I'm not dead yet ! Sorry for making you wait for so long ! But with the exams it's so hard to spare some time to write this chapter... For now I can finally breathe but when June comes... I would be unable to update the story...

Well enough talk, enjoy !

Chapter Fifteen : What Am I Supposed To Believe ?

Frisk and Asriel stared in silence at their parents. They had tried almost everything, they called him, shook him and even forced his eyes open, but nothing succeeded. Asgore remained deaf of their calls as he continued his screaming. Toriel refused to give up, she was desperate to calm him down, or to wake him up. Then, she got an idea, maybe brutal but that could work.

"Forgive me Asgore…" She whispered before she gave Asgore a hard slap on the cheek, making Frisk and Asriel jaw dropped to see her use such a method. Asgore stopped screaming and opened his eyes very widely. He was finally out of his nightmares… But he couldn't forget the words he said…

As long as you live humans, my people would never live peacefully in the surface… Because of your concept of superiority, we lost almost everything : friends…families… and even our freedom… Don't you realize that your race's existence is a series of mistakes ?! Since your creation, your kind always used war for power ! You don't have any respect for life ! Your God forbid you to kill, yet you disobey him, and WE are the demons ?!

Asgore was out of breath, he breathed heavily as he tried to settle down. He really hated humans when they killed Asriel, he saw them as traitors, murderers and liars… The only humans who were different in his eyes were Tibault, and Chara.

When she realized that Asgore still didn't notice his surroundings, Toriel reached for him and pulled him in her arms, earning his attention. When he stared at her in the eyes, Asgore teared up. "Tori…" How did he end like this ?

"I beg you, Tori… Don't leave me… I need you so much…" He pleaded. Toriel nodded and put her head on his head. "I won't… I promise I won't ever leave you again…" She promised. There is no way she would let him behind again…

Asgore sobbed and lamented himself. He needed know if she's aware of his past, how "You know…? About what I've done to…" He didn't dare to finish his sentence. He was terrified, so afraid Toriel would hate him, he remembered the day when he declared war on humans, when she left the castle. But then she felt her grip over him tighten and he heard her hum something. Asgore's eyes widened when he recognized the song which have no lyrics. It was the same song he used to comfort her when Asriel and Chara died…

Flashback :

BGM : An Ending

The day following Chara and Asriel's death, the castle fell in an agonizing quietness. Toriel took Chara's body to Gaster so he could mummify them. She and Asgore didn't do anything, they didn't eat, they didn't sleep, they just stay sit on their thrones crying their eyes out until their eyes hurt while they hold their hands for mutual comfort. No one dared to disturb their mourning peace, the Underground was in total despair… The last hope of freedom the monsters saw in Chara and Asriel was crushed into a million pieces taken by the wind, just like Asriel's dust…

How did it end up like this ? No one could answer, their loss of HOPE was so great they lost their ability to speak, or even think. The circumstances of Asriel's death remained fuzzy for the Underground, the king and the queen were too devastated to give more details, and their people knew that. Although they ached to discover what happened to their prince, the monsters respected their rulers' desire to mourn their children and decided to do the same, joining the moment of silence Asgore and Toriel began.

Asgore was lost in thought. Before Asriel turned into dust, he noticed several varied wounds on his body : cuts were all over his face…no… all over his entire body, his clothes were shredded at certain areas, some cuts were tiny, others were much bigger. Knifes or blades should be responsible for those cuts… But there were other wounds Asgore has never seen : in some other areas, There were…tiny holes in Asriel's clothes and skin, like if something pierced him.

Asgore began to put the pieces together, and widened his eyes as he understood. After he absorbed Chara's SOUL, Asriel took their body and went through the barrier and made up to the surface ; then he came back, still with his sibling in his arms, but was severely injured, before he died turning into dust.

The humans… They are those who did this to Asriel, and those holes… It should mean they created other weapons of destruction. After centuries human kind hadn't changed one bit, they didn't hesitate to slaughter his son just because he was a monster, they didn't even try to understand Asriel's reasons. Like usual, instead of using their brains, they used their warlike nature…

"Gorey…?" Asgore blinked when he heard Toriel's voice calling him. He turned his head and noticed his wife was worried as she stared at him.

"You seem very pensive… Are you sure you're okay…? You didn't say a word for a moment…" She said in a soft tone.

Asgore shook his head and frowned, of course he wasn't okay, but he couldn't just say that to her. Asriel's death shocked her more than him, since they sat on their throne, Toriel stared at the Golden Flowers, at the same spot Asriel collapsed. "What about you dear ? You seem pretty tried… I think you need to get some rest, you would feel better after you get some sleep." He whispered as he stroked her hand in order to comfort her. Toriel was reluctant at first but she knew Asgore would insist if she refused to sleep, she would be lying if she said she wasn't tired…

When he earned Toriel's approval, Asgore stood up from his throne and took her very gently as he carried her in bridal style. The moment he reached their house, Toriel snapped and began another crying session, she felt she was growing distance with Asriel when they left the throne room and she couldn't stand it. What if she doesn't feel his presence anymore the next time she comes back in the room ?

She forgot her anguish when Asgore began to hum a song she has come to over the years, he wasn't really good in that domain but Toriel could give him a A+ for the effort. Her heart still ached in mourning for Asriel and Chara's death but she was feeling a little better because of Asgore's attempts to comfort her, and she was grateful for that. But what about him ? Her husband avoided her questions when she asked him if he was fine… She just hopped he would tell her when the next time she asks him…

Asgore looked down at Toriel when he heard snores coming from her. He was relieved she was sleeping at last, but he frowned. Toriel must be very broken to fall asleep so fast, which is not really surprising : it is unbearable for a mother to lose her children in one single night. Not that he wasn't heartbroken as her…

Their house was so quiet, it didn't look like there were children who live here. After Asriel's birth and Chara's arrival, Asgore was used to hear his kids playing, laughing, singing or even arguing with each other. Now, it's just him, and his wife… all alone once again. Of course Gaster and Gerson were still there, but it's not the same with them, they are their friends…not their family.

When he got inside Toriel's room, Asgore gently laid his wife on her bed and pulled the blankets over her. Just as when he was turning around to leave the room, he felt something gripping his cape. Toriel, who awoke from the loss of warmth Asgore was giving her, didn't want him to leave her alone in the darkness of her room which was terrifying her. Without her word, she pleaded him to stay with her, she needed the same comfort he gave her when they met for the first time…

When Asgore nodded, Toriel let go of his cape so he can take it off with his armor. After he put it on the chair with him wearing a shirt and a pair of pants, Asgore joined Toriel on her bed and took her in a warm embrace. When he felt that his wife was in the verge of tears, Asgore hummed the song again until she fell asleep once more…

End of Flashback :

BGM : Fallen Down

It was just like that time, Toriel remembered. When her kids died, she fell in a depressing period. But Asgore was there to help her getting a little better…by humming the same song she is humming right now. Frisk was amazed, somewhat still a little shocked, of the method Toriel applied to settle Asgore. The song she was hearing was soothing yet somewhat familiar to another song from the surface, judging by the tone. She doesn't remember the title of this song, it was been a while since last time she heard it. Maybe with time she could find it and show it to Asgore and Toriel…

Asriel never forgotten this song : it was used as a lullaby to keep him from crying when he was a baby. When he grew up he was told that this song was invented by his parents while they participated in the Nose Nuzzling Tournament. If you asked him before, Asriel would've considered the song and the championship ridiculous and embarrassing, but now he sees it as a memory of Toriel and Asgore's relationship when they got married, before everything crushed resulting with them fighting with each other.

When Frisk stared at Asriel, she saw a reflection she has never seen on his face. There was a caring smile, at first it doesn't look like a smile because of it being small, but the eyes told otherwise. His stare was telling the relief going through him by the sight of the progressing reconciliation between Asgore and Toriel. May they never get separated again…

Frisk felt a Asriel's hand holding hers and tugging on it, earning her attention. Unwilling to disturb his parents, Asriel whispered. "Let's go back to our room Frisk, I think they need to be alone." She gave a nod and left with Asriel after she stared at Asgore and Toriel one last time. Her curiosity drove her to ask herself questions about what Asgore have seen exactly in his visions, about what he is thinking right now, and, how will he react when he remembers the period when he unleashed his rage at Toriel.

Frisk was so lost in her thoughts that she followed Asriel without knowing where he was going. When she finally got out of her trance, she noticed they were in the kitchen. When she asked him what he wanted to do, Asriel chuckled and reminded her they didn't eat their breakfast. Feeling a little silly, Frisk laughed with him and searched for food with him.

Several minutes later, the two reconciled best friends came back in the living room with Asriel holding two bowls of Temmie Flakes and Frisk carrying in one hand two glasses and the other hand a bottle of milk. After they prepared their breakfast, they ate facing each other while they both decided to let Toriel take care of Asgore until things go wrong. Before that happens, Asriel wants to enjoy his time with Frisk as much as they can.

"By the way Asriel, there were something you wanted to tell me, what is it ?" She asked, holding a giggle when Asriel blushed. "W-well…uh, you see… I…" He stuttered but Frisk wanted to tease him much longer. "You said « I lo— », you didn't finish your phrase back then. Go ahead, I don't think dad is gonna interrupt you this time." She replied as she rested her head on her hands.

BGM : Dating Tense !

Asriel was sweating like crazy. He couldn't believe he was going to say that. He must be so in the clouds to be ready to tell her he…

Trying to avoid her stare, Asriel scratched the back of his neck and looked away. Then he faked to remember something when he made an « Oh ! », making Frisk raise a brow.

"There is something you were supposed to do before we had a talk : you said you intended to take a shower right ?" He chuckled, doing his best to hide his shyness, without success.

Frisk stared at Asriel for two minutes without making a single move, which was a little uncomfortable for him. Then, she broke the silence when she sighed and pointed at Asriel, touching his nose. "You're not off the hook Asriel Dreemurr," She warned. "Next time, I won't let you go so easily, you lucky you reminded me I planned to take a shower. As soon I'm finished, I will make you finish that sentence you started earlier, even if I have to tie you on a chair so you cannot espace."

"…Golly…" That was all Asriel managed to say at Frisk's intimidating but playful glare. He let another bleat escape when she pushed her index on his nose, making the human smirk. Without a word, Frisk left after she gave Asriel a wave, leaving him alone with Sans… still sleeping.

When he acknowledged the skeleton's presence, Asriel stared at him for a few minutes. Even his father's scream hadn't disturbed his sleep… Papyrus must be struggling to wake his brother…

Asriel was wondering if Sans would still be asleep if something worse happened to Asgore instead of a nightmare ? Luckily for this sleepy-bone head, there was nothing serious so he off the hook, for now…

Suddenly Asriel's eyes widened as he got an idea and his frown slowly turned into a wide evil grin. He couldn't wait for Frisk to come back, today is going to be just as fun…

Meanwhile, within Asgore's mind :

"Do not… touch me Dreemurr…"

"I will never be friends with you…"

"Do you really expect me to believe you after everything you've done to those poor innocent humans ?!"

"No matter what you do, no matter how many times you will apologize, I will never forgive you !"

"My child, I told you to stay away from him."

"Don't « Tori » me you pathetic welp."

"How many times do I have to tell you that I have severed my bonds with you ? Do I have to use force instead of words ?!"

Asgore was stuck in a dark place, getting darker, more darker, the darkest place he have never seen. Under the pressure, he kneeled down and clutched his head as Toriel's voice kept on attacking him.

"Coward…"

"You dirty murderer…"

"Why did you take this job ? Are you trying to waste more of my time ? Why won't you leave me alone ?"

"You're dead to me…"

"You're nothing more but a nuisance…"

"I hope you're suffering as much as I did…"

"This does not change anything Dreemurr. The fact that Asriel is with us once again doesn't mean I'm gonna forgive you for being a murderer."

"ASGORE !"

Asgore opened his eyes and found himself back to this room, he must have fallen asleep he concluded, then he realized he was still in Toriel's arms. Slowly, very slowly, he rose his head and stared Toriel, who was concerned after she saw Asgore shaking in his sleep. Unable to forget her voice of hatred he has heard in his dream, he abruptly escaped from Toriel's embrace and moved away from her with tears on his eyes. His former queen was confused, why is he acting like this ? He was only starting to calm down from his nightmares… Did he… got more…?

"Asgore…?" She reached for him but Asgore only shook his head, telling her to not touch him, which she reluctantly obeyed.

"T-Tori…" Asgore stuttered, his fear and his pain growing with each passing seconds. Toriel answered his call by a nod and Asgore continued.

"Did you… Did you really mean those words you have said ?" He asked

Toriel's confusion grew more. She had no clue what Asgore is referring to. Did she say something to make him upset ? She never said anything mean to him besides… No, she thought Oh God please no. Not now… He remembers those moments she would have preferred he never sees them again. When she looked at Asgore one more time, she knew how he felt : he felt alone for years doing the dirty work by himself, he felt guilty for killing the humans, and he felt betrayed by her, his wife who left him without giving any sign of life, and when she comes back regardless the suffering he was enduring, she rejects him and acts violent with a hateful behavior towards him every time he tries to talk with her…

Asgore couldn't stand her silence any longer, why is she staying quiet ? Is she trying to avoid his question ? Wanting her to answer, Asgore interrupted her thoughts. "Answer me !" He ordered. Toriel only lowered her head trying to avoid eye contact, making Asgore conclude what he was hearing earlier was real : she really…

"Asgore, at that time I—" She began but Asgore silenced her by lifting his hand. He doesn't want to hear her saying she didn't mean all the things she has done to him. "I don't want to hear excuses Tori, I want the truth… I would be angry with you if you lie to me…" There was no strong emotion in Asgore's voice, it was still soft but shaky because of his past nightmares. Still a little hesitant, Toriel nodded and confirmed Asgore's doubts.

Not angry but saddened by this revelation, Asgore sighed and hid his head beneath his arms, holding his legs. "Unbelievable…Unbelievable ! Of all people… I could never believe… that you'd want me to suffer at this point… I understand your anger, you're upset with me because of the six humans I have killed… but what I don't understand…is the fact that you never gave me a chance to redeem myself. I remember now, since we began our new life at the surface, I have done everything I could to make for what I did… but despite all this, you chose to overlook my efforts and you unleashed your hatred towards me every time I come near you, heck you even burnt my arm in front of the whole school because I've tried another attempt to settle things with you !"

Toriel's guilt came back strong as ever as Asgore raises his voice. She could never blame him for judging her rejections. She was so stubborn, she was convinced Asgore slaughtered the humans in cold blood and was too afraid to use one SOUL to cross the barrier to gather the others. He tried to talk to her, but she didn't listen. Not only Asgore, mostly everyone attempted to reason Toriel : Frisk, Undyne, Alphys, Sans, Gerson and even Asriel when he came back… But every time she avoids the subject not wanting to believe them, thinking Asgore told them to go to her. She never listened, and Asgore had to pay the price for her stubbornness, by getting corrupted by Chara, being antisocial, causing a fight, and getting killed by them. Toriel only realized her mistakes when her eyes showed the sight of Asgore dying in her arms, and she deeply hated herself for it…

"Asgore…" She cried softly as she reached for him but couldn't bring herself to touch him, fearing he would repel her. "I would be lying if I tell you I didn't hate you…" She wanted to go on but Asgore interrupted her again. "Then what changed…? You tried to kill me in Hotland, you wanted me to suffer and… when Chara tried to take over my body, you suddenly changed your attitude calling me « Gorey » like nothing ever happened… My death itself made you forget your hatred towards me, you finally took care of me, and you brought me here…You were the very first to help me gain my memories back… It's because you saw me die in your own eyes that you've had a change of heart ?" He muttered in disbelief.

"I-I wasn't trying to kill you ! You weren't very different yourself, don't forget you wounded me by throwing me on the ground !" Toriel defended herself. Asgore snorted and shrugged his arms "My bad, I didn't know we weren't supposed to hurt each other during a fight…" Toriel's eye cracked, Asgore was getting depressed two minutes ago and now he is acting like a spoiled brat, maybe because he is a child right now… She was tempted to yell at him but remembering the original subject, she calmed down and lifted both of her arms on each side of her head and bowed her head, catching Asgore by surprise and confusion.

"Listen, we shouldn't act like that… Last time we argued each other it didn't end very well… I know you want to know exactly why I changed, but to tell you the truth, even I don't know either… Since you woke up from your coma, I was telling myself « I must help him so he can be saved », or « I promise I would never leave him alone », but I never asked myself why I'm helping you when before that day on Hotland I didn't care a bit about you… Asgore, this morning I told you nothing would separate us, I assured you weren't wasting my time… And I mean that…" She declared with the same alluring tone Asgore craved for years. The latter's eyes widened when he recognized the soft voice he always loved, forgetting the vehemence she used against him which made his heart crushed, the glare on Asgore's eyes disappeared and his jaw dropped, too shocked to say a word.

Since they arrived in the Underground Toriel had predicted this day would come, with Asgore remembering her past behavior and doubting her in disbelief. She was convinced she was ready to face Asgore and finally make peace with him, but now, everything she wanted to tell him vanished in a instant. How can she tell the truth if she's unable to know what drove her to hate him and reject his desire to be forgiven ?

"Leave…" Asgore said with a sad tone, looking away trying to avoid Toriel's stare. This word stabbed her in the heart, why does he want her to leave ? Is he upset at her ? She didn't forgive him back then, is he acting the way she did with him so she can feel how being rejected by the person you love hurts ?

Asgore noticed Toriel wasn't moving, when he looked at her he saw her frowning wide tearful eyes not making a single move. For a moment, he saw a reflection of himself when he was being rejected by Toriel : alone in a dark place, waiting for someone to help him, with nothing to live for except the reintegration of Monsters in society with the Humans. But in his selfish thoughts, getting Toriel's forgiveness and being with her again was more important for him, what's the point of living in a life of peace and coexistence if you cannot be happy with the one you love who hates you ? Asgore wanted, NEEDED to show Toriel his pain, to prove her she wasn't innocent she pretend to be, and that is why he let Chara use him at the beginning.

"Toriel…" He mumbled. "If you're thinking I'm rejecting you, you have to know that I'm not…" He had to make sure Toriel isn't interpreting his wishes in the wrong way. With that said, the latter felt some relief as she took a look at Asgore's sapphire eyes. "But that doesn't mean I'm not upset with you… You hurt me pretty badly earlier… You even pushed me to my breaking point…" He reminded her, making her looking down in guilt. Asgore sighed and laid his pawn on Toriel's cheek. "Please Tori… I just want time to think… Can we save this talk for later ?"

Toriel didn't say anything, she just gave a nod very slowly. Without a word, she headed to the door but before she opened it, she added. "Breaking your mind wasn't my intention Asgore… If there was a way to turn back time so I can repair my mistakes, I would use it without hesitation…"

That said, Toriel went out of the room and closed the door behind her very gently. Struggling to stay upright Toriel rested her back against the door of Asgore's room as she rested her palm on her face, trying to settle her messy little brain.

Even if Asgore forgives her, he would never forget his painful memories… It's the sape thing with the Humans : if Asgore really forgave Humanity, he would never allow himself to forget they sealed monster-kind in the Underground. He would never forget they killed Asriel… Even if she didn't care about him back then, Toriel noticed Asgore was always wary of Humans, except children : during the school's parties with the choir, he would isolate himself and would prefer to hang out with other Monsters, like he was fearing he would be stabbed behind his back if he lows his guard.

But that doesn't mean Asgore hates Humans, maybe he did before, but not anymore. But then, does it mean Asgore would forgive Toriel, but would stay away from her ? Is he still in love with her ? In his dying breath he confessed he would always love her but, is it still the case ?

Feeling irritated from thinking too much, Toriel shook her head and went to the living room hoping she would find something to do, without noticing Sans was still asleep and Asriel and Frisk were nowhere to be seen. When she reached the kitchen, Toriel started to make a cinnamon pie with nothing to think and nothing to say. She seemed emotionless, like Asgore when he didn't have his heart, and Napstablook who watched her from the corner behind her without pointing out his presence, noticed the change.

Suddenly, Toriel could hear two people talking, recognizing Asriel and Frisk's voices. Thinking they were just chatting, she paid little attention as she continued baking her pie. When Toriel put it in the oven, she focused her ears on Asriel and Frisk's conversation.

"Asriel, what are you trying to do with this thing ?"

"I think it's time for that lazy bone to wake up, he slept too much for my taste."

"Don't tell me you're planning to wake him up with that…"

"I don't think it will work, even dad's screaming didn't do anything, while it was very loud. And if it works, I think I'm gonna enjoy how he is gonna react."

"Never I would've imagine you have that side Asriel, you're acting like a brat…"

"You've got Chara to thank for that."

"What do you mean ?"

"Later Frisk, first let's wake up Sans…"

"Oh no… Please no, you're not gonna do that for real ?!"

POOM !

*Gaster Blaster Sound*

CRASH !

"WHAT THE— ?!" Toriel jumped in fear as the noises echoed all over the house. Her heart was beating so fast she could swear it was much faster than Sans' bicycle. What happened to the children ? Are they alright ? What are those sounds ? When she emerged in the living room, she gasped in shock :

Sans was wide awake with with a blue eye glowing on his left eye socket, and next to him there was a Gaster Blaster with its jaw wide open. In front of Sans, Asriel was desperately trying to run to his room stopped by an annoyed Frisk who was gripping Asriel from the ears tightly enough so he couldn't escape. And behind them… A HUGE hole on the wall.

After getting over her shock Toriel's emotions switched from confusion, to disappointment and to finish, anger. After taking a deep breath, she unleashed her fury.

"Can someone tell me…WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPEN TO THE WALL ?!" She roared, making everyone except Frisk flinch. The latter felt the two idiots are going to have a bad, bad time…

That's it for now, I really hope I would update faster with time.

This is almost the end for this story. But it doesn't mean it's over, far from it. It would have a sequel after the next and last chapter.

Tell me what you think on your reviews, see you later !