Heya, readers! There was some pretty significant information contained within it, regarding how this little world within this fanfiction works outside of the Underground. In other words...this Act will have more world-building than the last. It'll gradually progress. Needless to say...the world outside Ebott...it could be better. It's not the worst, but it could definitely be better.

They've taken a little break...everything is totally fine. Well not totally, but it's not the worst. So...let's see what happens when something...just discover it for yourself.

Frisk:...

Chara:...

Asriel: This world is a dangerous one...we may about to be reminded why.

Chapter Start!

(Asriel's Mindscape)

Asriel slowly opened his eyes, once again sensing that he was in his dreamscape. He slowly sits up, until he realized that something about this was drastically different about this specific dream sequence. The very first thing he noticed was that there was a significantly more regal sensation flowing around him than usual. The Golden Flowers and Buttercups were still around him, though they felt much healthier and more beautiful. Even though one was safe for consumption and the other was unbelievably fatal for consumption, he still appreciated the outward beauty both of them shared. There was no reason for him to blame the latter for the pain they caused his family.

Even to this day, he thought the flowers were beautiful.

Asriel slowly stood up, looking around for the second time. It came to his attention that there was another change. As he looked around, even flying upward a little so he could get a better look-his dreams, his rules-he would notice that the field of flowers would come together to form the Delta Rune symbol with precise accuracy. He was in awe at such a thing, and he was wondering who was responsible for it. He then felt a brief pat on his shoulder, causing him to briefly turn around to greet the person, only for him to pause in great shock. He was shocked enough to stand back on the ground, along with the one accompanying them.

It was himself. And not just himself, but the God of Hyperdeath version of himself. He was majestically levitating a few feet above the ground, his black gown rustling with the wind, and his eyes locked onto Asriel's. After a few moments of awkward silence, Asriel slowly raised his paw and smiled sheepishly.

"Um...Howdy. Me..."

"Greetings." Hyperdeath Asriel greeted calmly. It was then that Asriel figured out that this was the source of the regal feeling his dreamscape suddenly gained. He wondered why it came in the image of his Hyperdeath self. "I see you're wondering why I've manifested before you. It's quite simple. You summoned me here."

"Really...?"

"Well, to be more precise, your subconscious summoned me here. Because recent events have put your mind at an impasse. I represent your inner wisdom, and I'm here to help you sort out the complications that currently plague you."

Asriel blinked as he folded his arms and tilted his head. "Um...okay. What am I at an impasse about?"

"Ebott's state in the past, as well as the revelation that it has become a self-sufficient city because it was cut off from the world around us." Hyperdeath Asriel explained. "Add this information with the fact that there are enemies outside of Ebott, Monster and Human alike, that seek to harm you and your loved ones, you wish to do something about it. But you are not yet sure what"

"I not sure...?" Asriel repeated quietly. He then gazed towards the skies with a sigh. "I guess I can't really deny that. Knowing that there are people out there who want to hurt us, regardless of whether we're human or monsters, might have rendered me a bit more protective of Frisk. And then I learn that Ebott has basically been isolated by the world simply from a disaster that started around his birth...there's no way I can ignore something like that. I want to keep Frisk safe and help everyone. That's the reason I came back in the first place, and one of the main reasons I've chosen to stay."

"Indeed. And you've already come to the conclusion that Ebott is no doubt a target of the more malicious forces out there, and there is even less doubt that you and your loved ones will be attacked again. Now you desire to become stronger...and to begin taking your royal status more seriously."

Asriel blinked in slight astonishment. "My royal status...you mean...my status as Prince of Monsters?"

"That is right. You already know. I am aware that you are not this type of person, but you should be reminded that it doesn't do you much good to simply acknowledge that you are royalty and not consider where your responsibility lies at it's greatest: To your people." Hyperdeath Asriel stated with his own folded arms. "A Royal figure such as yourself should recognize the significance of leading them down the right path, protecting them from harm and not extending mercy to those that try to, connecting with them so you can understand them and how you could help them. It will become more and more clear to you as time passes, as it will become very important to understand and implement. I am certain of that."

Asriel blinked owlishly. "So...I need to begin considering how I should become a better leader for them in the future...? I guess I can understand that might be important."

Hypderdeath Asriel nodded. "Indeed. But that discussion is one you will have to continue with your parents. Which brings us to the next issue you feel conflicted about." Hyperdeath Asriel slowly waved his paw to the side. The flowers cleared up a bit, leading to a path that Asriel was uncertain about. But Asriel didn't expect the path to lead up to a patch of flowers that consisted of dandelions. And the one standing right in the center of it...

"Red?" Asriel was confused as the canine was the one standing in the center of the dandelion patch, her dress-combat skirt-rippling with the wind. "What does she have to do with this...?"

"She is communicative. She is compassionate. She is incredibly loyal. It is for these reasons that you feel guilty for keeping your darkest secrets from her. Especially since you both became partners in combat." Hyperdeath Asriel explained. "She's placing her full trust in you because you know this world better than her, and you're the first person she laid eyes on since her awakening. As her partner, you feel the need to return the favor by telling her the truth about you."

"W-What...?!" Asriel gasped, unsure of what to think of this aside from panic from the mere idea. "Tell her the truth? But...but..."

"You are ashamed of who you used to be. That is understandable. It is because of this that you must tell her the truth. You are not a liar, Asriel. But deliberately hiding the truth from someone devoted to fighting by your side is increasing your guilt. You must return the full trust that she willingly gives you. Keeping insecurities and painful truths to oneself is what caused the likes of Sans, Alphys, and Asgore so much pain."

Asriel looked at his paws, his eyes lowering in deep thought. "...I...I don't know...it seems so risky. I don't want to keep this from her, but how might she react...?"

"There is no need to fret. Even someone as wise as you needs someone to help you sort out your thoughts, which is why bringing up your issue is the best I can do for you at the moment." Hyperdeath Asriel nodded. "Speak to Undyne. How you say, give her a call. She is not only your teacher, she also your confidant. Despite her rather...hot-blooded nature...she is actually quite competent at it when she needs to be. You've divulged some your darkest insecurities to her when you didn't wish to trouble your parents or your brothers."

After pondering over the words his other self was saying to him, Asriel slowly looked at the image of Red again. "...Yeah. I think I'll call Undyne and see what she thinks."

"Very well. I shall return to your subconscious. And one more thing." Hyperdeath Asriel grabbed his robe while blushing a bit. "If someone makes a mistake and assumes that this is a dress, don't hesitate to correct them. It is a boys' robe, NOT a dress! It's not that different than the concept of Red's combat-skirt!"

"...Um...okay..." Asriel blinked owlishly, the environment slowly vanishes as he wakes up...

(Exit Mindscape)

Asriel slowly wakes up from his slumber, sitting up from bed and rubbing the back of his neck. He looked around the room and noticed that Frisk and Chara were both gone. They must have gone off on their own and left Asriel with Flowey, who was snoring a bit on the windowsill. It was alright with him though, they must have been in a hurry. His Hyperdeath self spoke to him from within the confines of his subconscious, meaning it might be something worth listening to. This wouldn't happen without reason. With this in mind, he reaches over to his fully charged phone and calmly selects Undyne's contact.

Ringing...

"*Yawn~* Yeah...?"

Asriel blinked a bit. He didn't consider that his teacher might have still been asleep. "Oh golly! I'm sorry, Undyne! Did I wake you? I'll just call back later."

"Nah. I was having a bit of a hard time waking up, anyway. Your call was just the pick me up I needed. I have Alphys in my arms still snoring away though. She's just lying on my chest with such serenity. She's such a cutie.~" Asriel could hear her yawn again, and adjusting herself a bit in her bed. "Anyway, I'm up fully because ya called me. What's up?"

Asriel nodded. "Right. I just wanted to consult to you about something. Something about one of my dreams."

"What kind of dream was it?"

"Well...in my dream, my Hypderdeath self appeared before me in my subconscious. He talked to me about a few things."

"Yeah?"

"Mhm. He told me how Ebott is a target for some dark forces hidden in the world and that they would attack me, my loved ones, and my people. And as a Prince, I need to have the strength and resolve to protect them and help them whenever I can." Asriel said while looking to the side. "He also said that I can't extend my mercy towards those that openly threaten their lives."

"That's what really sets you and Frisk apart. And I actually agree with him on that part. Ya can't be soft on those that are utterly determined to do you wrong. You at least managed to get that from your parents too. And I made sure that I brought that part out of you." Undyne huffed. "Though as for the previous part, I guess that means you don't feel like you've done enough for everyone. That comes from your humility and desire to do right by us. Remember what I said about redemption?"

"It's a path, not a destination. It never truly ends."

"Exactly. Nothin' wrong with trying to do more. Just pace yourself and consult with others so that you'll know how. Like what you're doing with me."

"He said that I should go to my parents about the deeper details of the more royal duties of our family. I was able to come to you for other things because you're my confidant."

"...Your subconscious sees me as your confidant? Huh. I didn't expect that, though I guess it makes sense."

"Yeah. Heh..."

"Anything else?"

Asriel nodded. "There was something else, actually. It's about Red. He...he thinks it's time I tell Red the truth. The truth about what's happened to me in the past." An extended silence followed that question, but Asriel was not going to rush her. He truly needed her advice on how he should approach this, so he allowed her to gather her thoughts. After about at least a minute and a half, she finally spoke again.

"...Well. Telling her the truth IS a big gamble. But you don't want to lie to her, either. So don't. If it really bothers you that badly that dreams have to get you to tell her the truth...then I think you should do it." Undyne's tone took a turn for the solemn and Asriel could hear Alphys yawning and snuggling her a bit more. "It is true that while Red may not react positively to this, it's important tht you tell her. It's a sign that you truly trust her. So ask yourself this, Azzy: Do you trust her enough to tell her the truth? Do you believe in her loyalty?"

"Her...loyalty...?"

"Red can handle it, Asriel. She has a strong sense of justice, but not strong enough to overshadow her compassion. You're someone she trusts and believes in, even of your ways of dealing with conflicts don't always align. You're her main link to this world since you're the one who freed her. If there's ANYTHING that you can always count on from a canine, is their powerful loyalty. I'm gonna ask you again. Do you trust her not to abandon you when you tell her the truth?"

Asriel pouted a bit as he gazed at the ceiling. It was true, Red was possibly the most loyal towards him aside from her Pack, since he was the one to introduce her into the new world, a world she still doesn't have a proper grasp on. She's trusting him to walk her through every step she needs to take, until she's ready to proceed and learn on her own. With that much trust towards him when she's still trying to remember her past...he didn't want to lose that by keeping something like this from her.

It was risky. But they're partners. And partners have to tell each other these important things.

"...You're right, Undyne. I can't keep something like this from her forever, and I don't want to. I'll be sure to tell her the truth. Thanks."

"No problem. Alphys is waking up now, so I'll see you later."

Click...

Asriel sighed as he puts his phone in his pocket and lightly tapped Flowey's head, waking him up. He yawned slightly and stretched his leaves. "*Yawn~* Oh, it's you. Whaddya want?"

"I need you to watch the house, Flowey. I'm going to tell Red the truth."

"...Specifics, please?"

"The truth about us."

"...Oh." Flowey suddenly deflated, recognizing how serious Asriel was as he watched the young Prince's back while he exits the room.

They both felt that this would be the beginning of a very long day.

(Later...)

Asriel was making his way towards the local park, adjusting his rainbow scarf as he did so, where he had agreed to meet with Red and the Pack. he and the former had plenty to talk about. He hoped it would go well but feared what might happen if it didn't. He then turned and soon sees Red up ahead, along with the rest of the Pack playing around for a bit. He smiled and ran up to her with a waving paw. "Hey! Hey Red!"

Red, who was being pinned down and licked by Greater Dog, looked up and caught sight of Asriel heading towards her. With a brief sigh, she then patted Greater Dog's snout to get him to step away from her so he could play elsewhere. She stood up and smiled towards Asriel. "Well...I'm here. Just as you asked. COurse I was more than happy to accept the offer..." She said this with a slight blush that Asriel didn't really notice.

Asriel nodded. "Thanks for meeting up with me, Red. I appreciate it." He then tilted his head a bit. "What happened to your combat-dress, though?"

"Oh, that? That's kind of being cleaned right now, so I can't wear it at the moment. 'Lucky' for me, Muffet offered her helping hands, and..." Red sighed as she opened up her robe. She was now wearing a white shirt with the Delta Rune symbol colored red in the center, paired with a red mini-skirt. Her pink ribbon still connects to her cowl and cape easily enough. Red blushed a bit while looking to the side. "...this is what resulted from it."

Asriel blinked and folded his arms in confusion. "I don't see anything wrong with it..."

"Are you kidding?! Do you see how short this skirt is?!" Red blushed, grabbing said skirt a bit. For a young canine monster, her training left her with shapely and athletic legs. Bound to help with kicking and jumping, as well as running. "I'm glad I pushed her to let me wear shorts underneath these. I feel more...secure."

"Ah. I guess that's a cause for some annoyance..."

"You're telling me..." Red muttered. The shirt was much less of a hassle, and she actually liked it. Though it was much less effective at hiding her noticeable chest than her fighting dress. Whether Muffet did this on purpose, she didn't bother questioning. Because she probably did. "Anyway, what did you want to meet with me about? Oh! And while we're at it, I want to talk to you about something too."

"You do? In that case, ladies First, I guess." Asriel shrugged. Red rolled her eyes as they both sit by a nearby bench as the Pack notice the three felines from before and decide to play with them as well. "So what did you want to talk about, Red?"

"Something about myself, I guess." Red mumbled slightly, looking down at her lap and fiddling with her skirt a little. "I was thinking about my progress with my memories...how I'm slowly remembering them all...what I'm remembering...what it might mean for me...it's a bit difficult for me to grasp."

"How so?"

"For all intents and purposes, I hated bullies. It didn't matter what race they were, I don't take lightly to those that gleefully take advantage of those that can't fight for themselves. That lead me to starting a lot of fighters when I was just a cub...and obviously they got me in a lot of trouble." Red sighed. "Because of that, and the fact that I had 'goofy pink hair', that they were too good for me. I was a troublemaker, and I have a weak color such as pink. That's what they thought about me. Like I wasn't worth their time at all. And the opens that genuinely appreciated me,, it was either temporary, or I never even met them. It's just...I didn't expect to be someone perfect, Asriel. But I also didn't expect most to be so shallow towards me in the past...the ones that weren't were indifferent at best, and the good ones were very few. I just wonder sometimes...with a past as somewhat cruddy as mine...do I even have a chance in this present time...?"

Asriel lowered his eyes a bit. It would seem that Red's memories, while definitely helpful, have begun to dig up some lingering doubt buried within her. As her friend, it would only be appropriate for him if he takes direct part in trying to help her past this doubt. "Of course you have a chance in the present, Red. You've always had a chance to make yourself great in the present. You just needed the proper motivation and assistance, that's all. And I'm one of the ones who will help you gain the confidence to continue trying." Red listened to him intently as he stared at her calmly. "You were doing a good thing, standing up for people who couldn't fight for themselves. And you knew that the Royal Guard was a way for you to further proceed with that. And as for your pink hair...don't worry about it. Have you seen Sans and Dad? One way or another, they're always wearing pink somehow. You should be quite proud of it, actually! You ever heard of pink is power? When you think about it, whether in a battle or not, the color pink is a very powerful and representable color. it doesn't make you any weaker lie others believe it does."

"Really...?"

"Really." Asriel nodded with a bright smile. "Besides, pink isn't just a powerful color. On it's own, it's also one of the prettiest colors out there."

Red blinked owlishly, then immediately looks to the side with her silver eyes wide and a crimson blush growing across her face. She knew that Asriel doesn't fully realize he was indirectly complimenting her, but that did little to help her blush die down.

Asriel sighed and clasped his paws for a bit. This was not going to be easy, but it needed to be done. "Anyway, with that kind of doubt lingering on your mind, I guess we can go into why I called you here. I really need to tell you something. And as you have it, it has something to do with my past."

"What is it, Asriel...?" Red asked, a bit worried about the solemn look spreading across Asriel's face.

The Prince turned to look her in the eyes, taking a deep breath. "Well...you see...I-" Asriel paused as he felt something shift around him. With a confused gaze, he looked around wondering where the presence was coming from, as was Red. Before they could fully understand, they both felt their souls turn blue, and they were immediately forced onto the ground. They both responded with pained grunts as they felt gravity pushing down on them, rendering them immobile. What...can't move...!

Both of them were wondering what was happening. Parvos was kneeling in front of them with a curious tilt of his head, as a young peacock monster and a human in a training gi. Asriel narrowed his eyes slightly towards them, until they widened once he got a sense for their souls. Parvos noticed this, and smiled sneakily. "Ah. You recognize these two, don't ya? Verena and Ace. Ring a bell, Prince?"

"H...How...?"

"Let's just say a family member thought it was time to call up their souls and make use of them. Peacock over here has some pretty impressive telekinetic ability, while the boy is just really good at physical combat. However...it looks like the former's more than enough to kill the two of you."

Asriel tried to push himself upward, as did Red. It was useless for the both of them. He slowly looked towards Verena, who looked at him sadly as she waved her wing downward to increase the pressure. "Azzy...don't make this harder than it needs to be. Just..stay down." Asriel didn't want to abide by that request, but was dangerously close to passing out. Red snarled viciously and increased her own attempts to resist, but was also met with failure. They were being crushed by the pressure, unable to escape...

...Until...

Parvos's eyes widened as he jumped away from a storm of bones erupting from beneath him and the other two, forcing them to jump as well. Asriel and Red felt themselves being grabbed and carried to safety, allowing them to regain their consciousness. They slowly looked up towards their savior. Asriel's vision cleared first, and he blinked a few times. it was the familiar tall and lanky skeleton. Not wearing his battle body today, but instead a simple orange sweater and gray pants. His crimson scarf flowed with a sudden wind gust, as was Asriel's rainbow scarf. He was carrying both of the teens underneath each arm.

Papyrus was not pleased with Parvos' actions.

He grinned mischievously with raised paws. "Wooah. Mr. Tall and Lanky came to the rescue. How fun~"

"PARVOS. I AM TRULY BEGINNING TO THINK THAT YOU ARE SIGNIFICANTLY LESS THAN A PLEASANT PERSON." Papyrus declared angrily, setting the two teens down and enveloping them in his own magic, altering their souls to a lighter shade of blue. "I'VE ALTERED THEIR PERSONAL GRAVITY VIA BLUE MAGIC. SHE CAN'T DIRECTLY AFFECT THEM ANYMORE."

"You're not as naive as you portray yourself, are you?" Parvos raised an eyebrow, genuinely impressed. He then shrugged and also raised his paw. On his cue, multiple dark shadows emitted behind him, and multiple monsters and humans each wielding magic slowly exited from them. Three of the monsters were stronger than the rest. Parvos grinned as he placed his paws in his pockets. "Ebott's been getting a little too comfy with it's monsters. Everything's a bit too quiet around here...so my pops is allowin' me to liven things up...and let Ebott know that it is definitely not safe from the outside world. Consider it a wakeup call of a city-wide margin. Gotta keep ya on your toes!~"

"YOU'RE ATTACKING US FOR REASONS LIKE THAT...?" Papyrus questioned, standing protectively in front of Asriel and Red.

"Something along those lines. I'm not 'pleasant', remember?~" Parvos casually shrugs Verena and Ace's eyes began glowing, dark blue and brown respectively. Parvos himself grinned sadistically as he coated himself in a dark magical aura. "The last time I came here directly, I was just scouting you all out. But now...now I'm playing for real."

(Meanwhile...)

Chara sometimes felt that Frisk clung to him like a lost puppy...which honestly wouldn't be too far from the truth. Because right now, Frisk was clinging to him pretty tightly, as if his life somewhat depended on it. Either that, or he simply felt like hugging Chara. Knowing Frisk, the latter was much closer to the truth than the former. Though sometimes he has this insistence to double check to make sure he wasn't mishearing things or misinterpreting things. If there was one thing that Chara did more than either of his brothers, is to sometimes overthink something that's supposed to be simple. It's not always there, but it pops up from time to time.

Muffet has practically made it her habit to call him out on it to embarrass him. Muffet for one, doesn't overthink things because she tends to know what she wants and plans accordingly so she can achieve her goals. There aren't many other reasons a fifteen year old girl would be allowed to run her own business if she didn't know what she was doing. Sure, she definitely had assistance from Grillby and Mettaton, but as for running the building herself and keeping it's operations in order, she knew full well what she was doing. Chara sometimes forgets that Muffet is much smarter than she tends to let on. He also sometimes forgets how he forgets that Muffet is actually quite smart. One reason is because her sense of morality and overall mindset can be seen as outright alien and silly compared to others.

Proof? She does things like this:

"Boop~"

"...I'm gonna need you to stop that." Chara deadpanned as Muffet cheerfully patted his cheeks with her upper hands, a playful look of awe serving as her current expression, with an open mouth to accompany it. "You think that just because my cheeks are pink that you can do that whenever you like?"

"Are you gonna stop me? Boop~" Muffet questioned nonchalantly as she poked his cheeks yet again, this time with just her fingers. Chara simply glared immaturely at her as she continued poking him without his consent, and he didn't do anything except grunt with disapproval. "Didn't think so. Boop~"

"I am not okay with this, I'm just letting you know."

"I am. Boop beep boop~"

"Now you're beeping? What are you trying to pull here?"

"Boop~"

"Muffet, don't ignore me."

"Booooooopie boop boop~"

"...Well, I can tell this is a VERY meaningful conversation..."

"She has a point, ya know. She's not gonna stop so long as you're letting her do it." Undyne rolled her eye as she had Alphys wrapped in one arm. She seemed pretty okay with this arrangement, to be perfectly honest. Mettaton accompanied them as well. Undyne turned to Alphys for a bit and lightly poked her snout. "What do you think about it, Alphys? Do you think he's being too lenient with her?"

Alphys shrugged. "She isn't doing anything that he doesn't allow. If he really didn't like what she's doing, he surely would have stopped her by now." She said while adjusting her glasses with a slight smile. "Who knows? He might actually like the attention."

"Scratch that, he does enjoy the attention." Mettaton smirked. Frisk certainly didn't disagree with that. Chara wanted to disagree but also feared digging himself a deeper hole. So he reluctantly stayed silent. Mettaton rolled his eyes as she turned to Undyne. "Hey, did Asriel call you about something?"

Undyne nodded. "Yeah. It was about something important. Very important. It's also very private. I'm not telling anything more unless he gives the all clear. That's all I can tell you without revealing too much. That's how much to trusts me. Said I was his...confidant, or something." She shrugged as she hugged Alphys in her arm and lightly kissed her. "It's not that I don't wanna tell you guys. But he's my student. He's placing a lot of trust in me as his teacher."

"It's alright, Undyne. We're well aware of how much Asriel trusts you." Alphys nods in agreement, briefly kissing her back, her tail lightly wrapping around her leg. They reluctantly separate after a few moments, blushing slightly as the scientist's glasses fogged up a bit. "H-Hehehe..."

"Fuhuhu~"

"Ahuhuhu! Oh you two~" Muffet giggled, lightly patting Chara's shoulder. He nonchalantly rolled his eyes in response. As this went on, though, he eventually sensed that there was something amiss amongst them. His eyes soon narrowed as he looked to the side for a moment, then in the opposite direction. Muffet also took notice, ceasing her teasing and lowering her eyes worriedly. "Chara...is something the matter?"

"...Do the rest of you feel like you're being watched...?" Chara said seriously, which put Undyne on high alert. Alphys was on an even higher alert, as she recognized the sensation.

Frisk, being a rather curious one, took it upon himself to be the first one to go out and investigate for a little bit in order to see what was going on. Though once he did step outside, he seemed to notice something amiss gathering around him. And after seconds of wondering, he slowly looked down to see something purple glowing from below him. It was strange, because he recognized the shape of this symbol fairly easily.

The Delta Rune...?

It was all Frisk had to think about as the rune swiftly glowed brighter, and many purple magic chains wrapped around his body, trapping him and causing him to gasp in shock before eventually falling over. The others were luckily able to hear his distress, immediately running for him. They've also seen his distress, wondering where the purple chains come from, as they felt similar to the magic that Muffet often applies to her spiders and overall webbing. They soon rushed in to help him.

Unbeknownst to him, another purple Delta Rune could be seen hovering above them in midair. It detected their presence and immediately activated from their motion. And what resulted from it would be a large purple blast descending on them. Undyne swiftly grabbed Alphys as she and Mettaton jumped in one direction while Chara and Muffet leapt in the other direction, as the blast created a deep crater in the ground. Surrounding humans and monsters began panicking at the sudden destruction and ran away from it. Chara glared as he tried to find the ones responsible.

The sound of a tome closing shut filled their ears, bringing their attention forward. Frisk lifted his head and noticed a fox standing before him and the others, adjusting her New Glasses and New Notebook, both generating magic. She watches the group with a gentle sway of her tail. Frisk was briefly confused by this, as well as the sight of another monster adolescent standing next to her in a yellow striped poncho, with a Cowboy Hat and Blaster. Frisk thought harder, until his mouth gapes open in shock. Chara must have come to the same realization, as his eyes widened in disbelief.

"No way...Lisa...Justin...?!"

"What?!" Alphys' eyes widened. "That's two of the six children who were killed...but that means that the rest of them must be...!"

"I knew you two would recognize us at first glance...we share a rather...interesting connection." Lisa said softly, with hints of regret lacing her words. She briefly snaps her fingers as a brief flash of purple flames covered the duo. In their place, were the two humans themselves. Though it was only an illusion set upon by her to confirm who they were visually. Still, they were the adolescent versions of the children they seemingly freed a long time ago.

Why were they alive...? How were they alive...?!

No one had much time to ponder it, as purple circles with a Delta Rune in the middle manifested on the ground, bringing both monsters and humans into existence, each also wielding magic. However, at least three of them were the strongest of the bunch, and all three of them were humans wearing cloaks. Chara felt that they would be menacing enemies, but they looked like they're merely spectating. it didn't matter right now, he had more important things to worry about.

"Chara Dreemurr. Six years ago we've made a choice. And it's due to the wisdom of someone above us in authority that we now realize how horrible a mistake it was." Justin said slowly, gaining Chara's attention. Chara's crimson eyes glowed dangerously as he pushes Muffet behind him. Justin's yellow eyes glowed as he swiftly pulled out his Blaster and aimed at Chara. It began to charge with energy as their eyes locked with intense mutual animosity. "That mistake is letting you live...one that I'll personally correct..."

"You'll TRY." Was Chara's single, venomous response. At this, the three main humans chuckled.

Chara was still as unstable as ever. It was just as their superiors described to them...

(Meanwhile...)

There was little need to wonder what Toriel was attempting to do today, especially after the two separate conversations that happened the other day. She wanted to do something about it.

An intervention of sorts after school hours have properly ended, and everyone was free to leave. The only human exceptions were Linda, Helen, Diana, and Gloria. Toriel, Asgore, Sans, and Gerson were waiting patiently for them to come around to the teacher's lounge, which was rather spacious and had plenty of concessions, supplies, encouragement posters centered around puppies, coffee makers, a microwave, a mini-fridge, and a circular table with up to twenty chairs in total. As they entered the room in question, Linda frowned as she noticed that helen went over to the monster's side while she and the other two stayed alone on their side. Asgore and Toriel were on opposite sides around the middle. After a few moments of silence, Linda threw her hands up.

"Alright, we're here. What's so important?"

Sans was the first to speak, casually balancing a pen on one of his fingers. "well ya see, linda...tori gave me a call last night. she gave me the rundown on what the good ol' mayor told her about what happened to ebott years ago, before we reached the surface."

"And then she relayed that information to me as well." Gerson added. "We believe it is time for an intervention."

"What kind of intervention...?"

Toriel looked towards Linda with an even expression. "Linda. When I began running this school I made it quite clear that I did not take any offense to those that did not take a liking to my presence. I was content with that fact, and I was not harsh about it. I have been rather tolerant of how you especially disliked my presence. But now, I must put my foot down." Gloria and Diana looked briefly confused while Linda seemed to be at loss on what's going on at first. Though she did eventually process what this meant and glared heatedly at her.

"I don't need you trying to 'intervene' with me. We only share things in the workplace. Our personal lives are none of your business!"

"The moment one of my co-workers comes to me and nearly breaks down from all the strain put on her by another through blind hostility...it becomes my business, Ms. Linda." Toriel stated pointedly, making Linda flinch. Her expression then softened a bit. "I simply cannot understand why you insist on doing this. Forcing your friend to hate what she doesn't want to hate. Placing so much stress on her when she doesn't obey you every time she chooses a different option than yours. And it pains her that your actions and words are beginning to make her feel that a decision between you our us. I don't want her to choose anymore than she does, but she feels that's what she needs to do."

Linda glared. "You're the ones who turned her against me. Against us."

"All we did was treat her kindly and with respect. And according to her, you four used to do so...and then that disappeared one day." Gerson cuts in, tapping his cane on the floor and resting his chin upon it. "We've done nothing to intentionally sway her from being affiliated with you. We were just being ourselves. Kind and compassionate."

"She didn't feel safe around you three anymore, so she began coming to us more often." Asgore agreed solemnly. "We did not, how you say, 'turn her against you'. She came to us entirely on her own free will. She could have stopped any time and simply returned to you more often, but she did not. She came to us for comfort when you were acting too harshly around her."

"and you might be just a bit upset that she ain't followin' you around like a dog anymore. like diana and gloria tend to do more often." Sans adds in, causing the two women in question to widen their eyes in surprise. "linda. you can't take your anger out on helen just because she doesn't wanna be your yes-woman anymore. she's allowed to think for herself. and she thinks we're not that bad."

"Ms. Helen does not want to cut her ties with you. But she also refuses to drag herself down trying to keep a grudge she wants no part of." Toriel stated with clasped paws. "If you force her to make this choice, then she will chose the former. These are her words, not mine. But I suppose you know this already, given how she came to me and my husband after exiting your home."

It was pretty clear that Toriel was getting to Linda, seeing how frustrated she was at losing the momentum she lost almost immediately. "She wouldn't be feeling so conflicted about this if it wasn't for you..."

"And like we said, we didn't do anything to force her. She came to us on her own free will, and we did not push her away, nor did we ridicule her."

Sans yawned a bit as he placed his pen on the table, looking straight at Linda. "let's cut to the chase, linda. we know about the plague, and how it took away nearly an entire generation of children. first-borns and newborns. that made you bitter. and since you lead your posse, diana and gloria followed suit. helen played along because she was too scared and too heartbroken to break out of it. and i take it you joined a majority of others who shifted the blame onto frisk?"

Linda narrowed her eyes hatefully towards Sans, while he was unflinching. "...That boy was practically the only one who got to survive, while everyone else's child, including ours, died with the plague that swept across this city. He was born on the day that it started!"

"You can't place that blame on the child. You're foolish to blame him for something he has no control over, whatsoever." Gerson said with narrowed eyes of his own.

Asgore lowered his eyes sadly. "Linda. Take this from someone who's made huge mistakes based on decisions born from raw emotion alone. What you're doing and saying is not fair to Frisk, or your friends. Do you really hate us that much...?"

Linda looked livid. But seeing as how two of her friends stayed silent and the third was staying on the opposite side, she realized she was on her own. She sighed and slid back into her chair, staring directly at Toriel.

"Do you really want to know why I dislike you Dreemurrs especially?" Toriel softly nods at the question. "I'll keep it short and simple. I dislike you because of your family."

"What...?"

"I hear monsters occasionally going on about a grand miracle, of how the Royal Family's two children returned from the dead somehow. And then I hear that they officially adopted Frisk, as well as the parents officially reconciling...I couldn't help but hate you for your astounding luck. And I wanted my friends to hate you too because they understood my misfortune as they shared it too...but Helen was always too hesitant to do so, even reluctant, and now she outright refuses to listen to me anymore...and now I know why. She doesn't want to hate anyone who hasn't done anything wrong to her...and no matter how much my head goes against it..I can't blame her. I faulted her for being right...because I didn't want to be wrong..."

Linda... Helen thought quietly. Toriel and Asgore were quietly listening to her, both feeling saddened by how she truly felt about them.

Linda slowly looked towards Toriel, though most of the venom in her gaze dissipated for a moment. A gaze of despondency replaced it instead. "The bottom line is...I wanted to hate you...because you got everything you lost back so easily, like it was an unseen miracle...and what we lost...stays lost."

Toriel gazed towards Linda sadly, while Diana and Gloria both looked to opposite sides. The lack of resistance from her supporters confirmed these things to be true, and now she didn't know what to feel, except degrees of guilt.

Sans sighed as he slowly sits up, turning to Asgore and Toriel. "lets...step outside for a moment. take some time to process this information for a bit." He said with a wave of his hand as e three of them, along with Gerson, vanished in a bright flash of cyan light. They reappeared a few seconds later in the gym, as he placed his hands in his pockets. "all right then. you three are the wiser ones. what's our call on this?"

"She's angry over something that she doesn't fully understand the context behind. But I can understand why she would feel angry towards me. I'm a mother who lost her family, only to get them back on luck and outside interference. To her, it is seen as a miracle. A miracle she and her friends do not get the luxury to experience." Toriel frowned sadly.

Gerson shook his head softly, lowering it a bit. "It's unfortunate what happened. A plague left many people heartbroken and bitter for a while...and for them to take it out on Frisk..."

"It's no different than when monsters were out to get his soul. Too much emotion and too little reason can sometimes be a recipe for disaster..." Asgore sighed in exhaustion, running a paw over his face. "...We have to do something. We don't want to leave them in this sense of self-loathing. We must let them know that we understand their pain, and we want to help them improve. Maybe then, they can all be friends with them."

"...I am certain it will not be so simple...but it is certainly worth the attempt." Toriel said softly, clasping her paws. "...Okay. Let's go back and see them."

"yeah." Sans nodded, preparing to warp them back...

"There's no need to hurry." They all froze up as they looked towards the sound of the voice. Sans and Gerson were quicker to detect it, seeing two adolescents standing near the exit, which they've just entered from. One of them had a green soul pulsing in his chest with a small smile, while the other one was simply lying on a flat green platform of magic, and a cyan blue soul in her chest. The one who spoke was the girl on the platform. "That issue will eventually work itself out on it's own...our we may be forced to do it for you. Whichever comes first."

Toriel felt a pang in her soul, as did Asgore. Gerson and Sans narrowed their eyes. The former two blinked twice as they recognized their voices and their faces. Toriel was the first to speak. "Who...who are you...?"

"Don't you recognize us, Toriel? It's me, Richard. And this is Lizzie." Richard smiled fondly towards the two Dreemurr's, who's eyes widened with disbelief. "Come on! If Chara was able to come back from the dead, is it really so hard for us to do the same?~"

"I...I don't understand...how are you both...?" Toriel's voice lowered considerably. "Are...are the others...?"

"Alive as well? Yeah! Though three of us are now...different. But we're still us! Aren't you happy?~" Richard beamed. Though Gerson found his smile greatly unnerving. Like it really wanted to be genuine, but couldn't.

Lizzie slowly yawned as she sits on the edge of Richard's green platform, rubbing her eyes. "Let's not make this harder on them than necessary, Richard." As she said this, multiple humans exited from green portals, and each of them were wielding offensive magic of green and blue. Lizzie raised her hand as a glowing blue knife levitated above it. "We're here to cut off the heads of the Dreemurr Faction. The Dreemurr Family themselves, and their closest associates. The others are going after your sons as we speak."

"What...!?" Gerson narrowed his eyes dangerously.

Richard sighed, shaking his head. "Ratoveros was pretty insistent on sending us. Said something about knowing that Toriel and Asgore would find themselves hesitating before us. And it looks like he was right...you two are completely helpless. Oh well...it can't be helped." He said as his green soul pulsed strongly, as well as Lizzie's cyan soul.

Asgore and Toriel were frozen, still in disbelief by this current turn of events. Gerson and Sans however, were ready to fight against the intruders and their reinforcements. The intended effect had sunken in. The guilt fully manifesting within the two Dreemurrs was rendering them unable to effectively resist against the two children who were fully intending to kill them. Luckily for them, Gerson and Sans weren't as hesitant. At least Asgore attempted to snap himself out of it. Toriel, however, was still frozen. in disbelief.

"By the way, Sans..." Lizzie began emotionally, her eyes glowing a dangerous cyan. "Chara's knife manipulation pales in comparison to mine..."

"i'm so impressed." Sans said nonchalantly with his hands in his pockets. Gerson narrowed his eyes as he thought over their words. They were being attacked, and the others were likely being attacked as well. Leaders of the Dreemurr Faction were being attacked simultaneously, with little to no care for civilian casualty, and they entered the city without detection...as a veteran of war, Gerson confirmed the worry growing in his soul.

Ebott was being invaded...

Oh! An invasion! The city is under attack! :D

...Wait...that's a bad thing, isn't it? D:

Oh...oh dear. That's definitely not going to work out well for the short-run. Not at all.

Let's...just see what happens next time in this tale...