After a long, silent, and awkward drive, Asgore dropped Frisk off home. Asgore didn't say anything as Frisk got out of the car. He simply drove away, his eyes filled with pain.

Asgore…

For the time being, Frisk didn't worry about it. All he wanted was to see Chara. He approached the front door, took a deep breath, and rung the bell. Toriel opened the door and received him with a somber tone. "Greetings, Frisk."

"Toriel, did you hear what happened?"

She nodded.

"How's she doing?" Frisk asked.

"I believe she is eager to see you." Toriel replied.

Frisk nodded. "Me too."

"She is in your room," Toriel said.

Frisk thanked her and quietly walked to his room. He opened the door. Chara was sitting in the couch, waiting for him. Chara got up and stared at him, with sorrow and longing in her red eyes.

He walked towards her, and they tightly wrapped their arms around each other. Her body felt like a fire in the middle of a freezing blizzard. Frisk clung to her, desperate for her warmth, and she was the one who should have needed it more.

"I'm so sorry, Frisk," Chara whispered.

"What are you sorry for?"

"I'm already causing you so much trouble."

"Don't say that," Frisk whispered. "You'll never be a burden to me. No matter what happens, I'll never regret saving you."

Chara sniffled. "Wh-why, Frisk? Why do you care about me so much?"

"I… I just want you to be happy. I can't stand seeing you miserable like this."

Chara broke the hug and stepped away from him. "I don't deserve to be happy. I had my chance to live a happy life, but I threw it away as soon as I ate my first buttercup."

He shook his head. "N-no! You deserve a second chance! I'd give anything to make you happy!"

Chara smiled, but it wasn't a happy smile. "Haha... Frisk, you're such a sap. You'd forgive anyone, wouldn't you? You really do believe that anyone can be a good person, no matter how much they hurt you."

"Don't give me so much credit," Frisk said. "I just like you; it's as simple as that."

She frowned miserably. "Not everyone shares the same sentiment, I'm afraid."

Frisk knew how to cheer her up. It was time to do what he did best. Frisk reached out his hand caressed Chara's adorable pink cheek. "I don't understand how anyone can hate someone so cute."

She blushed. "F-Frisk?"

Frisk stared into Chara's bright red eyes. "Chara, have I told you how pretty your eyes are?"

"M-my eyes?"

"They're so beautiful. They fill me with…"

"Determination?" Chara asked.

"Passion."

Despite her efforts not to, Chara started laughing. "Oh my God, Frisk."

"And you're not just attractive on the outside," Frisk went on. "You're also strong, brave, and determined. You would do anything for the ones you love."

She kept laughing. "You are such a flirt! It's possible that you may have a problem!"

Frisk was tempted to keep pushing, to make it clear that he wasn't joking with her, but now was not the time for that. Now was not the time to drop a bombshell like that on her; she already had more than enough on her mind. Frisk bit his tongue and kept his feelings bottled up. He had been hiding them for over a year. A little longer wouldn't kill him.

Chara's laughter died down. "But, Frisk, I don't understand. Are they not going to arrest me?"

Frisk gave her a reassuring smile. "No, Chara. Remember the treaty? You have nothing to worry about."

"Oh, right. So… what exactly happened?"

He nodded. "Yeah, we have a lot to catch up on."

Frisk told Chara everything that happened in the Embassy, about Malcom's reveal, and how Boaris joined in. Chara's eyes widened as he explained that part. "Boaris truly said that about me?"

"I know!" Frisk said. "It makes no sense! I thought he hated humanity, too! What right does he have to condemn you?"

"Well, it is one thing not to trust humanity," Chara said. "Trying to murder them is another."

Frisk frowned. "I guess that's true."

"But enough of that," Chara said. "I also have something important to tell you. Over the past two nights, I've experienced some strange dreams, and they have been very revealing."

Chara told Frisk about her dreams. She told him everything she had found out about Felicia, and how she was related to Jacob Malcom. Frisk couldn't believe what he heard. "What? To be honest, I never really liked Malcom, but I don't think he would do something like that."

"Well, someone murdered Felicia," Chara said. "Chances are, her parents are responsible. They obviously feared her. They were willing to kill their own daughter just to keep the monsters sealed away."

Chara sounded so certain, but Frisk wasn't so convinced. Could Felicia's parents have really murdered their own daughter? Then again, Frisk didn't know them, so what did he know?

Chara sighed. "However, I am still in the dark as to how this murder transpired. I'm not sure how she was killed, and I'm not sure what her brother's role in it was. I only know that it couldn't possibly have been an accident. World Masters don't just keel over like that." She smiled at him. "You're proof enough of that."

"Uh. right," Frisk said. "How could they have countered Felicia's ability to reset?"

"There are a few possibilities," Chara said. "One is that they did the same thing as those terrorists, finding someone with enough determination to survive going over their limit. In fact, it very well could have been Malcom himself. Usually, when someone tries to become the World Master through DT injection, they just melt to death. In order for it to work, they have to already be close to becoming the World Master. As for Malcom, he used to be the World Master before Flowey came along. He would certainly qualify."

Chara's expression turned grave. "Of course, another possibility is that Felicia simply chose not to reset. Even with time manipulation, she was only a child. She may have died so many times before finally giving up."

Frisk felt sick thinking about it. He couldn't stand the thought of being killed so many times that he lost all hope and gave up. He couldn't imagine a worse way to go.

But, was Malcom really involved? Frisk remembered something that Malcom had said. "Come to think of it, I think Malcom mentioned something about losing someone when he was a kid. It seems to me like he genuinely misses her."

"I doubt that," Chara spitefully growled. "If he truly loved her, then why didn't he fulfill her dying wish? Felicia died because she wanted to free the monsters. If Malcom wanted to honor his sister, he would have done everything in his power to break the Barrier. Instead, he did everything he could to keep the Barrier intact. If he claims to love Felicia, then he's full of shit."

"I don't know," Frisk said. "Just because they had a disagreement doesn't mean they didn't care about each other."

"But this was no petty dispute," Chara said. "It was Felicia's greatest desire. I understand that two people will never agree on everything, but some differences are irreconcilable."

Frisk smiled. "Well, I think Jacob cared about his sister, so I hope that's not an irreconcilable difference between us."

She smiled back. "You're crazy, but I think our relationship can survive that one."

He smirked. "Our relationship, huh?"

Once again, Chara's cheeks flushed red. "F-Frisk, please focus."

"That's very hard when you're around," he flirted.

Chara did her best to ignore him. "I think it's painfully obvious what Malcom is trying to do," she said. "Frisk, you said that Malcom warned everyone about 'the next Chara and Asriel,' correct?"

Frisk nodded. "Yeah, and I know that is scary to think about. When Asriel had that power, he could have destroyed the entire world… Thank God they don't know about that little incident."

"Sorry about that," Asriel said, who had been standing on Frisk's nightstand.

Frisk jumped in shock. He hadn't realized Asriel was in the room. "Oh! H-hey, Asriel! I didn't see you there!"

"That's alright, Frisk!" Asriel chirped. "I think you adequately explained why you're so distracted!"

It was Frisk's turn to blush. "U-umm…"

"Don't you see what's happening?" Chara asked. "Malcom's trying to spread fear among humans. He's doing everything he can to remind everyone why monsters were sealed underground."

Of course. Of course, of course, of course.

"Best-case scenario," Chara said, "Malcom is trying to do just that, send monsters back underground. Worst-case scenario, he's trying to ignite another Human-Monster War, and he wants all monsters to be eradicated."

"But what about Boaris?" Frisk asked. "Where does he fit into all this?"

"I don't know," Chara admitted. "You said it yourself, it doesn't make..." Chara trailed off in thought.

Frisk blinked. "What is it, Chara?"

"If it weren't for Boaris," Chara thought, "no one would have recognized me. If it weren't for him, my identity would still be a secret. Frisk, I don't think our encounter with Boaris on the street was an accident. It was set up. He wanted everyone to know I was alive."

"But, why would he do that?" Frisk asked.

"That's... an excellent question," Chara said. "Malcom's behavior makes sense. Whether he is trying to banish or destroy all monsters, you are one of his greatest obstacles. Everyone loves you so much, granting you a great deal of influence. Unfortunately, by resurrecting me, you've given Malcom a golden opportunity. He was able to use my past as a reminder of why humans used to fear monsters, and as a bonus, he was able to shake the public's trust in you, by letting everyone know that you brought back someone who tried to help monsters destroy humanity."

Chara growled in frustration. "However, I still cannot ascertain Boaris's motives. Whatever they may be, he appears to have made some kind of deal with Malcom. As for the nature of this deal, that is shrouded in mystery."

Frisk tried to think what that deal may have been, but he came up blank. He had absolutely no idea why Boaris was helping Malcom, but whatever the case, it wasn't good.

He sighed. "Why can't they just get along? We just need time; someone will find a cure before it's too late."

Suddenly, Chara forcefully grabbed Frisk's shoulders and pinned him against the wall. Her beautiful scarlet eyes were filled with rage. "No, Frisk! Those fucking humans will never trust monsters!" Her spit splattered on Frisk's face as she yelled at him. "All kinds of monsters respect each other, but humans can't even get over differences in their fucking skin color! Humans and monsters will always be just that, humans and monsters! They'll never get over their differences! As long as there are 'humans and monsters,' it's only a matter of time until they KILL EACH OTHER!"

Frisk's eyes widened in fear. He was well-aware that Chara had a dark side, but this was the first time he had seen it in person. He had never seen her this angry before; it was terrifying.

As soon as she saw Frisk's horrified expression, tears formed in Chara's eyes. She sat down on the ground and sobbed. "Th-that's right, Frisk. This is who I am. You think I'm just an innocent girl who likes to joke around and make silly puns, but you're wrong. I'm a vengeful bitch who hates humanity. Do you like it?"

Frisk felt his heart crack at that word. "Chara, don't call yourself that."

"But I am," she said. "Ask anyone who heard the news. Anyone reasonable person would call me that."

Frisk sat down next to her. "I know you're far from innocent, but you're not a bitch. You're just… human."

"... Frisk," Chara whispered. "I know you don't want to hear this, but... you should reset."

"Huh? You think I should try to handle the Embassy better?"

Chara shook her head. "No, you should reset to before you revived me."

A chill ran down Frisk's spine. "Wh-what are you saying?!"

Chara's eyes sparkled with tears. "You shouldn't have tried to save me. You should have just let me stay dead, as I should be. Go back, Frisk. Just turn Felicia's soul over to the Government, and forget about me. Let me disappear, forever. Let me go."

Frisk grimaced painfully. He couldn't believe what he had just heard. He shook his head. "Chara, do you realize what you're asking me to do? You're asking me to kill you. I could never do that."

Asriel clenched his teeth. "Are you… are you kidding me?! After everything Frisk has done, you just want to take the coward's way out?!"

Chara whimpered. "I... I'm sorry, but this isn't for my sake. Frisk has to reset. Everything would be better if I was dead."

"Oh, really?" Asriel asked. "Is it really so selfless? I don't think so. You just can't handle the guilt, can you? You think the only way you can make up for you're sins is dying, so you want to sacrifice yourself for the greater good."

"B-Brother, I..."

"But if you really want to punish yourself, if you think you deserve to suffer, then keep living! Death is an end to suffering, so keep suffering!"

Chara glared back at him. "Yes, I'm sorry I won't be able to suffer for your amusement."

Frisk stared at her in shock. "Chara! That's not what he meant!"

Asriel didn't respond. He just stared blankly at Chara. She laughed bitterly. "You like watching me suffer, don't you? How could you not? There's nothing quite as satisfying as watching a bitch like me get what she deserves!"

"Chara, it's not like that," Frisk said. "Asriel -"

"He's not Asriel!" Chara screamed. "Asriel is dead! And I wasn't the friend Asriel wanted, either! You're the friend Asriel wished he always had! Neither of you need me! S-so…" She sobbed. "So p-please, Frisk... let me go. You can be happy without me."

Frisk hated this. He hated this so much. He hated seeing Chara cry. He knelt down and held Chara's hand. "Is that really what you want?"

She refused to look at him. "I… it doesn't matter what I want. You have to let me go."

He kept holding Chara's hand. "I'm not going to reset. Even if I do, Malcom would remember everything. So… stay with me. We'll stop him together."

"Frisk…"

"You don't want to die, Chara. If you did, you would have faded away a long time ago, so… what do you want?"

Chara finally looked at him, staring with miserable red eyes. "I… I want to atone for what I've done. Even if I can't save Asriel, I can at least take care of him. And… I want to live for you too, Frisk. I owe you everything. I love you both so much."

Frisk breathed a sigh of relief. He didn't know how much longer he could take seeing Chara beat herself up. He really did want her to be happy.

Chara laughed sadly. "I'm such a mess, aren't I? This soul has turned me into a bigger crybaby than my brother ever was."

Frisk smiled at her. "It's okay. I know you feel so guilty about... everything, but I'm here for you."

Chara sighed, and she laid down on the floor. "I'm so tired."

Frisk laid down next to her. "Hey, you wanna lie on the ground and feel like garbage together?"

Chara laughed. "Ah, yes. I've gone full Napstablook, haven't I?"

She turned over to look at Asriel. "Brother, I'm sorry for yelling at you, and I'm sorry for all those times I called you a crybaby. I'm such a hypocrite, aren't I?"

Asriel sighed. "Don't worry about it... Chara, when I said that Frisk is the friend I wished I always had, I didn't mean that I regret being your friend. I just…"

Chara nodded. "I understand, Brother. Everything would have been better if Frisk had fallen underground instead of me."

He shook his head. "No, what I really wish is that you and Frisk were both my friends, and… I wish I was a better friend. Frisk never would have let you kill yourself."

Frisk sighed. "You both idolize me so much, but don't forget how easy I had it. In Chara's time, killing herself and six other humans was the only way to free the monsters. By the time I showed up, all the dirty work had already been done for me. And let's not forget that I had the power to turn back time. If it weren't for that, I would have died long before reaching the end."

"You're still a hero," Chara said. She turned back over to face him, and she gave him an embarrassed smile. "Sorry for losing my temper, Frisk."

Frisk smiled back. "Yeah, you spit on my face."

"Oh! I'm sorry!"

Frisk kept smiling and shook his head. "Don't be. It was kind of hot!"

Yet again, Chara blushed and laughed. "F-Frisk!"

Asriel groaned.

Chara smirked. "You big flirt." She wrapped an arm around Frisk. His heart pounded as Chara's warm body snuggled against him. "Ch-Chara?"

"I don't deserve you, Frisk," Chara whispered, "but if you really think it'll be alright, I'll stay with you."

Frisk smiled warmly. "Thank you. I know you're afraid, but we can't lose hope."

Chara caressed his cheek. "I know. No matter what happens, you always stay determined. I love that about you."

L-love?

Frisk's blush deepened. Chara's kind words and her warm touch were both so sweet. How could she ever expect him to let her die? Frisk never wanted to let go of her. He couldn't let go of her.

Chara got back to her feet, and she reached out her hand. "Come on. My mother is probably worried sick about us."

Snapped out of his trance, Frisk smiled and took her hand. "Y-yeah."

Frisk knew that the day's events had hit her hard, but they couldn't mope about it forever. He knew that Chara would pull through, and he'd do whatever he could to help her. Together, they left to let Toriel know that everything was okay.