There was a feeling like falling. Slipping away, and into nothing. Then, a flicker of something. The shattered pieces of the soul shining, pulling somewhere. Grasping at something that had been...forgotten.

The last couple days had proven to be confusing, and annoying in unexpected ways. To begin with she was alive again. Well, as alive as an undead phantom chained to a host unwillingly could be. Just like the last two times.

This human, however, was unlike the other two. This one had such an air of positivity it was almost sickening. At least, given what she knew was undoubtedly awaiting them at the end of this adventure.

A pair of pink gloves were pulled back. An orange bandana fastened around their neck. The red-haired youth turning to her, giving a little smile and a wave.

Using sign language, they asked. "What happened to the food?"

Chara had never actually learned sign language in life, yet the moment she bonded to this being it was understood instinctively. Then again, she realized she seemed to gain knowledge from whatever 'host' she was symbiotically bound to. She was loath to respond, but relented.

"You left it in the bag." Chara replied. "Which you left with Toriel." She rolled her eyes. "When you left, on this...'adventure' like an idiot."

"Oh, right." They replied, frowning, before signing. "Is there anywhere nearby we could get more?" Chara simply stared in response to this. "Or, maybe we can go back?"

"It's a little late to want to go back now, isn't it?" Chara practically hissed, the human glancing away. "That door won't open for you again. That's your own fault." The began to sign something. "Just stop..."

"I just want to get home." They signed back, managing a small smile. "And we can call her later right?" They signed. "I promised I'd visit, and I meant it."

Chara had to remind herself that they didn't know any better. An idiot, like the rest. Her arms crossed as she floated in the air, considering things. To be fair, she wagered they could call Toriel, and if they stayed long enough, might be able to go back inside.

However, it was unlikely that Toriel would let them leave a second time. Reluctantly, she understood their desire to get home. To be with their family again. So, that would be a bad idea, at least for now.

"Up ahead is a town called Snowdinn." She said. "It's not all that impressive, but once we get there, just look for the tall skeleton or the fire guy. The Doctor usually helps wanderers. And the fire guy will probably just give you something to eat." She then added. "Assuming you have G on your still." The human pat their pockets. "You do still have the money, don't you Alex?"

Alex let out a nervous laugh, and dug into their pockets. After a moment, they produced a single shiny gold coin. Giving two thumbs up, getting a single unenthusiastic one back. Flicking it into the air, they caught it, and pocketed it. Looking very pleased.

They began to wander away from the trees, hopping down onto the path once more. Passing a save point, which Chara beckoned at. Alex pausing for a moment. Noticing it, they took the time to save. The golden glow a bit dimmer than it was last time.

Once accomplished they continued, until a fork in the road was reached. One proceeding onwards, and the other heading towards the river. Alex glancing between the two, turned once more.

They signed. "So, any chance you could scout ahead?"

Chara signed back. "No."

Alex requested. "Please?"

"I can only go so far away from you." She told them knowingly. "But uh, tell you what, I'll keep a lookout. Make sure nothing sneaks behind you, deal?"

The still living child responded. "Thank you. You're such a good friend."

"I'm not...anyone's friend." The ghost girl replied, floating beside them. "And I'm certainly not 'good' so, let's stop with that, okay?"

Alex frowned at this but didn't challenge her. Understanding at this point, that sometimes it was best to relent. Instead, they started to jog forward with general enthusiasm, and bravey. Or, as she viewed it, foolishness and reckless abandon.

Bit by bit, a structure became visible to the pair of them. It resembled a house, or more closely, a shed of some kind. Though, she knew what it was, that being a sentry station. The girl in the red and black shirt floating up to the side of her companion.

"That's a guard station. Well, that or a sentry station depending on who you ask." She explained, getting a curious look in response. "It means there's someone around, who may attack you. So you need to sneak by, and be quiet, okay?"

Alex signed back a simple. "Thank you."

With that, they promptly, and immediately rushed directly for it. Leaving Chara blinking slowly, groaning as she was dragged along after them. As they got near, Alex slid to a stop next to it. Managing to make far too much noise for their own good.

From within the sentry station a monster leaned out, and turned to face them. Alex having come to a stop, right beside the opening part. So far from hidden, it was almost laughable.

Sitting within was an old looking wolf, with a battle axe resting at his side. Wearing a suit of rundown looking armor. With a dark hood that was dragged over his head. In response to being seen, Alex gave a friendly wave, the monster yawning in response.

"Hello little one." The wolf greeted. "You're quite a ways from the town."

Alex responded with a. "Hello. I know. I'm trying to get to the snow place."

"Ahh, hmm, I'm quite rusty on my sign language." The Wolf responded, before attempting to say, 'is this understandable?' Though, it came out as something different. "I take it by that look, I messed it up a little."

Alex let out a soft laugh. "Well, yeah, a little bit. But it's okay. I can hear fine."

"Well, if you move your hands slower, I'll be able to 'hear' you just fine as well." The wolf replied with a half-smirk, before inquiring. "Now. You must be unfamiliar with how these locations work." He tapped his claw on the counter. "Most children wouldn't approach a sentry without cause...so, what can I help you with today 'monster' child?" Adding. "So you know...I'm meant to be on watch for humans. As a note."

The wolf seemed to offered these words in warning. Then again, they certainly had a great sense of smell. And undoubtedly, he had already recognized Alex for what they were.

Chara spoke. "Alex, he's warning you. Don't say-"

Alex motioned. "Oh, well, I'm a human." The wolf squinting, as the phantom gasped. "So you don't have to be on watch. I can watch myself just fine."

"Alex, what the fuck!?" Chara exclaimed in exasperation. "D-did you listen to nothing mom said?"

Alex felt immediately confused at both the swear, and the shouting. Uncertain exactly, what they had done wrong. Noticing the wolfs posture change in his seat.

"You know, it's both a bold and awfully stupid to just admit that sort of thing." The wolf warned. "Honestly, I couldn't tell on 'sight' alone. For that, I'll have to check my handbook." He wagered, adding. "But it's on the ground somewhere, and I'm resting." The old wolf resting on his arms, comfortable and content. "It's a little far, honestly. So, who's to say?" He gestured. "Besides, why should I care?"

The Greater Wolf was sparing Alex. The phantom realizing it immediately, feeling her non-existence heart skip a beat. The old monster had a very knowing look in his eyes, and seemed to be waiting for the human to accept the mercy.

"Wonderful." She sighed. "Take the mercy and g-"

Alex signed. "I can help you find your book."

"What is wrong with you?" Chara demanded.

Alex signed. "I just want to help. What's wrong?"

Chara growled. "Do not be helpful to the people who will murder you."

Greater Wolf sighed tiredly, shrugging in general confusion. "Should be in the snow around the sentry station. Dropped it a little bit ago, and just...never bothered to pick it up." He admitted. "But...kid...I don't think you wanna set yourself on this path."

Alex replied in sign. "I like to help people though. Don't worry, I'll find your book." They added. "It may take me a moment though."

With that, they began looking around, much to the general dismay of the ghost girl. She couldn't believe this was happening. For once, there was a way out. An obvious, simple, clearly defined method of escaping a potentially hazardous situation. And it wasn't being taken.

Alex found the Human Handbook. It was a bit damp from being under the snow for awhile. They brought it back, and set it on the counter for the wolf.

Greater Wolf scanned the human. "I've never understood you humans." He picked up the book. "From the first of you...to now, you all seem so determined to make the wrong choices."

Chara winced at that, and said. "Okay, he's reading. It'll take time, let's go." Alex didn't budge. "Alex, please, you need to go."

"Hmm, you do look like a human." The wolf muttered, looking over a page. "Fun fact. Did you know there's a Doctor, used to live in Snowdinn. He actually did most of the research on your kind, with the first?"

"Move, right now!" She demanded, feeling incredibly angry.

Alex asked in sign. "But he's being friendly. Isn't he?" They added. "I don't think he's a bad guy."

The book was closed. Set on the counter with a soft thump. The attention of both the living human, and the dead one drawn to him. He seemed far more awake than before.

"I don't quite understand your motivations, small human." The wolf said, finally dropping the pretense. "You had all this time to leave. To escape this. And yet, here you are." Alex shifted uncomfortably. "Are you seeking conflict?"

Alex seemed to consider, before responding, in slow sign. "I've met a lot of monsters. Most were afraid of me. Or thought I'd hurt them." They smiled warmly. "I don't want to run. Because I'm not going to hurt you." The wolf squinted. "Honestly, I'm not dangerous. I promise."

"You really shouldn't advertise that." The wolf chuckled, then sighed. "You're a lot like that first. You seem harmless, and honestly...I believe you are." He admitted, giving Alex a hopeful look. "Which is, unfortunate." The wolf rising in the station, picking up the axe. "It'll take me a moment to get out...it won't give you long...but you should run."

Chara added. "It cannot be made clearer. That's a great idea. See, he's telling you, he's gonna attack you." Alex took a hesitant step back. "Friendly, or not, he is going to kill you. So just run away damnit!"

And yet, Alex persisted, their heart filled with bravery. The wolf leaving the sentry station, crunching snow with each step. The armor rattling, as he turned to face the human. Closing the door slowly. He scratched at his beard and frowned.

"Little one. You're either quite foolish and brave, or hopelessly naïve." The Greater Wolf sighed, giving the axe a flourish, remarking. "I fought in the war against humanity, and survived against warriors you'd consider your elder." He indicated. "You really should have run away." The world flickering black and red, the axe readied. "My sincere apologies, that you didn't."

The following fight was...a bit chaotic. Involving a good bit of defending on the part of Alex. They attempted to get the wolf to stop, to convince them to give up the battle. All the while being unwilling to retreat, no matter what.

A decision that was flatly foolish, even with how talented they were at fighting. They simply weren't on par with this enemy. Chara at one point electing to turn away, when it became painfully obvious how it was going to end.

The thing that sealed the deal, in her eyes, was the moment Alex's orange soul flickered blue. The wolf using the soul power to force the human to slide, around the battlefield. Slamming down from a jump or getting tossed into the air now and then. Entirely unprepared for the attacks, with no idea how to counter it.

Resigned to the idea that Alex wasn't surviving, she waited. Listening to every pained cry, wincing. To the sound of wet splashing blood, hissing, burning away at the snow. The final cleave of the axe introducing the final sound, like tearing leather and splashing.

"Farewell, little one." The Greater Wolf spoke. "It was never going to end differently."

Charas soul manifested, interlinking with the orange one beginning to crack and shatter. It echoed, reverberated. Moments before the orange heart-shaped object could be grasped, something else happened.

She reached out, and decided to...

|LOAD|


Within a blink of an eye, Alex was upright once more. Gasping, and looking around bewildered. Patting their chest, breathing beginning to slow, as they took note of Chara. Presently 'sitting' on a tree branch.

She spoke. "Gee, wow, you died. Who could have seen that coming?"

Alex asked. "What happened?"

"You died." She repeated, adding. "I'll give you credit...you're really durable. But you don't seem to grasp that enough hits, and that soul won't protect you anymore." She snapped her fingers. "Once that happens...you're just, dead."

Alex looked down the path, looking nervous. "He didn't seem like a bad guy. Why wouldn't he stop?"

"This is why you should have listened to Toriel." Chara noted, in irritation. "The monsters need your soul. Need, not want." She noted. "So, good, bad, none of that really matters to them. When push comes to shove, you're standing in the way of everyone's hopes and dreams. Get it?"

Alex looked a bit dejected. Frowning, leaning against the tree. They adjusted their bandana, and seemed to consider what she said. The phantom briefly wondering if she had been too harsh. She didn't want to be mean, but she didn't know how to get her point across any other way.

Alex tapped the tree, getting her attention, signing. "What did you do?" They added. "To make me not die?"

"As long as your soul has power, what's left of mine does." She noted. "I don't know how like, it specifically works. But it doesn't matter." She gestured to the light shining before Alex. "Remember how I had you touch this and 'save' yeah?"

The living child nodded. "You said it was good luck."

"And this is what I meant." She commented. "But don't get cocky. Your soul has to remain strong, for me to do anything." She explained. "And even then...there are some limits."

Alex took stock of this. "So...you can revive me if I die?" They then added. "That sounds like it's dangerous. Since it's a bit unreliable, right?" Chara nodded in response. "Chara. I don't want to fight the wolf."

"Grand, then just run past him." She offered; Alex frowned. "Are you serious, you still wanna 'prove you aren't a threat' is that it?" Alex nodded. "You idiot...well, if you're so set on that, then you'll have to try and talk him down better than you did before. I guess."

"Any helpful topics?" Alex signed with a nervous smile.

"When we see him next, I'll...try and provide some. Maybe." She shrugged.

"I'm sorry I'm not taking your advice." Alex apologized. "But, my mom used to say you can't run forever." They explained. "Sometimes, you have to be brave."

Chara signed back to them. "Just don't be an idiot about it. Okay?"

"I won't." Alex signed, adding. "Thank you for being such a good friend."

"I'm no one's friend." She stated once more.

Alex once more managed a smile, and signed. "If you're worried about making friends, don't be. There's nothing to be afraid of."

Charas eyes turned dark. "I'm not afraid of anything." For a moment her mind flashed with the images of blood. "I just don't...wanna make friends is all." She then motioned. "Now, let's get going...partner."

The brave soul gave her a a reassuring smile before starting off once ore. Some part of her hoped that maybe this one would be different. That they might escape, and get home safely.

Chara sighed in defeat, while floating along with Alex. However, she knew better. This one would die, just like the last. The girl did her best to hide this fact, and adjusted her attitude as they walked.

False hope was better than nothing, after all. And she could suffer the pain long enough to offer it. Giving a smile to her temporary partner in crime, as they worked to 'escape' the underground.