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Not very many people knew this, but Frisk had a habit of talking to themselves. So few people knew because they only ever did it alone.
That was the only time Chara was willing to talk to them.
Watch your step.
“I’ve been in Waterfall a million times,” Frisk replied, carefully stepping over the damp rocks. “The place doesn’t change every RESET.”
Still. Watch your step.
“You don’t need to be paranoid,” Frisk said. “If I fall, I can just RESET, right?”
Just because you can come back doesn’t mean you need to start dying willy-hilly.
“What do you do, then?” Frisk asked with a frown. “When you’re the one doing the runs?”
The runs where they loved to experiment. The runs where people died out of some being’s twisted curiosity. No matter how many times they tried to break the cycle, some deity, some watcher, always called them back. Always brought them back, to see what could happen.
They both knew only Chara would have the willingness to raise a weapon. No matter how many times Frisk fought back, Chara-who’s lust for blood sometimes rivaled Frisk’s desire for peace-sometimes, control was forfeited.
And the cycle continued, over and over.
I do whatever I please, Chara replied after a moment of silence. Besides, I’m not heartless. Aren’t I allowed to worry about you?
“I know you aren’t heartless,” Frisk answered. They didn’t say anything more.
...Aren’t you going to ask me why I worry?
“Well, you just said you aren’t heartless,” Frisk replied. “And besides, I’m not a fan of drowning, either. I’m not suicicial.”
You know I’ve hurt people. You know I’ve made you hurt people.
“I know.”
You don’t resent that?
“...Sometimes I do. But... it’s not you pulling the strings, isn’t it?” Frisk asked softly. “It’s... something beyond us.”
Chara was quiet for a long time. Frisk continued through Waterfall. Soon, they’d be confronted by Undyne again. They knew the motions, knew what to do when she came.
We both know the answer to that, Chara replied.
Frisk nodded. Chara had interacted with whatever beings orchestrated the runs, after all.
Besides, Chara continued, if we’re going to be stuck together however long this loop goes, then I might as well try not to get you killed.
Frisk nodded. “Thanks, Chara.”
No problem. Watch your step.
“I will, I will,” Frisk replied, stepping over the slippery spot in the path.