:-"The adventure Underground slowly comes to an end"-:

Still in shock, Sans looks at the figure. He can't read anything... No HP, ATK, DEF, SPD, INV... nothing. 'no emotions... no... soul?'

A couple minutes pass by, but the figure isn't moving. Sans is feeling too cautious to do anything... he's never encountered someone, or something, he could not read.

Sans' phone buzzes in his pocket, but he ignores it.

Sans cautiously moves forward and reaches for the Artifact, but finds himself back where he started when he gets near it.

Remaining cautious, Sans attempts to speak to the figure. "who... what... are you?"

The figure responds, it has the voice of an older gentleman.
"I am a magical construct. Keeper of the Artifact and personification of the Red Sage. There are some who call me... Tim."

"so, tim, what's your deal?"

Sans hesitates for a moment, "you gonna try keeping us down here?"

Tim responds promptly, it almost sounds reassuring, but the tone is difficult pin down.
"On the contrary. I was delivered to King Dreemurr as a means to save monster-kind."

Tim looks around briefly, while magic glyphs and patterns analyse the surroundings, then continues speaking. "It appears that quite a bit of time has passed inside the barrier. Records indicate multiple failures and anti-tampering protocols going haywire."

The construct bows slightly, "I apologize. It seems I was damaged at some point."

After shrugging, Sans says, "not your fault, but this complicates my plans..." then shakes his head gently.

Tim doesn't respond. Sans can almost see a hint of contemplation, but he is unsure.

A few uncomfortable moments pass, and Sans decides to ask a question. "can you tell me how the artifact works?"

Tim doesn't appear to respond at first... Being unable to read its body language makes Sans feel uneasy.

Unexpectedly, Tim lets go of the Artifact and it begins levitating. Soon after letting go, purple lines split the Artifact into six intricate parts. Each part fades into its own colour; Cyan, Orange, Blue, Purple, Green, and Yellow are all represented.

Tim explains, "The Artifact is Six made One held together by a Seventh. Each segment is capable of performing most tasks a magi of that Aspect can perform. Individually they are not capable of much, but together, and with Determination, they can perform feats that a normal group of magi cannot. As the keeper of the artifact I have limited access to these abilities, and as such I can advise in their usage. However, I can only allow those who have been authorized to use the Artifact. I cannot speak to you, beyond that, about how the Artifact works."

The lines fade and the Artifact turns into a white sphere again, Tim grabs hold of it again and speaks. "Analysis of the area outside the barrier shows anomalies; my information must be updated. Do you know if the one who bears the red SOUL is within the barrier?"

Sans almost begins to speak, but Tim interrupts. "Never mind, I have finally detected her within the barrier. It is imperative that I speak with her. Take me to her, please, and have her place her hand upon the Artifact."

Tim vanishes into the Artifact, which begins hovering again. Sans expected the Artifact to change back to red, but it's still white.

When Sans looks closely at the Artifact, he sees dim arcane patterns and runes shining through the almost opaque surface of the Artifact; they are flashing and moving in an mystifying way, like stars in the sky but sped up. Sans can't help but marvel at the complexity as he reaches out to grab the Artifact... but he gets over it fairly quickly. Holding it under one arm like a basketball -it's surprisingly light-, Sans checks his phone.

From: ALPHYS
Sans, did you see that flash of
light?!

To: ALPHYS
yea, the artifact is fixed now.

To: ALPHYS
probably the barrier correcting
itself.

From: ALPHYS
How did you fix it? I thought
we were just gonna see how it
worked?

Sans doesn't reply. Instead he looks on the UnderNet for new users, to find Frisk. He chuckles softly when he sees the user "LgnDairyFlrtMstr" among the twelve new users. 'what a dork. that has to be the kid.'

Selecting "LgnDairyFlrtMstr" reveals a picture of Frisk looking at the camera, cross-eyed, and with their tongue slightly poking out to the side. They seem to be covered in tomato juice... It was added recently. In the background, though not entirely visible, is Undyne's house; there seems to be more light coming from the only visible window than normal. Sans sends them a message.

To: LgnDairyFlrtMstr
hey, kiddo. the artifact wants to talk to
you.

From: LgnDairyFlrtMstr
¿Qué?

From: LgnDairyFlrtMstr
Is taht what hte flash was? I
thoght we blew up Undyne's house
... I was freeking out!

To: LgnDairyFlrtMstr
you still over there?

From: LgnDairyFlrtMstr
No, Undyne's house burned down
wile we were making spagheti.
I'm helping Tori move monsters.

To: LgnDairyFlrtMstr
k, i'm headed over. see you in
snowdin.

From: LgnDairyFlrtMstr
Kay.

:-:

Sans takes a moment to consider what Frisk said...
'odd... they're worried about it exploding, but casual about it burning down. why don't they go back in time to stop it...?'

He puts his phone away, picks up the x40 magnifying glass and puts it in his jacket pocket, then holds the Artifact in both hands. Lazily leaving his thoughts behind, Sans keeps note of the oddity before he begins making his way to Snowdin; It doesn't take long, thanks to the wonders of skeleton magic. Sans decides to snooze at his "sentry station" in the Snowdin forest.

:-:

As Frisk walks through the Snowdin forest, carrying a froggit, they spot Sans at his "not-a-hotdog-stand" sentry station. He's napping though, so they opt to not disturb him. They hurry to Waterfall to deposit their precious cargo. On their way back, they see Toriel holding two more froggits, and a moldsmall; a line of whimsuns are following her as well. Motes of fire float around the small entourage, emitting a faint heat.

Frisk strolls up next to her and asks "may I take a break?"

Toriel smiles gently and says, "Even better, I can get the rest little one. Thank you for your help."

Frisk nods and gives Toriel a thumbs up.

The two part ways as Frisk leaves to speak with Sans, and Toriel takes the small monsters to Waterfall. Frisk thanks their, albeit sparse, anime-princess-warrior training for being able to walk so far and carry so many monsters; which, contrary to what Frisk originally thought, actually do have weight... They make their way through Snowdin town, buy a Cinnamon bunny to eat, and go to Sans' "actually-a-hotdog-stand" sentry station.

He's still snoozing... Frisk balls up some snow and throws it at him.

Sans dodges the snowball, assesses the situation, then retaliates with his own snowball. For a moment, Sans thought Frisk was actually attacking him. They throw snow at each other for a few minutes. Frisk giggles when they get hit... which is every time Sans throws a snow ball; Frisk never lands a hit. Eventually Sans goes back behind his station to grab something.

In an amused tone, Sans says "alright kiddo, let's stop this one-sided snowball fight. we've used a lot of non-fried snow. I can't afford to waste any more of my product... anyhow, the artifact wants to talk to ya."

Sans pulls the Artifact from his stand and brings it over for Frisk to see.

At first, Frisk thinks it's just a large snowball that Sans is going to trick them with... but when he gets closer Frisk can faintly see runes and patterns glowing and moving under the surface.

Curious, Frisk asks "why did it turn white?"

Sans shrugs and holds it out for Frisk, then lets go. It begins to levitate.

Frisk is confused. "How... am I supposed to talk to it?"

Holding up a hand, Sans says "it said you've gotta put your hand on it."

Cautiously, Frisk steps closer and places a hand on the Artifact. They feel oddly...

A SAVE star appears within the Artifact.

:-:

* FILE SAVED
* FRISK FEELS REJUVENATED

"USER REGISTERED: FRISK | F | R/R/R | DT: 25% | MP: 54%"
"WELCOME, MAGI APPRENTICE."

"WARNING: CORRUPT MAGIC DETECTED! PURGING..."
"PURGE COMPLETE: DT: 10% | MP: 42%"

"CRITICAL ERROR: NO OTHER USERS DETECTED.
"EMERGENCY ACCESS GRANTED."

:-:

Frisk takes their hand off of the Artifact and steps back, confused and a bit dazed.

They try to keep their balance, but end up falling backwards onto their butt. "That... was sooo weird!"

Sans scoffs in a humoured manner. "how ya feeling? looks like it drained some magic."

"I'm OK? It... said something about 'corrupt magic' and 'purging.' Also... It said I'm a magi apprentice?"

"well, that isn't technically wrong. you're learning how to use magic. so... this thing can detect and fix corrupt magic, huh? i wonder..."

Sans trails off, and, after a few moments, Tim appears.

"I apologize for the wait, I needed to collect more magic. Apprentice Frisk, you may call me Tim; I am the keeper of the Artifact. Now that introductions have been completed... we must discuss the events that have occurred outside the barrier. Please, provide me with whatever information you can."

Frisk sighs... then asks, "can we go somewhere less cold first?"

Tim nods, but says "I regret to inform you that I cannot actually move the Artifact, only hide it within a sub-dimension."

Sans speaks up. "it isn't heavy, you could carry it easy. i'm gonna go do my usual thing."

Before he can leave, Frisk asks Sans "could you... stay with me? I'd hate to have to repeat everything it says... Actually, lets just get everyone together. That would be easier. Could you get Alphys and Asgore? I'll get Papyrus, Undyne, and Toriel."

Sans sighs "aw c'mon kid, you're making me do a lotta work..."

Then, with a wink, he continues "can i get something to eat first?"

Frisk nods and says, "of course. Say hi to Grillby for me!"

Sans leaves with a thumbs up, and Frisk picks up the Artifact... then realizes that they didn't tell Sans where everyone should meet...

Tim speaks up, "Frisk, when you are ready, place your hand on the Artifact again and think 'Ready.'"

Frisk nods, Tim vanishes, and they head to Grillby's to talk to Sans... but Sans isn't there.

'Well shoot...'

Frisk decides that Sans probably wont get anyone... so they look for signs of Flowey. Frisk decides to go to Chara's grave in the RUINS.
No one is there, but that's OK because they can still call for Flowey here.

"Flowey? I need to talk to you, please come out."

Several minutes pass, as Frisk occasionally calls out for Flowey... but he doesn't appear.
'Maybe Flowey would be more eager to speak to me if I had Chara's SOUL with me...? That'd be a good plan... if I knew where Sans is.'

Frisk sighs, then turns to leave. In the next room, a familiar face is sprouting from the ground.

Annoyed, Flowey says,
"geez, took ya long enough. I don't go in there, you know because of the body. It's really gross... What do you want?"

Hesitant at first, Frisk asks, "can you get everyone to go to the barrier room? Like last time? Well, almost like last time. I'd prefer it if you didn't steal everyone's SOULs this time."

Flatly, Flowey says "No can do. They don't all trust you. You haven't even helped Alphys overcome her problems yet, so she won't come. Undyne still secretly loathes you for copying her, but she's also flattered... Not sure how you're gonna fix that, or if you need to... it's new to me. Then there is Sans... He's suspicious of you, and I don't really blame him. He's waiting for you in the Judgement hall."

After a pause, Flowey continues teasingly,
"Good job on getting Toriel to come out of the RUINs early though. You're pretty good... at almost dying."

Frisk puffs up their cheeks, crosses their arms, and turns their head with a "HMPF!"

Letting the air out of their mouth, Frisk continues, "well, thanks for the advice I guess... but, last time, Undyne didn't ask me to deliver her letter until after I defeated you and then reloaded. So how do you plan on getting that to work without all the fighting?"

Frisk's phone rings... They squint their eyes in Flowey's direction. "You already did something, didn't you."

With his usual wink, and stuck out tongue, Flowey says
"well, you could've just asked Undyne about the letter... but you're still an idiot, so I made a few calls," then burrows underground.

Frisk answers their CELL, it's Undyne.

"Hey...! Uh, this is Undyne..."

Papyrus can be faintly heard in the background, "(Shut up, Papyrus! This was YOUR idea!)"

She continues after yelling at Papyrus.

"HUMAN! You have to deliver something for me! Uh, please? I'm at Snowdin in front of Papyrus' See ya, punk!"

Undyne hangs up before Frisk can reply... Frisk walks back through the RUINS and to Papyrus and Sans' house in Snowdin.

As Frisk approaches the house, Papyrus waves eagerly.

Frisk approaches Undyne, who speaks hesitantly,
"Um, so, I have a favour to ask you. Uuuuh, I... I need you to deliver this letter. To Dr. Alphys."

Raising an eye brow, Frisk hides their secret knowledge and asks "why don't you give it to her yourself?"

"Huh!? Why don't I do it myself...?"

Undyne becomes visibly nervous... Frisk does their best to remain straight faced. "... um. W-well... I-it's kind of personal, but we're friends... kinda... I mean... like... that whole copy-cat thing you've got going on is weird... but... a-anyway... I'll t-tell you..."

Undyne switches to a false humorous face while she finishes speaking.
"Hotland SUUUUCKS! I don't wanna have to go over there! So here you go."

Undyne holds the letter out and Frisk sets the Artifact to the side and takes it...

Then Undyne adds in a friendly tone, with a hint of threatening intent:
"Oh, and if you read it... I'll KILL you. Thanks so much! You're the best!"

Frisk nods, puts the letter in their pocket, picks up the Artifact, and heads to Riverperson to get a ride to Hotland.

:-:

When they approach the Lab, they think back to when this all first happened... The sounds of science can be heard despite Frisk not being in the Lab yet. Last time, the door was locked shut; this time it glides open. Hammers, a chain saw, screws dropping all over the floor... the occasional scream from a power tool screwing something in, all of these sounds and more echo through and around the Lab. Frisk wonders what Alphys is working on... then remembers that they had asked Alphys to work on a flying vehicle. They go to the second story to see her progress, but she isn't there; instead, a ladder leading out of a panel in the roof sits near Alphys' work bench.

Frisk is unable to go up the ladder. It's not made for a small human to climb safely. Frisk sets the Artifact to the side, pulls out the letter, and aims it like a throwing star. They toss the letter up to the roof, and their success is marked with a sound of surprise from Alphys.

"(Ouch! Who did...?! N-nobody is... th-there? O-oh n-no, is that another letter...? I don't want to open it... C-can't I just toss it... somewhere...? N... no... I can't keep avoiding letters. I'll read this one. ...Um... I-it's shut k-kind of strongly, isn't it? Oh, wait a second... I can use the laser cutter...)"

The sound of an excessively powerful device being used to open a simple letter is heard from the roof... Footsteps can be heard, it seems like Alphys is looking around the edges of the Lab to see who threw the letter.

Unable to find the culprit, she shouts. "Hey, if this is a joke, it's not funny! ...(Guess I'll p-put this downstairs with the rest.)"

More footsteps are heard as Alphys makes her way back to, and down, the ladder.

When Alphys reaches the bottom and turns around, she Sees Frisk.

Alphys looks surprised. "... Oh My God? Did YOU write this letter? It wasn't signed, so, I had no idea who could have... Oh my god. Oh no. That's adorable... And I h-had no idea you, um, wrote that way! It's surprising, too... I mean... wait... y-you said... you said that you knew ALL m-my secrets?"

Alphys becomes very nervous "that... that doesn't mean... we um...?... uh heh..."

She trails off. Frisk shakes their head.

Alphys looks relieved, "Oh thank God! N-not that I d-don't appreciate... um... this? I j-just don't think that..."

More morosely, she continues "After all the gross stuff I did... I don't really deserve to be forgiven."

With a nervous smile, Alphys continues "Much less, um... This?"

A blank, surprised, look crosses her face as she continues. "And so passionately, too. ..."

She pulls herself together, and decides to go with it, "You know what, okay! I'll do it! Y-you said you already know what is going to happen, and so far you've been really helpful? And there was the whole thing with Mettaton that I need to make up for... So... Y-yeah! Let's go on a date!"

Frisk shrugs and picks up the Artifact.

Alphys shoos Frisk downstairs so she can get dressed, after a few moments she yells out, "Uhhh, sorry! I'm still getting dressed!"

Frisk decides to wait outside and sets the Artifact down, 'light or not it's still a weight.'

A couple minutes pass and Alphys makes her way outside.
"H-how do I look? My friend helped me pick out this dress. She's got a great sense of... Um, anyway! Let's do this thing!"

Frisk gives a thumbs up.

Alphys freaks out a little "H-h-hey, w-w-wait! Actually, we still can't start the date yet! Umm, I've gotta give you items to raise your affection statistic, first! That'll increase the chance of a successful outcome to the date! Right...? Anyway, d-don't worry! I'm prepared! I-I've been stockpiling gifts in anticipation for a date like this!"

Alphys accesses her dimensional box from her CELL, "F-first, I've got... Some metal armour polish!"

Frisk raises an eyebrow, looks over their very normal, not-metal, clothing and then looks back to Alphys.

Nervously, she replies "... Um, maybe you can't use that. But! I also brought some waterproof cream for your scales!"

She looks at the cream, realizing her error... "Your, uh... Scales... Uh, well, how about... This magical spear repair kit, that I... Um... Hey, let's forget about the items! Let's just start the date!"

Frisk gives another thumbs up.

Semi-excitedly, Alphys says "Yeah! Let's, uh, date!"

A few uncomfortable seconds pass. Frisk doesn't do anything, on purpose.

The anxiety and nervousness in Alphys slowly increases, until she speaks. "... uh... Do you... like... Anime...?"

Frisk replies casually, "yeah."

Excitedly, but still nervous, Alphys responds, "H-hey! Me too!"

Another anxiety filled moment passes, and Alphys says,
"Hey! Let's! Go somewhere!" But where's a good place to go on a date...? ... I've got it! Let's go to the garbage dump!"

With that exclamation, Alphys leads the way to the garbage dump.

Upon arriving, Alphys speaks up. She doesn't look nervous.
"Here we are! This is where Undyne and I come all the time... We find all sorts of great stuff here. Heh, she's really... Uh..."

Alphys tails off... Looking nervous once again.

After a moment, she spots Undyne. Pointing to her, Alphys says,
"Oh no. That's here over there. I c-can't let her see me on a date with you!"

Teasingly, Frisk asks "Why?"

Nervously, Alphys responds "Why...? Because, uh... Well... Oh no, here she comes!"

Alphys hides behind a trash can before Undyne approaches.

Wearing nice, date-type clothing, Undyne says "Hey! There you are! I, uh, realized, if you deliver that thing... It might be a bad idea."

Undyne puts on a fiercely determined, but secretly very nervous smile, and continues. "So I'm gonna do it! Give it to me!"

Frisk replies in a subtly mischievous tone, "I don't have it anymore."

Surprised and a little upset, Undyne responds "Huh?! You don't have it?! Ngggaaahhh! Have you at least seen her?!"

Frisk nods.

Looking a bit more relieved, Undyne says "Yes? So she's somewhere around here... Thanks. I'll keep looking."

Undyne leaves, and, after she is gone, Alphys comes out from behind the trash can. "Oh my god... W... well, I guess it's obvious, huh? I... uh... I really like her. I mean, more than I like other people! I'm sorry. I j-just figured, y-you know... It'd be f-fun to go on like, a cute, kind of... Pretend date with you? T-to make you feel better? ... Well, it sounds even worse when I put it like that."

Looking downcast now, Alphys continues "I'm sorry. I messed up again."

Nervously smiling, Alphys says "Undyne's the person I. Um... really want to go on a date with."

Frisk nods knowingly.

Alphys laughs nervously "Heh... R-right... so... what all do you know about? Do... Undyne and I... uh...?"

With a straight, unreadable face, Frisk says "I'm not gonna spoil it, you've gotta figure it out yourself."

Uncertain and nervous, Alphys says "There's no way... I mean... She's way out of my league. She's so confident... And strong... And funny..."

As Alphys continues speaking, she's sad. "And I'm just a nobody. A fraud. I'm the royal scientist, but... All I've ever done is hurt people."

With a sad and nervous smile, she says "I've told her so many lies, she thinks I'm... She thinks I'm a lot cooler than I actually am."

Frisk interrupts, with a smile. "You should just tell her the truth."

Surprised and still nervous, Alphys says
"The truth...? But if I tell her that, she'll hate me. Isn't it better this way? To live a lie where both people are happy..."

Frisk crosses their arms and raises an eye brow, it clearly sends the message: "Really?"

Alphys sighs, and remarks sadly "If I tell the truth, neither of us will be happy... I mean... they say 'be yourself,' but I don't really like who 'myself' is. I'd rather be whatever makes people like me. Eheheh... ...No, you're right."

Putting on a nervously sad smile, Alphys continues.
"Every day I'm scared... Scared what will happen if people learn the truth on their own. They'll all get hurt because of me..."

Frantic, Alphys asks "But how can I tell UNDYNE the tr... truth?"

She returns to her sad expression, and says "I d-don't have the confidence..."

Frisk interrupts her, hoping to speed things along. "Let's Roleplay it."

Alphys is unsure what to think at first, but warms up to the idea. She responds. "R... roleplay? ... That actually sounds kind of fun!"

Nervously excited, Alphys asks "OK, which one of us will be Undyne?"

Frisk points to themself.

Slightly embarrassed, Alphys replies "Oh. Right. Obviously. Ehehe. Ahem. H-hi Undyne... H-how are you doing today?"

Putting on their "best" Undyne impression, Frisk summons a spear, points it at Alphys, and says "YOur cute," then puts on a goofy smile.

Surprised, but happy, Alphys says, "th... thanks! You say that to me a lot, and I never know what to say! But I know, you just, mean it platonically, because we're just friends! Eheheh!"

Continuing less enthusiastically, Alphys says, "...Uhhh, so I'd like to, um, talk to you about something."

Opting out of being overly mischievous, Frisk asks "What is it, Alphys?" in their best Undyne voice.

To which Alphys replies, nervously, "Umm, you see... I... I... I... I h-haven't been exactly truthful w-w-with you... Y... you see, I... I..."

She throws her insecurity to the side and almost shouts "Oh, forget it! Undyne! I... I want to tell you how I feel! Y-you're so brave, a-and s-strong... A-and nice... Y-you always listen t-to me when I talk about n-n-nerdy stuff... Y-you always d-d-do your best to make me f-f-feel special... L-like t-telling me that y-you'll b-beat up anyone that g-gets in my way..."

Alphys gets a little too into the roleplay as she continues.
"UNDYNE! I CAN'T TAKE THIS ANY LONGER! I'M MADLY IN LOVE WITH YOU! HOLD ME, UNDYNE! HOLD ME!"

Right on cue, Undyne shows up. "WHAT did you just say?"

Frisk holds back the desire to be snarky.

Alphys is extremely nervous as she replies "U... Undyne! I... was... just..."

Undyne notices Alphys' outfit. "Hey, woah, wait a second! Your outfit's really cute! What's the occasion?"

She spots Frisk, nervously trying to keep a straight face while tossing a purple magic spear to the side.

With an annoyed, fake smile, Undyne continues. "... Wait a second. Are you two... On a date? You little punk. Just when I decided that you're just copying me because of how cool I am... you..."

Undyne puts on a clearly angry face.
"YOU TRY TO STEAL MY GIRL?! NGAAAAAAAAHHH! I'M GONNA SUPLEX YOU SO HARD, PUNK, IT'LL BREAK THE BARRIER!"

Frisk smiles nervously and steps back a little when Undyne starts approaching, 'this is new...'

They'd rather avoid having to do this all over again, so Frisk hesitantly braces for a fight.

Fortunately, however, before Undyne gets too close, Alphys speaks up.

A little scared, kinda touched, and as nervous as always, Alphys says, "W-WE AREN'T ON A D-DATE!... I mean, we were, but... I mean, actually we were only romantically roleplaying as you! Frisk was... j-just t-trying to help me be more c-confident. S-s-so... so that I could finally tell you... the truth... b-because... I've been lying to you!"

Frisk opts to not stoke the fires and just keeps their mouth shut. The rest will work itself out naturally.

'Some things just can't be changed, no matter how hard you try.'

Undyne is taken by surprise, she turns to Alphys and asks, "WHAT? ABOUT WHAT?"

A little more nervous, Alphys replies, "About... well... Everything!"

Alphys gets a little closer as she continues.
"I told you that seaweed was like... scientifically important... Really, I just use it to make ice cream!"

She steps forward a tad closer. "And those human history books I keep reading... Those are just dorky comic books!"

Closer... "And the history movies... those... Those are just, uh, anime! They aren't real!"

She's standing very close to Undyne now.
"And that time I told you I was busy with work on the phone... I... Was just eating frozen yogurt in my pajamas! That time I..."

Undyne cuts in, "Alphys."

But Alphys continues, looking down sadly, "I... I just wanted to impress you! I just wanted you to think I was smart and cool. That I wasn't some... nerdy loser."

Undyne speaks again, squats a bit and puts her hand on Alphys' head; gently rubbing back and forth in a comforting manner. "Alphys."

Alphys cuts in and says "Undyne, I... I really think you're neat, OK..."

Kneeling now, wrapping Alphys in a pseudo-hug and rubbing her back gently, Undyne speaks again. "Alphys. Shhhh. Shhhhh."

Undyne picks up her unwitting victim. Alphys is surprised, and Frisk is doing their best not to snicker.

With a little hop, Undyne tosses Alphys up into the air an causing her to arc widely. Due to the wonders of magic, probably Sans' doing, a basketball hoop appears, and the lid on the trash can slides open to accept its newest resident.

Intensely, Undyne declares, "Alphys! I... think you're really neat, too. I guess. But, you've gotta realize... Most of what you said really doesn't matter to me. I don't care if you're watching kid cartoons or reading books. To me. ALL of that stuff is just NERDY CRAP! What I like about you is that you're PASSIONATE! You're ANALYTICAL! It doesn't matter what it is! YOU CARE ABOUT IT! 100-PERCENT! AT MAXIMUM POWER! ... so, you don't have to lie to me."

She looks away for a moment, but continues "I don't want you to have to lie to anyone anymore. Alphys... I want to help you become happy with who you are! And I know just the training you need to do that!"

Alphys nervously stands in the trash can, her legs make holes in the bottom and her tail sticks out from a slot in the back while she peeks out from under the lid. "Undyne... You... Y-you're gonna train me...?"

Undyne responds in a humoured tone, "Pffft, what? ME?"

Papyrus rises from the heaps of garbage, in his "Jogboy" outfit, in a heroic pose that screams "Look at the item I just got!"

Continuing where she left off, Undyne says flatly, "Nah, I'm gonna get Papyrus do it."

Alphys is shocked, and a little terrified.

Jumping over a small heap of trash, Papyrus announces,
"GET THOSE BONES SHAKIN'! IT'S TIME TO JOG 100 LAPS. HOOTING ABOUT HOW GREAT WE ARE!"

Calmly, Undyne says, "ready? I'm about to start the timer!"

Worried, but wanting to improve herself, Alphys says "U-Undyne... I'll do my best...!"

The two leave, it's just Frisk and Undyne now. Frisk puts on a subtle nervous smile.

Undyne begins to freak out.
"OH MY GOD! She was kidding, right!? Those cartoons... those comics... Those are still REAL, right!? ANIME'S REAL, RIGHT?!"

Frisk is faced with a dilemma... On one hand... Anime is not real, but on the other there are a lot of anime-like things in the world.

They decide to say... "Real life is based on anime, and horror movies. On one hand, gigantic swords are... not realistic, for humans without magic... but on the other hand, I am training to be a 'Magical-Warrior-Princess' so..."

Relieved, Undyne says "HA HA HA! I KNEW IT! GIGANTIC MAGIC SWORDS! MAGICAL PRINCESSES! HERE I COME!..."

She stops being overly excited... and remembers her mistake. "Uhh, thanks for taking care of Alphys. I-... I'm sorry I said all that stuff. I mean, you were impersonating me and all... but I overreacted. Anyway... I didn't get to say what I wanted to, but... Things seem like they're going to get better for her. Thanks, Frisk... I uh... I gotta catch up with them. Later!"

Frisk and Undyne wave goodbye to each other as she leaves, then Frisk begins to make their way back to Hotland.

:-:

Right on cue, as Frisk is about to leave the dump, Papyrus calls...? No, it's Flowey using Papyrus' cell phone?

"Howdy Frisk, last time I pretended to be Papyrus... But I don't really see the point now. I got Alphys to go to her Lab, it's the last piece of the puzzle for her. DON'T MESS IT UP. See you in the barrier chamber..."

He hangs up before Frisk can say anything.

'All that's left now, is to go to the Lab...'

Frisk walks out of the dump and to Riverperson for a ride to Hotland. Once there, they make their way to the Lab and down into the True Lab. The power was shut off... again. Frisk gets a bag of Popato Chisps and walks through the True Lab to get the keys, already knowing where each one is. They play around with the amalgamates, even though they're acting rather hangry, and share their popato chisps with them. Frisk makes sure to remind the amalgamates of who they are...

Frisk remembers that they forgot to get the hush puppy when Endogeny shows up... 'Oh well.'

They get the massive blob of dogs to do tricks and run around, and eventually tire out.

Easily avoiding oncoming bullets, Frisk eventually gets the power running again.

Amalgamates surround Frisk, but Alphys shows up right on time. "Hey! Stop!"

She rushes up to Frisk, and the amalgamates part to the side. "I got you guys some food, okay!?"

Hearing those wonderful words, the amalgamates leave.

Alphys is slightly embarrassed "Sorry about that..."

Frisk replies "They get get upset when they don't get fed on time, right? Probably smelled the popato chisps I have."

They eat the last popato chisp to make their point.

Staring at Frisk blankly, Alphys asks "Frisk... you said you know everything that's going to happen in the Underground, right?"

Frisk nods.

Alphys looks anxious for a moment, but works up the courage to ask "will everything be okay?"

Unable to completely remember what happened before the reset, Frisk says, "if everything was OK, I wouldn't be back... would I? If you mean telling everyone about the amalgamates, it'll be fine. Not at first, but in time. The families will be happy."

Alphys considers the information for a few seconds.

Frisk walks up and pats Alphys on the back.
"Don't worry Alphys, it'll be scary to tell the truth... but you've gotta do it. Your friends will be there to support you."

Nervous, but happy, Alphys responds "Thanks, Frisk, f-for helping... You've... done so much. All we've done so far is attack you..."

With a smirk, Frisk says, "that isn't true at all! This has been great 'magical-warrior-princess' training. And I learned about a new type of food too! ...Also, once we're out of the Underground, I won't know what will happen. Even now, some of this is new territory... so I'll need help too."

Determined and happy, Alphys says "you can count on me, Frisk! I-I'll be there for you if you need help."

Frisk gives a small smile in reply.

The amalgamates show up behind Alphys, and she turns around. Scared, nervous, but happy, she says,
"come on, guys. It's time for everyone to go home."

With the amalgamates in tow, Alphys leaves the True Lab. Frisk goes back to the elevator and goes up to New Home.

There wasn't a phone call this time.

They walk down the lonely grey path overlooking the crowded New Home buildings, and approach the Judgement Hall... It's just as long as it was before. Sunlight filters in through the stained glass windows, this part of the Underground is more above ground than the rest. The large pillars on both sides of the hall are just as menacing as before, which is to say not at all. The orange and gold checkered floor is spotless... Frisk takes a moment to SAVE.

* FILE SAVED.
* FRISK FEELS REJUVENATED.

They walk down the hall, and Sans stops them mid way.

It is hard to tell that it's Sans speaking. Frisk doesn't actually hear anyone.

"You know, normally I'd talk about how this is the end of your journey, the king, EXP, LV... But you already know all that, don't you?"

Frisk nods.

"Well... I've got a question for you, Frisk... How many times have you RESET?"

Taken by surprise, Frisk becomes nervous. They hold up a single finger.

"Only once, huh? So then tell me... if you've only reset once, how do you know everything that's gonna happen? How do you know that you can't avoid catching Undyne's house on fire when you hang out with her? How do you perfectly dodge every attack that comes your way, as if through muscle memory?"

Sad, but understanding of his scepticism, Frisk meekly replies "My first time down here, I tried to make everything end perfectly... I tried over and over to keep her house from burning down, but some things... you just... can't... change."

Sans appears somewhat more at ease hearing those last words, Frisk continues speaking.

"I've died down here so many times, it's all blended together. I tried almost everything to get the best ending possible for everyone... but I failed. There are people I can't save, no matter what I do... but I've accepted that."

He appears a bit concerned over the first part of what Frisk said, but the rest is... acceptable. Frisk continues speaking.

"Life isn't always fair. I've seen an incredibly powerful being take on its own form and wipe out all of reality... but even that much power wasn't enough to make its form permanent. So, how could I possibly do better? I can't... Not here. I need to leave the barrier to save them. RESETING... was a last resort to save everyone."

Sans contemplates the information... he replies, less serious and harsh. "i see. well, whatever you have planned, we're all counting on you frisk. good luck... but don't go thinkin' that i'm gonna blindly trust you. super secret passphrase or not, you've gotta earn my trust... and you have... but now you've gotta maintain that trust."

He winks and says "i'm beat... i'm gonna go get some pho-king noodles," then vanishes.

Frisk continues down the hallway to the entrance of the throne room... and they suddenly remember that they forgot to pick up the Artifact. It's all the way back in Hotland in front of the Lab... 'Maybe Papyrus can get it for me?'

Frisk sends Papyrus a text message.

To: CoolSkeleton95
Hey, Papyrus... Could u please
get hte Artifact? I left it at the
Lab in Hotland on acident. I'm
going to see Asgore.

From: CoolSkeleton95
FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK! I
JUST SO HAPPEN TO BE GOING
OVER THERE RIGHT NOW! I'LL
BRING IT FOR YOU, BUT YOU
SHOULD REALLY BE MORE
CAREFUL ABOUT REMEMBERING
WHERE YOU LEAVE LEGENDARY
ARTIFACTS! WHAT IF SOMEONE
TRIPS ON IT?

To: CoolSkeleton95
Thanks Papyrus, ur the best!

From: CoolSkeleton95
I TRIPPED ON IT... BUT THAT
IS ENTIRELY MY FAULT! I
SHOULDN'T HAVE BEEN
LOOKING AT MY PHONE AND
WALKING! I AM GOING TO
GO NOW. SEE YOU LATER!

To: CoolSkeleton95
See u later Papyrus.

:-:

'Crisis averted...? Asriel... Flowey is probably gonna give me an ear full...'

Frisk hesitates for a moment before entering the Throne room... but they can't avoid it for long.

After approaching, Frisk calls out. "Asgore?"

He stops his nonsensical humming and singing and responds,
"oh? Is someone there? Just a moment! I have almost finished watering these flowers."

The birds are singing, the flowers are in full bloom... If it weren't for the situation, this would be a lovely room.

As he finishes, Asgore says "... Here we are!" Then turns around.

He doesn't see Frisk, at first. "Howdy! How can I..."

Terrified and sad... Asgore steps back in surprise. "Oh... I so badly want to say, 'would you like a cup of tea?' But... You know how it is."

Asgore turns away and walks for a moment... "Nice day today, huh?"

He's stalling... and Frisk knows there's nothing they can say to stop him. That's Toriel's job. It always has been, but she didn't know it.

Continuing, he says "Birds are singing, flowers are blooming... Perfect weather for a game of catch."

Frisk... has an idea...

* Wanting to help Asgore overcome his problems... fills Frisk with Determination.

:-:

Carefully visualizing, with harmless intent, Frisk wills a mote of fire into existence above their hands... it's small, and flickering...

They focus.

* The desire to remind Asgore of his true self... fills Frisk with Determination!

:-:

Frisk throws caution to the wind... With Bravery they put everything they can into their pathetic little fire, and it bursts into a wild flaming ball. They manage to get it under control, with some effort. It's warm to the touch, but not too warm, and perfect for a game of catch.

Putting on their best smile, Frisk says "let's play catch, just like you used to do with Asriel!"

They hold the Fireball out for Asgore to take.

Asgore is taken by surprise... his face grows grim, and sad. He looks to his feet... unable to look at such a cute, and innocent, face.

The memories that constantly haunt him at night flood through his mind.

He's trying his best not to cry now. "I... cannot. You know what we must do. When you are ready, come into the next room."

Frisk wordlessly follows along, their mood clearly painted on their face. They're very sad.

In the next room, Frisk offers the fireball again with a hopeful, but sad, face.

Asgore doesn't respond, he just looks away. He can't hold his tears back any longer... He continues walking down the hall. Frisk follows.

When he approaches the door, he does his best to ask "Are you ready? If you are not, I understand. I am not ready either."

He enters the next room without allowing Frisk to reply, and manages to get his tears under control. Frisk follows.

In the next room... The barrier looms. It's no longer pulsing, instead, it's just white. It takes Asgore by surprise for a moment.

Frisk takes the opportunity to speak. "I can open the barrier. Alone. You don't have to kill me again for that to happen..."

Asgore reluctantly turns around to face Frisk...

Frisk holds out the fireball... their face pleading. "So, how about that game of catch?"

Looking up to see them, Asgore is unable to stop a tear from flowing down his face. His voice is almost a whisper.
"All this time, all this bloodshed... You... don't know what I have done. What I am..."

Still hopeful, Frisk says "I know that you killed the six human children who fell down here..."

Asgore winces at the mention of his past deeds... Frisk continues. "But I also know that you were abandoned when you needed someone the most. That all this time, you've had the weight of your kingdom's hopes on your shoulders... while grieving for your lost children."

His shoulders, and SOUL, start to feel heavy as Frisk continues speaking... "You were irrational, and angry... Unable to let go of them, and move on, you distanced yourself. At first it must have been hard, but... as you gained LV... it became easier to kill innocent children. It became easier to kill someone else's Asriel... Someone else's Chara..."

Unable to keep his emotions in check any more, Asgore's face twists in pain and regret as tears begin flowing from his eyes freely. He drops to a knee... but he doesn't make a sound as Frisk continues speaking.

"I know that you don't want power. I know that you don't want to hurt anyone... And I know you can change, if you just try."

Crying but still not making a sound, Asgore contemplates the information. Fighting within himself. Frisk is fighting him with words, some of them his own thoughts, instead of weapons.

"So... how about a game of catch? Then, I can introduce you to my parents later... On the Surface."

Frisk worries that they may have broken him..."I know it probably doesn't mean much... but I forgive you. You know, for killing me all those times... Last time, you asked me to be the ambassador for monsters... and I still am... if you let me be... And... If I made a mistake and can't leave, I would rather stay here and suffer than hurt you."

Ten anxiety filled and worrisome seconds pass by... But Asgore has yet to respond.

Frisk decides that they really messed up and goes to LOAD, but, right before they do...

Asgore speaks. "You would rather stay here and suffer... than kill me and live happily on the surface with your family...? After everything... even killing you... You forgive me?... Human... I... do not deserve such kindness... I do not know if what you said is true... that you can open the barrier... but... I am really tired of all of this. A game of catch sounds wonderful... young one."

Looking up to Frisk, Asgore puts on a sad smile across his tear-streaked face. "And if... you cannot really open the barrier... that would be alright. If you are willing to stay, I promise you... for as long as you remain here... My wife and I will do our best to take care of you."

He stands up and walks closer to Frisk, then kneels and embraces them. "I am... so sorry."

Frisk hugs the giant, fluffy, somewhat soggy, boss monster back with one arm...

They would use both hands, but they don't want to waste all the magic and determination that they put into making the fireball.

Asgore stands up and says, "Perhaps... the throne room would be better for a game of catch?"

Frisk nods, with a smile on their face, and follows Asgore to the throne room.

Once there, Asgore moves the throne to the side, and they toss the magical fireball back and forth.

At first, Frisk isn't able to catch the fireball... but Asgore teaches them.

"The secret to catching a fireball, is Kindness."

Patiently demonstrating, Asgore guides Frisk in catching a new fireball... since Frisk's went out on the first failed catch.

Eventually, Frisk is able to catch the fireball with relative ease.

After a few tosses, Asgore says,
"I am surprised you can use magic, young one... I was under the impression that humans lost their magic."

Frisk nods and replies, "we did. The barrier took it all from the surface, but inside the barrier it's still here. The first time I went through the Underground, and opened the barrier, I started to learn how to use magic... but something bad happened and I had to start over... So here we are... back in the Underground... so I can try to keep monsters and humans from being killed by something that might be unstoppable."

Asgore contemplates the information while continuing to toss the fireball.
"So... we got out... just to all die? What is this creature you speak of?"

Frisk stops for a moment and says "when everyone else gets here I'll explain everything," then continues tossing the fireball.

Content enough with the answer, Asgore decides not to press further and just enjoy the moment.

Worried that, at any second, everything will go wrong, Frisk decides to pause the game of catch for a moment and SAVE.

Asgore takes it as an opportunity to make tea.

:-:

* Happy that they finally found what to say to stop Asgore without fighting... fills Frisk with Determination.

* FILE SAVED.
* FRISK FEELS REJUVENATED.