Hiyas~!
Didn't seem to get many reviews last time, but no worries! :3 Hiya. Didn't seem to get many reviews last time, but no worries! :3 I hope I can make people have the Feels with this chapter.
Oh, I also wanna apologize, this chapter is a little on the long side.
As in too long
I'm so sorry XD
Chapter Nine
Frisk and Chara quietly made their way into the elevator. Frisk nearly shot a foot off the ground when her phone rang, shattering the silence.
"I wonder i-if this thing has a silent mode…" She grumbled, as she flipped it open.
It was a voice she had never heard before.
"Chara, are you there?"
What.
"What…?"
A low chuckle rang out over the speakers, slow, but gentle. "It's been a long time… But you've done well. Everything has fallen into place…." There was a pause, the voice sounding oddly whimsical for a moment. "Chara…"
"See you soon."
Then the elevator was rocketing upwards, so fast that Frisk nearly fell right onto the floor, before it slowed to a halt.
The doors slid open.
Have you ever heard that voice? Frisk asked, a bit fearfully as she tumbled out, glad to be away from the elevator.
No. Chara was shaken. It sounded a little familiar, but I don't think it's anyone I can remember.
Frisk stood and looked around, confused as she slowly walked forward. They were back in the Capital. She supposed it made sense for Alphys to have an elevator that went straight to both the CORE and to New Home.
That could have saved us a lot of grief. But I'm kinda glad she didn't send us straight here. I had fun in Hotland, even if it was too hot.
Gee, what a shocker… Chara muttered. Hotland is Hot.
...Dad really needs to just let other people name things.
Frisk started down a corridor. The Throne Room was nearby, but she wanted to explore a little, one more time. She was blatantly stalling as much as Chara now, but… Somehow she didn't mind.
However, a small part of her wished that she didn't have to see the seven coffins. Each one had a name, and a date engraved on them. They were beautifully carved, and they even had small bouquets placed under each one. Frisk slowed when she reached the last one.
"Chara" The inscription read. "200X-201X."
It's as comfortable as it looks. Chara remarked, trying to sound calm and failing miserably. Frisk took her hand and squeezed it. It was time.
When Frisk saw him in the garden, she knew it had to be Asgore. How could it not be? The monster was enormous, (though not as big as some of the Amalgamates had been) with broad shoulders and a crown perched between his horns. He was kneeling, tending to his flowers.
"...Dum-de-dum…" He hummed idly, his bass voice soft and gentle. "Oh…? Is someone there…? Just a moment…! I have nearly finished watering these flowers." There was a pause, then he straightened. "There. Now then… Howdy! How can I-"
He turned, and nearly fell back in shock. His expression went from peaceful and friendly to… There were a lot of emotions. Shock, then fear, then grief, then… he looked utterly miserable.
"Oh." He whispered, his voice a bit shaken.
Frisk lowered her eyes. She tried to think of words, but could not bring them up. For a moment, the two just stood, avoiding eye contact, unable to find the right words.
Dad… Chara thought, wishing she could bring up the courage to do something- anything. She tried to manifest herself physically, but nothing happened. Chara knew why. She was too scared to face him.
Finally, after nearly a minute of silence, Asgore spoke. "...I so badly want to say… "would you like a cup of tea?"... But… You know how it is."
Frisk looked up at him, her soft brown eyes meeting his black ones for a moment. She held the gaze, but Asgore flinched and looked away again.
"...Nice day today, huh?" He murmured. His voice was a bit shaken and choked, as if he was holding back tears. "...Birds are singing, flowers are blooming…" He took a deep, shuddery breath to compose himself. "...Perfect weather for a game of catch…"
Another silence followed, as Frisk watched the king idly fiddle with his cloak. "...You know what we must do." He nearly whispered, turning away. "When you are ready, come into the next room."
Frisk watched him leave the room before steeling her Determination to follow. She would not hurt Asgore. She refused to. Chara quietly stayed close, guilt radiating off her, at her reluctance to do or say anything. Frisk just sent a gentle feeling of reassurance back.
...Hey Frisk? Can I tell you something before we go…?
What? Of course! Frisk plopped herself down in the flowers, head tilted.
...Well… Chara paused, before speaking, cautiously and meekly. I know you're going to deny this for me even though you don't even know everything but I… I am not the greatest person. Even ignoring what I did to Asriel and Mom and Dad. I… I've always been bad, Frisk, I think, or at least some of me has been. I don't know how you haven't seen it, because we're… well, constantly in each other's minds.
Frisk, I- I hate humanity. I hate them all. When Asriel and I… became one, I wanted to destroy them utterly- not just take a few souls and free everyone, I wanted to destroy them all. I wanted to raze that stupid village I ran away from until it was cinders.
But… Asriel stopped me. And even if it means he had to die- that I had to die- I can't thank him enough. If I- If we had done that, we'd never be able to go back. We'd be… even worse.
I think… I think I hated humans so much I started thinking somehow if I was even worse to them they'd change…
Chara hugged Frisk from behind.
And then you came along. Chara hesitated. Are you even human, Frisk? She took a deep, unnecessary breath. ...I think you and the monsters have been the only good influences on me. Ever. But… I still can't fathom it.
How the hell are you so damn… She flailed for a moment to find the right word. nice!? You're a kid! We're both kids! And you got through a bunch of monsters that want to kill you for your Soul by BEING that way!
And Frisk- I- I don't know anything about you. Chara was babbling now. She hadn't let Frisk get a word in edgewise. But I know one thing. Whatever reason you came here it wasn't a happy one! So how… how do you do it? She had finally trailed off. Frisk sat in thought for a long time. Chara had certainly brought up a lot in a short time.
Finally, she responded, slow and awkward. I don't know. I… It's not easy, Chara. It helps that almost every monster is so nice, but… It's really hard Chara. You saw what happened in the Ruins.
Chara shuddered. She remembered. It was vividly burned into her mind. Toriel clinging to a sobbing, upset Frisk, who clung back as the monster had turned to dust, and watching Frisk collapse and begin choking and coughing because the air was so thick with dust-
Frisk cut her thoughts off, hurriedly. It was because she made me think there was no choice… and… maybe that's why. Because I realized I did have a choice. And I realized that if I messed it up… Frisk raised her hand and Chara felt the rush of determination and warmth that came from Frisk's Soul whenever she Saved. That I could fix it.
Chara looked at Frisk. For a moment, Frisk swore she looked exactly like she did in the dream-world, but it was only an image; she was still just a small flicker of weird shadows and hazes.
Frisk… Chara murmured. ...Did… Did you come to Mt. Ebott because… because you wanted to disappear?
Frisk flinched a tiny bit, but then she looked up and nodded shakily. "...y-yes." She croaked aloud. She hugged her knees and Chara made a soft, sad sigh.
Me too.
They stayed there for a bit, dawdling, before Frisk slowly stood.
This is the last time I disappear though. Frisk sounded stronger, invigorated. After this, I'm never "disappearing" again.
Chara felt a touch of delight and a bit of pride in her friend. Right! Come on. Let's befriend the hell out of my dad!
Frisk nodded resolutely, slowly making her way out of the large garden.
Asgore had waited for her, patiently. He was leaned against a doorframe, eyes low. He quickly dragged a sleeve across his brow, as if he were just adjusting his robe, but Frisk could tell he was keeping tears from forming in his eyes. He looked Frisk dead in the eye for the first time and held it, his voice holding a note of… hopeful suggestion.
"If you are not ready, I understand. I… I am not ready either."
Frisk followed him through the door and gasped at what she saw in the next room.
The Barrier. What else could it be? The enormous… corridor? Wall? Whatever it was, it rippled and pulsed, and flickered. It radiated power. Out of curiosity, Frisk tried walking. She closed her eyes and walked down the barrier path for about a hundred yards, before she turned and opened them. She was standing maybe four feet from where she had started. However far she walked, the door never seemed to grow distant.
Asgore watched her, a bit bewildered, but honestly glad to have any kind of distraction from the thought of killing.
"If…" He called out, a bit shakily. "If by chance, you have anything else to do… Please, take your time."
Frisk glanced at him quizzically.
"Anything is important enough." He added. "Even if it is something as small as taking a walk, or reading a book…"
Frisk finally spoke up, quietly.
"Is… it true? That if… I want to leave, I'd have to…"
Asgore lowered his head, then nodded.
"...Then I guess that s-settles that." Frisk said, softly. "I'm n-not leaving."
Asgore looked… confused. Then he looked even sadder. "...You must, surely."
"All the monsters have been nice to me- or I-I've found a way to convince them to be…" Frisk argued softly. "I have f-friends here."
It was almost as if Asgore was begging her. "...Surely- surely someone will be worried about you on the Surface."
Frisk's expression turned sour, and her voice went flat and cold. It was the harshest tone she had ever taken. There wasn't hostility, just bitterness. "N-Nobody will miss me." She said, crossing her arms.
Asgore was at a bit of a loss. It was his duty to end this child's life; to take her Soul and finally free monsters forever. But this child- she refused to fight him at all if it meant she would have to kill him.
And if she would not fight, he didn't think he could take it.
"...I do not deserve mercy." He whispered, his voice hoarse.
"...Ev-everyone does." Frisk whispered. "Especially you." She walked forward, slowly and gently, her voice soothing. "Everyone can have M-mercy. I don't want to fight. You don't want to fight. You don't have to fight." Asgore shook his head, but Frisk caught his enormous hand in her tiny ones. "Y-you don't have to fight."
Asgore froze, eyes wide. He didn't know how to respond.
"You don't have to fight." Frisk repeated, staring him down, her eyes soft and resolute. Chara marveled at the effect it was having. Asgore was trembling a little, his legs shaking and clearly having difficulty staying upright.
"...we don't have to fight." Frisk said, her voice soft. "And we're not the only ones who d-don't want to fight."
Asgore tilted his head, confused.
"Undyne doesn't want to fight me. And she doesn't want you to. Alphys doesn't want you to fight me either." She continued. "And I don't think… I don't think any of the m-monsters want you to do th-this…" She squeezed his huge, fuzzy paw. Asgore trembled more, sinking to his knees.
Frisk was tiny. Even for a child of her age, she was small. Short, slender, with a very fragile frame. She looked even tinier so close to Asgore, who moments earlier had towered high above her and was now on his knees, unable to respond.
Frisk gently squeezed his large paws, hesitating before speaking. "...I think…" She steadied herself, staying strong. "Everyone would be happier. So please… stop t-trying to fight."
Asgore broke down. He cried. Chara had never seen her father cry before. Even when she was dying, he had not shed a tear, staying strong because he knew that crying would just upset her.
The way he cried reminded her of Asriel.
Frisk hugged Asgore gently, letting him cry. Finally, he looked up at Frisk.
"Little human… I… I… I do not know… what to say."
"...J-just say that we d-don't need to fight." She whispered, smiling.
Asgore hugged her tightly, squeezing the girl in an embrace. Chara smiled, although she felt just a tiny bit jealous. After all, he gave the absolute best hugs.
It was then that one of the most touching things that Chara had ever seen in her life was abruptly ruined by someone bursting into the room, wild-eyed. Chara's heart skipped a beat. Mom?!
She had run in, looking ready to give Asgore hell, but stopped, in shock at the sight of Frisk gently being set down by the King of All Monsters himself. He looked up, amazement in his eyes, though it was easily outclassed by Toriel's disbelief.
Frisk didn't even let her speak and cannonballed into her, giving the goat monster a huge hug. Toriel had to laugh; what else could she do. Frisk looked up at her, eyes shining with joy.
"You f-followed… me?" She asked, her voice tiny and shaky, but happy. Toriel could not help but smile.
"Yes, my child, but it seems I did not need to." Toriel whispered, awestruck. "I… I was so torn. I realized so many things. But it seems you were able to come to a peaceful resolution without my help." She took a deep breath. "...I am so proud of you."
Frisk beamed.
"Tori…?" Asgore whispered, finding his voice at last. "You came back?"
Toriel's response made even Chara wince. "Do not Tori me, Dreemurr! You pathetic whelp."
Oh. Wow. Mom's angry.
She's really scary like that. Frisk thought, after wiggling free of Toriel's death hug.
...You know, I've never seen them argue or fight, but this isn't too far from how I imagined it going. If they weren't on such bad terms this would be entertaining. She was a bit melancholic. There were few things more depressing than watching your beloved family fight.
Luckily, Toriel's tirade was cut off by the bombastic entry of Undyne- as if she'd enter in a way that wasn't bombastic.
"NGAAAAH!" She roared, storming in. "ASGORE! HUMAN! NOBODY FIGHT!" Her eye twitched a bit, then she froze, baffled at the sight of Toriel. She glanced between her and the quietly weeping Asgore and something seemed to click.
"Hello!" Toriel greeted, friendly as ever all of a sudden. "Are you a friend of the human's? I am Toriel!"
Wow, she went from angry to nice really fast… She really is a good mom if she can calm down so quickly.
"Uh… Yeah?" Undyne cautiously offered a huge, toothy smile. "You too!" She less than subtly sidled up to Asgore and murmured just loud enough for Frisk to hear. "...Hey Asgore, is that your ex? Geez. That's rough buddy."
For some reason, that made Frisk giggle. Even Chara snorted at Undyne's utter lack of tact.
"Hey!" Blurted a familiar yellow lizard. She was out of breath and had clearly sprinted from the elevator as fast as her little legs could carry her. "Nobody hurt each other! Uh…" She trailed off. Frisk giggled again.
We did get help! Chara was happy. We didn't need it, but I'm happy about this anyway!
"Oh!" Toriel smiled at Alphys in a friendly manner. "Are you another friend? Hello! I am Toriel!"
"U-uh… h-h-hi…" Alphys squeaked shyly, eyes wide. She darted to Undyne's side, and Frisk heard her murmur in disbelief; "...there's two of them…?"
"HEY!" Frisk's grin widened. She couldn't help it. "NOBODY FIGHT ANYONE! IF ANYBODY FIGHTS ANYBODY THEN I! WILL BE FORCED! TO ASK UNDYNE FOR HELP!"
Frisk tugged Papyrus's arm. "W-we already s-stopped fighting." She smiled up at him. Papyrus beamed at her.
"NYEH-HEH-HEH!" He laughed. "I KNEW YOU COULD DO IT, TINY HUMAN! THE GREAT PAPYRUS IS IMMENSELY PROUD OF YOU. IT MUST HAVE BEEN MY INCREDIBLE INFLUENCE!"
Frisk giggled. "Y-yes. That was what it was. Absolutely." Papyrus was over the moon.
"hey guys." Sans too. Though Frisk was sure she didn't see him come in. "what's up?" He subtly offered a very brief little nod at Chara.
Don't rat me out, bonehead… She thought irritably.
"Oh! That voice!" Toriel cautiously approached the short skeleton. "Excuse me, but I believe we may… know each other?"
I guess I have to give him some credit, he seems like he was good company for Mom. Chara shook her head softy. She always did like horrible jokes.
Seems like Sans just… knows everybody, huh?
Yeah. It's suspicious.
"Cheer up Asgore." Undyne had a hand on the boss Monster's sagging shoulders. He was crying still, but he seemed to be torn between joy at not having to fight, and sorrow over Toriel's lecture from earlier. "There are plenty of fish in the sea."
Gods above, now Undyne is making puns! When will this madness end?
Quit finding things to complain about and be happy!
I reserve the right to whine!
"Y-yeah Asgore!" Alphys agreed, offering the King a handkerchief from her pocket, with which he wiped his eyes. "Undyne's t-totally right, about that fish thing…" She stuttered a bit for a moment before speaking again. "Sometimes you just gotta f-forget about fuzzy boss monsters and uh… find a really cute fish?"
Undyne gave her a look.
"...It's a metaphor." She mumbled.
Undyne just smiled. "Well, I think it's a good analogy."
Oh, kiss you idiots.
"OH MY GOD." An all-too familiar leg pointed at them. Everyone except Alphys, Frisk and Chara stared in disbelief. "Would you two just SMOOCH already! The audience is dying for some romantic action.
SECONDED!
"Hey!" Undyne barked. "Shut up! Man, the nerve of that guy, right Alphys?"
Noooo!
Alphys was shaking.
"Uh, Alphys?"
"No. He's right." She looked Undyne firmly in the eye, taking her hands. "Let's do it."
YES!
YES!
Undyne looked staggered, but nodded, flushed hotly. "Uh? Well? If you want to? Don't hold anything back!" They leaned in, Frisk watching with bated breath, ready to applaud…
"W-wait! Not in front of the human!"
YES IN FRONT OF THE HUMAN. Mom, stop!
Mom, don't! Please!
Aw dammit.
Luckily, it seemed everyone was willing to laugh it off. It was just so silly and adorable. Toriel looked around for a moment. At Sans and Papyrus, Undyne, Alphys, and Asgore,before looking to Frisk, warmly.
"My child, it seems as if you must stay here a while longer. But looking at all the wonderful friends you have made… I think you will be quite happy here."
"Say… that reminds me…" Alphys turned suddenly. "Papyrus, you called everyone here, didn't you? Well uh, apart from, um…" She nodded at Toriel. "Her. But if I got here before you, how did you know to call everyone?"
"LET'S JUST SAY…"
"A TINY FLOWER HELPED ME."
The room felt as if it had gone ice cold.
"A t-tiny… flower…?"
Before anyone could react, vines exploded from the walls and the earth below them. Frisk screamed in horror as her friends were yanked away from her, into the air, tangled and immobile. Undyne was clearly the hardest to hold, because she thrashed and snapped her razorlike teeth at the thick vines aggressively, wild and feral.
Frisk swatted and struggled as vines emerged around her, managing to beat a few back with her stick, before it was snatched from her hands and snapped like it was nothing. Frisk squeaked, as she was violently yanked into the air, dangling by her wrists.
NO. Chara shrieked. NO NO NO!
From the ground, with a sickeningly sweet smile on his face, emerged a single golden flower.
"You idiots." He giggled, his vines dangling something in the air- six colored hearts. "While you guys were having your little powwow… I took the human Souls." Flowey's voice went from sickeningly sweet to menacing. "And not only that-" And this was directed at Frisk. "Now I have all your friend's Souls too!" He snickered, grinning wider. "And you know what the best part is?" Flowey jerked Frisk in front of his face. "It's all your fault."
"What?" Frisk managed, confused. "How could i-it- b-be-?"
"It's all because you made them love you." His voice twisted further, into a mockery of Toriel's tones. "All that time you spent…" His voice twisted again, sounding like Undyne now. "Listening to them…" Then Alphys. "Encouraging them…" Now he sounded like Asgore. "Caring about them…" And now, back to his own voice. "Without that, they wouldn't have come here."
BULLSHIT.
"And now, with their Souls and the humans' together… I'll achieve my real form…"
Frisk sobbed in anger and despair, fighting against the vines. "W-why?! Why are you doing this?!"
"Why?!" Flowey grinned, shaking Frisk. "WHY?!" He cackled. "Don't you get it?"
"This is all just a game! A story. If you leave satisfied, you'll "win"! If you "win" the "game" you won't want to "play" with me anymore! And the Story would end! And what would I do then?" He lowered his voice, whispering in a tone of pure menace. "But this game between us will never end… I'll hold victory within your grasp, and tear it away, over and over and over…
"Listen. If you do win, I'll let you have your "happy ending". I'll bring your friends back, I'll break the Barrier… everyone will finally be satisfied. But that won't happen~! You… you…!"
He's lost his mind… Chara thought, partially filled with rage and disgust, but also a bitter pity for the wretched little thing.
"I'll keep you here no matter what." He leaned inches from Frisk's ear. "...Even if it means killing you a million times."
Everything was pain. Frisk screamed as pellets slammed into her Soul, writhing and howling as they slammed into it, again and again, the fragile little thing cracking. Then… the pellets stopped. A ring of white, magical flames had surrounded Frisk, burning the pellets to nothing.
"What?!" Flowey hissed, impatiently.
"Do not be afraid, my child…" Toriel barely had the strength to, but she had summoned the flames with her magic, and managed a bleak smile. "No matter what happens… we will always be there to protect you."
Frisk felt her Soul quiver, a spark of Determination kindling. Flowey hissed like a cat, more bullets spewing at her, but a volley of spears and bones dispersed them, adding to Frisk's layers of defense.
"THAT'S RIGHT HUMAN!" Papyrus managed a huge grin, despite everything. Nothing could break his blithe, optimistic spirit. "YOU CAN WIN! JUST DO WHAT I WOULD DO. BELIEVE IN YOU!"
"Hey Human!" Undyne shouted, thrashing still. She hadn't stopped violently squirming since the vines grabbed her. "If you got past me, you can do anything!"
The crack in Frisk's Soul that Flowey had managed to create began to seal itself up, as the spark turned into an ember.
Flowey snarled, sounding more and more like some wild beast. He snapped his head forward, a flood of pellets, intending to overwhelm Frisk's "shield".
More flames erupted, forcing the flower to retreat back, as they burst around Frisk. Any bullets that went off course were hit with arcs of magical lighting, disintegrating.
Holy crap, Alphys has some strong magic.
"T-technically, um…" Alphys managed, with a triumphant little grin. "It's impossible for you to beat him, but somehow, I know you can do it!"
"Human… For the future of humans and monsters, you have to stay determined!" Asgore boomed. For a moment, Frisk saw a regal king, instead of a fuzzy pushover.
Her Soul, injured, but only just, fully fused itself back together, as the ember of determination began to burn.
Suddenly, the vines fell away from Frisk, something severing them just out of her sight. She landed on her rear with a soft "oof!"
"what, you haven't beaten this guy yet?" Sans winked. "come on, this weirdo's got nothing on you."
Frisk stood shakily, and suddenly, monsters flooded the room, and for the first time, they weren't against Frisk, but at her side, defending her. There was a small army here, to protect her.
Frisk felt more determined than she ever had.
For the first time, Flowey looked frightened. He seemed wildly outgunned, even with six Souls in his possession. He looked around, surrounded. Frisk could recognize dozens of monsters; Shyren, Snowdrake, one of the Dogs, Froggit, Muffet, The twin Royal Guards, flanked by the dogs from Snowdin and Red stood before Frisk, their blades crossed in front of her defensively. Even the Monster Kid was there! More monsters came, surrounding Frisk. Nearly every monster she had fought was there.
"Urgh… How…? No! This can't be happening!" Flowey recoiled, as the Monsters flooded the edge of the barrier. "You- you-"
Then the facade cracked.
"I can't believe…" He grinned deadly calm and confident. "That you're all. So. Stupid."
"All of your Souls are MINE!"
Everything went white.
Everything went dark.
All that was left was a small figure, with his back turned. They were barely taller than Frisk.
If Chara could have, her would have gone totally white.
That… can't be…
"Finally."
Oh my god.
"I was so tired of being a flower."
He turned. He looked like a miniature Asgore or Toriel.
"Chara, are you there?" He asked. The question was directed at Frisk. "It's me! Your best friend."
He thinks… that I'm you?
I think he does- WHOA.
A flash and suddenly he was taller, floating in the air a few inches, smiling cockily.
"Asriel Dreemurr."
This was the end.
Chara for whatever reason, began laughing uncontrollably. A real laugh, this time. A wild, raucous laugh that shattered Frisk's concentration, as she dodged around and ducked Asriel's indescribably dangerous attacks.
Holy crap he actually… BAHAHAHAH!
This isn't funny!
You don't understand! Chara squealed. He- He drew this- he wrote a story about it. He wanted to be "Asriel Dreemur, the Absoulute GOD of Hyperdeath! He actually did it! Even his attacks are- oh my god that dork!
Frisk squeaked and leapt out of the way as Asriel whirled a pair of swords.
Chaos Sabre. Chara announced cheerfully.
"You know… I don't even care about destroying this world anymore." Asriel chuckled, unleashing a whirlwind of stars, that crashed and burst around Frisk.
Star Blazing!
NOT THE TIME. Frisk clasped, holding onto her hopes, feeling her resolve strengthened.
"After I defeat you, I just want to reset everything." Asriel smirked, swiping his hands to the sides, as huge lightning bolts crashed into the ground (or at least it seemed like the ground. The whole world was very difficult to grasp at this point).
I'm sorry I have to! He wouldn't shut up about these either! Shocker Breaker!
He's trying to kill me.
Has he succeeded?
No, but-
Then I'm not going to stop!
Chara's glee was a bit heartening, despite the circumstances. She displayed such levity that it managed to raise Frisk's spirits. She closed her eyes, wishing as hard as she could. She felt revitalized, as she dreamed of seeing her friends again.
"Then we can do everything all over again! And you know what the best part is? You'll do it!"
Of course I will!
This time, his arm seemed to change shape, morphing into some kind of cannon.
Chaos Buster. It's probably better if we just win now.
Frisk took a few hits, but her Dreams healed her Soul faster than Asriel could damage it. He looked like he was enjoying himself, smirking. Frisk was trying to simultaneously evade his attacks, and think desperately for a way to stop him, to understand why he would do this.
"And then you'll lose to me again… and again… and again! Because you want a "happy ending…"" He seemed to glower a bit, though it was hard to tell when he never stopped smiling. "Because you "love your friends"." He leaned in, as he raised his hands, preparing something huge. "Isn't that delicious? Your determination… The thing that let you get this far… It's gonna be your DOWNFALL!"
...I'm worried, he doesn't sound like himself. Chara had finally gotten over her little episode, and sounded more appropriately troubled. Frisk, please, we have to help him!
How?! Frisk panted, holding onto her hopes and catching her breath.
"Now enough messing around. It's time to purge this timeline, once and for all!"
Uh-oh. That looks like- An enormous, skull-like face looked, cackling and opening its jaw. His "special attack". Hyper Goner.
It began to generate a huge ball of light. Frisk shielded herself as the light blinded her, forcing the small child to cover her eyes with a cry- it blasted outwards, and Frisk shrieked as the wall of light smashed into her, slamming her hard into the ground below.
Somehow, she had survived. Slowly, Frisk pushed herself up, Chara desperately tugging her.
You can do it! She cheered.
"Even after that you're still standing?" Asriel laughed. "Impressive. But don't get cocky. Up until this point I have only been using a fraction of my power."
Oh don't tell me…
"Behold!"
Everything that wasn't Asriel was darkness. A huge knows shattered and rocked through the air, and Frisk gasped, at the huge winged creature before her. Her mouth went dry as she realized. The whole world was ending around her.
...I drew that. Chara sounded miffed. He stole my drawing.
Asriel raised his arms. Frisk, still injured from the previous blast, stood no chance against the onslaught. Her Soul suddenly split down the middle. She collapsed, her eyes going blank.
FRISK! Chara shrieked.
But it refused.
Frisk stood. Slowly. Eyes blazing.
"Even after all that…" Asriel mused, sounding vaguely impressed. "...Well, that's fine. That attitude will serve you well in your next life!"
Frisk could only avoid the attacks. Every time she tried to think of something, anything, she couldn't move at all. Everything seemed hopeless. She tried to make a Save, but even that didn't work.
...But maybe… Chara whispered, an idea forming. After all… ...Maybe you can Save something else. Or rather, someone else.
Frisk! They're still there, aren't they?
Frisk's eyes widened and then narrowed with determination. She would Save her friends.
She could feel them, and reached out to Asriel's Soul. Something pulled at her, and she grinned.
Standing before her was not the Absolute God of Hyperdeath, but the familiar form of Alphys. Frisk knew what to do.
"You hate me, don't you?" The Lost Soul asked miserably, as flashes of electricity blasted at Frisk from her scales.
"No way!" Frisk grinned. "What's your favorite cartoon?"
The Soul shivered, clearly restraining herself, holding back an enormous answer. "I've got to keep lying."
A devious grin perked at the edges of Frisk's lips. "Hey, Alphys! M-mew M-mew Kissy Cutie 2 is better than the fi-first one! Red told me so!"
The Lost Soul seemed to spasm in confusion and barely restrained fangirlish-rage.
Frisk, you're evil.
"All I do is hurt people."
She walked right up to the Monster and whispered in her ear.
"Un-Undyne wants to smooch you. She thinks you're the cutest monster ever."
Perfection! Chara squealed at that. I wanna see the dorks kissing already!
Alphys sat bolt upright, sweating, and blushing. "Wha- Wha-" She shook herself. "Really?" And suddenly, she was back. "Wh- No! You're right! My friends like me!" She squeezed Frisk in a hug. "And I like you too!"
Frisk patted Alphys, who vanished. Frisk spun to face the next Lost Soul. She stood tall and proud, unleashing a flurry of spears, which Frisk blocked with her now-green Soul.
"All humans will die!" The Lost Soul roared.
Frisk gave the Soul a massive toothy smile, imitating what she always would do herself.
She quivered a bit, struggling with her memories. "You're our real enemy!"
"Come on Undyne!" Frisk begged her. "I want another c-cooking lesson with you!"
She didn't know why, but the Lost Soul seemed to really want to…
"Undyne! Hurry up and come back so you can k-kiss Alphys! R-right on her lips!"
Yeah! Chara crowed. What she said! Double!
And with that, Undyne was back, staggering a bit and blushing, but she shook it off, giving Frisk's hair a ruffle. "Well, some humans are okay I guess!"
Two more lost Souls. One was tall, and the other was short (Though he was still quite a bit taller than Frisk, much to her chagrin).
"I MUST CAPTURE A HUMAN!" Even in this state, the tall Lost Soul seemed upbeat.
"just give up. i did." The short one asked softly, his head hung low.
"I t-think you need to take a break." Frisk advised the short one. He paused, clearly wanting to. Frisk yelped suddenly, leaping over a few stray bones from the tall one.
"P-Papyrus! I love your c-cooking!"
Liar.
Even if it was a lie, the Lost Soul was trying to hide his joy.
"WHEN I CAPTURE YOU, EVERYONE WILL…" He wavered a bit.
"why even try?"
Frisk grinned. "I th-think you're j-just ribbing me."
The short one seemed to perk up and grin. The tall one groaned, but… seemed to remember something.
The short Lost Soul sounded utterly hollow. "...you're never gonna see 'em again."
Frisk felt a deep pity for him, as he said that. She gently squeezed him in a hug. As she did, the tall one, concerned for his brother, scooped them both up.
Sans and Papyrus were back.
"NO!" Papyrus grinned broadly. "I CANNOT CAPTURE YOU! YOU ARE MY FRIEND!"
Sans winked, as Frisk dropped from the hug. She wasn't finished yet. "nah." He called to her. "i'm rootin' for ya, kid."
He needed that. Chara muttered. What's eating him, I wonder?
Two more Lost Souls stood.
"This is for your own good."
"Forgive me for this."
Frisk grinned. She already knew what to do. She ran right up to the female Soul and hugged her. "Hi mom!" She grinned.
That's my mom. Chara teased. Ya weirdo.
Frisk darted over to the male Lost Soul, hugging him in much the same way. "We don't have to fight." She whispered to him. "So let's n-not."
His shoulders sagged. Frisk backed up, facing them both, firm, determined, and resolute. "I'm not going to hurt either of you! No matter what!"
Toriel and Asgore were back.
"Your fate is up to you now!" Toriel called, pride shining in her eyes.
"You are our future!" Asgore boomed.
Frisk turned. Above her was Asriel. She knew what to do.
Frisk?
"What are you doing?"
Save Asriel.
"No! Stop it! Get away!"
Save. Asriel.
"Do you hear me?! I'll tear you apart!"
SAVE. ASRIEL.
"...Chara…" He whispered, head sinking. "Do you know why I'm still doing this, Chara? Why I keep fighting to keep you around?"
...Ree…
"It's because you're special Chara. It's because you're the only one who understands me, Chara." His voice was low and shaky. "You're the only one who's any fun to play with anymore."
Save Asriel.
"...No…" He said, shakily, fighting back tears. It's not just that…"
Save. Asriel.
"It's because… Because I care about you Chara." Asriel's voice trembled, his eyes shaky. "I care about you more than anyone else! I'm not ready for this to end! I'm not ready to say goodbye to someone like you again!"
SAVE. ASRIEL.
"So please…" He begged, magic gathering at his hands, raising it above his head. "Stop doing this…!" He slammed his hands down, unleashing an enormous blast into Frisk.
"AND JUST LET ME WIN!"
Frisk stood firm. Chara clung tightly, their determination mingling together, as the blast tore at them, burning and freezing at them all at once.
"STOP!" He screamed. "STOP IT!"
The beam slowly grew more intense, hurting more, but Frisk refused to move. Then, it faded.
"Chara…" Asriel whispered, tears dripping from his face. "I'm so alone, Chara."
…
"I'm so afraid, Chara…"
...I…
"Chara, I… I…"
Everything slowly faded. Where once loomed the Absolute God of Hyperdeath, was a small, weeping little monster, sniffling and hiding his eyes in his hands. "...I'm so sorry." He whispered, peeking up.
"...I always was a crybaby, wasn't I Chara?" He asked, shaky, but smiling.
Frisk glanced away. "I'm…"
Asriel flinched. "...I know. You're not… You're not actually Chara, are you? Chara's been gone for a long time now."
A...Ah…
"Um, what… what is your name?"
She looked up at him. "...Frisk."
"Frisk?" He paused, before smiling. "That's… a nice name…"
I... F-frisk, I'm gonna t-try and talk to him. Chara sounded afraid. Can you… tell him? About… me?
I can try. If you need to you can hold onto me when you do.
...Thank you.
"Um… I'm not… totally alone though…" Frisk mumbled, trying to take this slowly. "It's just uh… that…" She trailed off, not sure how to explain it. "I think th-there's a good reason you thought that I was her."
"Frisk?" Asriel tilted his head. "What are you talking about."
"...When I landed in the Underground, something happened." Frisk looked up, staring at Asriel. "A little b-bit of my Soul came apart."
"...What?" Asriel's eyes widened.
"...And it um… made… well…" Frisk glanced desperately to Chara's shadow.
You did enough… Thanks Frisk.
Chara appeared. Something about this place let her appear as herself. Awkwardly standing partially behind Frisk, head low, eyes shut tight. She was shaking violently.
Asriel's voice choked. "...Chara…?"
She slowly raised her head, her bright red eyes opening, as she managed, finally, to offer Asriel a tiny, broken little smile. "...surprise?" She managed to whisper.
Asriel dashed forward, tackling her in a hug, bawling now. Frisk was knocked into her, as the young monster wept, not even trying to hold his tears back anymore.
"...Such a… crybaby…" Chara murmured, but hugged him back, starting to cry a little herself. "...I'm… It's okay, 'Ree. I'm here. I'm back. Frisk… Frisk saved me, too."
Asriel looked between her and Frisk, and back and forth again, still crying, but also laughing, shakily. "Chara… Chara… How- How are you here?"
"Determination…" Chara ruffled the fur on his head softly. "The same way you are, I guess… Determination and Souls."
She hugged him again, tightly as she could, shaking.
"...I'm so so sorry." She choked out, shaking. "This is all my fault… Asriel… I… I did all of this to you… To mom, to dad… To Frisk… Everything…" She buried her face against him, whimpering. Now it was Asriel's turn to awkwardly comfort his sibling, patting her gently. Frisk watched, trying to keep from crying as well.
"Chara… It's okay." He smiled at her, bleakly. "...I… I missed you."
"...Me too." She whispered, hoarsely. "...I guess… both of us have done some awful things, huh…?"
Asriel lowered his head. "...Yeah." Slowly, they turned to Frisk, Asriel's voice shaky. "...Frisk… I understand if you can't ever forgive me. I did horrible things." He trembled a bit. "I hurt you. I hurt so many people."
Frisk hugged him suddenly. "...Hush." She whispered. "I a-already have."
Asriel shook. "W-what? Frisk, come on… you're gonna make me cry again…"
Chara smiled and suddenly hugged them both, one in each arm. "Of course she's gonna forgive you, idiot." She said, fondly. "She's like, the best person ever, tied with you. And maybe Mom and Dad."
Asriel laughed. It was genuine, a happy laugh.
"...Frisk." He said, finally. "...When I was… a flower, I had no Soul. I couldn't feel love anymore." He lowered his eyes. "But now, I not only have my own compassion…" He looked up. "I can feel everyone else's too. Everyone cares about you so much Frisk." He giggled awkwardly. "...Monsters are weird. Even though they all barely know you, it feels like they really love you, Frisk."
Frisk smiled softly. Chara ruffled Frisk's hair. "Monsters are great aren't they?"
Asriel lowered his head. "I… I need to do something, though. I can't keep everyone's Souls. It wouldn't be fair." He raised his eyes. "But first. It's time to do something else."
"Oh my god." Chara's smile went big. "Are you going to-?"
Asriel nodded. Frisk saw the same regalness that Asgore had held when he protected her.
"It's time for Monsters to go free."
The Souls emerged. Six powerful human ones, and hundreds of thousands of smaller, Monster souls. They swirled, filling the air with light, noise, emotions, and memories. Then everything flashed white…
The whiteness shattered like glass. The barrier was destroyed.
Slowly, Asriel sank to the ground. "...Ah… ha… ha…" Before he could speak, Chara made a sound of joy.
"We did do it together, didn't we!" She beamed at her little brother, who bleated in surprise- actually bleated- as Chara hugged him hard, lifting him off the ground. "Even if it wasn't how we planned, we did it! Asriel you're the Angel! It's YOU!"
Asriel's eyes widened in surprise. "Me…? But…"
"You saw the surface, returned, and the Underground's going to go empty!" She crowed.
Asriel looked at her for a moment, then at Frisk who was beaming just as bright as Chara was. "...Ha… Ha…! It's true…! I guess I am!" His face fell slowly. "...Frisk… Chara… I… I'm… I have to go soon."
Chara nearly dropped him. "What?!" She blurted, eyes wide.
"...I let all the Souls go." He whispered. "They're going to find their old homes. Without them, I can't… I can't keep staying like this. I'll turn back into a flower, and I'll… Stop being able to love again."
"After… After all this?" Chara whispered, eyes watering up. "I refuse. Nuh-uh. This is not how it ends here!"
"B-but Chara, I-"
"No!" She barked. "You listen to me! If I can come back from the dead then you will too! Do you hear me Dreemurr?!"
Asriel squeaked, and Frisk had to laugh. It was such a silly sound.
"...y'know, you're technically a Dreemurr too." He mumbled.
"Irrelevant!" She barked. "Listen, Ree!" She was channeling Undyne a bit. "I'm literally regenerating myself. My Soul is patching itself together from a teeny piece of this-" She shook Frisk a bit, causing her to yelp in surprise. "-amazing little saint's Soul. If I can get my body back, then I am not going to let you leave us! Even if that means I have to find your little flowery ass and uproot it and carry it out of here in a boot!"
Asriel stared at her in a mix of confusion and melancholy.
"But…"
"I agree…" Frisk mumbled softly, standing with her hands on her hips. "Y-you're coming home with us."
"...I…" He blinked, seeing the look in their eyes. He knew there would be no arguing. He sighed. "...W-well…"
Chara smirked. She always got her way with Asriel.
"...Not… yet." He finally said. "There's… some things I need to do, first." He looked down at his feet. "And I… I don't want Mom and Dad to see me, especially since I'll turn into… Flowey again." He looked at Chara. "I think… you'd understand, too. B-but… give me a day or two, and then, maybe you can come get me…?" He added quickly, seeing Chara's look of frustration.
She sighed. "Ree… We'll come back for you. I promise." She squeezed his shoulders, but nodded, sorrow in her eyes. "Frisk will find something. She always does."
Asriel suddenly grinned. It was a strange, impish little grin, the kind only a sibling can give. "...You like her, huh?" He giggled.
"Not another word Asriel!" Chara hissed, blushing.
"Oh! Sorry!" The mischief sparkled in his eyes. "You like like her, huh?"
Frisk had to stuff a hand to her mouth to hide her uncontrollable laughter. Asriel winked at her over Chara's shoulder.
"Oh my god Asriel shut up." Chara begged. "It's bad enough having to share a headspace with that insufferable flirt."
"She's just trying to say she likes you back!" Now it was Frisk's turn to blush a bit.
"Asriel."
"Okay, okay, I'll stop." He said, smiling fondly at Chara, giving her a little hug. "...Sorry. I missed you."
"...Missed you too, dummy." She said, fondly. "...See you soon?"
"Yeah…" He let go, shakily, looking up at Frisk. "Frisk, you're going to do great, alright? No matter what you do. And Frisk…" He paused, taking a deep breath. "...help Chara take care of Mom and Dad for me, won't you?"
Frisk nodded. She felt sad, but happy. It was a weird confliction.
"...See you later." He called, finally dry-eyed, feeling, for the first time, a true sense of hope.
Everything faded.
"Frisk! This is all just a bad dream! Please, wake up…!"
Gotta end it here. :D
Don't you hate me? ;)
That's okay, even if you despise me, I still love y'all.
I accidentally posted this chapter twice, but luckily some folks caught it. Thanks!
Goodnight everybody!
