Chapter 16: Blizzard of Emotions

As soon as Sans opened his eye sockets, he could tell he was in the presence of something powerful. However, instead of it being a dark and cold one that the Skull Kid wore, this one was more welcoming. It seemed to call to his soul, offering salvation.

He reached a skeletal hand out, trying to feel for any sense of direction. His pupils still hadn't readjusted to the intense setting. When he finally felt he grabbed hold of something, he realized it was Link. The boy was standing up straight, looking towards something in the distance. Sans squinted, trying to see what was out there.

He was finally able to see clearly through the haze. Now, he could distinctly hear the cries of something. Looking through the haze, he was able to make out something. What it was, he could only define as a giant from those stories humans told on the surface. He'd read some to Papyrus in the Underground before…

Meeting one was quite terrifying in itself. It stared down at them, unmoving and still making those noises. It was almost as if it was… speaking to them? Tatl was listening intently to its words, seemingly confused. "W-Wait Link! It's saying something different than normal." The boy stiffened immediately. Things that changed within the timeline had to be studied.

The fairy listened intently, seemingly understanding the language the giant spoke. Sans definitely knew it wasn't any he had heard before in any timelines. There was some aspect that made it feel so ancient to time. Sans felt like it was speaking with authority, commanding them that they needed to do something. What it was, Tatl was trying to translate.

She was confused at why the giant was saying something different. Couldn't four of the stop the moon? "Call us when four are atop the tower…" She muttered, trying to understand what that meant. Which four? Was it their current group? But, someone was missing...

That was when they noticed Asriel was not with them.

Immediately, they sprung into panic, only Tatl half listening to what the giants were saying. They didn't recall Asriel stepping through the light, nor leaving through the door. Did he somehow find a crack as Flowey? But, if so, where did he go? The monster had no idea what he could encounter on the outside.

However, they had to wait until the giant was done. Tatl was able to pick up the last line it spoke to them. "Courage, Compassion, Determination, Corruption, the four who I speak of, bring them there. Swamp, Mountain, Ocean, Canyon, the four who are there, bring them to Clocktown." Tatl translated, wondering what it meant. She had a good guess, but there was no being sure. The giant quote was familiar…

Sans had quite the guess on what two out of four meant. But, that would mean having to break the barrier. And, what did he mean four? If it was truly Chara and Frisk it spoke of, they were the same person as far as he knew. Did something change?

Then, the giant began singing a prayer of sorts. The feeling was familiar to Sans. All of these songs that were played throughout his time here had traits to them. The Song of Time, Courage. The Song of Healing, Kindness. This one, gave the feeling of Justice.

In sync with the giant, Link began playing the same tune as if he had heard it many times before. Which, Sans noted, that he probably had. The song actually seemed more like a Battle Cry than a prayer now that he listened closely.

*You learned the Oath to Order!

The boy carefully put the Ocarina away, watching as the giant disappeared into the fog. As soon as it was out of view, both Link and Sans were pulled into a shining blue light, being forced out of this realm they were in. One thought was in mind, they had to find Asriel. Where had he gone? Was he alright?

The thoughts vibrated around Link's head with ferocity. He wouldn't be able to turn back time without putting Asriel at risk of being soulless again. But, if he was too late, the monster would be dust before he would get there. The thoughts grew louder, more prominent in the white blinding light that covered his eyes.

All he could see was a singular flowerbed that contained golden flowers. Light shone down from a hole above, illuminating a bit of the room he was in. It seemed to be a cavern of sorts. One hole seemed to open up to another room, but Link found he couldn't move. He turned his head to see that a small human had fallen onto the golden flowers.

A voice resonated from the cavern. Link recognized it immediately. "It sounds like it came from over here…" To confirm his suspicion, Asriel, albeit, slightly younger looking, walked into the room, eyes laying on the human. He flinched back in surprise. "Oh! You've fallen down, haven't you… Are you okay?" He received only a confused groan. Not knowing what to do, Asriel ran to their aid, helping them to their feet. "Here, get up… What's your name?"

Finally, the human answered. "C-Chara…"

"Chara huh? That's a nice name." He exclaimed joyfully, gaining a soft smile from the human. "My name is Asriel!"

Asgore shuffled around his kitchen, trying to find the bags of tea. He was having a bit of trouble navigating because of his large size, but finally was able to locate them. In the other room, Frisk was sitting patiently, waiting for him to bring it out. They both needed to talk about past events, and what this would lead up to.

The thing was, according to Frisk and Chara, he was not supposed to be able to remember the resets. When he woke up at the barrier from the time turning back, it took him a moment to take in where he was. His old body was back, and Frisk was standing right behind him expectantly. It was hard enough to keep his thoughts together, but thankfully Frisk decided to go back.

It was odd, really. Knowing that he had just witnessed an outside world where havoc had broken loose, it was terrifying. There was no way of knowing when that cursed imp could attack either. There were also no guarantees that the moon on the outside would be stopped. The uncertainty of the situation was nerve wracking.

Yet, he put on a smile for his guest. He and Frisk were now more acquainted after sharing a body. But, he wouldn't deny he felt more at home in his monster form. When he returned to where they were situated, he wasted no time giving them their tea. They accepted with a thank you, gaining a smile from Asgore. He had his soft spots.

The king poured himself his own cup, the silence between them now becoming slightly awkward. To break the silence, he decided to infer on the subject at hand instead of dancing around it. Time was clearly limited. "So, Frisk, was it?" He asked, making sure to confirm the name was still the same. It was a stupid thought, now that he did a double-take. But, the human politely nodded.

He anxiously tapped his finger on the table, trying to think of a way to start the conversation. How do you ask someone about time travel? Frisk noticed, deciding to fill in the gaps. "I guess you're confused?" They inquired, arching a brow.

"Ah, yes. I apologize, I did not know how to bring up the subject." Asgore sheepishly admitted. "It is odd, knowing what happened over the last course of time. We also do not know how I remember everything."

"I haven't been able to draw any conclusions either." Frisk sighed, putting the cup of tea down on the table. This whole situation was worrying them as well. New things were sprouting all over the place, leaving them unable to predict the situation. It was hard.

"What about Chara?" Asgore asked, tilting his head. "They seem to be fairly vast with resources."

That was the subject Frisk was trying to avoid. No matter how hard they tried, it seemed they couldn't speak to Chara. Their ghost friend wasn't ignoring them, that was for sure. Although, this did not feel like that. This felt as if they just were not there. "Erm… I-I can't seem to t-talk to them." They blurted out, hoping to not make the kingly figure go into panic about them presumably missing.

"What do you mean?" Asgore's voice had noticeably become deeper. "They… are with you… are they not?"

Of course he had become worried. Frisk was undeterred by his change in attitude. In multiple timelines, they had seen his true anger with different experiments. So, this was nothing new. "I mean that I can't talk to them. They aren't there!"

"Why? What happened to Chara?" He had risen to his feet. Although, Frisk knew it wasn't out of hostility. It was because he was getting worried. "They couldn't have just disappeared!"

They raised their index finger as if about to make a contradicting statement. "Uh… Actually-"

Frisk was interrupted mid-sentence by a Whimsalot flying through the house doors. It seemed to be in a haste, panting and sweating from how far it must have flown. There was one thing noticeable to Frisk, however. This was new… "K-King Asgore!" The voice was feminine-like. "The G-Guard Dogs in Snowdin found many monsters trapped in ice!"

Ice? That was new. Frisk had never seen anything of the sort down there. But, they never strayed off the trail. Asgore was forced to leave the subject with Frisk behind, but he seemed to have no idea what the Whimsalot was speaking of. "Pardon? What type are they?" He questioned, raising an eyebrow.

The smaller monster slightly tumbled on her words, "W-Well, that's the problem. W-We have no idea what these are!"

That was when it clicked in both of their minds. The timeline had been affected in the Underground as well. "Lead the way then!" Asgore exclaimed, but keeping a wary eye out for anything suspicious. This was going to be a long day...

The two had to split up to find Asriel. If they didn't act quickly, the boy could be dusted any second. What they decided on was a risky idea, but it was all they had. Sans was tasked with getting the Deku Princess back to the palace safely, while Link searched for Asriel.

Neither Link or Tatl had any idea where to even start. He could have gotten anywhere. One thing that scared them both, was one simple fact. If Asriel was dead, they would never be sure. His dust could have already floated out through the wind, and they'd never know. But, that didn't stop Link. He mustered the Courage to continue on, to find wherever Asriel had gone off to.

The fact was, Asriel had indeed left on his own accord. There was no alternate being controlling him to do so. Something in his soul had broken, and he ran off. Link didn't acknowledge the fact how brutal the insane world could be to the monster's minds. Being that Asriel was a child, who did indeed turn soulless, he may have been reminded of himself.

Bells from the Clocktower began ringing, signifying the start of the second day. He had to hurry...

Truth be told, Asriel was in no real danger. He had walked all the way back to Snowhead, the cold biting at the skin under his fur. While it did help to have a thick coat of the stuff, the extreme temperatures were off the charts. Yet, despite that, Asriel had a goal. He just wanted to go to the barrier. Why? He wanted to go to the one thing still familiar to him.

This whole world as he knew it had changed. After some runs when he would see the surface as Flowey, he had grown accustomed to seeing the same old people with stupid conflicts. Normally, he was one for change. As Flowey, this would have been so interesting for him. But now…? It was hell.

That abomination that wore the mask seemed like a mirror reflection of himself. The imp was doing this because he was bored. Asriel could sense another motive, but that didn't matter. Because, whenever he would try to judge Skull Kid's actions, he would be brought back to the same conclusion: He would have done the same if given the chance.

Asriel wanted to badly to deny the things he did, but the world had its own ways of reminding him about his past horrors. He just wanted to escape from it all. But, that wasn't possible. One thing was on his mind, he just wanted to go home. Why couldn't things stay normal? It just seemed like it was not possible.

Many gaps began opening up, blocking his way to the mountain. However, the caprine was not deterred. He made use of the Flowey Mask, burrowing from one side to the other in a matter of seconds. Before he knew it, he was at the top of the mountain.

A massive blizzard was threatening to send him over the edge when he got back up to his feet. It was hard for him to prevent his teeth from chattering. But, as he looked towards the glassy barrier separating him from his family. As much guilt as he had, he just wanted to be with them. Once again, the stupid barrier stood between him and a happy ending…

He choked a sob, sliding down to his knees. To keep warm, he had to summon a small flame in his hand that could offer heat. It wasn't much, but he would be situated. Asriel wanted nothing more than to just go to sleep and everything would be back to normal when he woke up. That was the optimal choice. But, some dreams are not meant to be fulfilled.

Asriel tried to just curl up and forget all of his worries. Of course, it didn't work. He was still being bugged by all of the past events. It was all so… evil. Why couldn't it stop?
When crunches of snow were heard coming to his direction, his ears perked up, listening for the source. While he did keep a guard up, he felt as if something was trying to help him. More like: Someone. By the height of the figure, he could tell it was not Link. But, when he squinted to get a better view, he noticed the distinct shape of the Happy Mask Salesman.

The man gave Asriel a horrible feeling whenever he was around. It was more… sinister. He believed that the Salesman wasn't just doing this to stop the moon. Which, was why as a reaction, Asriel began inching away. How was the man walking so calmly in this blizzard without showing any signs of being cold?

Yet, he kept advancing, a static expression on his face. The monster found he was no longer able to move, being that the edge of the mountain was right behind him. What did this man want? How did he even get there in the first place?

Asriel was vulnerable. He knew this too. There was nowhere to run, and he could hardly move as it was through the blizzard. His teeth chattered noisily as the Salesman finally reached him, coming to a stop. The boss monster waited for an attack. At this point, he knew what this world was like. This new world was dark, selfish, and cruel.

However, when he opened his eyes upon not feeling a blow, the Salesman was still there, eyeing him with curiosity. Or, that's what he thought. The man always kept his eyes squinted like Frisk, unless enraged. "Why so scared?" The voice made Asriel jolt. Not because it was the normal high pitch, but because of how downtrodden he sounded.

Asriel tried to study his face for any sign of deceit. What was wrong with him? Never before had that grin disappeared from his face when Asriel was around. However, it was gone, replaced with an angry grimace. He tried to form words through the raging blizzard, being only caught with a hoarse feeling in his throat. This cold was unbearable, and now that his flame was gone, his only source of warmth had vanished.

With a sigh, the Happy Mask Salesman snapped his fingers. Asriel felt some sort of warmth fold around him, and when he looked back, there was a yellow blanket around his shoulders. Sure, it didn't do too much, but he was grateful for the thought. He tried to struggle out a thank you, but couldn't muster up any words.

The man saw this, waving a dismissive hand. "Do not waste your energy." Then, without any further interrogation, he went back into silence. Asriel began to wonder why he was here? What did he want? The questioning look caught the Salesman's eye. The man sighed, scratching the back of his head. "You are wondering why I am here?"

Asriel hesitantly nodded, wrapping the blanket closer. "Truthfully, Asriel Dreemurr, I could ask you the same question." He stated, leaning slightly closer. Asriel felt a pit in his stomach at the notion. He had completely abandoned Link and Sans, hadn't he? "However, young prince, I believe I already know… You think you can give up? Don't you?"

"W-W-What…?" Asriel finally managed to force out words. However, they were extremely faint in the roaring wind that nipped at his skin under his fur.

"You believe this world is too dark… that you are giving up so easily…" The Salesman's hand clenched into a fist in anger, beginning to tremble. "It is because it reminds yourself… Is that the reason?" He didn't even need an answer. Because, as soon as he said it, Asriel lowered his head in shame. "That's what I thought…"

"I-I'm sorry…" He whispered. He would have cried, but his tears were freezing. "I-"

"You what?" That anger came back at full force. The man's eyes snapped open, revealing a bright red. "You are too much of a coward to face what you did?" Asriel had gone submissive, trying to shrink away. "Instead of amending for what you did, you decide to try and hide… Pathetic."

Somewhere, a hint of courage boiled within Asriel. He would not let this man call him a coward. "I'm the coward?" He tried to get to his feet, his legs trembling under him from cold and slight fear. "Says the one who waited in a ClockTower instead of helping Link! You are no better than me!"

"At least I am making up for what I did…" The Salesman muttered in response. "There is a moon falling on us and now that imp has absorbed six souls. No one can sit around and wait anymore." This was getting on Asriel's nerves. "Are you going to to curl up and cry?" He covered his ears, trying to block out the Happy Mask Salesman. "How about you get up and show your worth."

"SHUT UP!" The unbridled rage of flames Asriel unleashed caught the Salesman off guard. The blizzard evaporated into the air when coming close, making steam rise. All sense of cold was gone. At this rate, Snowhead would probably go back to spring.

In a moment hesitation from the fury of fire, the Salesman was forced to yank a mask from his pack. A mirror appeared in front of him, reflecting the flames in another separate direction. He wasn't intending to actually hit Asriel. He was needed. However, that didn't change his immense anger.

The flames ceased. Well, the ones that were flying everywhere. Asriel was pissed. Fire still tingled at his fingertips. He was so enraged, that the hot mess actually emitted from the corners of his mouth.

The battle could have escalated further, but it was stopped by something. Both of the combatants could feel the massive disturbance. No, it wasn't that cliche "dark" feeling. It was quite literally, a disturbance of the earth. A massive earthquake began shaking the mountain under them. Something was coming, something big.

And the monsters were in its sight. Even far away, all regions could feel the great disturbance. The Salesman eyed the barrier suspiciously. "It seems your friends have unleashed that which they are unable to handle…" Asriel's wide eyes stared with uncertainty at the barrier.

A few minutes ago

They should have known. They had waited far too long to get to Snowdin. Frisk suddenly began regretting stopping to talk with Asgore. If they had just followed through with checking on Papyrus, they would have been able to possibly prevent what had just occurred.

The skeleton himself was not injured, but he would be soon. Countless monsters were frozen in thick ice. Well, these weren't your typical Underground monsters. Wolf like monsters and deformed children-like skeletons were stuck in frozen ice. Other indescribable looking ones rested around. However, that wasn't the main focus.

In the center, a giant goat on all fours stood in the middle. It was frozen as well, but on its head was some red crystal, glowing with ferocity. It was trying to melt the ice. Asgore held his trident at ready, standing right next to Frisk for what was to come. The human themself held a Worn Dagger, ready for what was to come.

That was until Goht was struck with some form of purple lightning.

AN: PLZ DON'T KILL ME

Yes, it took me long to update. We all need a break.

And, I didn't have possession of the computer so it wouldn't make a difference.

Also, tonight I will be opening up my Tumblr blog for questions since isn't allowed to be interactive. Keep checking my profile in the next hour or so for the update.

The Goht Fight will not be next chapter. There is still a score to be settled with Sans in Woodfall. And... I'm going to rewind slightly to have a better perspective on what's going on with Toriel and Chara.

Another thing to note is that I'm back to normal schedule. I'll alternate between HFD and this regularly. My goal is to get one chapter in every week.

BadDRUMMERboy15 Signing Off.