The Calm Before the Storm
-Did she...die? Papyrus asked, looking at C-48's bleeding body. It was already turning into dust, leaving only the mechanical parts behind.
-C-48, definitely. Sans replied. As for Clorifa...I don't know. Maybe she had time to disconnect from C-48 before Undyne killed her...maybe she didn't.
-Why was she even awake in the first place? Frisk asked. Didn't you create that sleep potion thing for her to inhale?
-I have the answer to that. Alphys sighed, pointing to the floor. Someone smashed the pot it was in, so it wore off!
-Who did that? Papyrus asked.
-We were all sitting in the living room while Sans and Alphys experimented... Serifa replied. And then we got back here and sat far enough from the examination bed...
-How possible is it for this thing to break on its own? Frisk asked.
-If you heat it up a lot, which I DIDN'T, it's very easy to break. Sans replied, examining the glass pieces on the floor. But for it to break like this... It looks like someone did it on purpose.
-Maybe we kicked it by mistake? Alphys asked. I have no idea how else it could happen.
-I think we shouldn't bother with such trivial things. Undyne said firmly. We just got a death threat! Even if Clorifa is dead, she has certainly ordered her clones to kill us. We need to do something!
-As much as I'd like to investigate on this, I have to agree. Frisk added. A whole army of clones with Sans's powers is coming after us all.
-Worry not! I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, vouch to protect you all from the evil that-
-You're not enough. Sans interrupted him.
-W...What...?
Papyrus sounded heartbroken.
-Paps, I really hate to say this...but we are doomed. I have reset time to save Serifa more than a hundred times, fighting monsters again and again. I ALWAYS won. And now there are more than two thousand clones equipped with my powers, communicating with each other, and with fire magic added. We can't win.
-We won't just give up! Undyne shouted angrily. What are we, losers?
-The only thing we can do is hide in your or Frisk's house. Sans replied. She won't know where we are. But she's smart. If we don't show ourselves, she will attack humans until we do.
-This will only happen if she's alive to give such an order! Alphys tried to encourage him.
-That's true indeed.
-We can check what's left of her brain. Alphys suggested. She woke up, so she must have connected to the other clones, even if it was for a short while. Maybe we can learn something new!
-Okay, let's check it out.
Clorifa was sitting on the floor, holding her chest in pain. She was breathing heavily, trying to recover from the shock.
-I told you not to be so reckless! the man scolded her.
-I... I was... Clorifa was still trying to catch her breath.
-You were being STUPID, that's what you were doing!
-S-Shut up!
-NO! YOU shut up and listen to me! You almost DIED there! If I hadn't broken that stupid machine, you's still be asleep, or even dead in their hands! From now on, you listen to ME!
-Then why did you give me the clones?
-I certainly didn't give them to you for you to destroy! Or for you kill yourself!
-Then why?
-They are yours. They can communicate better with you, they'll obey you more than they obey me.
-So why would I have to follow your orders then, huh?
-I left you alone with them for one week and you almost died. Plus, I know exactly how they operate. YOU NEED ME.
-I don't! They are mine and I can have them kill you at any point!
The man glared at Clorifa. Shadows emerged out of him, quickly surrounding her throat. The shadows tightened their grip, lifting Clorifa up in the air.
-KILL HIM! COME BACK QUICKLY AND KILL HIM! Clorifa screamed, but her clones were gone.
-You FOOL! You already sent them away to kill your ''friends''! I can just end your life before they even manage to return. You left yourself defenseless! Another one of your STUPID mistakes!
-I...didn't think that you'd... Clorifa struggled to speak.
The man let her drop on the floor.
-You are a failure at strategy and planning. This is why you WILL listen to me. I trained you, I gave you an army, I even brought you into existence again! If it wasn't for me, you's still be trapped in the abyss you were in, along with every soulless being that has ever died!
-I'll get back at you for this... Clorifa mumbled, getting up.
-SUCH INSOLENCE! the man shouted angrily, releasing a gaster blaster attack upon her.
Clorifa screamed in pain as she dropped down helplessly again.
-I'm working for you, you know. the man's voice became calmer. I keep trying to find ways for you to be with him again, but you keep creating obstacles with your rash actions. You have to understand, I'm not your enemy. We need to cooperate. Okay?
Clorifa didn't reply, or even move for that matter. The man knelt in front of her, and lifted her chin up, forcing her to look at him. Her eyes were teary in a mix of sadness and anger.
-Okay? he asked her again, more firmly.
She nodded in agreement.
-Good girl... Now, take back that death order you gave to your clones for me. They lost enough time already.
-AAAAAAnd, she's alive. And there's also an order to murder us all. That's it, we're dead! Sans sighed, obviously panicked.
-Oh my God, be a little more positive! Undyne scolded Sans. We won't give up, end of story!
-There are more than 2,000 over-powered monsters coming for us, Undyne!
-Well...not for you... Alphys pointed out.
-Still. I can't defend you and, even if I could, I'd be one against 2,000 at least.
-You fought in so many resets Sans! Undyne replied. I'm sure that there was something a little more challenging! Someone harder to overcome! Think Sans, anything can be useful!
-There actually was something...
-See? What was it, Sans?
-...You.
Silence filled the room for a moment.
-We...fought against each other?
-Yes.
-Oh... And...what happened?
-What do you mean ''what happened''?
-I mean, how did the fight end? Did I kill Serifa and force you to reset?
-...No.
-Then...?
-I...don't want to say. Sans looked away.
Undyne's eyes widened in surprise as she realised the truth.
-You...You killed me, didn't you?
They were all out of words. Alphys and Undyne couldn't believe it. Sans was their friend. How could he have killed Undyne? Papyrus was, too, shocked. He couldn't come to terms with the fact that his own brother had done such a thing. A few days ago, he still believed Sans to be a hero, the one who gave monsterkind the fifth soul it needed. And, in those few days, the image he had for Sans had fallen apart, piece by piece.
Serifa looked down. It was one of the things she could remember. The dark look on Sans's face back then, the sadistic way he tortured Undyne until he killed her. Everything was coming back to her.
-A-At any rate... Frisk broke the silence. What did Undyne do to give you such a hard time beating her?
Sans tried to focus his thoughts on the problem at hand.
-It wasn't a hard fight, to be honest. But that was only because I could teleport with my time freezing powers. The clones don't have those. They probably don't have my experience, either. They do have fire magic though, which I don't have. And, of course, their massive numbers.
-So it IS possible! Frisk cheered a little, trying to brighten the mood.
-There's something more... Undyne...she wasn't the Undyne we know back then.
-What do you mean? Undyne asked.
-When I kil-... When you died...you somehow got revived into a new Undyne. I don't know how to describe it. You were stronger, yet calmer, as if wiser. It felt like there was determination in you.
-That's impossible! Alphys complained. Monsters with determination, death and revival... These things just aren't possible!
-I am a monster with determination myself, Alphys. And, Serifa here is the result of a revival after death. Maybe those limitations we are sure about don't actually exist.
-How do these things even happen?
-They are probably some of the many unexplored properties determination has, if I had to guess.
Undyne suddenly walked to the examination bed and sat on it, among C-48's dusts. Everyone looked at her in confusion.
-I think we lost enough time talking. If there's some hidden potential in me, I want to know. I want to use it to protect everyone. Do whatever tests you need on me. We need all the help we can get.
-Are you sure...? Sans asked. After all I told you...
-There are obviously things we need to talk about, us two. But not now. Now is not the time.
-More tests...? Frisk complained.
-It's late, isn't it? Alphys replied. You, Papyrus and Serifa go to bed. There's no need for you to stay awake like this.
-We can't leave you! Papyrus replied. What if you get attacked in the night?
-You'll be right here, in the same house. You'll wake up from the ruckus. Right now, all of you staying awake is only gonna make it more difficult for you and everyone else.
-Plus, I don't think they'll attack tonight. Sans added. Mt. Ebott isn't that close to here when your only means of transport is walking. Not to mention that, even though they are robots, they have the bodies of monsters, so they still need to rest. I believe their plan will be something along the lines of them walking to our surrounding area, then finding hiding places to rest and, after resting, coming for us. So, you can sleep for now.
-Why don't we go after them then? Frisk asked. We'll catch them unaware!
-The element of surprise is enough against one or two, but we are talking about more than two thousand here. Even if one of them figures out our plan, they'll all know instantly. Just go sleep, Frisk.
-I'm...not sleepy... Frisk sighed. Hey Serifa, wanna play some video games or something while waiting?
-Sorry Frisk, I'd really love to spend the night playing with you, but this day has drained me. There was so much to take in... I just want it to end. I want to wake up in the new day. I need some sleep...
-It's okay. I understand.
-Go sleep, Frisk. Sans insisted. We might need you tomorrow, so you should rest for now.
-Why especially me?
-There are...reasons. Just do what I tell you, please.
Everyone left the basement. Sans, Alphys and Undyne stayed back.
-What did you mean ''we might need her tomorrow''? Alphys asked.
-Frisk knows how to fight. If they do attack us, it'll be best if she can help out. Plus...we might need her determination.
-Why would we need that?
-If Undyne's other form has indeed anything to do with determination, maybe we'll have to extract some from Frisk to experiment more.
-That makes sense... Alright, Undyne. Are you ready?
As the sun went down, Sans and Alphys started the tests on Undyne. However, they weren't the only ones that were working in a lab that night. Back at the Underground, in the True Lab, someone else was working too. A tall man with black clothing, surrounded by shadows.
-I knew I'd find you here. Clorifa said to him from behind.
The man didn't move an inch. The shadows turned against Clorifa, making a circle around her.
-I thought I told you to never come here.
-I have questions to ask.
-You're in no position to be making demands. the man calmly replied, as the shadows came closer to Clorifa.
-And you're in no position to be making threats. Clorifa said in the same, calm way as the man.
He turned around, surprised by her firm tone. He saw two clones next to her.
-I can beat all three of you.
-The rest are waiting for you upstairs. The moment something happens to me, you're their target. Can you beat all of us?
-Yes.
His confidence caught Clorifa by surprise, but she suppressed it.
-In doing so, however, you'll lose us all, me and that little army of yours. I don't think you want that, do you?
The man glared at Clorifa.
-What do you want?
-Answers. I want to know why you REALLY brought me back. Why you made all these clones. Why you were making them attack humans before.
-Let me ask you something first. What do you think of humans? Are they good or evil?
-If depends on the human.
-Does it, really? Look at what happened when they got attacked. They were quick to imprison any fire monster they could find. Toriel, Asgore, Grillby. They knew them for years, they knew that these monsters would never attack humans. And yet, they blamed them.
-That wasn't all humans.
-Then tell me. Did you see anyone protest? Anyone defending the monsters?
-Frisk!
-Yes, Frisk… But then, what did the other humans do? What happened to Frisk?
-She was bullied for being close to the monsters...
-Exactly. Also, tell me... Would humans consider the other Serifa to be a good person?
-Probably.
-And what did she do to you?
-She stole Sans... Clorifa looked down.
-He rightfully belonged to you and she took him away. That's what humans consider ''good'', what they view as ethical.
Clorifa sighed.
-But, even while considering that Serifa as a good person...how did they treat her?
-What do you mean?
-Serifa is supposedly a good person. And yet, the humans abandoned her. People were coming to the house where she lived with her dad to make threats about money, not even caring about the fact that she was a child. Her own dad abused her. No one cared enough to save her. Is this how someone you consider ''good'' should be treated?
-No, not at all!
-Not to mention that humans sealed the monsters in the Underground! Your own race was humiliated and trampled by them!
-My own race?
-I've told you many times, Serifa. You aren't human, no matter how much you feel that way! You used to be a soulless spirit, wandering into the abyss, but now you got a soul and became a monster. Nothing about you is human!
-But-
-There are no buts. You're a monster, and the humans have done horrible things to your race! And, to top that, one of them stole Sans from you! A HUMAN interfered between a loving relationship of two monsters! Obnoxious, isn't it?
-But wait... Frisk is a good girl! She sided with us, even when she was bullied! She did everything in her power to help us!
-Heh... Tell me please... How well do you know Frisk?
-What do you mean?
-Frisk is not as good as you think. She was tricking monsters with her reset powers, so that they'd become friends with her.
-She saved them in the end though!
-Yes... IN THE END...
-What are you trying to imply?
-That Frisk is not to be trusted. She's more dangerous to you than Serifa is.
-I need details!
-Not yet. If you stick to the plan, you will know soon.
-Then tell me something else, at least. Who the hell are you? Why do you know so many things?
-Why does it matter so much to you?
-You want me to obey you, to trust that you'll help me reach my goal. How can I trust you though, when you don't share anything about yourself? You are a mystery to me, I don't know or understand you! How can I not be suspicious?
-Fair point… Fine. I am a monster myself. My wife died in the big war between humans and monsters. They butchered her mercilessly while the only thing she was doing was helping out her people. See, Serifa? Humans are our common enemy. We have to cooperate in order to defeat them, once and for all.
-But why did you choose me?
-You have the power of integrity in you. Combined with the determination I gave you and will keep giving you, you can become a very strong ally.
-So you don't really care about me. You only picked me to achieve your goal.
-Actually, that isn't true. I do have some of my own, personal reasons to care about you.
-And what are these reasons?
The man thought for a while.
-Well...if it helps you trust me...let me introduce myself. My name is Gaster...
Papyrus woke up early that morning. He was feeling anxious. They were outnumbered by an army of very powerful monsters, and maybe Sans and Alphys hadn't even found something helpful while examining Undyne. He got out of his bed and headed downstairs. He saw Frisk sitting in the living room.
-Couldn't sleep much either?
-Something along those lines... Frisk replied, yawning.
-I can't blame you. The situation is dire. Did you check how they are doing down there?
-No.
-Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go see if they found something!
They headed to the basement. As they opened the door, they found Sans and Alphys chatting quietly while Undyne was sleeping.
-Good morning guys! I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, am awake and ready to defend everyone!
-Morning, Paps. Sans replied.
-Did you sleep well? Alphys asked.
-I was thinking about the situation for a while... But don't worry! I'm ready to beat whatever enemy comes my way!
-What about you Frisk? Sans asked.
-I...slept.
Sans inspected Frisk closely.
-Oh, great! Just when I tell you to rest, what do you do? You return here with dark circles around your eyes!
-I'm fine. You've seen me like that before and I was fine!
-Today is special though! We'll probably need you.
-Hey guys... Undyne yawned. Why are you fighting?
-Sorry we woke you, love! Alphys replied. Did you sleep well?
-Well, yes. Enough, no, considering I spent half the night getting tested. By the way, what did you find? Can I actually go to the ''Undying'' form you mentioned?
-Yes, it is possible... However...you need to die first. Alphys looked down.
-Well, great, that means I have 2 lives, right?
-No, not really. If you die, that's it. The Undying form will only keep you alive for a while. When you run out of energy maintain that form, you will return to your previous condition. Sans replied.
-So, there's no way for me to beat them unless I die... Well. I was a warrior. This was always expected of me. I'll do it.
-There's...another way we can trigger your Undying form. It's just...dangerous. Alphys said in a hesitant manner, looking at Frisk.
-What do you mean?
-I don't know how, but, right now, you have actual determination in you, Undyne. Alphys replied. It's thanks to that determination that you can go into your Undying form when you die. But, if you had more determination...you'd be able to actually control that form. To control when you get into and out of it!
-Then what are we waiting for? Give me some determination!
-There are a few problems with that. For one, we'd have to get that determination from somewhere. And that somewhere is Frisk, but the process will be painful for her. And, secondly... We'd have to inject you with determination, like we did with the people in the True Lab...and you know how that went.
-I don't mind being in danger. We're all gonna die if we do nothing, so I'd rather die trying!
-As for me, I'm willing to give you as much determination as you need. Frisk added.
-You both don't get it. Sans replied. Experimenting with determination isn't so simple. Determination isn't a toy, it's a dangerous substance!
-How is determination dangerous? It's good to be determined, right? Papyrus asked.
-And what if an evil person is determined? What happens then? I'll tell you what. Clorifa is what happens!
Serifa suddenly entered the basement too.
-''Clorifa''? Did I hear that right? Did she attack? she asked, anxiously.
-No, no, don't worry. Sans reassured her. I was just explaining how the determination inserted into Clorifa played a big part in her going crazy.
-You think that the determination made her crazy?
-Do you remember the first time we saw her? How friendly and well mannered she was? She even gave up on me back then. I doubt she had as much, if any at all, determination inside her as she does now. Now, the determination has blinded her, it has made her willing to reach her goal without caring about anyone else! That's what determination is. It can corrupt you, and, if you're a monster, it's dangerous to your health as well, if not inserted in you carefully.
-You said there was a safe way to do that. Undyne replied. The way your dad inserted determination in you.
-Unfortunately, I don't remember what exactly he did apart from the fact that he inserted very small amounts of it each time. It was too long ago and I was a child. My memories are fuzzy...
-I don't wanna use determination on Undyne... Alphys sighed. It's too dangerous...
-Yes, I don't feel comfortable with that either. Sans agreed.
-I do, though. Undyne replied firmly. And, since the whole matter has to do with me, I get to decide.
-My love, I'm not sure you understand-
-I understand, Alphys. I understand I may die in the process. But, if I go and fight them all together, I'll die anyway, right?
-W-What about Frisk? It's Frisk's determination, right? She can say no! Alphys replied, looking at Frisk.
-It's Undyne's decision. I'll do what I have to if needed.
-Then Papyrus! Sans suggested. Papyrus is her friend! He can talk her out of this!
-Except, I won't. I was training to become a Royal Guard too. I understand her. If I was in her position, I'd do the same!
-Serifa? What do you think? Sans asked, desperately waiting for an opinion matching his own.
-I think that, if you didn't want to do it you shouldn't have mentioned it in the first place...
-Well, as scientists, we have to... It's against our ethics to hide information that could help others...
-Then what's done is done. No going back now.
-You all don't understand a thing about determination... Alphys complained.
-You explained everything clearly, didn't you? Frisk replied. You informed us well. It's now Undyne's decision.
Alphys looked at Undyne with a sad expression.
-My love, I'm begging you... Don't do this... I don't want to lose you...!
Alphys was full of agony and Undyne could see that. However, she knew what she had to do. She slowly walked to her beloved and hugged her warmly.
-I don't wanna lose you either. This is why, I will protect you, even at the cost of my life.
-No, you don't have to, please!
-I'm sorry Alphys... I'm doing it.