer monsters were out and about compared to yesterday. She supposed that made sense, it was only morning after all. But of the monsters that were awake, she spotted a familiar scarf-wearing skeleton among them.



“THERE YOU ARE!” Papyrus exclaimed. “I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR YOU FOR HOURS!”



* He really doesn’t sleep, does he?



* Seems like it.



“What is it?” Franziska asked, crossing her arms. “And do you need to be so loud at early morning?”



“OH, I’M BEING QUIETER THAN USUAL!” Papyrus yelled. It was technically true, he was noticeably quieter than her previous encounters with him. “BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, I WANTED TO SHOW YOU AROUND SNOWDIN TOWN!”



“I don’t see why not,” Franziska said. “Lead the way.”



“GREAT! FOLLOW ME!” Papyrus shouted, as he ran towards a decorated tree in the middle of town, the same one Gyftrot headed towards yesterday. There was only a single present under it this time.



“A WHILE AGO, TEENS TORMENTED A LOCAL MONSTER BY DECORATING THEIR TREE-LIKE HORNS. MONSTERS STARTED GIVING THEM PRESENTS TO MAKE THEM FEEL BETTER, AND NOW IT’S A TRADITION TO LEAVE PRESENTS UNDER A DECORATED TREE!” Papyrus yelled, taking the present and handing it to Franziska. “HERE, HUMAN! THIS ONE’S FOR YOU!”



“My name is Franziska von Karma, not ‘human’,” Franziska said, staring at the note on the present reading “TO: HUMAN”.



“WELL, I DIDN’T EXACTLY KNOW HOW TO SPELL YOUR NAME!” Papyrus exclaimed. “BUT GO AHEAD AND OPEN IT!”



Franziska carefully unwrapped the present, making sure not to rip the wrapping paper. Papa had taught her that it was the proper way to open presents.



Inside was…a book of sudoku puzzles.



“I TOLD YOU I’D KEEP YOUR PREFERENCE IN MIND! NYEH HEH HEH!” Papyrus yelled, as Franziska took the book out. It wasn’t one of those cheap thin ones you could get at any convenience store, no, this was a genuine book, full of unique variants of sudoku.



* You got the Puzzle Book.



* What a thoughtful gift!



She had to admit, this was a great gift.



“Thank you, Papyrus,” she said, smiling genuinely as she curtsied at the skeleton.



“OF COURSE! BUT THERE’S MORE!” Papyrus shouted. “FOLLOW ME!”



He ran off, taking a wide berth from the building labeled “Grillby’s”. Franziska walked after him, noticing a trio of clothed rocks nearby.



“Let’s play monsters and humans!” a tiny rock, the size of a pebble said.



“You’re not going to make me be the human again, are you?” another pebble-sized rock said.



These…they must be the family the rock monster in the Ruins had mentioned. The same one she…



No, that didn’t matter. She already knew what she had to do.



She walked past the rocks, arriving next to a library, which Papyrus stood next to.



“HERE’S THE SNOWDIN LIBRARBY!” Papyrus shouted. “I’M BANNED FROM SPEAKING INSIDE, BUT YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO USE IT ANYTIME!”



“It’s called a library, not a ‘librarby’,” Franziska said, crossing her arms.



“OH, WE ALL KNOW! THE SIGN IS JUST MISSPELLED,” Papyrus yelled.



Franziska looked up. Sure enough, there was an inexplicable extra “b” in there.



“It’s not even the usual spelling mistake. How did they even accomplish that?” Franziska asked.



“I HAVE NO IDEA! IT WAS LIKE THAT EVER SINCE WE MOVED IN HERE,” Papyrus said.



“And they never got it fixed?!” Franziska asked.



“NOPE! BUT THERE’S MORE!” Papyrus said, running towards a nearby house. There were two mailboxes next to it, one of which was overflowing with mail, and the other seemingly normal.



“Is this your house?” Franziska asked, examining it.



“YES! I’D LET YOU INSIDE, BUT…” Papyrus began, before trailing off.



“Is something wrong?” Franziska asked.



“...COME THIS WAY,” Papyrus said, walking east. The earlier enthusiasm from his voice was gone.



As Franziska followed him, the snow started to increase in intensity, until it was almost like a blizzard.



“HUMAN…ALLOW ME TO TELL YOU ABOUT SOME COMPLEX FEELINGS,” Papyrus said.



“My name is ‘Franziska von Karma’,” Franziska said. “But continue.”



“FEELINGS LIKE…THE ADMIRATION FOR ANOTHER’S PUZZLE-SOLVING SKILLS. THE JOY OF FINDING SOMEONE WHO CARES ABOUT YOU. THE DESIRE TO HAVE A COOL, SMART PERSON THINK YOU ARE COOL,” Papyrus said, as he stopped walking.



“Is that what your feelings are?” Franziska asked.



“...MORE IMPORTANTLY, IT MUST BE WHAT YOU ARE FEELING RIGHT NOW,” Papyrus said, turning towards Franziska.



“You didn’t answer the question,” Franziska said, crossing her arms. “And don’t put words in my mouth.”



“DO YOU KNOW WHAT THE ROYAL GUARD IS?” Papyrus asked.



“No, I do not. What is it?” Franziska asked.



“THEY’RE A GROUP DEDICATED TO CAPTURING HUMANS! IT’S BEEN MY LIFELONG DREAM TO JOIN IT!” Papyrus shouted, before his enthusiasm once more dissipated. “BUT…IF I BECOME FRIENDS WITH A HUMAN…”



“Then you won’t be able to join?” Franziska asked.



“...THIS IS ALL WRONG. I’M SORRY, HUMAN. I CAN’T BE YOUR FRIEND!” Papyrus said, as Franziska’s soul appeared. “I WILL BE THE NEWEST MEMBER OF THE ROYAL GUARD!”



* Papyrus blocks the way!



“Is the Royal Guard really that important to you?” Franziska asked, standing her ground.



“OF COURSE!” Papyrus shouted, sending several bones Franziska’s way. “I’VE TRAINED UNDER UNDYNE FOR THIS VERY MOMENT!”



“Who’s Undyne?” Franziska asked, dodging the bones. They were thankfully very easy to dodge.



“THE CAPTAIN OF THE ROYAL GUARD!” Papyrus exclaimed, sending more bones. “ARE YOU NOT GOING TO ATTACK?”



“No,” Franziska said. She had learned her lesson about attacking monsters with her whip.



Never again.



“THEN LET’S SEE IF YOU CAN HANDLE MY FABLED ‘BLUE ATTACK’!” Papyrus yelled, sending far more bones Franziska’s way, though this time all of them were cyan.



* Remember a stop sign.



“I know what to do,” Franziska said, staying as still as she could as the cyan bones harmlessly moved through her…



…until her soul suddenly gained a blue outline, and she felt gravity’s hold lighten on her.



“What did you do to me?!” Franziska asked.



“YOU’RE BLUE NOW! THAT’S MY ATTACK!” Papyrus exclaimed, before starting to laugh.



More bones flew Franziska’s way, though these ones were much wider, and several rammed into her soul.



“YOU CAN JUMP HIGHER NOW!” Papyrus shouted, before sending a hurdle made of bones at Franziska. “TRY IT WITH THIS ATTACK!”



Franziska leapt into the air, finding herself leaping several times higher than any human normally could. And when she landed, she felt no pain in her legs.



“Why are you making this easier for me?” Franziska asked. “An advantage like this for me is hardly fair for you.”



“DON’T MAKE ME USE MY SPECIAL ATTACK!” Papyrus exclaimed, attacking Franziska with more bone hurdles of varying heights.



Maybe pure words were only part of the puzzle here, Franziska thought as she jumped over the bones. She needed evidence if she wanted to get through to him.



And she knew just where to start.



“Take that!” Franziska said as she jumped over the final hurdle, taking out the book Papyrus had given her.



“...WHAT ARE YOU DOING?” Papyrus asked.



“If you don’t want to be friends with me, then why did you give me this book?” Franziska asked. “It’s a thought-out gift, too. Of high quality.”



“REALLY? YOU LIKE MY GIFT THAT MUCH?” Papyrus said, hands on his cheekbones, before he resumed his battle pose. “I MEAN, IT WAS TO LET YOUR GUARD DOWN! SO I COULD CAPTURE YOU!”



* You present the Puzzle Book. Papyrus clings to his denial.



“BESIDES! YOU HAVEN’T TOLD ME YOU WANT TO BE FRIENDS! SO I CAN CAPTURE YOU WITHOUT FEELING BAD!” Papyrus shouted, as a flurry of bones flew towards Franziska.



As she leapt around, Franziska took out another item from her evidence binder. She wasn’t sure how it got in there, she was meaning to throw it away, but for once, she was glad she hadn’t seen any trash cans on the way here.



“Take that!” Franziska said, presenting the ice cream wrapper.



“WHY ARE YOU SHOWING ME TRASH?” Papyrus asked. “DON’T TELL ME SANS HAS CORRUPTED YOU!”



“Do you remember when I accidentally electrocuted you?” Franziska asked. “And I grabbed some ice cream to heal you.”



* You present the Wrapper. Papyrus’ eyesockets widen in recognition.



“OH! THAT!” Papyrus said. “BUT SANS TOLD YOU TO DO THAT, SO IT DOESN’T COUNT! AND MY SPECIAL ATTACK IS ALMOST READY!”



* Darn, he’s stubborn.



* Maybe, but I think she’s getting through to him.



* Not fast enough, though. I don’t know what that ‘special attack’ is, but it sounds like bad news.



* And we’re all out of evidence that relates to Papyrus.



* …I have an idea.



* Can you prove a friendship without any evidence?



Franziska had a hunch of what the voice meant by this, but…



No, she could do this. He wasn’t exactly a stranger anymore, was he?



She could make a friend.



Franziska stepped forward, and reached out her hand.



“...HUMAN? WHAT ARE YOU DOING?” Papyrus asked, pausing his attacks. The snow was starting to die down.



“I’m offering you a handshake,” Franziska said. “Even if my prior actions did not sufficiently prove my desire to be your friend, this should be enough proof for even the most foolish of fools.”



“WOWIE! YOU REALLY WANT TO BE MY FRIEND?” Papyrus asked, stepping towards Franziska.



After a moment of hesitation, Franziska said, “Yes.”



“THEN IT’S SETTLED!” Papyrus said, shaking Franziska’s hand. “I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, WILL BE YOUR FRIEND!”



Franziska’s soul returned to its normal color, and as it faded back into her chest, she felt the familiar weight of normal gravity on her. “So you’re letting me go?”



“YES! WELL…NO, BUT YES! THERE’S SOMETHING I WANT TO DO FIRST, FOR MY NEW FRIEND!” Papyrus exclaimed. “FOLLOW ME!”



He ran back towards Snowdin Town, as the snow became gentle once more. Franziska sighed, and followed after him.



The two arrived back in front of Papyrus’ house, and he opened the door. “COME INSIDE!”



“You’re inviting me into your house?” Franziska asked.



“OF COURSE! I WAS ABOUT TO BEFORE I DECIDED TO BATTLE YOU, SO I’M DOING IT NOW!” Papyrus shouted. “LET’S HAVE A FRIENDSHIP HANGOUT, TO CELEBRATE BEING NEW FRIENDS!”



“Alright,” Franziska said.



She stepped inside, with her new friend by her side.

=====​

COURT RECORD:



Evidence:



Prosecutor’s Badge - Proof of my profession. Like my papa and little brother, I keep mine in my pocket.



Cell Phone - My phone. Toriel’s number has been registered to it.



Newspaper Articles - Articles detailing the disappearance of several children on Mount Ebott.



Photograph - A photograph of my second cousin, Bailey von Karma. I never met her.



Doodle - A drawing that I had obtained during my third trial with Phoenix Wright. I had meant to return this to him, but now…



Faded Ribbon - A ribbon belonging to a child who disappeared on Mount Ebott, Patia Fey. It’s speckled with blood.



Recipe - Toriel’s parting gift to me. A recipe for cinnamon-butterscotch pie.



Tough Glove - A glove Snowdrake gave to me. Seems to be fit for a human hand.



Snowman Piece - A button belonging to a talking snowman. They asked me to bring it very far away.



Wrapper - Discarded trash from when I gave Papyrus some ice cream. Contains an illustration of a hug.



Spy Camera - A camera I found hidden in a lump of snow. Has the serial number 013.



Snowdrake’s Photo - A childhood photograph of Snowdrake and his parents. Was used to decorate Gyftrot.



Puzzle Book - A large book of sudoku puzzles that Papyrus gifted to me.



Profiles:



Bailey von Karma - An aspiring ballerina who went missing on Mount Ebott, and my second cousin.



Flowey - A talking flower. It knew that I traveled back in time. How did it know that?



Toriel - A monster who intended on keeping me trapped in the Ruins. Fortunately, I was able to convince her to let me go.



Odd Voice - A voice that appeared in my head shortly after I met Toriel. They enjoy the snowball game.



Napstablook - A ghost monster who offered to channel a spirit for me. I hope my advice helps them.



Mia Fey - A deceased defense attorney, and the sister of Maya Fey. She is now accompanying me on my journey.



Asgore - A monster outside the Ruins. Wants to kill me for my soul.



Sans - A skeleton monster I met shortly after exiting the Ruins. He wants to make his brother happy.



Papyrus - A skeleton monster I met shortly after exiting the Ruins. Tried to capture me, but became friends with me instead.



Snowdrake - A bird monster, and an aspiring comedian. His friend Chilldrake was trying to get him to toughen up, but I seem to have resolved that.



Alphys - The royal scientist of this place. Her puzzle was far too overcomplicated.



Undyne - The captain of the Royal Guard. Has been training Papyrus.



Other:



Cinnamon Bun X2



950 G

 

[elyvorg]

Hi! I've read through the whole thing so far, and here are some of my thoughts...

The thing that stands outmost to me is how well you're blending elements of the two different canons! Like, of course Franziska's version of ACTing involves her using evidence to make arguments courtroom-style, and of course ghost monsters can perform spirit channellings in this universe. I was not at all expecting Mia to show up and join the party, but she makes for some fun banter with Franziska and Chara, as well as helping both of them soften up a bit. And I enjoy how Franziska often draws from her own experiences and issues when talking to monsters and giving them advice.

It's very you to also include a few scenes from the "other world", namely Edgeworth and friends' efforts to track down Franziska. Some fun little details in those scenes like Kay casually climbing in through Edgeworth's 12th-story office window (of course she would), or Edgeworth's narration still calling Phoenix "that man". In general there's lots of fun humourous lines that made me smile, as befitting a fic for both Undertale and Ace Attorney.

And you've got some intrigue set up for the future! Curious to see where you go with Franziska finding out what happened to her and Mia's relatives down here, and then there's that tasty setup that Franziska already has a little bit of LV it's far too late for her to reset over, presumably from sentencing people to death as a prosecutor. Looking forward to her realising the implications of that