Toby Fox owns Undertale and all associated characters.

Days passed. As Undyne recovered, Chara went to Alphys, asking if she had a way to find Frisk's soul. The scientist did what she could, but she could find no trace of a second soul within her. Despite Alphys's assurances that this technology was crude at best, Chara, as well as most of Frisk's friends, took it to mean that the boy was no longer with them. Except…

Except for Papyrus, whose unyielding optimism and enthusiasm encouraged the others somewhat. He was absolutely certain that Frisk was not dead, and was, in fact, simply "Pulling a Sans" as he phrased it. He berated Sans for a week afterwards, saying this was proof that he was a bad influence on the boy.

Chara had some difficulty integrating with Frisk's friends. She didn't dare call them her own. At least, not anyone other than Papyrus, who would be heartbroken if she didn't. She spent most of her time with her parents, at least for the first few days. It was still hard, though. Both Asgore and Toriel were simultaneously overjoyed that she had returned to them, and grieving the loss of Frisk. Chara still wasn't sure she deserved their immediate acceptance of her, but she was grateful for it regardless.

Days turned to weeks.

School started again, and at Toriel's insistence, Chara enrolled in the seventh grade. She was very quick to establish herself as Chara, not Frisk, and those who knew Frisk quickly agreed with her assessment. She was very smart, and breezed through the lessons and assignments she was given. But she was easily irritated and fairly short-tempered. What bullies the school had very quickly learned not to mess with her, as she had no problem repaying them tenfold.

Not only that, but she would immediately come to the defence of any Monster child who happened to be picked on or otherwise harassed. After a few "demonstrations" the school became a lot safer for Monsters, though most of the Human children now referred to her by the moniker "Demon Child".

Though they appreciated what she did for them, even the Monsters feared her, keeping a respectable distance from her. She didn't mind; she wasn't there to make friends.

Of course, there was one person who seemed immune to the fear that just about everyone else in the school shared for her. After noticing that she generally spent her lunches sitting on a cinder block at the far side of the school grounds, Kid decided that she needed company. So, one day the armless reptilian Monster just plonked himself down next to Chara and started talking.

While she was irritated at first, she quickly grew to grudgingly enjoy the half hour every day spent with the boy. She rarely said much, but he was content to chatter away at her, and she appreciated the company. The only other person that she could even think of calling a friend was Undyne.

Once the fish-warrior had recovered from her ordeal, Chara had asked to train with her. After her soul had taken so much damage fighting The Defiler, her newfound powers were far weaker than they had been during the battle. Plus she wanted the opportunity to work out some stress.

Undyne agreed, rather enthusiastically. But very soon, Chara wasn't the only one of them trying to train herself. She mentioned to Undyne that the warrior had the capability to achieve a second, far more powerful form. Once Undyne had stopped screaming about some anime that Chara didn't particularly know or care about, she settled down long enough for the girl to explain what she knew of the power behind her transformation.

Between Undyne working herself as hard as she could to attain this form, and Alphys making improvements to the Determination Recycler, it wasn't long until Undyne was able to call upon her Undying form. She could not maintain it for long, only for a few minutes before she had to revert; before she began melting. But they kept at it, and with continuous practice, Undyne was certain that she would be able to sustain the form for longer.

Weeks turned to months.

After discussing it, Toriel and Chara visited the orphanage that Frisk had come from before climbing Mt. Ebott. It was a bit of a trip since it was in a city on the other side of the mountain, but since Toriel had officially gotten her driver's license, it wasn't as bad as it could have been.

On the way there, Chara had learned that Toriel had been working on a way to legally adopt Frisk almost since they had first emerged from the Underground. She had been planning to surprise Frisk with it before The Defiler attacked. Though Chara technically wasn't Frisk, she agreed to go through with the adoption idea regardless, stating that it would be a nice surprise for him if he ever came back.

The only one who still expected that Frisk would return to them was Papyrus. Frisk's continued absence hit Chara especially hard, and she grew more reclusive and short tempered. She rarely spent time with anyone other than Kid, Undyne and her parents. She couldn't even be bothered to feel happy as a spark was re-kindled between Toriel and Asgore, her father spending more and more time at their house.

The only thing she truly enjoyed was her continued spars with Undyne, which she did whenever she could. Her magic had returned to the same level as when she used it on the Defiler, and she could now usually beat Undyne in her normal form.

But, Undyne had been training hard as well, and not only was she stronger than before, she could now sustain her Undying form for nearly an hour. Chara was Determined to get to the point where she could fight Undyne the Undying on equal terms, her knives against the warrior's spears. But so far she had been unable to even get close to doing so.

It was harder to fight Undyne when she actually remembered and learned from Chara's attacks, as well as the fact that they were not actually trying to kill each other.

However, her training had not gone unnoticed, and Chara found herself forced into a political role when Humans discovered that she had magic.

She hadn't been subtle with the use of her power, and there were people who regularly came and watched her training spars with Undyne. Of course, the idea that there was a Human that could use magic excited people greatly.

She wasn't technically Human of course, but she was unsure how to explain the semantics to them when she herself was fuzzy on the details.

As Chara's popularity grew, she was invited to a few Monster-Human relation meetings. However, when she was trotted out as a 'magic human poster child', she quickly learned that she was very good at beating smug politicians and condescending reporters at their own game. Very soon, she was twisting Anti-Monster activists' words against them and making people who had been involved in politics for years look like complete fools.

Even better, she enjoyed it. There was nothing quite as satisfying as beating them at their own game, and it was even better when they didn't realize it themselves.

Despite the few things she enjoyed, however, Chara only became more and more withdrawn. She knew her parents were worried about her, but she didn't know how to prevent that. It was hard not to feel despair clawing at her from within. She still couldn't help but feel empty.

And she never did get the hang of peeing standing up.

On a cold day in late January, Chara sat at the edge of the roof of her school building. Her last class had finished almost an hour ago, but she couldn't bring herself to go home. She knew what would happen when she got there. Both her parents would ask her why she took so long, and tell her that they would listen to anything she had to say. Asgore would make her a cup of hot chocolate while Toriel would ask her about her day.

Then she'd go to her room and lie on the bed staring at the ceiling until dinner. Undyne was busy for the next couple of days with her work, so there wouldn't be any training sessions for a while. Nothing really to look forward to unless one of the bullies she was keeping an eye on decided to do something stupid. Even then, they didn't last long, even without using her magic.

It started to snow, flakes falling down like someone had turned on a massive paper shredder in the clouds. Chara was surprised at how quickly the snow picked up. Maybe it was trying to make up for the lack of snow thus far; there had only been one or two major dumps this year.

There was a swooshing sound , and Chara didn't have to look around to know that Sans was standing behind her now. Toriel usually called him to go find her when she was late from school.

"Your parents are worried about you, you know."

"I know." Chara replied dully.

Sans walked around and sat down beside her.

"It's not just you being late home all the time, you says you've been barely eating for the past couple days, and you barely speak to anyone anymore."

"Just eight days to go."

"Eight days till what?"

"His birthday."

There was silence from the skeleton. After a moment, Chara continued.

"He never really saw it as a big deal. Apparently they didn't really celebrate birthdays where he came from. I only found out about it by accident." She gave a bitter smile. "Not that it matters now, does it?"

"Well, I guess that explains why you've been extra broody lately." Sans sighed. "Look, Chara. We all miss Frisk. But think about your parents. He was like a son to them, especially Tori. But now, they miss you almost as much."

Chara turned to face Sans, a questioning look on her face.

"You came back, but now it's like that was a cruel joke. And not the whoopee-cushion kind, either. It's like they're losing you again, but to yourself this time."

"This isn't my world, Sans. It was his. If it wasn't for him, I would have no idea how anything works up here. I fell down into the Underground centuries ago, and so much has changed since then. I don't belong here."

Sans rubbed his forehead.

"Look, believe it or not, I actually have an idea of what you're living with. I get it. But things aren't gonna get better from you moping around all the time. Look, why don't you come visit me and Papyrus after school tomorrow? I think having him around might do you some good. For your parents sake, if nothing else."

Chara shrugged.

"I'll think about it."

"Guess that's all I can ask for." Sans stood up and reached out a hand. "Come on, let's get you back home."

Chara stood as well, but ignored the proffered hand, making a face as she did so.

"No thanks, It's not that far of a walk. I still need a bit."

Without waiting for a response from Sans, she turned around and walked towards the small hatch in the roof leading back down into the school, leaving the skeleton alone to watch her leave.

Chara trudged through the quickly rising snow. It was true that this school wasn't far from the Monster District, but she was taking a bit of detour, more to stall the inevitable than anything else. She gazed blankly at the quickly piling snow, avoiding thinking about anything in particular.

Uurgh.

Chara stopped, instantly going into high alert. She scanned the street around her, but there wasn't anyone close by, and certainly no-one who would have made that groaning sound. Had it been her imagination?

Chara? A familiar voice asked sleepily. Since when do you wake up before me?

It… it couldn't be…

Frisk?

It's cold, Chara. The boy whined, his image materializing before her mind's eye for the first time since the battle. The image was more faded than she remembered and it flickered a few times but it was there. He rubbed sleepily at his eyes, then looked around in confusion.

Why's everything all white?

Frisk! Chara shouted, both in her mind and out loud, causing what few people were around to give her strange looks. But she didn't care.

You're… you're back! You idiot! Do you have any idea how worried I was?! Where have you been!?

Frisk looked confused.

Ch-Chara? What do you mean?

The girl paused and closed her eyes, taking a few deep breaths to calm herself. After a moment, she asked,

What's the last thing you remember, Frisk?

The boy knit his brows in concentration.

Uhhh… It's kind of fuzzy… His head snapped up. Wait! There was The Defiler! And he was trying to take your soul! And then…

You saved me, Frisk. You stopped him from taking me. But we thought you were dead!

Frisk was silent for a moment. Then he said quietly;

I'm sorry…

Idiot. But Chara could feel her eyes getting damp, and she knew Frisk knew it too. What did Undyne tell you about taking long naps without telling anyone?

Frisk gave a small smile.

So, do you have any idea what happened? Chara prompted.

Frisk shook his head.

All I remember is trying to stop The Defiler from taking you… then I woke up here. He gave a little shrug. Sorry.

I guess that makes sense. Chara concentrated for a moment, quickly confirming her suspicions. Your soul is really weak right now. I didn't even notice you were back until you spoke. Maybe you were just unconscious?

Frisk gave another helpless shrug.

I don't know.

Chara shook her head, allowing the relief at the boys return to wash over her again. It didn't matter where he had been, as long as he was back now.

Um… Chara?

Yeah? The girl replied, starting to walk again.

How… how long was I gone?

Five months. Chara's reply was blunt, but she immediately regretted it when she saw the look of shock and regret cross Frisk's face. Cursing herself, she tried to play it off.

Just like you to wake up in time for your birthday. I guess Papyrus was right. You have been spending too much time around Sans.

Chara was relieved to hear Frisk give a little giggle. God, it felt so good to have him back. She felt more whole than she had in months. She broke into a run, making a beeline for her home.

Come on, Frisk! Mom and Dad are going to be so happy that you're back!

Wait, do they-

Know about me? Chara guessed.

...Yeah.

Chara skidded around a corner, slipping on the ice and bumping into an older man. She steadied herself against him then dashed off again before he had a chance to say anything.

Yeah, I told them.

Oh.

Chara wasn't sure what else she could say to him, but she did let her elation at his return wash over the boy. Frisk, too, went silent, though she could feel his appreciation at her gesture. Chara got the feeling his reticence was more due to exhaustion than an actual desire to be quiet.

Focussing again within herself, she was privately alarmed at how weak Frisk's soul felt. It was as if it was clinging to their body by a hair. She didn't think that he would be able to take control of the body yet, and maybe not for some time.

She shoved such thoughts out of her mind, entering her neighborhood and tearing down the street to her house. Maybe he was weak for now, but he was back, and that was what really mattered!

A big grin split her face as she reached the door. She couldn't wait to see her parent's reaction to the news. She pulled the door open and burst into the warm house.

"Mom! Dad!" She called, kicking off her boots and shedding her jacket as quickly as she could.

"Chara, dear?" Toriel replied from the living room. "Are you alright? Sans said-"

Chara ran into the room, barely holding back from bouncing up and down in excitement. She was grateful to see that she had been right, and both her parents were sitting on the couch, or at least, they had been. Both of them were rising, concerned expressions mirrored on their faces.

"My child, are you-"

"I prepared some-"

"Frisk's back!" Chara shouted, cutting off both her parents. She was both unable and unwilling to keep the elation out of her voice. She threw herself at her startled mother, knocking her back down onto the couch with a surprised "oof!".

"Chara?" Asgore asked hesitantly. "Did you say…"

Chara looked up into her mother's startled face, her crimson eyes shining happily. She held onto her as hard as she could, her small arms barely making it around the Boss Monster's midriff.

"He's alive! He's weak… he's barely there, but… I can feel him, Mom!"

Toriel let out a strangled sound halfway between a sob and a gasp and clutched at Chara, pulling her in tightly. Behind her, Chara could feel Asgore's presence as he came in close, attempting a hug despite the awkward positioning. Frisk's soul pulsed with contentment and happiness at the attention of the two Monsters.

"Are... are you sure, Chara?" Toriel asked, almost fearfully. "Can… can we…?"

Chara's smile dimmed and she shook her head into her mother's chest.

"He's too weak right now. I don't know where he was, but-"

"I don't care." Toriel said firmly. "As long as he's back, as long as he's here, I don't care." She looked over at Asgore.

"Fluffybuns, could you fix some hot chocolate?" As the former King stood, reluctantly removing his arms from Chara, Toriel hesitated. "Does Frisk… I mean, will he-"

Toriel's grip had loosened slightly and Chara was able to maneuver herself so that she could look Toriel in the face. She felt a pang seeing her mother's tears, but it was quickly quelled with the knowledge that they were happy tears.

"He'll experience it as much as I will, Mom." Chara assured her.

Toriel gave a small smile.

"Frisk…" She said quietly. "I… We thought we'd lost you."

I'm sorry, Mom. Frisk replied, Chara relaying his words to Toriel.

"You have nothing to be sorry for." Toriel brushed Frisk's cheek with her hand, and both children relished the sensation. "I'm just glad you're back with us."

Agore quickly returned with the hot chocolate, and Chara gratefully accepted the mug, though she remained on her mother's lap to drink it. She inhaled deeply, enjoying the aroma of the warm drink. She didn't know what Asgore did differently, but whenever he made hot chocolate, it always smelled so much better than any other kind.

As she sipped away at the drink, both her and Frisk enjoying the taste. Her parents began asking a few questions that she and Frisk answered as best they could, and telling the boy about the things he had missed while he had been dormant.

By the time she finished the drink, they were spread across the couch, Asgore leaning against one armrest with Chara snuggled into his lap while Toriel sat upright in the middle of the couch, gently running her fingers through Chara's hair. They had stopped talking a while ago, and for now, they were content to just enjoy each other's presence.

Then, Chara realized something. And she couldn't help the smile that spread across her features.

"Mom, Dad. There's one more thing that Frisk didn't tell you."

"What's that, my girl?" Asgore rumbled.

Too late, Frisk realized what Chara was about to say.

Wait, you're not going to-

"It's Frisk's birthday next week."

Chara! Frisk covered his face with his hands. As she had known he would.

Both her parents stilled, then their eyes brightened and they shared a look.

"Is it now?" Asgore said slowly, his tone hinting at mischief.

Come on guys, it's not a big deal. Frisk attempted.

It is a big deal, and they can't hear you. Chara replied smugly.

"You know, Asgore," Toriel said conversationally. "Papyrus has a lot of space in his bar…"

Asgore nodded solemnly.

"Maybe he'd like to present that to us for a birthday party."

Chara froze.

Oh no…

Toriel smiled.

"That is a good idea! And we can bring our friends older to celebrate with us!"

Frisk let out a giggle. Chara rolled her eyes.

"You two are terrible!"