Do not trust the flower Chapter 16: Friends, an undertale fanfic

Friends

"Chara?"

Being a bit idly Chara's answer had a few moments delay as she was probably still surfeited from all the muffins you had eaten. "Yes?"

"Do you think…," moving slowly through Waterfall's eternal night your thought-voice died down to a whisper, "Do you think that Toriel will be mad at me?"

Noticeable more relaxed after miss Muffet hadn't contrary to her concerns tried to hurt you Chara asked causally in return, "Why should she?," while her attention shifted back to you.

Still whispering anxiety started to strain you words as the fears from before surfaced again fastening unwittingly your pace and speech rate, "Because I need so much time to get back and got dirty and ripped my clothes and broke the vial and went out to play although she probably didn't wanted me to go and let her wait and-"

An invisible hand fell onto your shoulder stopping your babbling while Chara's calm voice sounded in your mind assuring you in the for her characteristic direct tone. "No. She won't be mad. Just tell her what happened", she squeezed your shoulder, "trust me I did much more troublesome things back when… when I played outside so you should be fine."

It was something about this words that gave you a similar ease as Toriel's reassuring motherly presence not quite as deep but still with the hard fact that there was someone who cared about you someone who wanted unconditionally to help you although they barely knew you. Is it.. is it like that to have a friend? Still doubting about Toriel's reaction this thought distracted you at least a bit from your fears letting you continue in silence on the way that should according to the friendly miss get you back to Snowdin pondering about this for you so unknown feeling.

"ARE WE THERE YET?"

Pausing on one of the many islands in the lake beneath Waterfall the smaller skeleton answered his brother in a stoic fashion that someone could only develop from a lifetime of similar conversations, "not yet," before the two of them vanished again into thin air.

"These are… Lumiuserries I think," grimacing Chara continued her explanation to the small soft blue glowing berries, "Taste horrible and your belly starts glowing."

Carefully bypassing the underground berry bush in a safe distance your from childish curiosity motivated gaze fell immediately onto the next interesting thing in your sight, "And that?," happily overusing Chara's inconsiderate offer to answer your questions about the underground.

"Oh," genuine interest emitted from Chara's mind corner, "That is an echo flower!"

Leaving the way intrigued by Chara's interest you stepped closer to the gracile flower that was about half your size and glowed in the same soft blue shade as the whole rest of Waterfall's flora.

Interrupting your fascinated staring Chara demanded cheerfully, "Come on tap it!," nudging your hand towards the soft looking petals.

Being conflicted between not wanting to damage the pretty flower and not to disappoint Chara you hesitated for a moment before moving very slowly very carefully your index finger down to tap the furthest point of the largest petal.

"Hello!" Jolting backwards you nearly toppled over as a the enthusiastic greeting sounded without warning from the flower's calyx.

Recovering from the shock you answered in reflex trying to respond properly as morality demanded it, "Heelloo." Flinching on the sound of your own voice you waited for a reaction from the flower.

But nothing happened.

Except for Chara shaking her head to spontaneous giggles probably laughing about your pronunciation that was so bad that the flower didn't even respond to you. Sensing your awkwardness about the situation she nudged your hand a second time telling you slightly amused, "Hey come on crybaby no need to cry its an echo flower just tap it again."

You taped it again.

"Heelloo," and your own throaty voice answered you twisting as usual even this simple greeting in a way that not even an imitation of it could make it any funnier. But you were too fascinated by the fact that the flower did the same thing as a parrot as that you would care about the sound of it. Intrigued by this you tapped it again.

"Heelloo."

Cool-, clapping your hands in delight feeling Chara's still amused presence in the back of your mind a swift movement in the corner of your eyes diverted your attention. It was another echo flower that moved sluggish from left to right.

Still fascinated from the first one you walked over to the new one again carefully to not damage it tapping one of its petals.

"I...", and it spoke too!

Another movement in the corner of your eyes another flower, "...have...", it spoke as well!

Another one, "...to...", Chara moved a bit in your mind.

"...tell...", this must be some kind of 'whisper down the line' game! You moved faster eager to get the whole message.

"Frisk wait-," Chara's mood had changed but you were to intrigued by this game to stop now tapping already the next flower that had been shaken by an unknown force bringing it to your attention.

"...you..."

Chara tried again to speak with you but another flower demanded your attention.

"...something!"

Sliding down a small slope you reached the seemingly last flower of the game as it was at least on the two other sides you could see surrounded by other slopes blocking the sight into this directions.

Breath going a bit faster after you had dashed in excitement from flower to flower you slowed a bit down repeating the words from the previous ones in your mind, 'Hello! I have to tell you something!' That sounded really exciting! Like the location of a treasure or another cool secret! But something about the voice was funny… reaching out to one of the petals you tried to pinpoint it, Was it perhaps Monster Kid or Caps? It sounded as friendly as them… and it was boyish… but it wasn't fast enough for Kid's voice… and Caps doesn't speak so high...

Your finger touched the petal.

And Flowey's voice now with its fully over sugared friendliness and slightly mockingly undertone emitted from the echo flower telling you full of glee just two words.

"Behind you."

Fear and panic flooded Chara's mind like ice water as Frisk's emotions surged through the connection between her ghostly self and their soul prompting her to duck in blind anxiety as Frisk's overwhelming fear paralysed her own thoughts.

Whirling around Frisk's sight was after their hearing the next sense to proclaim horrid news as it showed the dreading silhouette of the knight that had attacked her before standing tall on the only way out that was not blocked by a slope mustering her unfazed from the darkness inside their helmet.

This… this is not good. Fighting against the shock reminding herself that she had already expected something to be amiss when she had noted the coincidence of the flowers moving just then when Frisk was passing by Chara reached mentally out to the connection blocking at least for now the steady stream of unbound emotions so that she could think again. We need to do something and that fast!

As to underline the urgency of her thought echoed the sound of heavy metal soles through the small valley of the single echo flower. CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!

Letting out a frightened whimper on the sight of the approaching knight Frisk's gaze darted frantically from left to right looking for a way out. But seeing the steep slopes blocking the other three directions Frisk had soon to realize that there was no other choice as to retreat backwards as the knight would probably attack as soon as she would turn around to climb up.

Stopping about two metres away the knight seemed to muster Frisk again then uttered a single word, "Seven."

What?

Voice still distorted into a deep brassy tone by their helmet the knight continued, "Seven human souls. With the power of seven human souls our king…," pausing they seemed to check if Frisk was listening, "King Asgore Dreemurr…", another pause, "...will become a god."

A god? Disbelieve shaking the blockade between her and Frisk's soul letting individual waves of non-understanding fear into her mind Chara tried to bring this bizarre assertion in line with the image of the monster she had known. Why should he...?

As to answer her question they explained further, "With that power Asgore can finally shatter the barrier." Raising an metal glove skywards they continued in a faithful tone, "He will finally take the surface back from humanity…," closing their hand in a final movement they concluded, "And give them back the suffering and pain that we have endured." Ending their monologue the knight addressed Frisk now directly. "Understand human?," dirt and small stones gnashed under their soles as they shifted their weight forward, "This is your only chance at redemption." "Give up your soul…," bringing both hands in front of them they summoned another spear of light blue magic, "Or I'll tear it from your body."

Hearing the knights calm composed voice Chara had no doubt that they meant it and Frisk's soul emitting even stronger waves of panic Frisk seemed to believe that too.

Pointing the spear at the defenceless child the knight moved forward driving the whimpering Frisk backwards as they advanced.

Retracting further the edge of the slope stopped Frisk's foot mid-step letting her topple over backwards as the rest of her body still moving dragged her down.

Feeling the dirt of the slope and small stones poking Frisk's skin pressing against her blue sweater Chara's thoughts were consumed by blind panic as the knight took another step raising the spear the sigils in their armour bathing the surroundings in the same unreal light blue glow that emitted from the deadly weapon. NO!

Raising small hands in a futile attempt to defend herself Frisk opened her mouth pleading wobbly, "Plleaase doon'tt…," fear and panic twisting her words even more more than usual.

Looking down onto the shaking child begging for her life the knight hesitated again as they did on the footbridge but as before not for long. Fastening their grip they pulled the spear back aiming directly at Frisk's heart taking a moment to turn its head sideways ensuring that it wouldn't collide with Frisk's ribs when it would take her life.

At least it will be fast… Trying to calm herself with this thought Chara reached out to Frisk grabbing her hand doing her best to console the smaller child, "Sh-sh. All will be well." Concentrating onto her nerves she conveyed Frisk how she embraced her going so far as even manipulating their eyes blocking the menacing knight with her own from memory created image that smiled soothingly down to Frisk. "I'm here." Then she could only watch as the knight thrusted the spear downwards.

Composed of magic edges sharper than every normal blade the spear didn't loose much force at it passed the targeted point without resistance digging itself into the ground that split open with a final thud.

Forgetting about her illusion Chara noted with disbelieve that the knight had missed. But that was not really their fault it was more that an invisible force had grabbed Frisk before the spear could hit still sliding her up the slope out of the knight's reach.

"YO Frisk! I know that it is cool to watch Undyne train but dude you really should be more careful she nearly hit you there!" Standing at the entrance of the small valley Monster Kid watched with concentrated expression Frisk's ascend with his golden eyes to his feet a large sigil that glowed in the same shade. Seeing the hasty lines of the sign and the traces of dirt on his feet it was no secret how the armless monster had manged to draw it.

The little lizard saved us… Putting Frisk back on her feet after reaching the top of the slope the yellow magic vanished letting Chara not much time to be surprised as she had to step in to prevent the still shocked Frisk from falling back down again.

"Undyne that is Frisk the friend I told you about." Crossing the large sigil Monster Kid walked slowly over to the knight obviously still not grasping what just had happened. "Hey didn't you say that you didn't find them on the footbridge but a human? Perhaps they ran away from it…," an excited smile appeared on his face voice climbing even higher pitches , "They could probably tell you something about them!"

Pulling the spear out of the ground the knight seemed to muster Frisk again from the darkness inside their helmet probably evaluating the distance and force needed for a throw. Then they took a look over their shoulder to Monster Kid pausing for a moment before looking back to the human.

Whispering two words, "Frisk run," sensible of the still immediate danger Chara nudged Frisk away from the edge.

Retracting slowly from the edge Frisk complied at first but stopped again when she saw how the knight clenched their fist around the spear shattering it into light blue sparks before turning around to the little yellow monster that just had saved her life. "But what is about-"

"JUST RUN GODAMIT!," forgetting about her velvet-gloves-strategy to not upset Frisk as she was to intimidated herself by the knight below and her inability to flee on her own Chara just yelled Frisk's hesitant question down. Flinching on Chara's outburst Frisk took another step back from the edge but didn't move further seemingly determined to help Monster Kid although he had basically confessed that he had sent the knight to the footbridges.

Knowing that the knight could follow every moment now despairing over Frisk's idiotic fit of heroism Chara decided to step up her tries to 'convince' Frisk that she should simply run. Concentrating she appeared again before Frisk's eyes blocking their view into the valley. This time her image was not smiling. Seeing her cold face and furious red eyes she could feel how Frisk's brown ones widened in fear. Brightening her already pale skin making herself taller Chara let her illusion step closer to the smaller child hissing, "Frisk. run. now!"

A short whimper escaped Frisk's mouth but she didn't move. So Chara saw no other choice then to-

Chara's illusionary image exploded into hundreds of little splashes of colour as the knight jumped over the edge landing with thunderous metal clanging before Frisk. Knees bending barley noticeable the armoured monster didn't even flinch as they refocused without a break onto their by fear paralysed prey drawing causally another spear out of thin air.

Mind just stopping Frisk could only stare at the dreading figure that had closed in so suddenly all thoughts about helping Monster Kid blown away by nameless fear. Then her instinct took over prompting her to whirl around and flee headless into the near darkness of Waterfall without thinking about anything else then to escape from the sure death the knight was promising.

Nearly losing her grip on Frisk's senses Chara braced herself as good as possible as the waves of their fear and panic surged through the connection from the soul right into her mind. In this way occupied it was not easy to retain enough control to watch out for the way. But being prepared Chara managed that fairly well loosing only temporally the ability to manipulate Frisk's perception at will. So the knight in the corner of Frisk's eyes flickered out of existence while Frisk continued her headless flight until the real knight the edge and Monster Kid were long gone in the distance.

Mild orange light emitted from a thumb-sized flame barely illuminating the dark corridor whose metallic walls stretched deeper into the underground. Running just above the water line small deposits of dirt where bearing witness from the changing water levels in the tunnel that had left varying patterns on the walls.

Crouching down bringing the hand with the flame closer to the wall Toriel's attentive gaze swept over the dirt pausing by a lettering that was engraved into the metallic surface reading the words just absently 'Coolant intake three – Core shaft A38' as her main focus still rested on the cleaned area around it that had attracted her attention in the first place.

Turning her head to the right letting the flame flare up to the size of a baseball uncovering more of the corridor Toriel's searching eyes where met with two small hand prints on the left side connected with small pruned lines where searching fingers had hold on to the wall to navigate in the darkness. Frisk! Collapsing the flame to the size of a pea without reducing its energy a bright search light emitted from Toriel's outstretched hand showing her more of the hand prints leading deeper into the underground. Don't worry I'm coming.

Breaking in a fast pace not wanting to go faster as she feared to miss something Toriel proceeded on her way to find her child still ignoring the two skeletons trying their best to follow her… Well the one skeleton that was dragging the smaller one with it.

Glowing stones under a dark cave roof forming an eternal night shining down onto a likewise unlit ground scattered with light blue plants mirroring with their own shine the never setting stars from above. It had been a magic moment for you to see this scenery experiencing its calming stillness and feeling the soft breezes stroking your skin like Toriel's loving fingers sweeping the dust from you as you had helped her cleaning the house.

Now knowing of the deadly knight still out there it was different. The darkness was not longer exciting and mysterious now it was an alley of the knight hiding them form your eyes. The stillness was not longer calming now it felt more like the quiet before the storm stalking around you waiting for the right moment to strike. The breezes were not longer comforting now they were dreading reminders of the air forced aside when the spears of the knight had barely missed you.

Continuously looking over your shoulder flinching on every unexpected sound you continued on the way the friendly miss Muffet had pointed out to you earlier being grateful that at least Chara had the presence of mind to keep an eye out for the way so that she could led you back to it after your panicked run from the knight.

Passing a self-luminous bush carefully avoiding the illuminated zone around it you still couldn't stop to think about the close encounter with the knight asking hesitantly, "Chara?"

Being a bit distracted probably still focusing on the best way to get back to Snowdin Chara sounded a bit cautious when she answered, "Yes?"

"Do you think Monster Kid is alright?", complying to another mentally bump from Chara you turned left following another beaten path.

Although still calm you meant to hear slight reservation out of Chara's voice as she assured you calmly, "I'm sure he is."

"Are you sure…," you hesitated on the next step guilt lurking in the back of your mind, "Perhaps I should go-"

"FRISK NO!" Not even letting you finish just shouting you down it seemed that you had somehow annoyed Chara as her voice suddenly lost its calmness switching to a more testily sound as she lectured you. "Didn't you listen to what he said? He knew that knight and I bet it was him who told them about the footbridges! So no we are definitely not going back!"

Instinctively ducking under the edge in her voice you normally would've dropped the topic without further consideration but encouraged by the other times when Chara was nice to you you tried it again, "But-"

Just to be interrupted by Monster Kid appearing from behind a glowing tree to your left, "Yo!," rushing over to you.

"Speaking of the devil…," feeling Chara's frown and ghostly eyes sweeping over your field of vision you could sense her annoyance and her… anger? hate?

Raising some dust the yellow monster stopped before you the spikes on the back of his had still swaying from the abrupt stop. Giving you not much time to react he started nearly immediately to talk, "Yo", but although still energetically high-pitched his voice seemed to have lost some of it usual enthusiasm, "I know I'm not supposed to be here but..."

Pausing nervously shuffling his feet he suddenly switched to a much more direct tone, "I wanna ask you something."

Seeing him shuffle again you smiled at Monster Kid trying to encourage him to just ask ignoring the still leery impulses from Chara.

"Man I've never had to ask anyone this before…," Monster Kids gaze swept over you golden eyes locking with your brown ones. "Umm…," then after a short pause where he had probably gathered his courage he asked you halting, "Yo... You're human right?"

He knows!

Interpreting your widening eyes and vanishing smile right a nervous lough escaped Monster Kid's snout, "Haha. Man! I knew it!" Breaking the eye contact he sounded uncertain after his assumption had been proven, "Well I know it now I mean..." "Undyne told me... um…", grimacing he tried to imitate the brassy sound of the knight's voice, "'stay away from that human.'"

Another emotionally non-determinable impulse reached you from Chara, "See? I told you he knows the knight!"

Small claws scratching over dirt again Monster Kid hesitantly continued, "So... like... ummm... I guess that makes us enemies or something."

What? Why?

"But I kinda stink at that haha," smiling nervously Monster Kid continued, "Yo say something mean so I can hate you? Please?"

Disbelieve keeping the words back you just shock your head weekly.

"Yo what? so I have to do it? Here goes nothing..." Obviously not swearing so often Monster Kid needed a moment to search for words being even unable to lock you in the eyes when he uttered quietly, "Yo I... I hate your guts."

Tears welled up in your eyes distorting the glowing plants and the yellow monster before you to formless splashes of colour.

Probably seeing the wetness in your eyes Monster Kid stepped back shame underlining his next words. "Man I... I'm such a turd," his voice changed as if he had turned away from you, "I'm... I'm gonna go home now." Then the yellow splash moved quickly away from you vanishing shortly after in the darkness of Waterfall.

Standing there tears streaming down you cheeks you felt suddenly greatly alone.

"Frisk?" Ghostly fingers squeezed your shoulder trying to comfort you. "Don't shed a tear over that slippery lizard," voice still underlined with anger about Monster Kid Chara added trying to soothe you, "He probably never wanted to be your friend anyways."

A short sob shock you. "I know," more sobs escaped your mouth, "Nobody wants to be friends with me." Loneliness wrapping itself around your mind you felt again the despair and shame of being rejected bringing up older memories of laughing children pointing at you the strange one the friendless one letting you whimper as you already saw Alice, Caps and Snowdrake telling you the same thing.

"Oh..." Chara trailed of sounding somehow distracted and sad at the same time her ghostly movements feeling choppy as would she try to focus onto multiple things simultaneously. Then her attention shifted back to you honesty and compassion underlining her next words as she grabbed your shoulders with both hands projecting another image of herself before you. "Well I do."

Still shaken by heavy sobs your eyes widened in disbelieve staring into her red ones your thought-voice going down to a whisper, "Really?"

Pulling you into a ghostly embrace Chara spoke only one word but it meant everything to you, "Yes."

Leaning into the embrace nearly toppling over you were still crying but now it was of relief and not of despair your face buried deeply into the green sweater of the slightly taller girl.

Sounding a bit embarrassed Chara started patting your back, "It's okay. It's okay-"

Then something hard hit your back pushing you forward through the illusion which vanished as the also surprised Chara lost her concentration. Hitting the ground the impulse of the impact let you slide a bit further over it before you came to a stop on your side.

Shock slowing your thoughts down you noted with irritation the soft blue glow bathing your surroundings in its ghostly shine, Did I hit a plant?, and the strange electricity-like buzzing feeling in your chest. You tried to move but besides a strange numb feeling came no reaction from your body. Realizing that you weren't breathing was the next thing you noted still not panicking feeling strangely detached from the events. Then the shine flickered before vanishing taking the buzzing feeling in your chest with it.

...a puddle…?

Feeling all at once really dizzy your unsteady gaze wavered over the fluid that had so suddenly soaked your sweater when the glowing had vanished. It was strangely opaque for water and it didn't glow but at least its warmth relieved you a bit from the sudden cold that had befallen you.

Regarding the reddish reflection of the star-like stones from above in the rapidly growing puddle with a fascinated gaze your vision started slowly to narrow star for star vanishing before your eyes until there was only darkness left. Darkness and the the heavily beat of your heart, Bu-Bum Bu-Bum Bu-Bum Bu-Bum Bu-Bum Bu- , then there was nothing.

Circular ceiling lamps grey walls dust covered ground just another plain corridor teeing of the dark canal Toriel was following. Regarding the third of this corridors just with a short look Toriel quickly continued on her way still following the hand prints placed in irregular patterns in the dirt deposits on the left side of the canal. Why didn't she get into one of the illuminated corridors? Sudden concern fastened her pace. Did someone follow her!?

Passing two other corridors without finding a trace concern growing with every step Toriel let out a deep exhale of relief as she spotted the missing plank from the remains of the footbridge in the opening of the sixth one and the single line of footprints in the dust.

Waving her hand Toriel extinguished the search light she had used to follow Frisk's trace continuing her search in the teeing corridor attentive gaze following the not so old footprints.

Already past the first corner Toriel noted absently the sound of heavy boots echoing from the opening of the corridor telling her that at least Papyrus was still following her.

What did just happen? Still shocked by the abruptness of the events Chara needed a moment to recollect her thought's. Something hit her back… Shuddering she remembered the sharp pain severeing without warning most of the connections to the rest of Frisk's body leaving only a numb feeling in their limbs. Then… then… Nausea flipped her ghostly stomach upside down as she envisioned the sickening scent of copper filling Frisk's nose when their fastening heartbeat had pumped more and more blood through the hole that the vanishing glowing thing had created going faster and faster as their heart tried desperately to hold the blood pressure. Then she died.

Trying to distract herself from the horrible images in her head still sending shivers down her spine Chara quickly checked her assumption noting the absence of Frisk's body perception as well as the heart-shaped soul before her that had just as the real heart stopped beating. Moving closer something irritated her being still connected to the soul she had expected to be by now overwhelmed by Frisk's panicking impulses surging right into her mind but nothing happened.

Laying a ghostly hand onto the soul Chara tried to look more closely at Frisk's mood. At first she couldn't feel anything letting Chara fear that Frisk was already gone but remembering that the soul couldn't be whole without Frisk she reached deeper into it following the connection until she reached Frisk's consciousness. She is… sleeping?

How can somebody…? Trying to bring her perception in line with the horrible events from before and Frisk's relaxed mood Chara recollected that she had always seen the real images from Frisk's eyes even when she had blocked their sight with illusions. So she assumed that Frisk's mind numbed from shock could have perceived the events a little bit different than Chara herself. Geez what a lucky crybaby!

Thinking a while Chara assumed further that just her presence had prevented Frisk's conscious from simply passing away as the connection between her and Chara had worked like an additional anchor keeping Frisk in place when their body failed to do so and their conscious was too calm to hold them back. Reaching this insight Chara gulped, Whew that was close.

Running her fingers over the smooth surface of the soul Chara paused again searching for the best approach to explain Frisk what had happened so that they could start this whole 'retry' thingy.

Your sleep was deep and dreamless. Not thinking at all you simply drifted through its darkness recovering from the previous strains enjoying its eternal silence that had embraced you like a warm blanket taking every problem away. It was just perfect… besides this strange feeling of something holding on to you pausing your unnoticeable movement through the darkness like a string of yarn preventing a kite from escaping into the sky.

Moving a bit around you tried to shake it of. But it just grew in intensity feeling now as would something try to pull you back.

Rolling over you tried again to escape this thing but again it just seemed to increase its force. Flailing your arms didn't do any good either to the contrary it was answered wit a more resolute pull. Grimacing you demanded dozily, "Just a little bit longer..." Just to be dragged out of the darkness with a final pull.

Feeling pointy stones pressing against your back and other soft things moved by a mild breeze stroking your body you opened reluctantly your eyes blinking against the twilight in the cave.

"Hey there little Snow White finally woken up?"

Sitting up turning your head you saw Chara sitting besides you in the field of golden flowers that filled the dream replica of the cave where you had met Flowey from side to side. Dozily letting out a long yawn you corrected her with from sleep sluggish voice, "I'm not Snow White… Snow White is really really pale… and was awoken by the kiss of a charming prince..." Blinking a few times you concluded with childish determinateness pointing at Chara, "So you must be Snow White."

Tilting her head on this words Chara raised one of her hands before her eyes mustering its unusual light skin colour with a funny look. "Nice theory crybaby…," lowering her hand she aimed a finger gun at you asking with a sudden slyly grin, "But where is my prince then huh?"

"Um…," taken by surprise searching for an answer your gaze got lost in the distance.

Noting your hesitation Chara leaned forward adding with a raised eyebrow, "And if I'm Snow White who are you then?"

That was easy so you answered without delay, "I'm me."

"Just you?," Chara blinked, "No princess? Come on you've free choice!" Raising a hand she started to list name after name keeping an eye out for your reaction, "Rosebud? Cinderella? Jasmin? Belle… no she wasn't a princess..."

Interrupting Chara's pondering for more names you told her firmly, "I don't want to be a princess. I'm okay with living with Toriel."

Hearing this Chara tilted her head repeating, "Not wanting to be a princess…", one of the corners of her mouth twitched, "living with Toriel…," raising a hand she tried to hide a sudden smile.

"What is so funny?," knitting your brows you recapped your words to find the missing joke.

"Oh nothing…," a short giggle escaped Chara's mouth, "Nothing really..." Seeing your irritated gaze she got serious again, "But you should wake up now."

"Already?," disappointed that this relaxed moment should end so soon you regarded Chara with a pleading look.

Leaving now space for negotiations ignoring your silent request Chara pointed calmly out "Yes Toriel is waiting."

"Okay…," giving in to Chara's command feeling still disappointed you kept quiet for awhile before asking a bit embarrassed, "How do I wake up?"

Thankfully ignoring your embarrassment Chara leaned forward grabbing your hands advising, "Easy just concentrate," her red eyes locking with your brown ones. "Remember we where in Waterfall…", her voice softened forcing you to listen carefully, "the air was wet of the lakes…" Feeling dozily you closed your eyes just for a moment but kept them shut as more of Chara's low spoken words seeped into your mind. "The plants where glowing…", letting go of your hands Chara's moved up grasping now your shoulders, "the stones in the roof where shining..." Yawning quietly you imagined it noting surprised how easy it was to summon a lifelike picture of Waterfall into your mind. Fascinated you inspected the image more closely marvelled by all the small details in it. "Remember remember", turning down even more Chara's urging voice changed into a whisper, "remember," that was only barely audible as you moved mentally closer to the picture that seemed to… move?

Looking with irritation at the small isles of light in the image representing Waterfall's plants moving although your weren't imagining it you felt how Chara's supporting hands around your shoulders showed you backwards before letting go. "Chara?," asking precarious for the meaning of this you tried to stabilize yourself but the movement backwards continued although your mass centre undoubtedly should drag you forward. "Chara!?," panicking you called again for the elder child fumbling hands neither locating them or the ground. "CHARA!?," toppling over loosing your sense of direction your eyes sprang open panicked gaze searching for a hold or help from Chara.

But there was only a bright red shine that tasted like dainty strawberries and felt as chewy and uneven as crayons filling you entire vision. Frightened by this flailing your arms you tried to scream once more for Chara but no sound left your lips as the shine brightened even more piercing through your skin cutting out every other sense until nothing else as the shine itself and the dreading feeling of falling was left. Then your fall was stopped by an abrupt jolt that was accompanied by the return of all your senses at once disorientating you even more as they presented you Waterfall's stillness instead of the dream cave where you had been not even a second ago.

Waving her hand Toriel extinguished the search light she had used to follow Frisk's trace continuing her search in the teeing corridor attentive gaze following the not so old footprints.

Already past the first corner she noted absently the sound of heavy boots entering the tunnel behind her suddenly stopping as a booming voice echoed from the walls, "SANS!? IT IS NOT THE TIME TO PLAY WITH YOUR PHONE! WE'VE TO FOLLOW TORIEL!". Ignoring the two skeletons Toriel kept going.

Needing a short moment to reorientate herself after the dazzling flash of energy Chara reached out to Frisk's senses trying to assess the situation as quickly as possible while Frisk herself remained motionless still trying to comprehend what had happened. Cheeks wet from crying… Looking into the direction where Monster Kid vanished… Comparing in moments present and memory Chara hurriedly tried to determine to which point on their shared journey Frisk had 'reset' to. We came from there… Over there must be the way to Snowdin-

A quiet sound made its way from Frisk's ear into Chara's overly alert mind her ghostly eyes widening in startled recognition as she identified it as the scrapping of heavy metallic soles moving over gravel as someone big shifted their weight forward. CRAP!, reacting without thinking Chara reached out to Frisk's left leg compelling its nerves to disobey Frisk so that the limb would go limp for a second.

Letting out a surprised gasp Frisk staggered sideways catching herself before she could fall. Then the air howled in angry distress as one of knight's light blue spears tore through it piercing Frisk's former position before exploding into ephemeral sparks as it hit the ground in the distance.

That was way to close, feeling shock and slight nausea on the memory of the first time this spear had been thrown Chara braced herself as the also shocked Frisk slowly turned around probably knowing what was to come as a quiet whimper fought its way up her throat.

Right arm stretched forward weight resting entirely on one leg the knight was still standing in the same stance as when they had thrown their deadly weapon. "Impressive," tilting their head the knight pulled the arm back, "So Alphys documentations were right after all. Humans are good in dodging attacks!"

Although obscured to a brassy travesty of itself the voice of the knight was still able to transport the delight and the hint of a teethed smile in their last words right into Chara's mind, this can't be good…

As to confirm her suspicion the knight moved forward their metallic soles hitting the ground with a loud 'CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!' as they slowly diminished the distance between themself and Frisk summoning another spear. "This surly will be an interesting fight if the rest of the documentations are right as well!"

Hearing the excitement in the knight's voice Chara decided that it was time to go, "Fisk-"

Whirled around Frisk was already running for dear life neither waiting for the knight to come any closer or for Chara to finish her sentence.

Seeing their prey attempting to flee the knight stopped shouting harshly, "Oh no human! You wont escape a fourth time!"

Wanna bet!?, reaching out Chara nudged Frisk mentally ordering the other child to sidestep randomly left and right to prevent the knight from aiming clearly while the adrenalin in Frisk's body fastened her own thoughts.

Surging up behind Frisk a bright green light emitted from the approximate position of the knight overshadowing easily Waterfall's usual light blue twilight. What-, sensing a sudden wave of energy closing in Chara redirected her attention to the corners of Frisk's eyes just in time to see a glowing green line passing under Frisk's feet stopping about a meter before them, "Frisk STOP!"

Hearing Chara's panicked shout Frisk although probably unaware of the line tried to halt without delay blowing up some dust in the process coming to a staggering halt just before a tight wall of green spears sprang up in her way cutting exactly through the spot where she would've been when she had kept on running.

Seriously!? Wasn't there already enough near death experiences for one day? Sticking to angry sarcasm to overcome the shock more easily being grateful that a not beating heart couldn't have a heart attack Chara focused again onto Frisk's senses.

Way blocked by Toriel-high spears that couldn't be climbed without slashing open oneself on their heads Frisks gaze darted to the left to find a another way out… then to the right… then into the direction where she came from... all with the same outcome.

It's a circle, having a really bad feeling about this Chara could feel Frisk's panic reaching new levels as she noted this too and the fact that the knight approached her again.

"So," stopping about three metres away all sigils on the knights armour where now glowing in the same green shade as the spear barrier as they assured proudly, "This time nobody will disturb our fight on the field of honour."

Yeah it surely is honourable to slay a little child! Unable to do anything ghostly fists clenching in helpless anger Chara could just seethe as Frisk pressed herself in deadly fear against the spears.

Conveying again a teethed smile the brassy voice of the knight asked with a noticeable thrill, "Shall we begin?"

"Nno-," attacking on the first throaty syllable not even letting Frisk finish her first word the knight thrusted their now also green weapon forward deep into Frisk's chest. Producing a sickening wet splat the spear head cut without mercy through the fabric of Frisk's sweater the underlying tissue and her heart which cramped painfully around the foreign object its muscles ripping apart one by one as they scrapped over the sharp edges of the spear. Technically Frisk was already dead at this moment.

Freezing for a moment every one of Frisk's senses was obscured by shock as her gaze rested on the spear shaft in her chest and the red stain around it. Raising her hands she grabbed it small hands fumbling over its smooth surface as she vainly tried to remove it. Inhaling Frisk attempted to say something but was interrupted by wet coughs that were accompanied by a tearing pain in her left lung leaving the metallic taste of copper behind.

Slumping down oxygen deprived muscles unable to support her any longer Frisk's entire weight pushed down onto the spear pinning her steadily at the spear barrier behind as the knight didn't even react as the last of Frisk's functioning muscles twitched in agony as the sharp edges of the weapon pressed painfully against her ribs. Head resting on her chest narrowing gaze indirectly highlighting the cause of her pain Frisk was condemned to watch helplessly as her life ended this time not obscured by irritation and luckily cut nerves so that she was full aware of every little detail as pain helplessness and cold apathy from the knight made sure to create a haunting memory that wouldn't be forgotten with ease.

Passively watching the events from the dark void Chara was to shocked to react or to think as Frisk was hit by the spear. And after that there was not much she could do due to Frisk's unbound emotions surging like ice water into her mind preventing every attempt to sooth them mentally or to block the nerves causing their pain. So Chara could as well only watch as Frisk last seconds went by every one seemingly lasting for hours until graciousness darkness swallowed Frisk's body perception.

Creating another illusion of the cave Chara prepared to soothe Frisk whose soul was still emitting heavy waves of panic and mental pain as the smaller child tried to comprehend what had happened. She knew it wouldn't be easy but there was no other way either Frisk would find a way to survive the knight or… or there was nothing Chara could do.

Waving her hand Toriel extinguished the search light she had used to follow Frisk's trace continuing her search in the teeing corridor attentive gaze following the not so old footprints.

Already past the first corner she noted absently the sound of heavy boots entering the tunnel behind her suddenly stopping as a booming voice echoed from the walls, "WHAT DO YOU MEAN WITH 'I'VE TO CHECK SOMETHING OUT'!? WE HAVE TO FOLLOW TORIEL TO HELP HER FINDING HER CHILD SO THAT I CAN HELP HER AFTERWARDS WITH HER QUESTIONS ABOUT UNDYNE!". Ignoring the two skeletons Toriel kept going.

Being only a guest in Frisk's mind Chara could just comfort the smaller child between the tries watching helplessly as her life was ended over and over again.

Not used to fights Frisk reminded entirely passive in the beginning just staring at the remorseless approaching knight pleading with shaking voice for mercy throaty words soon interrupted by spontaneous sobbing and crying as try after try intimidated her further.

Then eventually convinced by Chara or by understanding herself that the knight couldn't be reasoned with Frisk proceeded to run away from the green glowing spear barrier in her back as soon as the retries started trying to escape from the deathly weapon in the knight's hand.

Seeing this the knight didn't hesitate much more than before they just stopped took aim and then… then Frisk's senses where again cut of by tearing pain.

Unable to escape this cycle of fear pain and death Frisk tried everything what she could to escape or at least to prolong the time of the tries. Running close to the spear barrier making it more difficult for the knight to aim against it's green glow. Moving more or less unpredictable even managing to evade one or two spears. Going even as far as to shout out for help although it felt as would the words rip her throat apart.

But nobody came and every action lead to the same painful result that would require Chara to sooth Frisk to comfort her to give her tips what to do and then to watch helplessly another futile try noting in concern that she needed more and more time to persuade Frisk to try it again.

*HUMPF*, stomping down another corridor heavy red boots left a distinct trail as Papyrus soon-to-be royal guardsmen continued his epic quest to help a lady in need now slightly behind his ward after his lazy brother had slowed him down.

'IMPORTANT THING THAT HE HAS TO STUDY', imitating Sans pally voice in his head Papyrus continued his silent rant, HA! PROBABLY THE NEWEST EPISODE OF MTT LIVE AND THE BOTTOM OF A KETCHUP BOTTLE!

I SHOULD TALK TO HIM AFTER THIS MISSION, as always Papyrus couldn't be angry at Sans for long so that he was now reflecting on his brother's over all behaviour instead of clinging to his anger, HE REALLY HAS CHANGED SINCE THIS ACCIDENT HIS BOSS HAD. Remembering the last times he had tried to talk to Sans he added unheard, AFTER THIS MISSION… I WILL TALK TO HIM AFTER THIS MISSION, already expecting a lazy 'don't worry bro don't worry all is going just fine.'

Concentrating again on the dusty trails Papyrus pushed this intent for now back in his mind focussing entirely on the heroic task at hand.

"Sh-sh. It's okay. It's okay," wrapping her arms around the smaller child Chara did her best to appear assertive while she tried to console Frisk after another futile attempt to overcome the knight. Continuing the hushing she used her split perception to check again on Frisk's red soul noticing with uneasiness the increased number of sporadic slots under her tentative ghostly fingers marking the invisible cracks disturbing the smooth surface of the soul. Its getting more, summoned by her fear images of other cracked souls appeared before her mind's eye sending cold thrills down her spine as they shattered visualizing what was about to happen, This has to end fast... or she will die permanently! Forcing her facial muscles to maintain the hopefully calming smile Chara addressed Frisk again demanding in a low pressing tone, "Frisk? You should try it again. The last one was-"

"NO!," head jerking upwards Frisk stiffened brown eyes darting erratically from left to right panicked gaze searching for the knight or a hideout.

Grepping Frisk's shaking hands Chara tried to reason with her "But Tori-"

Just to be interrupted again as Frisk's pulled her hands from her grip hasty whispering "No no no no...," and embracing herself.

"But-," starting another try Chara cut herself off as her ghostly self besides Frisk's soul heard a faint sound. Shifting her attention to this part of herself Chara's horrified gaze was met with a dark red line slowly making its way from the top of the hearth downwards splitting the soul in two while filling the dark void with the faint sound of splintering crystal. Its breaking! Blind panic starting to clog her thoughts she switched back to the illusionary cave trying to stop the decay by soothing Frisk.

But all her calming words assuring gestures and other sincere intentions where repelled by a daunted Frisk who had rolled-up in a fetal position still whimpering, "...no no no no..." Smaller cracks emitted from the main one stretching fractal pattern over the once pure surface as rampant desperation ravaged through Frisk's consciousness ruthlessly devouring even the last bits of hope in her mind.

Oh please no, unable to calm Frisk or to stop the decay on her own Chara clenched her ghostly hands as a overwhelming feeling of defeat paralysed her, this is a nightmare. Please no, embracing the soul she tried to hold it together, not again, but she could still hear the sound of breaking crystal, I wont let it happen again! Holding onto the hearth in the dark void Chara started another try to soothe Frisk's consciousness in the illusionary cave.

But Frisk didn't listen to Chara as the many deaths had driven her to the point where everything else then the end of the suffering had lost its value to her.

"Oh Frisk...," utterly helpless Chara's illusionary-self kneeled besides the now quiet Frisk taking her limp hand. Can't blame her I would probably give up too if I were trapped in this nightmare and couldn't wake up.

Feeling Chara's grip Frisk pulled her hand before her chest huddling the foreign one like a plushie against her body desperately looking for at least a little ease in this nightmare.

Nothing, seeing Frisk laying there feeling how the warmth left her body Chara finally gave in to this devastating fact, there is nothing I can do. Tears welling up in her illusionary eyes she felt through her ghostly self in the dark void how the large crack reached the bottom of the soul breaking it with a deafening 'CRACK' in half. Not wanting to let go Chara hold on to these two pieces keeping them at least for now in place although the still ongoing splintering of the smaller cracks foretold what was about to happen.

Stroking some hairs out of Frisk's motionless face Chara remembered her time with Frisk and how she first had met her after the forbidding attack at the bowl of Monster Candy. She was so scarred that she didn't even notice me in the darkness..., a wistful smile wavered over her face as she remembered how she had given Frisk's small silhouette overlapping the hearth a good shove back to live with the very same hand Frisk was now holding in her last moments. It is so unfair! Why she!?, tears falling onto the ground and the still Frisk Chara's desperation changed into hot anger, There were so many other kids killing everyone that looked only remotely threatening surviving far longer but she has to die!? One of the buttercups moved slightly in one of the soft breezes stroking almost loving over Frisk's head providing a welcomed target for her rage as she ripped it forcefully from the ground watching with glee as it withered on a single thought to dust in her hand. Looking up Chara's disgusted gaze was met with the rest of the flowers filling in hundreds the cave every single one reminding her of Flowey watching gleefully down onto the helpless Frisk.

Lifting her free hand Chara prepared to let the rest of the plants wither as well but stopped as her anger made way to an overall tiredness, What would be the point of destroying something that isn't even there anyways? Then reaching a conclusion her hand moved again, But at least I can make it a bit more comfortable for her, and with a resolute swipe the cave was engulfed in darkness.

Still following Frisk's footprints in the dust of the corridor Toriel rounded another corner stopping abruptly as she too occupied by the trace to watch her steps ran head first into something soft that yielded easily under her momentum. Recoiling a step on this surprising event Toriel's irritated gaze was met with a fleecy looking grey veil whose partly reflecting strings created hundreds of little sparkling dots.

Standing there in the cut off corridor the tall goat monster in the purple dress stiffened as recognition widened her eyes on the sight of the smooth fabric and the faint traces of magic emitting from it conveying surreptitious feelings of safety and comfort inviting unwary minds to step right in. Right into the trap probably waiting behind it.

Furry hands clenching to fists in white sleeves Toriel took a deep breath feeling cold fear for Frisk and blazing anger about the creator of this nicely bait ravaging through her mind. Not even noting the faint scent of melting plastic coming from the ground beneath her she reached out to the veil...

Faint yellow light shone through the door crack into the dark room barely illuminating the cupboard and the waist-high shelf on the opposing side of the room.

Mom always left the floor lamps on..., absently noting this in the past unnoticed fact Chara's critically gaze swept through the darkness assesing every detail of the new illusion that had replaced the old one of the cave. Noting just some minor details like a different kind of bedding and the absence of the red plushie normally laying at the wall Chara deemed it for good enough letting the non-corporal Frisk down onto the bed where she added the final touches that would incorporate her into the illusion.

Flinching on the sudden reinstating of gravity after the end of the cave illusion Frisk's eyes sprang open unseeing gaze darting panicked from side to side before focussing onto the white plushie in her hand. Being confronted with the familiar surroundings of her room in Toriel's house Frisk let out a relieved sob tightly embracing the plushie for comfort. Then taking a quick look around Frisk pulled the blanket over herself turning towards the wall probably trying to hide from the nightmare.

Sitting down on the edge of the bed causing no creases as she was still incorporeal to not disturb Frisk Chara mustered the little bump on the bed with a pitying look in her eyes fighting back tears of frustration. She looks so small… Why she?, feeling again tired and helpless upon this unfairness Chara sought comfort in her memories reliving her time with Frisk in her mind smiling distrait as she remembered how happy Frisk was during her time with Toriel and wishing unspeakable things upon the evil daisy and this tin soldier as their actions had surrendered Frisk to this horrid fate.

Then there was nothing else to do then to wait for the final moment when Frisk's soul would shatter setting Frisk free from all earthly harm and casting Chara back into non-sentient darkness.

Indifferent stars gazed from Waterfall's eternal night upon the two figures beneath them ignoring the knight in green glowing armour as well as the little child laying motionless on the ground before them.

Wearing a helmet it wasn't really obvious what the knight may think so one could only guess what it meant as the knight stared with shaking hands down onto their lifeless prey the sigils on their armour flickering unsteadily. Kneeling down they extended hesitantly an metallic hand stopping as darkness behind ventail locked with broken human eyes. Shaking a little faster the hand was pulled back and compassionate shadows hid the unseeing eyes from sight as the knight's concentration faded taking the green glowing barrier of spears and the light of the sigils in their armour with it.

Observing the scene from afar two white dots mustered the retching knight for a moment with pity before focusing again onto the small body on the ground seemingly waiting for something.

Turning around the knight took some deep breaths seemingly unaware of the short silhouette behind one of the glowing trees as they removed one of their gloves producing a small device from their sleeve.

Letting out a disappointed huff on the sight of the knight lifting the cellphone thumbs already pushing buttons the unseen spectator checked a last time on the lifeless human before vanishing into thin air.

In… out… in… out… in… out…, still sitting on the edge of the bed Chara's watchful gaze monitored every one of Frisk's breaths, in… out… in…, waiting in tired desperation for the small bump under the blanket to stop moving, out…

I hope mom will be alright, having seen her adoptive mother through many different eyes Chara couldn't fail to notice how Toriel's behaviour had changed over time treating the first child she had taken in equally to Chara herself but getting more strict and anxious with each child she lost until she was basically holding them prisoner in her house culminating in the death of the girl that had fallen down before Frisk. In…, trying to picture Toriel's reaction a short grim smile appeared on her face, At least mom will give this tin soldier a good piece of her mind when she finds out what they did. Out… In…

Out… in… out..., Chara moved a bit on the edge, in… out… in…, her gaze wavered through the room counting the white zigzag lines on the red carpet, out… in… out…, a long bored exhale left her mouth, in… out… in.. out… in… in… DAMN!

Sitting now a fairly long time just idly around Chara's restless nature couldn't take it anymore prompting her with a partly unnerved partly guilty, Shouldn't she be dead by now!?, to refocus on the dark void where her ghostly self was still hugging the cracked and partly broken soul. Just to note in surprise that the faint sound of splintering crystal marking the end of Frisk's young life… had stopped.

What?, not able to see much from the soul as she was still hugging it Chara stared in dazed surprise at the slowly closing cracks traversing the little part of the red glowing surface in front of her eyes unable to comprehend what was going on.This..- Why-? How…, thoughts completely derailed by surprise she took a step back remembering a thick to late why she had embraced the heart-shaped form of pure energy as her eyes fell onto the dark red crack splitting it from top to bottom in two. But against the fact that Chara had clearly heard how the soul had split it remained now intact.

How is this possible?, extending a shaking hand Chara's thought's raced one another still unable to comprehend this. The soul is healing but… but Frisk was devastated unable to think unable to hope not even trying anymore to escape the knight, her fingers touched the end of one of the cracks feeling clearly how the imperfection retreated until the smoothness under her skin was again unbroken, this is-, being a ghost there were no happy tears that could fall but she could clearly feel them as she was overwhelmed by boundless emotions, this is a miracle!

Going back into the illusion filled with relief and hope she reached out for Frisk eager to tell her the news to rejoice but Chara's hand stopped mid-air as realization hit her like cold water. I can't wake her, she backed slowly away, she was already way past taking on the knight just hearing that she has to try it again could end her.

Standing in the middle of the room Chara tried to calm herself, It will be okay just let her sleep I'll wait until the soul has regenerated after that we can perhaps figure out a way to 'reset' to a time before the kn- Thinking of the armoured monster her thought's were interrupted by the memory of a brassy voice demanding full of righteous intent, "Give up your soul or I'll tear it from your body," it's words striking fear into her mind as she realized the flaw in her plan.

They are going to steal her soul, cold shivers shaking Chara's illusionary body on this insight she backed further away from Frisk right hand clenching her chest as she saw once again the picture of the two heart-shaped souls before her eyes. One upside down pulsing in a pure innocent white glow and the other cracked one her own one flickering in a dark crimson shade both souls connected by crimson sparks being forced by invisible force into the form of a scrappy string that lost its from on every flicker of her soul. No… A cold wall stopped Chara's retreat surrendering her without escape to the horrid pictures before her mind's eye letting her no other choice than to relive her soul flickering a last time before it gave in splintering into hundreds of shrapnel like fragments shooting into the silvery void around the souls. No please no! One of them smashing into the other soul sending a shockwave of cracks over its pure white surface- Then the flashback ended leaving a shaking Chara in the darkness of the illusionary room limp limbs letting her slide down the wall to rattled to keep standing.

Sitting in the darkness hiding her face in her hands Chara needed quite some time to recover from the painful memory while warm tears wet her palms. Pull yourself together... Big girls don't cry! Sniffing she tried to sweep the tears away but probably just smeared them all over her face. There is no time. Lifting her head Chara regarded the small bump representing Frisk on the bed at the far side of the room with a desperate gaze. She needs me. I've to do something!

Closing her eyes Chara returned to the dark void ghostly body still standing in front of the monotonous glowing soul. Okay. Okay. I got this… Being in front of this pure form of energy Chara felt suddenly greatly hesitantly. I got this… Reaching out to the red heart she put one of her hands down onto its smooth surface. As before she felt the energy of the soul humming under her fingertips this time slightly disturbed as Frisk was not in a really good condition. Okay what now?

Having not really a plan Chara moved her hand a bit around fingers following some of the smaller cracks searching for a way to do just something. Eyes wandering aimlessly over the soul's surface until she noted the small string composed of red sparks emitting from the bottom tip of the heart connecting herself with Frisk's soul. The connection…, wondering gaze resting on the small string Chara probed it carefully with her mind receiving a sluggish echo of dormant power erratically spiking up when Frisk's still troubled emotions stirred up the soul in her sleep. Testing the connection further reaching out to the power behind it an idea formed in Chara's head, Frisk may be unable to fight for herself…, her tentative mind-feelers reached the end of the connection conveying her the feeling of something like a hard core, but perhaps she don't has too! Fully concentrating onto the connection Chara tried the same thing she had witnessed many times before in her un-live she composed a crude image of the knight approaching Frisk in Waterfall adding every detail she could recall to make it as life-like as possible before forcing it through the connection into the soul.

Nothing happened.

What? Raising a ghostly eyebrow Chara pushed the image a second time into the soul but again nothing happened. Why isn't this damn thing working!? Taking a step back after repeating the process two up to fifteen times just to be sure Chara reconsidered her idea slightly annoyed. I'm creating the image…, Chara raised one ghostly finger, then I send it into the connection…, another finger was raised, over the connection it goes into the soul…, a third finger joined the other two, the soul does its 'reset/retry' thingy…, fourth finger, I beat the tin solider..., fifth finger, we live happily ever after. Clenching all five fingers now fully annoyed Chara shoot an angry glance at the soul, So far so easy. If this stupid thing would work! Annoyance transforming into anger Chara pushed the image once more into the soul.

Besides a short stir due to Firsk's still troubled mind the soul showed no reaction at all.

Why doesn't it work? Feeling cold although there was no real temperature in the dark void despair slowly seeped back into Chara's mind displacing the anger. It has to work. Inhaling deeply the nothing of the dark void she tried it again. It has to work… please... But every futile try just intensified the feeling of despair in Chara's mind until she had to accept that she was once more unable to protect Frisk.

"I'm sorry Frisk," projecting her illusionary image onto the edge of Frisk's bed in the illusionary room Chara whispered her regretful apology to the smaller child. Seeming much calmer now hiding no longer under the blanket Frisk was laying on her back loosely embracing the illusion of the plushie. Seeing this Chara felt tears burning in her eyes as her mind was already showing her what had to happen. "I'm so sorry." Showed her Frisk screaming in pure agony small body twitching in unearthly pain brown eyes rolling in anguish while Chara could only watch helplessly unable to prevent the knight or whoever else they were working for from ripping Frisk's soul out of her body. Room blurring before her tear-dimmed eyes thoughts weighted down with despair Chara fought hard to not break out into heavy sobbing. "So sorry."

Trembling under the horrid images before her mind's eye and the memory of her own soul breaking and destroying the other one in the process Chara gave in to despair letting her tears flow freely. I can't help her. I just can't help her. Shaken by a silent sob tormented by mind and memory alike Chara accepted the hopelessness of the situation leading her despairing thoughts to a last a final way to 'help' Frisk. But I can at least spare her from the pain.

Leaning forward Chara placed her right hand on Frisk's slowly falling and raising chest. Modifying the illusion at will her palm phased right through the blanket and Frisk's sweater nerves conveying her a funny feeling as they passed warm flesh and blood. Stretching her arm further fumbling a bit around Chara's fingers closed around the source of the warmth in the foreign chest.

Noting something amiss Frisk moved unsettled pulling the white plushie a bit closer.

"Sh-sh. Everything will be alright. Sh-sh," hushing Frisk with low reassuring whispers Chara paused for a moment before repositioning her hand for a better grip. Feeling the beat of Frisk's life now directly under her palm Chara hesitated for another moment desperate thoughts once more contemplating all options without finding a way out.

"Hmhmhm…," head rolling from left to right Frisk mumbled quietly not in the least aware of what Chara was about to do.

It is the only way. Grief and guilt equally forming a heavy lump in her throat Chara closed her eyes unable to look at the smaller child as she decided to continue. I'm sorry Frisk. Then Chara's fist clenched in a sudden movement around the foreign heart.

Tensing Frisk's body reacted nearly immediately to the stop of blood circulation different muscles cramping uncontrollably as the oxygen dried up. But although marking such a grave event as the end of an life the cramps stopped as sudden as they started and Frisk's body relaxed again letting out a final sigh as a last breath left her lips. Changing from heavy constant pulsing to irregular trembling Frisk's heart continued the fight over the course of at least one and a half minutes before giving in as well. Then the illusionary personification of Frisk's conscious was dead.

Unable to look at her gruesome deed Chara kept her eyes closed her skin and palm feeling unnaturally warm where Frisk's blood had passed through them. She didn't suffer. It was the only way. Holding on to the small comfort of her own rationalizations Chara didn't move as the small body beneath her lost it's temperature rather quickly her hand still resting in Frisk's chest. I'm so sorry... mum… Frisk… but there was nothing I could do… Blinking back tears of guilt and shame Chara's ghostly self in the dark void closed her eyes as well as a first flicker of dark red wavered over Frisk's soul foretelling of the immense surge of energy that had to come when this pure form of energy robbed of Frisk's stabilizing consciousness would tear itself apart.

Feeling the first spikes of energy piercing from the soul over the connection right into her mind Chara hunched down pulling Frisk in to a half embrace one hand still clenching around Frisk's heart as the uncontrolled energy made it impossible for her to change the illusion at will. Biding silently goodbye to Frisk noting from the very corner of her perception how the illusionary room strained and twisted under the raising tide of dark red energy Chara prepared herself for being cast back into senseless darkness until the next time when cosmic cruelty would bind her to the fate of another human. Goodbye crybaby, loosing more and more stability the room around the two of them vanished surrendering Chara and Frisk's lifeless body to a strange feeling of falling, it was nice knowing you, burning on her skin dark red light dispelled the darkness behind Chara's closed eyelids, take care of yoursel- Overcoming the last barriers in Chara's mind the energy from the soul drowned all her senses in a dazzling red flash ending her thought as well as the comforting feeling of Frisk's head resting on her shoulder.

- A / N -

Don't worry, not the end.

- A / N END -

- Review Stuff -

T: Sorry for a late review but the confusing parts for me are just the sudden transitions and I dont always catch the "crybaby" parts and stuff like that, so I hope that helps!

Me: No issue, needed this time more time myself to write, will probably see if I can make things clearer when the story is finished.

- Review Stuff END -