Duplicates
-Who...What are you...?
Serifa's voice could barely come out. Sans walked to the door, only to share the same shock.
In front of them, a girl was standing. A girl that looked exactly like Serifa. She was wearing a long, black cloak with a hoodie. A blue brooch in the shape of a heart was on the hoodie's base.
-You... You must be... Sans finally managed to say.
-You know her? Serifa asked.
-Yes...I am her. the girl replied to Sans.
-Sans, what's going on in here?
-How... How are you able to be here?
-SANS! Serifa shouted.
Serifa had become even more shocked since she realised that Sans actually knew the girl.
-Serifa, give me a minute. I'll explain it all.
Sans turned and looked at the strange visitor.
-Why...? How can you be here...without disappearing?
-You don't need to be surprised... After all, it's me you made the deal with, isn't it?
-Yes but, when Serifa came back, I thought... I thought that was it.
-It seems you brought both of us back! the girl smiled. Is that an issue to you?
-So that's why Serifa didn't remember the deal... I had been talking with you all along, not her!
-Precisely!
-Well, this is definitely weird...
-Yes, indeed! It's weird even for me! the girl chuckled.
-Since there are two of you, we need a new name for you. How about we call you...Clorifa? You are her clone, after all.
-Ah... Clone plus Serifa, huh? the girl laughed. Sure, feel free!
-I have so many questions...
-I don't think I'll be able to answer them, honestly. I just came here to see if everything was alright with you and Serifa! I'll...I'll be leaving now!
-Wait what? You're more than welcome here, don't be so rushed to go!
-Thanks, but, really, I need to leave. the girl smiled sweetly. I hope everything goes well for you two!
Before Sans was able to reply, the girl ran away. But he wasn't going to leave it like this. There were still a lot of unanswered questions.
-Wait here, Serifa.
Without waiting for a reply, he ran behind her. Serifa tried to stop him, but it was too late.
-Who...who is she anyway...? she sighed sadly.
Sans easily caught up to the girl. He grabbed her arm, stopping her, and turned her around, forcing her to face him.
-Why are you so eager to leave?
-Well, I had to check on you and I did! Since everything is fine, there's nothing else for me to do, so...
-I don't believe this. You were as surprised to see Serifa as she was to see you. You clearly didn't expect her.
-Y-You're wrong! she looked away.
-I'm NOT wrong and we both know it. Why did you come here? What was the purpose for your visit, Clorifa?
-''Clorifa''... Of all the names, you had to name me ''Clorifa''... the girl's frustration had started to show.
-What do you-
-Even the name you gave me is a reminder of what I truly am, huh? I'm a clone, a copy...nothing more...
Her eyes were starting to tear up.
-Hey... Did you possibly come here...for me?
-Of course, genius! she started crying. I thought we'd be together! I'm her clone, so I have feelings for you too! But she came first.. She came first!
-Why did you wait for so long?
-You said it yourself. I'm a clone with no soul, I'd soon melt if I interacted with anyone. That's why, the person who brought me back had to give me a monster soul first... I don't know what he did, but it took a lot of time...
-Where is that guy? He seems to know a lot, and I still have so many questions...
-Sans, can we NOT do this right now? I can't talk to you anymore, I can't see you two together anymore! Please...let me go...
Sans looked down.
-I'm sorry... I didn't consider how you felt at all...
-It's okay, just let me go and forget about me...
Clorifa hadn't stopped crying.
-What are you gonna do now? Do you have a plan?
-I don't know, Sans. I really don't know. Just leave me alone already, don't torment me like that, PLEASE!
-At least let me give you some money, you might need-
-Look. Thank you, really thank you, but I don't want anything. I just want to leave...
-Okay... Sans sighed. But if you change your mind, you're more than welcome to come back.
-Thanks, but I won't. There's...There's no place for me here.
Clorifa looked at Sans for one more time and ran away again.
Sans returned to his house, looking down. He felt really bad for Clorifa. He felt like it was his fault she was so hurt.
-Will you finally explain what's going on? Serifa had started getting angry.
-Alright, alright. First of all, you don't need to be jealous-
-Jealous? Jealous? A girl that looked and sounded exactly like me just came here and you both acted like it was nothing! It felt like you knew each other! And yes, I would be jealous if I wasn't busy being so freaked out!
-Alright, I understand. Come on, sit down. This will be long.
They sat on the couch.
-So, where to begin... Let's start with your soul. When you died, Alphys analysed it. She found out, its special trait was integrity. Likewise, Frisk's soul has the trait of determination. There are other traits too, like kindness, bravery, justice...and the list goes on.
-And what does that have to do with the girl?
-Each of these traits gives you a special ability. Determination gives Frisk the ability to reset time, like I did. Moreover, she can create savepoints in time and return there whenever she wants. Now, your ability is different. Whenever time gets reset, a clone of yours gets created. That clone exists in the new timeline, holding all the knowledge you had when the time got reset. You, as Serifa, won't remember a thing, but your clone will. However, that clone is invisible. She can decide to interact with someone, but, if she does, she is meant to disappear, to melt soon after. I believe it's a way to balance out the power of knowledge she has.
-So, this girl is my clone? Does that mean time got reset? And why didn't she melt?
-Back when we were in the Underground, I kept resetting in order to save you. Since the original clone never interacted with me, she didn't disappear. Instead, it was the same clone that kept going back in time, with me. In a sense, she knew all I did. She was watching everything and even feeling what you were feeling. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that part. These clones can feel whatever you feel. She felt all the pain you went through. I actually feel sorry for her... She suffered all your deaths, unable to do anything...
-So, how is she here now?
-I don't know if you have any of these memories but, while I was repeating time over and over again, I almost went crazy. Do you remember any of that?
-I think I saw it when I died... You were out of control... You killed Undyne and...and almost choked me...
Serifa looked disturbed at the thought.
-Yes...and I did other awful things too... And you brought me back to my senses. After that, I decided to save you without harming anyone. I ended up almost dying. It was then that your clone decided to interfere. She gave me her strength and I was able to reset and save myself. However, since we had reset by combining my ability and her strength, she was able to control the timeline for a few minutes. That's when she confronted me. I'm not sure if it was a dream or not, but she made me realise all my mistakes. I have to admit...it was a painful experience. But, thanks to her, I was finally able to understand that it was wrong to keep resetting. I had to stop. I had to accept the reality of your death.
-So, she basically made you give up on me, huh?
-Do you really see it that way? Remember, she's your clone, she's acting like you would. She had seen me fail to save you over 150 times. It was obvious that your fate had been decided. If you saw all that, would you not stop me?
-I suppose you're right... Serifa sighed. Yes, even though it's scary to admit, she did the right thing. But you still haven't explained why she's here.
-After her job was done, she melted. As I told you, when your clones interact with people, they disappear. I don't know what happened to her after that. What I'm guessing is, since she doesn't have a soul of her own, her spirit doesn't go to heaven or hell, but somewhere else. Now, remember when I mentioned that you told me how to revive you?
-I think you said something like that when I first came back... I was too shocked to contemplate on it, but now that you mention it...
-Well, turns out it wasn't you. It was her. She had started appearing in my dreams. She explained to me how to revive you. I should have realised it wasn't you by the way she was dressed and the way she talked, now that I think about it. Someone that I don't know had told her the way. Now, I'm not sure if it was his fault or if it was her who didn't understand it properly, but she thought I would only bring her back. That's why she came here today... She thought she'd get together with me. After all, she IS your clone so...she has feelings for me, like you do.
Sans looked down.
-And...who did YOU expect to bring back? Serifa asked, a bit scared of the answer.
-To me, you two were the same person. I didn't even realise the difference when I saw her in my dreams. Of course, I believed I'd bring back you and not a clone.
-I see... But how is she able to exist now? You said that, if she interacts with people, she disappears...
-I don't know. That's why I followed her, to get answers. Turned out that all she knew was that the guy who brought both of you back gave her a monster soul. I'm guessing she's basically a monster now, that's why she can function normally.
-And what's gonna happen to her?
-I'm not sure. I offered her to come here until we figure something out, but she refused... I think I understand her. She wouldn't be able to bear seeing us together, seeing you in the place she had dreamed of...
Serifa looked down sadly.
-That's unfair to her... She is me and, if it happened to me... I'd be so, so depressed...
-I know, but, what can we do, really...? We can only help her if she ends up returning.
-She's me, right? In that case... I don't think she ever will. I'd be too weak to face you again, and I wouldn't want to mess with your life anymore. Yes, I'd probably just disappear from your life forever... Oh my, I would be so sad... Poor girl...
-I feel bad for her too... Sans sighed. And guilty...
Suddenly, they heard the door opening. Papyrus entered, carrying five shopping bags.
-Hello there! I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, am back!
-Hey Paps... Here, let me help you with these. Serifa offered.
-Thanks, little sister! See Sans? Serifa has the basic sense to actually help around!
-Sorry Paps, I'm a bit lost in my thoughts today.
-As if you've been of great help any other time! Papyrus scoffed.
-Alright, alright, I'm coming...
They were silently sorting out the things Papyrus had brought. Neither Serifa nor Sans were in the mood to say much. They were both worried for Clorifa. Who knew where she would end up. Papyrus decided to break the silence.
-So, since it's weekend and we are free, we have time to look for your father! Do you have any clues to where he is, Serifa?
Serifa sighed, looking at Sans
-I honestly can't do this today... I've had way too much to deal with already, my head isn't clear, I just can't...
-Huh? You two had a fight or something? Papyrus wondered. Maybe if we work together to find your dad, you'll be able to reconcile!
-Listen, Paps. Sans interrupted him. Serifa doesn't want to find her dad. They didn't have the best relationship. He... He was sick.
-Then maybe we can take him to a doctor! Poor man, he might need help!
-Paps, please drop it. Serifa doesn't wanna see him.
-Actually...that might be a good idea. Serifa said. If my father could get help, maybe we should bring a professional to him... But I won't discuss that now. I've had more than enough for one day.
-What happened to you...? Papyrus was worried.
The phone rang, interrupting them. Sans picked it up.
-Hello?
-Hey there! it was Frisk's voice. What's up?
-I've been better. Need something, kiddo?
-Is Serifa there?
-Yes, but she's tired, don't bombard her. Sweetheart, Frisk wants to talk to you!
Sans passed the phone to Serifa.
-Hey Frisk...
-Heya! What did Sans say about you being tired? You alright?
-Yes, I'm okay, we're just tired and a bit moody...
-I've got just the medicine for that! Well, for you anyway. Who cares about Sans, am I right?
-What are you talking about?
-Remember how Undyne doesn't really trust you? I thought we could do something about that! We can organise a girls' night! We can go out together! Just you, me, Undyne and Alphys! You'll spend time with each other, have tons of fun and she'll warm up to you!
-Are you sure this is a good idea...?
-Wow, you really are in a mood! I hope you won't be like that when we go out!
-I didn't say yes yet...
-Then say it!
-...Fine, ok. Serifa sighed, unable to resist Frisk's energy for much longer.
-Is tomorrow night fine?
-Sure...
-Alright, I'll organise it with the girls and call you again for the details! And go get some sleep, I hate hearing you so down!
-Thanks for thinking about me, Frisk...
-Don't mention it! Seeya!
They hang up the phone.
-What got in her mind this time? Sans asked.
-She wants us to go out tomorrow night with Alphys and Undyne, so that Undyne will trust me more.
-That's a wonderful idea! I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, shall congratulate Frisk! She learned from me, of course! For I, THE MAGNIFICENT FRIENDSHIP EXPERT PAPYRUS, was the one who helped Frisk become friends with Undyne in the first place!
-Heh... always energetic... Sans chuckled.
-Why? Why did you bring her back too?
''You're her clone. I couldn't bring you back without reviving her.''
-Then you didn't have to revive me at all!
''I disagree with that.''
-Why? Why didn't you even tell me she was gonna be back?
''You'd give up for her the moment I told you.''
-It's not any different now...
''So you're just quitting?''
-Yes, actually. There's no place for me there.
''You deserve to be with him way more than her.''
-Even if that's true, it's too late now.
''If you keep crying like a baby, you won't achieve anything. You need to fight to get what you deserve.''
-No. It isn't right.
''It's thanks to you she is even there. It is completely right.''
-And that means I should just go and destroy her life? THEIR life?
''Are some stupid morals more important than your happiness?''
-Morals aren't stupid.
''Maybe I was wrong about you then. Maybe you indeed aren't worthy enough.''
-Think whatever you want. I'm leaving. You aren't much help anyway.
''So, is that it? Is that how you really want it to end? Aren't you the least bit...determined?''