CharaFell - Restart Chapter 120: -Nightmares- (1-2), an undertale fanfic

The room was utterly silent, for the longest time.

Enjoying the peace and quiet. Though, honestly, the definition of this silence is best taken flexibly. It was as silent as it could be with two highly traumatized children laying within it.

Nightmares are an often unfortunate side-effect of their mere existences at this point. Haunting their resting minds with grim visions, and sadistic reinterpretations of inflicted traumas. Playing over, in a demented carnival of insanity, within themselves.

On the one hand, there was Chara. For her part, she was sweating, wincing in her sleep. Playing out a conversation, with someone in a dark place. A cold room, where a looming figure stood before her. Reaching down, placing a hand against her throat. Whispering something foul, and horrid.

Her hands held the dark jacket, hugging it tightly, as the dream rendition of her squeezed a pillow. It was grasped by a hand, with a hole in it. Her grip tightening, as the pillow in the dream was torn away from her. She began to sob, heart pounding fast enough that her soul manifested before her. Her face buried against the deltarune, pleading something into it.

On the other side of the coin, there was Aliza. Her dreams bearing many grim experiences, and encounters she'd had. Replaying a moment, where her father loomed above her, eyes burning like an inferno. She tossed and turned violently. Legs kicking as she tried to escape the nightmare. Unlike her counterpart, her efforts bore some fruit.

Her foot managing to kick against the wall, the sudden jolt of pain rocking through her. Her soul briefly flashing into visibility, before fading. The orange-eyed girl letting out an audible gasp, pushing her pillow away from her space. Eyes searching the dark rapidly, as she panted, and pushed back. Moving until she was up against the wall, hugging her knees, while scanning the room.

It took some time, but she managed to calm herself. Muttering little self-assurances, that it was just a dream. Her attention falling on the other girl, whose sobbing came to her attention. It was muffled, but loud enough to fill the room. The sight of her soul, growing darker, rapidly, accompanying it.

Sliding off the bed, she stepped across the room with a practiced deftness. Drawing near, an instinct was raised within her. Recognizing the fear, able to see the tears, in the dimming light, she acted.

Reaching out a hand, it was placed on the cheek of her counterpart. The feeling of her tears, cold, like ice. The twitching movements, and frigid frost of her fast shallow breathing, indicating a state of terror was being experienced. While watching her, the awoken girls orange-eyes glowed faintly.

Aliza was transfixed on Chara. The sight of her struggling with bad dreams, all but melting her own away. And so she waited there, nearly motionless. An unblinking statue of a being, thinking, before beginning to move her thumb softly from side to side.

She recalled the song the other girl would hum when stressed, and began to do so. Hopeful it would assist, and as it stood, it did. Gradually, the violent shaking began to slow. The rapid, shallow breaths becoming steadier, longer. The nightmare fading steadily, prompting a smile on the orange-eyed girls face.

When the nightmare seemed to have passed, Aliza moved her hand away.

She had been inspired to this peculiar action, based on something she knew, and had experienced. Namely, when she was afraid at night, or having trouble sleeping, sometimes Valerie would come over. The cat would rest his face against hers, and nuzzle up against her. Similar to what she'd done with her thumb.

Aliza was grateful for having woken up enough to know what he was doing, that she might be able to apply it here. And moreover, pleased that it had worked. For a moment, she was concerned it wouldn't, given that she wasn't a cat.

She made a mental note, to tell Valerie that we was a good kitty. She was certain, that he'd be thrilled to know that his mere existence had granted her some ability to comfort her friend. She felt a little less helpless, knowing she could.

With that, though, she began debating something. Thinking over the feeling that had accompanied it. The immediate lack of concern for self. And the things she'd talked with Limbs about.

"Chara?" She asked softly.

She got no response, which was good in her mind. She wanted to say something, but simply didn't have the will to do it while her counterpart was awake. She hoped, perhaps, if she could practice it here, maybe she would have the bravery in the morning?

"I...had a joke." Aliza smiled nervously, whispering. "It was...a knock knock joke."

The girl hesitated. Even now, she couldn't quite muster it. What if Chara woke up? Then what? Would the other girl think she was weird, or get upset at her? Aliza pondered if, perhaps, it was better to say nothing at all? Maybe...as discussed, it would just go away?

"I'll...nevermind. I'll...tell you later." She whispered quietly, most to herself.

Her resolve had failed her once more, so she sat down on her knees, and sighed in defeat. She elected to let it go. And as with the couch before, she decided to remain there. Sitting upright, watching the other girl sleep.

Aliza had a natural difficulty when it came to returning to rest. So, she wagered her time was better spent there. Waiting for the moment her counterpart awoke. Surely, it wouldn't be that much longer right?

There she sat for a time, the process lasting several minutes without any notable disruption. Though, eventually, her focus was drawn away from her sleeping counterpart. A light from beyond the window disrupting her vigil.

Rising from her position, she stepped over. Drawing the curtain to the side, just enough to peer beyond the glass. Her curious eyes falling on individuals walking around through the town. Moving crates to various points. With someone holding their flashlight out, directing the rest.

Her mind went to a memory. Of the construction folk who had chased her so many times. And to a particular man, who had beaten her with a stick for sleeping in an empty one. This negative association inspired a concern, scratching at the phobia. She glanced back towards Chara. She decided, perhaps it was nothing-

|Proceed|

Aliza shook her head some. Glancing back out the window. It was...probably nothing. Maybe she just needed to lock the do-

|Proceed|

The intrusion into her mind, compelled action. Drug up concern, in a static haze. She was struggling to think of anything other than the prospect of danger. It was probably nothing, but could she afford to take such a risk?

"I'll be right back." She whispered to the sleeping girl, while putting her shoes back on.

When she was still living in Zone 0, she often acted as the defacto lookout of the group. She wagered it wasn't specifically different. That she was just checking to ensure everything was safe and sound, and then she'd be back.

Though, she had hoped to avoid having to perform this task. But, ultimately, she knew it had to be her to do these things. After all, due to her sleeping problems, and near perpetual nightmares, she could almost guarantee she'd be up to check.

To keep them safe from rogue adults, angry teens, or wild dogs wandering too close. Her instincts beckoning her to discern if these new entities posed a threat. A scratching in her mind preventing her from resisting this urge.

However, she wasn't keen on venturing to potential threats unarmed. She turned to where she had placed the bat, only to find it had slipped between the bed and the dresser, below the window. Giving it a faint tug, it proved to be stuck, making its quiet removal, all but impossible.

Humming in uncertainty, she examined the space around her. Spotting a blue pocket knife resting on the floor, beside her friends music box. It appeared they had fallen out of the jacket pocket at some point, and tumbled onto the floor.

Wandering towards them, she moved silently as a shadow. Picking them both up, she headed over and delicately placed the music box on the dresser. Ensuring it was nearer to Chara.

Aliza gave the knife a glance over, she hadn't often carried knives. They made her admittedly nervous, and she felt bad taking it, given that it wasn't hers. However, her mind wouldn't permit her to investigate without a weapon for protection. After all, Pablo said to be careful, and ready to defend herself whenever she went somewhere alone.

"I'll bring this back." Aliza added quietly. "Sorry."

Aliza got |Mychals Switchblade|

With that accounted for, she straightened out her scarf. It had gotten a bit loose, after all. And then started out of the room.

Her practiced movements saw the door opened quietly. Stealthily shutting it, as it made a soft click. Cautious steps carrying her forward, and through the empty hall. She didn't want to accidently wake anyone up, who may be sleeping. She wanted to be considerate, and good, after all.

Aliza came to step down the staircase, winding into the lobby. Thinking to herself, she was attempting to bring up her menu. However, she still couldn't, which prompted a minor pout, as she neared the bottom.

A presence behind the counter dragged her attention there. Discovering that Limbs was present, reading a book of some variety. Turning, noticing her, while offering a smile at the fight.

"My, my, you're up quite early, child." He noted calmly, checking his watch. "Are you having trouble sleeping?"

"Uhm..." Aliza pocketed the knife, having been merely holding it behind her back. "Yeah."

"That's quite unfortunate, I'm sorry to hear that." Limbs then added. "I too often have trouble sleeping at night. Tis a difficult task, methinks."

"You...do?" She asked.

"Indeed. Sometimes I go on a brief walk to exercise the energy from my form." He commented, before offering. "Are you perhaps seeking a nice walk will help you gain respite from the burst of energy?" He inquired.

"Oh, uhm...yeah, totally." Aliza laughed nervously, while starting towards the door.

"Well, I would then ask you to be aware that there are some individuals working outside. Do try to give them some space. They're quite busy." Limbs requested.

"What...are they doing?" She asked.

"To my knowledge, they're from the factory. Heading about unloading crates of food, and other various supplies for the town." He commented.

"You...don't know?" She tilted her head.

"They rarely enjoy intrusions on their work, young one." Limbs explained. "They're a rather course, and rough group, sometimes. So, please, take care to give them space."

"Okay." Aliza assured, again. "I'll be back. Uhm...thank you...Mr. Limbs."

"Of course, child. I will be here." Limbs replied. "Enjoy your walk."

"I'll try. Thanks." Aliza replied.

Opening the door, she headed outside. The immediate chill in the air, falling upon her. Admittedly, she'd only really desired an opportunity to know what they were doing, and she now did.

However, she didn't want to admit to being snoopy. She had been informed it was a negative trait, rather unbecoming in itself. So, it seemed, she was going for a walk.

Happy Town, and all it was this late at night, was a peculiar sight to her. Functionally, it was very similar to how it had been the day before. Including in general lighting, given that the brightness hadn't really altered. But it was also much emptier.

Aliza briefly wondered, how anyone kept time there if it was always so similar, before shaking that question off. The scent in the air was different however. The day before it had been a scent like stale air, and water. But now, there was the scent of meat, just meat. It was more pungent, and odorous that when she and Chara had gone to Grillby's.

For a moment she tried to discern the type of meat. It wasn't beef, nor was it bacon, or chicken. It didn't smell like turkey, or even that fake meat stuff, she'd tried at a store once.

Something passed before her, snapping the threads of thought. Prompting a jolt, and a side-step to evade this being. It appeared to be a monster, moving a crate over and beside the door to the inn.

Aliza elected not to linger, and started to step away from this stranger. Taking note that similar behavior was going on in various places within the town. The museum and restaurant as well notably. Getting crates placed beside them.

She became utterly silent, each step taken with precision. Barely breathing, keeping an eye on these monsters. The dimly lit area aiding in her shadowy movements, providing sufficient cover, even with the bright rainbow scarf around her neck.

Though, as she was focusing on them, she bumped into something. The sudden feeling surprising her, as she turned to see an unexpected presence. There was a man there.

No sooner had she witnessed this being, that something happened. His hand reaching out with a sudden fluid motion. Something grasping her by the neck, as she was yanked into the alleyway. Letting out a sound of surprise, muffled by a hand.

Something dark reaching out, grabbing at her arms, as she tried to swing out of the hold.

"Don't struggle, Aliza." The Man said. "You've served your purpose marvelously. But, I'm afraid, there is no place for you in this story anymore."

The orange-eyed girl panicked, trying to kick out, as she was being lifted up. Fear in her eyes, trying to resist this abduction. A grey door seeming to form behind the man, opening as he moved to carry her within it.

The terror in her veins was unimaginable. As several encounters, and horrors she'd experienced in her life rushed back to the surface. She tried to bite down, but the hand was like bone. And she couldn't muster enough force.

She tried to scream, or call for help. But there wasn't a single word escaping her. It was as if she'd been silenced completely. Her soul shining before her, the world briefly flashing orange and black.

Her hand grasped something in her pocket. As the mans body passed the threshold, she took hold of it. Swinging it out, before stabbing up. The blade punching into the arm of her would-be-captor.

Surprisingly, it did something. The knife slashed in, the man letting out a hiss of pain. A fast motion following, with a sudden force around her neck. Pain erupted through her, the air filled with a sick cracking noise. Her neck snapped with minimal effort.

Her head drooping, as she found herself unable to move. Choking, blood seeping from her lips. Dying, as she was dragged into the void of an empty abyss. The door slamming shut.

There was a near silence, to the room.

It couldn't ever be truly silent, however, given the two children laying within. Traumatic experiences, weren't the best at permitting that. Unfortunately.

Aliza struggled in her bed, her foot managing to kick against the wall. The sudden jolt of pain, rocking through her. It was enough that her soul briefly shone, visibly above her. Eyes opening as she gasped.

She tossed her pillow away from her space. Eyes searching the dark rapidly, as she panted, and pushed back. Moving until she was up against the wall, hugging her knees, while scanning the room.

She had awoken from a nightmare, that was already slipping from her mind. It took some time, but she managed to calm herself. Muttering little self-assurances, that it was just a dream.

However, it had felt so real. So hauntingly real. The girl briefly grasping at her neck. Her attention falling on the other girl, whose sobbing came to her attention. It was muffled, but loud enough to fill the room.

She could see Charas soul there. The illumination of it. It was growing darker, rapidly. Aliza felt a grim comfort that she wasn't the only one having a bad dream.

Sliding off the bed, she stepped across the room with a practiced deftness. Drawing near, she paused. It felt familiar for a moment, but she tried to ignore that feeling. An instinct rising, recognizing the fear, able to see the tears, in the dimming light, she acted.

The girl reached out with her hand, placing it on the cheek of her counterpart. The feeling of Charas tears were cold, like ice. The twitching movements, the frigid frost of her fast shallow breathing, it made Aliza feel greater empathy. While watching her, the awoken girls orange-eyes glowed faintly.

Aliza couldn't help be be transfixed with Chara. The sight of her struggling with bad dreams, all but melting away the last traces of her own. Her only thoughts, instincts, becoming a desire to help her friend. To make these unwelcome things go away.

And so, she waited like an unblinking statue. A sense of deja vu forming, however briefly, when she began moving her thumb softly side to side. Before she began to hum.

It was something she'd heard, and witnessed her friend doing when she was stressed. Aliza was hopeful it would help, and it did. The shaking slowing. The rapid breaths, and sobbing growing steadier, quieter.

It seemed the nightmare was fading, and it made Aliza smile. Pulling her hand away, she contemplated the reasoning for her actions, for a moment. And the odd source of inspiration that she had drawn from. Namely, Valerie, the cat.

When shew as having trouble sleeping, he would sometimes wander over. Resting his face against hers, nuzzling up against her. She wagered she wasn't as soft as he was, but it didn't seem to matter.

She was merely grateful that she'd woken up when she did. As it meant she was able to help quell someone elses fears. Making a mental note to tell Valerie what a good kitty he was, when they met again.

It was after this thought, she began debating something. Something she'd meant to say earlier, but lacked the bravery to do. Thinking back to her conversation with limbs.

"Chara?" She asked softly.

Her counterpart didn't budge, or reply. It seemed she was soundly asleep. Which was good, she wagered. She wanted to say something, but simply didn't have the will to do it while her counterpart was awake. She hoped, perhaps, if she could practice it here, maybe she would have the bravery in the morning?

"I...have a joke." She smiled nervously, adding. "It's uhm...knock knock. A...a knock knock joke." She fidgeted. "I figured...you'd uhm..."

Aliza hesitated, recalling something she'd heard her mother say once. About girls who liked girls. Wagering, it was probably best, if she said nothing at all.

"I'll...nevermind. I'll...tell you later." She whispered quietly, most to herself.

Her resolve had failed her once more, so she sat down on her knees, and sighed in defeat. She rested her head against the side of the bed, and the blanket slipping over the side. And as with the couch before, she decided to remain there. Leaning against the side of the bed, staring up, watching the other girl sleep.

She'd always had a natural difficult when it came to returning to sleep, after she'd awoken. It would take hours, sometimes. Meaning it, probably wasn't going to be worth the effort.

After all, surely Chara would wake up soon.

There she waited, for what felt like hours to her. She wanted to wake her friend up. Talk to her. But she knew that would be rude. A light from beyond the window disrupting her thoughts. It felt, familiar.

A sudden feeling of dread flowed into her, for reasons beyond what she understood. Her mind went to a memory, seeking the possible source. Pulling threads of the many negative encounters she'd had with the construction workers. This negative association inspired a concern, scratching at the uneasy feeling. She glanced back towards Chara.

Somehow she knew, she couldn't leave whatever this feeling was, alone. She had to investigate it. To make sure it wasn't going to be a threat.

"I'll be right back." She whispered to the sleeping girl, while putting her shoes back on. "A-and I'll bring this back too."

Aliza got |Mychals Switchblade|

With that accounted for, she straightened out her scarf. It had gotten a bit loose, after all. And then started out of the room.

Her practiced movements saw the door opened quietly. Stealthily shutting it, as it made a soft click. Cautious steps carrying her forward, and through the empty hall. She didn't want to accidentally wake anyone up, who may be sleeping. She wanted to be considerate, and good, after all.