Alice in Undertale

by Lolitafreak88

What if by some curious opportunity, instead of Wonderland... it was the Underground, the realm of monsters that Alice fell down the rabbit hole into? It's a world just as curious, with as many colorful characters, and things to discover... but is 'kill or be killed', 'mercy or violence', 'a good time or a bad time'. Can her curiosity and imagination open up into determination?

41. Hopes and Dreams Come True

Alice in Undertale

By Lolitafreak88

Chapter 40 Hopes and Dreams Come True

As Alice plunged into the depths of some mysterious new dimension, she thought of several impossible things that truly could or had happened. 1) She realized now that she did prefer a gentle descent down the rabbit hole as opposed to this maddening fall of helplessness. 2) She had lost her old life entirely and was now thrust into a new one. 3) She found an incredible new world that was not her own but still felt like home. 4) She was filled with DETERMINATION. 5) She was going to face down and save her friends with this power. 6) She knew she could and had to save Asriel. He had suffered enough and so had the Underground. So had she. It was time to take fate into her own hands, promptly break it, and end this cycle. Chara and Frisk both agreed with her, projecting their thoughts of, Only you can do this now Alice. Succeed where we failed.

"I'm going to save you Asriel! But you have to understand that I am not the child you know!" Alice urged as she continued her long fall, feeling the wind whip her hair and skirt furiously as she realized she had to get her footing before any saving could commence. It was time to summon someone to help her. She looked down and thrust her arm out before her, trying to mimic the regal command of a queen or a sorceress casting a spell.

As she envisioned the dream of Wonderland, she saw a gorgeous teapot, with a long curved spout, a tall shape, big enough for a person to be able to hide in if they so desired, adorned with whimsical patterns, and the denizen who often rested inside of such teapots at the Mad Tea Party. The Dormouse. A rather tired-looking mouse that fit his sleepy and somewhat disconnected personality, in his dainty coat, he came alive within the teapot. Born to what wasn't a tea tray in the sky but certainly was a teapot. Once the teapot was solidified and the Dormouse born, it rose up, propelled by its own magical momentum to fly. Alice managed to adjust her positioning and land inside the teapot safely, finding a stairway and curiously, a control scheme similar to that of the technologies of Alphys's lab. I see my experiences in the Underground truly are shaping my own imagination now, Alice thought.

Several buttons and a steering wheel were on this pad and even a monitor showing what appeared to be the footage of ASRIEL DREEMUR outside flying after them and looking as though they were channeling magic. It was then Alice was able to truly observe the changes that overcame him. Legendary being made of every SOUL in the Underground. The Dormouse was currently at the wheel and was controlling the trajectory and movements of the teapot. It looked startlingly alert and Alice believed that this was one of the boys SOULs taking shape and their personality was shining through as opposed to the originally very sleepy character Alice thought of.

"No, I don't understand Chara. You are here before me. You don't have to save me." Asriel's voice now boomed with an unearthly echo, sounding older as well. Alice seethed at the fact he was still refusing to see her for who she was. It encouraged her to think about why that was. As Flowey he seemed capable of separating Chara and Alice as two different individuals during their encounter right before Alice went into the Underground proper but perhaps having all these SOULs returned him to the feelings he carried with him in the past. A past where no other child but Chara had ever been known by him personally. So he could only see Alice as a Chara who had succeeded in what they sought to do and had taken a new form.

A swirl of flames danced around and towards the teapot. Alice knew she had to get out there and face Asriel head on but she also knew that the lid of the teapot was probably protecting them from any strikes so she carefully climbed the stairway and held onto the railing for balance. The Dormouse steered the teapot like a ship of sorts, but with far swifter control than any mode of transportation Alice had experienced before (Jetpack notwithstanding). They piloted their way through the familiar fireballs and escaped harm. Oddly, moments after the attack vanished, the world suddenly flashed white and a dramatic change occurred.

The world was now a kaleidoscope of colors, the full spectrum of a rainbow dancing as an aura around Asriel as he floated side by side, almost idly. No longer was he chasing her like an eagle after its prey. It was instead more haughty as if daring Alice to try to escape or challenge him. The 'walls' of the world were blurry and almost looked like glass that had been rained on and left a haze, shifting in colors to the deepest hues Alice had seen. It was striking and beautiful, like an art piece that Alice had found painted by an artist of a new vision. There was no mistake about it though. She couldn't let this linger for too long or else she risked wanting to surrender to Asriel's desire to resume the toxic cycle of the timelines of the Underground. As if to answer her thoughts, Asriel suddenly held out his arms before channeling a flurry of rainbow stars and disappearing.

Larger versions of these stars shot out at the teapot Alice resided in, who decided to wait until there was a clear moment to speak to Asriel before popping out of the teapot. They would then disperse as loud and somewhat unusual noises would accompany them into smaller stars that looked to be the same as Flowey's 'pellets'. The star swarm would be dodged thanks to the Dormouse and at this point, Asriel reappeared and Alice showed herself. Lifting the lid of the teapot and holding onto it like a shield, she faced Asriel, hair flowing behind her like a sail of a ship. Asriel charges "SHOCKER BREAKER".

"You know… I don't care about destroying this world anymore." Asriel shrugged and shook his head.

"That's ridiculous! I know your true intentions…! I saw your hopes and dreams Asriel. You never wanted this world to be erased in the first place!" Alice objected passionately. In response, Asriel's hands filled with electricity and Alice realized she would have to dodge this upcoming attack. He disappeared again as powerful lightning bolts of prismatic ferocity rained down in sequence. Alice managed to block one with the teapot lid while the steering skills avoided the rest of this vicious attack. Alice winced at the loud sounds of the thunderclap and saw Asriel reappear. Asriel calls on "CHAOS SABER". And I thought Papyrus and Mettaton were dramatic in battle. Alice thought as she realized these attack names sounded rather scripted. Not in a bad way but in a way that reflected Asriel's true youthful heart in spite of this transformation.

"I know. We wanted to free this world from itself. After I defeat you and gain total control over the timeline… I just want to reset everything." Asriel responded, sounding slightly dispirited up until he finally shared his intentions. Maybe he didn't WANT to defeat Chara outright but knew this was the primary way of doing what he wanted.

"Resetting doesn't help anyone! Least of all you! You don't see the prison you've trapped everyone in by forcing them to go mad or struggle over and over again?" Alice pleaded. The last thing she wanted was to see another living being, monster or human, die again. This time Asriel summoned two decidedly fantasy-looking blades that were different from the Vorpal Blade. He would remain this time for this attack as if wanting to cut down Alice's words purposefully. He would swing after adjusting his position, sometimes remaining in the same position, and daring Alice to read his movements to avoid being cut down. One slice did strike the teapot, chipping some of the golden patterns off of it, but it remained steady. Finally, with one duo slice, Asriel summoned small stylized star projectiles that were easier to avoid. It appeared he was going back to "SHOCK BREAKER". Alice knew this battle would be long and ordurous. Nonetheless, she held onto hope and felt the teapot become empowered with stronger durability.

"But you get to recreate everything with everyone again. You don't have to miss out on anything! All your progress… Everyone's memories. I'll bring them all back to zero. Starting over again is what we dreamed of!" Asriel's words expressed a passion that was his own and would not make room for any others. He was DETERMINATION incarnate in a way. Yet that was a misplaced determination and needed to be changed.

"This isn't how I want that dream to come true… I know better now… oh Asriel…" Chara's words of lament passed through Alice's mind momentarily. We all know better now, Alice shared her thoughts inwardly, that is what is going to make things better starting from this moment. Once the thunderstorm ended with not a single hit connecting, Asriel was readying "STAR BLAZING." It was likely the earlier attack from before involving said stars.

"Then we can do everything ALL over again." Asriel added for extra emphasis.

"Doing everything all over again… without anything new happening. Asriel please listen to reason. Can't you see that we must move onto our futures and not let our past consume us nor present stay frozen?" Alice spoke in a softer tone, trying to reason him the way Toriel might've. Asriel flinched at this approach. The barrage of stars followed and Alice only took one hit from a lone star but it kept Alice sharp and on her toes. She continued as Asriel readied "CHAOS BUSTER".

"The best part of life is the progression. Getting to meet and make so many new things, see as much as there is to see, eat a variety of foods. The simplest things in life are the sweetest and grow with time." Alice said sweetly.

"No. You know what the best part of life is? Of what all this is? You'll DO it. You being my best friend and being the one who knows. We'll experience life together eternally! Even…" Asriel stopped himself from continuing his sentence. As though recalling that once upon a time, Chara died in his arms. Before Alice could respond, Asriel summoned a very bizarre-looking and big object. It had a design vaguely similar to the Dreemurr species and a castle shape on top but also striped rows, and a spear-like tip aimed at the teapot. Alice feared it was similar to Undyne's spears and sure enough, projectiles did fly out at her from the tip of the strange weapon. Yet the way it was fired was not like a thrown object but rather an arrow, shot out from a bow. It was rays of what looked like diamonds and it took a sudden swerve from the teapot to dodge the spaced-out barrage. Alice held on tightly to the railing to keep her balance as they managed to successfully avoid the waves of shots, even when they fired quicker and quicker. Once the attack was done Asriel charged up something within the weapon, a rainbow liquid appearing within it. Preemptively the teapot swerved away significantly from the direction the tip was pointing out and it was fortunate it did as a massive rainbow energy beam flew forth.

"I wonder if we need to attack him…" Alice pondered to herself as she worried that they'd tire themselves out at this rate. Furthermore, if Asriel was going to continue showing such overt stubbornness then that left them with little options to find a way of progressing the situation.

"No, I believe in Toriel's… mother's teachings. We can still show mercy!" Chara insisted.

"Alright. I believe in you." Alice nodded, feeling reassured. I'll keep holding on.

"Even when you lose to me again. As you will lose to me again." Asriel insisted before thrusting more sword strikes from his conjured blades at Alice.

"I will not reset the timeline for you again! I will never reset it again, even if it were for myself! I will win and change destiny, Asriel!" Alice declared valiantly. Even when they were brought to low health from the savage attacks, the Last Dreams they held onto would heal them to full.

"It will happen again Chara. It always goes again. And again." Asriel sounded defiant before sounding a bit creepy. He repeated it like a mantra of madness. Alice clutched her chest tightly, feeling a fit of rare anger as he addressed her once again by the name of someone she was not. Asriel was now readying "SHOCKER BREAKER II". A new version of the attack, Alice thought with indifference. Now she was really feeling the urge to speak her mind to Asriel.

"And again!"

"Chara…" Alice said in a tranquil fury to herself as a flurry of thunderbolts, more swift and destructive than before, struck down, managing to hit the teapot powerfully though not bringing it down to the count. Alice endured as well, the tea lid being a useful shield as she assessed Asriel was now readying a new move. "GALACTA BLAZING."

"Chara is NOT my name! I will not correct you again on that! I'm Alice!" Alice shouted as her eyes blazed with anger.

"Don't deny yourself. You know it's because you want a "happy ending". One where you didn't die." Asriel shared.

Alice flinched as it occurred to her that was a very natural conclusion to imagine from Asriel's perspective. Maybe he assumed that presently, Chara was taking the form of this new child to forget their demise and trying hard to believe that they were someone new entirely. Maybe to reassure Asriel that he didn't have to feel guilt over what happened or for some other unusual but likely meaningful reason. It was still wrong but Alice realized Asriel was really set on trying to do what he felt was going to bring genuine hope and happiness. As even more stars rained down than the previous shooting stars, Alice tried to think of how to get through to Asriel past this illusion he appeared to be living in. Taking a few star hits and only a Last Dream kept Alice from falling altogether from this recent strike.

"I do want a "happy ending" but-"

"Because you "love your friends". Asriel interrupted her as he summoned his blades for a round of "CHAOS SLICER". In spite of the slices, Alice and her teapot continued to tough through the attack. The Dormouse not showing any signs of stopping their efforts to carry Alice through.

"I do love them deeply and that's why I want them to experience a happy ending too. How can they ever be happy like this…? It wouldn't be fair for me or for you to be the only ones happy when everyone else is suffering…" Alice responded.

"See that's what I admire about you. Because you "never give up". But Chara… you and I… we matter to each other." Asriel spoke a bit more sentimentally as if he was connecting with Alice's feelings on the matter. The "Chaos Blaster" that followed was even more relentless with it's projectiles, even sending out stars after Alice after the rainbow blast. Through all the damage and healing and fortification Alice had to undergo that in some ways it was harder than Nightmare Flowey had been. No matter which form he is, Asriel at full power is something that no unprepared opponent could ever hope to survive against. Alice thought as she once again had to realize Asriel's delusion was strong. Yet it was true that for Alice at least, Asriel mattered to her. So by extension, he could come to see Alice mattered to him as well. How could Alice truly separate the two worlds for him to understand though?

"All things in life matter.. And I want to be friends so-"

"We're already best friends! Hahahahaha! Isn't that delicious? Your "determination." The power that let you get this far… It's gonna be your downfall!" Asriel declared excitedly as if he sensed the battle's end was close.

"I'm still standing aren't I?" Alice boldly snapped back at him. After avoiding another rain of lightning bolts, and seriously hoping that her hearing wasn't damaged, she sensed Asriel was readying "HYPER GONER". A certainly more foreboding title for an attack but Alice was not going to give up hope. Asriel seemed to chuckle at her as Alice held deeply onto her hopes.

"You are right! How strange to keep this up. Now, ENOUGH messing around! It's time to purge this timeline once and for all!" Asriel shrugged and shook his head again following this more forceful announcement and disappeared.

All color suddenly seemed to drain from the world. Then Alice gasped as she saw the head of a goat in the same vein as a Gaster Blaster of Sans appear, looking very unsettling. It laughed at her in an even deeper and distorted version of ASRIEL DREEMUR's voice. Once it finished its sinister cackle, it seemed to suck in the world around Alice, pulling various pieces of rubble and the teapot towards it's gaping maw. The teapot proved resilient in avoiding the sheer tug of gravity even as it got hit by a few objects from this sudden maneuver and Alice made sure to withdraw into the teapot for her own safety once she realized what was happening. The furious white light before them sprawled out like a firework and once the world had turned fully white, it returned to the previous scene. The teapot hung on for dear life even though now it was cracking and chipped in some places and Alice reemerged to see Asriel looked genuinely surprised.

"...even after that attack, you're still standing in my way…? Wow… You really ARE something special. But don't get cocky. Up until now, I've only been using a fraction of my REAL power!" Asriel declared with more contempt than before. It seemed this resilience on Alice's part was frustrating him.

"No matter what or how much of your power you use against me… I can't back down…!" Alice defiantly shouted. This defiance made Asriel look very cross. Even furious. In his mind, his best friend who was normally completely on board with him and who had done so much with him… was refusing this? Was denying him? Was not wanting to spend time together in this wonderful world? Not wanting to create the world over again? Alice could practically see his thoughts written all over his face and though it was scary to imagine tempting fate with his threats, she was hoping it was wearing down Asriel's refusal to accept the truth.

"There's no need to do so don't you get it?! Your loss is predetermined! I'm not sure what's going on that's changed you like this Chara but face it! You can't win! Let's see what good your DETERMINATION is against THIS!" An emotionally charged Asriel growled. Then suddenly in a bizarre fashion, he stretched out abnormally like he was being pulled from two different ends as the world went white.

But that wasn't the worst of it. Alice suddenly heard a shattering sound and realized that her teapot and Dormouse were instantly broken and vanished within the brightness of the white light while she herself was suddenly transfixed in mid-air. Held in place as if by invisible chains she found her arms and legs spread out as though she was in a dungeon. Gasping to herself and suddenly feeling as if she couldn't retaliate any longer, she struggled to pull out of this magical grasp with her eyes closed from the brightness within the room. When she tried to hear reason from Frisk and Chara, she could hear nothing. It was as if they had been split apart from her again or their words were silenced just like when Asgore had silenced hers in their fight. When she opened her eyes after having sensed that the light had died down., she saw that Asriel had… changed.

His horns were more pronounced this time and stretched out like the horns on an honored Viking's helmet. His teeth had grown sharper to the point it was as if he fully embraced being predatory. More startling and drastic a change was his body though. His body was no longer that of a similarly human nature, but rather a construct of various obscene creations in the shape of a torso. The body consisted of dramatic black fabric forming the shoulders, a glass orb containing a heart within it, odd heart-shaped bottom half with a crack coming down in the middle, mechanical arms, and fierce-looking stark white gauntlets that were spiky and also adorned with hearts. But it was the development of wings that shared the same muddied yet mystical hues of the world itself, longer and larger than any known flying creature Alice had read about or seen that captured her attention the most. It was as if he had ascended to becoming the prophesized Angel… or a devil of his own universe. Frightening. Majestic. Pitiful. Asriel blocked her way but it was clear that Alice could not go anyway. She couldn't move her body.

"... W-what have you done to yourself…?!" She found she could speak but even still, Alice was sure she was at a disadvantage.

"Urah ha ha ha… Behold my TRUE power!" Oddly enough, Asriel's voice hadn't changed from his first transformation. If anything it sounded in more delight and joy. Perhaps relishing in his power significantly altered his demeanor. Even still he spread out his arms and sent out a volley of spectral-looking blasts that easily pelted Alice to death. … But it refused.

"Ah…! *Pant* Pant*" Alice took deep breaths when it occurred to her that she was still alive, still fighting, even as she had clearly felt the impact of very painful blasts of energy. Somehow, somewhere, maybe Frisk and Chara, they refused to let her give up. Or was it more appropriate to say her own will was refusing to give up? Yet Alice still couldn't break free of this strange hold Asriel had on her.

"I can feel it… Every time you die, your grip on this world slips away. Every time you die, your friends forget about you a little more. Your life will end here, in a world where no one remembers you…" Asriel taunted Alice.

"... T-that can't… be true…" Alice for the first time in this climactic battle felt scared. These words deeply hurt her as it implied she was going to go back to zero. Back to the original place of her being the necessary human to free the Underground. Back to having to fend for herself… alone. Losing Napstablook, Sans, Undyne, Alphys, Papyrus, Asgore, Toriel… everyone… But how could she hope to face down Asriel like this? Surely he would bring this prophecy to life at this rate and she would be forgotten. Another savage barrage flew at Alice but this time she found she could at least move upward or downwards with sheer belief out of some of the blasts even though she still took a hit or two. The whole world is ending.

"N-no…! It cannot be true…!" Alice spoke again, this time trying to muster up the remaining bits of hope within her into a rallying cry. Asriel looked at her with a glance that seemed to pity her.

"Still, you're hanging on…? That's fine. In a few moments, you'll forget everything, too. That attitude will serve you well in your next life!" Asriel sneered. I only wish to live in this life, Alice thought to herself desperately, I won't let myself forget! Even so, another barrage of blasts would end her life again. Yet once more, she somehow regained consciousness and found herself in the same place as before, in the whims of Asriel's power. At this point, she felt so tired, so weary of having died more than once. It wasn't as brutal as the first time she died but… it weighed heavy on her mind.

"... I… I wish I could've helped you Asriel…" Alice whispered to herself quietly, as though desiring to rest than to continue suffering here.

"Ura ha ha… Still!? Come on… Show me what good your DETERMINATION is now!" Asriel howled eagerly at her and fired more projectiles that left Alice on the brink of death again.

Can't move your body. Nothing happened. You struggle… Nothing happened. You tried to reach your SAVE file. Nothing happened. You tried again to reach your SAVE file. Nothing happened. Seems SAVING the game really is impossible.

"It's useless… I wasn't able to save myself…" Alice sighed sadly to herself. Then suddenly… It happened. A spark of inspiration. A moment of clarity. A bit of very good advice came to her. She wasn't sure what prompted it. Perhaps, deep down it was the remembrance of her sister and Dinah or it was Frisk and Chara. Still, she knew that… It had to do with her friends.

"... But… Maybe, with what little power I have… I can SAVE something else." Alice suddenly felt a surge of power come to her.

It occurred to her that there was something that HAD saved her and saved so many others. It wasn't just her DETERMINATION getting her by like Asriel seemed to believe. It was far more than that. It was her friends! It was her imagination! The monsters of the Underground, the denizens of Wonderland. They were what helped give her her power. What helped her grow. What helped her survive! That was what could help her now more than ever! Alice suddenly felt herself being released from the grip that was placed upon her and realized that she could reach out freely. Reach out to Asriel, the one who held all the SOULs of her friends, deep into his heart. They're in there somewhere, aren't they? She called out to the first friend she could think of, imagining them with all her might and what they would be.

"Undyne!" Alice reached out to the Spear of Justice who grew to spare her as a friend! Within the depths of ASRIEL's SOUL, something's resonating…!

Alice felt the world around her shift somewhat and gasped when she realized she had entered if only for a moment, Asriel's heart. Yet her presence, her imagination shifted the scenery. She was in the Queen of Hearts courtroom, the place of dread and kangaroo courts. This time she was where the Queen of Hearts had presided over the Courtroom and in the place where Alice had stood as the defendant… was Undyne! Or rather The Lost Soul. Undyne was wearing her same casual outfit but her face was blurry as if it had been forgotten. Alice could never forget the fact of the valiant warrior of justice but she had to intervene. Why is this here though, Alice thought, is this really my imagination mixing with my DETERMINATION?

"It is. You're sharing your world with him as the magics of both collide. Finally letting him know of you yourself! This is your chance Alice! Bring your friends back to your side! Make them remember!" Frisk's voice suddenly appeared and encouraged her.

"I see… within the depths of his heart I can finally express to him that I am Alice and not Chara. I understand. Undyne…! Please come back to me!" Alice urged as she forced herself to climb down from the rather high judge's stand and down onto the courtroom floor. As unsettling as being here was for her, she knew there were more important things at stake.

"All humans will die!" The Lost Spirit declared furiously, flinging spears at Alice. This time, without even needing to think it, the golden Card Soldier of the Eight of Hearts appeared and parried each and every strike successfully, leaving Alice to approach the Lost Spirit of Undyne. She had a lot to say to the Royal Guard Captain.

"Undyne, you and I were on opposing moralities when we first met. You wanted so badly to free your people who had suffered so much whereas I had come here, the first human in forever, and wanted to live and see things for myself. Yet we broke through that stigma of the Underground together. You made your friends want to become stronger and you represented a beautiful example of true femininity and strength with your charisma and skills. I know you would be happy with the idea of clobbering anyone foolish enough to try to mess with monsterkind and that is why we will break the Barrier and be free to explore the world as heroines! And even more importantly, as dear friends! Please remember!" Alice pleaded to Undyne's Lost Soul. For some reason, she really wants to join you in battle…

"You're our real enemy." The Lost Soul responded as if frozen in time to the place where they saw Alice as an adversary. After another blocked round of spears, Alice was now standing right beside the Lost Soul.

"We're done with enemies Undyne. The wars are over. I only ask from the bottom of my heart that we are able to walk together, side by side, at the conclusion of this long story." Alice smiled at Undyne the way she would always smile. A big, shameless, but perfectly positive grin. For some reason, she really wanted to smile back at her. Suddenly, memories are flooding back!

"Well, some humans are OK, I guess!" Undyne's face was restored in a flash of light and she gave a big smile at Alice. Then she looked over and with a defiant stomp, shoved over the witness stand with a big push and then eyed Alice who looked overjoyed at seeing her friend back.

"You especially Alice. Now go out there and SAVE that kid!" Undyne demanded in a rallying manner before it seemed she vanished and Alice found herself whisked out of the courtroom and back to where Asriel floated before her. If he was feeling anything from what Alice had just done, he didn't show it yet. Perhaps in a way, he was simply letting this happen for some reason. Though it could very well be that at this moment… Alice's power surpassed his own and she was SAVING others quicker than he could react. You feel something faintly resonating within ASRIEL.

"Sans! Papyrus!" Alice reached out for the skeleton brothers who had been so kind towards her amidst their humorous antics.

This time Alice found herself seated in a chair and when she looked, she recognized very clearly she was at the Mad Tea Party again. The place where she had once lost her love of Wonderland in the face of overwhelming nonsense and never did quite get to drink tea here. Across from the table, seated side by side were a pair of Lost Souls… Sans and Papyrus. Similarly to Undyne's, their faces were blurred and it brought a moment of heartache for Alice imagining that even the Great Papyrus could be prompted to forget about her. Though deep down, she knew the brothers who had first brought her into the Underground proper could remember her. Or more appropriately, she'd gladly make them remember her.

"Sans! Papyrus! It's me Alice! I visited your home and learned so much about both of you!" She cried out to them.

"I MUST CAPTURE A HUMAN!"

"just give up, i did." Both skeletons responded at the same time, one with a tone of eager excitement and the other of a depressing cynicism. Alice frowned deeply at this and knew she would have to get through to both of them in spite of their contrasting personalities. As Alice felt her SOUL turn blue again and she was pulled down onto the table forcefully, she pushed against it and ended up climbing onto the table as bones flew at her from different directions. Compared to the last disastrous time she faced Papyrus and his Blue attacks, the Mad Hatter appeared and with a sweeping motion, managed to send the bones scattering with a flick of his hat.

"Sans… I know now. I know why you distrusted me and even attacked me. I know of your suffering in the past and how you couldn't forgive yourself for having to end a human life at your own hands to save your brother and friends. You reasonably feared I represented you having to make that decision again. Still, we were able to share our hearts to one another and help one another with our pains. You showed me merriment and charm and helped me see the light in the Underground when I could've so easily perceived it all negatively. Even if you ask me to give up now, deep down inside you want me to keep at it with the same passion as the brother you love so much! You want to be able to finally live and I will make that happen for all of us!" Alice did her best to pick up Sans spirit as she managed to get to her feet and ran across the table towards them, not caring if she was knocking aside pots, treats, utensils and cups. Even though it's hard to believe, he wants to imagine she means it.

"THEN EVERY ONE WILL."

"why even try." Alice found herself dragged down to the table again with the blue SOUL but this time Tweedledee and Tweedledum came and covered her backs, bouncing off bones with their bellies and bottoms to keep her safe. Alice forced herself up again, adrenaline flowing through the little girl, and addressed Papyrus this time as she soon found herself standing before them.

"You could capture me, yes Papyrus. That deed was what you saw as something truly great and that it would impress Undyne enough to let you into the Royal Guard. But don't you remember? When we fought, I was possessed by evil at the time, you spared me and wanted me to live. That was the greatest and the noblest thing done for me by someone in the Underground at that point and gave me the hope to carry on in spite of the difficult situation I was in. We went on a date and had a snowball fight and talked on the phone and I tried your food and fulfilled my promise to let you speak with Mettaton, and all of it was some of the most fun I had in my life! So freeing and relaxed you are that I treasure your companionship and would never hurt you! I want to help you perfect your spaghetti recipe someday and to do that, we must work together hand in hand and be great friends!" Alice shared her desire to spend more time with Papyrus. He really would love to keep working on his cooking with someone to try it. Suddenly, the memories are flooding back!

"NO! WAIT! YOU'RE MY FRIEND! I COULD NEVER CAPTURE YOU!" Papyrus eagerly fushed.

"nah, i'm rootin for ya, kid." Sans beamed at her with one of the more wholesome smiles she had seen from him. They both picked up a teacup and gave a toast to her as Alice simply giggled.

"That rootin is truly kind of you. Thank you." She said as they and this setting disappeared.

Once more Asriel floated before her and once more, Alice could feel a Lost Soul needing her aid to remember their previous identity. If she was going by the situation prior to this whole encounter where her friends had come to stop the fight between her and Asgore, that only left three more friends she needed to reach.

"Alphys!" Alice reached out for the Royal Scientist with a passion for her interests.

Alice found herself in what appeared to be the ground with long blades of grass serving as a sort of makeshift forest around her. There was a giant mushroom seated in the middle of the area and it quickly made Alice realize where she was. She was where she met the Caterpillar and found out that a particular rhyme she was familiar with was entirely different in Wonderland and that mushrooms could make you grow larger. Timidly, the Lost Soul representing Alphys stood on the mushroom in question, wearing her lovely date dress. Alice knew this particular Lost Soul would need only the kindest of words to help remember the positives as opposed to the negatives.

"Alphys… I may not be quite the literary character you are familiar with but I am your friend. I would very much like you to remember the time we've spent together." Alice urged gently.

"You hate me, don't you…?" The Lost Soul whimpered. Alice would find an arsenal of projectiles just like the ones Mettaton sent after her during their dazzling duel flung at her. It occurred to her that Alphys herself was the only friend to have not directly attacked her before so perhaps since Mettaton had also been absorbed by Asriel, the attacks of her own creation were serving her side. This time it would be the Jabberwocky who emerged and with vicious strikes, cut through the projectiles and let Alice slowly approach the mushroom.

"I… I did before I learned the truth and I'm sorry for my behavior at the time. I hated my privacy being invaded and how you were inactive in truly solving the monster's plight but you were put in such a compromising and difficult position. Either open yourself up to scrutiny and hatred or just hide it away for no one else to discover. You are strong Alphys and you were able to bring Mettaton's dream to life and find your self-worth by confronting your past head-on and taking everyone's words and hopes for you to heart. I could never hate someone who did all they could to become a better monster and better person." Alice expressed fondly to the Lost Spirit of Alphys. She really feels encouraged by that sincere sentiment.

"I've got to keep lying..." The Lost Spirit said, still sounding terribly dejected. With the Jabberwock covering for Alice, Alice was able to reach the mushroom and leaned her arms on it, staring up at Alphys.

"No, you don't. Not anymore at least. Now that you've been able to return the Amalgamates to their families, you've freed yourself from the pain and agony of being separated from their loved ones. You reunited people. One could say the truth sets you free and here it has. So please Alphys, let the light in, and enjoy your future. Undyne is waiting for you after all!" Alice pointed out Alphys's biggest crush. Romantic feelings blossom in her heart. Suddenly, she remembers… It's all flooding back!

"No, that's not true! My friends like me! And I like you, too!" Alphys got herself off of the mushroom as her expression returned and she hugged Alice.

"Thank you Alice. You continue to save me through my hardest points in life." Alphys said sincerely.

"It's the least I can do for how you've taught me a lot in return Alphys." Alice responded as she returned the hug just as Alphys and the setting disappeared.

Alice didn't waste any more time once she saw Asriel's form again. This time she could feel something strongly resonating within him and she truly believed it was them as a result. Her remaining friends and the most important of her friends in Asriel's eyes.

"Toriel! Asgore!" She called to the mother and the father of Asriel, the caretaker and the king, the separated but sweet couple.

This location of Wonderland was a rather large two-story house with a garden of vegetables, primarily carrots, out in front. Two Lost Souls, Asgore's at the garden as though growing them himself and Toriel's at the entrance of the house, stood there watching her. Alice knew already this was the White Rabbit's house. A place where she learned to be more mindful of what she ate there and where she unintentionally risked getting the inhabitant's home burnt down. It was rather poetic that the only direct house she visited in Wonderland was to be where Asgore and Toriel would be, given she had been in their homes before and saw into their past idyllic life. All the more reason for Alice to bring that life for them back.

"I know you two have been divided but it is time for all of us to come together. Please remember me Toriel, Asgore." Alice insisted as she opened the gate and entered the front yard.

"This is for your own good." Toriel's Lost Soul said sternly.

"Forgive me for this." Asgore's Lost Soul said regretfully. A surge of flaming rings, characteristic of the Dreemur's penchant for fire magic, surrounded and attempted to implode on Alice but Alice dodged gracefully. After so many battles of evasion, she felt it come naturally to her to perceive and avoid an attack.

"Asgore I do forgive you. In fact, now that I truly understand what your life was like back then, I'm extremely sorry for your loss. You were a model father and an exemplary king but tragedy and loss changed your vision and you became ruthless for the sake of just trying to give something back to your people that didn't feel like prolonging their suffering. I'm going to change the Underground for the better if you open up your heart to me again and let the future proceed naturally. No longer will a life have to be taken, I swear! Just hold on with your hope for a little while longer!" Alice encouraged the Lost Soul of Asgore. For some reason, he'd like to accept her forgiveness.

"No one will leave again."

"This is my duty." Once both Lost Souls spoke, more circles of flames appeared and were deftly avoided as Alice stood before them.

"Toriel I know it was a hard choice for you to make to let me leave the Ruins in the first place. You went through such a dreadful loss of your own son and then endured the loss of several human children. I respect you deeply for your bravery and kindness and for teaching me the ways of mercy. So often I had struggled to uphold the virtues and good advice you gave me but because of your unconditional support of me, I was able to use your mercy to support myself. That mercy is what will hopefully end the pain on a happy note and we can break the Barrier together. You can teach as many children as you want from there as you yourself have dreamed of doing." Alice said to Toriel. This fond recollection of this fact brings her a sense of happiness.

"..." Both Lost Souls were struck silent yet interestingly, did not yet remember Alice. Alice felt maybe because of their direct attachment to Asriel himself, a bigger hurdle was presented before her. This time, channeled flames flew at Alice but this time the Walrus appeared and twirled his cane around swiftly, blocking the fireballs from striking Alice regardless of which direction they were coming from.

"And I promise… I'll help your son. Asriel needs your help as I need yours. Let's bury all our previous troubles and return home so we may have butterscotch cinnamon pie and golden flower tea again!" Alice pleaded, hands folded in prayer. Suddenly, both their memories are flooding back!

"Your fate is up to you now!" Toriel beamed at Alice with utmost pride.

"You are our future!" Asgore gave a relieved and equally proud smile at Alice.

"T-thank you…" Alice for a moment was sincerely touched by their words and teared up slightly before curtsying politely before them one last time. Asgore nodded his head to assure Alice she could tackle the next objective and Toriel gave a friendly giggle. Then it was back to the beginning.

"All that's left is you…" Alice said to Asriel who still seemed as though he was watching and waiting rather than intervening. She could feel her friends SOULs resonating within ASRIEL. In truth though, as she stared down what was once a small goat boy, she struggled to imagine a way of getting through to him. She had saved all her other friends from losing themselves but Asriel never had been around to become her friend. He still saw her as Chara. How could-

"I think I might know what to do." Chara said within her mind.

"You do…?" Alice asked, more out of hope than confusion.

"It's the best way to make up for everything I had him do… that I had us do to you. I'll help him remember not what I had wanted… but what WE wanted."

Suddenly, she realized. The last person who needed to be SAVED. She reached out and called his name as for a moment, she let herself feel Chara overtake her consciousness again.

"ASRIEL DREEMURR!"

"Huh? What are you doing…!?" Asriel finally seemed to recognize Alice's presence again and gasped in confusion as it became clear a white light enveloped the room again.

"…" The Ruins. The Fallen Child. Chara.

"Oh you've fallen down, haven't you?" Asriel. The Prince. The Goat.

"Are you ok? Here, get up…"

"Chara…"

"... Chara, huh? That's a nice name. My name is Asriel. Would you like to come with me?"

"Yes I would like that very much. Ugh… my head." Chara cradling his head as Asriel helped him along.

"It's a big fall down Mt. Ebott. I'm glad you aren't too badly hurt. I can't wait to introduce you to my mom and dad. They make the best pie and grow the best flowers respectively!"

The sound of laughter. Father, Mother, and two sons holding flower bouquets. Happy. Together. Complete.

When Alice came to after witnessing what was clearly a flashback prompted by Chara, she saw that Asriel looked… distraught. Shaken even. It was clear both of them experienced what Chara induced. It made Alice realize that the dream she had when she had landed in the junkyard after Undyne made her plummet there was of this moment. Of their true first encounter. Asriel and Chara's meeting when Chara had fallen into the Underground. Chara was indeed reminding Asriel of their time together as siblings and how Asriel gave Chara a fresh new start in the Underground. A new life. That new life was something they could have again if Asriel abandoned his mission of resetting the timelines endlessly. Even though Alice was floating harmlessly in mid-air now free to move on her own will, she felt as though she understood that this was the best way of getting through to Asriel. Reminding him of what he could have rather than what he was trying to bring back.

"Asriel… I wish to save you as well…" Alice spoke gently. Asriel looked at Alice as though she was a ghost.

"Wh… what did you do…? What's this feeling…? What's happening to me? Teacups… gardens… you… No! NO! I don't need ANYONE!" Asriel shouted desperately as he sent another barrage of blasts Alice's way. Alice could've moved if she wanted to but instead she remained in place and endured the significantly weaker blasts as they struck her. She wanted to show she was going to stay at his side no matter what he did. It was also clear that maybe her interactions inside his heart had come to his memories as well and he was reminded of his own past from some of the aspects of Wonderland Alice had shown him.

"I think you are worthy of having someone in your life Asriel." She replied.

"STOP IT! Get away from me! Do you hear me!? I'll tear you apart!" Asriel shook his head fiercely and sent more projectiles but this time in a far smaller quantity and more inaccurate trajectory. Alice could tell his voice lost a significant amount of confidence and even seemed remorseful but he was trying to hold onto his vision with all he could. If this continued, she was sure she could get through to him better.

"You are welcome to do so if you feel it'll bring you relief but I feel speaking from your heart will be the one that will give you the most relief." Alice insisted calmly. Asriel seemed to relent in his aggressive stance and take Alice's words to heart. He took a deep breath and released.

"... … Chara… Do you know why I'm doing this…? Why I keep fighting to keep you around…?" Asriel asked in slow, almost broken-sounding words. Fireballs rained down the heavens but in a slow and almost beautiful effect and missing Alice entirely. Alice stayed quiet this time, allowing Asriel to say his piece.

"I'm doing this… Because you're special, Chara. You're the only one that understands me. You're the only one who's fun to play with anymore." More flames descended.

"..." Alice at that moment really did understand now why Chara must've had a change of heart seeing those videos in the True Lab. It must've been a reminder of just how much Asriel had cared for and valued them. Something so pure and meaningful to them in their overall sad and unfortunate life that couldn't be taken for granted anymore. It meant a lot that now thanks to this change of heart, Asriel seemed to be reflecting and thinking of what Alice wanted to convey.

"... No…That's not JUST it. I… I… I'm doing this because I care about you, Chara! I care about you more than anybody else!" Asriel now sounded on the verge of tears.

"And I also care about you, Asriel. That's why we are doing this for you. Me and Chara." Alice showed she was there for him.

"Y-you are Chara… Please don't say this is for me. I'm not ready for this to end. I'm not ready for you to leave. I'm not ready to say goodbye to someone like you again…" Asriel's tears began to fall.

"This is not goodbye Asriel! If anything this can be a new beginning! What can be done requires your help and is what you've always wanted! It's time to let go and understand that what's happened is done and written in stone and we have the power now to firmly move on…!" Alice, feeling emotionally charged and fists clenched, cried out as powerfully as she could to him. She wanted him to know that he wasn't in a deadlocked position, that his choice was up to him now. That no reset of the timeline would be needed ever again. Her words summoned up a sob from Asriel as his tears fully began falling messily and he pleaded with her,

"So, please… STOP doing this… STOP talking like anything better can happen without you… AND JUST LET ME WIN!" Asriel charged up immense amounts of energy in his hands and suddenly blasted Alice with a massive rainbow beam. It hurt but Alice barely felt any pain and even when it seemed like it should bring her down to 0, she felt as though her health, her life, her will… could not be defeated by this single attack. She didn't even feel the need to raise her arms or try to defend herself, she let the attack run its course.

"STOP IT!" Asriel fired even more energy, more destructive and powerful than anything of the likes Nightmare Flowey threw at Alice. Yet she still stood. She still endured. She was staying determined.

"STOP IT NOW!" Asriel cried out one last time for Alice to stop her resistance before ultimately ceasing his fire. He couldn't take her down. His arms hung limp at his side and he looked down, sobbing to himself. At the end of the attack, Alice for better or for worse, hung on. She felt as though she had just run an extremely lengthy Cacus Race and yet, she felt as though she had enough energy to finish the job. She began to swim towards Asriel through the gravity-less plane, hoping to make contact with him.

"... Chara…I'm so alone, Chara… I'm so afraid, Chara… Chara, I…"

As Alice approached Asriel closer and closer, she felt as though gravity was starting to return and she was soon back onto her feet, walking towards him now. ASRIEL's body of mechanized parts and wings also began to fade into nothingness. It was as if Asriel's spell was breaking and reality was returning to the world. The world revived from the brink of destruction. It was finally time for Asriel to accept the truth and Alice was not going to leave him to fend for himself. He was not alone. Nobody was anymore.

"I'm here for you Asriel. So please don't worry anymore." Alice said calmly just as Asriel's face began to fade as well into a veil of white light.

"I…" Finally when the white light disappeared, the original Asriel Dreemurr was back. The way Alice had seen him before his transformation and in every other instance. He had reverted to his original form. She could finally speak to him in person without any fear of battle.

"I'm so sorry." Asriel apologized in a teary tone that mercifully was his own and not distorted anymore. Wiping his tears bravely he looked to Alice with a sad smile. Alice put her hands behind her back and just smiled at him, showing no hostility or reservations about being with him.

"I always was a crybaby, wasn't I, Chara? … … I know. You're not actually Chara, are you?" Asriel asked Alice. She couldn't help but chuckle slightly, remembering the time Papyrus was convinced by Sans that she was a rock before they became friends. I wonder if these monsters need glasses sometimes, she thought. It occurred to her that Frisk and Chara were not saying anything, perhaps holding their breaths internally to see how this conversation would go. She was determined to not let them down in this regard.

"Well, that certainly isn't my name or identity. I can't take somebody else's life under good conscience." Alice replied.

"Mmm. Chara's been gone for a long time. … Um… what… What IS your name?" Asriel asked the golden question Alice had been dreaming of answering for him.

"I'm so glad you asked! My name is Alice. It is my deepest pleasure to meet you Prince Asriel." Alice's curtsy showed a renewed happiness and freeness compared to some of her stiffer curtsies throughout the Underground.

Asriel gave a small gasp and then looked very modest about the compliment. He collected himself and said,

"... "Alice?" That's… A nice name. … Alice… I haven't felt like this for a long time. As a flower, I was soulless. I lacked the power to love other people. However, with everyone's souls inside me… I not only have my own compassion back… But I can feel every other monster's as well." Asriel shared this information gently with Alice.

"I'm glad you were able to find yourself again Asriel, if even for a moment. I heard so many great things about you and I wanted you to find the joy you lost. So did Chara." Alice said. Asriel's eyes widened and he looked hopeful.

"W-wait… so you do know Chara? You've seen them?"

"Chara's with me right now. They told me the truth about everything. The buttercups, the Barrier, the SOULs, DETERMINATION… this Underground's sad history… but they want most of all for you to be freed from the past. Chara wanted us to finally free everyone and SAVE you. Accomplish the dream you two once had as siblings. I can't ever take their place in your heart but I do wish for you two to finally achieve something you wanted so earnestly for the ones you loved." Alice revealed as much as she could without overwhelming Asriel. Asriel looked deeply touched.

"T-that is… too kind of you Alice. To have helped them… to be helping me. Helping the monsters we cared so much about. They all care about each other so much. They are a true family. And… they care about you too, Alice. … I wish I could tell you how everyone feels about you. Papyrus… Sans… Undyne… Alphys… Toriel…" Asriel seemed to struggle with saying the names of his mother and hadn't yet mentioned his father.

Hearing this made Alice feel like she had been validated in all she had done in the Underground. She thought of herself as no longer alone but sometimes the creeping doubt that there hadn't really been genuine friendships made during her journey or that they may have grown to dislike her and willingly would abandon her had shown its ugly head. Now though, Asriel had confirmed her greatest joy. She could talk to them for hours and they would talk to her for hours now.

"Don't forget about Asgore. Granted he may not know me that well, I feel he is still worthy of love." Alice winked at Asriel. Asriel looked down bashfully for a moment.

"Yeah… Monsters are weird like that. Even though they barely know you… It feels like they all really love you. Haha." Asriel giggled which encouraged Alice to laugh a bit as well.

That was basically how most of this adventure went but it was definitely not something Alice would regret. Compared to Wonderland where it felt like she was always just not fitting in and able to relate to those that lived there, here she made strides and relationships. Despite how relieved Asriel seemed, his face suddenly fell. He looked sad and regretful and prompted Alice to wait patiently for what he had to share.

"... Alice… I… I understand if you can't forgive me. I understand if you hate me. I acted so strange and horrible. I hurt you. I hurt so many people Friends, family, bystanders… There's no excuse for what I've done. Even if you say I inspired you to make our dream come true, there's no excuse for what I did when you personally encountered me." Asriel frowned but his eyes showed resolution. Similar to how Sans judged Alice, he was going to let Alice judge him.

"Asriel…" Alice thought to herself.

It was true as Flowey, he had done a lot of mental and physical harm to her. Scaring her out of her wits the first time she came to the Underground. Threatening her numerous times and being generally unpleasant and vindictive. Killing King Asgore right in front of her after they reached a peaceful resolution. Murdering her in a most painful and cruel fashion. Leading to Napstablook's sacrifice for her after she was brought back. Presently, he had greedily taken everyone's SOUL for himself. Yet… he was also the catalyst to helping Alice find all the crucial answers. Even now, if he hadn't done what he did, Alice could've never reached closure with Asriel or offered a chance to finally break the Barrier now. Plus he had saved her and given her vital hints in the previous timeline. All this was condemnable but it was also forgivable in her eyes. Wasn't that ultimately the main message of mercy anyway? Forgiving those that do wrong to you to alleviate their guilt after finding out the truth of their actions?

"I have to say there would normally be a merit for me to not accept your apology for what you've done. If I was in Wonderland and you'd done all these things to me, then I certainly wouldn't. There, I could hate how you did out of madness, selfishness and twisted priorities. Yet here it has been remarkably different. Monsters have given me motives and reasons for their behavior. Misguided mostly but nonetheless they all have a purpose and story behind them that answers questions about the actions that show they truly have sense. I couldn't imagine the idea of seeing your sibling die and then being unable to go on with your plan out of your own sense of kindness. Seeing everything fall apart in front of both your eyes… It was a really sad story." Alice explained.

Asriel waited with bated breath. He seemed momentarily on edge as Alice was deeply analyzing everything before his eyes. He didn't necessarily want to be forgiven for his actions. He'd been taught after all to accept all responsibility for anything he would do. Thus, Alice eventually continued,

"Ultimately I have done bad things too. We all have. It's part of life. I can't expect to be praised as a saint even if I believe myself to have done everything I could to be good. We shouldn't have to be expected to do so though. It's what makes us who we are and allows us to learn. You are very much the same Asriel. Even though your actions had much more severe consequences than traditional actions, you've learned now. And… I respect your bravery so deeply from such a young age. I know we can accomplish things now with all the knowledge we've gained and the experiences we've gone through. I'm gladly willing to accept your apology." Alice answered with a sincere, welcoming smile.

"Wh… what? … Alice, come on. You're… You're gonna make me cry again. …besides, even if you do forgive me… I can't keep these souls inside of me. The least I can do is return them. Though… thank you for seeing the best in us even through the darkest times." Asriel smiled sweetly. He couldn't argue against that kind of logic. That pure, sweet logic that had fully seen the Underground from both perspectives and had drawn a thorough conclusion. It was the first words he'd heard in a long time other than from Chara that had given him true hope.

"It took a while to get comfortable with the concept but I'm glad I did." Alice admitted, holding her arms out in front of her and nodding. Asriel then put a hand over his heart, closing his eyes solemnly.

"Before I let everyone go free. There is something I have to do. Right now, I can feel everyone's heart beating as one. They're all burning with the same desire. With everyone's power… With everyone's determination… It's time for monsters… To finally go free." Asriel's voice rang with determination. Alice stepped forward.

"Please wait. I wish to help with this endeavor too. I've got good reason to wish to see the Barrier broken myself and with my own hand. I made a promise after all. Together let's end the cycle of suffering and step into a new world." Alice offered her hands. She believed this was something she shouldn't stay out of.

"Alice… Ok. You are right. You've earned the right to help me with this. Take my hands and focus on your SOUL." Asriel gently urged as he grasped onto Alice's hands.

Both of them held each other delicately. After a few moments, both of them thought deeply on their mutual goal. Breaking the Barrier. Alice could feel her imagination and DETERMINATION uniting with Asriel's immense output of DETERMINATION and both powers were enough to slowly lift them up into the air. Asriel was chanting something that Alice couldn't quite decipher and when she snuck a glance at what was going on, she saw a universe of SOULS floating around them, in a magnificent spiral. She could even see the six other human SOULs among them as the vast amount of SOULs represented the entire Underground uniting and working together on this goal. Ultimately the SOULs all united majestically as Alice closed her eyes again and wished with all her heart. Please break the Barrier for Napstablook, Sans, Papyrus, Asgore, Alphys, Asriel, Undyne, Toriel, Muffet, Mettaton, Burgerpants, So Sorry, Gerson, Monster Kid, everyone I care about. After a moment of eerie silence, she suddenly heard a massive crack form from somewhere close by. Then… something breaking apart thoroughly as if it had been pulled apart by the hands of a giant. The barrier was destroyed.

Once both of them floated gently down and landed on their feet, they opened their eyes and let go of each other. The SOULs had disappeared but it was safe to say they'd most likely been returned to their owners and perhaps in the case of the human children SOULs, allowed to finally pass on and rest in peace in the afterlife. It was an encouraging thought and as Alice looked over and saw a bright shine of light from where the Barrier once was, and a cavern of sorts leading to someplace indescribable, it proved it wasn't a dream either. Alice took a deep sigh of relief and happiness before turning to Asriel who unusually seemed glum.

"Alice… I have to go now." The reason why was quickly made clear to Alice.

"T-that is true isn't it…? Are you positive there isn't a way you can stay like this…?" Alice asked cautiously and with worry all over her body language.

"Without the power of everyone's souls… no. I can't keep maintaining this form. In a little while… I'll turn back into a flower. I'll stop being "myself". I'll stop being able to feel love again." Asriel lamented though it was clear he didn't want to make Alice feel guilty over it.

"I refuse to believe that… that you can't come back. You can come back as "yourself". I'm sure there is a way. If we found a way to break this Barrier, without ever taking a single life again, then there must be a way for your memory to carry on. I just… I hope I… have enough time to think of it…" Alice began tearing up, now feeling very ashamed of becoming so happy even though ultimately, she felt powerless to SAVE a friend.

Asriel was a friend regardless of Flowey, regardless of the past, regardless of the battles. And she really wanted to reunite Toriel and Asgore with their son as well. Could she really have failed in this ultimate goal? She realized she was asking Frisk and Chara internally to help her think of a solution before it was too late but then she got an unusual response.

"Don't you think of impossible things every morning?" Frisk and Chara asked her in unison.

"Impossible…" Alice took this as her mantra and recollected everything she could think of. That she heard. That she learned. Anything and all for Asriel. Wiping her tears away as she began to think about all the impossibilities she had learned in the Underground. Then…

'"N-no… I'm just about the only flower like this but thanks for asking. It's nice to see someone eager to learn."' Soulless Flowey.

'"There are many bizarre things about this land, perhaps what happened to you is magical in nature and can be remedied with magic. But for now come my child." Toriel spoke firmly yet lovingly like a mother as she took Alice's hand and led her up the stairs.' Magic as a remedy.

'It's a quality of human souls… the will to keep living… the resolve to change fate… the will to kill, slaughter, murder…' The child's voice slowly got quieter to the point Alice couldn't hear them.' DETERMINATION.

'I just realized it that it has been a while since I have cleaned up. I was not expecting to have company so soon. There are probably a lot of things lying about here and there. You can pick them up, but do not carry more than you need. Someday you may see something you really like. You will want to leave room in your pockets for that.' Toriel elaborated to Alice.' Carrying something.

'"You definitely were taught well by your sister… if you truly wish to leave the RUINS Alice… I will not stop you. You seem to have taken my advice to heart… and that DETERMINATION you showed me…. might be more than enough to protect you. However, when you leave… please do not come back."' Toriel instructed Alice.' Coming back to the Ruins.

'"You just don't shut up do you? I'm surprised no one has killed you out of frustration at your relentless questioning. Keep yapping like that and they'll give up on you, and you'll be forced to give up on this world. Then I'll be the one left to inherit the power to control it." Flowey announced.' Inheritance.

'"It's always a prized feeling when you know you have seen all there is to see and there's so much fun in that journey as well. You seem to understand me so can you be so kind as to please, from the bottom of my heart… take a piece of me and bring it very far away," Snowman offered, clearly touched by Alice's words.' Bringing something over from a far distance.

'"WELL! THIS CHALLENGE! IT SEEMS… MAYBE… TOO EASY TO DEFEAT THE HUMAN WITH. YEAH! WE CAN'T USE THIS ONE! I AM A SKELETON WITH STANDARDS! MY PUZZLES ARE VERY FAIR! AND MY TRAPS ARE EXPERTLY COOKED! BUT THIS METHOD IS TOO DIRECT! NO CLASS AT ALL! AND I'M DEEPLY WORRIED FOR THE DOG! AWAY IT GOES!"' Papyrus reasoned as he dismissively shook his hands at the Gauntlet.' Direct method.

'Love, hope, compassion… This is what people say monster SOULS are made of. But the absolute nature of "SOUL" is unknown. After all, humans have proven their SOULS don't need these things to exist.' Alice winced at the severe insult to her species. It seemed that there were monsters in the underground who felt humans lacked love, hope, and compassion. Given their history I find that to be fairly justified, Alice concluded. Alice herself did have love, hope, and compassion she felt and she hoped maybe she could set a more positive example of humans… from the past.' SOULS.

'Alice then felt a sensation that felt as curious as shrinking or growing but also as numb as the last moments she had in the dream. She felt like she was asleep yet she still could see what was in front of her, smell different scents, and hear voices. But she had no control over her movements as when she tried to speak, she couldn't and when she tried to move, she stayed put. Instead it seemed as though she was being puppeteered by some arcane force for her body moved without Alice directing it to. Even her mind seemed clouded in very negative, dark thoughts. Where am I…? She asked herself. To her horror someone answered her in her head, a place that was normally reserved for her alone. You're in the back seat, said Chara, and now it's time to drive them all down.' A SOUL possessing a human body.

'"King Asgore needs my soul to break the barrier. So to get to my soul they would have to kill me." Chara said, trying their best to mimic Alice's posture and expression to not give themselves away.' The cost of getting a human SOUL.

'"well… my brother is a bit more flexible than the average skeleton. if you suggest an idea of what to do together with him he'd consider it in a pulsebeat." Sans recommended Alice.' Doing something together.

'"...W-WHAT? YOU'RE GOING TO TAKE THE HUMAN'S SOUL YOURSELF… B-BUT UNDYNE, YOU DON'T H-HAVE TO DESTROY THEM! YOU SEE… YOU SEE…"' Another way of obtaining a SOUL.

'"But humans have one weakness. Ironically, it is the strength of their SOUL. Its power allows it to persist outside the human body, even after death.' … What on earth…?"' The longevity of human SOULS.

'"... Chara, huh? That's a nice name."' Asriel and Chara's connection.

'"Ngh… Napstablook… t-there's so much I have to tell you… I-I've been wanting to say 'thank you' to you for the longest time… wahh…. you saved me… if i-it weren't for you telling me about Waterfall… about what I could find in the Underground… I-I wouldn't be here right now… thank you… uuu..." Alice lowered all sense of guard and honestly stated her true appreciation for the ghost with sobs throughout.' The importance of communication.

'"Oh yeah… The prophecy. Legend has it, an 'angel' who has seen the surface will descend from above and bring us freedom. Lately, the people have been taking a bleaker outlook… Callin' that winged circle the 'Angel of Death.' A harbinger of destruction, waitin' to 'free' us from this mortal realm… In my opinion, when I see that little circle. I jus' think it looks neat! Wahaha!" The turtle tried to smooth over the clearly morbid subject matter with some humor.' The Angel.

'"It'll be a transformation for the monsters born down here who've never even seen the surface… and the monsters who had to suffer down here when their lives were transformed for the worse. At last it'll be a transformation for the better. First, however, as is customary for those who make it this far… I shall tell you the tragic tale of our people. It all started long ago..." Undyne spoke with passion after a brief pause.' Transformation.

'"... I-I-I… ahh, I did see what happened… but it seemed as though y-y-you were being possessed or under some sort of spell… a-and you broke free from it… plus Papyrus accepted you no matter what and you didn't betray him. I was rooting for you the whole time to do the right thing and am still rooting for you." Alphys tried to ease the tension with a rather desperate statement but it was clear by her tone it was honest.' Doing the right thing.

'"Why would I want to watch myself die before I ever get a chance to return to the surface?! Or break the Barrier?! Let's not be silly Alice! I'm just warning you! I still doubt you are any righter than I am or that I'm any righter than you, but regardless! You must know that things aren't what they seem! Why is a raven like a writing desk?! Is there or is there not another way?! What will break the Barrier once and for all in the end?! You have to answer this world's ultimate riddle yourself Alice!"' What broke the Barrier in the end.

'"W-wait a second! Couldn't you make a… Couldn't you use a… Couldn't you make a substitution in the recipe!?" Alphys struggled to word it but eventually unveiled her idea.' Recipe substitution.

'This picture however did appear to be remarkably different from the last one. It portrayed Alice lovingly telling So Sorry a story, her sitting on the ground daintily and while So Sorry did look very fat in the picture, he seemed to be enjoying the story. Their expressions were simply captivating and Alice looked very much true to herself in the picture, her dainty figure and all. It was at that moment Alice realized that she looked so unchanged, unscarred by all that she had endured in the Underground. She didn't appear depressed or tired or weak, she was still full of life, eager, happy, and not at all terrified over her experiences. This was how So Sorry saw her, her deepest essence of someone who actually appeared to belong in the Underground or who was still being herself there.' Unscarred.

'"Please, I need you all to seek out any bombs that you may find in the area and bring them here. It is key to have them all in the same place for a quicker and easier time defusing the bombs. If there are any ones that are too difficult to attain, please alert me as soon as possible. We haven't a time to waste!" Alice used her hands and her voice to express the urgency of the situation.' Bringing everyone together.

'"Huh? A telegram from the spiders in the RUINS? What? They're saying that they saw you, and… you helped donate to their cause!" She remarked with a sudden joy in her voice.' Donations.

'Although this also built up suspense towards the final journal as there was a very high chance it would be something significant and shocking. Alice bravely began to read it. 'Dear Diary: She surprised me with something today. Sketches of a body that she wants to create for me… A form beyond my wildest fantasies. In a form like that, I could finally feel like… "myself." After all, there's no way I can be a star the way I am now. Sorry, Blooky. My dreams can't wait for anyone…' Becoming part of a new body.

"... Yeah you definitely are the eighth child then. Basically there's this… higher power in the Underground that only those with enough DETERMINATION can use. You restart everything back to a certain point. Any events, any deaths, any actions are instantly reversed. It's kind of like time travel only it's not going back to a specific spot in history but rather going back to where you last rested. For some it's a hell, for others it's a chance to make things right. Problem is… there doesn't really seem to be any leads." Sans explained with an odd mixture of understanding and futility. Reversing death.

'"...! N-NO… I'D BE THE SAVIOR… BLOOKY… BLOOKY HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS! AND WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT ABUSE? YOU'RE ABUSING THE UNDERGROUND BY NOT HELPING WITH THE CAUSE! THE PAIN OF NOT HAVING A PLACE TO BELONG… THE PAIN OF NOT FEELING COMPLETE… THE PAIN OF NOT ACHIEVING YOUR DREAM… I SHARE THAT WITH ALL THE MONSTERS THAT LOOK UP TO ME ON THE SCREEN." Mettaton seemed to briefly lose it.' A place to belong.

'"THANK YOU SANS! NOW GO BACK TO YOUR STATION ALREADY! *AHEM* NOW METTATON, MY ADMIRATION FOR YOU IS THROUGH THE ROOF! I SEE YOU AS A TRUE STAR AND INSPIRATION! BUT I ADVISE YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART FOR I CARE ABOUT ALICE A LOT TOO THAT IF YOU MUST PURSUE YOUR DREAMS ABOVE GROUND, PLEASE DO SO ONCE THE BARRIER IS DESTROYED. AFTER, LET'S SAY, A NO-SOULS-LOST SITUATION HAPPENS."' No SOULs lost.

"ASRIEL, wracked with grief, absorbed the human's SOUL." Asriel and Chara's original union.

'They've been a SOUL for a much longer time than I, not nearly as fresh. In fact, it'd be safe to say they are more of a ghost than a SOUL, their strong feelings pushing them forward and almost an antithesis of DETERMINATION. In the same way, I am more of half and half, with me being separated from my body like this my SOUL remains incomplete. Despite being a SOUL, I am not able to be used to break the barrier. At Papyrus's prison, they saw an opportunity to use all their combined power to attempt to possess you, but I was able to interfere with their control and your own DETERMINATION helped to overpower his influence.' Frisk and Chara's conditions.

'"... It's quite true that no lone death can measure the potential of multiple deaths… but what of those who can't come back? Wouldn't you place our trust in someone that could keep their deaths from being in vain?!" Alice yelled.' Trust.

'"I won't deny that… I intended afterward to use this power to destroy humanity, And let monsters rule the surface, in peace. Perhaps that would've been just as you say… letting it go to my head. But the people's hopes returned after that declaration. My wife, however, became disgusted with my actions. She left this place, never to be seen again. Truthfully… I do not want power. I do not want to hurt anyone. I just wanted everyone to have hope and be free… To live a life that my son could not… I cannot take this any longer. I just want to see my wife. I just want to see my son. Alice… This war has gone on long enough. You have the power. Take my soul, and leave this cursed place." To Alice's surprise, Asgore was abandoning everything she had been told about him.' Asgore's dream.

'"That's right… you've been a two for one special this whole time. It answers quite a lot actually… like why you happen to be a respectable threat and how you've lasted this long despite your bad attitude and gullible pursuit for knowledge. So now I get two more to add to the six! Heh heh heh... such power is beyond the hopes and dreams for freedom the monsters have! With my newfound powers… Monsters. Humans. Everyone. I'll show them all the REAL meaning of this world." Flowey's stem grew dark with evil as he made his plans plain as day.' Two in one.

'"Aww… I didn't mean to frighten you so badly! *Giggle* I mean when the time arises to produce an heir, not right away! Besides, I have a solution to your flower power. With all these SOULS within me, I'm sure I can spare you at least one. And all you need is a pure SOUL and some magic to return to normal." 'Alice' giggled and sounded calm once more.' How Asriel was brought back.

'Like opening a treasure chest, there seemed to be a brief heavenly glow as the light in the room started to fill the opened coffin. What was inside… was a body. They had somewhat tanned skin that was noticeably pale in this state of 'death', a long-sleeved striped shirt of blue and purple, blue pants, brown shoes, medium-length short brown hair, short bangs, and a sleeping expression that was neither sad nor happy. Just a face that signified an eternal sleep. Noticeably, they had a tear on the bottom of their shirt, likely of which where Sans had ripped off a piece of their clothing to hold onto as a momentum of them. It was odd how beautifully preserved the body still was, perhaps because their SOUL still lingered on in the Underground or the coffin had some sort of magic of its own. But there was no mistaking it… ' Frisk's body.

'"... Flowey is the lost prince Napstablook. His true name is Asriel. It seems his current state as Flowey lacks the empathy that the story I was told described him as having."' Empathy.

"It goes b-beyond trying to make myself feel better… I-I've tried to impress Asgore with Mettaton… b-but I lied to him about creating a SOUL in the process. Had I really done so… w-w-we'd be free. But it goes further than that… I-I did something AWFUL. Horrendous. Sinful. I've never been able to muster up enough confidence to open up about i-it… B-b-because what I did… *Sniff* It broke lives…" Alphys couldn't help herself at this point and started sobbing large and messy tears. SOULs unable to be created.

'"Life has a strange way of working from what I've discovered. It took you away from me but now I see that you were… are no longer lost to history. You have a new future ahead of you and new experiences and companions. They can be your family now." Alice's sister looked solemnly over to Asriel, Frisk, and Chara.' New future.

'"... 'ENTRY NUMBER 7. We'll need a vessel to wield the monster SOULs when the time comes. After all, a monster cannot absorb the SOULs of other monsters. Just as a human cannot absorb a human SOUL…' Does that make me the exception to the rule?" Alice sounded surprised as this was not what she was expecting to hear from this entry so far.' Vessel.

'"You're right. This is our best chance. My time has come and gone. But ever since you've come here… things really have changed for the better and still can. I vow to help you Alice. We can break the Barrier and free the monsters… free my family, together." Chara held their hand out, a gesture that reminded Alice so much of when Chara had first spoken to them in their first and somewhat fantastical encounter. Inviting her into a Wonderland that actually existed, this time devoid of malice. Alice wasn't scared any longer and with a strong smile, took Chara's hand and shook it firmly.' Chara's resolve.

'Yet why the different color and why was this smiling face here? When she got closer, the face metamorphosed into text that she could read. 'ENTRY NUMBER 8. I've chosen a candidate. I haven't told ASGORE yet, because I want to surprise him with it… In the center of his garden, there's something special. The first golden flower, that grew before all the others. The flower from the outside world. It appeared just before the king left. I wonder… What happens when something without a SOUL gains the will to live?' Flowey's origin.

Scene after scene. Clue after clue. Detail after detail. Advice after advice. Thoughts turning into inspiration and ideas into hypotheses into conclusions. Alice had been silent for a while and Asriel looked worried in person as he didn't know what was going through Alice's head. But the little girl knew what this all meant. Everything she went through. All her curiosity had been placed into finding as much as she could. All the monsters and humans had shared with her. Truths. The answer. The answer to the question she wanted to have answered the most. 'How to save Asriel?' She gasped aloud and Asriel, who had been trying to call for her attention without being rude, jumped back in shock. Alice, finally done with her revelation, sensed she had left Asriel pining for her attention. She apologized.

"S-sorry, I was thinking very deeply about something. The last thing I would wish to do is waste your time, Asriel."

"O-oh it's ok. I'm sure you have a lot on your mind now that the Barrier has broken… and about all the good times you will have with everyone." Asriel said encouragingly.

"Among other things. So what did you wish to tell me?" Alice, trying to return the conversation to something proper, asked Asriel what he wanted to really express.

"So… Alice. It's best if you just forget about me, OK? Just go be with the people who love you. You don't need me to have a happy future." Asriel said with a bittersweet smile. Alice didn't even need to say anything. Her reaction, especially with what she had finally understood, was honest. She walked over and hugged him tightly.

Asriel was surprised, even watery-eyed at the first action of being hugged. Then slowly he wrapped his arms around Alice in turn in a gentle embrace. Then he clutched Alice more tightly like he didn't want to let go of her, tears dropping onto Alice's shoulder. She patted his back caringly as her sister would for her in the day. One thing Alice was prone to never doing was forgetting. Being asked to forget Asriel was an impossible thought. His story, his heart, his importance, and his legacy would be part of Alice's new future forever. She just hoped that this really wasn't it for them like Asriel seemed convinced it was. I have to believe in this answer and never doubt it, Alice told herself. She wondered if Frisk and Chara knew what she had devised at that moment but if not she was ready to explain it all to them. Their cooperation was necessary after all but she would respect whatever their wishes ended up being.

"Ha… ha… I don't want to let go…" Asriel muttered sadly in between heaving sobs. He finally found compassion and love again and Alice had been the one to forgive him for his past. She was a friend for life in his eyes and the last thing he wanted to do was lose this memory of her and go back to being someone who had antagonized her so painfully. If anything, this moment as touching and sweet as it was for him, was also painful to experience. Like Chara before, he'd have to part with them and all too soon at that. Even so, deep down in the young prince's heart, he didn't regret it.

"Alice…" Asriel began once he pulled away from the hug with Alice, "You're… You're going to do a great job, OK? No matter what you do."

"That is very kind of you. I'll work to live up to your expectations Asriel." Alice nodded gratefully. It reminded her of the time she talked about her dreams with Napstablook and made her realize that she would ultimately now need to think more seriously about her future with the Underground being freed. Hopefully, her friends would help her flesh out what she really wanted to do but then again, when did they not?

"Everyone will be there for you, okay? They'll be your support." Asriel reaffirmed her thoughts. Then with a heavy heart, he turned away from Alice.

"Well… My time's running out. Goodbye." Asriel then began to walk away after saying these heavy words. Alice watched him go with a bittersweet look of pride and longing. She so wished this wouldn't be the last time. Then he stopped and turned back to look at her with a smile.

"By the way… Alice. …take care of Mom and Dad for me, OK? And tell Chara I said hello and that I miss them." Asriel gave a sincere request.

Alice bit her lip, feeling very emotional from that mere request. The sheer hope in Asriel's voice that she would do that for him. The subtle regret he couldn't do that for them. And naturally, his last desire to hear from Chara personally. He wanted a response. Alice would definitely be sure to give it to him but… it hurt to wonder if this really was the last time Alice would speak with Asriel. She hoped deep down her conclusions were true but if it was all for naught then… Then again, she considered, after already losing so much, maybe it's alright to deal with another one. I must still try to bring Asriel back but I can't break if I fail or let his request go unanswered. Steeling herself and keeping her composure she spoke to him with one last curtsy befitting his entire being,

"You can count on me."

Asriel smiled in deep gratitude. Then he walked away, eventually disappearing. Alice was left with some time to herself though it now came to her attention she was utterly exhausted. Just like after the Nightmare Flowey fight. Surely she would pass out soon or could at least allow herself to fall asleep naturally. She didn't mind this urgent need for rest time. She had nothing to be utterly traumatized or worn out about this time. She could rest peacefully as she waited for her friends to find her. Alice took the time to reflect on everything and heard Frisk and Chara finally speak within her mind. They seemed to have indeed analyzed Alice's idea.

"I saw your idea… and I… I'm thinking about it but there is a chance that… I'm willing to go for it." Frisk said.

"If it means giving Asriel the life I squandered, I will do what I can for it." Chara agreed.

"Thank you both truly. You know… Everything that's come to this reminds me of a small squabble I had with my sister before I was found by you Chara." Alice said as she gently sat down on the ground.

"I can relate to those… What was it?"

"I asked her how one could possibly pay attention to a book with no pictures in it. She then told me there were a great many good books in this world without pictures. I stated haughtily in my world the books would be nothing but pictures. *Giggles* How silly that was to say! I think I now fully understand the value of a story with more depth than just visuals. That the people and lives they lead have substance and not simply appeal on a surface level. That I should and prefer living through a story rather than trying to change my life into a story." Alice laid down on her side, trying to get into a comfortable position.

"So you feel as though you've grown up past what you wanted. The world of your own." Frisk's happy tone seemed to indicate he approved of her new perspective.

"Mmhmm. I've found a much better one." Alice nodded and after taking a yawn and stretch, she fell into one of the best rests she had in her life.

To Be Continued…