Well at least it didn't take me half a year this time. But hey, new chapter's out so that's good. Anyway I also think I got a little carried away with how long this one is, but I felt this worked as a somewhat big chapter anyway. So here it is!

I don't own DoubleTale or Undertale.


The white light had suddenly stopped.

I blinked my eyes in confusion, and tried to get a good look of my surroundings. There wasn't much around. Just an inky blackness that surrounded me. Yet in the blackness I could see faint figures. Figures of people I had met and familiar scenarios. Some good, some I wish I could forget.

*More bad memories?

"Some of them…" While I would love to reminisce on what good memories there are, I'd rather not have to search through the majority of bad ones. "Let's just figure out what's going on here. I don't want to be here that long."

*Fine by me.

Then just out of nowhere, a Froggit had appeared in front of me.

"Ribbit." Froggit let out.

"Uh… hey there little guy." I smiled, giving a small wave in the process. "You have any idea what I'm supposed to do here?"

"Ribbit." Froggit responded. It then turned around and hopped forward going deeper into the void. But then it stopped and turned, as if waiting for me.

I guess it wants me to follow it? That's the only thing I could think of.

I stepped towards the Froggit, only somewhat surprised that I had some kind of footing in this empty void. It turned back the way it was originally going and hopped forward.

The Froggit was starting to get a bit far, so I started running to keep up with it.

Though eventually, I lost track of how long I had been following it. I just kept going, ignoring the memories that surrounded me.

I kept my eyes trained on the Froggit. Until it stopped, and a large fluffy hand caught my attention. It pet the Froggit on the head. I stopped as my eyes trailed up the fluffy arm, to the large goat woman it belonged to.

"It's good to finally meet you, my child." Toriel smiled as she looked up at me.

"Yeah uh… Nice to meet you too." Honestly it's still kinda weird seeing these characters up close like this.

"I know of the weight that's been put on your shoulders." Toriel stopped petting the Froggit, and stood up.

"And for that, I must apologize." Toriel frowned before continuing. "If it weren't for my weakness, then that horrible child wouldn't have been released to the Underground. Now the fate of Monster Kind has been entrusted to you. A human from another world."

"But now, I wish to give you this." Toriel's reassuring smile returned as she held out her hands. A fireball had formed in her palms. "It is the least I could do."

Toriel's body then swirled, as if being sucked into the fireball she had created. As it floated in front of me, I slowly walked forward, reaching my hand out to the burning orb.

My hand then cupped the orb, as it let out a soft warmness. I brought it closer as the orb now lay in the palm of my hand. The fires then grew in intensity, swirling around as the flames climbed along my arm, soon swarming my whole body. The flames continued to whisk around me, until they eventually went for my sword. The gem on Merciless' crossguard began to glow a scarlet red. The whole sword then glowed red, before its original shape had begun to shift.

Then it stopped glowing. The weight on my back had almost doubled. I grabbed the handle and held it in front of me, only to see my sword… was no longer a sword anymore.

It was an axe.

*You made it your own.

Desolation:

Slow, heavy, yet powerful. Everything will break in its path.

I smirked as I held the heavy weapon with both hands. The usual dark brown grip had become a lot longer and was slightly thicker. The red gem was now at the top, above the axe head.

I gave it a couple swings. It was hard to swing, but definitely had some power behind it. I then slammed the axe head into the ground, causing it to crack as a red light peered through it.

"Hell yeah."


Chapter 5: A Devil's Power

"You want this power then come try and take it."


My eyes snapped open.

I immediately collapsed onto my knees, trying to keep myself up from the exhaustion. Had a bit of a headache. But it could be worse.

"You good kiddo?"

I looked up as Sans spoke, eventually standing back up. "Yeah… I'm alright. I've been through worse."

"Yo Aiden!"

I looked over to see Monster Kid running into the room. He seemed excited to see me.

"Oh! Hey Monster Kid!" I raised my hand up and smiled to greet him. But my smile faded and my eyes squinted as my headache got slightly worse. I put my hand on my forehead, in a poor attempt to ease the pain.

"Yo dude…" Monster Kid stopped as his excitement turned to worry. "You ok man?"

"Yeah… I'll be just fine." I tried to reassure Monster Kid. Hopefully this headache goes away soon. "But hey, check out what I can do now!"

I grabbed Merciless by the handle and drew it, swinging it to my right as the sword quickly became red before shifting into Desolation. The weight of the axe drags itself down to the ground. It lands, cracking the tile floor beneath.

"YOOO!" Monster Kid's eyes lit up with excitement. "You got magic now! And you already know how to control it! That's sooo cool!"

"Yeah, tell me about it." I lifted up the axe and held it with both hands. Honestly, I'm not even that surprised that I already have this type of control. I was a natural when I first got Merciless. But somehow using this axe feels natural as well.

"Well that was a lot faster than I thought." Sans said as he approached. "It's good that you already know how to use your magic. Weapon shapeshifting… That's pretty good magic you got."

"Pretty good, huh?" I held Desolation above the center of the handle. It then shifted back into its sword form, before I put it back on my back. I then turn back to Sans. "So, what now?"

"We keep adding more magic. Though it's gonna take a little while to set up the next couple of cylinders." The lights in Sans' eyes drifted to the side. "Then after that I got some more dust collecting to do. So in the meantime, I think you two should get some sleep."

"You sure that's a good idea for me to do now?" I honestly wouldn't mind a little rest. But with the little demon still running around, it might not be the best thing to do.

"Well I'm betting that the little maniac is gonna get tired soon. They probably gotta rest up too."

Rest up after a few hours of murdering? I mean, sure I guess.

"Alright then. I guess we'll go catch some Zs then." I turned around to head back to the bedroom, and gave a short wave goodbye. "Wake me up later then."

"Sleep tight kiddo." Sans waved back, before starting on the preparations for the next infusion.


"Come on! We gotta keep going or we'll miss her!" The monster kid continued to drag Alexander through the swamp-like area. Staying cool and collected was easy for him, but with how annoying this kid has been, his patience had begun to wear thin.

"Will you…" Alexander dug his heels into the ground, his shoes building up mud as he came to a stop, and ripped his hand out of the monster kid's grip. "...let go!"

As Alexander's hand slipped from the monster kid's grip, they fell face first into the ground. But as quickly as they fell, they just as quickly picked themselves back up. He turned around to face the person he dragged along this whole way.

"O-Oh. I'm sorry, man." Monster Kid said with a nervous smile. "I guess I was in such a hurry I didn't think before I started to drag you along."

As much as how annoyed Alexander is, he can't afford to lose his one way to such a powerful foe. Alexander then took a deep breath before speaking out.

"Don't worry about it." His annoyed expression had turned to a false calming smile. "But next time, maybe don't be so rude with introductions."

"Oh yeah, sorry!" The monster kid then extended his tail out to Alexander. "My name is Monster Kid! Probably should've done this sooner."

Alexander was confused at first. But grabbed his tail for the tail-handshake regardless.

"You can call me Alexander." Alexander then released Monster Kid's tail. "Monster Kid? Is that really your name?"

"Yeah!" Monster Kid then arched a brow at his question. "Why? Is there something wrong with it?"

"Not at all." Honestly, Alexander thought the name was a little on the nose. But at least he now had something to call his pawn.

"I think it's best if we keep moving." Alexander walked forward before looking back at Monster Kid. "We have a royal guard captain to find, right?"

"Oh yeah!" Monster Kid's eyes widened with excitement. "Well, we missed her here but if we keep going I'm sure we'll find her!"

Monster Kid then ran ahead, taking a path that seemed to venture off from the main one. "Follow me! If we go this way, we'll get to see Undyne for sure!"

Alexander smiled. His plan seemed to be working out. All he has to do is keep following Monster Kid, then he'll get what he wants.

"Then lead the way."


I just… laid there, in bed. I couldn't really get any sleep. I stared at the ceiling for who knows how long. My headache had faded away so that wasn't keeping me up.

Honestly, I was getting a bit impatient. Sans needs to hurry up with the next set of magic he's got going. We don't really have a lot of time to rest now do we?

I eventually decided to just get up from bed. Since I can't sleep I might as well do something. I walk past a sleeping Monster Kid and leave the room. Maybe I'll check on Sans and see how close he is to getting the machine set up again.

As I made it to the central room, I could see Sans putting another canister in the machine. He then steps down from the ladder and turns his head to see me as I walk in.

"Hey kiddo." Sans said as I gave a short wave in response. "Did you sleep well?"

"I didn't even sleep."

"Huh. Any reason why?" Sans asked.

"Well it's kinda hard to sleep when there's a murderous enby on the loose." I said, crossing my arms. "I was also wondering when you were gonna have the next set of magic ready."

"Well then, you came at the perfect time." Sans said. Still keeping that grin of his on his face. "I just set up the machine and it's ready to go. So what do you say? Let's go ahead and get this thing going."

"Well… not just yet." I had just remembered something. I had something that I'd been meaning to give to Sans. But I'm not sure how he'll take it. "There's… something I need to give you first."

I reached into my jacket and searched around, until I found the scarf that I had kept with me this whole time. I held it out and the lights in Sans' eyes disappeared.

"I'm sorry… It's my fault Papyrus is dead. If only I was stronger back then, then none of this would be happening." I looked at the scarf in my hand as I remembered what happened. "I couldn't just leave this behind. But I don't think it's right for me to have it."

Sans still didn't say anything. I guess he's trying to process this.

"I… I'm sure you'd figure out what to do with it anyway." I hand Papyrus' scarf to Sans. He takes it without saying a word.

"Look Sans I-"

"It's alright." Sans interrupted.

"But-"

"Just… get on the platform. We have more work to do."

You know, even when Sans is known as the funny skeleton who makes jokes most of the time, he's a lot more than just that. And even now, it's still kinda shocking. He's been working hard to keep this timeline alive.

"Right…" I walk over to the platform, underneath the machine again. Sans had gone to the lever, and placed his hand on it, ready to activate.

I braced myself once again.

"Ok. Ready when you are."

Sans pulled down the lever, activating the machine like before. In the next few moments, I was once again enveloped in the white light.


After the white light had stopped, I noticed that I was back in the same void as before. The same memories playing on repeat in the black void. Even with all the good ones, it would hurt just to look through them. Besides, that's not even what I'm here for.

"Nice human!"

I turned towards the voice only to be wrapped in skeletal arms, as Papyrus hugged me.

"It is so good to see you again! I'm glad you're ok!" Papyrus grinned as he let go of me.

"Yeah… nice to see you too." I looked down, putting my hand on the back of my head.

Papyrus looked confused, before letting out a sigh, and putting his hand on my shoulder.

"You tried your best, human. It wasn't your fault."

"Yeah?" I looked back up at Papyrus. "I wasn't strong enough then. I tried to save you, and ended up getting you killed because of it. If that doesn't sound like my fault, then I don't know what does."

"Look human, I chose to save you because it was the right thing to do. And I'm sure you thought the same thing. And now you're choosing to save the monsters because it's the right thing to do."

"What if it's still not enough?" I asked? "What if I'm still not strong enough to beat them?"

"Human, I know that if you put in a little effort, you can do great things." Papyrus smiled. "Remember what I said to you, Human?"

"I… believe in… you…"

The painful memory replayed in my head. Watching him die in my own arms… It just reminded me how weak I was.

"Human, I still believe in you!" Papyrus spoke, snapping me out of my ruminating. "Look at you now! Preparing to save everyone! It proves you haven't given up!"

Even after I had let him down, he still believes in me. Believes that I can do better. He is right though. I chose to save the monsters because it was right. And if I need all the power in the world to do it, then that's fine by me.

"You're right." I looked back at Papyrus with a determined look on my face. "I said I'd stop them, and that's what I plan on doing!"

"Now that's the spirit Human!" Papyrus put his hand back on my shoulder, and clenched his other hand into a fist, as he smiled brightly at me.

"Although…" Papyrus then let go of my shoulder as he sounded a bit more serious. "I do have one request for you Human."

Papyrus held out his hand, as a foot-long bone appeared above it. "If a moment like it were to arrive…"

Papyrus' body had begun to swirl into the bone he had formed.

"Please… show a little mercy."

"..." I stared at the bone, as I watched Papyrus disappear into it. All that was left was me and the floating bone.

I reached out and held my hand underneath the bone. It began to break down in a wavy white light, as it ran up my arms and then swarmed my body. Similarly to the fireball I received earlier.

The magical light then went for my sword, surrounding it. The gem glowed scarlet red like before, until the entirety of the sword glowed and changed shape.

It had become lighter this time. I reached back and drew my weapon to see that the handle was mostly still the same. But the blade was gone, and instead was a black chain. The crossguard, minus the red gem, had turned into a three pronged claw, attached to the end of the chain, with the other end connected to the handle. The claw opened and snapped shut a couple times, as the chain slithered before retracting.

*You made it your own.

Serpent:

Can latch on and pull almost anything.

I smirked, as I swung the grappling hook forward. The chain had extended to about half the length of a football field. It stopped, before the claws opened and snapped shut a couple times. The chain then retracted till the back end of the claws audibly clanged against the top of the handle.

"Nice."


Alexander and Monster Kid traversed through Waterfall, in search of the captain of the royal guard. Yet there had been no sign of her.

Venturing through the tall grass, to traversing glowing blue lakes. Not a single monster in sight, not counting Monster Kid.

"Man… Where could she be?" Monster Kid was concerned that he may miss out on seeing his hero.

"I thought you knew her usual patrol routes." Alexander wondered. Perhaps Monster Kid wasn't as reliable as he thought. He began to reconsider relying on a child to know such things.

"I do! It's just… there's a bunch of weird things going on." Monster Kid arched a brow. Confused by the circumstances. "We can't find Undyne, there haven't been any other monsters around, and then there was that grumpy person I saw back in Snowdin."

"That is rather strange." Alexander replied, barely acknowledging Monster Kid.

The two continued on as Monster Kid looked down, thinking about everything that's happened until then. And then he stopped.

"Wait a minute… I think I know what's going on now!" Monster Kid said as he reached a conclusion. Alexander stopped and turned back to the little lizard monster. "You're a human! Aren't you?"

For how human Alexander looks, he's quite surprised that Monster Kid didn't make that assumption sooner. "You could say that."

Alexander then continued to move down the main path. Monster Kid followed suit.

"So wait, then that grumpy person has to be human too. Right?" Monster Kid arched a brow as he asked that.

"I'm not sure I would call them human. They certainly look the part however." Alexander looked up, seemingly upset as water somehow rained down from inside the cavern. But that was shortly resolved when he saw the bucket of umbrellas, and took one for himself.

"Wait, you met them?" Monster Kid said as he put himself underneath Alexander's umbrella. "And, what do you mean by not calling them human?"

"That other "human" is not what they seem, Monster Kid. They are a dangerous being, capable of doing horrible things. Tell me, why do you think we haven't seen a single other monster throughout our little venture?"

"Because… t-they're hiding from them. Right?" Monster Kid asked. That's what he hopes for right?

"Sure. We'll just leave it at that." Alexander answered.

"So wait. If they… did hurt others, why would they want to do that?"

"Perhaps they are driven by hate. Maybe it's to hurt others because they were hurt. Or that they take pleasure in the act of harming others. Whatever their reason, only one thing is for certain. They are determined to finish what they started." Alexander squinted, as it reminded him of someone he knew.

"Oh… T-that's uhh… a pretty scary thought…" Monster Kid looked down, unnerved by Alexander's words.

Alexander and Monster Kid continued until they reached a cliff. Alexander looked up to see that the path continues up on the cliff. He puts his umbrella in the bucket, and approaches Monster Kid.

"Would Undyne happen to be that way?" Alexander questioned, as he held his sword in his left hand, pointing its handle in the direction of the ledge.

"Huh?" Monster Kid looks up, snapping out of what he was thinking about. "O-oh! Yeah! But I don't think I can get up to a place that high."

"Hm." Alexander then turned back around, and approached the cliff. "Then I'll proceed alone."

"Are you sure?" Monster Kid asks, with a concerned look on his face. "But, what if you run into that weird human again?"

"Trust me Monster Kid. I'm more than quite capable of protecting myself." Alexander said as he raised his katanta up. He then turned around, about to jump on the ledge ahead of him.

"Wait!" Monster Kid shouted out, catching Alexander's attention. "Are you going to stop them?"

"Well… I do have some unfinished business with them." Alexander answered. They did promise each other a good fight after all.

"Is that why you're here?" Monster Kid asked. "Are you like a hero and gonna save us?"

"Who knows?" Alexander answered. "That's up for fate to decide."

Alexander then turned back to the ledge, and jumped onto it.

"By the way Monster Kid!" Alexander yelled.

"Yeah!?"

"A word of advice. If you truly value your life, I suggest you not worry about others." Alexander advised. "Worry about yourself."

"Myself?" Monster Kid looked down, thinking about what he said. He then looked back up to ask Alexander one more thing, only to realize that he had already left.

Monster Kid frowned before turning back and walking down the path he had just come from.

Alexander on the other hand, pressed onwards. Continuing down the path, across the wooden bridge, until he came to the end.

A large drop. That was all there was in front of him. If this was the way to go, then Alexander would have to brave this drop into what seemed like nothing.

As he stood at the edge, Alexander eventually made up his mind. He clutched his katana in his left hand as tight as he could, and hopped down the daunting drop. Quickly plummeting down into the darkness below.


My eyes snapped open again.

I look around to see that I'm in one of the beds. Guess that second jar knocked me out. I groaned as I sat up, putting my hand on my forehead. My head had started hurting again. Only this time, it felt slightly worse. But I lowered my hand as it quickly faded away like before.

I shifted my body around, letting my feet drop over the edge of the bed. Looking around the room, it was completely empty. Even the bed that Monster Kid slept in was empty.

"Where'd everyone go?" I looked around the empty room confused. But there was no time to waste. I then get off the bed and put on my jacket that was hanging off the foot of the bed. I then reach for the handle of my sword.

"Finally. Took you long enough to wake up."

Hearing the high pitched voice stopped me from grabbing my blade. I then turned around and saw the little yellow flower sticking out of the ground.

"Howdy!" Flowey smiled in a friendly way. "I'm-"

"Flowey the Flower." I said, cutting him off. "Yeah, I know exactly who you are so spare me the speech."

"...How rude." Flowey said in an aggravated tone. "And how do you even know who I am? Cause I'm pretty sure we've never met before."

"Trust me. I know a lot more about this place than you think." I said as I glared at the devious golden flower.

"That so?" Flowey said as his eyes narrowed at me. "By the way, what's a guy like you hiding in a place like this? Decided to ditch your 'buddy'?"

"Not like I really had a choice." I said as I crossed my arms. "Besides, I'm planning something big for them pretty soon."

"Something big?" Flowey raised an eyebrow. "What are you on about?"

"Well I can imagine that they're not too happy that I've been out of the picture for a bit."

"Now that you mention it, they did say something about how disappointed they were when you just disappeared on them." Flowey remembered.

As he told me, I grabbed my sword and put it on my back.

"Then tell them this:"

"The next time they see me, it will be one hell of a party."

I then turn and start heading to the main hallway.

Flowey's face shifted to that one disturbing face he'd make. "I'm sure they'll be glad to hear that."


Alphys stood at the top of a ladder, holding a canister full of magic. Monster Kid, despite not having hands, did his best to keep the ladder steady. Alphys then inserted the canister into its slot, then gave it a twist, locking it in place. The machine whirred to life as the dust flowed through the machine, filling the second canister with the glowing liquid.

Alphys then wiped the sweat from her brow. "O-ok! I'm coming down now!"

Monster Kid kept holding the ladder in place until Alphys made it to the bottom.

"Sooo that should do it right?" Monster Kid asked.

"Y-yeah." Alphys answered. "The machine's ready and well… w-we just gotta wait until Aiden's ready for the next infusion."

"Well you won't have to wait much longer."

Alphys slightly jumped at the sound of my voice, then quickly turned around. "Oh Aiden! Y-you're up already?"

"Yeah. Nothing like getting up bright and early right?" I said jokingly.

"W-well I thought you'd want to try and get more rest." Alphys said nervously. "S-since that last infusion knocked you unconscious."

"Don't worry about it." I reassured. "I'll be fine."

"Yo Aiden!" Monster Kid ran up in between me and Alphys.

"Hey Monster Kid. How are you doing?"

"Oh I'm fine!" Monster Kid replied with a big smile on his face. "Sooo? What did you get this time?"

Makes sense that he'd be curious about my next weapon. So I drew my blade and held it out in front of me. Merciless had then transformed into its new form: Serpent. The claw extended out on its chain, moving like a snake until it stopped and snapped itself shut a few times.

"A-a grappling hook?" Alphys said as she looked at it.

"Yooo!" Monster Kid looked at the weapon with his eyes wide in awe. "That's so cool!"

"Yeah it is." The grappling hook then returned to its hilt before transforming back into its sword form. I put my blade back as I looked around the room. A certain someone was missing.

"Where's Sans?" I asked, looking at Alphys. "Isn't he usually the one running the show around here?"

"Oh! Y-yeah Sans normally has an easier job setting the machine up." Alphys said ,putting her hand behind her head. She then turned to Monster Kid. "B-but we managed to get things going. R-right, Monster Kid?"

"Yeah! It was easy!" Monster Kid said, happy about their accomplishment.

"Well that's good." At least the machine is up and running now. But my question still felt unanswered. "Sooo, where did Sans run off to?"

"Oh yeah!" Alphys remembered. "He went to uhh… collect more… materials?" Alphys said as her eyes darted to the side. "There was uhh… plenty… left in Hotland."

I frowned as Alphys told me the situation. If that's true, then the little demon is about to start heading through the CORE. I then looked at the machine. It's ready… but we don't have a lot of time left.

"Start up the machine."

"Huh?" Alphys was confused.

"I said start up the machine." I said urgently.

"B-but you just woke up. Shouldn't you be getting more rest-"

"We don't have time to rest!" I yelled out. Both Alphys and Monster Kid slightly jumped back at that. I then point over to the lever. "Now get over there, and start the machine!"

"O-ok." Alphys said as she nodded. She then made her way over to the lever as I moved beneath the machine's jaws once again. Monster Kid watched with a concerned look on his face.

"R-ready…?" Alphys asked as she reached up to the lever.

I nodded, then looked back up to the machine.

Alphys closed her eyes as she pulled down the lever. Monster Kid stared at me, keeping that concerned look.

The white light poured out of the machine once again, completely enveloping me.


Frisk walked out of the MTT Resort, making their way to the CORE. In their hand, held their new weapon: The Empty Gun.

"Almost done." Frisk said with an evil grin on their face.

*And still no sign of Aiden.

"Oh my god." Frisk was annoyed. Not knowing about Aiden's whereabouts was pretty much the only thing keeping them on edge. Yet Frisk found it annoying. "What is it about him that's making you worry so much?"

*It's just that Aiden doesn't seem like the kind of guy to run and hide. He's a lot stronger than we give him credit for.

"He's not that strong." Frisk said as they turned towards their textbox. "We pretty much wiped the floor with him last time. He's probably learned his lesson by now."

*I'm not so sure about that.

"Look, you need to stop worrying so much."

Frisk then summoned their stat box.

LV: 15

"Not much he can do at this rate." Frisk said with confidence. "There's no way he'd be able to match us."

The stat box then disappeared, as Frisk made their way towards the CORE.

*Let's see if it'll stay that way.


"So the fate of Monster Kind rests on a punk human like you?" Undyne frowned at that idea. "Kind of ironic don't ya' think?"

"I guess so." I said as I shrugged. "But hey, trust me. I'll give that little demon the pummeling of a lifetime."

The sound of that made that toothy grin Undyne often made appear on her face. "NOW THAT SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT IDEA!"

"Here!" Undyne rose her hand up in the air, summoning one of the blue spears she always wields. "From one hero to the next! Take this, beat that little punk, and save the world!"

Undyne's body then began to disappear into the spear. When she was completely gone, the spear lowered itself down to me. I grabbed the spear, and it quickly began to break down and swirl my body in a blue light, just like the fireball and bone from before. It then went for my sword, its gem glowed red, then the sword began to change its shape again.

After the sword's transformation, I reached back to receive my new weapon. This time… it had become a spear.

*You made it your own.

Skewer:

Pierce through everything in your way.

The normal dark brown grip had become thinner, yet somewhat grew in length. It had become the center section of the shaft, with the upper and lower sections being light grey, as they connected to the tip and the bottom of the spear. The bottom, being made out of the black metal, was used as a weight or bludgeon. The tip was made out of the same black metal, with the red gem embedded in the lower half of the tip.

I then gave my new weapon a few practice swings, swinging it around my body like a polearm. I then thrust the spear forward as it almost instantly grew in length. After it had returned to its original length, I gave it one last look over, and then smirked.

"Not bad."


As Sans walked through the CORE, he held the canister underneath one arm. His hand glowed a light blue, as any dust around him filled the canister. In his other hand, Sans held a cell phone up to his head.

"...Yeah, w-we already got the third infusion done."

"Well that's good." Sans said to Alphys. "I'm almost done here myself. And how's the kid doing?"

"M-Monster Kid is worried about Aiden. Said that he'd been acting weird, and well… H-he might be right."

"How so?" Sans questioned.

"H-he's been acting more aggressive. He's k-kinda starting to scare me. Maybe Monster Kid too."

"I see." Sans stopped at the CORE's end. Right before the doorway that led to Mettaton's stage.

"Sans? Is this… r-really our only shot? A-at stopping that other human."

Sans stood there in silence. The whole reason he put this plan together was so he wouldn't have to relive the same moments, over and over again. Watching his friends, his brother, be slain by that demon child over and over again. And failing to stop them, over and over. He couldn't do it. Not anymore.

"It's gonna have to be." Sans finally answered. "Look, I'll catch ya' later back at the lab. I'll be there soon."

"A-alright."

Sans then hung up and headed into the stage room. Ahead layed Mettaton's broken body, and a pile of dust.


I open my eyes, staring up at the dark ceiling above me.

This whole thing was gonna end one way or another.

To take someone's life, or to have mine taken.

*Something you've grown used to.

I sat up, bringing my hand to my head. My headache had returned, even worse this time. But I just decided to ignore it. Eventually it just went away like the past couple of times.

I looked over to see Monster Kid sleeping in the bed to my right. He wasn't even under the blanket this time.

I sighed, then stood up from my bed. Grabbing my sword that had been normally leaning against the foot of the bed, I put it on my back and headed down the main hallway. Sans should be back by now. We gotta get the next infusion going, and fast.

As I reached the end of the hallway, I saw Alphys sitting against the wall. Her head buried in her arms and knees as she held them to her chest.

*Is she good?

I looked over at my text box. Honestly that was the exact same thought I had. This whole thing has to be very stressful for her.

I walked past the machine and sat down next to her. I tried to think of something to say…

"...What's the point?" Alphys finally spoke.

"Huh?" I looked over to my right at her as she caught my attention.

"... Undyne, Mettaton… and everyone else… They're all gone…" Alphys said, choking back tears.

"..." I looked back down, deciding not to say anything.

"...Even if you do win, what's the point if everyone's dead anyway?" Alphys wiped away her tears.

"Alphys… They're not…" I debated on saying. "Everyone's not gone. Not for good anyway."

"...What are you talking about? Did all that magic mess up your brain?" Alphys asked, genuinely concerned.

"Well…" Though I stopped for a second, wondering if I should even tell her.

*Might as well just tell her now.

I glanced over at my text box, thinking I should take its advice. Might as well just get this over with.

"Alright look, you better be prepared to handle what I'm about to tell you." I look over at Alphys. "That other human has more under their belt than just being a skilled killer."

I then look ahead, my eyes narrowing as a frown forms on my face.

"They can RESET time."

"... W-what?" Alphys looked at me, her eyes widened with fear.

"Their soul is filled with enough DETERMINATION that allows them to cheat death in a way. If they die, they come back right before the fight had even started. Then they can just keep on fighting… until they eventually win."

"... N-no… But that… that doesn't…" Alphys looked down at the floor, horrified after hearing everything.

"They're… I-Imortal?"

"No. They're just stubborn." I told Alphys. "And once they're through tearing down the entire Underground, they can just RESET. Go right back to when they first dropped down here, and do it all over again."

"Th-then… how do we stop that?!" Alphys snapped, as tears overflowed from her eyes.

"I'm not that different from them."

"I can cheat death, just like them. Got the same power as they do in my soul." I placed my hand against my chest. "That's why I'm the only one that stands even a chance against them. They've fought everyone else down here hundreds of times, and won."

"But me? I just gotta knock them down a few pegs." I looked at my hand, before clenching it into a fist. "If I just keep fighting them… they'll have to give up eventually."

"... But, what if you give up first?"

"It won't happen."

"But-"

"I said it WON'T HAPPEN!"

Alphys jumped at my sudden rise in volume. She leaned back, seemingly afraid of me.

My own eyes widened. Shocked at my own actions. I then realized that I had already snapped at her once before. And snapping at her now certainly isn't helping.

"... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell at you like that." I looked down, rubbing my hand against the back of my neck. "And… I'm sorry about before as well…"

"... A-Aiden?" I looked over at Alphys. "Are you… ok?"

I looked back down, letting my hand fall back down.

"No…" I finally let out. "I'm not ok."

"I'm just not fit to be a savior." I said, looking off in the distance. Ruminating on my past failures. "And… I'm definitely not a good person either."

"I've… hurt people before." I continued. "I've let people down… And I couldn't handle it so I tried to forget. But everything I've been through in my time here… It just feels like one big cruel reminder of how weak I am."

"And yeah… I'm getting power now…" I raise up my hand and look at it. My voice, now shaky. "But what's the point when I can't even…"

Images flash in my mind. The same images I saw when I first dropped down here. The bodies of the ones close to me. The ones I couldn't protect. The light blue eyes of the one I hated the most. The one I wanted dead at that very moment.

I balled my hand into a fist, pressing it against my forehead. I grit my teeth and close my eyes, trying so hard not to cry.

I then felt Alphys put her hand on my shoulder. I opened my eyes and looked at her.

"... I-I get it. Wanting to run from or forget something you've done? I… know t-that feeling too well."

"But you're here. A-and you've been working real hard!" Alphys smiled, trying to reassure me.

"I don't know what kind of person you were like up there, b-but down here?"

My eyes widened as Alphys told me what she needed to say.

"You're our hero Aiden."

I sat there, almost stunned at what Alphys said to me. I wiped my eyes and let my hand down, lightly smiling at Alphys.

"... Thanks…" I then looked back down, yet I still kept that light smile. "I uh… really needed to get that out there."

"We're just a couple of screw-ups aren't we?"

"Hah. I g-guess so." Alphys answered as she smiled lightly.

Things were quiet for a moment.

"...Wait." My eyes snapped wide open at the sudden realization. "Didn't you say they got past Mettaton?"

"H-huh? Y-yeah, but they went to bed after that. I don't know if they're h-headed for the king now." Alphys answered. Her eyes widened as I quickly stood up.

"Where's Sans?" I asked Alphys, as she looked confused by my question.

"H-huh? I think he's collecting more dust. W-why?"

"Relax kiddo."

I turned around to see Sans putting a canister of dust into the machine. He then pressed a few buttons then the machine worked its magic.

"Sans!" I was glad to see him here… But that only raised another question. "Wait. If you're here then who's…?"

"Don't worry kid." Sans reassured. "I got an old friend of mine covering for me."

"But we're running short on time here, so how 'bout you hop on the platform so we can get this done?" Sans tilted his head. I nodded in response.

"Let's get this party started."


They walked down the golden hall. Their footsteps echoing throughout as they continue to move forward.

As they looked ahead, Frisk noticed something in the hall.

A burning light in the dark.

They squinted, wondering what the light was.

*What is that?

An orange light, illuminating the hall in a dim light.

Frisk made their way to the light. Their eyes narrowed, confused and yet intrigued by it.

"... I'm not who you were expecting." Grillby said as he lifted up his glasses with a single digit.

Frisk clutched the knife in their hand, as they stared at the fire elemental.

"... Honestly, I didn't expect to be here either." Grillby stood, unfazed by the demon that stood in front of them. "But I'll keep things simple."

"I'm not your final opponent. I'm here to bide time for your real final opponent." Grillby raised his hand, flames flickering and dancing in his palm. "You have two options here. You can sit here and wait, or you can fight me. Either way, you won't be leaving this hall for a while. It's your choice."

Frisk looked annoyed as they turned around, only to see that the way they came was blocked by a flaming wall.

*Something new? We'd have to be stupid to pass a new fight up.

That smile crept up on Frisk's face as they turned back towards their new opponent. They stepped forward, holding that knife to their side. The light of the flames shone off the blade of the Real Knife.

"... Fine." Grillby pushed his glasses back up, before rolling his sleeves up. "You humans always want things done the hard way."

"But, I think I actually prefer it this way. For someone like me…" The fire elemental shot his arms out to his sides. "It's hard to express anger without turning things into ash."

The hall lit up in an instant, causing Frisk to wince and raise their arms at the sudden barrage of light and heat. They lowered their arms and looked back to see a flaming wall behind Grillby. The normal golden light that filled the room, and turned into a vengeful orange.

Frisk grinned eagerly. The feeling of heat against their face, watching Grillby's body become less stable, his flames growing and becoming more intense.

"But I guess…" Grillby reached up, pushing his glasses up one more time.

"You already know what that's like."

Frisk then charged towards Grillby as he stood his ground. He then raised his arms, and a torrent of flames shot up in front of him.

Nearly engulfing his attacker.


"W-wait Aiden!"

I looked over to see Monster Kid bolting into the room. I looked over at Sans and he just shrugged, keeping on hand the lever.

"I… I heard you talking to Alphys." Monster Kid looked down.

"Monster Kid…" I stepped off the platform, and walked to him.

"I knew you were acting weird, and that something had been very wrong."

"You're not like them Aiden!" Monster Kid suddenly looked up at me with teary eyes. "This doesn't feel right!"

"Look Monster Kid, it's the only way. You know what'll happen if I don't do this."

"B-but there has to be some other way!" Monster Kid stomped, tears pouring over from his eyes. "You'll… be with them for so long! And they're really mean! A-and…! I…!"

I crouch down, only for Monster Kid to bury his head into my chest. I hug him as he clings to me.

"I don't… want you to become mean like them…"

"So that's what this is about?" I asked. Monster Kid nodded in response.

"Y-yeah…" Monster Kid sniffled. He then looked down, as his tears dropped down to the tile ground below. "Y-you've been acting different lately…"

He's not wrong.

"You're right…" I said. "I've been acting like a total ass. All of this savior biz is putting a lot of stress on me."

"Hey." Monster Kid looked up at me, his eyes still watery. "Remember my promise, back in Waterfall? I said I wouldn't become like them, and I meant it."

"Really…?" Monster Kid sniffled.

I grin and raise my fist up and point it at him.

"Really."

"Uhh…" Monster Kid looked at my hand before laughing. He then raised his tail, and curled it before bumping my fist with it.

We both smiled wide at each other. But we didn't stay that way for long, as I stood up and walked back on the platform. I then looked at Sans, who still had his hand on the lever.

"Alright. Let's get this show running."

Sans nodded before pulling down the lever. The machine then fired, engulfing me in the white light one last time.


The fight between Frisk and Grillby had been going on for a while. Charred walls and floors, smoke getting caught up on the ceiling, flames filling the hall at an alarming rate.

Every time Frisk got close enough to land a hit, Grillby's flames would die down as their blade cuts through the air. Only for Grillby to reignite and retaliate by grabbing them with his burning hands, and tossing them back across the hall.

Frisk ran back towards Grillby, dodging flames left and right. As they got close they swung their blade down on him, only to have their hand grabbed by Grillby mid-swing. His hand burned through their sleeve, burning and charring their skin as they yelled in pain.

Using their free hand, Frisk summoned the Burnt Pan into their grasp, and swung it full-force into Grillby's face.

Grillby, despite stumbling back from a pan meeting his face, kept his grip on Frisk's wrist. He glared back at them, before whipping them back, and throwing them back to the entrance of the hall.

Frisk landed on the ground, skidding and flipping back all the way and stopping at the save point.

Frisk pushed themselves to their knees. They looked at their wrist. It was burnt, as an excruciating pain emanated within it. In their other hand, a Legendary Hero appeared. They scarfed down the sandwich in a matter of seconds. Their blackened hand was now red. Going from third degree to first degree burns.

*The hall is on fire.

Chara was obviously right. It was becoming harder and harder to breathe. Black smoke continued to build up in the ceiling. The walls, floors, and even the pillars around Frisk and Grillby were flaming.

"You know, fire and humans are a lot alike. They destroy everything they touch." Grillby stood in place as he told Frisk. "But there is another thing they have in common. They both need oxygen to breathe."

Grillby then extended his arms out. The flames intensified, growing within the hall, giving Frisk less and less room to move.

"Let's see who runs out of air first!"

The smoke increased, it was getting a lot harder to breathe for Frisk. They then drew the Empty Gun and aimed it at the windows. Frisk pulled the trigger as red bolts of DETERMINATION fired from the gun, shattering the windows with each shot piercing through.

Smoke started to filter out as they immediately shot down Grillby's plan. Frisk then made their way to the fire elemental, dodging more flame blasts from him.


As the white light faded, Sans appeared behind Aiden as he caught his body.

"I got ya' kid." Sans sighed, then looked over to Alphys and Monster Kid. "... Aright, I gotta get him over to the throne room."

Alphys and Monster Kid nodded.

"Come on." Alphys smiled at Monster Kid. Doing her best to be reassuring. "W-We should get to the evacuation zone."

Monster Kid nodded as Alphys reached her hand down. Monster Kid then put his tail in her hand.

He looked back at Aiden and Sans before they left.

"Don't worry kid." Sans reassured. "I'm sure Aiden's got this in the bag."

"I know. Cause I believe in him." Monster Kid smiled.

"I-I'm sure he would've liked to hear that." Alphys said.

The two then departed for the evac zone, as Monster Kid gave one last look behind to see Sans and Aiden disappear.

He then looked down, still worried for his friend.


"This smoke isn't going to be good for my flowers." Asgore muttered. Smoke still managed to filter into the throne room from the last corridor.

"Yeah sorry 'bout that one your Majesty. Grillbz can get a bit hot headed."

Asgore turned around in surprise to see Sans setting Aiden's body in his throne.

"Hope you don't mind him borrowing your seat." Sans winked at Asgore. "He's still a bit out of it."

"It's not a problem at all Sans." Asgore smiled. "He deserves it more than I."

"So… This is him…?" Asgore loomed over Aiden as he slumped over in the throne. "The human from another world, destined to save Monster Kind?"

"Well you know I've never been a big believer in destiny and stuff, but yeah." Sans shrugged. "Something like that."

"I've seen the kid fight, Asgore." Sans said. "He seems to know his way around a brawl or two. I'd say he has a good chance, especially with the new magic he's got."

"He certainly looks strong." Asgore said as he inspected Aiden's arm. He rolled up his sleeve to see that while his arm was slim, he still had some slight muscle to him. "He may be the one to fulfill the legend."

"Well then that's good to hear." Sans smiled. It was good to think his work wouldn't have gone to waste. "Anyway, we should probably get goin'."

Asgore nodded as the two walked away from the throne, and vanished.


Grillby continued to dodge to the best of his ability. Disappearing and reigniting as Frisk continued to swing that knife at them. Until he pulled both fists back, swarmed in blue flames, and thrust them towards Frisk with all his might.

The fists collided into Frisk, creating a fiery explosion which sent them back. After Frisk had landed on the ground, they writhed in agony, covered in burns of various degrees.

*Are you just gonna lay there and take it?!

"No way…" They eventually got back up. Frisk then took the pie they had, and scarfed it down, completely healing them of their wounds.

*Then what are you going to do?

Frisk glared at Grillby. Their eyes now filled with rage as they stared him down from across the hall.

"Oh you know what I'm gonna do!" Frisk yelled out in response. They bolted forward, summoning the empty gun and burnt pan.

Grillby braced himself, then sent blasts of fire towards them. They raised the burnt pan to shield themselves from the blasts. As they kept on running, they fired the gun at Grillby, as he tried to dodge each red bolt flying past him. However, a bolt managed to pierce through his leg, then his shoulder, causing him to wince, and stumble back.

Grillby looked back to see Frisk wind that frying pan back, and catch it with his face. His head was thrown back and his glasses cracked from the impact. He then fell down to his knees, only to look up to see his attacker holding above him.

They raised that knife high above them.

SLASH!

99999

99999

99999

Grillby fell back onto the ground, looking straight up at the ceiling. A large gash torn into his shirt, as black smoke gently swirled out of it. His own flames dying out.

"... Sorry Sans…" Grillby spoke softly. "...I hope… I bought you enough time…"

Grillby's flames soon completely died out, as smoke rose from where he laid. Nothing was left behind except his clothes.

Frisk stood there. Breathing heavily as they watched it happen. Soon the flames in the hall died down, leaving nothing but small flames still crackling.

"..." Frisk then continued down the hallway, reaching the other end. They're healing items were all gone. Grillby was now dead, just like the rest.

*I win again.


"Now take this darling." Mettaton EX held out his hand. His body swirled into what formed into one of his little Mettabots. "And save us with some style and flare!"

I nodded in response, and held my hand underneath the Mettabot, as it floated above it. It then shifted into that light and swarmed my body, just like the others did. The gem on my sword glowed, but instead of changing forms, I could feel this energy flowing through me.

I was able to concentrate that energy into my arms, as a scarlet red aura formed around them.

*You made it your own.

I then smirked, before drawing the Ombra Twins from my jacket. I spun them around a few times, before pointing them both forward, one over the other, and pulled the triggers, firing a powerful red blast from my guns.

The aura had disappeared from my arms. Smoke rising out of the gun barrels. I then held the guns out in front of me, looking at one then the other.

"Nice. You boys will be an even bigger help now."

I then put my guns back into my jacket.

I waited a few seconds only to realize that something wasn't right. Shouldn't I be waking up now?

I looked around the endless black void. Not even my old memories were here this time. It was just… empty…

Though I stopped, and raised my hand to my head. This damn headache. It keeps coming back. Though it hurt so much this time, it brought me down to my knees. A constant ringing, playing in my ears.

*It is time.

I looked up at my text box, confused at what it meant.

"Time… for what?"

Though a bright red light started to fill my vision, as I raised my hands to block it, I was still able to make out the last message.

*Time to unleash your inner demon.


I opened my eyes, wincing after the blinding red light I was consumed by had vanished.

But I wasn't in the void of my mind any more. I was sitting on Asgore's throne. Right in the center of his garden.

I looked around but no one was here. I then looked over to my right to see my sword propped up against the side of the throne.

I grabbed Merciless by the handle and looked over it. Its gem in the crossguard glowing a scarlet red, before it diminished.

*Are you ready?

I look over at my text box.

"As ready as I'll ever be."

I flip my sword around, its tip facing down, and drive it down through the hard ground with ease. I rest my right hand on the pommel of the sword as I use my left to pull out my cigarettes. I shake the pack and put one in my mouth before reaching back for my lighter. I lit the cigarette and then took a deep breath in and out before taking it out of my mouth.

I then rested my left hand over my right. Smoke rose from the cigarette as I waited for them to show up.

Then… footsteps.

I looked ahead as the footsteps echoed through the room. They stopped at the entrance of the room. They held that knife to their side. Their crimson eyes glaring right at me.

"What took you so long?" I spoke first. Though I have a pretty rough idea of what they had done. "You've kept me waiting for quite a while. I was starting to wonder if you'd ever show."

They looked around the room before they finally spoke. "Some party you got going on."

It definitely wasn't Frisk this time. But hey, at least they got my little invitation.

"No food, no drinks… And what? Are we the only ones here?" They said as they humored me.

"Well it turns out I didn't have as much time as I thought. I couldn't get all the decorations set up." My smile then turned into a glare. "But the main issue was that no one could make it. I wonder why?"

We stared each other down. Everything was quiet between us.

"Alright look. I'm gonna cut the shit and get to the point." I said as I broke the silence. "You like to fight. And I know that you've wanted a good fight out of me right?"

"Perhaps. You certainly had potential back then, yet you still fell short." Chara pointed that knife right at me. "Hopefully you won't disappoint me this time."

"Well that's the thing." I brought my cigarette up to my mouth, and breathed in and out before returning my hand to its original position. "See, I'm gonna give you another chance."

"A chance for what?" Chara asked, raising a brow.

"To stop this whole genocide thing." I answered. Though my answer seemed to only intensify their glare. "Look. We don't have to fight alright. So why don't you just turn around and RESET. Then we don't have to fight for forever. Sound good?"

They took a step forward.

The grip on my sword tightened.

"I mean it Chara. You keep on going with this and things are just gonna end badly for you." I said. "Look, this whole thing is just a bunch of bullshit. We can go back, forget this even happened. Maybe we can even be friends."

"I don't want to be your friend." Chara frowned, as they continued to step towards me. "I want you dead."

"Honestly, I can't believe this." They reached up, pinching the bridge of their nose. "I get out of the fight with Grillby as he's hyping up some big final boss and it's you? You, just sitting on the throne trying to order me around, acting like some king? What's next, are you gonna ask me to kneel?"

"I thought you had actually gotten stronger. But after hearing all that…" They raise their hand towards me. "It turns out you're just some big disappointment. Look if you're just gonna waste my time, then just stay the hell out of my way."

"Nah."

"Huh?"

"About your last question, asking you to kneel? I got no reason asking you to do that." I smiled. "And besides, being king just isn't my kind of thing. So don't think of it as an order."

"Think of it as a threat."

Their eyes narrowed at that statement.

I then stood up from the throne, and pulled Merciless out of the ground. I then point the tip of the blade at them.

"From one demon, to another."

My scarlet eyes met their crimson eyes as I glared right at them. We waited for a few seconds, until I decided to rest my sword on my shoulder.

"It's your call." I then inhale from my cigarette and exhale, waiting for their answer.

"This is a joke right?" They asked.

I just shrugged in response. If they really want to finish this thing, then they have to get through me.

Aggravated by my nonchalant response, they just charged forward. Big mistake.

"Welp, don't say I didn't warn you." I took one last quick inhale and exhale from my cig, and just flick it towards Chara.

As they got close, they sliced through the cigarette, as I followed through by swinging my sword down on them.

Their eyes widened as they dodge to the right, only for me to quickly swing my sword right, as they just barely raised their knife to block the swing. I then knock their hand away and slice my sword across their chest.

They step back just to quickly lunge forward, pointing that knife straight at me. But they miss as I dodge to the side, and quickly spin kick them right in the back of the head. The kick sends them flying, as they land face first sliding along the ground.

Chara growled as they got up, putting their free hand against the back of their head. They groaned before reaching for their empty gun, and opening fire at me.

I quickly draw my Ombra Twins and fire back, blocking their DETERMINATION bullets with my own. As the bullets collide, they burst into a mixture of scarlet and crimson sparks.

I charged forward as each of us kept firing our guns at each other. I then jump into the air, holster my guns, and swing my sword down at them once again. They swing their knife up in an attempt to block the oncoming blade.

A clang of metal rings through the room. Chara looks back, confused to see that their attacker is gone. One thing they did notice was the sword spinning in the air as it rose.

Chara then jerks their head to their right, then to their left. Annoyed and confused at where their opponent had gone.

"Where the hell did you go?"

But then, they felt a presence behind them. Their eyes widened as they turned around, only to be met with the barrel of a gun staring right back at them.

I held my right arm out, holding the gun against them, as my body faced forward. I looked down at the ground, as I channeled my DETERMINATION into my arm. The scarlet aura then surrounded my gun, until it peered out the barrel.

I smirked.

"Jackpot."

BANG!

The shot echoed through the throne room. As Chara's body was somewhat thrown back from the force of the shot. Their body landed on the ground, their knife clanging against the ground as their open hand fell to their side.

I then lower my gun and look over to Chara's body.

Merciless descends from above, as it fell behind me blade first, driving itself into the ground.


Consider favoriting, following, and/or reviewing. I'll see you whenever the next chapter comes out.