When Frisk woke up the next morning she took time to pause for a long, leisurely stretch. Gentle sunlight streamed in the window; she had forgotten to close the blinds the night before. After a monster had walked through the window. She bolted upright and looked around, but Gaster was nowhere in sight. The chair he had sat in was empty and cold. Did a monster of his type even give off any body heat?

Not sure what to think of his disappearance, the twelve year old went through her usual morning routine. When she showed up in the living room, Mrs. Kemp was already there and the woman frowned at the sight of Frisk's rumpled outfit. "You slept in your clothes, dear?"

"Yeah. I … I fell asleep," she replied lamely.

But Julie Kemp smiled, looking pleased. "That's a good thing. Why don't we all sit down and have breakfast together?"

Frisk obediently walked to the table in the dining nook off their kitchen and slid into her seat. Mr. Kemp walked up and set down his coffee mug before sitting as well. "Frisk, I'm afraid things got too heated yesterday. I may have intimidated you, and for that I'm sorry."

She silently watched him. Mrs. Kemp carried over cereal boxes and three bowls.

Mr. Kemp went on. "But if you'll try to understand where I was coming from, I was scared. I've never had to deal with a child acting so … erratic. And obviously being out in public put a lot of pressure on all of us." The man took a moment to glance down at his steaming coffee. He sighed. "I was afraid and did my best to handle the situation."

When he said nothing more Frisk thought that was it. Then she noticed Mrs. Kemp eyeing her, obviously looking for some sort of reply to her husband's statement. Frisk wasn't sure if it were an apology or not. He did seem to regret what happened, though.

"Sorry for scaring you," was all Frisk could say.

"You did scare us, Frisk. This has to be dealt with, or I'm not sure how ..." Mr. Kemp frowned and shook his head before sipping his coffee.

"For one, dear, you need to accept and tell yourself the truth." Mrs. Kemp took a seat and passed Frisk a bowl of cereal. "That you're safe and there's no such thing as monsters. You need to try and ground yourself in what you know to be true. I'm not fully sure what happened between you and those other kids yesterday, but I wouldn't go mentioning the mountain or your hardship surrounding it anymore in the future. It only makes trouble."

Frisk absently stirred her corn flakes. "But this town is practically devoted to those stories about the monster that showed up one day. People don't seem upset about that."

"Because people know it's just a myth, something fun. For entertainment," Mrs. Kemp said patiently. "You need to separate fiction from reality."

"There's no such thing as monsters." Mr. Kemp lifted his mug and took another sip. "Whole thing's always been a bunch of crap talk if you ask me."

Frisk tightened her grip on her spoon and scowled in response. Before she could even remind herself to be careful, as defending the monsters would only make things worse, Mr. Kemp's mug tilted over, spilling hot, dark liquid down the front of his shirt. He immediately cursed and jumped up.

His wife lifted an eyebrow. "Honey, there's no need to be so colorful."

"It just … it just tipped itself," the man spluttered.

"What? Don't be silly. Your grip slipped."

Frisk had gone still, her stirring movements slowing down as she ran the spilled coffee over in her head. She slowly shifted in her chair, hoping to appear casual, and looked around at the surrounding living space.

Sure enough, standing in the corner of the room was Gaster. He stood in a stooped position, a wacky grin plastered across his pale face. He met Frisk's eyes and one of his eye-lights glinted blue for a moment. At the same time there was a faint tug at her sleeve.

Unable to not smile, Frisk turned back to her cereal and bit her lip to keep from laughing.

She had to wait for the Kemps to move on with their morning routine. The moment the both of them were getting ready in their bedroom, Frisk jumped to her feet and practically ran up to the black monster in the corner.

"Where did you go?"

"In your closet."

"Why? What about your chair?"

Gaster made a low, funny rumbling sound. "It's spacious and quiet in there. And you were snoring."

It took the girl a moment to realize she was being teased. Frisk began to smile. "I'm glad you're still here. I thought you were gone."

"Where would I go? No one else can see me. I've been very lonely for an unaccounted amount of time, and I'm not too excited at the thought of being lonely again." His eyes widened a moment and he bobbed his head toward the table. "You saw yourself what I can do. They had no clue of my presence."

"Are you some type of ghost?"

"No."

"Frisk?" Mrs. Kemp walked into the living space and slowed to a halt, her probing eyes fixed on the girl. She smiled sweetly. "Dear, who are you talking to?"

Frisk shrugged. "My imaginary friend."

"Oh, don't be ridiculous."

"Why not? I don't have any real friends. Everyone thinks I'm loopy."

"Once you get through things that won't be the case." Mrs. Kemp pressed her lips together in a worried line. "Mr. Kemp and I have been talking. We have some important errands to run in the city together, so my sister, Louise, will be staying with you for the day."

Frisk blinked. She had only met Louise once. The woman was younger than her sister and had seemed more focused on her shiny nails than getting to know her sister's foster child. "Okay … I was hoping to go to the library, though."

"Maybe she'll take you."

By now Gaster had moved himself around the room and behind the adult. He wasted no time or personal space in leaning his head forward to stare at Mrs. Kemp's face. It was all Frisk could do not to grin or let out a giggle. He looked so intent and curious and the fact Mrs. Kemp had no idea he was there only made it funnier.

"But to be clear, you're not leaving this house without somebody with you. Not after yesterday."

Frisk's shoulders sagged. "I'm okay. I'm not crazy, Mrs. Kemp. You know that … You know I'm not, right?"

The woman sighed and shook her head. "We won't talk about it now. I have to get ready to go." She turned on her heel.

Frisk rubbed her elbow and let her gaze drop to the floor. She felt heavy. Not being reassured of something she knew was true only helped her feel even more discouraged.

She glanced at Gaster, who had now made it to the picture frames on the wall, and wanted so much to point out aloud See? No one understands but you. But his focus was captured by the photographs.

"The Kemps," his grinding voice said lowly. "They had a daughter. A dancer, too."

Frisk walked up beside him. "Sadie," she answered softly. "She went missing about six years ago I think."

Gaster simply gazed at Sadie's photos in utter silence. His distorted features seemed to lower sadly. Frisk recalled his own tale about being involved in the previous fallen humans' demise. It was hard to think the rather caring, sensible being beside her could have killed anyone at all, but Frisk knew better. The same heart-wrenching truth had forced her to defend herself against Asgore. That very same truth forced Asgore to believe he had no choice but to kill her.

Kill or be killed … was Flowey right all along?

She quickly shook her head. No. She wouldn't believe that. Everything that had happened was just one big mess. None of them really wanted to kill in the end.

The guilt Gaster must have been carrying showed itself as he bowed his head, sighing weakly. Frisk looked over at one of his disembodied hands and gently grasped one of his skeletal fingers. Talking out loud again didn't seem like a good idea, but the monster seemed happy enough at the simple gesture, giving her a faint smile.

Louise had no interest at all in going to any old library. "No, it's not a good day to go out. Too much sun," she mused, glancing down at her fair skin.

Gaster had himself positioned directly behind Frisk, the young girl standing hopefully before the couch her babysitter reclined on. The older human's face was powdered and her eyes outlined by an overwhelming amount of makeup. She reminded him of those two silly monster girls that opened a shabby shop in Hotland. At least Bratty and Catty seemed interested in doing things.

"It's not that far, and it's a beautiful day outside." Frisk's tone was light and coaxing. She looked towards the large living room windows and bounced on her heels slightly.

"We could go for a walk."

"Heck no, not in these shoes." Louise picked up the TV remote. "Listen, sweetheart, I'm not usually available like this to just drop by and give my big sis a hand. Other girls usually spend their fall break on vacation. But you're a special case to them, and I owe Julie a favor. And anyway, didn't you have a heart attack or something at the picnic yesterday?" Louise flashed a somewhat sympathetic smile. "Maybe you should just take it easy today and get your thoughts together."

Gaster watched Frisk's reaction. The youth didn't drop eye contact or her small smile. She did sigh and murmured, "All right," before turning and walking away. Gaster stared down Louise on the couch for a few moments longer before shaking his head and trailing after Frisk back to her room.

"What sort of favor does she mean?" he asked once they were alone.

Frisk stood in the middle of the room, arms crossed, expression focused. "Hm? I think they've paid for her college."

"Interesting." He moved himself around so that he was in her line of sight. The deformed doctor raised back his head. "What's this? That expression on your face …"

"We need to go to the library." Frisk looked up at him, her face set. Determined really. "If everyone's dumb-ed down the truth about monsters being real, then maybe there's some evidence about monsters in our history. Starsville is practically known for being a wacky town with a tourist trap about the whole 'One day there came a monster to town,' story they cooked up."

Gaster was glad his features had become harder to read in his new condition. That story Frisk spoke of had to be about the only occurrence in which a monster besides himself had ever crossed the barrier. Even if it was so long ago, Asriel's death being recalled again, and in such a disrespectful memory on the surface, was disturbing to say the least.

"How did you get out of the Underground, Gaster?"

He jerked out of his thoughts and looked at Frisk. "That's something I'm unsure about. I am a monster. However … I'm not exactly fully 'here,' either. Other than for yourself, I still do not exist. Not really."

He shrugged slightly. "I even wonder if my Soul is even there anymore. The Core destroyed me physically and The Void … I'm not sure what The Void did. Some things I do not understand."

Frisk looked thoughtful. "Could there have been another monster like you that started the whole myth in town?"

Gaster shifted his wavering body and fixed her with a calm gaze. "Child, you heard the true story yourself, didn't you? You told me what you learned before fighting Asgore."

Slowly, Frisk's eyebrows shot up. She gasped. "That-That was prince Asriel … and the human. Chara. That was them."

"Now you've got it."

The girl grimaced. "Well … I still want to get to the library and do some digging." Again she folded her arms and Gaster could see faint traces of determination lighting up her face. "They'll all be real mad at me if I just sneak out, though. I bet Louise won't even notice."

Gaster thrummed in thought, turning and looking at the window he had come through last night. Being able to move through solid items made him wonder if that were a side effect from his natural ability to teleport. And if it worked similar to teleporting …

"I need to test something."

He glided over to Frisk's dresser and picked up a clock. With the clock in his grip he shifted his way to the wall and went straight through. The clock stayed with him the whole time. He quickly turned around and poked half of his form back into Frisk's room, meeting the girl's surprised face with a drooping grin.

He held out his hand. "Care to go for a walk with an old man?"

Gaster followed Frisk as she strode casually down the sidewalk of Applegum Blvd. The residential neighborhood was mostly quiet. The air was slightly brisk, but the sun shone brightly, which was why Frisk hadn't bothered to take a jacket he supposed. Temperatures had to be violently high or low to have any effect on him, but he supposed Louise at least had been right about the sun.

Frisk wiped some sweat from her brow. "The library isn't too far at all. Once we reach the street ahead it'll be on a corner meeting the highway."

"I remember when this was all sparse forest and clearings with hand-built dwellings. The surface has changed so much."

"The Underground seemed to keep up pretty well."

"Somewhat. The city of Hotland is our most modern addition."

"Hey, Loopy Loser!"

Frisk stopped. Gaster halted to keep himself from running into her, though he wondered if he would have automatically phased through her or not. Behind them, a group of kids approached, varying in height. A quick calculation told him they were all heftier than Frisk. Their faces were harsher than hers as well.

Led by a youth in a ball cap, they peered at the girl with crossed arms and open stares. The boy with the ball cap nodded. "Knew it was you. I was just telling the guys how loopy you got yesterday."

"Oh! I remember you." Frisk beamed a friendly smile and stepped forward, a hand extended in greeting. "I'm Frisk. But I don't remember your name."

"It's Carl, duh. You don't remember anything, do ya?"

"Carrrl." To Gaster's bewilderment, Frisk clicked with her tongue and pointed with both hands at the moron in front of her. "How's it going?"

Gaster observed curiously as Carl's mouth opened, but no words came out. The dumbstruck boy blinked several times and members of his party snickered. "Dude, I didn't know you were such a ladies man," someone laughed.

Carl seemed to find his voice. "Sh-Shut up. That's just weird. She's a nutcase, remember? Why else would she do that?"

"She's merely testing you," Gaster answered aloud, moving to put himself off to the side, but positioned between them so that he could get a good view of both humans. Frisk was smiling, cheerfully confident while Carl's face reddened and he took his time trying to think of another response. "Throwing you off, and quite easily, too. Your little plan to pick on this child has backfired, human. I wouldn't try picking on the one human to leave the Underground alive."

Mistake.

He'd forgotten Frisk heard every word out of his mouth. She turned her head, sending him an uneasy look and the deformed monster could have kicked himself and his careless ramblings.

Carl latched on immediately. "What's wrong, Frisk? See something? Maybe a … monster?" He stepped forward and violently poked at her shoulder. Frisk stumbled backwards, blinking rapidly.

"Like the one you saw yesterday? Come on, show us where he is." Carl pushed her again, a grin on his face. "Show us all you're not just a loser with a nutty head, yeah?"

Carl's group followed along, grinning, smirking, laughing. They were enjoying themselves.

Frisk dropped her gaze. Gaster saw the buttons float in front of her and Mercy was highlighted. She held up her hands. "I don't want trouble, Carl. Please, just go on your way and leave me be. Everything will be all right."

"What a weirdo."

Carl flicked his finger at Frisk's eye. Instantly the girl yelped in pain and her hands flew to her face.

Well, now Gaster had had enough.

Much to Carl's shock, the boy suddenly found himself lifting off the ground. Carl shrieked and made desperate attempts to grab at the air, but to no avail. His friends gasped and staggered away, their wide eyes trained on their floating friend. Unknown to everyone other than himself and Frisk, Gaster had taken hold of the boy's Soul. As his skeletal hand moved upward, so did the boy.

Gaster flicked his wrist and brought the whimpering youth closer. Gaster lifted himself to his full height and glared into Carl's face. "My, my. Look at that. Your expression is fearful, human. You must not enjoy being pushed around."

With a flick of his finger, Gaster propelled Carl backwards through the open air and into a row of bushes. His friends yelled when the boy flew through the air and they scattered. Carl picked himself up, shaking madly, took one look at Frisk and bolted.

Silently, Gaster sent a small glow of green magic to Frisk before saying, "Come along. We don't want too much attention on us."

She stopped rubbing her eye and they resumed walking, albeit faster than before. Frisk laughed softly. "Like you didn't just make a guy float in front of everyone?"

"He had it coming. I don't have any patience for bullies."

" … Thank you." Frisk hesitated. "I don't get it, though. You're so … so nice. Sticking around, helping me, listening … Why?"

The former Royal Scientist turned his head to face her while they continued to walk. "For the same reasons I came to you, child. Because no one else will."

The library was small. Much like the small, cozy building they had in Snowdin. It was all one ground floor, one side dedicated for children, the other for the adults. A handful of computers were centered outside of the bookshelves in the adult's area. Frisk had selected a couple of books about Ebott mountain and had taken a seat at a computer, bent on trying to pinpoint how and when Asriel had been spotted and how the story had been taken in the form of a myth for the tourist trap. Gaster hovered close by, keeping an eye on those in the small building. Nobody seemed to object to the child's presence.

"It would have been before the other people started going missing in the mountain," Frisk murmured, eyes on a book's pages. Gaster frowned. He pointed at the computer screen. "Could you do me a favor, Frisk? Look up something for me."

She set her book aside and jumped onto a search engine. "Sure. What do you want me to look up?"

"Tabitha. I would like to know how her family is doing."

Frisk was silent as she entered the name. Gaster peered over her shoulder, recognizing how quickly the girl was able to find lists and articles about the other fallen humans. She had researched them before. As he looked over the information that appeared, his suspicions from so long ago were confirmed. Tabitha had been the last to fall of the six before Frisk. The news story about her was dated three years earlier.

"Oh," Frisk murmured. "There's something else here … about her family."

Gaster remained quiet as he read the new article. It started with a picture of a tiny, run down building that looked more like a shack than a suitable place to dwell in.

"House burns to ground. Reportedly the renter, Ted Lewison, 49", a photo of a burly, disturbed looking human male with light hair, "got into a fight with his wife, Carrie Lewison, 36," the photo showed a woman with light brown hair and round facial features that mirrored young Tabitha's, "which allegedly led to the house catching fire." The new photo showed the small house in flames. "Both died. It is believed that Lewison was drunk. Neighbors say they saw it coming long ago. Lewison was a known addict and had a criminal record for theft and trespassing private property."

It was dated six months ago.

Gaster slowly shut his eyes. And she had been so patient to see her mother again …

Louise was furious. Frisk was surprised right off the bat that the young woman could become so frazzled and animated. But truthfully, knowing your twelve year old charge had been missing and then just showed up randomly in the kitchen for a glass of water with absolutely no regret or emotion otherwise at said young woman's rage, it was understandable why Louise would be angry at all.

It just seemed surprising how high her voice could go.

"Go to your room, Frisk! And you stay there until my sister and her husband get home. Don't think I didn't call them when you went missing."

Frisk, carrying her cup of water in her hands, trotted gracefully down the hallway and into her room. Once the door was shut, she crossed to her closet and nudged the door open with her foot. A pale, skeletal hand pushed it open completely and Gaster offered a small, droopy smile at her from the small storage space.

"Thank you child." He accepted the water carefully.

Frisk stepped back and tilted her head. "So … you're thirsty, right?"

"Not exactly. I haven't been feeling normal urges to consume or drink since … technically since before I fell into the Core." The monster's detached hand held the glass up to his gazing eyes. "I merely want to see if I can drink water."

"Well … there's a wastebasket here if you need it." Frisk turned and took a seat on the edge of her bed, quietly folding her hands in her lap. The sounds of Gaster trying to make sense of himself consuming the water followed. The monster's odd, grinding voice seemed to cough now and then, rumble even, but after a few moments he glided into view and announced, "It did not work at all."

Frisk raised an eyebrow. He responded by holding out the glass, previously full of water. Now it was brimming with inky blue, gooey substance. She immediately slammed a palm to her mouth and turned away, willing herself not to gag.

"I'll take care and dispose of this safely." Gaster phased himself through the wall of the bedroom, heading outdoors. Frisk bounced faintly, straining as if she could possibly hope to keep an eye on him. "What do you mean 'safely'?"

He could hear the humans coming a mile away, they were so thunderously loud. Gaster remained with Frisk in her room when they both heard the Kemps' vehicle pulling into the driveway. After that, a few muffled words and then Mrs. Kemp was calling for Frisk. Gaster turned to the child and found her face set in an almost blank expression. But the warmth was fading from her kind face and her posture stiffened.

Mrs. Kemp opened the bedroom door and her flashing eyes landed solely on Frisk. "Come out to the living room. Now."

She backed off and down the hall once giving her message. Frisk slowly rose from her bed's edge and carefully squared back her shoulders. "Gaster," she said under her breath, "what am I going to do?"

The former Royal Scientist hesitated before nodding calmly. "You must stay determined, my child. Remember what's keeping you going. You know the truth, deep down."

"Monsters are real," Frisk stated to herself. "And I'm not crazy."

Gaster chose not to acknowledge the fact she went against the rules of her foster parents, because this time he was on the side of breaking the rules. The Kemps were likely good people, but they were afraid of what they didn't know or understand. It wasn't right that Frisk was going to have to face consequences for their lack of truth.

He followed Frisk, staying right behind her the entire time. She faced the Kemps in their living room while Louise watched from the sidelines with a stern frown.

"Frisk, we're very upset," Mr. Kemp began. "Why did you leave the house when we specifically told you not to go anywhere on your own?"

Frisk took a calm breath. "I wanted to go to the library."

"We could have done that tomorrow," Mrs. Kemp interjected, her voice tight and … pained? Gaster focused on the woman for one long moment, reading her expression. So, she was actually worried for Frisk's safety? A glance at Sadie's pictures on the wall reminded Gaster exactly why the mother had every right to feel concerned.

"I needed to look up some important information. That story about the monster that showed up a century ago-"

"Stop right there." Mr. Kemp stepped forward. He slowly pointed at Frisk. "You are not allowed to talk about monsters. Not in this house. That's over."

Gaster reared back even as he heard Frisk attempting to say something in response. She exclaimed, "But it's not a story at all, there really was a monster. His name was Asriel. Asriel Dreemurr. He was-"

"No." Mr. Kemp snapped. "It's wrong. It's delusional. And it's bad for your health, Frisk. We've been doing our best to help you, but now it's looking like we have to seek help elsewhere."

"What-What?" Frisk blurted, genuine fear in her tone.

"If you can't let go of these delusions, then the next step is to-"

Gaster was so busy glowering over Frisk's head at the man spewing nonsense about monsterkind that he almost missed the burning red glow that began to radiate from the child. Something within Gaster reacted and Determination flooded his system, all stemming from young Frisk as she cut Mr. Kemp off with a mighty shout.

"Monsters are real!"

The Kemps suddenly cried out and grabbed at one another. Louise shrieked behind them and jabbed a finger at Frisk. "What is that thing?!"

The doctor realized the cause of their sudden fright. Gaster was visible.

He swept his gaze over the three humans, briefly allowing himself a touch of satisfaction that he'd gained visibility all of a sudden – the cause he would have to determine later – and now had the perfect opportunity to assist Frisk's side of the argument and voice himself.

"Greetings. I am W. D. Gaster. And I'm a monster."

The three humans gasped. Frisk turned and looked up at him. "How?" she mouthed, but there was a relieved shine in her brown eyes.

"I'm afraid your history is missing a few key elements from what I've observed. Your children aren't told the truth because none of you were, and who knows how long the lying has gone on since the war. But at least now I can have the pleasure of instructing you three myself."

Gaster manipulated his warped body to straighten as best as he could. "Frisk has been telling you the truth. I knew Asriel since the day he was born. Frisk fell into our domain under the mountain, where we were banished centuries ago by humankind. I knew of the other humans who fell into our mountain … including your daughter, Sadie."

Mrs. Kemp's arm flailed and grabbed at her husband, a weak cry escaping her. Mr. Kemp shook his head. "I don't believe it. I don't believe any of this …"

"Gaster?" Frisk asked shakily.

"Yes?"

"I … I want to fix things." The twelve year old looked him in the eyes and nodded soberly. Her Soul bobbed calmly in front of her, Determination filling the atmosphere that he could perceive. Frisk's lower lip wobbled, but she wore a bittersweet smile. "I want to fix this for everyone."

He knew what she was saying. Her time with the Kemps had come to an end. It couldn't continue like this. She was ready and willing to try again.

Gaster placed his detached hands on her shoulders. "And I know you will."

He chose not to spare the other humans anymore acknowledgment. They would likely only protest and want to stop what came next, but they would soon forget once the Reset took place. Gaster summoned the energy to warp, holding Frisk close for her own safety. Despite having not used the warping ability since before his time in The Void, Gaster sensed he was able to use it once more.

They appeared on a rocky cliff side overlooking the town, Mount. Ebott looming directly behind and above them. Frisk pulled back and stared around, amazement in her eyes.

"You just teleported us?"

"It would seem so. Shortcuts are far easier to execute when running away. And it's all thanks to you."

"Me?"

Gaster's voice thrummed, grinding as he started to explain his theory. "You told me once that you weren't at all determined, but frightened instead. What I just witnessed back there wasn't fear, Frisk. You were determined. Tell me, what made you defend the monsters in front of the Kemps?"

The girl paused and thought. "I … I was sick of hearing them talk like that about monsters. About me."

"There you go. I'd say you reached your breaking point and your Determination returned at last."

"How come you could be seen by them?"

"You opened the door to my prison. I have a feeling it's your Determination that set me free and has connected me to you now, Frisk." Gaster offered his best version of a smile, despite his face's condition. "Your power is legendary, my child."

The brunette smiled, laughing softly before shaking her head. "I'm not a superhero, Gaster."

"Am I right in believing you are ready to make a change?"

" … Yes." Frisk nodded, her smile still in place, though a little crooked now. She balled her fists and nodded some more. "I know I've got to. There's no one else. Why should I leave my real family behind if I can try and find another way to save them?"

The distorted doctor shifted forward a step. Gaster knew what Frisk would be doing would by no means be easy, and perhaps nothing short of horrifying depending on who tried to stop her.

"You're going to be tested, Frisk. I have no right to ask you this, because you may end up needing to give up if you can't handle it. Only … if you can, please … save them. Save them all." A tremble shot through Gaster's already unstable body. His voice came out even more distorted and choppy than usual.

"Do for them what I failed to do. Save everyone for me."

Frisk slowly reached out and lay a careful hand against the darkness that comprised his form. "You … You're someone special down there, aren't you? Not just the former Royal Scientist who got erased from time."

Gaster was quiet and fastened his gaze on Frisk's compassionate face.

She quirked a little smile. "You gave yourself away when you warped us and said the word 'shortcuts.' Sans loves those."

The distorted skeletal monster blinked before slowly shaking his head, letting out a hollow laugh. "And I thought he was the most perceptive being I would ever meet."

"Are you related to Sans and Papyrus?"

"I'm their father."

Frisk's eyes widened. A moment later she threw her skinny, sweater-sleeved arms around his drooping frame. The child's arms couldn't hope to reach around him fully, but she hugged him as if he would collapse without her. Gaster said nothing, using his disembodied hands to hug back.

"I'm so sorry," Frisk choked out without moving.

"Don't be. I'm merely reaping the consequences of my poor choices. I am … happy enough hearing from you that they are doing well without me."

Frisk shuddered, and Gaster could sense her Determination rising again. "I'll save them, Gaster." She pulled away and craned her head back, looking him square in the eyes and smiling as fierce as the full moon in the sky above. A shining, yellow star-like symbol danced in the air behind her.

"I'll save everyone, and I'm going to save you, too."

Gaster wordlessly watched as the human child turned and strode toward the star, reaching out her hand to touch it. Her final statement had caught him off guard, but now more than ever he knew a simple discouragement such as pointing out the fact he knew he was past saving was the furthest thing Frisk needed to hear. She had a world to fight for, and people to help. She had to accomplish what he never could.

"Stay determined, young Frisk," Gaster whispered. Frisk's hand enclosed around the yellow star and everything turned white.