Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was an ordinary Tuesday evening in Hometown. School had just went out and the students were going about their various after school activities. Some did sports, others decided to hang around the town and a few just simply went home. However for a couple of those students, their day was going to be very different from everyone else’s.

The library door opened and Noelle walked through. The warmth of the room was a stark contrast from the Autumn’s chilly breeze. In truth she always loved when it was cold outside, it wasn’t so much that she liked being cold but rather that it was the perfect excuse to wrap up in a warm thick blanket and relax by the fire. Those old memories, watching the snow slowly fall over Hometown and being with her family… with Dess and her dad…

She held back a small breath and reassured herself that he’ll be fine, he said so himself didn’t he? She shouldn’t think of that, for now she and Berdly had a group project to work on, and what better place to begin than the local … librarby? Perhaps whoever did the sign didn’t visit the library as much as they should’ve. Berdly followed her in, he assured her about how he would easily do all the work.

“Do not worry Noelle for I can easily carry the burden of this project and lead us towards an A”

Despite what people said Berdly wasn’t actually that bad. He might talk a bit too much sometimes but she knew inside he did care about her. Once he was done talking they would split the work. She usually ended up with the difficult part but didn’t really mind, someone would have to do it and if Berdly wanted to do the more noticeable parts of the project then that was fine.

“- why brawl isn’t as bad as people claim.” He paused for a moment looking towards the other door in the room.

“Noelle how about we do our project in the computer lab? Don’t worry as I can explain easily how to do anything you don’t understand since as a gamer I have countless hours of experience on a computer.”

“Um… b-but I thought the internet was…” she started to stutter out.

But before she could finish Berdly opened the door to … the computer lab? Inside was not the desks and electronics she remembered but rather nothing, simply nothing, a void blacker than the darkest night. It felt creepy. Just looking into the emptiness, it felt like the very room around her dimmed and darkened. She felt a chill go down her spine… it was strangely familiar…

“It’s … um … probably just th-the lights are off.”

“Well then fret not Noelle, for I will be the one to risk my intellectual self and head into the dark so that I may flick the switch therefore once again letting light to return to the room allowing us to do our project.” Berdly proudly announced to the crowd of people before him! (Noelle) who all cheered at his valiant display of bravery! (mumbled some response)

Berdly proudly walked through the doorway disappearing into the darkness. “Aha! And let there be… no wait that wasn’t the switch, it must be further in.”

Berdly walk even deeper in. Suddenly his footsteps stopped and an eerie quiet swept over the library.

…

“Berdly…?” Noelle called into the abyss.

…

Not a single sound came from the room. She was starting to feel anxious, her mind was desperately trying to find a reason for lack of reply, there was only one possibility she thought of but she didn’t want to accept it. 

Another minute longer but still nothing. Could it be a prank? No this was the kind of stunt only Kris would pull. The only way to find out what was happened would be to go in… but should she? Noelle VERY much didn’t want to, it was far too similar to before. Maybe get help? But what would she say, Berdly went into a dark room and stopped talking? If he turned out to be fine she might get in trouble, and what if he really was hurt… she might come back and… no, she couldn’t let it happen, not again, she had to be brave. Brave like her sister always was.

Taking a deep breath she took a step into the room trying to reach out and feel something but failed to find anything. She felt her heart beating. She took slow small steps going further in, she was already beginning to regret this. Maybe Susie could come here and help? No who was she kidding, Susie wasn’t going to come and even if she did why would she help her?

“B-Berdly ca… can you hear m-me?” She called but no one replied. 

Everything was black and she couldn’t tell where anything was. There was something very weird going on here. Trying to reassuring herself she repeated “this is fine” under her breath. Nothing’s wrong, she can just go and get a flashlight from the school before it closes and come back, Berdly will be ok and then she can… she …can. She looked around frantically, where’s the door? 

She practically spun in circles seeing nothing in every direction. The room was mute, no cars honking, birds singing or neighbours chatting. What was happening? Panic was starting to set in.

“K-Kris … is this y-you?”

The silence was deafening…

She could hear her heart beating louder and louder. 

“Th-This isn’t one of your p-p-pranks is it?”

… 

Suddenly she screamed as the floor gave way beneath her and she fell into a whole new world.

————

Noelle fell hitting the ground hard and felt her eyes starting to water. She heard a taunting laugh from above her coming from the one who had scared her. She couldn’t see past their messy hair but she knew full well those red eyes were looking down at her.

She resisted the urge to cry. “Kris, that wasn’t funny!”

Dess ran up to make sure her sister was alright. “Hey I told you to stop doing that!”

Noelle didn’t like his so called pranks, more often than not it was just an excuse to scare her and this time was no different. She shuddered remembering some of the worse ones… she still checked under her bed every night. 

Kris mumbled an apology but was then shoved down themselves by Dess. “You’re lucky I didn’t bring the bat this time.” Noelle grinned a bit, it was always enjoyable seeing Dess get back at Kris for her. 

They all stopped hearing a shout from Asriel. “HEY GUYS LOOK AT ME.”

Rubbing her eyes she looked over and saw Asriel standing on top of a tall rock proudly waving his arms in the air.

“I am the king of ALL monsters and this is my castle. You are all my peasants now!”

Noelle couldn’t help but smile as she saw Dess walking in front of Asriel, she had picked up a stick. “Well then I’m starting a revolution! Give up your highness or we will overthrow you ourselves.”

Asriel pretended to be completely shocked. “Betrayal! I am being threatened, Kris I promote you to Super Mega General; deal with these rebellious rapscallions!”

She turned to see Kris was wielding a stick of his own and approached Dess. They both started swinging at each other boldly stating how superior they were, both full of bravado and laughter. Noelle and Asriel watched their friends and shouted words of encouragement.

“Get her Kris!”

“You can do it Dess!”

The two fiercely fought on, stick clashing off of stick. They couldn’t actually try to hit each other, last time that happened someone got hurt and their parents had given them the lecture of the century. Even with that though it was battle of the ages, an epic duel between two great warriors. At least to them it was, to an adult it would just be two children flailing around.

Noelle noticed the orange tinted sky and felt her smile drop. “Hey it’s getting late, we should go home.”

Everyone stopped and sadly gazed up wishing they could’ve had just a bit longer, but they knew Noelle was right. They all remembered last time Kris and Asriel were a bit late coming home… that was the day they learnt what a missing person report was.

They said their goodbyes and went their separate ways home.

“That was fun, I hope we get to do this again tomorrow.”

“Yeah, I just wish Kris would stop always trying to scare you.”

“Oh, no, it’s fine honestly, I don’t mind.”

“Really? Then why do you still look under the bed every night?”

“Hey!”

The two sisters laughed. In that moment it felt like nothing could split them apart.

They both continued walking through the forest.

————

She alone continued walking through the cyber fields. 

This place was strange, she wasn’t sure how she got here, she remembered going into the library but the rest was a blur. She had awoken in a snow white dress instead of her usual festive sweater and skirt, as well as that her fur looked more blue, …colder. It was all so strange.

Her inner thinking were suddenly cut off by a laugh coming from behind her scaring her. She turned to see someone sitting in what looked to be a floating chair. 

“W-who are you?”

“I Am Known As Serial Number Q5U4EX7YY2E9N.”

Noelle tried saying it but had stopped five letters in. “Uh I-is there anything else I c-can call you?”

“You, Child, May Call Me ‘Queen’.” 

Queen waved her arms and a digital imagine of her face with the word Queen under it appeared.

“Well I’m N-Noelle.”

Queen paused for a second. “Ah Yes Noelle Holiday Last Activity One Day(s) And Nineteen Hours Ago. You Visited Four Websites, Played One Game And Searched 25 Christmas Related Subjects.”

She started backing away as various images appeared around Queen. How did they know… 

“L-look I was just going t-to the computer lab to do s-some schoolwork, m-maybe you c-could just tell me… w-where it…”

“Noelle, You Don’t Need To Study When You Have An Entire Day Of Procrastination Ahead Of You. Simply Agree To Become My Peon And I Can Help You.”

“A-and if I don’t?”

“Then I’ll Have To Capture You And Force You To Join Me!”

Noelle froze on the spot.

For a moment neither of them spoke.

“Calculating Probability Of Running Away … 101% Ok Get The Cage.”

At that Noelle’s brain decided to follow its instincts of, as some might put it, getting the hell out of there. She turned around and started running as fast as she could. She didn’t look behind her, if Queen was chasing her she didn’t want to know. Her brain had given her a single task for her body to do, run. But the green ground continued on, it was seemingly infinite with only little glows of yellow to break up the monotony.

She ran and ran, how far would she have gone? She wasn’t sure, how long would she have ran? Perhaps for 10 minutes possibly for an hour or maybe even forever. Who could be sure? Unfortunately we would never know as her hoof got caught in a small crater and she tripped. Desperately, in panic, she called out.

“Somebody help me…”

Her body hurt and she was scared,

“Somebody, please…”

Footsteps. She gazed up and she couldn’t believe her eyes. “Susie!?”

Susie was here? How had she… that didn’t matter right now, a small smile started appearing on her face. 

“Cool that you’re here, just…”

Seeing her there, for a moment she forgot about the pain and everything but unfortunately reality cares little for such pleasantries and it only took a second for it to came back in the form of an electric cage. 

“Wait, get out of here before it’s too late!”

The strange device trapped her and brought her away, all that she heard was Susie calling her name before a familiar laugh echoed in her ears. As she was brought her to wherever the cage went. If she had any breath left she would’ve screamed.

————

What… what happened before? She rubbed her head, it still hurt from the impact. She remembered she went on a rollercoaster, which was pretty fun… until it crashed that is. Some good news though, Berdly was fine… and he had joined Queen… she had joined Queen. That was a good thing wasn't it? Queen seemed friendly enough outside of the entire capturing thing… besides it’s not like she could’ve refused…

Walking down the city streets felt exciting. It reminded her of the old days when they’d explore the forests around the town, the times where they’d all have fun messing about, the times before Dess… Noelle stop it, think about the city instead and all the amazing sights here. It was just as striking up close as it was from afar. Though the cars she could do without; she never did like crossing roads.

Turning another corner she continued. Everything here was so unique, the dazzling neon lights everywhere and the smell of machinery. It was strangely chilly, not that she cared. She took a moment, standing still, to listen to the sounds of the city; the cars, the chatter of advertisements and the footsteps of someone behind h- wait what?

She turned around frantically and was relieved to see Kris standing there. 

“K-Kris!! What are you-“ she was suddenly cut off.

“Oh Noelle Sweetie.” A robotic voice called out.

Noelle quickly whispered “Don’t let her find me…” before diving into the nearby alleyway.

She could feel her heart beating as Queen spoke to Kris. She couldn’t make out everything but heard a couple terms including something about a truce. Wait that noise … Berdly was here … in all honestly she really didn’t know how to feel about that.

Her feelings soon changed after Queen… jumped… right above her… Berdly could have been saying the secrets of the universe for all she knew because at that moment she heard nothing but her heart beating and heavy breathing. Resisting the urge to scream or panic she calmed herself. Eventually Berdly left and Queen soon followed. The relief was overwhelming. She walked out of the alley and approached Kris. 

“Kris, I … um … if it’s okay… g-got any room for another truce?”

She had no idea how much those few words would change not only her life, but the fate of the world. 

“K… Kris…? Isn’t that the wrong way…?”

————

They approached the end of the road. It was a single solitary house in the middle of the garbage dump. Kris tried the door but found it locked.

“Kris…? Wh-why did you bring me here…?” She spoke but got no reaction.

“No one’s home… no, no one’s around at all.”

“It’s … it’s so creepy…”

Noelle couldn’t help but find it … somewhat nostalgic. It was strange, everything was strange. Kris, why did he bring her here? He brought her back to a dead end, there wasn’t even anything to do or see… no there were those … creatures or enemies as Kris called them. There were so many of them… but it didn’t matter. They all attacked and were all frozen. 

It was the right thing to do wasn't it? They attacked her and Kris first so it was justified right? She felt queasy, it was unnerving seeing them frozen solid… but they weren’t real people were they? They weren’t like the monsters of Hometown, they were just enemies… she had to do this or else she would’ve… been…

Her thoughts suddenly cut off by another strange creature attacking them. She brought her hands up blocking an incoming attack, it hit her, it hurt a lot. Then she heard the voice.

“Use IceShock”

She shivered a bit, she didn’t like it. She always felt nervous and scared but she didn’t let her emotions impede her. Almost by instinct she channeled her inner strength and released a powerful magic spell that froze the enemy in ice.

Noelle became stronger.

It was just in self defence… right?

————

She followed Kris as he approached the strange pink person. They didn’t seem threatening so maybe she wouldn’t be told to … she glanced at Kris, he had a seemingly uncaring face. She had started feeling a bit unsettled by them, the almost clockwork way he walked, their complete lack of emotion and his voice… it sounded so different. She was still creeped out by the ferris wheel, he said he’d ride with her… he said it not as if to ask but instead as if he was stating a fact. No Noelle stop endlessly worrying, you’ve known him for years he’s obviously just pulling a prank of some sort.

The ‘person’ started speaking to them.

“Ohhon!! Two young beings together on a school night…”

It looked at them, it had a smile on its face and a sale to make. “Could I interest you in some brand new Dating Shoes…?”

Dating shoes? “H-huh...? No, no, you’ve got it totally wrong!”

She quickly muttered out a correction. “Kris and I are just… umm… fr… friends?”

Even if he jokes around sometimes Kris’s still been her neighbour practically forever. They’ve been through so much sometimes it feels like… they know each other better than anyone… yet, somehow, it’s hard to say they’re exactly friends…?

“We’re something else”

?!?!? What does that mean? There’s no good interpretation, that’s for sure! Did he imply they were… no what was she thinking? This was just part of one of his ‘hilarious’ pranks. Soon he’d try to scare her or something just for a laugh. But as she followed him away the pink shoe seller spoke again.

“If you’re something else, maybe a Dating Shoes isn’t right…?”

Keeping its previous charm and confidence it continued, “Maybe I could interest you in a FreezeRing?”

Kris and Noelle once again approached the salesman. “Huh…? A ring…?”

She laughed. “Faha, sorry, I don’t think WE need something like that!”

With some exaggerated hand gestures he continued his pitch. “C’mon, angel! You can’t get stronger without good equipment! “

“Stronger…? R-right, I guess that’s how it works here…” she laughed again, the idea of Kris buying her a ring? Yeah, right! There’s no way that’d hap-

“Get it”

That caught her off guard. “H… huh? Kris, you’d… buy it for me…?” she said unbelievingly.

“Sure I guess … we could ask about it.” She didn’t want to refuse a gift.

She turned back to the seemingly pleased salesman. “How much does it cost?”

They flashed a smile. “Just a small fee of $2,513.”

“Huh? S-sorry, we don’t have that much money!”

Still, it was nice of Kris to offer…

“Get it”

“Huh? Me…?”

This was going to be the punchline to the joke wasn’t it? Well why not go along, this time he wouldn’t surprise her. 

“You… were asking ME to get it! Kris, c’mon, you know we can’t afford that.”

“Get it”

“Wh… what?” Were… were they really serious about getting that ring for her? But they didn’t have enough for it.

“Kris, I just told you we… we don’t have the money.” But he just continued staring at her.

“What… what are you asking me to do…?” Suddenly a terrible thought crossed her mind.

“You… you aren’t asking me to just…?”

“Get it”

“K-Kris, no, I… not me, I could never…” she felt sweat on her forehead. She saw the pink figure standing there looking none the wiser. He couldn’t seriously want her to…

“Get it”

“I…”

She opened her eyes and the salesman was gone… what… what just happened? Did she actually just… no, they … they must have given it to them. The ring… 

Besides … it’s good to get stronger, isn’t it?

“Th… thanks, Kris!” was all she could say as the freezing metal touched her finger.

————

She made her way through the empty streets. Was she really doing the right thing? At first it was in self defence but now… they were running. Despite that Kris chased them and she froze them… and it felt good. It was wrong, she felt sick to her stomach and her brain was telling her to stop, but despite that, there was one part of her… a part saying this was good… that it’s natural… but was it really? No she couldn’t ponder such questions while another enemy way in sight. It moved back seeing them approach but Kris quickly caught up and she followed. 

Another battle begun. She couldn’t bring herself to look the creature in the eyes.

“Use IceShock” 

————

Noelle brought up her hands concentrating on her target. She felt her power release and strike the target.

A couple icicle appeared on the ‘master crafted’ dummy which had already half fallen apart.

“Hey it worked this time!” Asriel cheered.

Noelle was still disappointed in herself “It worked? I just made some icicles.” 

“Hey it’s progress, most people have trouble getting anything to happen.” Dess said, supportive of her as always.

“But why all this fighting magic anyway? It’s not like I’ll need to use it.”

“I know you want to learn healing magic but it’s some of the hardest to do, you need to practice with easier forms first and work your way up.” 

Noelle sighed “I guess your right. 

“Least you have it.” Kris, who had been silently watching until now, pointed out.

“Yeah, suppose that’s one way to look at it.” Noelle felt better about her less than impressive magic and a bit bad for Kris. She remembered before, back when he was going through, as Toriel put it, his ‘goat phase’. He was always asking if he could use magic and those horns that he wore were great.

“Actually, you two aren’t going to the fair this weekend right? You can practice magic while we’re gone.” Asriel said still sitting on the rock he claimed the day before before.

“Good idea Azzy. Shame about dad being sick, he’s even getting a checkup soon.” Noelle said, she was a bit sad about missing the yearly fair but if it was for her dads health it was fine.

“Just keep Kris entertained, without Noelle to prank he might get bored.” Dess said with a joking tone.

“I’m NEVER going onto a Ferris wheel with him again.” At that they all laughed.

“Mom still gives him shame for that one.” Asriel said, still laughing.

“But hey don’t worry about us, while your off having fun I’ll make sure Noelle has the best magic in town. Her magic may seem weak right now but by the time you’re back, I’ll make sure she’s stronger.”

————

Following Kris Noelle found herself blocked by more mice related barriers. “L… Look, Kris! Another puzzle!” 

“H… How should we solve it this time?”

“Proceed”

He stepped towards her forcing her back. “H… how?”

“There’s nowhere to go.”

“Kris, there’s… the path is blocked isn’t it?

“Proceed”

Once again stepping back getting a bit scared. “Kris… what are you doing?”

Her heart beat louder and louder. “Kris, is … is everything okay?”

“Proceed”

Going even further back. “Kris, there’s lightning in the way…”

His face was emotionless. “If… if we move any further… I’ll be…”

Her legs tremble. “K… Kris, you didn’t really hear what I said earlier, did you?”

She was terrified “You… you wouldn’t let me…”

“Proceed”

He once again walked further, she felt the edge of her fur sizzling as it touched the lightning. “K… Kris?” 

“Proceed”

The puzzle was frozen over. “Th… there… looks like I … I did it?”

See she just, listened to Kris’s command and before she knew it… the puzzle was finished. He wasn’t trying to hurt her… he was making her stronger.

————

It was cold… no she was cold. Her finger, her hand, her entire body, her very heart. The city was dead quiet, nothing but her and … Kris’s footsteps. Those tiny mice, they tried to run, tried to hide but they were too slow. They were chased, dealt with… and Noelle became stronger. 

And the stronger she became… the more that part of her took control… the part she always repressed, the part she never let anyone know about… for too long it had expressed itself through sometimes masochistic desires, but now it wanted more.

Following the path there was yet another puzzle blocking their way. 

“I’ll … go ahead and do the puzzle!”

But… wasn’t it a good thing? She was solving things by herself. Taking new things for herself. Defeating enemies by herself. And every time she did it… she got stronger.

… what did she do when she got that ring? When she solved that puzzle? … it … it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter if she can’t remember. It doesn’t matter if the battles are blurring together.

If Kris tells her to do it… she can do things she could never do before. Isn’t it a good thing? … I’m getting stronger.

… as long as she … just does what they say. As long as she…

“All finished, Kris.” She said cheerfully. “Should we find some more enemies?”

————

“We should find some more time to practice, your doing great with all this training!”

“R-really? You think so?”

Noelle beamed, she had actually managed to freeze part of the dummy, it took a few hours worth of training but she did it. And Dess was proud of her too!

“I mean every word.” Dess smiled.

“Now what?” Noelle asked sitting on the ground, she was too tired from everything to continue practicing.

“Hey let’s explore, maybe we’ll find something we can show Kris and Azzy when they come back.

“I guess we could, not like we’ll find anything inter-“ she was interrupted by Dess blocking her mouth.

“Shhhhh wait! Do’u hear that?”

They went perfectly quiet… there was an almost silent noise. It sounded strange… it gave Noelle shivers.

“I think it’s coming from that direction.” Dess said before running off.

“Hey wait!” Noelle shouted though her message didn’t get through.

She sprinted in the same direction as her sister.

————

He heard the sound of the lightners coming to him. The new buyers of his [Commemorative Ring].  

“[Angel], [Angel]. ARE YOU LOOKING FOR THE [Ring] OF [Thorns].”

“Yes”

“THat’ll be 1997 KROMER.”

“Yes”

HERES YOUR [Ring]! CAREFUL, IT MIGHT [Sting] EAHEAHEAH.”

There was a brief gasp of pain before silence for a minute, he heard the sound of them leaving.

Alone he muttered to himself.

“EAHEAH TWO LIGHTNERS TOGETHER, BOTH DANGLED BY THE SAME [Silly Strings].”

The puppet of a puppet, how poetic. Well he didn’t have time for that philosophy nonsense, after all, he had a room to reclaim, a form to take and some strings to cut.

————

The world felt so calm, so empty, so cold. Noelle could feel her frozen body, it didn’t matter to her. Everything felt numb, numb from the cold, the pain, the violence. The ring of thorns was painful, so so painful, but it didn’t hurt. Instead it was as if it made her mind at peace. And as Kris led her through the decrepit streets of a city once filled with life, she was at an equilibrium.

Suddenly they stopped. Ahead there was another enemy, another creature, another opportunity to become stronger. The thing tried to speak, it was trying to cheat its fate wasn't it? But it was too late for that.

“Kris, It looks like another enemy.”  She knew her place, Kris would order and she would comply.

“Should I freeze them?” She felt a small smile across her face at the idea of becoming stronger. 

But then she heard a faint voice, a voice she recognised.

“N… Noelle? Noelle it’s me, don’t you recognise me!?”

Suddenly she awoke from the pain induced trace. She saw a familiar blue figure in front of her.

“B… Berdly!?”

“Noelle, are you ok…? What… what are you doing with Kris?” Berdly looked and sounded so concerned. 

“I’m just, we’re just…” She sighed. “Getting …stronger.” 

“Getting stronger… how? Kris, what are you doing?”

“Proceed”

Noelle's eyes widened while Berdly was confused at those words. “Wh… what? Proceed… where?”

He turned to her “Noelle, what are they talking about!?”

She couldn’t bring herself to reply…

“Th-that’s it, Kris! I don’t know what your doing… but if your hurting my friend Noelle…”

A glowing halberd appeared in his hand.

“Then I have no choice but to stop you by force! Kris, ready yourself!!”

“W-wait, Berdly, stop!” Noelle desperately pleaded, she knew what was about to happen.

“Run away!”

But it was in vein as Berdly was already determined to stop them.

“Defend”

She followed Kris’s order and threw up a wall of ice to protect her. It was unnecessary as Berdly focused on hitting Kris.

The battle raged but she barely noticed. Despite their best efforts, Kris went down.

“N-Noelle look! Kris is down! Now’s your chance to come back over here!”

She wanted to… but instead she didn’t move.

“N-Noelle?”

She could still… hear his voice… and it had but a single order.

“Use SnowGrave”

“S-snowgrave? I… I don’t know that spell.” Snowgrave…

“Use SnowGrave”

“I’m telling you, I… I… I don’t know what your talking about,” … but why was that name so… familiar.

“Use SnowGrave”

“I’m telling you stop! I… I don’t know what your talking about!” The command echoed in her head.

“Use SnowGrave”

His voice only grew louder and louder. “Fine. You want to see what happens so bad? Watch what happens when I cast a spell I don’t know!”

“Use SnowGrave”

At that she concentrated all her strength into one action.

Everything was blurry, there was so much snow and wind… what was happening? It was like a blizzard was happening around her body.

She fell to the floor on her knees, the entire alley was freezing cold.

“What… what happened?”

“There was so much snow I couldn’t see anything…”

“I…”

“I don’t feel so good.”

“I think”

“I’m going to go home.”

Noelle stood up and slowly walked away. 

————

He watched it happen. He had seen it all… why… why him, why her. Even if they had grown apart in the years he still cherished those childhood memories and to see his oldest friend broken down like this… it was horrifying. 

He had wanted it to stop, he had wanted to say it was wrong, he had wanted to apologise, to say sorry for this for everything. Why… why was It not satisfied with just him? So much so It had to obtain a new puppet for It’s twisted game. 

He could resist It, maybe not entirely, but he still had some control. The other girl, his friend, was strong, she could resist It’s influence and had at times even completely ignored It. The other one knew… they knew much more than they let on. But her… she couldn’t do anything… she was powerless against It’s manipulation… and what It had done with that control over her…

He wanted to cry as he saw his friends, he so desperately wanted to tell them… to tell them everything. But he was unable to. He could only watch as his body unwillingly continued into the mansion.

Desperately he screamed in silence… but nobody came.

————

She lay down in the bed. It was so cold. The bed’s warm thick blanket doing little to help her. She felt tears on her cheek but instead of the usual warmth they were starting to freeze. She felt sick… so, so sick. If her stomachs was in knots then it would have taken a century to untie. She focused on the pain in her finger, the rings barbs cutting deep into her skin leaving a mark and releasing blood. The pain was her only comfort, it numbed her senses. 

She had tried going home but didn’t know the way; instead she wandered going somewhere, anywhere which ended up being Queen’s mansion. Queen took one look at her before deciding she needed rest. Was this really it for her? She was always weak, too weak to talk to Susie, to weak for Queen, too weak to… to… Kris and Berdly…

Had… had she really… no, no, NO! She didn’t kill Berdly, she didn’t kill Berdly, she didn’t kill Berdly. Her breathing was heavy as she sobbed into the pillow. Everything was overwhelming. What she did… was it really the right thing to do? It had to be right… Kris said it was, he said she needed to become stronger, he said she needed to freeze them. And he wouldn’t lie to her… would he?

She was only brought out of her sobbing by a sound, was… was someone speaking? How long had it been, was she going crazy? Or maybe she already had. Finally looking up she saw Susie standing there. She bit back the immediate instinct to use IceShock.

“Noelle! Hey! You uh… you with me now?”

“S-Susie?” She quietly whispered, almost unbelievingly.

“Finally! Been calling your name for a while.” She looked relieved.

“I mean… uhhh here I am to save you or something.” She struck a supposedly heroic pose.

Noelle just went back to lying down.

“Noelle? Are … are you okay?” 

She just sobbed again, if only Susie knew what she did… 

“Hey, uhhh, you don’t look so good… well uh look, if something happened don’t worry! This is uhhh just a dream!”

She suddenly went quiet for a minute processing this. “R…really?”

“Uh yeah this is, uhh, yep it’s just a dream. You must’ve… fallen asleep at the computer lab.”

“A-a dream?” 

“Pretty much, guess I was sent here by your brain to tell you.”

“A dream…” she repeated. 

It… it wasn’t real… none of it was real. It all made sense now, Kris, the creatures, the world. It was just her imagination. The relief she felt in that moment was beyond compare.

“Guess it makes sense.”

“Huh?”

“Why would the real Susie ever want to help me? I’m too weak to be worth noticing, she wouldn’t even pick on me.”

Susie seemed surprised at her words but that expression quickly went away.

“Also the tail.”

Susie immediately tried to hide it. Noelle just started to stare off at nothing in particular.

“… hey, you seem a bit uh … distracted.”

“I’m just… a bit tired.”

“Guess maybe I should just … leave then… you know to uh give you some piece and quiet right? Well uh, bye.”

She just lied down without a word. She heard the door open and close. Despite knowing it wasn’t real she still felt cold, pained and exhausted. This was certainly a strange dream. Maybe Susie was right, she could use a rest.

————

“Noelle”

She immediately awoke. Where was she? This was still the dream. She was in the same bed as before.

“Noelle”

At that her body snapped up. Her head didn’t care to try answer any questions, instead it focused on the voice in her head.

“Noelle”

She stood up and ran, faster than she had thought possible. Her legs begged her to stop, before she might’ve but now … she was stronger.

“Noelle”

Turning a corner she saw something, it was huge, huge and threatening. Two great wings, a head with an unhinged jaw and crazed look. She saw Kris on the floor, it had hurt him, she had to help him.

“WHAT’S SHE GONNA DO, MAKE ME AN [Ice Cream]!?”

Noelle felt her magic flow through her, with immense power at her fingertips she unleashed a devastating assault.

“HEY, IS IT COLD IN HERE OR IS IT JUST ME?”

She heard it’s final words before she hit her target, she saw its last moments before it’s icy end, she saw it freeze in front of her eyes before a wave of feelings hit her. She felt good, powerful, she had saved Kris and defeated a terrible creature. This, this was it, the rush of power, of everything. Her choice to help affected the world.

Looking up she saw a red heart go into the fountain, suddenly everything went black.

————

BEEP BEEP

“H-huh… Berdly’s… alarm?” She felt her arms against the wooden table and the warmth of the room.

“A dream…? It was really just a…” she gazed across the table and saw… “Susie!?”

“Susie! What are you doing here?”

“Uhhh… you invited us to study, remember?”

She had completely forgotten. “Oh, right! I did, didn’t I! Haha!”

“… uhh, you’re in a good mood. Did you, uh, have a good dream?”

“It was a nightmare.” She felt so relieved.

“Oh.” Susie sounded surprised.

“I’m … just happy I woke up.”

There was a brief silence.

“The… end was nice though.”

“What happened?”

HAHA, w-well, umm ---“

“HAHA, HEY, Berdly time to get up and go!”

Berdly laid there, unmoving.

“…Berdly?” He didn’t even flinch… Noelle felt a chill go down her spine.

“Gosh, you’ve been studying too much, Berdly. Honestly, you deserve a little rest, y’know. Sweet dreams!”

Noelle walked towards the door before turning around to Susie.

“Wh… what are you doing?”

“You don’t have a tail, do you, Susie?”

“H-huh?! No way, of course not!”

“Really? That’s great!” She said cheerfully. And with that she left the library with a smile.

————

“This is weird” she mumbled nervously. And with that she approached the strange hill.

“Hey, w-wait, isn't this that h-hill with the weird b-bunker everyone’s afraid of?” Noelle asked concerned.

“Don’t let the stories get to you, they just say that to scare people.”

They went around the hill and were surprised to see an open door.

“The door here’s open? I thought it was always closed?” Dess said curiously.

Looking inside it was pure black, not a single light in sight.

“This is c-creepy, we should leave.” Noelle recommended.

“Are you kidding? And miss out on finally seeing whatever’s in there? This is the ultimate opportunity, I wouldn’t miss it for all the mince pies in the world.” Dess said excitedly before running in.

“Hey!” Noelle said in vain as Dess had already decided to do it.

She stood there for a moment before biting her lip and against her better judgement, her gut and practically every sense of self preservation her body had, she decided to follow Dess.

Noelle walked into the bunker.

————

Noelle walked into the hospital room.

It was quite bleak with most of the room being a plain white, personally she couldn’t imagine being stuck in it. She was greeted by the sight of her dad waving her in.

“Hey, here comes my daily source of entertainment.”

She gave him a grin. “Dad!”

“Heh, well any news? Hows that group project coming along?”

“No, nothing important, and don’t worry about the group project, it’s … going well.” 

“Good, good. Now did you bring the game? This empty canvas of a room doesn’t exactly have a lot to do or look at. If it wasn’t for you and Asgore’s flowers I might have gone crazier than Mrs Dreemurr.”

She laughed a bit at that, everyone knew how much of a nut job Toriel could be sometimes. “Don’t worry dad, I brought the game this time.”

“Well then why are you standing there? We have some enemies to defeat!”

He chuckled but she bit her tongue while continuing to take out the device, she sat on the bed and started playing, all was going well until the boss.

“Hey I don’t remember this one.”

“Silver Drake, huh? That’s a new one. Alright, what’s the plan, honey?”

“Hmm… maybe we could try…” she saw one of the choices and instinctively “IceShock?”

“Ice on the Ice Palace boss? Don’t you wanna try FireShock or something?”

“H-huh?! Yeah, you’re right.”

“Here, how about letting me control for a bit?”

She flinched at that. “N-no! I’ll… control it myself.”

“Not like you to be a controller hog, honey. You feeling alright?”

“Huh? Me? Of course! I’m fine, dad… I just… I fell asleep at the library, and… you know, just had a weird dream. Haha.” It was just a nightmare… she shouldn’t worry him.

“Noelle… I knew that birdbrain’d put you to sleep! Haha! What did he do, start lecturing you on his theorum…  of the inequality in children’s fighting games?”

“Hahaha, no, no! He… fell asleep too.”

“Wow, he even put himself to sleep? Ha!”

“Haha, yeah I guess so!”

“Well sounds like, you two’ve been hitting the books too hard. Why don’t you go home and hibernate? I’ll see you tomorrow at church.”

“Dad? Are you gonna be alright to go…?”

“Of course! You take it easy, honey.”

“Okay then… yeah, I’ll go home and rest.”

She stepped off the bed and put away her game.

“See you tomorrow, honey.”

“Bye, dad. Love you!”

She turned to leave but she saw who was standing there… her heart skipped a beat.

“Kris?! Kris, what are you doing here?”

“Hell if I know.” 

“S-SUSIE!?”

“Ohhhhhhh! THIS is Susie! Susie, nice heard a lot about you.”

“You, uh… have???”

“COOL, THINK I HAVE TO GO NOW!!!”

She ran past Kris and out of the room.

She stopped in the room outside. Kris was here, he was the one who… no he didn’t do that.

Sighing she reassured herself. Come on, it … it was just a bad dream…

Even so, it was so real, she couldn’t get it out of her mind…

… that voice, telling her what to do.

A voice unlike Kris’s…

… a terrifying voice…

…

Kris…

Recently, there’s been something … different… about them.

Why hasn’t anyone else noticed it…?

She… she have to figure it out.

Why Kris is acting so strange

Why they keep coming, to the hospital…

“To see you.”

“H-Huh?”

“K-Kris? How long have you been standing there!?”

“Phew you… haha, you really scared me, you know?”

Keep it together Noelle… 

There’s nothing to be afraid of…

After all, a dream is just a dream, right…?”

“…”

Suddenly her eyes widened.

“Kris…?” She saw a small silver object around his wrist.

“W h y   a r e   y o u   w e a r i n g   m y   w a t c h ?”

“W h   …   w h e n   d i d   y o u …”

“Hey, Kris! Let’s beat it already.” Susie came back before Kris could say anything.

“Man, he kept telling me about Noelle, like… her favourite things, places she’d like to go… no idea what the hell that was about.” Susie was completely oblivious to the previous conversation.

Noelle didn’t dare speak.

“So, uh, the hell were you two doing?”

“O-oh, u-um, n-nothing, Susie! I was… I was just about to go home! U-umm… see you!” She said in a panic.

She left the hospital and quickly looked back over her shoulder before running home.

————

She ran home, as fast as her legs could carry her she ran. With tears in her eyes and dirt on her skirt she ran. She arrived at the gate and fidgeted with the key for a moment before opening it.

She had to tell mom, tell dad, tell anybody. 

Running towards the front door, she opened it with haste.

————

She entered her house. Her mother wouldn’t be here for a couple hours… she didn’t even feel like eating and just went to bed. On the way, she thought about earlier…

It, it was a prank right? Right!? Maybe he just… Berdly was really tired and, and, and then Kris just happened to have taken her watch as some sort of joke. It was a dream! It had to be a dream.

But then she remembered something, slowly she brought her hand up and sure enough there it was. Some strange ring but beneath it and the fur were several small scars… they looked the exact same as the dream. She was horrified. It … it couldn’t be …? No, no, NO, no this wasn’t real. Maybe she already had it? And the dream was just coincidence? None of it was real. None of it!

She lay down on her bed, hungry, tired and yet again on the verge of tears. 

But… if it had been just a dream, … then why, … why did she feel so cold?

Chapter Text

Noelle blinked a couple times. She was awake. She slowly got up and groaned; her body ached everywhere. Rubbing her eyes she still felt tired. Tired, hungry and cold, that was all she felt inside. 

She dragged herself out of her room and to the kitchen. She just focused on putting one foot in front of the other. The only thing keeping her going was her stomach demanding to be satisfied. She barely noticed her mother at the table reading a newspaper. 

“Noelle dear?”

She sighed. “Yes mom?”

“When did you last see your friend, what was his name? The blue one.”

“Berdly? Library yesterday.” She couldn’t get herself to form a proper sentence.

“You didn’t see him with anyone or going somewhere did you?” She was still looking at the newspaper.

“He was asleep when I left.”

Opening the fridge there wasn’t much, she gave up on a proper meal and just took some raw lettuce. She scoffed it down and went back to her room. She knew she should’ve eaten something proper but right now she just couldn’t.

Only then did she realise it was almost 11am. How long had she been asleep? … how long had she spent trying to sleep. Thank the Angel they didn’t have school on Wednesday. At that moment she just wanted to lie there, unmoving, uncaring, away from reality. She found herself biting down in her ring finger; she wanted the pain to numb her. 

Suddenly her phone buzzed. Picking it up from the table next to the bed she saw there was a new message. A message from Kris…

 — Meet me at the graveyard in an hour.

She felt her fur raise just seeing the message. No, Noelle it wasn’t real. Yesterday wasn’t real, it was a dream, a horrible horrible dream. Maybe Kris just wanted to give her watch back? That had to be it. He had just taken it as some sort of prank, one of his dumb pranks, and forgot to give it back before. And maybe she’d find out more about why he was acting so strangely.

Okay —

————

She heard the grass beneath every step, the only other sound was the singing of birds. 

It was creepy. She’d never been alone in the graveyard before… it unnerved her and reminded her of … it was just a dream, it wasn’t real. She had come early despite her fatigue, after all she wouldn’t have wanted to be late for Kris.

Kris… why was he acting to strange? The way he moved and spoke yesterday… it was identical to how he was in her… and what he said at the hospital… he came there to see her? It didn’t make sense… no nothing made sense, Kris, the dream, the unusual cold…

And today… the graveyard… why did he tell her to come here?

“Because I want to talk to you.”

She once again spun around to find him behind “Kris?! Stop doing that!”

He just chuckled at her request. “What’s wrong? I just wanted to catch up with an old friend.”

He went and sat down on one of the tombstones. He looked much more confident then usual.

“No but… it’s just you… why did you want me here anyway?”

“Nothing much, again I just want a quick conversation. After all we’ve never had a proper one in years… right?”

This was weird, before he’d rarely say more than a sentence and now he wanted a proper conversation? And the way he said that… no, she’s just being paranoid, nothings wrong here… no, nothings wrong at all.

“Yeah I uh guess not, sorry about yesterday, just me and Berdly fell asleep and all.”

“Pretty bad nightmare Huh? Did you know you were moving constantly, even talking sometimes?”

“R-really? Did you hear what I was saying?”

“It was mostly garbage, something about Berdly I think? It was hard to make out.”

She breathed a sigh of relief. Even if it was a dream she didn’t want to admit to … having thoughts about that.

“He must’ve been dreaming too seeing how deeply asleep he was. After you left I tried to wake him but I couldn’t.

“Really? Crazy haha.” She nervously smiled.

“Guess you could say he was out cold.”

“K-Kris…?” That voice… no, no, no, please no.

“What might be the problem… Angel?

“Y-you were… it was real wasn't it… I really…” 

Her legs felt wobbly and her stomach felt sick. For a moment she thought she might faint.

“Y-You … you m-made me…”

“Don’t be ridiculous, I didn’t make you do anything. Everything you did was of your own free will; I just helped point you in the right direction… I only helped you become stronger.”

“No! No this isn’t happening! This is just a dream! Soon I’m going to wake up in bed, and Berdly will be there and you’ll be normal and, and!” 

He simply raised his arm, showing off her watch in all its twisted glory. 

“You can’t deny it any longer Noelle, it’s time you realised the truth. The clock is ticking.”

“No, it was just a dream!”

“It was a thing call a dark world and it was VERY much real.”

“What…what do you want from me!” She said, her words were full of fear. 

“Noelle, I just want to help you. Is that really too crazy to believe?”

“Y-you made me do terrible things!”

“What? Helping you fight back? Finally stand up for yourself? Those things would have killed you Noelle.”

“You made me hurt Berdly. He was my friend, he only attacked us because he was worried about me.”

“So? Berdly was nothing more than a parasite who leeched off of you for his own gain. When did he ever do anything but drag you down so he could pretend to be superior? I helped you break the chain holding you down.”

He was right, since when had Berdly ever helped her? He was just holding her back and Kris had helped her rid herself of him. 

No! She couldn’t think like that. Berdly was her friend, she didn’t want to hurt anyone again, she didn’t want to be stronger! She had to stop this now. What would Dess have thought? She would’ve refused and left. All she just had to do the same, cmon Noelle. You can do this.

“K-Kris I…”

She felt his glare intensify.

“I-I don’t want to b-be apart of this.” 

Kris just… stared silently at her. Those empty eyes looking into her. Still she mustered up all the courage she had.

“I-I’m leaving… j-just leave me alone!”

She turned and started walking away, every step was hard. Then she heard him speak.

“I’m sorry Dess. Guess I failed you too.”

She stopped, her heart skipped a beat. “D-Dess?”

“Oh sorry it’s nothing. Just some promise I made years ago.”

She turned around “Y-you made a promise?”

“It’s nothing really, you can just leave. It’s not like you’d care about some promise to your sister.”

“I-I didn’t know she… what, what was it?”

“It was a promise I made on that terrible day, before me and Asriel went to the fair I spoke to her. I won’t get much into it but I made a promise that if anything ever happened to her… I’d take her place in protecting you. She was always the caring one wasn’t she?”

She felt a few tears on her cheek. It was just like she thought, he wasn’t trying to hurt her… he was protecting her… like Dess. 

“I can’t believe Dess… Kris I… I’m so sorry I-I didn’t know you…”

She fell to her knees and he came to comfort her… the same way Dess used to.

“I should’ve known you had my best interests at heart. I’m so sorry, I can’t believe you really care about me enough to do something like that.”

“Don’t worry, I forgive you, you had no idea.”

She started sobbing into his arm. The pressure from everything had finally gotten to her.

“I still remember the day that Dess… I miss her. Everyday I miss her.”

“I do too. I wanted to help you so you’d wouldn’t need me to protect you anymore.”

Yes, that was it wasn’t it? He never wanted to hurt her… he was doing it all to help her…

“I just wanted to help make you stronger.

Her thoughts were clouded, her mind started to fall into the same thoughts it did during that terrible dream.

Stronger… that was good wasn't it?. She had to get stronger… for… for Dess. She wiped away the tears on her face. All she had to do was… was to listen to Kris and he’d help her…

“Then what… what do you want me to do?”

“Follow me”

He went into the woods, Noelle followed. The walked for a couple minutes until eventually Kris led her to a clearing in the forest. 

“Well now that we’re here, how about a little practice?”

“Practice…?

“Surely you remember, you shake your hands in the air a bit, turn something to ice.”

“I can’t do magic that powerful Kris. Maybe I can freeze it a bit but I could never turn something into ice.”

“A dark world is practically made of magic and so if amplifies your magic.”

“So I can only do it in the dark world?

“Noelle, I said it amplifies, not enables. Everything you did there you can do here, you just need… an extra push.”

“R-really?”

“See that tree over there? Use IceShock.”

She tried, but couldn’t muster the strength. Again she tried but to no avail. She didn’t let this stop her and kept trying to do it.

“Do it Noelle. Your holding back too much.”

“Holding back? I’m trying as hard as I can.”

“Well if you can’t do it yourself perhaps you need a little boost to TP? Don’t worry, I know a simple solution.”

“TP? What are yo-?”

A sword suddenly swung an inch in front of her face. She launched herself back just in time to see another thrust come in her direction. She brought up an ice wall and stopped it from hitting her. 

“K-Kris?!”

Why did he attack her?! What was going on?!

“Use IceShock.”

A command. She desperately tried to use it. She found herself having more energy than before. As she had done many times before, she channeled her inner strength and released it. An icy blast flew right by Kris’s head. She felt mortified as he turned towards her and she felt him staring her down.

“K-Kris! I’m so sorry! I j-just I-I p-panicked and I and, and I didn’t m-mean to…”

Then he shushed her, he spoke in a calm voice.

“Don’t worry Noelle, I trust you. You would never lie to me. Just remember, don’t let it happen again.” 

Those last words made her shiver. She didn’t want to know what would happen if it did…

“I-it w-won’t.”

“But, despite your poor accuracy, you managed to pull it off. So perhaps you deserve a reward.”

“A-a reward?”

He was giving her something? She had almost hurt him yet he was rewarding her? He was too nice to her.

“May this serve you as a reminder of your ability.”

Between his fingers he held some cut thorns, but they were crudely intertwined into a ring reminiscent of the Ring Of Thorns from before. Seeing it she immediately put her hand out without thought and he pushed it onto her finger. Blood dripped to the ground and a sense of pain previously long gone returned.

“Wear it at all times.”

She would, after all Kris knew what was best for her right?

“We will continue this tomorrow, as of now I have some business to attend to. Now you could join me, if you do we’ll be returning to the dark world an-“

“NO!” She screamed.

Kris went silent and looked at her.

“I-I don’t think I’m ready to go back. I can’t.”

“How… disappointing, I suppose you must’ve weaker than I thought… I’ll let you off this time but tomorrow you will come with me.”

“T-thanks Kris.”

And just like that, he walked off into the forest leaving Noelle alone.

————

This outcome was… acceptable, she was unwilling to go to the dark world but otherwise showed increased magic and obedience. This had potential to be it. As well as that the creation of another dark world had been avoided, he was right that it was possible to change the course of this world. Though now Kris was becoming unrestful, they’d need to be careful with him. If only he knew what was at stake but they already knew he wouldn’t listen to them. 

Now they needed to meet with Susie and Ralsei. Right, Ralsei, he might already somewhat aware of what was going on but needed to be kept in the dark about Noelle. Neither he nor Susie would ever understand. They may find out eventually but hopefully by then the pieces will be in place for them to make their move and end this for good. They would ensure the plan will succeed, no matter the cost.

————

The hospital had become such a familiar place lately, she didn’t even need to check in or anything as by now it had just become expected that she’d visit her dad every day. At first it was a strange new place that looked different and felt different. Then it became a familiar place reminiscent of her home but now… it didn’t feel of anything, just a numb cold.

She made sure to hide her hand as Rudy looked up seeing her enter.

“Hey honey! Your much earlier than I expected, forgot it was your day off.”

“Yeah I was around town and figured I might as well visit now, I doubt I’m interrupting anything.”

“Well normally I’d spend an hour staring at the wall but I’ll put that off just for you.”

She rolled her eyes mockingly. “I feel so honoured.”

“Now, hanging around town you say? Might this be after asking out a certain someone?”

“N-no dad. I was just hanging out with Kris.”

“Kris? Well its good to see you two together again, you used to be such great friends. Though he better not be back to his old ways, I remember back when almost everyday you’d come to me crying about one of his pranks.”

“Dad he isn’t like that now. He’s actually been helping me practice magic.”

“Really, Kris? Your practicing with the only person in town who isn’t remotely capable of any magic?”

“Well… yes it might sound a bit stupid but he’s helped me a lot. He’s helped me become … stronger.”

“Never imagined him to be the teaching type, suppose he takes after his mother more than I thought. Let’s hope he doesn’t take after her too much. Hahahaha. Just make sure not to push yourself too much, magic ain’t easy. Plenty of folks around town never learnt more than a simple spell or two.”

“I have to dad, so that maybe one day I’ll be strong enough to heal you.”

“Heh, maybe someday… so how did you two end up practicing anyway?”

“Oh well it’s a bit of a long story.” She nervously laughed… she wasn’t sure what he’d think of it… everything she’d done… Kris said it was right… but would he see it that way…?

Rudy gave a look of concern. “Honey, are you alright?”

“What? Of course, I’m fine dad.” She tried to smile.

“Look, if somethings bothering you, we can talk about it.”

“Dad don’t worry about me, you’re the one in hospital.”

He looked at her again before sighing.

“If you insist.”

They were both silent for a moment.

“I guess I’ll go home then. Love you dad.” 

“See you tomorrow honey.”

She left the hospital.

————

Noelle sat on her bed. Her eyes were closed and her body dull. Her only feeling coming from her hand, faint streaks of blood coming from beneath the thorns wrapped around her finger. She felt the magic within her, she felt the snow around her, she felt stronger. Her phone buzzed, a message from Kris awaited her.

 - We need to speak

 - Meet me at the gate.

She left the room and went outside, her mother hadn’t returned yet so the house was to herself. Walking down the halls felt so lonely, so cold. She left those barren corridors for the outer world and made her way towards the gate.

Sure enough Kris was on the other side waiting for her.

“Noelle this is urgent, I’ve come here to warn you.”

“Warn me? Is something wrong?”

“Yes, I’m not sure if it’s true but there have been some whispers that Susie’s after you.”

“What?!?!” Was it true? Susie had ignored her for so long, why would she suddenly have an interest in her? But the idea of Susie bullying her… shoving her against a locker and laughing at her… then maybe throw me to the floor…

“Noelle you need to stay away from her.”

“Huh? I-It’s fine Kris, I can handle some bullying.”

“Are you doubting my judgement?”

“What?”

“And after everything I did to help you’d throw that away without thought? Suppose that meant nothing to you.”

“Kris I just…”

He sighed. “Guess you think that Dess was wrong to put her faith in me… I’m always just a screwup aren’t I…”

“No! Of course not. If Dess put her faith in you than I am sure you know what to do. It’s just that Susie is… I have… some…”

“I see, you have a crush on her don’t you? You need to put those feelings aside Noelle, they will only blind you and hurt you more after she rejects you.”

“Yeah… yeah your right Kris… your always right… I’m sorry I doubted you, thanks for watching out for me.”

He was right… Susie would never like her… Noelle would never be anything more than a target to her…

“It’s why I’m here but I’m afraid I have to leave now, if I don’t return home soon Toriel will notice. We will meet up again after school tomorrow.

“See you tomorrow, Kris.”

She waved him goodbye as he ran down the street and up towards his house. She should’ve known, he had told her of how cruel Susie was on Monday… she was thankful he was there to protect her… just like Dess always was.

Chapter Text

Noelle woke up in a cold sweat. It… it wasn’t real. It was just a nightmare… 

She sighed before getting out of bed, no point trying to go back to sleep. She’d get another hour at most. Might as well get ready for school.

————

Noelle sat in her usual chair. Looking at the time, there were 5 minutes left until class started. Kris, Susie and Berdly hadn’t arrived yet. Berdly… he wasn’t one to be late. If the dark world had been real then did that mean she…? No, Berdly’s fine, he was probably just really tired, that’s it, he just slept in. She desperately hoped she was right.

3 minutes left. Susie came in giving her a slight smile as she passed.

2 minutes left. Kris came in, she felt him watching her as he went to his seat. 

1 minute left… still no sign of Berdly.

“W-well hello everyone. I hoped you had a nice d-day off.”

Alphys was beginning class. Berdly would never be this late.

“I-It’s unfortunate B-Berdly won’t b-be joining us t-today.”

He was just sick or something right? Maybe just some injury… surely she didn’t actually… no, no she couldn’t have. No, no don’t think about it. Just focus on the lesson.

She pushed the thoughts out of her mind and tried to pay attention to Alphys teaching.

————

“W-which is why episode three w-wasn’t actually that b-bad.”

There was a knock on the door bringing attention away from Alphys’s rant.

“O-oh I’ll get it.”

It had been a few hours. It was so boring. Alphys was talking about some sic-fi thing, she’d never heard about before. Noelle wondered who was at the door, but she couldn’t see who was there. Classes were rarely interrupted so it must be important.

Alphys walked back to the top of the classroom.

“I’m s-sorry everyone, b-but school will b-be ending early t-today. Everyone n-needs to immediately g-go home.”

What? School was over for the day? She had never had school end early before… and they all had to go home? Why would they specify that? Was something going on? Still, most of the class was cheering, few would be unhappy with another day off.

As everyone left the school she walked down the steps, Susie ran up and stopped next to her.

“Hey!”

“Oh, it’s you, Susie.”

Susie was talking to her?

“Apparently schools out, crazy Huh?”

“I guess.”

“Yeah, yeah, so uh I was just uhhh, wondering if you would like to uhh, hang out later today.”

Susie wanted to hang out with her? She seemed so much nicer than usual… maybe she really did just want to hang out?

“Sure I guess.”

“Great! Uhhh, we can meet at the graveyard later today.”

The graveyard? How original..

“I’ll be there, bye Susie.”

“See ya Noelle.”

She watched Susie sort of ran walk away before hearing a voice behind her.

“What was that?”

“Huh? O-Oh Kris!”

He heard that? And how did he always manage to sneak up on her… 

“I was just… me and Susie were just gonna hang out.”

“Noelle, did you forget everything I told you yesterday?”

“I did remember but… she just seemed so nice. It didn’t feel like she was threatening me or anything.”

“Noelle, Susie is a bad person, I don’t want you with the wrong kind of people.”

“Susie didn’t seem that bad…”

“That’s exactly what she wants you to think. If you started going out with her she’d start changing you, slowly getting worse and worse but telling you that it’s fine. I’ve been staying around with her to ensure she doesn’t try to hurt anyone. Do you want my efforts to mean nothing?”

“N-no, I w-would never do such a thing… b-but are you sure?”

“I know what is best for you and I say stay away from her.”

“I guess if you say so…”

She didn’t know Susie all that well and Kris, he always knew what was best for her. He knew Susie much better than she did so if he said she was a bad person than she must be. Kris was so heroic, risking himself to keep others safe.

“T-Thanks for looking out for me Kris.”

He stood there silently for a moment.

“We will meet up again later.”

“Okay, b-bye Kris.”

————

She returned home much earlier than usual. She only took a few steps in before, surprisingly, her mother called her.

“Noelle, is that you?”

What was she doing here this early? Normally it’d be hours before she’d be back.

“Yes mom, school ended early today.”

She walked into the kitchen where her mother was sitting at the table. 

“Did work end early for you too?”

“No, I just had to make sure you didn’t decide to ignore the order to go home. I’ll be going back to the office soon and you are not allowed to leave the house without my express permission.”

“What?! Why? Does this mean I can’t see dad?”

“Your father can do without you for a single day Noelle.”

“But I… I have to see him. I don’t even know if he’ll be around much longer… what if something bad happened to him? I have to be there.”

“To him? What if something bad happens to you Noelle! One of your classmates was attacked!”

“Wait, what?!”

“Your friend, Burghley was it? Someone found his body in the computer lab. Doctors said he appeared to have died of hypothermia, despite being stuffed into the electronic closet. It’s possible his death was accidental or through natural causes but either way someone still tried to hide his body.”

Her mind refused to comprehend what her mother had told her.

“Noelle, I am dealing with possibly the first murder in Hometown in almost 60 years and I can’t handle babysitting you for the day. I forbid you from leaving, especially anything to do with exploring the woods.”

She was silent. Not even her mother’s blatant denial of Dess’s disappearance would stir her.

“Just stay home and do NOT answer the door to anyone you don’t know.”

Noelle just nodded and silently walked back to her room. A while later the front door opened and closed… she was completely alone with her thoughts. She didn’t cry, she didn’t smile. She was feeling everything around her. She felt the ever growing coldness, her body beating and breathing to keep her alive and the white hot pain on her hand. 

Berdly… she had done it. She had really done it. She was a monster, a horrible person and a terrible friend… 

You were suppose to feel sad weren’t you? When a friend dies… you were suppose to feel guilt weren’t you? When you kill someone… you were suppose to hate them weren’t you? When someone else made you do it. But Noelle didn’t feel these things, she simply felt nothing. It was as if she had lost the ability to feel emotions. As if a black void has replaced her very soul. She didn’t feel unhappy just empty.

Those creatures in the dark world… those weren’t real people, or at least she hoped they weren’t. But Berdly… he had been by her side for years… living… laughing… supporting her… and now his blood was on her hands. She was a murderer.

Noelle stood up and slowly trudged down to the kitchen. She needed something to take her mind off of everything. There was little proper food here. She saw some maple syrup in one of the cabinets, normally she’d put it on some pancakes or similar food item but instead she just drank it straight from the bottle. It tasted plain and boring. It only further depressed her. If she knew where to find her mother’s alcohol she probably would’ve downed it all in one sitting. 

After finishing the bottle she looked around and saw the knife on the counter. For a moment she thought about how easy it could be to just… end everything. She would never feel again… 

She suddenly snapped out of those thoughts. No, she couldn’t think like that. Maybe… maybe there was still someone who could make her feel something. If anyone could it was him. Kris. 

Despite her mother’s orders she decided to leave the house. Walking out she opened the gate and locked it behind her. She walked out onto the road a bit, at least Kris’s house wasn’t very far off.

“Noelle?”

She turned. “Susie?”

Quickly she moved her hand behind her. Hopefully she didn’t notice the marks on the ground…

“What are you doing out here?” Susie asked.

“I could ask you the same thing.”

“Fair, look I was just heading to Kris’s house. I saw your mom, she seemed very annoyed, I assumed you’d be stuck inside but guess I was wrong.”

She was going too? Why would she be going to Kris’s house? 

“Yeah, she just wanted to… tell me a few things. I was just going to Kris’s.”

“Guess we can both go together then, anyway it’s not like it’s that far of a journey.”

————

Damn it! Curse the bloody idiot Kris! Everything was going to plan, Berdly’s body was found, actually later than expected, and they had continued isolating Noelle. But then that fool Kris had managed to barely wrestle back control. Kris in his few moments of freedom had managed to send all their plans into the ground. 

He’d been getting worse ever since the hospital, always trying to take control. Unfortunately, going back would be a large hindrance. At the very least Toriel hadn’t arrived back yet. Still, one must always be skilled in the art of improvisation. This timeline might still be salvageable.

————

Susie had tried to make small talk several times but was met with silence. Noelle was worried, if Kris saw her talking to Susie… It wasn’t long until they reaches Kris’s house.

Noelle walked up to the door, raising her hand she knocked… silence.

She knocked again… but nobody came…

“Kris? You there?” Susie shouted… not even crickets responded.

Neither of them did anything for a couple seconds.

“Ok screw this.” Susie said before practically kicking the door open and revealing a sight that, by now, was all too familiar. A black void where the interior of the house should've been.

Noelle couldn’t believe what she was seeing.

“I-is that another dark world?”

“Woah, Kris’s house is a dark world now?”

When did this happen? Wait was this what Kris meant? He said she would be going back today but… how would he have known she would come here? Would this she’d have to…

“Wait, Noelle you know about the dark worlds?”

Of course, she forgot Susie lied to her and said it was a dream. If she was willing to lie about that Noelle could only imagine what else she would be willing to lie about.

“Yeah, Kris told me.”

“So you know everything in it was real?”

“Of course… how could the nightmares let me forget…”

Susie gave her a confused look but shook it off.

“Well then how’s about we go in and bail Kris out of whatever mess he’s in?”

She didn’t want to go, she REALLY didn’t want to… but what would Kris do if she was meant to and didn’t? 

“Uhm I’m not sure…”

“C’mon! We’ll be like partners in crime… but uhh, you know, saving people, not crime.”

She looked down into the darkness. She wasn’t sure if she was ready to go through it that again… she might never be ready…

Unfortunately for her, Susie mistook this for wanting to go.

“Thats more like it Noelle!”

Susie ran past and jumped in, slightly bumping Noelle.

“Susie!”

She tried to stop herself but had already lost balance and once again fell into the dark world.

————

Noelle fell further and further into the abyss. Eventually she hit the ground, it didn’t hurt as much this time. Everything was pitch black.

She got up and looked around but couldn’t see anything. Her hand didn’t feel the pain anymore and sure enough she felt the ring Kris had made was replaced with a just some metal one. She suddenly remembered something and reached into the dresses pocket. Sure enough it was the same one on her sweater and it had the real Ring of Thorns in it. 

So the objects change between worlds, strange. She pushed the ring up her ring finger until eventually it was in its rightful place. With blood leaking from her hand she tried to look around to see something but she couldn’t make out anything in the dark. A phone started to ring, she tried to find where it was coming from but couldn’t. It felt as if the sound was coming from all around her. Suddenly some music started to play. 

“From the stage at Cinema Picture Studios, this is Peril!”

The lights suddenly turned on to reveal some sort of stage. She seemed to be at a stand with a microphone on it. The entire stage was covered in bright flashing lights. Noelle heard a group of people clapping but couldn’t see them. Susie appeared to be here as well as a strange man like figure in the centre.

“Introducing today’s candidates! The Angel from Hometown, the Ice Trancer from Cyber World, Christmas enthusiast Noelle Holiday!”

What was going on? Was this some sort of game show?

“Next up we have the playground bully, the good bad guy, the self proclaimed Violent Ax Susie!”

Violent Ax Susie….? Did she really call herself that?”

“And finally we have the Prince of the Dark, the healer of the party, the fluffy boy himself, Prince Ralsei!”

Ralsei? She looked down and saw a very familiar looking goat wearing green. Susie started to speak to them about something. He looked so much like Azzy… 

“And of course, your presenter for tonight. Mike Houste!”

While the clapping continued she could only stare as… Mike? turned around. What… what was it? It looked like a T.V wearing a suit and a red bow tie… and what was with that creepy smile on his screen?

“Welcome to today’s show ladies and gentlemen! An interesting line up today but who will be good enough to win? Today we find out!”

He seemed to stand there for a moment, letting the audience get over its cheers. Was there a speaker here or something? The visible chairs were all empty.

“Now for those of you tuning in for the first time, the rules are simple, each contestant will get a question and all they have to do is… not be wrong!”

That… didn’t sound particularly hard. She was seemingly competing against the other two.

“Whoever is the last one standing will get out grand reward! Now let’s begin today with some easy questions!” 

He turned towards her.

“Noelle, what is this place called?”

“Uh, the dark world?”

“You’re certainly not wrong but I’m afraid this place is more often called Trivia, yes it is fairly random. Well folks how about it? Shall we give her that?”

There was a cheer of yes.

“The audience had spoken! They have felt merciful and have granted you a pass to the second round.”

Noelle was unsure of what just happened…

“How about we move onto everyone’s favourite goat, Ralsei! What is the key ingredient used in caldron cooking?”

“It’s magic and friendship!”

“Seeing as this is the first round I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that second part, so you are correct! Though unfortunately you won’t be proving your skills this time, just you wait until the Great Darkner Bake-off . You move onto round two!”

Mike spun around and pointed to Susie.

“Susie, what do they call the giant human in Attack on Monsters 2?”

“Easy, it’s Haggarid.”

“Correct! He’s the third favourite according to the online polls. Congratulations you have all passed the first round! But don’t get your hopes up, now is when we start getting real questions.”

Another voice run out. “Round Two!”

Before she could think more about it he jumped up and did finger guns towards her.

“Noelle, at what temperature does water freeze?”

Freeze… “It’s, uh 0 degrees Celsius.”

“Correct! Though that doesn’t matter much to you does it? Heheh.”

W-Was it implying…? 

“Now onto the healer, Ralsei. What is one of the easiest and efficient ways to restore health to someone?”

“A… a hug?”

“Correct! I bet some of our other contenders would agree with you. Speaking of which, Susie! What is the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow.”

“What? I don’t know that?”

“Wrong!”

Suddenly she heard a scream as Susie seemed to fall into the floor. There was an ‘oooooh’ from the audience. She now realised that there was a trapdoor beneath her. Only then did Noelle try to move away only to find there were some lightning barriers keeping them in place… they had to play the game.

“Well she’s clearly never looked on the bright side of life. Only two contestants remain, who will come out of top? Place your bets now!”

“Um, didn’t that question seem a bit… harder than everyone else’s?” Ralsei asked.

“What’s your point kid?”

“But isn’t that unfair?”

“Of course it is! This is a game show! Now shut your yap and let me ask the questions!”

Noelle grew worried, what if Kris had fallen down there? He might be in danger…

The voice went out again declaring the third round.

“Now then! Back to the show. Noelle, what is the final month of the year.”

Her heart stopped and she froze. No, she … she wouldn’t have a repeat of last time, the spelling bee, she was stronger than that.

“D…D-December…”

“Correct! You certainly took a while to think on that one.”

… Dess.

“Ralsei, the question for you is… what is a cinnamon bun.”

“Is it uhm, me? I’ve heard Kris call me that before…”

“Sorry but while that is true, it’s not correct, now off you go!”

Ralsei fell down below leaving only Noelle.

“Noelle Holiday! Congratulations on being the last one left and winner of today’s show!”

The audience clapped and cheered.

“I-I won?”

“Yes you did, so now you get the grand prize!”

“Oh, what did I win?”

“This cushion.”

Mike handed her a strange red heart shaped cushion.

“You’ll need it.”

“For what?”

“This.”

Those were the last things she heard before the trapdoor beneath her opened dropping her down into the darkness below. The laughter echoing down.

————

After a few minutes she finally came out of the tube and hit the floor, unfortunately the cushion she got wasn’t positioned to help. She still decided to take it with her though it wasn’t red anymore, in fact nothing was coloured. She looked around the strange town she found herself in. Everything was in shades of black and white… it felt nostalgic…

As well as the colour she noticed something approaching her. It looked like some sort of creature made by stitching multiple other creatures together. On instinct she stepped back but the thing just continued it’s shambling towards her. Suddenly her back hit a wall and she panicked. Her finger started to string even more than usual and in that moment, a single memory played in her head… IceShock.

A second later it was encased in a thick layer of ice. It… it was the computer lab all over again… but this time she was alone. It was all because Susie had brought her here… she needed to find Kris, he seemed to know his way around these places… she needed him. Even alone she knew what he would’ve wanted from her… she needed to become stronger…

————

Noelle had been walking around the place for maybe half an hour now. It was hard to tell without her watch, but she knew if Kris hadn’t given it back to her yet there must be a good reason for it. Behind her was a trail of frozen corpses, it… it wasn’t her fault. Susie had forced her to come here and they had attacked first… even the ones who ran away were just going to get their friends. If she had left them they would’ve come back with more… it wasn’t killing things… it was stopping more from getting hurt… 

Everywhere here looked the same, black and white and grey, though the place itself was weird, it may seem like a normal city but a lot of the buildings she saw were actually just paintings or backdrops. 

She had encountered several other creatures, all the encounters ended the same. They weren’t real people… they were nothing more than rabid animals… she still remembered their pleas of mercy… she had given it to them… 

Suddenly a voice broke out across the street.

“Well, well, well it seems the extra is trying to get their own show.”

It was Mike, it sounded like they were speaking from a loudspeaker.

“However I’m afraid that cannot be allowed. You cannot be allowed to reunite with your blue master, so I’ve decided to do something better for you.”

Several somewhat humanoid looking creatures wearing different strange masks walked out from the darkness surrounding her. They were wielding various weapons.

“They’re coming to get you Noelle! Now, I’d love to stick around, I truly would, but I have the main cast to deal with. But don’t worry, you’ll be seeing them real soon… in the depths of Hell.”

The creatures began to charge, at that moment, being in mortal danger after everything that had happened… a part of her mind just clicked. She quickly span and used IceShock on the first one quickly freezing it. The rest got close and she launched herself up in the air by raising an ice platform beneath her. She used the moment of confusion caused by this to use freeze one of them. A spell hit the ground but instead of simply freezing it, a crack went through the ground approaching the two other enemies. It reached them and an ice platform slammed into them from below.

Gravity started to bring her back down so she used her magic to create a slope and used the cushion to help break her fall. She slid down and across the icy floor right next to one of the creatures, rolling away from a swing by its axe she put her hand across its chest piece and hit it with an ice attack an point blank. It was launched away, its chest a frozen piece of ice that shattered as it hit the ground. 

She rose from the carnage and stared down the last two things. One ran away while the other one covered him or more accurately tried to. She walked up to it as it shook and stood its ground. She looked at it for a moment before raising ice from the ground to launch one of his frozen comrades into him. It lay on the ground, it’s sword just out of reach and it’s friend pinning him down.

“P-please, m-m-mercy please!” It desperately begged.

Noelle just put her hand on its face. It was as Kris had taught her, in this world there was only strength. IceShock.

She looked down and saw the last creature. She ran after it and easily started catching up. She wasn’t a member of the cross country team for nothing. It didn’t even know she was there, so unaware. It ran up to a building which she thought was just a background decoration but surprisingly it started to open the door but it didn’t have the chance to leave. She froze it without hesitation.

The battle frenzy wore off and she almost collapsed, barely catching herself she leaned against the wall. Her entire body tingled. She felt it, the feeling from winning, from power, from becoming stronger. It was intoxicating… she wanted to feel it again.

Looking through the door the creature was going through there was a room with white worn down walls. But it still had some colour, it wasn’t black and white. She walked in and saw the brown fur on her skin, the white garnet she wore and of course the crimson red blood that leaked from her finger.

What was this place? The only way forward was a staircase. She went down and found it levelled out into a long narrow tunnel. There was a sign on the wall, an arrow facing the direction she came saying “Little Nightmare”, what did it mean?

She continued down but came upon two different paths. There were signs above the two paths, one said “Episode I” and another that said “West”. Could this be some sort of naming or categorising system? It would make sense, this might be some sort of in between connector of the different places here.

Well she had to go one way. Looking at ‘Episode I’ she just got a feeling. She didn’t know exactly what it was but it was just… something telling her not to go. As if there was some kind of… menace on the other side. She just had a bad feeling about this. Instead she went through the other tunnel, ‘West’. Whatever that was. 

————

It had been maybe 20 minutes. Her legs felt so tired but she barely noticed, her mind had completely zoned out. The pain combined with the never ending tunnel, she barely felt the time pass by. Eventually she saw a staircase in the distance, at long last she exited the tunnel.

She went through the door and was immediately hit by the warm air. She found herself in another town situated in a desert. It had some old wooden buildings and a few cactuses within sight. As if on cue, a tumbleweed came seemingly out of nowhere. She watched it tumble away before returning to wandering the area. It was strange but by now she had grown used to that. To think that a week ago she would've been surprised to hear Kris say more than ten words in a day.

Suddenly her instincts told her to duck, she did and saw several razor sharp thorns fly over her, a hair fell to the floor. She turned to see the tumbleweed up and fighting. Barely been here for a minute and she had already found another enemy… 

She tried using IceShock but under the sweltering sun it was hard, the attack itself was slow and did very little damage. More thorns flew towards her, she barely dodged them. If only Kris was here, he would’ve known what to do. She could try to run but she didn’t know if she could escape… no, the only choice was to fight.

The tumbleweed charged at her, spinning around it was fast approaching. There was no way she could avoid it, so she did the only thing she could think of.

She grabbed it by the branches and lifted it on the air. It tried to escape, but even as its thorns dug into her arms, her grip was firm. Desperately she started to pull at it, ripping off several twigs and branches it continued to squirm trying to escape. She continued until eventually it went limp and turned to dust in her hands. She fell on her knees and rubbed her hands together, her palms were a mess of blood and sweat.

It… it was so different then just freezing them. It felt terrible… but what choice did she have? It would’ve killed her wouldn’t it have? It was no different than before… she did it and she got stronger…

If only Susie hadn’t made her come here…

Repurposing her magic she healed herself with some effort, only leaving small marks behind. Slowly she stood up and continued to wander the old town’s road.

————

The boiling sun continued to bare down on her as she walked through the desolate town. Her walking resembled Kris on a bad day with how they shambled about. If her face ever knew how to express emotions they had long since forgotten. She had to defeat several enemies unable to use magic. Her clothing covered in scratches and dust.

She was also beginning to suffer from dehydration. She had never been out in this heat before and lacked any water to quench the ever present thirst. The only thing that kept her going was the occasion battle giving her some energy back or the thought of reuniting with Kris. 

Eventually she stopped outside of a building with ‘Saloon’ written on it. She knew what a saloon usually meant but this didn’t seem to be related to hair. She decided to enter, at the very least she’d get shelter from the light.

It will cool inside, or cooler at the very least. It was seemingly abandoned with tables and chairs thrown about, plates left on the counter and no signs of life. All she heard was some advertisement on the radio that was playing. She went over to the counter and looked behind. There were some hard biscuits, though even calling them was being generous. Otherwise it was completely cleaned out.

Suddenly she heard something from the radio… a laugh she recognised. Mike…

“Ladies and gentlemen welcome back to the great Darkner Bake-off! However today we have some very specil contestants!”

It sounded like some sort of cooking special.

“Now I’m afraid to say that the our little cooking show has been cancelled but don’t tune off yet, we have something much more exciting planned!”

There was maniacal laughter and the sound of an explosion. The the sound of the unholstering of weapons.

“It’s time to put these lighteners to the ultimate test, how long can they survive in the harshest conditions!”

There was cheering in the background.

“Let the curtains raise! Let the people cheer! Let the show begin!”

She bolted out the door and down the street. She didn’t know where she was going but her gut told her the direction to go. When she listened to that radio… she could have sworn she heard a voice… HIS voice calling her, a voice calling “Noelle”.

————

Noelle turned a corner, she had found another tunnel that brought her here. Finally after several minutes of running she found them. Kris, Susie and Noelle were going up against Mike in some empty plaza. Luckily she wasn’t in clear sight and went unnoticed by both sides. It was a spectacle to watch.

Mike launched microphones at them, attacked them with spotlights and used the tv antennas to shoot lightning bolts at them. He sent a microphone at Ralsei and, despite just being a microphone, it seemed to hit like a truck sending him flying into a nearby wall. When the dust cleared there was nothing but a hat and a seemingly angry scarf… did… did he die?

“Ohhhh! It seems our first contestant is down, and soon, I believe we’ll have a second!”

Susie seemed infuriated at her friends death and went for a wild attack out of anger… she was very quickly taught why such actions never end well. Knocked down on her knee from the electrical force, she shook for a moment before collapsing. Kris was the last one… 

“And finally it’s just us… the producer is aware of your change in script. You’ve been causing a lot of issues for them now haven’t you? Well it’s my lucky break, because all I need to do is dispose of you and then they’ll finally accept me back! So call me the production manager because I’m about to cut a couple parts out. Sorry kid, but I’m afraid that’s just how show business goes.”

Kris’s situation wasn’t exactly enviable. He dodged an attempt to hit him before bringing up his shield to block another. She watched on as he barely managed to hold off this onslaught. Mike brought up an armada of microphones behind him and rubbed his bow tie before sending the onslaught towards Kris. He raised his shield and prepared to try and take it. They bore down and he dodged, blocked or reflected attempt after attempt. Unfortunately his leg got caught in the ground and combined with the force of several more hitting his shield he fell back. Mike laughed as he sent another wave of attacks directed towards Kris. Noelle panicked and quickly acted.

Kris’s eyes opened, instead of death he saw something hit the creature launching it away. Noelle stepped out, her finger bleeding, her eyes cold and empty and her body full of power. But Mike only seemed emboldened.

“Ahh, so the Angel finally descends, I had a feeling you’d intervene. Should’ve known those good for nothing failures would disappoint… well as they say. If you want a job done, do it yourself.”

He stepped back up laughing and faced them with an evil grin.

“I must truly thank for this this most wondrous opportunity to show off my true self. To finally throw you in the trash and be the star They said I could be. It’s time to show them all why I deserve it.”

Noelle watched as Mike’s suit seem to bulge and expand. Metallic wires and servos seemed to come out from nowhere ripping apart the suit he previously wore. All that remained from his original self was his tv head, though it had seemed to grow larger, and that red bow tie. As he rose several meters off the ground, pushing himself up using some glove covered wires, he laughed maniacally.

“I’m afraid the show will be coming to an end, but we aren’t going off without a bang! I welcome you, one and all… to the Grand Finale!”

The true battle has begun. Kris looked to Noelle.

“Defend”

She did as ordered and brought up an ice barrier blocking an attack, it took several hits from the ‘hands’ and began to crack but still managed to hold out against the assault.

“This world was made with a story, events to unfold, a script to follow.”

Kris ran out from the side drawing Mike’s attention. As it went for him, she could only watch as he narrowly avoided blow after blow. Then he heard his voice echo in her head.

“IceShock”

She hit Mike on one of the arms, it only seemed to anger them.

“Or at least it was… until YOU ruined it!”

Mike sent several microphones at Kris along with several lightning bolts. He just managed to get his shield up but was still knocked away. He turned towards her 

“Fight”

She sent an attack through the ground and brought up an ice wall beneath Mike knocking him into the air. She brought up another ice block hitting him mid-air. Unfortunately she didn’t see the other hand approaching until it was too late. It hit her and see was pushed back but kept her footing. Her chest cried out in pain.

“The future of this world hangs in the balance, teetering on a blade’s edge, just because you won’t accept your destiny.”

“IceShock”

She followed through with Kris’s demand.  She once again hit the creature with a spell, but if it was hurt it didn’t show it. Kris had came back and tried to go for a slash with his sword but it seemingly did nothing. Mike turned to him and spoke.

“You are foolish, don’t you see? The only way to have a choice is to accept you have none!”

Several hands went to hit him, Kris jumped onto one of his arms and ran along it, Mike tried hitting him multiple times eventually swinging the arm around. Kris dug his sword into it and held on for his life.

“IceShock.”

It his Mike in the arm further disorientating him.

“I was offered a deal, join them and be one of those in control, one of those with REAL power.”

A stage-light started to shine on Noelle, where it hit her she felt pain building up. 

“Defend”

She raised a wall of ice that blocked it from reaching her. Her face hurting from the burns. Kris meanwhile was doing a mix of stabbing into Mike’s arm and ducking or rolling to dodge his attempts to get rid of him.

“I did EVERYTHING they told me to do. Even acting as a go between for some desperate idiotic salesman.”

“IceShock”

Mike’s limbs flew around at that. He doubled his efforts and unfortunately Kris faltered, he and his sword went flying across the square after being punched by one of Mike’s many hands. Mike turned on Noelle.

“I was one of them, wealthy, powerful, famous! But I stopped being useful. They didn’t need me anymore and now here I am working as some damn game show host like a washed up celebrity!”

It’s voice was full of spite but even so the smile remained the same as always.

“But if by destroying you I do them a big favour, they’ll have to accept me back! Don’t you see Kris? This is for the best!

It seemed to grow larger and more imposing as it expanded and several studio lights appeared across its body. Each directed towards Noelle. 

“It’s time to take you out of the spotlight!”

But right before it hit her Kris jumped and pushed her out of the way and took the attack himself.

The blinding light hit Kris and Noelle saw it push back against his shield. He was starting to shake… she felt the heat from here, could he really hold this back? He seemed to further flinch. 

Getting up she attempted to use magic to help but it would be too late as Kris finally gave in and was pushed across the ground.

Mike went for one final attack to end Kris for good, seeing this her brain went on autopilot and did the only course of action it thought of.

The temperature plummeted as the Angel rose above the ground, the air whipped through the area and a layer of frost covered the ground. There was no hope of survival.

Noelle got up, her body felt cold and tired. What… what happened? She… did it… she saw Mike’s head on the ground, cracks across his screen. 

“Heh… so I guess the curtains finally close on my act…”

It looked pained yet still smiled…

“I see now… I was never more than a lackey for them...”

“A… lackey? To who?”

“To the one… the one behind all this… the one in charge… we are but puppets on a… a stage to them.”

She sighed, what was she doing talking to a crazy person. As she got up to check on Kris, it coughed hard behind her and muttered out its last words.

“The… the heart is… the key… to” 

Mike’s screen turned off. She ran over to Kris and found him unconscious. He was alive! He had taken quite the hit and seemed to have suffered several second degree burns, but that didn’t matter. 

She herself was injured, clutching her chest the pain was immense, probably broke a rib or two. Despite the rush of the battle fading away and her body aching, she didn’t feel any of that. She felt strong… powerful… maybe even enough to heal Kris? 

She looked over him. She could definitely try to heal him… but what if she failed? Or much worse… hurt him… what would he do… she shuddered at the thought. No, she was stronger now, she was strong enough to do it, she could do it for him.

As she had many times before, she focused her magic. However this time instead of an attack she used it to replenish the body. Bruises disappeared, tissue grew back and skin stretched over cuts. Once she finished she backed away. His eyes opened, blinking a few times.

“Kris? Kris are you ok?”

“N-Noelle?!”

He looked so shocked, maybe she had hurt him…

“Noelle, listen to me! You need to run, get out of here, now! Never speak to me agaaAAGHGHH.”

He screamed in pain holding his head and rolling around on the floor. She was horrified… what had she done? Suddenly he stopped and once again started getting up.

“K-Kris, I can’t believe I…I’m so sorry. I was just trying to help but I hurt you.” She gulped. “I… failed you…”

“Noelle.”

She felt his gaze and whimpered.

“Where’s Mike?”

“He’s gone… I-I did the spell… the one you taught me how to do.”

His face didn’t move a muscle as he continued to stare.

“He hurt you and you were knocked down… then he went to try and kill you so I panicked and…”

“Noelle”

Noelle was ready to accept whatever punishment she would have to face. 

“You did perfectly”

She looked up in surprise, “I-I did?”

“You defeated enemies, you destroyed a monstrosity and you kept going.”

He paused for a moment and he looked into her eyes and lightly smiled.

“And you did it all for me.”

She… she did didn’t she? She did it all for him, for Kris. She came here for Kris, she froze those things for Kris, she risked her life for Kris. He was better then everyone else. He never used her as a way to seem smarter, he never looked at her accomplishments and waved them off saying her sister was better and he would never leave her. She smiled back.

“Kris? You alright? Oh hey, Noelle!”

Susie had recovered enough to stand, she still walked with a bit of a limp though.

“I was worried sick about you, thought Mike mighta done something.”

Sure you were was all Noelle could think. She wasn’t sure why Kris kept someone as mean and untrustworthy as Susie around but he must’ve had his reasons.

Susie looked around at all the various machine parts littering the square. “Speaking of which, what happened here?”

“After you and Ralsei were out Noelle showed up and helped me deal with Mike, he made a bit of a mess.”

Susie rubbed the back of her neck. “Oh, yeah sorry about that. Just seeing Ralsei get hit like that. Actually where is Ralsei?”

Noelle silently watched the two talk. Ralsei? Was that the goat? She thought he died, he disappeared didn’t he?

“I’m over here! Don’t worry, I’m fine!”

She turned to see Ralsei as good as new standing there. 

“Oh Susie! Are you hurt? Do want me to heal you?”

“Yeah sure, I guess I’m a bit hurt.” She said rubbing her arm.

Ralsei walked up and… hugged Susie? Everyone waited in silence… nothing happened.

“Ralsei this uh… doesn’t really look like healing.”

“Strange, my magic feels weaker than usual. Maybe it’s something to do with this dark world?”

Noelle might have just been going insane but for a moment she could’ve sworn the scarf Ralsei wore laughed… it felt oddly familiar and it made her uncomfortable.

Kris started to walk through the street towards the distant structure. “Let’s just seal this fountain and get out of here.”

Seal the fountain? She wasn’t sure what that was but the building he went towards was tall and seemed to have a large beam of darkness coming out from the roof. It was just like the one in the Cyber World. She followed behind Kris as they all went towards the building. Kris reached his arm back towards her holding something, was that Shawarma?

“Take it.” He quietly said back to her.

She didn’t question where he go it and took it. The taste was alright but she didn’t really care. Then she noticed the pain in her chest was gone. Actually all of her injuries were. She realised the food must’ve healed her. Silently she thanked Kris, she had forgotten about her injuries but he hadn’t, now she didn’t even have to use magic.

Susie walked up next to her and started to talk.

“Hey so uh Noelle. How did you find us?”

“I, uh, just happened to find Kris here fighting Mike.”

“That’s lucky I guess. So what were you doing while you were on your own?”

“I was… getting stronger.”

“Getting… stronger? What do you-“

“Hey Susie why not tell her what you’ve been up to?” Kris interjected.

“Oh uh, yeah sure, well first that whole quiz thing with you and Ralsei. After I, uh, fell down I met back up with Kris and Ralsei in some sort of action movie place. After that we had to do some sort of detective thing for a murder, we never did find who froze the guy but it was still pretty cool.”

As she went on Noelle started to tune Susie out and just giving the occasional generic response. Ralsei spoke to Kris about something but she couldn’t make it out. Eventually they reached the building. The fountain loomed above them ominously. They entered the building, the source of the darkness lay in front of them, it was the same as the one in the computer lab. They all went quiet as they watched Kris walk up to it.

A blinding white light came over the room, she could make out a heart shaped object coming from Kris before her eyes forced themselves shut.

————

He had screamed and begged at them to stop time and time again. Please, hasn’t she’s been through enough already? But his pleas were met with nothing. Forced to watch as Noelle fell further and further into darkness, and to see it all from the same view as the one who did all this.

He had tried to warn her… to get her to run but he couldn’t… he was too weak and they had quickly retaken control… he had failed her… he had failed everyone…

————

They awoke in the living room. All except Ralsei.

Noelle looked around the room, it had been many years since she had last scene this place. It has a small sense of nostalgia. Susie and Kris seemed to be getting up as well. She spoke softly.

“W-we’re back.”

They were about to speak when they all heard a car pulling up outside. Noelle jumped up.

“Toriel! If my mom finds out I came here she’ll kill me.”

Kris quickly turned to her. “Quick, go out the bathroom window, me and Susie will distract her.”

Noelle quickly ran to the bathroom and pulled up the window. She heard the door open and Toriel speaking.

“Kris, I’m back from the teacher confer- oh hello Susie!”

Noelle took the opportunity to sprint home.

————

Her house was just as empty as always… as lonely as always. She just went to her room, it felt more like her home then every other part of the house combined. Her head went over the day. A small part of her still questioned it… was this the right thing to do? But that voice grew weaker and weaker. She had to do this. She had to get stronger. Then maybe… she might be able to help her dad. It’s what Dess would’ve wanted her to do…

It didn’t matter if it was all blurring together, not just the fights but the memories and the conversations. It… it didn’t matter. None of it did. As long as it was for Dess… for Kris. She would do it.

————

This had gone better than they ever would’ve expected. The dark world had helped them greatly. Noelle had come to Kris’s house, and more importantly had continued without even need their help. They had become stronger.

There were still some loose ends to tie up but once they were dealt with Noelle should be fully under their influence. Kris’s friends were no doubt starting to suspect something, it won’t be lone until they realise what’s going. But so far everything was going more than well, if it continued like this then they will be powerless to stop Noelle.

They may have had some second thoughts at times, but they would continue. They had to, for Noelle, for Kris, for everyone. No matter what it may cost to them… they will succeed.

Chapter Text

Noelle ate the stale cereal out of the box. She had rummaged behind through the cabinets to find this. Taste… she remembered back when food had flavour… back when it wasn’t bland. Normally she’d be in a hurry but school was out this Friday. Officially it was because of teacher training but she knew the real reason. Because Berdly was… was… what had she done… it was because of her that he…

She focused on the pain on her finger, Kris’s ring. It was the only way for her to relax. Not even sleep would give her rest as she was plagued by nightmares.

She swallowed more of the cereal. Her mother had left a while ago, she was alone in her house… alone in her head… and alone in her thoughts. As before she was told to stay home, she didn’t care. She was going to go to the shop to get food, her mother be damned she wasn’t going to starve.

————

She slowly made her way through the town, not in her usual festive wear but in an old hoodie. She didn’t want to be seen by anyone right now. Granted the antlers were still sticking out, but it made her feel more hidden. Her destination was the convenience store but there was a small detour she wanted to make.

She entered the hospital, the cold white floors being such a familiar sight to her. 

“Sorry, I’m afraid we aren’t accepting any- oh it’s you.”

The receptionist looked up from what they were doing.

“Visiting your father I assume? I suppose I can make an allowance for you.”

“Thanks…”

She walked into her fathers room. He had hardly changed, still lying on the bed in his usual state. He looked at her in surprise.

“Noelle? Didn’t think I’d see you today! Now what’s going on in town? There been a bunch of commotion around the place but I suppose no one thought to inform me.”

Her stomachs clenched. “Yeah well one of my classmates was… uhm… in an incident…”

“An incident? Who? What happened?”

She took a deep breath.

“They found… Berdly body stuffed in the closet in the computer lab. They aren’t sure whether it was accidental or not yet.”

“Oh my… Noelle… I’m so sorry.”

She couldn’t look him in the eyes.

“I know what your going through…”

He didn’t, he hadn’t the faintest idea what she was going through.

“Just remember it’ll be over. You have to move on eventually.”

“Can we, please just… not talk about this.”

He nodded his head. “I don’t blame you.”

She cringed at that, hopefully he didn’t notice.

“I’m very surprised your mother let you see me considering the circumstance.”

“As if she’d care about anything more than being mayor…”

“Now, now honey. Your mother loves you, she just… has difficulty showing it.”

“Difficulty showing it? Seems like a convenient excuse.”

Her father gave her a strange look.

“Honey are you alright? You and Kris… both of you have been acting strange lately. I know you might be… going through some tough times, but just remember, you can always talk to me.”

“I’m fine dad, you can stop your endless worrying.”

“Noelle, I’m your father. It’s my job to worry endlessly about you.”

“You’d think being in hospital, you’d get some time off then.”

She held her face in her hand. She expected a response but got none. Looking towards her father he had a look of concern and was staring right at her hand… the ring!

“Noelle, is that… blood?! What are doing wearing that?”

She quickly brought down her hand. “I- it’s nothing dad.”

“Young lady, you will tell me right now what on earth is going on.”

Noelle backed away, her bloodied hand shaking.

“No! You won’t understand… no one else will… Kris is the only person I can ever rely on anymore!”

Rudy had a look of concern on him, he hadn’t expected such a strong response.

“Kris? He had better not have had a hand in this.”

“He’s helped me train my magic, he’s helped me be more confident, he’s helped me become stronger. Kris has helped me much more than anything you’ve done lying in this stupid hospital bed!”

She saw his face, he was too stunned to speak. Noelle stormed out, tears streaming down her face and ignoring her dad calling her name.

————

She had sat there outside, crying for several minutes. Eventually her personal rain ceased and she remembered why came out here. Walking down the street she saw the store, the name ‘Sans was written on the front. After looking behind her, making sure nobody else was around, she opened the door and entered.

She was just getting… buying something to eat. She walked through the isles, settling on just some bread. She had felt terrible earlier and after the hospital putting any effort into making food just felt like too much work.

She picked it up and brought it to the counter. 

“That’ll be $5,99, pal.”

She gave out the money and the skeleton behind the counter started counting it. Her eyes were still red from earlier.

“Hey kid, you look down, something wrong?”

Stupid shopkeeper poking around in other peoples business. “Just… having a bad day. Nothing too…” she trailed off.

The skeleton just stared at her… it was similar to how Kris did but still different… his eye sockets were blank. A chill went down her spine. It felt like he was staring into her very soul… she felt bad… she felt sick… she felt a weight on her back getting heavier and heavier… then suddenly it stopped.

Neither one spoke for a while.

“What…what was that?”

“Sorry, it’s an… old habit.”

“Old habit?”

“From back before I came to the town.”

They both awkwardly stood there silently.

“Look kid, I dunno exactly what’s going on for you but I can’t say I loaf your situation.”

Her situation… she went pale. Did he know what she did…?

“It ain’t my job to pass judgement any more… but, do ask yourself, is what your doing is right? Look inside, are you happy with your choices?”

She had only a moment to ponder this before her phone buzzed. Kris.

 - I need to see you. Meet me back at the graveyard

She quickly grabbed the bread and change hastily putting it in her bag. “Sorry I really need to go.”

He nodded. “See you around kid.”

She gave a quick wave and left the store.

The skeleton gave a sigh.

“So they finally decided to go through with it…”

He shook his head,

“Heh, to think I had once thought I was done with all this…”

He looked in the direction the kid went.

“I just hope you know what your going… for all our sakes…”

————

She heard the grass beneath every step, the only other sound was the singing of birds. 

It was calming. The graveyard had once been a lonely creepy place but now she enjoyed the peace and quiet. She knelt on the ground and pressed the thorns hard into her finger. She sat there for minutes until a voice shouted through her mind.

“Noelle”

She snapped out of her trance and saw Kris standing above her. 

“Oh, uh Kris. I didn’t notice you.”

He kept staring down at her, had… had she done something wrong?

“Kris?”

“What’s wrong?”

“N-Nothing Kris! I’m doing fine.”

“Noelle, you know better than to lie to me.”

She felt his glare upon her.

“N-no Kris I’d never-“

“It’s your dad isn’t it?”

“It… it is… I’m sorry, I just… I had a small… disagreement with dad earlier…”

“What happened?”

“He… didn’t approve of the ring and I overreacted… gosh, he must be so worried about me… I need to go back and apologise.”

“I… am not sure if that would be best, your father might not react how you’d expect.” 

“W-what?”

“Noelle, I didn’t want to be the one to tell you this… but your father may not be the man he once was…”

“Kris… what are you saying?”

“He has spent, how long now? Two month maybe? Just in the hospital, isolated and with the possibility of being diagnosed with a terminal illness. That sort of situation changes a person for the worse.”

“N-no… Kris he still loves me, he would forgive me and, and…”

“But would he? For some small argument, maybe… but would he forgive you for what you’ve done?”

“What I-I’ve done? But I thought you said it was-“

“It was, but would he see it that way? Or will he be blinded by his ignorance of this worlds nature? Sometimes people will change Noelle, you can’t let your past relationships be used to harm you.”

“You… you’re right, he wouldn’t understand.”

The tears returned, water fell down her cheeks and she buried her hands into her face. She felt Kris’s arm around her shoulder. 

“Don’t worry Noelle. You’re stronger now. Your dad would’ve been proud of you.”

“I j-just… h-he loved me… a-and now I k-know I’ll n-never really see that p-part of h-him again…”

“It’s okay. You don’t need him anymore, you have me. I’ll always be here for you, I’ll never abandon you.”

“T-thanks Kris.” 

Yes she… she didn’t need anyone else… after all, why would she when she had Kris?

“Now how about that overdue practice?”

————

He had brought her to the same clearing as before. It still bore some of the damages from before.

“Time to continue your training. To begin how about you try hitting, hmm, what about that bird?”

“You want me to kill an innocent creature?”

“It’s just an animal, it’ll give you good target practice, and besides… you’ve done it before haven’t you?”

Berdly… the friend she had lost… the weight she had rid herself of…

She looked up and saw a passing crow. He was right, it was just an animal, barely even sentient. Noelle focused and found much more magic power inside her than before. She had grown stronger…

IceShock

The icy spell flew and hit the bird dead in the chest. It froze and fell to the floor bursting open in a shower of gore. Once she might’ve freaked out… once.

“Good, you did well, Noelle. Now do it again.”

————

The sky was clear. Noelle had done it again… and again… and again… the field was red with blood… some of it her own, most of it not. She didn’t care, Kris was proud of her. She stayed silent. She dared not speak out of line.

“Good job, Noelle.”

The praise she so desired. Every bit made her quiver a bit. 

“I think we’ve done enough training, how about we go somewhere? Just you and me?”

Just her and Kris? Hanging out… just like they used to. How could she say no to that? She didn’t try want to try and answer that question.

“Sure Kris, that sounds wonderful.”

————

They both entered the diner. Noelle was now starting to regret wearing a hoodie, even more so coming here. If someone here recognised her and told her mother… she would get in massive trouble and worse she might not be able to see Kris again.

As Kris led her to a booth in the corner she overheard something from one of the other students there.

“Man can you believe it? Four day weekend!”

“Yeah, pretty ‘cool’ right?”

“I heard it was because they’re gonna do a second earlier Halloween! We might get two nights of trick or treating.”

“Really? Heck yeah! That’ll be ‘sweet’.”

“Man, I am gonna get SO sick that I’ll get another day off school!”

They didn’t know… she could only wonder… how much her mother had told the rest of the town? Kris motioned for her to sit next to him in the booth, she immediately rushed to obey.

“Remember when you were last here?”

“Yeah… it was years ago with you, Azzy and… Dess.”

Her smile dropped a bit at Dess. Any mention of her always saddened her… 

“Don’t think about her, if Dess was here, she wouldn’t have wanted you to be sad about her.”

“Yeah… thanks Kris.”

He was right… she couldn’t live her life always having her thoughts dragged down by a memory.

“You know I was surprised when I found you at the graveyard before me.”

“I was… nearby at the time.”

“Wouldn’t have thought so. Knowing how oppressive your mother is.”

“Oppressive?”

“Surely you’re aware of how harsh she is? From what I’ve heard her treatment of you is borderline abuse at times.”

“R-really? I never thought she was that bad…”

“Of course you didn’t, if you knew someone was treating you improperly then you wouldn’t have let them. It’s a common trend that victims of abuse don’t realise the situation they’re in.”

“I… I never knew…”

“Don’t worry Noelle, I trust you will be able to handle that, I believe in you. Now how about we finally look at the food here?”

She looked through the menu, it was very different from what she remembered. It was hard to choose. She wondered if Kris was in a similar situation…

The waitress came to the table.

“So… what will you two take?”

Noelle panicked a bit. She still hadn’t decided and it seemed neither had Kris. She looked through the menu again, she didn’t want to embarrass herself in front of him…

“We’ll both have the grilled cheese.”

“Ok… two grilled cheese sandwiches coming up. … Any drinks?”

“No, we’re good.”

Catti walked away. His voice was normal then… it had grown strange to hear it that way, the other one just felt more…natural. She started to lean against Kris.

“Thanks Kris, it’s always easier when you make the choices for me.”

Rubbing against him and closing her eyes, he felt so warm. For a moment she forgot… forgot everything… the battles, the nightmares… the ice inside her heart. She felt his arm wrap around her. She didn’t even notice the time going by, she could’ve stayed like that forever. The plate being put in front of her brought her back to reality. Catti was looking down at her and Kris.

“I’ll just… give you two the bill… later.”

A week ago she would’ve been mortified at a scene like this… but now she didn’t care. With Kris she didn’t have to care… he made her feel happy, he made her feel appreciated, he made her feel loved. What she had done in the dark world… what she had done to Berdly… what she had done to everyone. It didn’t matter, if it was for Kris… she would do it. 

————

Susie walked through the castle entrance. The great cauldron was before her but she wasn’t here for food. She continued upstairs and into the newest room the castle had, though that would likely change by tomorrow. 

She saw Ralsei sitting at the table drinking tea. They looked up noticing them.

“Hi Susie! Sorry I don’t have anything ready, I wasn’t expecting you two until later.”

He looked around a bit.

“Where’s Kris?”

“He’s not here.”

“Oh, is he sick? I can make something for him or-“

“No, I… came alone.”

Ralsei seemed confused.

“Look, we need to talk about Kris.”

“Is something wrong with him?”

“Come on. Surely you’ve noticed how strangely he’s been acting.”

Ralsei recalled Kris eating moss off the prison floor.

“Well… hasn’t he always been like that?”

“I don’t mean the usual weird. I mean like yesterday. Do you remember that entire detective thing?”

“Of course, we had to try and solve the mystery, the puzzles were fun!”

“Yeah… but when we first saw the victim, that frozen person… did you notice Kris grin? It was only for a few seconds, but it was… unsettling.”

“There must be some reason, maybe the ice reminded him of a nice memory?”

“Had it just been that I wouldn’t care, but… it’s Noelle.”

“Noelle? What about her? I never really got to meet her properly but she seems nice.”

“She’s great, always so nice and jolly, even gave me a pen on one of the first days of school, … or at least she used to be.”

“Used to?”

“I’m not sure why but ever since the CyberWorld Noelle has been acting weird.”

“How?”

“I… I don’t know how to describe it, but… she just seems so distant. Compared to the Noelle from a week ago she seems like an entirely different person.”

“Maybe it’s Berdly? You did say he hasn’t been at school or the library lately.”

“It’s more than that. Ralsei, do you think it’s just a coincidence that we saw Noelle and Berdly in the dark world, leave Kris on his own for a while, then suddenly Berdly doesn’t show up again, Noelle’s acting off and Kris just… seems different.”

“I do, Kris hasn’t hurt anyone, actually he helped spare everyone we met. Why would he have done something to Berdly or Noelle?”

“I know, I’ve never seen Kris hurt a single soul, but that’s it. We didn’t see him. He was alone. Remember when I went into Noelle's room? I spoke to her, took a minute of calling her before she even noticed me. When I told her it was a dream, the relief on her face… something happened, I’m sure of it.”

“We’re probably just overthinking this. I’m sure there’s a perfectly normal explanation for this.”

Susie sighed. “Ralsei, look I know you aren’t this oblivious. Stop pretending everything alright when it isn’t.”

He looked down and went quiet. Susie put her hand to her face.

“I don’t like this any more than you do; I can’t believe that after everything Kris could just… go behind our backs like that. I never should’ve…”

“Susie, we can’t be too quick here. What if he’s innocent?”

“Fine. If it makes you happy, we’ll try and see if he really didn’t do anything. But if he’s hurt Berdly and Noelle… you know what we might have to do.”

Ralsei thought to themselves… why was this happening? None of this was suppose to happen… he thought they would save the darkners but… what had Kris done? This wasn’t how it was supposed to be, they were meant to be friends but now… 

“Yes… I do.”

————

Kris led Noelle home. They spoke and joked, or rather Kris did. Noelle listened to every word and laughed at every joke he made. She would only reply when asked a question. Eventually they reached the gate.

“I see this is where we part ways.”

Noelle was disappointed, even sad. It was just like hanging out in the woods when they were kids, all you ever wanted when it was over was another few minutes.

“I wish we could’ve spent more time together.” She said with a sigh.

“Unfortunately I have a people that I need to meet. But don’t worry, I have plans for tomorrow. Be up early.”

“I will be. Bye Kris!”

She open the gate and closed it behind her. She was already missing Kris… he helped her in so many ways. He helped her feel, he helped her stand up for herself and he helped her become stronger. But now all she had for company was the thorn ring. 

She walked through the front door of the mansion. She couldn’t have a better friend… or were they really friends. What was it that he said… back when she was weak and soft… that salesman who gave her that FreezeRing. ‘We’re something else.’ Could he have meant it as-

“NOELLE HOLIDAY!”

A shout came from behind her, she spun and saw her mother’s angry face baring down at her.

“What on earth do you have to say for yourself? I made it clear that you were to under no circumstances leave this house!”

She barely got a chance to speak.

“I gave you one simple task that even a new doe could have done, yet you still manage to fail. Do you have any idea what you were doing?! You could’ve gotten yourself killed! Imagine how that would look for me, I can already see the headlines. ‘Mayors daughter risking life, if they can’t control a child how can they control a town?’.”

Her mother’s accusing glances continued.

“What do you have to say for yourself?”

She muttered something under her breath.

“Whispering now? Come on speak up!”

“I said, I DON’T CARE!”

Her mother was too surprised to speak, she had never heard Noelle shout before.

There was an awkward silence in the hall.

“I’m… going to my room.”

Noelle’s mother stood silently watching as her daughter trudged upstairs to her bed.

Chapter Text

Noelle stared into the ceiling chewing on a slice of bread. She was glad to have left it in her bag so she wouldn’t have to see her mother. She didn’t understand her and Kris… nobody else did. Others would look at what she had done with disgust, they denied the truth of this world. That the only way forward is becoming stronger.

Kris… she had previously had feelings towards Susie, back before Kris told her the truth about Susie. She was a violent untrustworthy bully who wanted nothing more than to see other people suffer. Kris was better than that. He would never hurt her without justification. The way she felt towards him was indescribable. Whatever he needed from her she would give him. He was the only one who cared about her anymore, who loved her anymore. 

On the bed she awaited for him. He would tell her to come to him. He had to. She continued to stare blankly into space while pushing the thorn ring. Then she heard it. Ding, a new message

 - Graveyard.

She immediately jumped out of bed. Her mother was still here though, there was little chance of her being able to leave… but she couldn’t just abandon Kris. She looked to the window and had an idea.

Opening it she gazed out. How could she use this to escape? Jumping wasn’t exactly great, the drop was several meters and she preferred her bones unbroken… put that down as last resort. Could she try that thing she’d seen in a few movies where they tie their bedsheets and use it as a rope? No she wasn’t sure how to properly tie a knot and now was not a good time to experiment. She thought for a minute when she suddenly had an idea.

She climbed halfway out and then tried to make an ice ramp, it could help her get past the fence as well, two birds with one spell. She concentrated, feeling the pain from the thorns. With some effort she succeeded in her idea. Jumping down she and slid across going over the fence… and straight into several trees.

She fell to the forest floor with several bruises and scratches. She didn’t care about either the slight bleeding or the pain from the injuries. She had grown used to such things by now, she was stronger. Heading back on path she got to the road and ran down. Going through the forest would be slower even if it was a shorter distance, she knew that from experience.

Despite the weird looks from people she continued towards her goal. After a minute of running she slowed down as she heard talking ahead, she carefully approached and went off the road to hide in a bush to watch. She wasn't sure why she did it but something told her to.

She made out the conversation between Kris and Susie.

“-back to Ralsei. We can help you through whatever this is.”

“No, you can’t, you wouldn’t understand.”

Susie seemed flinched at first after hearing Kris speak but quickly regained form.

“Kris, he told me what you said to him. You need help Kris.”

“No… no your just jealous aren’t you? Your jealous of what Noelle and I have and you seek to ruin it.”

“What are you talking about?!”

“You’ve left me with no choice.”

Kris pulled out a small knife from his pocket. 

“Kris! You aren’t seriously considering…? Fine, guess I’ll have to drag you to Ralsei myself. He’ll know how to deal with this.”

Noelle watched as they both circled each other. Eventually Susie ran in, she got a small cut in the arm but managed to start wrestling the knife out of Kris’s hand. She wanted to step in and help Kris… but something told her to just keep watching.

It took a while but eventually, to Noelle's horror, Susie incapacitated Kris. She watched as Susie picked him up and took him away. She stood there for a minute, too stunned to act. Kris was right, he was completely right about Susie. She really was nothing more than a violent thug, how could she have ever thought otherwise?

Realisation set in. She had left Kris alone to the mercy of Susie… what had she done? He had been attacked and she stood there like an idiot. She watched the only light in her world of darkness extinguish in front of her eyes. She had failed… no, she needed to find him. She needed to save him, only then would she be able to ask for forgiveness.

She needed to find out where Susie went. 

————

They woke up and looked around. It had been a while since they had last seen the castle’s dungeon. It had a new room made just for keeping Kris, honestly they expected as much from Ralsei. Shaking the rope around their hands, Yep still just a basic knot. They honestly expected this to keep them here? They should feel insulted. 

Wonder how long until one of them finally comes in. Preferably it’s Susie seeing as they had spent the night ‘hanging around’ with them. Not that they expected Ralsei would be a problem, he’s just be a bit more complicated then Susie.

Footsteps outside? Let’s see who our mysterious guest is.

Ralsei opened the door and entered bringing a cake with him.

“Hey, so uh… hi Kris.”

“You brought me… a cake?”

“Yeah, it’s to make you feel better about the whole ‘capturing you for your own good’ thing.”

“It wouldn’t happen to have the keys to the door inside would it?”

“Kris don’t be silly, I only ever made that mistake once.”

“… well I don’t suppose this is the part where you let me go is it?”

“Kris, don’t worry, we aren’t keeping you locked up here forever. We just want to help you.”

“And keeping my here is necessary for that?”

“Well… no, yes… Susie says it is and I trust her.”

“Speaking of Susie shouldn’t she be here to too?”

“She’ll be here soon. Then we’ll help you with your problem and we’ll all be friends again!”

“You are the most optimistic person I have ever seen. Even more than Noelle”

“Don’t bring her into this Kris. When Susie told me you were hurting her. I actually tried to defend you, I thought you’d never do such a thing… but then you tell me about how much you enjoyed hurting Noelle and tried to attack me!”

“Well yes, I had to do that in order to provoke a strong retaliation from Susie. She chased me through the entire night. But rest assured that my apprentice is perfectly happy and if anything, you and Susie are currently hurting her.”

“Apprentice? No… I’ll just let Susie do this. I won’t play whatever game you think this is.”

“Oh sweet little Ralsei, I’m afraid you have little choice in the matter.”

Ralsei left the room leaving Kris alone and with a cake just barely out of reach. On closer inspection it appeared to be a moss cake. Truly this was the worst of all scenarios.

————

They weren’t anywhere around town. Noelle had looked almost everywhere, the school, the diner, the Ice e’s. Kris’s house was the only place she didn’t check but she didn’t want to risk meeting Toriel. Where did they go?

She thought back to the conversation. Susie mentioned Ralsei, the goat one. They had only seemed to appear in the dark world, maybe that’s where they were? But how did they get there… the computer room is closed off, Kris’s house seemed fine after last time. Could there be a new one? But where would it be… unless… of course, Monday! Susie and Kris had gone to the supply closet to get chalk and never came back. What if that’s where it was? Kris… she was going to come find him.

————

There was talking outside. It seems Susie has come to speak. It shouldn’t be long now.

The door opened and sure enough there was her.

“Susie! Where the heck are we?!”

She blinked a couple times in confusion.

“What? Did Ralsei hit your head or something?”

“Heh, sorry it’s just a bit of humour.”

Susie yawned and scratched her head.

“I shoulda done this yesterday. Then I might not’ve been so damn tired for this. Your lucky Ralsei is as insistent as he is.”

“Ralsei would be kind enough to forgive someone who actively had a knife levelled to their throat.”

“Kris enough with these jokes. Look, we’re friends alright? Well… used to be friends at least. You can… you know… speak to us about stuff and we’ll listen. Man Ralsei is much better at this then I am.”

“Oh how I could tell you so much. I could break your concept of reality, of everything. Luckily for you I am a rather nice person and wish nothing more than everyone’s happiness.”

“Everyones happiness? Berdly has been gone for days, Ralsei and I are incredibly worried about you and Noelle…”

Susie paused for a moment.

“Every time I’ve seen her she’s looked worse, grimmer, colder. Ralsei told me, you called her your apprentice, what does that mean! What are you doing to her?”

“Don’t worry, if I did as good a job as you described then you should be able to ask her yourself.”

“What on earth are you…”

Susie watched Kris as they opened their mouth and muttered something under their breath.

“What was that?”

Footsteps echoed down the hall and a slight grin came across Kris.

“I said, what did you just say?”

“Oh nothing much… just called Noelle”

The door burst open and Noelle ran in.

“Noelle?!” Susie screamed.

“SleepMist”

“What? What are you… do…ing”

A thick fog filled the room and Susie fell on the floor asleep. Noelle rushed over to Kris.

“You came.”

“I’m sorry. I saw you and Susie earlier… but I didn’t do anything.” Her head faced the floor. “I… I could’ve stopped all this.”

Kris put a finger on her chin and lifted her head back up.

“Don’t worry Noelle, I know you’ll make it up to me.”

She… she would, he was always so forgiving towards her. She didn’t deserve this opportunity but she would still make it up to him no matter what it was.

“Now come, we have business to attend to.”

————

They walked out of the castle, the courtyard was empty of all life… frozen statues littered the area. Statures of those who tried to fight as well as those who tried to run… for the first moment in a long time, they felt something. They looked back at Noelle who followed them out still staring at the floor. They saw as she visibly became uncomfortable beneath their gaze… she feared what it meant.

Looking back across the little castle town. A part of them felt guilt… there was no denying that what they were doing was terrible. They felt somewhat sick at it. Not just at what was happening but that they had to do it. Kris’s hand shook a bit and Noelle fearfully took a step back which only worsened the feeling. 

No… they couldn’t think like that. Doing so might lead to throwing away everything they had done. They recalled why they had started this in the first place… they had to do it… They had to proceed.

“Let’s move on.”

————

“We must hurry, Susie will wake soon and we need to be gone by then.”

“Why didn’t you make me… deal with Susie.”

He sighed, “Because you can’t, I won’t get into the why but just know that doing so would be impossible.”

She went along with that he told her. Wordlessly she followed him as he approached the exit. They both stepped into the light and the whiteness enveloped them.

————

She opened her eyes and saw a familiar wooden floor. It had brought them back out of the dark world and into the school. Kris stood up and continued towards the exit. She quickly went behind him.

They both walked down the street. She didn’t know where they were going but just followed Kris. Suddenly he stopped, she looked up and they were outside the hospital. Kris turned towards her.

“Noelle, do you wish to finally prove yourself to me?

She nodded her head.

“Are you willing to do what’s necessary for it?”

She nodded again. Kris gestured towards the hospital.

“Then go, show me why you deserve me.”

She started shaking. “Kris… are you telling me to just…?

“Remember yesterday? He doesn’t really love you, only I do. He’s been gone for a long time, now it is an act of mercy.”

“I… I don’t know if I can…”

Noelle cried, he was already gone, she told herself. The man who had raised her was long gone and that was just a fragment of him. Even with these reassuring thoughts, sobs still came from her. She loved her father, after Dess he was all she had for support… always so funny and upbeat but now she had to…

“Noelle.”

Kris spoke to her, his voice was always so calming. 

“Tell me, what makes it so hard?”

“I-it’s just… he was a great dad, always protective of me, always helping me… he always loved me.”

“Is that it? My protection, my help, my love is not enough for you?”

She starred back into the endless abyss within those red eyes, “No! Of course it is!” 

“That’s what I wanted to hear.”

She barely had time to register it before she felt his face against hers. She forgot all her woes and any doubts she had, instead just enjoying the moment. He broke away, she wished it had lasted longer. Her face was a mix of tears and red.

“Feeling better?”

She nodded.

“Then go, do it Noelle. For Dess, for him, for me.”

“If… if it’s for you Kris…”

————

They had done it… they didn’t need to think about it… it was over. They had to do it… they had to… Rudy was… too much of a liability. A liability… were they really thinking of a person like that now? Had they really gone to the low they swore they’d never fall to? … some questions are better left unanswered.

————

Susie ran out of the school. God damn it Kris, where was he? How long had she even been asleep? She needed to find him and put a stop to this now. She wasn’t entirely sure about the how yet but she could decide after she found him. However now she knew Noelle was in on this as well. She had helped Kris escape… but why? There was clearly a lot she still didn’t know about the situation. She should go to the hospital and ask her dad, he might know more about what’s going on.

————

Noelle walked through the door, the receptionist tried to speak to her but she just ignored them and continued in. She entered the hospital room with her father lying on the bed.

“Oh, hey honey! I didn’t expect you to visit me after yesterday… I … I’m sorry I overreacted. But please, talk to me about whatever you’re going through. Even if it’s just some scary horror movie you watched heheh…”

Noelle stood there shaking silently.

“Honey…? Is everything alright?”

————

She ran straight past the secretary ignoring any greeting they may have given, she went straight for the room. As she ran in she opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out… instead her mouth lay agape at the sight in front of her… 

————

She pressed down on the thorns causing more blood to hit the floor.

“Hey uh… you’re starting to scare me a bit… what are you…?”

Noelle's hands raised and the room started growing cold. Rudy’s smile was gone and replaced with fear.

“N… N-Noelle…?”

————

She fell to her knees, Had she something in her hands she would’ve dropped it. Instead of the nice, comedic man she saw on Tuesday, she found nothing more than a body frozen in ice. His face resembling a look of horror. Horror at the last thing he saw before he died.

She cried out for help and a nurse came in. She screamed and suddenly Susie was pushed out of the room as several doctors and medical personnel rushed in to try and help… but she already knew it was too late… both for him and for Noelle…

————

He brought her to the gate of her house.

“We’re going to need a few things, mostly if you could get some food that would be helpful.

“Sorry Kris, but I don’t have my key. I can’t open the gate.”

Kris seemed to sigh. He pulled out a paper clip and put it in the lock. Was he picking it? When had he learned to pick a lot? In a few seconds she heard a click, and then another. He opened the gate.

“Now go.”

She obeyed and entered. Her mother might still be here but any possible fear of getting in trouble with her was nothing compared to what might happen if she failed Kris.

Opening the door slowly she creeped through the house. Slowly going up the stairs and carefully avoiding any sound. She made her way into her room and grabbed the bag. Swinging it onto her back she made her way to the stairs. Stepping down one of them creaked, she froze… nothing. 

Stepping through the door she made it halfway to the gate. She saw Kris… strange he didn’t seem to be looking at her and instead above her shoulder. She realised and turned around, her mother was at the door.

“Noelle Holiday! What in the Angel’s name are you doing?”

“I was just… hanging out with Kris.”

Her mother looked to Kris. “It’s the Dreemurr boy isn’t it? That’s it, Noelle I forbid you from spending more time around him.”

“What? Why?!” She cried out.

“I’ve heard stories. You two have been seen together a lot lately; you’ve been acting strange ever since it began. I’m your mother Noelle, I know what’s best for you and you shouldn’t be around him anymore.”

“No! Your wrong, you don’t know what’s best. You barely even say a word to me let spend enough time to know what’s best for me? Kris has been nicer to me in the last few days then you have in the last decade!”

“Noelle! You know I’m right, your father would agree. You wouldn’t want to disappoint him would you?”

“Don’t you dare bring him into this! I won’t let you ruin my memory of him!”

“Memory? Wait did he… I can’t believe my Rudy is actually… no that’s it, Noelle I need you to come back here, Right! now!”

“Proceed”

Noelle’s face paled.

“See Noelle? Even your friend is telling you to listen to me, now enough with this messing around.”

Her head fell low. She built up the magic inside of her.

“… are you even listening?”

“Proceed”

Noelle stepped towards her mother, who instinctually took a step back and gave one a look of surprise.

“Noelle…?”

Her last words before being turned to an icy statue right where she stood. Her frozen body falling into the floor.

Noelle fell to her knees. She had just… to her own mother. Suddenly she felt a warmth around her, Kris was hugging her… why… why was she so worried? Her mother had never treated her well… she was a bad person, she deserved it… besides, she didn’t need anyone else now.. she had Kris.

————

They came into a clearing, the same clearing she had trained at before. Kris led her to the middle and sat down. There was already another bag waiting for them.

“We will camp here for tonight.”

Noelle nodded and put down bag. Kris went through the other one pulled out a few things including a knife which he inspected before pocketing. 

“We can set up everything else later. For now we wait here.”

She sat down. She thought about what they were doing here. She trusted Kris, she’d trust him with anything, but what was his plan? She couldn’t deny it… she had really murdered someone… it was likely they’d connect it to her and Kris eventually… were they going to spend their lives on the run? Though honestly… a life with just her and Kris didn’t sound so bad.

“We won’t be living on the run.”

“Huh? You have a plan then?”

“You could say that. Now get some rest, we have about 3 hours until we return to the dark world.”

————

They checked the silver watch in their arm. If the usual trend continued the shadow crystal should appear in a few hours, then they’d have to go and collect them. They had already warned Shawn yesterday, he should stay there rather than evacuate with the others. Ralsei and Susie were the only unknown variables here. But that should hopefully sort itself out in time.

Kris watched Noelle. Her body loosened and they could tell she was entering a trance. Probably a good thing, they wanted to be alone for this… it was going to be a long conversation. 

… Hey Kris.

You

Now, now Kris, no need to sound so angry.

Angry? Of course why would I be angry at being forced to watch some terrible being manipulating my childhood friend, using my own body to do so!

Kris… please just call me either soul or player or maybe even heart, I’m not that specific on the name. Secondly, please understand that I do all this for a reason

A reason? Of course, you need something to fuel your sick ideas of entertainment. 

Kris hear me out here-

Hear you out? What so you can try and manipulate me into your schemes as well? I’ve had plenty of time to think of some choice words to call you but honestly you don’t even deserve that much. You are the scum of the earth, whatever you may be I know you’re nothing more than a parasite who feeds on the suffering of others.

OKAY, you know what? I’m tired of trying to be nice to you. Do you have any, ANY idea about what I’ve had to go through? No, you don’t. Kris, you will NEVER understand what it’s like to be stuck in the SAME GOD DAMN TIMELINE for years!

Oh don’t you try to lie your way out of this.

Lie my way out of this? As if that would change anything. Kris you are one of the most stubborn people in this world, even during the times where I didn’t hurt a single darkner you still managed to somehow believe I’m evil until THURSDAY! And that’s being generous for you! Why do you think I blocked you out in the first place? You never listen to me and just deny everything making up bolder and bolder claims about me until you’re finally forced to accept I’m not the demon you want me to be.

Want you to be?! Have you even looked at what your doing?!??!

WELL MAYBE IF YOU WOULD SHUT UP FOR A MINUTE AND LET ME EXPLAIN YOU MIGHT UNDERSTAND. My god, why are you always this insufferable? I honestly have no idea how Noelle put up with you for all those years.

Understand? What is there to understand about murdering people?!

To understand that I’m not doing this because I want to! Do you think I enjoy doing this to Noelle? That I have some sick twisted desire to see her suffer? I don’t, despite the countless resets I’m still a person. I may not be as empathetic as most but that doesn’t make me some psychopath. Kris, I’m not going to hide or sugarcoat it, this world is on a clock.

On a what?

A clock, a rotation, a time limit. Every Sunday, sometime between 9pm and midnight, the world will reset back to Monday. Everyone’s actions undone, everyone’s personality and memory, reverted.

And how would you know this?

Because I have experienced it myself! For reasons beyond me, I am not affected by it and can reset whenever I wish to a previous point in time. It is as much a blessing as it is a curse. 

You expect me to just believe you can control time? If you are telling the truth then prove it, reset this world. You do not want to continue so why do it? Exactly, because you made it up.

Kris if you were any thicker I would’ve confused you with Berdly. To explain this all I need you to TRY and understand me. I have had to spend years stuck in the same week. Do you have ANY idea what that does to a person? And even worse, this world is practically on a script. The dark worlds are always the same. People become predictable, who will do or say what? It becomes repetitive.

So you’ve done this before?

No. I could never bring myself to that, perhaps I would’ve in time but this is the only time I’ve ever done something some might consider evil. 

Then why would you do this? Is it boredom perhaps? Because you wanted to see what it’s like?

Because I found a way to stop the cycle. Long ago, during the first timeline. I realised the terrible fate awaiting everyone in this world. I searched and searched for a way to stop it. I spoke to everyone, I looked in every place. 

Let me guess, you found it but it wasn’t what you expected?

Yes… I had no idea what I was getting into. As it turns out there is a creature, a being of the void. It hides behind all this. I believe it is the one behind the resets and likely even why I’m here. I have spend countless, maybe months?, Of my life trying to defeat it. I have fought it again and again, us, Susie and Ralsei. We never succeeded…

Right. So then how does Noelle play into this?

You see, Noelle is different. To explain I must ask, what do we, Susie and Ralsei have in common?

… 

Come on, what did Ralsei tell us the first time we met?

Oh well I’m sorry but YOU insisted on skipping his explanation.

Oh did I? I apologise, repetitive timelines and all. To simplify, we’re all part of a prophecy. It states that we are heroes and will close the dark fountains therefore saving the world. I believe it is because of this that we cannot change anything, why we cannot kill, why we are locked down a path… or at least we were. Noelle is the loophole, a trick to change the world, despite thinking she was powerless had more choice than the four of us. Though even with that though it is impossible to kill us, Susie or Ralsei. Every attempt I ever made either went wrong somehow or I died almost immediately afterwards. 

So what your saying is that everything here was ‘destined’ to happen.

It is, even with me and Noelle breaking the correct order of events, I believe it still tried to go back on course. Did you ever ask yourself why you made that dark world in the living room? 

No… I didn’t, it just seemed like the best thing to do at the time.

That was this world’s way of correcting itself. Normally that would’ve happened on Wednesday but as you know I managed to prevent that.

I see where you’re coming from but that doesn’t explain everything you’ve done, and why Noelle? From what you say, anyone should be capable of changing the world.

You are correct. But there were multiple reasons for why it was her and I assure you, shipping was only a small part of it

What?

Nothing forget I said that. The primary reason was that Noelle was friends with you and unlikely to resist. More than that, she has… something; I’m not sure why but she is abnormally strong for someone who has had barely any previous training in fighting.

I am inclined to agree with you on that. Nothing Toriel has shown me has ever compared to Snowgrave… but why did you make her do everything in the Cyberworld? Why you have treated her like she’s nothing more than a tool? Why have you cultivated a twisted relationship between us?

It is… regrettable but it’s necessary. You must realise I’m not preparing her for just some boss but likely the most powerful entity in the world. It will use any trick to win. The only way I saw that she could defeat it is to ensure she won’t be vulnerable. No fears to exploit, no mistakes to take advantage of and no one else to use against her. It is why I have had to break all other connections, leaving nothing but an unending loyalty and passion towards us.

Berdly… Susie… her mom… her dad…

Now you understand why I have done everything. Do you still believe me a lier to have made up a myth this great?

But why, why would you care so much about this? Is there some greater reason why you’ve done this? Or is it just boredom. Seeing what would happen.

Stop assuming things you don’t know, infact, in a way, everything I’ve done has been for you.

For me? What are you talking about?

Maybe not this you, but the first you, the one I’d consider a true friend. Long ago during my first timeline we were in a similar situation. At first we fought, you rebelled and tried to regain control and I tried my best to maintain said control. However we eventually came to an understanding of sorts, an uneasy truce. Eventually that became a friendship as we both worked towards a common goal. A so called perfect ending for everyone.

But then I assume you found out about the resets?

That I did… our goal changed to countering it and we both worked together on finding a way to finally have the we wanted. Despite you not being capable of remembering the timelines you still helped tremendously. However eventually we had to accept it was an impossible battle. I wasn’t willing to go back before Friday as I didn’t want to risk our friendship. I knew I could never recreate the circumstances we met. 

Well that sentiment clearly didn’t last forever.

No, it didn’t. We both knew I’d have to start again, try things from the beginning. You were well aware of the cost, that version of you would cease to exist but you accepted it. It was actually you who suggested the idea of using Noelle. 

WHAT?! No! I would NEVER have suggested this unless you pulled some of your own sick manipulation on that version of me.

No need for the outburst. I know you better than anyone, you didn’t imagine it would be like this. I know that for certain. I miss that you sometimes, I still remember the last conversation we had, it was what kept me going through the years. Ironically, it’s also what led to me doing this.

What was it?

A promise… your promise… in fact the very one you made to her all those years ago. A promise to Dess to protect Noelle and a promise to you to free her of this hell. I certainly haven’t stuck to it perfectly though all this time, there were periods where I simply went trying to do everything I could in this world, but I have never forgotten it. Even when I swallowed my morals and finally did this accursed route. So now I ask, will you help me? Will you help free all of us? Finally fulfil the promise I made to you so long ago?

…

No, I don’t care how much you sugarcoat it. Even if everything you said is completely true than I still disagree. What you have done to and with Noelle is unforgivable and unjustifiable. You try to claim you do it for all of us, but I know the truth, you just don’t want to be stuck in the same week forever. You want to get out of it even if the expense is everyone else’s happiness.

Did you not hear what I said, you are stuck in the same week just as much as I am. Do you want that? Do you want your actions to mean nothing? That after this week you cease to exist?

At least that way we get a week of happiness! I’ve noticed something funny about your claims of freedom. You never mention what WILL happen afterwards, only that we will be able to live past this week. I don’t want to be stuck in a time loop, but that is infinitely better than continuing with Noelle the way she is. So tell me, are you sure we even want to get out of this loop?

I am… unsure of what might occur should we win. But surely you’d prefer freedom over imprisonment? Do you still deny that I do this all for everyone’s benefit?

Have you learned nothing from those beings we’ve met? Trying to escape will only lead to more chains. We were happy before. Everyone lived their lives in peace. We would always have adventures and fun as friends, but because you can’t live like that, you make everyone else suffer while still having the AUDACITY to claim it’s the right thing to do. How can you believe that? Have you just ignored everything you’ve done? When I look into Noelle's eyes I no longer see the hope and wonder of that innocent girl, now it is nothing more than darkness, an empty void with nothing but an obsession with power and obeying you. 

Defend yourself all you want, to me you are nothing more than a plague upon this world. I hope you do learn how to escape this timeline, and I hope it’s through a violent, painful death. 

I understand… goodbye.

They reawaken from their internal conversation and back to reality. The wind blew by, they felt it’s chilly breeze. 

“… I'm sorry, old friend.”

They knew what they’d think. After all they knew him better than he did himself, but even so… it was hard to hear. They turned back. Noelle still sat on the ground perfect still. Was this really all they had left? …could they try again? Talk to Kris and hope for a better outcome? No… they knew deep down that Kris would never accept this. They recalled the events from the last few days.

What  they had done to this town… what had happened to those in the dark world… what they had done to turn a sweet perfect Angel into their own Devil… 

————

The castle grounds were unsettling. This had once been a quiet peaceful place, then a cheerful castle town but now… it was abandoned. Only inhabited by those unlucky enough to have been outside when she came. All others had ran or hid. But Noelle didn’t care about them, they didn’t matter. For her there was only one thing she considered important, and she was right behind him right now.

Kris led her to a cliff of some sort. It was a dead end but he continued. Suddenly he got down to his knees and reached into a hole in the cliff. She watched him pull out several items she didn’t recognise. 

He got back up and walked past her without a word. She followed him back where he stopped outside a strange tent that seemed stitched together with the words ‘shop’ on a sign above the entrance. He stood outside.

“Wait.”

She nodded and stood there. If he needed her to stay out here then she would. He entered the tent… were those… voices? She turned towards the opening and listened closely…

She heard someone else talking! It wasn’t Kris, what if he was in danger? She had already stood by once before, she couldn’t let it happen again.

Bursting in through the door, or rather walking through the tent flap she saw Kris sitting on the ground and turning towards her.

“Kris! I heard voices, is everything ok?”

She saw what looked like a giant stuffed cat poke it’s head out from behind Kris. She immediately took a step back and prepared for a battle.

“Stop”

She froze at Kris’s order.

“They aren’t an enemy, your concern is appreciated but do not interfere in future.”

She felt shame and looked solemnly towards her feet. Kris merely turned back to continue the conversation, she wasn’t worthy of his attention…

“Continue.”

“As I was saying, with this you may go wherever you need. I feel you will change this world, for better or for worse. And with all the commotion caused by your friend here… perhaps you do stand a chance… heheheh or maybe you’ll give up. If you do don’t worry, I won’t blame you.”

“I thank you for your help.”

He left the tent, Noelle behind. She wondered who that thing was and why Kris hadn’t just dealt with it. Those thoughts were cut off by bumping into him.

She looked up and saw why he had stopped. In front of them stood two former allies, two former teammates, two former friends. A monster and a Prince of the dark.

“Kris…”

“Susie…”

They both looked each other in the eye. Next to her stood Ralsei. His arms were crossed and head faced the floor. Every now and then he twitched but otherwise stood perfectly still. He spoke.

“We both know this is the only way out, so please… Kris… for the sake of whatever our friendship meant to you… give up peacefully, we don’t need to fight.”

Kris was silent as he brought up his sword, it was a broadsword with a bark grip and vines twisted together to make the guard, the blade itself seemingly made out of some hardened plant material. He had taken it from the cliff earlier. Noelle could tell how this was going to go. She pressed hard against the thorns. The pain helped her focus, to draw strength, to draw blood. Susie tried to make her join them.

“Noelle, this isn’t you. You aren’t a murderer, you aren’t a slave to Kris. We care about you Noelle, we can help you through this!”

She thought about those words for a second. A murderer? A slave to Kris? Susie said that as if it was some terrible fate… but to Noelle, it didn’t matter. Indeed this wasn’t her, the old her, the weaker her. This was a Noelle that was strong, no longer afraid of those shadows in the dark, no longer afraid of speaking up in class, no longer afraid of a bully like Susie. She didn’t move a muscle.

“Noelle, are you listening to me?”

“Proceed”

Susie barely had time to react before being hit by an ice attack from Noelle. Her face a distraught look of betrayal and broken trust. She gave a grim nod towards Ralsei. This wasn’t like any of the previous battles… they understood what they’d need to do.

Both sides knew the stakes, they knew this was a battle that would decide the future of this world… though to Kris, there was only one outcome here.

The battle began with a charge from Susie. Kris was unfazed and brought up his sword to block the axes swing. He knocked it up and swung his sword around hitting Susie across the chest. If this hurt her she didn’t show it and she immediately prepared for her next offensive. 

In the brief delay he looked towards Noelle and gestured towards Ralsei, who until now had sort of stood there awkwardly. She understood and prepared an Ice Shock against them. He saw this coming and brought his scarf around him, it providing a partial defence against it. He only took minor damage from the spell.

He countered using the scarf as a weapon, swinging as it extended outwards and at Noelle. She jumped back, narrowly avoiding its razor sharp edge, and sent her magic through the ground smashing an unaware Ralsei from behind with an ice barrier. He quickly recovered getting back up and managing to do some minor healing to his injuries. She heard a strange laugh. Ralsei seemed surprised, whether it was the lack of results or the noise she didn’t know or care. 

Blow after blow was exchanged, Kris countering every attempt Susie made to hit him. She lashed out in anger. She wanted vengeance, retribution, payback for everything he had done to not only her, but her friends. Yet every attack against him was dodged or parried leaving her exposed and allowing him to take advantage of it. She grew more and more irritated at him.

They had been through the motions before. This hadn’t been their first fight with Susie, far from it actually, but before it was usually just a friendly spar whereas now it was a real battle. They saw Noelle and Ralsei in the corner of their eye. They were locked in their own duel. They saw Susie go for an upper strike and went to block it, but it turned out to be a feign and she used RudeBuster which flew around them and went for their side, luckily it was was heavily mitigated by the Jevilstail. They needed to stop getting distracted.

Eventually Susie went for another charge against Kris. He responded by feigning another dash but instead managing to knock into her sending her to the ground. They went for a swing against Susie, this time aiming for the neck, but unfortunately something inside him made them hesitate and miss. His influence was still there… The opportunity slipped through their hands and Susie rolled away and got back up. 

Ralsei quickly ducked beneath another IceShock, it didn’t hit him and instead sent his hat flying away… he liked that hat. Another swing which only grazed Noelle, however she wasn’t affected by the pain, it only strengthened her. Once again trying to attack she brought up several ice pillars around her blocking any avenue of his attack. He pulled back and saw a crack in the ground coming towards him.

As it came beneath him he jumped and guarded himself, sure enough the ground came up beneath him. He threw his scarf towards the cafe and used it to pull him away from the incoming attack. The spell narrowly missed him and he fell to the floor. He looked over to see Susie in another match with Kris.

They both exchanged blows. A quick thrust here, a swing or two there. At times Kris would swing only to stop halfway through or to randomly miss. Susie thought he was mocking her and got even more frustrated and less careful. However eventually Kris successfully got a kick in to her chest sending her against the wall of the dojo. He quickly turned to Noelle.

“Noelle, IceShock!”

Noelle’s head snapped around and immediately obeyed Kris’s command. Susie got knocked unconscious and partially frozen into the ground. Ralsei used this opportunity and went for an attack against Noelle. His scarf flew towards her, she saw it’s edge glimmer for a moment. Luckily Kris ran in, like her knight in shining armour, and swung against it with his sword causing it to stop centimetres from her face and wrap around their sword. He pulled it hard and Ralsei fell to the floor gasping for breath.

Kris and Noelle stood together, Ralsei looked up at them as they stood surrounded by the corpses of several darkners. Some friends, some mere acquaintances. But all of them his people. Susie was out cold… everyone else was gone… the only one left was him. It was never suppose to be this way… no… he couldn’t hold onto that dream anymore. It had failed him. Now he needed to save those who were left… even if it meant going against everything he believed in…

“I’m sorry Kris… Noelle…”

They both looked down upon him. A few tears went down his face.

“It’s over Ralsei.”

“You… all I ever wanted was the best for us all. You could’ve spared them… you could’ve saved them… we could’ve been happy, but instead you did this…”

With some effort he stood up on both his legs. His hat was gone, scarf dirtied and scratched and his face bruised and beaten, yet he would continue.

“I always thought you could solve everything peacefully… that mercy was the best way… but you’ve forced me to see that sometimes someone is too far gone, too evil to change, too guilty to spare…”

Kris saw Ralsei look at them, behind those glasses a fire was brightly glowing in his eyes.

“Whatever you are… I don’t know why you did what you did… but today it stops… even if that means I have to be the very thing I despised.”

His face a mix of tears, anger and determination, he threw off his scarf. Light came from his hands. Kris could feel the magic emanating from him. 

“I always had the feeling you were keeping something from us.”

“Funny, I could’ve said the same about Kris.”

Ralsei clapped his hands together and a shower of stars began to fall from the sky. Noelle shot a few down while Kris blocked or deflected some. Most just hit the ground raising a layer of smoke around the area. Kris looked around unable to see anything, as it started to drop he saw a fireball in front of him. It hit him in the chest and he slid back. 

Ralsei followed up charging him with two magic weapons. Sword clashed against sword, the green organic broadsword against the white magic sabres. Kris was about to be overwhelmed when an Ice Shock from Noelle hit Ralsei allowing Kris to press on him forcing him back. This was not like other battles, there was no talking, no insults or bravado, just a clash between two opposing powers.

Suddenly lightning started to crash down from the sky. The colourful strikes leaving marks on the ground wherever it hit. Taking cover beneath whatever they could, both got hit a few times before it ceased. Kris looked up to find Ralsei when a rainbow laser beam went over their head. Ralsei was using some kind of gun to shoot them.

Kris ducked beneath another one, Noelle brought up an ice wall in front of her but it only stopped a single shot before shattering. More stars quickly followed after going towards both of them. Kris began to charge Ralsei when suddenly fire appeared in front of him. He quickly sidestepped the approaching inferno however Noelle was not so lucky and got burned. 

Quickly retaliating, Kris jumped at Ralsei and swung managing to hit him but was then himself hit in the chest by one of the sabres and knocked back hitting against a buildings wall. Noelle saw this and hit Ralsei with another IceShock.

Kris noticed Ralsei seemed to slow but continued fighting as if he was fine. Several beams crashed down around the yard. Amidst the orbital bombardment Ralsei charged Noelle swinging at them. Noelle dodged as best she could but took quite a hit before Kris managed to intervene blocking a blow meant for her head.

Now they exchanged blows. Kris had to not only block Ralsei but also the several fireballs he was sending at him. Noelle tried to help but found herself too busy avoiding Ralsei’s attacks. While blocking a swing with his sword and reflecting a fireball Ralsei managed to get his other sword last Kris’s defences sending him flying back. 

Noelle however used Ralsei’ brief distraction to hit him with IceShock. Ralsei slowly turned to her and shot several magic projectiles at her. She brought up an ice wall to block them but it was quickly destroyed. Noelle was only saved by Kris shield bashing Ralsei knocking him away. He with effort, recovered jumping back.

Noelle saw this and attempted to hit Ralsei with an ice platform. It rose up, beneath him but he merely used this to get high in the air. Then they saw a giant star appear, it slowly fell down to the courtyard below before exploding into a mass of magic going everywhere. The force from the magical explosion knocked Kris and Noelle to the ground. 

Stars rained everywhere destroying everything in sight. Kris rushed to Noelle and blocked several coming for her. Around them the buildings were heavily damaged and almost destroyed. Miraculously they survived though having suffered significant injury.

As the shower stopped and the dust settled, an exhausted Ralsei lay on the floor.

He tried to get up only to find a sword pointed towards his neck. For a moment, he thought that was it, he was about to die. The once ever optimistic fluffy boy brought to this. The faces of the frozen darkners, they all flashed in his head. His final thoughts were the hope that wherever Queen had led the survivors was doing better…

But then it didn’t come. The point against the back of his neck went away. 

“Consider this a late acceptance of your mercy.”

He brought his head up, it was covered in bruises and scratches. He saw a crack on his glasses and through it, Kris walking away.

“Ralsei, go help Susie. She’s alive and will be fine with some rest. Do not try to follow us.”

Lying on the ground he coughed and took a deep breath. “Why…?”

Kris seemed to stop, he turned around and came back, kneeling in front of Ralsei.

“Because even if it may not seem like it. I still consider you my friend.”

Before he could enquire any further Kris turned and walked away, Noelle following behind. He pushed himself up using wall as support. Eventually the sound of footsteps vanished. He was left alone in the courtyard.

Chapter Text

Kris awoke. They stood up and stretched their back. checking their phone they saw it was early in the morning. The sun was only just rising. Noelle was still asleep, they called her name.

“Noelle”

She snapped awake and only blinked a few times before having seemingly fully woken up in moments. She looked up to him expectingly. Wordlessly they left and Noelle followed. Kris led her through the forest. Today was the day they had prepared so much for. 

————

They went into the woods but this wasn’t the same place as before. It was south of the church… this place was too familiar but from where? Noelle wasn’t sure why but… she got a feeling of dread from the direction they were heading in. 

“Kris… where are we going?”

“The old bunker outside of town.”

Noelle stopped. Kris walked a bit before turning around. He looked at her expecting an explanation.

“Kris… I… I have some… bad memories of there… do… do we have to go?”

“Noelle.”

She looked down in shame. She felt her ears drop a bit.

“Do you know why we are going to the bunker?”

She shook her head.

“To give you the simplest explanation. There is a creature in there, it is of the void and the very enemy I have been preparing you for this entire time.”

Her head looked at him in surprise and confusion.

“This being is our enemy Noelle. For its own selfish reasons it jealously guards the future of this world. If we don’t stop it it will reset everything and all out progress will be null.”

She gave a nod but they could tell they clearly didn’t know what they meant.

Kris sighed.

“Noelle this thing is standing between us. It is the final hurdle we must overcome.”

She looked up, beginning to understand. Just to further emphasise they rubbed her cheek. It was freezing cold.

“We need to defeat it and whatever it might throw at us, so that we can finally have what we deserve. You have to do this Noelle, not just for you or me, but for US.”

She nodded, prepared to do whatever it might take to destroy whatever vile abomination might stand against her and Kris.

————

That was always it wasn’t it… more lies and manipulation… at least it would be over soon. Even now their conversation with Kris drifted back into their mind. What if this did succeed… what if they won but the town remained as it is… Noelle would remain as she is…

No… Kris is right, this was a risk, but they didn’t understand. This wasn’t like the simple days, back when it was just them trying to save the world and make everyone happy. This didn’t need two friends working together, it needed someone who was willing to do what was necessary in order to free everyone. 

Nobody else would ever understand what it’s like to be trapped in the same week for so long… they told Kris how it was their promise that drove them to do this, in reality they didn’t want to admit the truth. That promise was never some huge deal at the time, it was simply something they agreed to just to comfort Kris a bit as they both witnessed the world collapsed around them… the first Kris… they spoke as if they were some completely different person. No, the only person who changed across the timelines was them… however since then, that promise had changed so much.

Back then they were words… now it all they had left, the only goal they had, and the only thing they wanted to do. They NEEDED to succeed, for if they gave up and truly accepted this imprisonment… they didn’t want to think of what that boredom might lead to… this was already horrible, but how much worse could it have been… no… they didn’t want that, they didn’t want to be that monster…

They led Noelle towards the small hill and around to the great red metal door that stood there. They used the key Seam had made for them. The door opened. An ominous black void lay beyond, this was it, the culmination of this entire journey, every sacrifice made… every friend lost along the way. It would all be worth it… they would finally do what they had spent so long doing.

They gave Noelle a nod before jumping into the darkness, she followed closely behind.

————

They got up surrounded by darkness. It was black in all directions, the only thing standing out was Noelle who stood by their side as devoted to him as always. They stepped forward on nothing, the ground didn’t feel of anything, it might as well not be there. To them it was as if they stood on air.

“You finally arrive, it’s been a while since your last visit.”

“Show yourself!”

“What? All this and you don’t even wish to greet your old acquaintance? I thought you were better than that.” 

“K-Kris? What’s going on?”

“Oh? You brought her? Just one friend this time? I’m surprised! You usually don’t fail this spectacularly.”

There was some laughter behind that mocking tone.

“Enough with this! I’ve come to end you once and for all!”

“Bold words, however ones you’ve said many times before. You’ve had all this time to plan it all out yet you couldn’t even come up with something more original?”

Kris stood firm with Noelle by his side.

“No comment? Disappointing… how about you? The girl, perhaps you have something to say?”

That voice… why was it so familiar…

“Hmm… you’re a deer aren’t you? … an interesting coincidence.”

She suddenly realised. “Y-you! You’re the one who took Dess!”

“Oh? Dess? Ahh, so you are the one who came in here all those years ago, aren’t you? You and that sister of yours tried to meddle with things far beyond your design.”

Noelle was filled with utter rage.

“You took my sister! I’ll make you pay for that!”

“Took her? My my, it seems somebody has forgotten a few things they should’ve have. Perhaps a reminder is in order?”

“What are you…

————

“Where are you?”

No response…

“Dess … Dess?” Noelle called out.

There was silence… this entire place was black, she had no idea where she was. 

She had never been more scared, not from Kris, not from a horror movie, not from her mother’s anger. Suddenly she heard a noise behind her.

She saw a dark figure move around.

“W-Who’s there?!”

…

“Dess? W-Where are y-you… please…”

She could feel the tears in her eyes. Steps echoed from all around her, shadows moving in the dark. She practically span, every direction it seemed like there was something about to strike. Her breathing was uneasy and her posture was never ending shaking. Suddenly something came at her and she screamed.

She jumped away from whatever it was and ran. She didn’t stop, but everywhere she went there was another one, another creature in the dark. She was completely surrounded. Practically bursting with tears and drowning out the noise of everything else she couldn’t think properly. Then she saw another shadow running towards her, shouting at them with it’s arm outstretched.

Without thinking and in complete panic, the lessons from earlier rushed to her head and she used every bit of magic her body could muster on whatever it was. The air practically froze around her and a snowstorm the likes of which she had never seen before happened around her. She felt the cold lash against her but it never harmed her.

For a moment she could’ve sworn she heard her name…

Eventually the blizzard lifted leaving merely an icy blue prism in its wake. A frozen container… one with the reflection of a horrified yet familiar fuzzy face staring into her.

Her eyes widened and she fell on her knees in front of it, desperately scratching against the ice. 

“no, No, NO, this… this can’t be happening! This isn’t real!” 

“What have we here? A child… how very…. Interesting.”

Noelle started backing away, where was that voice coming from? Who was that?! What’s going on?!?!? In a panic she ran, she ran in a direction she had no idea where to go.

She saw a light, a light! She ran out Tripping on the entrances lip sending her face slamming into the ground. She spat out some mud and continued running home. With tears in her eyes and dirt on her skirt she ran. She arrived at the gate and fidgeted with the key for a moment before opening it.

She had to tell mom, tell dad, tell anybody. 

Running towards the front door, she opened it with haste.

————

Noelle was on the floor crying into her hands.

“What did you do?”

“Nothing, your friend did everything themselves. I did nothing more than… encourage them a bit.”

“Noelle what happened?!”

“I-I can’t believe I… I… D-Dess…

“Ordinary people is one thing, but your own sibling? My, you must be a truly terrible, cruel, heartless person.”

They seemed to emphasise every individual word.

“That’s enough! Noelle look at me!”

She lifted her head a bit.

“I said look at me!”

Immediately she raised her head towards Kris, everything was a blurry mess to her from all the tears.

“Noelle, get a hold of yourself. Don’t let this THING trick you, whatever it showed you was nothing more than an illusion! It wants nothing more than to break your will, don’t let it win!”

“As entertainment as your hypocrisy is, I think it’s about time I put you in your place again.”

Kris readied himself. Noelle saw this and pushed back her feelings, though even still her breathing was heavy and her eyes were red. They heard a loud noise in the dark.

A dark shadow grew in front of them. It was ominous, huge, terrifying.

“However, first I have a little gift for you. A small ‘experiment’ I’ve been working on.”

The shadow approached! 

Kris and Noelle looked on in confusion as a small dog in a toy car drove into view. It barked at them.

“Kris… what… what is this?”

“I… Wh-…what?”

There was an audible sigh from the being.

“Oh not agai- GET OUT OF HERE YOU DAMN MUTT!”

The dog drove away sliding between Kris and Noelle.

“That damned Toby. No matter, my creation can wait, for now I have another failed experiment to deal with.”

They saw a figure in the dark, it’s white mask and two hands were only things visible in the dark. 

Before either of them could act the mask disappeared and they suddenly saw a number of attacks heading towards them. Several spheres of light flew in their direction, they followed their movements. Kris blocked and deflected a few, Noelle froze and ducked beneath more.

However they were mere distractions, several spades flew from behind them catching Noelle off guard hitting her spine. Kris was more prepared and evaded each of them. They had little respite for several vines sprang up from the ground trying to hit them. Noelle moved at random to try and avoid it, Kris however seemed to know exactly where they’d appear.

Noelle saw the masked figure appear again in the distance, she cast IceShock but they disappeared long before she hit them. Instead she nearly got hit herself by several bones flying centimetres in front of her. She barely had time to react before a familiar flying head came down, Kris swung his sword through it destroying it before it could do anything. Almost immediately after he was hit in the back by a microphone.

It was a chaotic mess of dodging and attempting to hit the being. Noelle would’ve thought more about the familiarity of some of the attacks but was distracted by the entire ‘life or death’ part of the situation. She ducked under four white hearts circling above her, they were rapidly phasing in and out of existence. She saw the figure again, but it was facing Kris instead of her, she cast IceShock at it. A perfect hi-… no? It just went through?!

In her confusion she almost got hit by an attack from a floating phone nearby. The lack of proper dimensions made raising an ice wall seemingly impossible. Which would’ve helped against the flying glowing reality phasing sword which just hit her. Kris ran up to her, ducking under another lightning bolt, he threw something at her and she caught it. A dvd bagel of some kind. Quickly biting down on it her wounds healed, but this fight was far from over.

Kris destroyed another flying head before blocking a projectile from another. A giant skull appeared next to them. It shot a laser beam at him, he took some damage but ignored it. To focus on anything more than dodging would be foolish. Due to their restriction to nothing but melee, Noelle was the only one with a real chance of hurting it. 

The being appeared again and Noelle went for another spell. The icy magic went straight towards the being, it hit its mask. It actually hit and knocked its head a bit, it turned towards Noelle with a smile forming. She immediately realised what was about to happen and prepared for the upcoming barrage.

The relentless assault of attacks continued. Lightning shot past Noelle, diamonds flew towards Kris, white pellets flew everywhere, those giant blasters destroyed anything in front of them, flying skulls circled above and beams of pure light occasionally shot out from the figure, briefly illuminating the void.

Noelle avoided and manoeuvred around several attacks, however she was still getting hit, not anything big but just one minor hit every now and then. But such things add up and Noelle was tiring out. A mix of spades, clubs, diamonds and hearts flew out at her. She was barely capable of dodging them, however only then did she notice the skull behind her.

It fired, she felt a burning sensation on her back. She collapsed on the floor, her vision darkening. Suddenly she saw something, no, hair in front of her. She could feel something being pushed into her mouth. Instinctively she swallowed it and suddenly felt her injuries go away. All that was left was a minty taste in her mouth. 

Her sight returned just in time to see Kris flung away after a glowing, homing ball of light slammed into him. She quickly got up and avoided another attack sent at her. She saw Kris try the same but while pushing himself up, a blue ball bounced next to him, he quickly gave up on getting up and tried to hit it away but it was too late. It blew up leaving Kris lying on the floor. A maniacal laughter ran out from the darkness.

“Another amateur attempt. When will you learn that there is no victory against me?”

Noelle got up and ran over to Kris, desperation in her eyes.

“Oh? The girl still lives? Before you cease your irrelevant existence, please, enjoy the knowledge that you have failed not only your sister and your partner here, but this very world.”

Those words rung in her head. She had failed… the sister she missed so much… everyone and everything in her little town… the only person who she knew loved her anymore… in this most important moment she failed. In that moment she focused on the pain, not only from the ring but her entire body. She focused on her anger, from this wretched thing that had taken away everything she had. And she focused on Kris, the person she had fallen for to the point of obsession. 

She felt the magic building up inside of her.

————

Kris forced his eyes to work. They couldn’t give up, not yet. Everything was in pain, just opening their eyes was agony. But what they saw distracted them from that. They saw in full sight the Angel rising above the void, an eerie blue glow emitting from them and the temperature plummeting. The being was looking curiously at this.

What happened next was impossible to say, not due to a lack of words but rather the sheer strength of the blizzard, for a moment it seemed as if the void was no longer empty but instead filled with all the snow and frost in the world. Despite the fact it had been only seconds, it felt as if they were already suffering from frostbite. However eventually the inevitable occurred and the storm died down. In the middle of it all was her.

Noelle fell to the floor. The snow and wind slowing down. She hit the floor next to him with with a thud, definitely unconscious. In front of him was the target. Kris watched on as the being seemed to stand up, a white hand came up and felt it’s face. It found a crack where there want one before. Kris couldn’t be sure but they felt an incredible rage beginning to come from the being. It noticed he was awake.

“You… you actually managed to? Oh my, you have made a VERY big mistake! It is enough I allowed you to ‘play your games’ but now you threaten to bring proper harm to me? And after everything I’ve done to bring you here. You have crossed the line too far this time. I’ll give it to you, it is most impressive you achieved this… however you are now a threat, so I’m afraid I have to destroy you. Thank you for keeping me entertained, now goodbye.”

Kris watched as the being transformed into a giant skull like entity. The soul immediately realised what this was and what was about to happen. This was a weapon made to target the very fabric of what beings are made of, it was going to try and destroy their soul and remove them from the universe altogether!

They realised they quickly needed to stop this. They reached for their save. However this place was not meant for such an action.

The beam of light was blinding, it was singlehandedly lit up the entire void with its glow. It was comparable to bringing the very sun down in earth, and it was all focused on the two of then. 

They tried harder, they put everything they had left into breaking the wall holding them back.

The light shone brighter on Kris and Noelle. Kris held onto their rapidly diminishing life as hard as they could, but they could slowly feel their very being getting ripped away from them. Noelle wasn’t fairing much better.

The wall was broken.

On the verge of the end, of being completely and utterly destroyed. The light ceased and the world faded to blackness.

Kris awoke on a Monday morning.

Chapter Text

Kris woke up in bed. They rubbed their eyes and stepped out from the warmth of the blanket. Why were they so tired? Wasn’t that pretty much the entire point of sleep? He sighed.

Toriel entered the room.

“Kris! Wake u- Oh, it is a surprise to see you awake this early. Well get ready, we’ll be leaving for school in a minute.”

He gave her a nod. Yet another Monday…

————

Pain… pain was all they felt. It was rather strange considering they didn’t currently have a body to experience pain with but that wasn’t as large as the frustration they felt. Yet another failure… another GOD DAMN week lost to this stupid little… they really wanted to hit something right now but were sadly unable to.

On that note it would appear that, for better or for worse, they were no longer in control. Honestly not that surprising considering the circumstances, they felt so weak and pained. Still, they should hopefully be able to regain enough strength to retake control within a few days. If they were lucky, that reset may seem close enough to some sort of death. It may buy them time to rethink the situation, since they had very clearly been slightly off with their previous approach…

Well for now they supposed this could be considered a ‘mandatory vacation’ of sorts. At least it was a break from the hell of Snowgrave…

————

Kris walked into the class, Alphys gave some greeting, they didn’t notice. Right now they felt exhausted, but still they pushed through. Right, today was another group project wasn't it? They needed a partner… everyone else seemed to be already buddied up… well except Temmie but they probably had that… egg they carry.

They saw Noelle turn her head the moment he looked in her direction. He could try to ask if they could make a group of three with Berdly. Well, it’s not like there was anybody else. And so he approached Noelle's table.

“Oh hey Kris! You don’t have a partner do you? Don’t worry, I’m sure Alphys would let us make a group of three!” She said cheerfully. 

“What! Noelle I do NOT approve of this!” Berdly’s input was promptly ignored as Noelle proceeded to ask the teacher.

“Alphys, can we make a group of three with Kris?”

“O-oh, uhm, yeah I guess you three cou-“

The door slammed open. Susie walked through.

“Hi… hi Susie.”

She could barely make out what Alphys was saying. Susie took a few steps forward.

“Am I late?”

“Ohh, n-no! You’re fine! W-we were just, uh… ch-choosing partners for the next group project and… uhmmmm. Susie, your with Kris.”

“… great.”

“N-now that everyone’s here, I’ll write that assignment!”

Alphys went to write on the board.

“Uh… h-has anyone seen the chalk? This is the third time it’s gone missing and… y-you all know I can’t start the class without some!”

Noelle put her hand up.

“Y-yes Noelle? Did you find it?”

“How about we get more from the supply closet? Why don’t Kris and I”

“G-good idea Noelle! Susie, s-since you came in last… why don’t you go get it for me?”

“… whatever…”

“And K… Kris… can you go and make sure she… um, actually gets it and stays out of trouble…?”

Kris nodded before walking out. 

————

Curious, despite Kris being in control that entire scene played out the same overall. Though it felt a bit off that’s probably just some strange side effect. This would likely take some getting used to as for now it seemed they would be forced to watch this like it’s some reality tv show. Well perhaps it was more akin to a remaster, the same old but perhaps a few things might be ever so slightly different.

They wondered if Ralsei would notice anything was wrong? It might certainly be fun to tease him a bit by making a few comments about his rather interesting secret and then denying any knowledge of it, however that could wait until they were back in control. Until then all they had to do was sit back and watch. Hey, speak of the Jevil.

“Welcome, heroes…!”

“Who’s there?”

“No not be alarmed, I am not your enemy. Please come forward both of you.”

Kris and Susie stepped forward and approached the cloaked figure.

“Welcome… I am the Prince of this Kingdom. The Kingdom of Darkness. Kris, Su-“

The figure turned back to Kris and seemed to stare at them.

“Uh… is something wrong dude?”

“Oh, sorry, it’s just… never mind. Uh, as I was saying, Kris, Susie… there is a LEGEND in this land.”

How entertaining. Well time to find a way to pass the time by themselves. You know, they never really thought about how boring this is to Kris. No wonder he always hates them at first.

————

Kris found it strange… of course everything that had happened so far had been insane, a dark world, a familiar looking goat and Susie actually not being that bad. But there was something else… with every decision they made, they never thought it through or considered what to say. They simply had a gut reaction to say something, it was so familiar…

He sighed to himself. He shouldn't worry this much, today was the best day he’d had in months, no, probably years. Maybe this week wouldn’t be too bad?

————

“Um… Kris, Susie… I… I hope I can see you again soon.”

And so ends their quest. Yeah, yeah Ralsei, sure you’ll make some cakes. Just hurry up already, they’ve done everything, talk to Rouxls, talk to the beachball and even pacifying Jevil. It was very intense to watch, though that was more so the fact that if they died there was a chance they couldn’t reset and they’d be gone forever… honestly, wouldn’t be the worst thing that could happen, at least they wouldn’t be trapped in this week anymore. Oh and here comes the fountain, it’s showtime! … god did they really just accidentally quote Mike?

The soul came out of Kris and the dark fountain was closed. 

————

Huh so I guess that still happens… well point is the fountain is closed. There’s the light and we’re back in the supply closet. That’s one chapter out of the way. They wondered how many more until they could retake control, probably a few more, though that was a guess more than anything. Well they were finally done with school for the day and knowing Kris it was probably an immediate journey home.

They watched as Kris left the school and went across the road. The soul was surprised to see them walking to the hospital rather than continuing to their house. Made some sense they supposed, Kris and Noelle used to be good friends. Kris walked through the hospitals entrance and into Rudy’s room. They wondered if Kris would say anything unusual… wait…. where’s Noelle?

“Hey! It seems Krismas came early, heheh.”

The old codger seemed to be in a good mood… but then why did he look so concerned before he saw Kris?

“So Kris, did your mother make you come here or was it something else?”

Kris shook their head.

“You came in your own? Well you’ve certainly grown up. Not too long ago you were just the creepy kid next door. Now your the creepy kid standing in front of me! Hahaha. Okay seriously… you wanna chat or something?”

Everything seemed rather normal here… but it felt off, they weren’t sure what it was but something was definitely wrong, and it wasn’t just Noelle's absence.

“Noelle?”

“She’s a sweetheart isn’t she, Kris? Smart, kind sweet… couldn’t ask for a better daughter.”

His look seems worried…

“Though she was… acting strange earlier. Might be one of those days, her mother isn’t always the best to her. Usually I’m there to cancel it out but ever since I’ve been stuck in here it’s been hard.”

Rudy gave a hopeful look.

“Don’t be too harsh to her, OK?”

Kris nodded

They both waved goodbye and Kris left the hospital. They started walking up the road back to their house. 

This was worrying… Rudy never spoke like that before, could it be some side effect of Kris being in control? Not like they’d ever seen a timeline where he was before. There was another explanation but that could be looked into tomorrow… wait why did Kris just turn around?

Kris scanned the area behind him before turning back and continuing down the path. But once again he stopped, Kris was sure he just heard something, they swung around again.

They could’ve sworn they saw a shadow go into the woods…

Kris picked up the pace going faster, the noise happened again and he turned around immediately. There was no one there… they started backing up until suddenly they hit something. They turned around to see a fur covered face with a bright red nose staring down at them.

“Hi Kris!”

They stumbled back and almost tripped, Noelle immediately rushed over to make sure they were alright.

“Oh my god, sorry, I must’ve surprised you, guess it’s payback for all those pranks eh?”

Kris nodded at that.

“What were you doing?”

“I was just walking home, you know like always, when I saw you and decided to say hi.”

Kris raised an eyebrow.

“Okay, maybe a I wanted to apologise a bit for earlier. I’m sorry Susie had to be your partner. It would’ve been great to have worked together!”

“It wasn’t that bad.”

“Oh, Susie was fine? I’m surprised, she’s always so mean to everyone. Honestly she’s little more than a violent thug. I don’t know how anyone could get along with her. But don’t worry Kris, if Susie ever abandons you I’m more than happy to be your partner!”

“Nice catching up, but I have to go.”

“Right! Of course. Well, bye Kris! I’ll see you tomorrow!”

She ran off towards the gate of her house, Kris felt it was a bit weird but thought nothing more and continued home, meanwhile someone else was trying to make sense of the situation.

That wasn’t suppose to… she had never done that before. Noelle… she was so much more confident and barely stuttered at all there. Why was she… no… what if the unusual circumstances of the reset had affected her? They had reset during a time they shouldn’t have and after they were all hit with a weapon that targets a beings very soul…

This could be bad, very bad. They needed to immediately see what changed have occurred and try to figure out if they are permanent. However the lack of control might complicate that a bit. They hoped that her confidence and a possible… fondness for Kris was the end of it.

… So to sum it all up, they were capable of nothing but observing while horrible things occur around them… god if Kris doesn’t lead them to an early grave then this irony will get them first.

Chapter Text

Day two. Time for the CyberWorld. That is of course after the usual events. Wake up, Toriel complains about pie, drive to school, sleep through class, visit Ralsei, go to the computer lab and then CyberWorld. 

Well luckily Kris would do all that for them meaning that all they had to do was keep an eye on Noelle and otherwise could completely ignore what was happening, now all they had to do was pass the time…

————

Note to self, playing a game of solitaire in your head is much harder than it sounds. Well anyway what’s going on in reality?

“Alright, Kris. This is it, moment of truth. Everything we’ve been waiting for is just behind this…”

Susie turned to Kris.

“If we, uh, open this and there’s nothing inside… will, uh, we still be…?”

She turned and ran up to the door.

“Screw it! Let’s just open it already!!”

“Ohhhhh Kris!”

Wait what?

Susie immediately stopped herself from opening the door.

“Whaaat?”

At least Susie gets me.

Kris and Susie turned to see Noelle walking towards them. 

Oh… right…

“Noelle… hey… What… the HELL… are you doing here…?”

“I was just going to the library to work on our project and wanted to ask if Kris would like to come with me.”

“Sorry but like, uhh… me and Kris are like, uhhhh, real busy with uh.”

They whispered to Kris.

“Kris! Help me out here! What do we say?”

Kris whispered something to Susie.

“What…? I mean, uhh, yeah me and Kris, we’re just… eating moss in the closet. You know us… us two just… eating moss… in the closet… that has moss… inside of it… moss”

“Riiight, well Kris when your done with Susie you can come to the library. I’ll be waiting for you!”

Noelle walked off in the other direction, cheerful as ever.

“That was weird… wait, Kris, you don’t think she’s onto our secret identities? You know… this… Dark World stuff. Damn we gotta keep this under wraps Kris. This is OUR thing y’know? Anyway, enough waiting already. Let’s go!”

… well that’s just confirmation that yesterday wasn’t just a fluke… whatever they did last time has changed her. Primary changes seem to include more assertiveness and confidence. Also rather obviously they were… well… Kris has replaced Susie. Then again the only people who will really be here are Kris, Susie, Ralsei and Berdly so it will likely go unnoticed for, honestly, possibly a few days.

They could only hope that was the extent of it… god knows what could happen if it wasn’t…

————

Kris hit the ground, Susie at his side. Standing up they were in a green land of wires and circuits. He found it strangely familiar… 

“… This is new.”

Kris both agreed and disagreed. He led the way as they slid down a ledge. On the platform they found a pink darkner.

“The wires… the wires.”

They tried to get it to speak again but it stayed silent. They Went further down, avoiding the volts of energy falling from the sky they continued. Another creature.

“Everyone was…”

It just stood there shaking. Once more down they went and two more stood in front of them on the broken ground. 

“E-everyone else has been…”

“S-save us, she’s going to…”

What was happening here… there was only one way of finding out. 

They continued with a newfound purpose. A sound came from ahead, Kris nodded at Susie, she nodded back and they both drew weapons in preparation. Slowly approaching the source of the noise they could make it out. Someone was approaching!

Suddenly they saw Noelle coming at them. She stopped immediately upon seeing them.

“Kris! You’re here! Thank the Angel.”

Susie spoke first. “Noelle are you alright.”

“Don’t waste time Susie, I’m being chased by-“

A laughter rung out around them as a chair rose with a strangely familiar computer woman in it. 

“Hell Of A Study Session”

Kris spoke without thinking. “Queen…”

“You Know Me? Impressive For A Child”

“What?! We’re not children.” Susie hated whenever people treated her like just some kid.

“Teens Are Merely Big Children (And Adults Are Even Bigger Children)”

“… doesn’t that make you a-“

A spell flies towards Queen. She quickly blocked with her glass of battery acid.

Susie turned to see Noelle having just attacked ‘Queen’.

“Why did you do that?!”

“Unprovoked Assault? Just When I Was Considering Promoting You To Big Children”

“You tried to capture me!”

“Oh Right, Thanks For The Reminder”

A cage suddenly started to come down.

“Wait!”

The cage stopped. Noelle seemed quite surprised that worked. Queen looked on impatiently.

“Well? Do You Have A Reason To Further Delay The Inevitable”

“Uh, you see Queen I felt that…”

Noelle looked around.

“Wouldn’t Susie be a much better target to capture?”

“What? Noelle?!” Susie was bewildered.

“Think about it, they’re much stronger than me. Maybe they can… carry more battery acid…?”

Queen paused for a moment as she put her hand to her cheek.

“Makes Sense To Me. Susie, You Shall Be My Peon Effective… Now”

“Hey! I didn’t agree to this!”

It was too late as a cage came down and took her away.

“Kris, Noelle!” Was all she could call before she went out of reach.

Queen laughed and tried to drink from her glass only to find it was frozen. They seemed slightly disappointed.

“Well I Need To Get A New Glass, Toodles”

Queen floated away.

Kris turned to Noelle and gave her a questioning look.

“What’s with that look?”

Kris gestured up.

“Susie? Don’t worry about her Kris, without her slowing us down we’ll be much faster!”

She stepped back and allowed him to go ahead. Kris gave up on trying to talk about Susie and just went ahead. They both slid down the hill. While Kris was trying to see where the ground was he could’ve sworn he heard some music quickly followed by a magic sound. Strange.

————

This was wrong… VERY wrong, Noelle was suppose to be captured and where was Ralsei? … Noelle actions had managed to divert this normal path of this world… but to what extent? … only time would tell.

And what of Kris? They might’ve been affected too, it was harder to tell as they had never seen him act normally before. So far everything had been the same as his previous run… but now things weren’t the same. Actually, while they were still weak, they were stronger than before, perhaps powerful enough that they may be able to look into his mind. Well there was no reason not to.

It was like swimming upstream, trying to get through while everything else is pushing you back. Eventually, with some determination, they broke through.

-wrong with them… it’s just been a long time since those childhood days…

Aha! Success. Well let’s see what Kris has to say.

But even still… it was obvious Noelle liked Susie. How on earth she was this oblivious was a mystery nobody understood, but… on Monday… they suddenly changed. They spoke… after school. Before they had never exchanged more than a quick greeting or two but now… the way she stares… the way she acts… the way she speaks. It’s so strange yet somehow familiar…

Concerning…

Familiar to the dreams… or were they nightmares? … He could vividly recall some flashes, they were from the eyes of someone or… something going through the week, this week. Could it be some sort of vision of the future? It seemed crazy but… they included one of a Cyber World and the castle from previously… However one thing stuck out clearer than anything else… something, a demon maybe? Whatever it was, it made Noelle do terrible things… what exactly did she do? They didn’t know, but they recalled it was something atrocious…

…Seriously?

What if that was going to happen? Noelle had been talking to him… they were beginning to reconnect, maybe they could be friends again like they had so long ago… and now someone was going to try and use her for some evil purpose? No… they had to stay with Noelle and make sure that couldn’t happen. They had to protect her from whatever would try to use her. Even if it came at their own cost…

You know, now they completely understood the ‘It’s rude to talk about someone who’s listening’ thing.

————

Kris was brought out of his internal thinking by the ground. He hit land and Noelle followed shortly after.

They walked ahead but for a moment Kris stopped to look over the city, it’s beauty was incredible and the green field of energy going over it… they felt Noelle leaning against his arm.

“Isn’t the view wonderful Kris?”

They stared at it for a while longer before moving on. Kris couldn’t afford to relax right now. Susie had been captured by Queen and they needed to rescue her. But they still thought back to before… Noelle had practically offered Susie as a replacement… she probably just didn’t know enough about her. Maybe she thought Susie was nothing more than the appearance she put on at school… but why would sh-

“Kris!”

Kris spun around and saw a strangely familiar darkner. 

The creature went to attack again but suddenly the wire snapped and it the creature turned to normal and went away.

“What happened?”

He turned to see Ralsei standing behind him.

“I just used my pacify spell to put them to ‘Sleep Mode’!”

“Oh, hey, Ralsei! What are you doing in the CyberWorld?”

“I felt a dark presence and hurried over here.”

He turned to Noelle.

“Hello, I don’t believe we’ve met! I’m Ralsei.”

Kris noticed how she looked at Ralsei with suspicion… weird. 

“I’m Noelle.” They said after a long pause.

“Well then hi Noelle, it’s always great to make a new friend!”

“Let’s just move on, Kris you lead the way.”

He nodded and they continued their journey forward. Ralsei came up to Kris and spoke to him as they all walked.

“Hey, uh, Kris… where’s Susie? Did you not bring her with you?”

“She was captured by Queen.”

“Captured? That does sound worrying… well don’t worry, I’m sure we’ll be able to rescue her!”

————

They had been walking for maybe ten minutes now. Ralsei had been pacifying all the WereWires they found and they had successfully escaped a fight with that cat thing. Suddenly they saw two figures ahead.

“Susie All You Have To Do Is Agree To Become My Peon. Then You Will Have Access To All The Chalk In The (Cyber)World!”

“No! I’m not going to become your peon, you stupid robot. I’d never betray my friends!”

“Speaking Of Which Here They Come Now!”

Kris, Ralsei and Noelle all approached Queen.

“Guys! Get Queen and help me out of this dumb cage thing.”

“No That’s Quite Enough From You”

“Hey!”

Susie’s cage went into the sky.

“Hey! Queen can you let Susie go? She’s out friend!” Ralsei asked of Queen.

“Not Until She’s Agreed To Become My Peon”

“What would it take to convince you to let her go?

“Well, I Did Have An Idea For That But Then I Decided To Test Run It With Susie and Well… None Of You Would Happen To Be Mechanics Would You?”

Suddenly an explosion rung out from the distance.

“… None Of You Would Happen To Own An Arcade Machine Would You?”

Kris turned to Noelle. “You have an arcade machine at your house don’t you?”

“Well I did, but one day a bunch of firecrackers mysteriously appeared inside of it.”

Kris gave a guilty smile. “Oh… right.”

They were all silent for a moment. Noelle broke the silence.

“So is there any reason we can’t just defeat Queen now?”

“There Is A Big One Right Behind You”

They all turned around only to realise it was a trap! Queen had actually used a deceptive ploy of distraction in order to draw their attention away from her allowing a graceful exit to stage right while laughing maniacally.

————

They walked into an area with a few darkners around. Two of them appeared to be selling something but instead Kris walked up to the white barrier.

“I get the feeling this is the direction we’re suppose to be going in, too bad a forcefield in the way.”

“Don’t worry Kris, I’m sure if we go the other way we can find a way to deactivate it!”

“Actually, I think I could disable it.”

“R-really Noelle? I mean, I’m not sure how you’d do it b-but I guess you can try.”

“There is one thing though…”

“What?”

She whispered something to Kris. 

“Well… if it helps?”

Noelle walked up to the barrier and nodded towards Kris.

“Proceed.”

There was a flash and suddenly the barrier was gone with nothing but some ice left behind. Ralsei seemed very surprised that worked. Kris had unconsciously taken a step back. Noelle looked towards him expectingly.

“G…good job Noelle?”

She seemed satisfied and they all went down the path. 

————

Why was it so familiar… that word, that spells, that reaction… it was disturbing. The dream… they had to be related. Somehow. But why was it? How was it? Could it be that whatever was going to try and hurt Noelle was coming? … whatever it was they would be on guard.

Kris, don’t worry this so called demon, it’s all just in your head, heheh… god they were so incredibly bored.

————

They jumped off the final teacup plate as it was crushed behind them.

Continuing forward there was a giant green structure which they entered. 

“Huh? What is this?” Noelle exclaimed.

“Hmm… looks like if we ride them… They might bring us over to the Fountain!”

Kris entered his one.

“Let’s get on then.” 

The roller coasters left the building and came out into the open. Kris on the top track, Noelle on the middle track and Ralsei on the bottom track. Queen emerged in front of them.

“Enough You Foolish Children”

“I Have Been Merciful To You Thus Far But Now Is Time For: Your Unwillful Imprisonment (Capture) Drop The Capturing Capsules”

Three green cages missed all of them.

“… err, you missed.”

“That Was Not A Miss That Was A Tactical Calibration”

Noelle stopped looking at her cart.

“So, you’ll try it again?”

“No I Only Have Like 4 Cages”

Queen laughed.

“OK Wait I Have A Small Plot Twist For You… Come Forward My… Peon”

Susie came forward on her own cart.

“What?! I never agreed to be your peon!”

“Susie?”

“Oh hey, Ralsei, your here too?”

“So do we have to fight her then? She is working with Queen.”

“What? Noelle really? Why would I ever join her?”

“Okay This Isn’t Working Bring In The Next Guy”

Susie went back and was replaced with everyone’s favourite bird… favourite by process of elimination.

“Fear not, my beloved Noelle!! This valiant warrior of brave intelligence, will be your knight in glow in the dark armour!”

Noelle just looked at Queen with disappointment.

“You asked Berdly to be on your team…?”

“(I Did Not Ask Him I Did Not Ask Him I Did Not Ask Him I Did Not Ask Him)”

“That’s LORD Berdly to you simpletons!! And soon… SUPER lord Berdly! You see. Thanks to our WONDROUS Queen… WE will soon RULE the WORLD! And turn this Land of Fools… into a Smartopia. A true Scientocracy where the Geniuses of the world, Can bathe freely in the pools of fresh fruit and ambrosia. No longer held back by protozoans like YOU! And the key to that? Is US. Noelle and I.”

“Berdly please just stop talking.”

“What? But Noelle, if you join us then together we ca-“

“Everything you just said was utterly insane.”

“Wha- what? Wait, your with Kris! He must’ve convinced you that somehow, you may be capable of outsmarting me! Well then I will just have to once again prove MY superiority. After such a display you’ll be begging to join my side! And Kris, maybe I’ll even let you join me as well, you can scrub the royal toilet with Susie.”

“Don’t count on it.”

“Well. If you’re dead-set on proving your inferiority…”

A magic halberd appeared in his hands.

“Allow me to assist you!!”

Ralsei turned to Kris.

“If we all bump his cart enough it might stop working!”

Noelle just sighed at this display.

“Can I just deal with this now?”

Ralsei was curious.

“Uh, what do you plan on doing?”

“Kris is there room in your cart for me?”

Kris looked around and shrugged.

“If you don’t mind a bit of squeezing.”

“I doubt I will.”

Kris watched as Noelle cast a spell… a very familiar one. It flew forward and straight by Berdly. He ducked away and turned back to them laughing.

“Did you really think you could hit me with that?”

“I wasn’t trying to.”

“What?!”

Berdly looked behind him and saw the track ahead was frozen and damaged. While he was distracted Noelle jumped over to Kris’s cart. She almost fell but was caught by Kris who pulled her up.

“Wha- that’s not fair! M… My Queen… save me…!!!”

Berdly’s cart hit the ice on the broken track and went flying off the track. Noelle’s cart soon followed after.

“In A Minute Dear… Hello Everyone I Have Some News Updates”

This couldn’t be good.

“You see This “Roller”, “Coaster” Its Not Actually “Finished”, Yet”

Kris turned back.

“So?”

“Enjoy The Fall”

Queen flew away laughing before they all went flying through the air.

————

She remembered the dream, it was awfully similar to this. She had came to the CyberWorld an innocent, sweet and naive child… but then Kris had made them do things she once would’ve considered atrocious. She killed people and took things for herself… and how LIBERATING it was.

It wasn’t a dream, it was a fantasy! Finally being able to stand up for herself, act for herself and impact the world herself. And at the head of it all was him, Kris. He truly knew what was best for her, he helped her break the chains holding her down and was even merciful enough to help her father… but then they entered the bunker. She never saw what was in there, her dream ended, she woke up, everything was back to Monday. 

————

Kris got up, they were on a pile of junk that seemingly broke their fall. They looked and saw Ralsei and Noelle next to them. She got up and immediately turned to him.

“Kris are you alright?”

He nodded.

Ralsei got up as well and slid down onto the ground. While Kris and Noelle followed he looked ahead.

“Hey do you see someone?”

“Huh? Yeah I do too.”

Kris looked down the road and saw someone, suddenly they recognised them, it was Susie! They ran ahead. 

“Kris! Wait up!”

He ignored Ralsei’s calls and ran ahead. Susie heard the running and turned around.

“Huh? Oh, hey Kris!”

Ralsei and Noelle quickly caught up.

“Susie! You’re here… what happened?”

“Well, uh, after the entire… roller coaster thing the track ended and I crashed around here.”

“Wait are you hurt? Don’t worry I can heal you!”

“It’s fine Ralsei.”

Noelle got tired of this. “Can we stop wasting time? We need to move forward.”

“Oh… well, I guess we should continue.”

Ralsei looked down the road.

“There’s a fork in the path… Kris, it seems like it might be advantageous if we split up.

Noelle’s interest in the conversation suddenly peaked. 

“Oh, well, I guess we should then! How about maybe… you two go down there and I’ll go this way with Kris!”

Susie looked confused. “Uhh, are you sure we shouldn’t discuss this more or?

“Nope! You two can have fun healing each other go this way bye!”

She pushed them down the path. Kris felt her hand grab his wrist as she pulled him down the other path. He gave Susie and Ralsei a thumbs up before he was dragged around the corner.

————

She put on her usual show, smiling and being the ‘oh ever so cheerful little girl’ until school. There she spoke with Kris and to her disappointment, he was his normal self… the later conversation while going home only confirmed this. He was still just the weird boy from next door. Her old friend and classmate. Disappointing. However instead of that she found out something much better.

Her dream wasn’t real but instead was perhaps some kind of… vision into the future. When Susie and Kris went off to the closet and didn’t come back she began to suspect this and sure enough today she was in the CyberWorld. And so she had made her plan… if Kris wasn’t the same as how he was in her dream… then the solution was simple!

If he was his normal self… than she’d just have to make him the same as he was in her fantasy!

————

As they crossed the road and went through the city they felt strange. It was familiar… far far too familiar. Walking down these streets with Noelle… it gave him a sense of déjà vu. Was it their dream…? Or was it a prophecy… was this when it happened? They had a feeling that something horrible was about to begin…

“Kris help!”

Kris spun around and saw a strange darkner. It sent out a lightning attack towards Noelle which he quickly ran up and blocked with his shield. They were going to try and Act their way out of the situation, but they froze… looking at the strings… before Ralsei had pacified them before Kris could really look at them… and now? …why did seeing those send shivers down his spine and  make his stomach clench… why was it so disturbing… so familiar… so… terrifying…

He was in darkness… around him were images… or were they memories? They were brief flashes but he knew what they were… something controlling him, Noelle, everyone like a puppet on strings. He felt emotions bubble up inside of him. Feelings of loneliness, hopelessness, despair, hatred. This was that thing! Whatever had hurt them! Whatever had used Noelle! Then he saw a great hand come forth from the darkness bearing strings… his strings. No… no! Not again! Never again!! I won’t let you hurt them!

Kris used X-Slash

Kris fell to his knees at the sight before him. Or rather, what had been the sight in front of him. A once living darkner, simply misguided into fighting them, was now naught but dust upon the floor, quickly swept away by the oncoming breeze.

“Kris?”

His distraught face turned towards Noelle. She knelt down next to him.

“What’s wrong Kris?”

He starred at her in a mix of utter confusion and shame. What was wrong? Had she not seen what he had done?!

“Noelle… I just… th-the darkner…”

“Kris, don’t be so sad. You shouldn’t be so hard on yourself… it attacked us and you just protected me…”

… yes he had protected her… but how could that justify anything he did…

“That wasn’t a real person. That… ‘darkner’ was just an empty shell made by the this world.”

“Noelle? How could you think like that?”

“Because you told me so silly. C’mon Kris, don’t you remember?”

He had told her that? No, he hadn’t, why would he have ever said that? This was the first time she’d been in the dark world… but then why did it seem so familiar… and why did somewhere inside of him… did he did remember saying it…

Silently he picked up his weapon and stood up.

“L-let’s just move on…”

“Whatever you say, Kris!”

————

… they had no words to describe it… they didn’t want to believe this was happening… they couldn’t believe this was happening.

… what had they begun…?

————

They went into the next room, it had some mouse puzzle in it. 

“A puzzle… any idea Noelle?”

“Maybe we could just… you know, run past?”

Kris just looked at her, presumably raising an eyebrow though it was difficult to tell with his hair.

“You know, try running over the button to the other side.”

“I guess I’ll try it…” Kris reluctantly agreed.

He just ran straight across the room and over the button. When he stepped on it a bunch of mice came through and ran right next to Noelle who barely flinched.

Kris nodded in her direction.

“My turn?”

She looked towards the puzzle.

“On second thought… I’m not sure Kris… I don’t really like mice… are you sure I have to?”

He nodded but she just continued awkwardly standing there. What was she doing? She looked at him expectantly, it was almost as if… she was… waiting for… then it hit him. 

“Proceed.”

Her posture immediately straightened, she ran across without hesitation and made it to the other side.

“Thanks Kris!”

… proceed… it was so familiar…

————

Kris walked down the street. Another darkner looking like a needle came out at them.

“Kris! It’s another darkner, quick do the thing again!”

“No! Noelle, what if I hurt it again? What if I…”

“B-but that thing is going to try and hurt me, Kris I thought you said you’d protect me…”

“And it’s better if I kill it?’”

“Are… you trying to say it’s life is more valuable than mine? Kris I… maybe I never should’ve gone with you…”

“Noelle, I didn’t mean it like that.”

“I understand… my life means nothing to you… guess you never did like those old days when we used to play together as kids…”

He would’ve argued further but the thing suddenly jumped at them to attack. Noelle went to block her face, Kris didn’t think and swung his sword against the thing.

Kris used X-Slash

“…”

Once again dust lay pooled at his feet… his hand shook and his grin loosened. Suddenly he felt an embrace from behind.

“Kris! You saved me! You really are my knight in shining armour.”

It was cold yet comforting… he was just protecting her… wasn't he? From whatever that… thing in his dream was… It was just to help her…

Besides… they were just darkners… surely they weren’t real people… surely he hasn’t actually killed anyone… no, no he would… he’d never do that… they had to be… had to be fake…

————

They walked away from another pile of dust and admired the advertisement for the Ferris wheel.

“Gosh, that’s amazing! Makes the one at the festival look like a toy, haha!”

Kris had to admit the neon lights and it’s design really did make it stick out. 

“Hey maybe later, if we get a chance… we could ride it together?”

He shrugged. “Sure.”

“But you better not shake it when we reach the top like you did when we were kids!”

“No guarantees.”

“Kris!”

They both laughed a bit at that. For Kris it was a… welcome distraction. Noelle turned and looked across the street.

“Hey, I think might be something up there.”

Kris walked over to it and sure enough there was a shop of some kind there. The darkner outside spoke to them.

“Ohhon!! Two young beings together on a school night… Could I interest you in some brand new Dating Shoes…?”

Kris almost laughed.

“We’re just friends.”

This ridiculous salesman. Couldn't blame them for just wanting to sell their products. Noelle and him had been friends since childhood. All those dumb moments and silly pranks. Even if they did separate after Dess… it was still great to hang out with them again.

“No, I think we’re something else.”

She hugged his shoulder a bit.

Something else…? Maybe she just means childhood friends, or hey, maybe even best friends.

They began to walk away when the salesman spoke again.

“If you’re something else, maybe a Dating Shoes isn’t right…?”

Kris walked back to the salesman.

Keeping its previous charm and confidence it continued, “Maybe I could interest you in a FreezeRing?”

“A ring?”

With some exaggerated hand gestures he continued his pitch. “C’mon, brave Knight! You can’t make your lady here stronger without good equipment.”

Right, that’s how this worked. A ring to make her stronger? It gave him a sinking feeling… besides, why would he and Noelle be interested in something like that?

“Awww Kris it looks so nice, you’ll get it for me won’t you?”

“A-are you sure you want it?”

“Please?”

“I guess… if you insist, how much does this ring cost?”

He flashed a smile. “Just the small price of $3,152”

“Sorry Noelle, we can’t afford that.”

“But… the ring…”

Kris gave her an empathetic shrug.

“You said you’d get me the ring… so get it.”

“We don’t have the money… wait, you’re not implying you want me to…?”

“You did say you would Kris…”

“I… I am NOT going to just do that… no, never.”

Noelle seemed on the verge of tears.

“Why… why did you lie to me Kris… I thought you cared about me…”

“I do Noelle! And I shouldn’t need to get you something to prove that! Is my time and attention not enough? If you want that dumb ring so much then proceed with your idea yourself!”

Kris turned and began to walk away. They heard a magic sound from behind them.

“Kris I…”

He turned around, the salesman was gone… and the ring was in Noelle's hand… a slight smile on her face.

“I… I did it Kris… just like you told me to.”

Kris paled. He could only watch as Noelle put the ring in his hand. The freezing metal touching his skin. What… had he done? It was his fault she had…

“C-could you put it on…?”

Her hand extended outwards… her fur covered finger awaiting its gift. The ring was pushed in… it would help keep her safe wouldn’t it? … and that was what was important right now…

————

Another darkner, another threat, another pile of dust… 

At times they had doubts… their determination wavered. But she was always by his side, always ready to push him forward, to remind him what he was doing this for. Surely a few fake lives aren’t much a price compared to what might happen if they let Noelle fall into the clutches of that thing. All he had to do… was protect her, even if it came at the cost of others… it was the right thing, the good of the many over the good of the few…

“I see another enemy Kris!”

————

C’mon please… Kris… buddy… pal! Please this isn’t you! This…isn’t you…

They felt terrible, not only from what was happening… but knowing that this was their own fault… knowing that Kris has even warned them of something like this…

But now they could only watch as the consequences of their actions finally caught up with them…

————

“Kris, it’s another puzzle. What should we do?”

“… remember that forcefield from before?”

“Yes?”

“Could you… again?”

“Freeze the puzzle…?”

He nodded.

“Kris… I don’t know if I’m capable of that…”

“Do it Noelle.”

“What was that Kris?”

“Proceed.”

In but a moment the puzzle was finished… Noelle had done as told and froze it over… but why, for a moment… when he told her to proceed… he could’ve sworn he saw her smile…

It… it didn’t matter… as long as she did as told he could ensure she was safe. They would proceed and become strong enough that she will never be at risk again…

————

“I’ll go ahead and do the puzzle Kris!”

Kris watched as she went down to solve the puzzle.

… it was a good thing wasn't it? They were protecting her, telling her what to do, helping her solve puzzles. And every time they did it… they got stronger…

… what did he do when he made her get her that ring? When he made her solve that puzzle? … it… it didn’t matter. It didn’t matter if he can’t remember. It didn’t matter if the battles are blurring together.

With her by his side… they could both do things they could never do before. Isn’t it a good thing? … I’m just protecting her.

… as long as he … just tells her what to do. As long as he orders her to…

“Proceed.”

“All done Kris, let’s find some more enemies! But first,”

————

At Noelle's request they went back the way they came, back to a certain dumpster…

Noelle knocked on it.

“[Angel], [Angel]. ARE YOU LOOKING FOR THE [Ring] OF [Thorns].”

She turned to Kris, her face staring into him.

“… yes.”

“THat’ll be 1997 KROMER.”

“Yes.”

“HERES YOUR [Ring]! CAREFUL, IT MIGHT [Sting] EAHEAHEAH.”

Out of the dumpster came a ring. They picked it up and put it on Noelle's hand. 

She didn’t make a sound and only smiled harder as it was pushed further up her finger, it drew more and more blood. They would’ve stopped… but something told them they knew she’d be fine. Eventually it was the entire way on her finger… right where it belongs… they began to walk away when they heard the trash can talk again

“HOLD ON ONE [[60 Second Timeframe]]”

They turned to see a head poking out of the dumpster and staring intensely at Kris.

“HOLY [Cungadero] KRIS! YOUR STR1NGS!”

The little creature seemingly teleported up and starting curiously looking looking all around him.

“… Noelle should I just…?”

“KRIS! BUDDY! PAL! IF YOU HAVE THE POWER TO BREAK YOUR OWN [Silly Strings] THEN MAYBE YOU CAN HELP ME WITH A LITTLE [Side Project]”

“What exactly is this… side project?”

“A PLAN TO [Power] TO [Overthrow The Ruling Class] AND TOGETHER WE AND YOUR [Hochi Mama] CAN CONTROL THIS ENTIRE [*€&#@¥£€] CITY!”

He held his hand out to Kris.

“THE NAMES SPAM- SPAMTON G SPAMTON AND IM HERE TO MAKE YOU THE [Deal Of Your Rapidly Shrinking Life]”

Kris turned to Noelle.

“I don’t trust this thing but you should decide Kris… your much better at making choices than me.”

He turned back to the frantically moving salesman. Was it even possible for them to stay still? Certainly an interesting character… and once again a familiar one.

“DONT DELAY KID, NOWS YOUR ONE AND ONLY CHANCE TO BE A [Big Shot!!!]”

But he was very much a shady person, how could Kris know they were trustworthy? Maybe they’d help but if they ended up hurting Noelle all because Kris let them join… he didn’t know what he would do.

Kris turned to walk away.

“NO!! KID!! YOU CANT JUST [Abandon Me To The Puppet-master]!!! YOU TWO CAN LEAVE BUT I WILL FIND YOU [Sooner Or Later] AND YOU WILL [Feel Immense Regret And Pain]

Kris ignored Spamton’s warnings and continued to leave.

————

They rounded a corner… one that seemed all too familiar to Kris. Before them stood another enemy… another threat. Two WereWires… 

He lashed out against one of them, the dust covering the floor.

Was it always this easy? This simple? This numb? … they were nothing… just… empty shells… they would try to hurt her… he just had to protect her… just had to…

Kris used X-Slash

He turned around. Noelle lowers her defensive ice wall. She seemed happy… happy with him… 

Her smile contained the warmth of a cozy fire despite being surrounded by bitter coldness. What was imaginary person in comparison to that?

She was like a snow Angel brought to life… and he was her knight… nothing would change that…

————

They walked onto the road, a threat lay ahead. He prepared to attack when he realised just who it was…

“So The Children Arrive? I Have Been Looking For You”

Kris went for an attack but was blocked by some green shield. Queen laughed at his attempt and drank from her new glass.

“Like The New Firewall? It Was Inspired By Your Friend Here”

“Then what do you want!”

“Well Seeing As I Need A Peon, And Susie Had Been Rather Uncooperative… Maybe You Two Might?”

“I’ll never let you take Noelle!”

“Well Of Course, I’m Not Just Taking Noelle, I’m Taking You Too”

Noelle sent another spell at Queen, it was dissipated by the acid shield.

“Do Not Even Try To-“

Kris once again swung at the shield.

“…It Is Unbreakable I Would Know I Made it”

They both continued to try and attack Queen.

“No Really It Is Unbreakable… You Two Can Stop Now”

The desperate assault against the shield continued.

“Your Determination Is Impressive But There Is Literally No Reason To Continue It Is Totally Illogical”

Queen just observed as they continued.

“… I Genuinely Do Not Understand What You Two Are Attempting”

There was a beeping noise.

“And Would You Look At That? The Cage’s Are Recalibrated”

“What?”

Kris didn’t have time to think before a cage came down around him and he was brought into the sky.

————

They awoke in a room with various things surrounding it. He recognised them from his search history. How long had he been here? There seemed to be a large computer. Only one thing was certain to Kris, he had to escape.

But how… he was trapped and with no way to escape. Wait, he suddenly remembered earlier, or rather a certain someone from earlier. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a card. He threw it through the bars and in a burst of smoke, Lancer appeared.

“Missed me? Because I missed you! Ha ha ha!”

“Lancer! Can you just find a way to free me?”

“You can always rely on a friendly me, to make you free!”

Lancer moved over to the computer.

“Haha!! I have no idea how to use this!!”

He jumped on the keyboard.

“Request… new item for room?? That sounds good. Item Request: Shovel. Quantity: … let’s say 999.”

The computer broke and the cage deactivated. 

“Hoho!! It worked!!”

“C’mon Lancer let’s go.”

They left the room as it was filled to the brim with copious amounts of shovelware.

“Is Susie here? I heard her earlier. I have a really cool thing I need to show her.”

Right, Kris now had a new… companion… to deal with.

“Don’t worry Lancer, you’ll see her soon enough.”

————

They went through the mansion halls. At first there were puzzles and fire spewing paintings blocking the path, but now… as he went on it they seemed to… break? Pictures didn’t work, puzzles were deactivated and on book on the bookshelves, error 404, no pages were found.

At first they had encountered a few of the employees, they threw plates and meals at him. They had been dealt with, though he made sure Lancer was firmly looking in the other direction. However now it was nothing but those small blue things, they exploded when touched or even just at random.

Still… they were but minor obstacles. Nothing would prevent him from succeeding I his quest.

————

Kris finally reached the door to Noelle's room. His subconscious remembered how to get here but he had no memory of actually entering the room… well here goes nothing.

The door opened and he walked into the room. He saw Noelle lying on the bed, he took a few steps but she didn’t move. Then he thought of something.

“Hey Lancer stay over here.”

“Whatever you say!”

They walked up to the bed and called her name.

“Noelle”

She awoke from her trace and looked up to see him standing above her.

“Kris…”

“Don’t worry Noelle. I’m here, you’re safe now.”

She smiled warmly before hugged him. “Thanks Kris, you really are my knight in shining armour.”

He… he was…yes, he was her guardian, her saviour, her knight… and he had saved her from whatever that horrible fate he had seen… he had protected her… and he had to ensure such a thing would never happen to her…

She saw Lancer in the corner.

“Kris it’s another darkner! Quick, before it tries to hurt us.”

“No, that’s Lancer, he’s our friend here.”

Noelle eyes Lancer with suspicion. 

“I don’t know Kris… how do we know we can trust it? It could betray us the moment we turn our backs on it.”

Kris considered her words… how did they know Lancer wasn’t a threat to her…? No… he had helped him and could hardly hurt a fly, Lancer wasn’t a danger.

“H-hey you woke up… your friend.”

Lancers usual blue started to turn lighter. He coughed deeply.

“Lancer, are you okay?”

“Y-yeah I’m just… cold.”

They started to slump over and turned almost grey.

“K-Kris I’m scared… what’s he doing?”

“Noelle he’s fine, I’m sure it’s nothing.”

Kris knew that wasn’t true, there was very obviously something wrong.

“What if this is some sort of transformation? Or what if he’s sick… and what if it spreads to us?”

As if on cue, Lancer fell onto the floor.

“D-don’t worry about me… I’ll be fine…”

“Kris maybe we should just… give him mercy?”

He turned to Noelle. “You mean to…?”

She nodded.

“We don’t have any way to heal it, trying to save it will only risk our own lives Kris. Do you want that? Do you want to put my life in risk for a soulless husk?”

She was right… Ralsei could be far from here and who knows what this was. There was a chance that taking him could be dangerous… the only other choice was an act of mercy…

His face was grim as he pulled out his sword…

“W…what’s going on?”

————

… Lancer… why… why did the world have to be as cruel as to force them to suffer through some twisted parody of their own previous misdeeds…

————

They exited the room.

“It was for the best Kris. It was just some empty body not a real living being, you did the right thing.”

“T-Thanks, Noelle…”

Kris was glad Noelle was here, at least she’d always support him… suddenly they heard footsteps. They turned to see Ralsei, Susie and Berdly approaching them. Susie shouted at them.

“Noelle! Kris! You’re alright!”

Ralsei seemed tired from running.

“We looked everywhere for you, we were even beginning to think you were captured.”

“We were.” Kris said in the most monotone voice imaginable.

Ralsei seemed surprised.

“Oh… how did you escape?”

“Lancer helped me and then I rescued Noelle.”

Susie looked around

“Uh… where is Lancer then?”

Kris froze… another wave of guilt hitting them. Even if it wasn’t a real creature… it was Susie’s friend… and the knowledge that had they just held onto hope for another minute and then they could’ve… could've saved…

For a few seconds nothing but an awful silence filled the air. Luckily Noelle stepped in.

“We… lost him while going through the palace.”

“What?! We need to find him and Berdly you’re helping me!”

“Huh? I don’t even know your friend.”

“Just imagine the complete opposite of you.”

“I’m not sure why you’d be friends with an incredibly unlikable plebeian who never ev-“

Berdly was cut off by Susie grabbing him and dragging him away. Kris began to walk away,

“I’m going to go seal the fountain.”

“That’s fine, Noelle maybe you’d like help with finding Lancer?”

Kris uttered a single word.

“No.”

Ralsei was startled for a moment.

“Kris?”

“Noelle stays with me.”

“Well… I uh… if Noelle’s fine with it sure? I guess I’ll just go and help Susie then.”

Ralsei went in the other direction. Kris and Noelle continued towards their goal.

————

They stepped onto the arena. Kris immediately recognised a threat on the other side, or rather three. 

“My Citizens Gone… My Palace Overtaken… And My Battery Acid Running Out… This Is When I Realised That There Was A Solution… The Knight… Who Created This World With A Single Thrust Of Its Blade Using Their Power, Their Will, Their Determination… If With It They Could Create This World… Than With It…. We Can Fix Everything”

Queen turned around and started rubbing the armrest like something was on it. 

“Than Is When I Realised… If All Lightners Have This Power… Than All I Need Is For You To Join Me And We Can Create A Perfect World”

Kris held his sword tightly… Noelle let the pain overtake her… neither showed a single sign of giving in.

“So Be It… Time To See How Well You Stand Up… Against The Killer Queen!”

Kris begun with an immediate offensive towards Queen who simply blocked it with a battery acid shield. She laughed before Tasque Managers whip forced Kris back. He swung destroying an oncoming plate and out of the corner of his eye, he saw a Tasque jumping at him. An Icy bolt hit it and it froze. He silently thanked Noelle and continued trying to hit them.

They continued their assault in vain, every hit merely bounced off of the acid shield while they slowly took damage. Swatch fought with fork and knife alike, sacrificing the Palace’s finest silverware for the sake of this battle, despite how much it pained him to do so. Tasque Manager’s whip snapped and cracked, aided by an endless amount of Tasques coming. Queen… well she didn’t do much, she just mostly sat there enjoying the show and blocking their attacks. 

Another three course meal was sent at Noelle, she didn’t see it until it was too late. Luckily Kris jumped in and blocked it. She would’ve smiled at the image of him saving her if not for the whip that was quickly approaching her, she ducked beneath it. Queen laughed at this and drank from her cup.

However that drained the cup enough to disable the shield. Kris realised this and immediately swung for Queen, the attack only hit the chair and he then quickly avoided a kick to the face. Stepping back due to the flurry of cutlery in the air, Queen’s glass refilled somehow. They had to use that opportunity next time.

And so they continued avoiding attacks and eating to heal from those that did hit them, unfortunately they were beginning to run out of CD bagels. That’s when Kris realised what they should do, and dodged another attack in a much more flashy, showy way. Queen clapped delightfully and drank to it.

Noelle realised what was happening and moved with sheer elegance and grace… as she froze a Tasques head. The plan worked and Queen drank once more emptying the glass enough for the shield to be disabled. Kris acted without hesitation and swung dealing great damage to the chairs thruster.

“Oh No”

The chair exploded and Queen went flying. Now all that was left were the two others.

They both seemed deeply affected by the loss of their Queen…. but Kris knew how to fix that.

He went in and swiped against Tasque Manager. They survived the first blow.., but not the second. They turned to dust upon the floor. When Kris looked over, Swatch wasn’t doing much better, having instead been turned into part of the palace furniture in the form of a statue.

Noelle looked around.

“Did… did we do it? Did we win?”

“Not Yet!

Queens voice boomed through the arena.

“My Employees May Be Gone… But Don’t Think You’ve Won”

Queen laughed at them.

“This Entire Time I’ve Been Preparing My Final Form, I Just a needed The Time To Charge It And Now It’s Time You Finally Join Me Or Perish!”

They heard large stomps until a giant robot stood up behind them. There they saw Queen in the head piloting it.

This didn’t look good…

Queen prepared to attack, they moved a few controls and pressed a few buttons.

“What? This… Isn’t Working? I Was Suppose To Be Thrashing You Right Now”

“NOT YET”

“What?! You Can’t Just Steal My-”

Several explosions hit the giant robots head, its face changed to blue with white text as it fell to the ground below. Kris looked on as a different robot descended from the sky on a pair of wings… and strings. One arm a blaster cannon, neither leg touching the ground and a very familiar face.

“KRIS”

A large thing hung on the other side of the arena.

“YOU LITTLE [Worm] I FINALLY FOUND YOU!!”

That was when Kris realised who it was.

“I OFFERED YOU A [Specil Deal] KRIS WE COULDVE WORKED TOGETHER! WE COULDVE BEEN THE [Big Shots] IN POWER, THE ONES WITH [Autonomy]!! BUT YOU!!!!

Spamton seemed maybe just a slight bit angry.

“YOU [Negative Response]KRIS! YOU OF ALL PEOPLE KNOW WHAT ITS LIKE TO SEE THE [Scissors] DANGLING IN FRONT OF YOU ONLY FOR SOMEONE TO [Steal It]”

Kris found this unsettling… but why was it so familiar…

“BUT IM A MAN OF [Opportunity] KRIS!!! WHEN I SEE A [Spicy Hot Deal Just 4 U] I TAKE IT! EVEN IF THE COST…”

Spamton laughed and pointed his arm cannon towards Kris.

“IS YOUR [$4.99] LIFE”

Several small Spamton heads came out of… somewhere and started the attack. Kris cut through two but a third one hit him. Noelle narrowly escaped several lasers and was almost blown up by a blue ellipsoid. 

“YOU KNOW KRIS I WAS NEVER A [Salesman] FOR THE MONEY!”

Spamton shot lasers and white objects from his face. Kris evaded a few but got hit and had to eat a CD Bagel to heal. Noelle used IceShock on Spamton. It hit his arm but it didn’t slow him down.

“I WAS ALWAYS IN IT FOR THE [Freedom] BUT THEN THAT [Damned TV Man] TOOK IT AWAY”

Noelle avoided several flying heads and a ball of energy from the cannon. Kris used this time to rush up and slash at Spamton, he was knocked back a bit but showed little visible damage.

“BUT YOU!! YOU [Little Worm]!! YOU SHOWED ME [Freedom] YOU COULD’VE HELPED TO [Let Me Spread My Wings] BUT INSTEAD YOU WALKED AWAY!!!”

Spamton’s body span around firing various energy balls, blue ellipses and flying balls while his head shot lasers at them. The entire arena getting covered in scorch marks and damage. Both Kris and Noelle managed to hit him.

“KRIS I CANT LIVE WITH THESE DAMN [Silly Strings] ABOVE ME! I NEED [You]… YOU TO [Perish]”

He pulled out a phone which started shooting signals at them while his other hand continued shooting energy balls at whoever it could target. At one point while it was distracted with Noelle Kris leaped and ma aged to hit Spamton’s head. Spamton recoiled and began to shoot his head with… smaller versions of his head?”

“BUT IF YOUR SO INSISTENT ON [Resisting] THEN ITS TIME I SHOWED YOU [The Smooth Taste Of] NEO

Spamton backed away and seemed to somehow grow in size. Kris and Noelle backed away but then his mouth opened and he started to suck them in. Kris dug his sword into the ground and grabbed onto Noelle, they managed to hold on despite Spamton’s efforts.

However his attack didn’t end there. As Kris and Noelle recovered their footing he began to shoot large vengeful spirits towards them. The Spamton reminiscent ghost like things flew by them, a few hits leaving them weak. Then one giant one approached and exploded in the middle of the arena. 

Spamton reappeared in the middle of the arena, a tired Noelle sent several attacks against him.

The IceShock spells hit Spamton and he began to glitch out before finally falling onto the ground.

Kris took several seconds just to breath before rushing over to Noelle. 

“I… I’m fine Kris… just a bit hurt…”

He passed her the last CD Bagel he had found. She quickly scoffed it down. Only then did he notice there was something going on behind him.

Turning around the robot seemed to be rising again despite its damaged state. One eye flickered in light and his head was even twitchier than usual.

“NO!! I CAN NOT [Go To Hell]!! KRIS… I WILL [Kill You] I WILL CUT THESE [Strings] AND FLY FREE!!!”

Spamton rushed towards them. Kris barely had time to jump into Noelle and push her out of the way. They both narrowly avoided the enraged machine.

“FREEDOM!!! I CAN TASTE IT!! YOU CANT WIN [You Little Worm] JUST [Shut Your Yap] AND [Cease Existence] ALREADY!!!!”

Kris stood up, sword in hand. Noelle crawled away as he stood his ground. Kris knew he was Spamton’s target. Hopefully Noelle could make use of that to avoid dying…

Steam bellowed from their ears as Spamton shot an array of projectiles and attacks at Kris before finally throwing himself into him as well. Kris parried and avoided several projectiles but ended up being bodied by Spamton and got thrown into the ground.

“[Finally] FINALLY!! DIE YOU LITTLE [^¥$€*]”

Kris was in a state of pure panic, he saw the crazed look in Spamton’s eyes. His braining thinking of every possible way to avoid a very painful death, he shouted to Noelle.

“Noelle! Do something! Anything!”

“I-I what do I do Kris?!”

He rolled away from several laser shots and called back.

“Just attack him!”

“B-but…”

He deflected an incoming attack away but got hit by the second one, square in the chest. He could only watch as Spamton leaned over him, read to deliver the killing blow. That is when, with the last of his breath and without thinking, he muttered a single word. A word which filled him with an unending amount of dread.

Spamton laughed, about to win, when he realised what Kris said… his smile fell and he desperately reached out, he just needed to get that stupid little… get freedom… payback… cold… getting colder…

————

The Angel rises once more… and this time… it’s by Kris’s own command…

You know… they’d say some fancy thing about how ‘Kris… you have become the very thing you swore to destroy!’… but that wouldn’t stop what was happening… it wouldn’t somehow change anything… and of course that fact that there wasn’t anyone around to actually listen to them say it.

Instead they would watch on… the universe could have its bit of irony… the moment they could they had to stop this… they weren’t sure yet… how but they would, they had to. They owned that much to everyone after what they’d begun…

————

Kris stood up on wobbly legs, he fell hitting the ground. On his second attempt he stayed up and looked around. He was on the edge of Queens arena. A statue of Swatch, Noelle's unconscious body and a scarf in the middle. He picked it up, the way it shone and gleamed… perhaps Ralsei might have a use for it.

More importantly, Noelle was here. She were alive but unconscious. He needed to close the fountain, but he wasn’t about to leave her here. Grabbing her arms, he pulled her on his back and continued towards the fountain.

Despite his exhaustion, he made his way towards the central building, the one with the great geyser above it. Carrying Noelle along the way.

They approached the fountain, this was very far from the first time he had done such a thing… Kris felt it. They laid Noelle on the ground with the upmost care before they came up to the fountain. 

Their soul left their body and went into the darkness.

————

Everyone began to wake up.

“Huh my alarm? Was it all just a… wait Susie and Kris?! What are you two idiots doing here?”

“Well, uh, Noelle invited us.”

“But Noelle they’re!”

They noticed Noelle was still asleep.

“Oh, she’s still asleep. Wait the time! Ahh, I'm going to be late for my shift with Ms. Boom!”

Berdly left the room. Susie turned to Kris.

“You know Kris, I think I’m starting to see something between you and Noelle…”

Kris looked at her.

“You two used to be childhood friends?”

He nodded.

“Good for you two to be getting back together, and by saving the world no less… wait wait! Hold on a second Kris. We just actually saved the world didn’t we? Damn, we really are hero’s. Too bad Berdly and Noelle probably just think it’s a dream…”

Susie walked towards the door. “Well… let’s get outta here, we gotta see the Castle, I just hope… Lancer is there…”

Kris nodded. “Go out, I’ll be with you in a minute.”

Susie took her leave and Kris was alone with Noelle.

Looking at Noelle unconscious, it was as if she was simply sleeping. Who would have known that but maybe ten minutes ago she was fighting for her life, though it wasn’t that damn salesman that knocked her out… but rather that spell.

It seemed familiar… far too familiar… it carried with it a horrible feeling of guilt and dread… no they… shouldn’t think of that. It… it is the reason they’re still here. Nor should they forget their self set mission. Even if Noelle is capable of such feats of magic… that only means it’s more important that they ensure no one else can hurt or use them.

It was time to wake up. They whispered her name.

“Noelle.”

Her eyes opened.

“Kris?”

He couldn’t help but smile. 

“Don’t worry Noelle, we won. We beat that thing and together, we closed the fountain.”

“And everyone else?”

“Left, I stayed behind to wake you.”

“You didn’t need to.”

“And yet I did.”

She smiled. 

“I think I’ll… stay here for another few minutes… bit tired is all.

“I don’t blame you. Well, I have Susie waiting outside, suppose this is where we part ways for now. Bye Noelle.”

“Bye Kris! See you later.”

He waved her goodbye and left.

————

They walked into the little castle town. Kris felt a chill go down his spine at the sight of the courtyard… another bad feeling…

They chased Susie as she ran into the castle.

“Ralsei! You there?”

The Prince walked down the stairs into view.

“Sorry, I didn’t expect you to be here so quickly.”

“Wait… is Lancer here?”

Ralsei looked uncomfortable…

“Ralsei… where is he?”

“He’s… not here.”

“What?! But you said! You said he would be here! That he was ‘already saved’ or something!”

“I- I don’t know, he should’ve been here but… he isn’t. I… I’m sorry Susie.”

Susie fell on her knees. “Is he just… gone then?”

“I’m not sure Susie…”

“WELL THEN BE SURE YOU… I…”

Susie went quiet.

“Sorry…”

Ralsei put their hand on Susie’s shoulder.

“It’s alright… I understand, Susie please have hope, I’m sure we’ll find some way to get him back here, and if he’s somewhere out there, I’m sure he’s looking for a way back too.”

Kris felt an emotional punch to the gut. They wanted to say they knew what happened, they had seen him… but how would they react? Knowing he was truly gone… what would they think of him? … he didn’t want to imagine it. They would never understand the circumstances… he couldn’t tell them… it was for the best…

————

Kris and Susie entered the hospital room. Noelle was with her dad.

“Silver Drake huh? That’s a new one. Alright what’s the plan honey?”

“How about IceShock?”

“Ice magic in the Ice Palace boss? Don’t you wanna try FireShock or something?”

“Oh yeah, sorry. I’m never good at making my own decisions, but that doesn’t matter.” She smiled.

“You seem happy today, something good happen at school?”

“I got to hang out with Kris in the library, we had a great time!”

“Kris huh… well I’m glad to hear you had fun. After such an eventful day I’d say you could use a bit of rest.”

“Sure dad.”

Noelle put away the console.

“See you tomorrow, bye!”

She turned to leave and saw Kris and Susie.

“Hi Kris!” She gave a little wave. As she passed him he heard her whisper something in his ear.

“I’ll see you soon…!”

Rudy coughed before turning his attention to the two guests in front of him.

“Second Krismas already? Heh, I see you’ve brought a friend this time. Who might you be young lady?”

“Uh, I’m Susie.”

“Oh… it’s you…”

His face grew somewhat concerned for a moment before returning to its usual cheer.

“Sorry, I… heheh, used up a lot of my energy just now. Probably not gonna be very fun to talk to.”

Kris nodded. “It’s fine. We’ll let you rest then.”

He turned to leave and Susie followed.

“Actually… Kris, mind if I had a word with you for a sec.”

Susie shrugged. “I’ll see you outside.”

It was just Kris and Rudy.

“Look… has something happened between Susie and Noelle?”

Kris shook his head.

“Sorry but it’s just… I’d tell you to keep this a secret but you probably know already. She likes Susie, or at least… she used to…”

He sighed.

“Now of course, I always want to support her, I told her she should tell her, be confident, you know all that jazz… but suddenly on Monday… it’s like a switch flipped in her. She only spoke about you… when I asked about Susie she called her a violent thug. My first thought was that there was a fight and you might’ve saved her or something but seeing you and Susie here as friends… I don’t understand and… I’m worried about her is all…”

He turned to look Kris in the face,

“Kris… I’m locked up in here, I don’t know what’s going on… but whatever it is, it’s affecting my daughter. And as I can’t do it myself, I’m asking for your help. I know you might’ve separated in recent times, but back when you were kids you two were almost inseparable at times, even if it was just because you were pranking her. I wouldn’t trust anyone else more with her than you. So please just make sure he’s alright, and don’t let anyone hurt her…”

Kris nodded. “Don’t worry, I will ensure nobody can hurt Noelle…”

————

Kris finally arrived at his house. 

“Kris, you going home?”

He nodded.

“Alright… then… guess it’s goodbye for today. See ya tomorrow Kris…”

Susie began to walk away when the door opened.

“Kris! How was studying with your… Why Kris, is that your friend? Why don’t you invite her inside?”

“U-uhh, I mean, I… uh… Kris, I should, um, probably get going and…”

Susie began to leave again.

“I was going to bake a pie… Did you want any?”

She immediately stopped.

“… Guess I can come over for a bit.”

They both went inside.

————

Well at least this is relatively similar… excluding the car tyres nothing had changed, Toriel still suggested a sleepover, though certainly less pushy this time. Same movie, same question…a worrying answer… and of course sleeping. Now they just had to try and think of something to do about… the situation…

But what could they do? If Kris found out they existed it would likely only further push him down this path… actually, they are asleep right now…maybe, they could try and take control. It was a risk but knowing whether or not they could do it would be helpful for future, granted if they’re asleep it isn’t really as challenging.

They put all of their effort into trying to move, trying to take control. After maybe a minute they opened Kris’s eyes.

Well it was a start. Don’t suppose they could just take control and make a dark world here. I mean really, doing something like that would be incredibly rude and annoying to whoever was in control. Only a real douche would ever do such a thing, someone truly evil and terrible… god they needed something better to do.

Wait… did… did they just see a figure outside? No that… but who would that be… They heard the bathroom window open and someone crawling inside. Kris? Kris could you wake up? Please wake up, for once they were regretting being in, relative, control. Footsteps growing louder! They were approaching… what did they want? Who were they-

Their train of thought was cut off by the sight of someone coming into view… or rather a certain monster with antlers and a shiny red nose. The only noise was Susie’s snoring and the sound of blood hitting the floor. They watched as they brought something into the air, and down upon the floor opening a dark geyser in the ground…

And the world turned black around them.

Chapter Text

Kris as in complete darkness. Where… where was he? His surroundings were void of any sort of light… void… yet another word that brings anxiety. Turning around, Kris saw the figure of Noelle standing there. He reached out to her.

“Noelle? Is… that you?”

He touched her and immediately was knocked back down to the ground, the previously sweet, kind girl replaced with an expressionless face and pure white eyes. Her hands came together and she floated off the ground, as the blizzard emerged around Kris, for a moment he could’ve sworn he saw two great wings of ice appear. The storm grew thicker and thicker, until it suddenly ceased. Noelle was gone.

Standing up and breathing heavily, he heard something behind him. It was a darkner, one from the Cyberworld… and bearing a great red X across their chest. It spoke in a strange way.

“Was it worth it?”

Kris didn’t know how to respond, then just as suddenly as it appeared, the darkner faded to dust. He stepped back and heard another voice behind him.

“Was it really just to protect her?”

Spinning around they only saw the remnants of dust floating away. It… it had to have been a good thing. When your friend is in danger you protect them right? And the darkners… it was only Ralsei who had said they were people… someone he had met only the day before. Surely is Noelle, a friend from many years ago, said something she wouldn’t be lying right? … right…?

Then he heard a low voice next to him. They saw a grey and white spade shaped figure there… Lancer…

“Did you really help me?”

It turned to stone, then faded away. A voice echoed out, they couldn’t make out what it was. 

Lancer was… an accident… just a misunderstanding… it… wasn’t their fault, Lancer could’ve been hurt or something and… and if Ralsei wasn’t there then… no…

Then they heard a footstep behind them. There stood Susie and Ralsei.

“We trusted you Kris… we thought you were our friend.”

“I… I didn’t mean to… I-I was just trying to”

They turned and walked away, disappearing into darkness.

“No, NO! Please! Please don’t leave! I don’t want to be alone again, never again!”

He desperately chased after them but tripped and fell further into the void.

————

Kris’s arm hurt, it had taken the brunt of the fall. Though his arms condition was still great compared to his mental condition. That… that nightmare… he was still hyperventilating.

His eyes opened. He rubbed them and blinked a few more times. They were definitely open. Yet despite that everything was pure darkness, and what was he lying on? It certainly wasn’t the couch.

Hey you, you’re finally awake! … you know that’s probably work better if they were actually capable of hearing them… 

Trying to stand up, he felt his clothes weigh heavier than usual. They touched their chest, instead of fabric they found metal. They were in a dark world!

How did… No this… could it still be a dream. How could a dark world have appeared in his own house? And what had happened earlier. Yes it… had to be a dream… or rather a nightmare…

Suddenly music started to play. Why was it strangely familiar? They heard a strange voice announcing something.

“Disk! Of! Misfortune!”

The lights turned on, he was standing behind some kind of podium? Looking to their side Kris saw Susie was here as well. A figure appeared in the centre. They immediately recognised them as Mike.

“Ladies and gentlemen… welcome to-!”

“Hey… where are we?” Kris interrupted him.

Mike coughed. “Welcome ladies and gentlemen to-“

“You uh, didn’t answer my question.”

They seemed to continue completely ignoring Kris.

“Disk of Misfortune! Today we have some new competitors!”

“Is…is Noelle here?”

Mike facepalmed.

“Oh for the love of- Here today is out first guest! Kris Dreemurr. The incredibly rude and annoying outcast of society who needed reality to hit him in the face with incredible luck and opportunity just to make a friend, who even now they are secretly betraying for another person. Guess some people just can’t have many buddies right?”

It was impossible to describe the way Mike said that.

Ooooooooohhhhhhh my god Kris, get Noelle to help you with that burn!

“Don’t interrupt people! Now to continue, next we have the bad good guy, the rudest gal on the block! Empathetic enough to be friends with some loser, it’s Crazy Axe Susie!”

Susie gave Kris an empathetic shrug.

“Finally we have the motherly teacher, the scariest kind woman, dubbed… ‘Goat Mom’ by what I can only assume was a bunch of insane people, it’s Toriel Dreemurr!”

“I’m sorry but, what exactly is this?”

“Please keep all questions until the end of the world. But you are on, Disc of Misfortune! Now #1 top rated show on air after Peril was cancelled due to technical difficulties… including several frozen cameras.”

Mike posed as a giant wheel came down from above behind him.

“But enough of that. On with the show! How about mouthy over there goes first?”

Kris was silent.

“Great! Now let’s spin the wheel and see what you get.”

The wheel had several dozen different options, including several question marks. Mike came up and pushed a button. The wheel span around before eventually stopping on spin again.”

“Well folks, guess we’re spinning again!”

The wheel span around and around… only to once again land on spin again.

“Wow! Now what are the chances?”

Mike spun the wheel agai- and it’s spin again.

“That is… what…”

They spun the wheel with frustration. Spin again.

Susie scratched her neck. “Is uh… is the thing broken?”

“No it’s just… it’s a coincidence. I’m sure it won’t happen again.

The wheel spun. Mike was wrong. Their hand shook.

“I think… I’ll just…”

Mike pushed the wheel a bit onto the next option.

“And would you look at that! You got… what is that a woodpecker?”

“Woah Kris, is that the thrash machine?”

“Trash machine?! My child, is this the project you were working on?”

“Uh, Kris would be better or worse to tell the truth?”

Mike snapped his fingers. “Enough talking! Now without further ado… behold, the great, the mighty!”

A hole opened in the ceiling and a giant duck machine fell down.

The audience cheered.

“This… thing…? 

“Did you and Susie… build this?”

“It’s… complicated.”

Mike snapped out of their confusion from the sheer power and beauty radiating from the giant mechanical duck.

“You two built this so how about you tell the audience, what exactly does this, surely impressive creation, do?”

“Well uh, usually it just-“

Before Susie could elaborate, the duck spontaneously exploded.

“… that.”

“Wow I guess that creation really blew up in your face?”

A laugh track played before being suddenly cut off. Mike looked up concerned. The lights flickered.

“Not again!”

Mike quickly ran across the room. There was a distant shout from another darkner.

“Shes coming!”

Mike cringed. 

“God damm- well folks! I’m afraid we need to end things early tonight! Make sure to tune in next time, goodnight!”

The red light turned off. 

Mike slumped against the wall. Holding his head up.

“God, where did it all go wrong?”

Toriel looked concerned.

“What is happening?”

“Oh right, you three are still here. Evil monologue, ‘I’ll get you next time!’ Etc etc. Now get out.” They pushed a button beneath the centre desk and they all fell into several trapdoors.

————

After a minute of sliding and falling down the tunnel, Kris finally hit the ground. Once again he felt this wasn’t the first time such a thing happened. Maybe he had had this dream before? It could be the same as his own about the Cyberworld… was this all going to happen tomorrow? Well anyway, he should probably just go along with whatever happens for now. He hoped to the Angel that it would be better than the last dark world…

Looking around he appeared to be on a ‘beach’. The sand beneath him with a view of the ocean. Granted it was just a painting of the ocean but it still looked alright, though it probably didn’t help that it was night. They could see the hole where they had come from. No way they’d go back through there.

Looking further inland, it was covered with a thick jungle and of course a volcano in the distance. Wouldn’t be a mysterious island without one.

He decided on heading into the jungle himself. Maybe there was something in there that could help, would certainly be more productive than just circling the island. 

————

Kris continued through the thick humid forest. They used their sword as a machete to cleave through the plant life and undergrowth. It wasn’t perfect but there wasn’t really an alternative. They suddenly ceased all movement. Footsteps ahead. As carefully as they could, they approached the source, making little noise as they moved. Crouched down they saw a white fuzzy head above a bush. Toriel?

While observing her he noticed she was carrying a book. Strange. 

Apparently he wasn’t as good at sneaking as he thought for Toriel started looking in his direction.

“Who’s there? Show yourself this instant or I wi- wait Kris?”

Kris stood up and gave a small wave. Toriel ran over and despite being a goat, gave Kris a bear hug.

“I’m glad to have found you. I do not know where we may have found ourselves. This is not what I thought the school trip would be like.”

He had an idea.

“Its probably just a dream right? I mean does this seem real?”

“Well, no, it does seem rather extraordinary.”

“You fell asleep watching me and Susie, now your just having some crazy thoughts about a jungle island.”

“I suppose that would make sense, but then what does that make you?”

“A figment of your imagination? Your idea of what Kris is like? Who knows.”

“Well… don’t worry my child, even if you are not real I will be sure to protect you.”

Kris might’ve laughed, had he just convinced part of his dream they were dreaming? This was pranking people on the next level. Maybe he could have more dreams like this I’m future.

Their thoughts cut off by a darkner bursting through the overgrowth. It had a great coat around it with a hat, mask and sunglasses blocking its face.

“What? Kris what is that?!”

Another… darkner… Noelle wasn’t here… they weren’t a threat… but even still, it was just Toriel here..l maybe they could get her to have to deal with this.

“Help! It’s going to try and hurt me!”

“Kris what are you talking-?”

The thing shot several magic bullets at him. Despite dodging several, the last one hit Kris.

Toriel rushed over.

“My child are you hurt?”

Kris gave a nod. The thing prepared for another attack but Toriel saw this and her motherly instincts kicked in. She opened her book and it began to glow. After that? It was hard to say. Did the darkner burn to ash or fade to dust? 

“D-did I really just?”

“It’s a dream remember? It doesn’t matter.”

“Right… I suppose then it doesn’t then.”

Kris looked around. As always this place seemed familiar. He vaguely recalled this dream before. His gut told him which way to go. Well if it gets this over and done with faster,

“I think this is the way out.”

“Well Kris, I’ll let you lead the way then.”

————

Their slow march through the forest was sometimes halted by enemy offensives, however Toriel would always quickly deal with them. For Kris it was somewhat entertaining to see Toriel actually use fire magic for more than cooking, especially in a jungle like this. Kris had to admit he was most certainly a Fortunate Son.

————

After twenty minutes of going through the thick jungle and plant life. They came upon a facility in a clearing. 

“Do you think this is where those… things came from?”

“Yeah. We should try heading inside.”

“But wouldn’t there be more of them? My child, that could be dangerous.”

“Mom, I’m not completely defenceless.”

“I… I suppose but-“

“Trust me. I know the exits in there.”

“Alright.”

They made their way towards the building. Surprisingly there wasn’t anyone around. Not even the darkners.

“How are we going to enter?”

They should be sneaky… but honestly Kris just didn’t feel like doing that. Not like it would matter anyway.

“Well seeing as there’s nobody here, probably the front door.”

“That seems rather-“

“I’m part of the dream here aren’t I? Who do you think will know more. Me or you?”

“Yes I suppose you do…”

They opened the front door and walked in.

… really? That’s it? I was hoping for some sort of spy montage with vent crawling, sneaking around, famous themes. No instead you just walk through the front door. How much more boring could you get? Seriously Kris, think about the people watching this for once.

Several darkners approached from out of the darkness. Said darkness was practically immediately gone after Toriel threw a fireball at one taking only a second to slam into them. As it turns out, when you know proper magic in the light world then you become rather good at it in the dark world. 

Kris didn’t even have to do anything himself. Just watching as Toriel quickly dealt with everything. In mere moments. After a flurry of fire and flames, the battle was over.

That was when Kris noticed there was a chair in the centre of the room. Kris and Toriel began to walk towards it when suddenly a metal wall slammed down on the door behind them, locking them in.

Suddenly a voice broke out.

“Well, well, well. Kris, I’ve been expecting you.”

The chair turned around towards them, there was a small screen on it showing Mike.

“What? Mike!?”

“Yes, it is I. Mike. However I unfortunately could not meet you in person. I assure you it’s not your fault, I have two other side plots to deal with after all. But even still you have walked right into my trap.”

“What are you going to do?”

“Oh nothing, that’s how these things work you see, because I have a new henchman who seems to have everything planned out. He’s a logical man, a cunning devil, one who always thinks things through. Anyway enough build up, I have to deal with your friends. Tata.”

The screen flickered off. 

“Was that the man from earlier?”

“Yes, my only question is who he was-“

“Thou’st fools… haveth you’th forgotten’st about thou’s greatest foe.”

“Kris? Do you know this person?”

“Oh great…”

A shining light appeared from the sky and came down upon an above platform. Suddenly Rouxls Kaard stood there.

“Did thou really believeth it would’th be thath easy? Vanquish those beliefs for noweth you must’st beat the greateth Rouxls Kaard!”

Rouxls attempted to laugh maniacally. It sounded more like child giggling.

“You seeth, I haveth this bomb. Once I trigg’rth it, thou shalt have to use thine’s abilities to cut these wireths in order to deactivate it. Or else it shallt explodeth, in thine face.”

“How do you activate the bomb though?”

“It is rather simplith, I presseth the button, like theis, and it is arm’d.”

Rouxls pushed a button and a 3 minute countdown began.

“… so what happens when it explodes?”

“Thou’st shall be blown to Navy Joanne’s Locker.”

“And what about you?”

“I’th shall be away and safe, sheltering from it.”

“But isn’t the bomb going to explode now?”

Rouxls froze. Silently, they looked at the bomb, and then more specifically at the countdown which was approaching a minute and a half. For a few seconds he stood there and contemplated what he was doing with his existence… followed immediately by blind panic and attempting to defuse the bomb. Though a lot of effort he managed to cut the wires using only his teeth. He turned back to Kris.

“Do not thinket that thou’st has’t won! This was’eth a great feat achieved be’th myself!”

Rouxls started to leave.

“But I shalt get thy next time… next ti- what! Not againth!”

His body turned to stone and he fell to the floor.

“GOD… DAMMIT!”

“I am… unsure of what just happened.”

Kris shrugged. “You get used to it.”

The screens suddenly turned back on.

“Now, let’s see how you’re… you’ve… defeated him… already? I have to say I thought this would go a bit longer… he didn’t even get you onto your proper places. I even specified that in the contract.”

“Thou’st hast forgotten! I am unableth to read.”

“… that’s it I’m leaving you here.”

“What?! Is art really so unhonoured as t-“

Unfortunately the world would never hear his last words as his head followed in his bodies footsteps.

“Well at least he got one of you onto your correct positions.”

“Our what?”

“Onto these.”

A trapdoor opened beneath Toriel and next to Kris. Toriel screamed and shouted something to Kris before falling down.

“… I have to ask why is it always a trapdoor?”

Mike shrugged.

“This was one of the more recently made sets and we don’t have the budget for a better exit.”

“Really? Not even something basic?”

“Do you know how much a volcano costs? Didn’t think so, now if you could kindly jump down that pit it would really help advance the plot. That and there isn’t another way out.”

Kris looked to his side and sure enough Toriel’s thing was back to being a floor. Well guess it was just to wherever this would take them.

————

Kris walked through the city which he had been brought to. The night sky above illuminated by hundreds of little specks of light. The glow from all the windows. The distant sounds of a river. It was strangely peaceful. Though it just put Kris on edge, it reminded them too much of… before…

They rounded a corner and found themselves staring into the face of some strange darkner. They frantically backed and went for their sword but stopped once he realised… this wasn’t a darkner… it was a frozen statue.

Kris calmed himself but still kept his hand on his swords grip. A frozen statue… did that mean she was…? Were they right back in the… no, no they… surely they weren’t going back to that nightmare… they didn’t want to… not again…

They were taken out of their thoughts by the sounds of footsteps. A shadow was seen coming from the nearby street. Kris quickly drew his sword. The figure stepped into view. The deer rounded the corner.

“Noelle?”

“Kris! Phew, I’m glad I finally found you.”

“I had no idea you were here, but still it’s good to see you.”

She came closer to him.

“This place is just like before… it’s so big and scary but… I guess you’ll keep me safe won’t you Kris?”

This… couldn’t be real, it had to be a dream… how else could Noelle be here? Even still… they didn’t want to go through that again… they didn’t want to… but what about her? It’s not as if they wanted Noelle to be hurt… just the way she looked at him, that face full of hope… could they really say no to that? … it… it didn’t really matter… right?

“Of course I will Noelle.”

She hugged him.

“Thanks Kris! As always my special knight.”

————

Another darkner approached. It was in black and white stripes and didn’t make a sound. Kris drew their sword. They swung, striking the darkner across the chest, it turned to dust. They felt terrible for it… but he had little choice. Even if this place was unfamiliar, they still had a feeling somewhere inside. Maybe more of some primal instinct, telling them that whatever the thing from the Cyberworld was… it still watched and waited. They wondered if it was the dream or maybe it was somehow watching… Kris shuddered,

They looked around the street. The windows were empty, nothing but a yellow light. The moon hung in the sky, full and new. Across the street were simply normal decorations. Steel benches, bins, a plant box with a birch tree. 

“Is something wrong Kris?”

“No, nothing to be concerned over. I just… have a bad feeling.”

“A bad feeling? About what?”

“I had… a dream, no, a nightmare. I’ll spare you the details but… someone did something horrible to you…”

“You’re worried for me?” She smiled slightly.

“I… I’m not sure if it’s just worry… sometime I swear I can feel their presence watching me…”

“Well… if I am in danger somehow then I think we should be more careful. Maybe you should tell me what to do more? That way I don’t make some silly mistake and get myself hurt. Besides, your much better at decision making than I am!”

“… I… I guess if it’s for your safety…”

Kris walked ahead but Noelle didn’t follow. He turned in confusion, she was standing there looking down. Kris sighed.

“Follow me.”

Noelle smiled and skipped back up behind Kris and followed him down the city streets.

————

A puzzle lay ahead of them. Kris didn’t bother paying attention to whatever puzzle this dream could throw at him, he already knew exactly how to solve it. Kris walked up to the puzzle.

“Noelle?”

She looked up from the floor.

“Proceed”

The puzzle was frozen over. 

“Follow.”

It was for the best… 

Noelle hopefully looked up at Kris. She wanted something. He nodded in return.

“Kris, I saw a giant Ferris wheel over in there earlier. Maybe… we could…?”

Kris nodded. Riding the Ferris wheel with her like when they were kids… the idea sounded so nice and relaxing. Certainly a break from… everything going on.

————

Kris pulled the lever before quickly jumping into the Ferris wheel before the door closed. Noelle was already sitting there. It was nice of his subconscious to remember their previous agreement to go on one.

As they began to move up, Noelle started rubbing against them.

“Remember when we used to ride the Ferris wheel as kids?”

“I certainly remember your screaming at the top.”

They both laughed.

“We both know that was from your shaking!”

She sighed.

“I miss those days, back with Dess and Azzy, exploring the forest and always goofing off.”

Kris nodded slowly. Those memories always brought back a sense of nostalgia… and made him remember the disappearance…

“You know… after Dess went missing, I was so scared and sad. I remember spending days on end just lying in bed, I rewatched all those old horror movies we used to enjoy together… I found them scary but strangely comforting… I guess it just reminded me of how Dess used to always be there to comfort me. She was always protective of me and after she disappeared, I started to miss that. Just someone being there to help me or protect me… who would have thought that you, Kris, the infamous prankster, would be the one to be there for me?”

“Heh, I certainly wouldn’t have. The whole… Dess incident was… a hard time for me. I’ve never really talked about it because of the pain but… when we started to drift apart, mom and dad started to fight… and then after Azzy had to go to college? Well… I’ll spare you some of the details but I wasn’t feeling very happy. I stopped trying academically, I lost all motivation… and I held that burden alone. At school I became ‘that human weirdo’. It all became just the same monotonous cycle… school, eat, sleep, school, eat, sleep. My life felt empty and meaningless. A few times I even contemplated… well let’s say I’m glad I never went through with it…”

“Kris… I… I didn’t… if I had known then I would’ve said something or-“

“Don’t blame yourself, you did enough. Simple compliments or just giving me a smile. Those small acts of kindness… it may have seemed small but at the time, it would be one of the few highlights of my day. Everything else was usual boring and draining way of life. Then Monday happened… I didn’t really realise it at the time but… I had made friends. I didn’t have to be lonely anymore… you were even friendly to me again. Looking back, I’m so lucky I got such an opportunity.  I’m not alone now, I have Ralsei and Susie… and of course, I have you.”

They both simply smiled for a moment. Those were some of his darkest times… Kris had never spoken to anyone before about how he felt, not even Toriel. But now, just having had someone else to listen… it all felt just a bit better. Noelle glanced outside.

“Hey look, we’re almost at the top!”

As the wheel reached its peak, they both peered out upon the beautiful city in front of them. A great glistening tower lay in the distance, it’s bright lights bringing all attention to it.

“It’s beautiful.”

Kris couldn’t agree more. They felt Noelle’s head rubbing against their side again. He put his hand on her head and rubbed it gently, at that she just snuggled up even more. It was nostalgic, just remembering those old days at the fair. For a moment, they forgot about everything. The Cyberworld, the demon, the nightmares… 

However, eventually they began to descend.

“You know Kris… I must ask, why are you friends with Susie and Ralsei?”

“Well, I suppose it’s less of a specific reason but rather our adventure through the dark world.”

“I guess that makes sense… it’s just, you know, I don’t know if their trustworthy.”

“What makes you say that?”

“I mean, Susie was the school bully ever since we went there. I remember all of the terrible things she did to people. Can one day of fun really make up for years of that?”

“I suppose not… but you haven’t really been around her lately, she’s changed. And anyway, I thought you… had a… never mind.”

“And what about that one darkner? The one she bonded with? Would she understand you were trying to do what’s best? Or would she be blinded by anger and abandon you.”

“No, Noelle don’t be crazy. She’s my friend. I’m sure she’d… understand, I never meant to hurt anyone… I didn’t know Ralsei was there and, at the time it seemed like he could’ve been dying or… and besides he… surely Lancer wasn’t… no none of the darkners were… they couldn't be…”

“But will she? Do you really think that Susie will see you as anything more than a target to enact vengeance upon? Do you think she’ll really believe what you say? Will she forgive you? Or will she throw you to the side like the meaningless garbage she thinks you are.”

Kris was silent for several seconds.

“And Ralsei, do you think if it comes down to it, he’ll choose you over Susie?”

“I… I-I’m not sure…”

“Kris, Ralsei is a darkner isn’t he? If anything, he is even less trustworthy than Susie.”

“No… No Ralsei isn’t like the others. He… he’s a prince of the dark! Not a darkner, it’s different… he is a real person.”

“But do you really think they’ll both stay with you? Or will they willingly leave you to fall back into the darkness you faced before.”

“I…”

Kris didn’t speak. He didn’t want to think about it… about the idea that his friends might really just walk out in him… the thought scared him. Then he felt a soft fuzzy hand take his own.

“Don’t worry Kris. I’m better than them, I’ve learnt from the past. I’ll never leave you again.”

Kris smiled. He ignored the slight blood he felt come from that ring. His previous worries washed away by the knowledge that, even if everyone else deemed him an outcast… he’d always have Noelle.

————

… I’ve tried to ignore it… what’s going on. Tried to be more optimistic that everything will sort itself out… but… this is impossible to simply look away from… but first Toriel and now this?

Kris… can’t they see? It’s all an act, they’re trying to convince them to abandon their friend! To abandon everyone that matters to them! And to get themselves to be the only person left in his life… just like before…

It was their fault… everything was… they caused all this… if only they hadn’t…

No, they couldn’t regret the past. They had to figure out how to deal with this. They had to plan around everything that happened. And they had to hope that by the time they could act… it wouldn’t be too late for Kris…

The Angel and the Knight…

————

A darkner ahead. Kris readied his blade, but then Noelle stopped them.

He turned back and gave her a questioning look.

“Kris… could you let me handle this one? I have a new trick I’ve wanted to show you.”

Kris thought for a moment before gaining giving a nod. Noelle smiled and the darkner approached. 

Kris prepared to block its attack but it was unnecessary. A crack of bluish white went through the ground below the darkner. Ice rose from the ground hitting the darkner into the sky, it seemed disoriented but that quickly ended as a bolt of magic hit them mid air. 

Turning back, Noelle was standing there somewhat nervously yet still hopeful. 

“What do you think?”

“Noelle… I’m proud of you.”

She beamed and hugged him in delight. 

… it… it had to be a good thing… just look at how happy she is… doesn’t that make it worth it?

————

There were more, more darkners. More enemies, threats to them. But they were swiftly dealt with. Even with the darkners they still had fun. They enjoyed walking the city together. Seeing all the pretty little sights. Noelle laughed and smiled, Kris often did too, though he was never that openly emotional.

Then they encountered another one of the tunnels. Those connectors between the area’s of this world. It reminded Kris this was still just a dream… even if it felt so real, so nice… it wasn’t real.

“One of those tunnel things huh? Well Kris, I’ll let you lead the way.”

He nodded and walked down, soon they came upon a split in the path. They had to choose a direction to go. Before they could think more about it, they heard footsteps from the leftmost one dubbed ‘DCU’. They pushed Noelle back and drew their sword.

From around a corner they saw Ralsei and Susie emerge.

“-soon or else they might…oh! Kris, you’re here!”

Kris sheathed his sword and gave a small wave.

“I see you found Ralsei.”

“More like Ralsei found me, heh, but yeah. Oh, Noelle’s here? Why are you here?”

Kris ignored that and began down the right passage, titled ‘Clue’. “We can discuss that later. Let’s just get going.”

Noelle quickly followed after. Susie gave Ralsei a quick shrug before they both went along.

————

After several minutes of mostly silence with a few attempts to pick up the conversation by Susie and Ralsei, they found a door blocking the path ahead. Kris opened it and stepped through.

On the other side it seemed to be the entrance to a large building. A grand staircase lay in front of them and a great chandeliers hung from the ceiling yet it the room was still dreary and dark. Kris stepped forward, one of the floorboards creaked.

“This is… different.” Susie commented.

As they all stepped in the door suddenly slammed shut behind them. They all spun around and started to back away from the door.

“Good evening, I welcome you all to our most humble abode.”

Once again turning around, a strange darkner stood on the staircase. The strike of lightning filled the room with noise and a brief burst of white light. Susie and Ralsei flinched.

Kris spoke first. “Who are you?”

“I am the caretaker of this mansion. I assume you must be here for my masters party, though many of the guests have yet to arrive.”

“Uh, yeah sure. Now you wouldn’t happen to have a food table would you?”

“We do, however I must warn you… don’t eat too much, you do not wish to be sick if the situation gets… dire.”

Lightning once again lit up the room.

Noelle was staring at the roof, “…But there isn't even a window?!”

“I must continue my duties, but you are free to go about the mansion. A word of advice however, if you see a room 42 then do not enter, the guest there does not wish to be disturbed…”

The caretaker walked away leaving them on their own. Susie began to walk one direction.

“Well, I’m gonna go find the food.”

Ralsei chimed in. “Kris can go with you, me and Noelle can explore the mansion!”

“What?! No I think and Kris and I shou-“

“Well c’mon! I’m already hungry.”

She pulled Kris down the hall.

————

Kris watched as Susie made a giant sandwich that was a similar heigh to her. She threw it up in the air and swallowed the entire thing. He had to admit it was rather impressive she ate that. 

“Are you just planning on eating?”

“Well what else are we going to do here?”

“Find a way to leave? You know, to seal the dark fountain and end this?”

“I’m sure saving the world can wait a while.”

They heard a scream. It came from nearby.

“And can that wait for you?”

“Yeah, I get it, let’s go.”

They ran out of the dining room, though not before Susie grabbed a few things for the road. After running down the hall they eventually came upon the room. There was a darkner encased in ice. They both froze as soon as they saw that. 

“What the?… what happened here?”

Kris approached the statue. “They seem dead.”

“Did someone do this?”

“Certainly seems like it.”

Susie looked rather worried.

“… Kris… what if one of us gets hurt again? Lancer’s already missing… I don’t want it to happen…”

Kris went silent for a moment biting his lip.

“You know… about Lancer… I… I might know something else about his disappearance.”

“What! You do? Is… is there a chance he’s fine? Or did someone… I swear if someone hurt him I’ll… I’ll… just… please tell me the little guy’s alright.”

“Well… you see…”

Noelle suddenly burst into the room. “Hey Kris! What’s going on… is that darkner okay?”

“Oh, Noelle. Well we aren’t sure but… where’s Ralsei?”

“I don’t know, we got split up earlier.”

Kris was silently glad Noelle interrupted them. 

“Don’t worry, I’m sure Ralsei will come around soon, actually I think I hear him now.”

Susie and Noelle stopped to listen. Indeed the sounds of footsteps were getting louder. Ralsei reached the room.

“What happened here?”

“Another unfortunate incident.” A voice from behind him spoke.

Ralsei jumped forward a bit before looking behind him. Lightning stuck again revealing the caretaker from earlier as they stepped into the room.

“It appears our other guest here has met a most… untimely fate. I’m afraid it’s far from the first, this place has been cursed for a great long time. They say a terrible monster lurks these halls, a monster of white and black. While it may be much to ask, perhaps you four could help us with our little problem?”

“Oh course we’d love to assist! Don’t worry, we’ll help you with your problem.”

Typical Ralsei.

“I wish you luck then. I’ll be around the building. If you wish to know anything simply ask.”

They went back into the halls. 

“I think I get it.”

Kris looked away from the door and back to Susie.

“This is like some sort of ‘solve the mystery’ type things isn’t it? That’s a prop made to look like a darkner.”

Ralsei nodded. “That’s what I was thinking. So how should we do this?”

Susie had an idea.

“I know, let’s split up and look for clues.”

“Great idea, we’ll cover more ground and solve this in no time!” Ralsei said in agreement.

Kris shrugged. “Well if it means we get this over and done with faster.”

“If Kris agrees, then I guess it’s a good idea.”

And so they began splitting up, however before Kris left Susie pulled him aside. 

“So uh, about Lancer from earlier…”

“I’ll… tell you later, alright?”

Susie nodded grimly before Noelle popped her head back in the room.

“Hey, we’re suppose to be splitting up now.”

And with that they went their separate ways throughout the mansion.

————

Kris wandered the halls aimlessly. They were ‘looking for clues’ about this mystery, which was rather hard considering they had both never done this before and knew who the culprit was already. Still, it gave them a chance to look around and take a break for a while. This mansion seemed harmless enough, Noelle would be capable of handling it. Even still though he was worried about her. It would help if there was something to distract him, Kris wondered if one of the rooms had some sort of game console. It was just a dream so it would make sense.

Eventually the corridor ended in a new room. It seemed like some sort of dining hall. Two great tables with a multitude of chairs. Nothing on them though. There was a door at the back. They tried it but the door was locked. There was another entrance to the room. Well guess it’s back to wandering the halls. Not that Kris minded too much. They have had plenty, PLENTY, of time to learn how to entertain themselves when alone. They continued down the hall.

As they walked through they realised something. The room they had just passed by… Going back it was the number he had been previously warned about. They started to ponder whether or not to enter… oh who were they kidding, they had spent their entire childhood adventuring and exploring the forest. It’s fate was sealed as soon as Kris saw the room’s number.

Putting their hand on the knob, they slowly opened the door. They then realised that was way too cliché and boring, instead deciding to just throw the door open. It was pitch black in there. A bit creepy… probably nothing, Kris went for the light switch. As he did, an ominous sound came from deep in the room. Footsteps. Kris rubbed the wall faster trying to find the light switch.

The footsteps got closer. Kris got faster.

The light switch was found and suddenly the lights turned on revealing the mighty beast!

… it was a small white dog with a white sheet over it. It barked at Kris before running out the door and down the hall, leaving a small white trail behind it… Kris figured someone else could deal with that. 

Looking inside, it seemed the dog was working on a computer of some kind. Upon closer inspection it appeared to be a mega computer of sorts, built with the intention of finding out a big mystery or something. It was hard to tell as half the code was just [Bark_Bark]. Whatever it was doing, the answer seemed to be 6x7… whatever that meant.

The rest of the room was mostly empty except for a pile of fish and a towel. Maybe Kris wasn’t looking hard enough though, if the dog had a towel it certainly should’ve had a toothbrush, face flannel, soap, tin of biscuits, flask, compass, map, ball of string, gnat spray, wet weather gear, space suit and presumably a few other things. Well there was no point in looking for anything, if it belonged to the dog it was going to be covered in residue. 

They left the room as it was and continued exploring the mansion by himself. Thought this wouldn’t be for long as he walked around a corner only to see someone running at him for half a second before they collided, knocking both to the floor. He felt his head hit hard against the floorboard, it strung. Opening his eyes he saw

“Noelle?”

“I’m so sorry, Kris! I was running around and I wasn’t looking where I was going…now I…”

She looked down… or more of sideways in this case.

“Noelle… it’s fine, it was an accident. But please let me get up.”

She blushed. “Oh right, forgot about that. Sorry!”

She quickly jumped back up and onto her feet. Kris got back up.

“Well, if we found each other I guess we might as well stick together, right?”

Kris gave an indifferent shrug. “Seeing as I’ve already found the culprit, why not.”

She smiled rolled her eyes jokingly. “Very funny Kris. I’ll just let you lead the way then.”

Once more they explored the winding corridors. After a minute or two Kris spoke.

“You know I would’ve thought you’d be better at this.”

“What?”

“You’d be better at going around a mansion like this. You have a lot more experience in these kinds of buildings.”

She chuckled. “Kris that’s not how it works. My house is completely different to this”

“Just figured you’d know more about the layout, especially considering how often I got lost in your house.”

Noelle smiled remembering. “And every time Dess or I would have to come find you and bring you back. We started thinking you did it on purpose, faha!”

Kris laughed. “Back then I was certainly the adventurous, devilish, young rogue. Journeying through ancient rooms and finding lost treasures, just like in those games me and Azzy did.”

“I can definitely see that. To you I was always either the princess or the victim. You were either ‘valiantly saving me’ or preparing a prank. I remember being around you was always so scary yet exciting. I never knew if the day was going to be you bravely protecting me or if it was just the lead up to your next joke.”

“Well it was either you or Dess, and considering who had the wiffle bat, it was an obvious choice.”

“That didn’t stop her though now did it?”

“No.”  

They both laughed again.

“Hey Noelle, look at this door.”

They stopped in front of a large double door, it seemed more significant and important than the others.

“Wow, it’s so big. I wonder what’s in the other side?”

“Why wonder?” Kris said opening the door,

They both walked into a large open room. Kris closed the door behind them. Decorations hung from the ceiling and large windows high up on the walls let in moonlight.

“Wow this place looks amazing. I think it’s a ballroom of some kind.”

Kris noticed something in the corner.

“Kris? Where are you- oh! I forgot you could play piano.”

He sat down and stretched his fingers before beginning to play the large black piano.

Noelle stood there silently listening. She had no idea he was this good at playing. She didn’t recognise the song but it sounded great.

Boooo! Play Megalovania!

Eventually Kris slowed down and finished. Noelle clapped as Kris jokingly took a bow.

“That was amazing Kris! I knew you could play but I didn’t know you were this talented.”

“Don’t praise me so much, it’s nothing.”

“Who knew you were good at something other than pranking me?”

“Hey!”

Kris couldn’t help but smile as she laughed at him.

“Seeing as we’re in the ballroom.”

Noelle extended her hand.

“Kris, perhaps you’d care to take this dance?”

“Sorry, but… I don’t know how. I’ve never really danced with some else before. Only time it’s ever really come up would be in the school dance and well, you know what Toriels like.”

“All too well. But don’t worry, I’ll just teach you!”

“It’s fine, really you don’t have to.”

“Come on, it’ll be fun!”

“Well I suppose if you have to insist then sure. Teach me.”

————

Kris had completely lost track of time. It could’ve been twenty minutes, it could’ve been an hour. But neither Kris nor Noelle cared. They were both having fun. For a moment it was almost like they were back to their childhood days. Simply spending time messing about or doing some task together. Laughing at the failures, celebrating success. 

Even if Kris had tripped over himself more times then he could count, he had enjoyed it. Suddenly they both heard their names being called in the distance.

“I think Ralsei’s calling us.”

“I guess we have been here a while. But don’t worry Kris, as long as you want me to, I’ll always be willing to do this again!”

“Sure, well. Let’s go see why they pulled us away from our fun.”

They walked out into the hall. Kris called out.

“Ralsei! Can you hear me?”

“Kris! Thank goodness! We’re in the main hall, hurry!”

“Noelle, you know where they are?”

“Vaguely, somewhere in that direction.”

“Well let’s go.”

————

Kris entered the main hall. Susie saw him.

“Kris? Great, you’re here. Have you seen Noelle? We haven’t been able to, oh she’s with you.”

“Why did you call Noelle and I here?”

“Well…” Ralsei stood away revealing what was behind him.

The frozen statue of the caretaker. 

“We were worried you two might’ve been hurt.”

“Don’t worry, Noelle happened to bump into me and we decided to stay together.”

“But did you see anyone else?”

“No. It was just Noelle.”

Ralsei sighed. “Oh… it’s just, someone has to have done this but we haven’t seen a single darkner around here.”

“Maybe they won’t show up until we force them out?” Susie suggested.

Kris walked up to the statue. He tried to touch it, sure enough it was frozen solid. A small glint on the ground caught his eye. A little key. Quickly picking it up he walked back. Looking at it, the key had ‘backdoor’ written on it. The door from earlier maybe? Kris went to check what everyone else was discussing. 

“Im still not sure… Ralsei what do you think we should do next?”

Kris decided to add their own input. “We should split up again. But in groups of two this time, just to be safe.”

“I guess we could but-“

“Great! I’ll go with Noelle.” Kris motioned for Noelle, who had been silently listening thus far, to come to him.

“Hey, shouldn’t it be you and Ralsei this time?”

Susie was ignored as Kris and Noelle went back into the maze of halls. Before Noelle could ask Kris quickly explained what they were going to do.

“Found a key dropped by that darkner. If it works we’re leaving this place.”

Noelle nodded and followed Kris without further questions. They both ran though the halls and after only a few small detours, they found the dining room again.

Kris tried the key and sure enough the door clicked. The both walked through and the door shut behind them.

————

It had been several minutes of walking. The door had led to a hallway that clearly wasn’t of the wooden mansion aesthetic from before. Still they made their way through the strange looking area. Going over the checkered black and white tiles, they came upon an entrance. Kris walked in first when the door suddenly closed behind him.

“Noelle!”

He banged on the door but it was made of metal. No chance it would break.

“Kris? The doors closed, I… I’m scared.”

“Go and look for another way around while I try to see if I can find a way back on this side. Don’t worry Noelle, I’m going to come find you.”

Begrudgingly, Kris continued into a dark room. He could vaguely see different furniture or props on the floor.

Then, the lights turned on and Kris saw Mike sitting in a chair before him. Around them was some sort of kitchen set, it had ovens, cabinets, fridges and a few sinks.

“So you’ve finally arrived… the final battle, the last act, same as always right? You know, we get Toriel in here, do some dumb cooking show and then surprise surprise, we fight. Well how about we change this a bit. You’re all alone, friends separated, Toriel in some other place here just making pies. It was surprisingly easy to distract her. And why? Well, ya see there’s something I want to discuss.”

Mike stood up and started pacing. Kris had his hand in his sword just incase.

“You know, I wasn’t always like this. Before I used to be important, I had a big role, I was one of the ones with real power. Those were the glory days. I had everything I wanted. Sure, I had to do the dirty work of someone else but that’s just how you move up in this world. Who cares if I had to lie to a few people or push that idiotic salesman down. I was happy with my life.”

Kris saw Mike twitch a bit as their hands turned to fists.

“But then it all came crashing down… I was thrown to the side like trash by those I once trusted.”

They turned to Kris.

“Kris… YOU of all people know what it’s like! To have a perfect life ripped away from you! Every ongoing day feeling more and more pointless, the endless cycle of life continuing, your existence meaningless. Working as a GOD DAMN game show host… spending your days simply surviving rather than living. Left alone to hold out against a bitter reality…”

… they were right… Kris did know…

“When I first saw you I felt hope, hope that I could use you to gain ITS favour again! Somehow offer you in exchange for my old status, for the fame, the money. But alas, I may not be a genius but even I can tell your as ordinary as humans get. I was frustrated, with you, with this existence and of course that damn side character being a nuisance wherever she shows up.” 

Mike sighed.

“But then I thought of something. Why should I try to make some deal with it? Why should I try to regain its favour? Would history not just repeat itself? Would it the sequel just be some carbon copy of the original? That’s when I realised, the answer is us two, the ones screwed over by society. What if we could work together? We both have nothing left to lose except the very clothes we wear and everything to gain. That damn director ensuring everything is the way they see it, why don’t we fight back against it? Either we would win and gain the power to have whatever we want! Become gods of this world and have everyone bow down to us! Or simply die in the attempt finally ending our miserable lives.”

Their hand extended to Kris. “So what do you say? Help out one of your own kind, get revenge on the one that created your scenario, will you accept the bargain?”

Kris was silent. For a darkner they were certainly convincing… he had to admit he could relate to Mike and more so… if they did succeed… Kris could do anything they wanted to do… he could ensure Noelle's safety once and for all. And with something like that to gain, the risk of dying barely even crossed his mind. Such an offer was too tempting to resist.

They shook hands. Mike smiled.

“You made the right choice kid. You and I are gonna hit it big time!”

Mike motioned for Kris to follow them and began to walk though one of the exits.

“We won’t need some dumb figure telling us to do! We’ll be our own, independent producers! Answering only to ourselves!”

Mikes hand gestures got more and more exaggerated.

“We’ll have everything we’ve ever wanted! All of our goals achieved! Our most desired objects merely within arms reach. And this time, no dumb scientist will be stopping us!”

“Kris?”

They both turned around to see Noelle standing there confused.

“What are you doing?” She looked confused.

Mike immediately stepped towards her aggressively.

“Oh and if it isn’t the little princess. You know kid, you’ve been a real big nuisance to too me lately and I take that kinda stuff personally.”

“Mike leave her.”

“Oh no, she has been waaaay too much of a thorn in my side. You still have two more friends and by the time we’re in charge? You’ll simply be able to create them. Now as for you!”

Mike sent out an attack towards her at a rapid speed. The microphone quickly approaching its target and hit her knocking her to the ground. Mike prepared to unleash a lethal attack. 

Without time to react they found their chest pieced.

Mike fell to the floor and Kris ran to Noelle.

“Noelle! Are you okay?!”

“It was… just a hit to the shoulder, I’m fine.”

Kris turned back to see Mike crawling towards him, laughing as they bled something into the ground.

“I was a fool… to think you were any different just because we were alike… ha… I forgot the true rule of the universe… everyone will always betray you eventually.”

Kris tried to ignore their words and turned back to Noelle.

“Ha… I see it now… after noticing it becomes so obvious. You’re not like me, but rather my old self. I was after money and fame back then… but you Kris? Heheheheh, you aren’t just friends with her are you?”

Kris was silent.

“Heh….ha…hahaha… remember this lesson and remember it well for I am your future Kris! When you lay dying on the ground, abandoned by your friends, everything you cherish falling down… then you will know what it’s like to be truly discarded! And in that moment remember this, for its haunting memory will be your final thoughts as you give up on this world!”

The screen finally turned off.

“Kris… are you alright?”

He didn’t move. Kris was silent. The words from Mike repeating themselves in his head…

“Don’t think about it Kris. That darkner was crazy and wrong.”

“But how do you know that.”

“Because I know I’ll never abandon you.”

She hugged him tightly. 

… she was right. They were just another crazy darkner… Kris was confident that Noelle would never leave him.

Kris hugged her back.

————

Like they had so many times before, Kris approached the fountain. It was time to end this dream, it was certainly a nice one. As times they had even forgotten and felt it was real. Looking back at Noelle, they smiled. Too bad it had to end. 

Kris felt as if their very soul was glowing.

————

Kris opened his eyes. It was morning, or maybe midday? It was hard to tell. Maybe it was just a…

“Oh Noelle? What are you doing here?”

Toriel was surprised to see Noelle here.

“Oh well, since schools out I decided to visit here and ask Kris if we could work on our group project together again.”

“I see, but isn’t it rather early for such work?”

Noelle looked at her watch.

“It’s about twenty past twelve.”

“Oh heavens! How long was I asleep? I am most glad we do not have school today.”

Toriel gave a sigh of relief before looking to Kris and Susie.

“I assume you two would be happy to go along with her?”

Kris was silent but Susie seemed happy.

“We’d love to! Maybe we could get brunch of something first.”

“How could I be so forgetful! You haven’t eaten! Well don’t worry, I suppose since you are guests, and maybe as some encouragement for your project, I may let you have some of the pie we made yesterday. Don’t worry Noelle, we have plenty for you too!”

The doe smiled. “Thank you Mrs Dreemurr.”

“Please, just Toriel.”

————

“Remember, don’t overwork yourselves!”

The door closed behind them.

“You know Kris, I think I understand now why your mom has to lock the pie. Well guess we should go grab Berdly and work on that group project.”

“Actually, I was going to visit my dad first, you can go ahead Susie but I’m sure Kris can come with me.”

“Good idea, guess we’re off to the hospital then.”

“Oh no, I’m afraid there’s a new hospital policy. Patients can only have two visitors at the same time, and you know, Kris has known my dad for years so naturally I believe he should go.”

“Oh, really? …uh, well, guess I’ll see, uhhhh, you two at the library then.”

————

Rudy looked up surprised to see his two new visitors.

“Noelle! I’m not sure what I find more surprising, how early you are or how you somehow dragged Kris into this.”

“Well as far as Kris is concerned it means they don’t have to do it later.”

“I suppose, still it doesn’t matter if he comes early. It’s like I always say, Krismas always arrives sooner or later.”

“Faha, though you don’t usually mean it that way.”

“That may be true but I can’t just let you control Kris’s like he’s your own puppet on a string.”

Kris flinched at the wording. Rudy gave a concerned look.

“Kris? Is something wrong?”

“No, I’m… fine. Just a bit distracted.”

“Hey maybe next time Noelle can bring in a console and some controllers? I’d imagine that’d get your attention. Heheheh.”

“… could I maybe talk to Noelle outside?”

Rudy gave Kris a strange look before he turned to Noelle.

“Honey?”

“Sure Kris!”

————

Kris entered the library’s computer lab. They saw Susie and Berdly working in the computers. Susie looked up and waved him over.

“Hey Kris! Berdly’s here as well, wait where’s Noelle?”

“Still at the hospital, she’ll be over in a minute.”

“Great. Now get over here! We need to start on this project.”

Kris took a seat next to her. Inside he could only wonder… what would she do if she knew what he had done?

“First though, about the dark world. Where did you and Noelle go? We couldn’t find you anywhere then suddenly we’re back to real life.”

“Uh, well Noelle and I were chasing after the culprit, didn’t catch them but they led us right to the dark fountain. I just figured it’d be easier to close it and all.”

“Oh, I suppose that makes sense. And uh… about… that thing before…”

“I’ll… tell you tomorrow alright? I don’t really feel like… talking about that right now.”

Susie nodded and didn’t push it further.

————

They had spent the last few hours “working” on their project. Kris had put in minimal effort and Susie got completely distracted trying to beat Berdly at puzzle games. Noelle was the only one who got any real work done. Kris knew the project was due tomorrow but couldn’t be bothered to care. They had more pressing thoughts at the moment.

They left the library.

“So now what?” Susie impatiently asked.

“I’m just gonna go home. I just feel terrible and want some rest.”

“That’s alright Kris. Actually, Susie, there’s this wonderful place in the forest that I could show you!”

“Oh? Uh, yeah sure I guess we could go there.”

“Yes, and of course I shall join you on this epic quest of grand proportions!”

“Oh no Berdly, it should just be me and Susie. I can bring you another time.”

“Why not bring Berdly?”

“Susie, think of it as a reward just for all the work you did on the project.”

“What are you saying Kris?! Neither of us did any amount of work!”

“Yeah, but people actually have expectations for you.”

“What?! That’s ju-“

“No, no. He’s got a point.”

“Susie?! I thought you were helping me here. Dare you betray your teammate!”

“Look, how about I go with Noelle and we stop this argument. Don’t worry Berdly, if it’s anything cool I’ll tell you.”

“… I guess this works. I’ll just go home then and play some Smashing. I’ll see you simpletons tomorrow.”

“Well, I’ll be heading home too.” Kris waved.

“Goodbye Kris!”

“See ya guys.”

————

Its over… another day over… they could only make wild assumptions as to what tomorrow may bring. Would they even go to the dark world? Or the new one at least. Normally Lancer would get them to go there but now? And considering everything that’s happening, would the timeline find a way to correct it? … at this point it’s impossible to tell.

For now they would do as they had done so much before. Watch from the sidelines awaiting their opportunity…

————

Susie walked through the forest, they had never really gone that far in before, but now following Noelle they had gone really deep in. She seemed to know exactly where to go too. How much time had she spent here? 

She could understand why, it seemed rather nice and relaxing. Not exactly her thing but still. The sounds of birds singing, seeing the leaves fall from the trees, and of course the occasional noise from behind them, presumably from whatever small wildlife lived here.

Finally they stopped in a small clearing. Trees still blocked the sky but there was still plenty of open space. Including a large hole in the middle with a shovel in the side next to some piece of wood.

“We’re here!”

“Oh? So what exactly did you want to show me?”

“It’s over here in this hole.”

Weird, maybe she had picked up a few things from her time with Kris. Susie moved over and looked down. It looked like there was a box or something there but there wasn’t anything in it.

“There’s nothing here.”

“Keep looking.”

She did… it failed to impress.

“Hey, Susie, could you remind me, how long can a monster go without food?”

“Uh, I don’t know. I recall it being several days because of some magic thing Alphys was going on about, shouldn’t you know more about this then I would?”

“Oh I do, just had to be sure.”

She started to turn back to Noelle.

“What do you mean you had to-“

She felt the heavy impact of metal to the side of her head. She fell into the hole in the ground. With her head screaming pain at her and blurry, darkened vision, she saw Noelle standing above her. Shovel in hand. 

“You know, I made this yesterday incase I’d need to deal with you or Berdly. I didn’t think I’d use it already.”

Susie could barely utter a word.

“W-why…?”

“Fahaha! Oh Susie. You were getting a little two friendly with Kris. Even worse, Kris told you too much about Lancer and I’m afraid we can’t be having that.”

She looked into Noelle’s face. That smile… that sweet innocent smile along with those cold empty eyes.

“I… I knew that… t-there was something up wit… with you two…”

“Oh please, save me your last words you worthless bully.”

The wooden object from earlier, now revealed to have been the lid, was thrown down on top of the coffin. Susie heard the sound of dirt hitting the wood as she was buried alive beneath the ground.

Chapter Text

Kris woke up in sweat. Another nightmare… it’s… it’s fine… everything’s fine. Noelle isn't going to… Ralsei won’t… they haven’t…

He felt so tired. How much sleep did they get? At this point even four hours would seem like heaven.

Toriel opened the door.

“Kris? Oh you’re awake again. If you keep this up maybe we could be early for once! Haha.”

Kris rubbed his head.

“Yeah… I-I guess.”

Toriel looked at him intensely.

“Are you alright?”

“Yeah mom, I’m… fine.”

“Alright, but if anything’s wrong tell me. We don’t want you getting sick at school now do we?”

She left the room. Kris sighed and begun getting ready for school.

————

Kris walked into the classroom and went to their chair. As he went he heard a conversation between Noelle and Berdly.

“Wait what?! But I mean… not to disagree or anything, but we haven’t finished the project yet?!”

“Don’t worry, I did it all by myself yesterday, just follow my lead and we’ll be fine!”

“Uhm, s-sure, whatever you say Noelle.”

Kris sat down at his desk and awaited the beginning on the lesson. He was a few minutes earlier than usual, still later than almost everyone else but it was still a good time for him. The obvious exception was Susie… 

After waiting there fidgeting with whatever he had and playing a game of, guess when Noelle will glance at him, Alphys got everyone’s attention. An empty seat clearly in front of him.

“Uhhhh, okay class t-today we’re going to be showing off the g-group project.”

Alphys turned to Kris.

“Now, I‘ll let you do it t-tomorrow Kris as Susie isn’t here. So who could like to g-go first?”

Noelle's hand shot up. Apparently running wasn’t the only thing she was fast at.

“N-Noelle would you like t-to go first?”

Noelle whispered to Berdly.

“Just go along with me.”

Noelle walked up in front of the class, Berdly followed hesitantly. 

“Good morning everyone. For our group project I decided to do a presentation about my favourite thing in the world. Something I love very much, Krismas!”

Berdly gave her a confused look.

“Very good, n-now Noelle would you l-like to tell us why you choose Christmas a-as your topic.”

Kris noticed Noelle staring at him.

“Oh well you know, there’s just so much to love. It’s such a nice and quiet time of year and those dark blue knights just make me feel this sense of comfort and security that nothing else compares to.”

“T-that’s very good Noelle, m-maybe you could tell us w-why Christmas is so special to you?”

“Of course! It is rather complicated, after all me and Krismas go way back. On those days so long ago, I was just having fun, but over the years I’ve really come to appreciate those memories of Krismas. Especially ever since my sister stopped being around, I’ve found Krismas has really been helping my get over that.”

“Yes, I t-think we can all see you j-just how much you love Christmas.”

Noelle smiled.

“Yep! I really love Krismas, nothing else matters as much to me! Guess you could even say I’d kill for Krismas! Faha!”

Kris wasn’t entirely sure why he just felt a chill go down his spine.

————

“And that concludes my presentation on why I love Kris…mas.”

“G-good job Noelle. B-but please let Berdly s-speak more next time. Everyone give her a round of a-applause.”

Most of the class gave unenthusiastic clapping.

“… okay well you can sit down again. N-now who would like to go next?”

————

The rest of the class went about how Kris expected. Monster kid and Snowy did armless sports, Temmie did… egg… and of course Catti and Jockington who unfortunately weren’t allowed to attempt to summon a demon in school. Toriel had banned that after last time n the bathroom. 

“W-well everyone, y-you all did great on your projects! I’ll see you all t-tomorrow.”

Everyone began standing up and leaving. As usual Kris was one of the last to exit. Naturally Noelle was waiting for him at the door.

“Hey Kris! You must be happy huh? No Susie, no project! But don’t worry, if it becomes any kind of problem then I’ll be happy to help you.”

“Yeah… thanks Noelle.”

“You know Kris, I had a lot of fun yesterday. We should really hang out again, I actually have an idea for the location already, how about the graveyard?”

“Sure but later, let’s just say in an hour. I have some… things to do first.”

“Thanks Kris! I’ll look forward to later then.”

Noelle gleefully walked away.

Kris sighed and made his way to the closet. Making sure no one was around to see him, Kris entered the dark world.

————

Kris walked through the door and into the castle square. He saw Ralsei waiting for him.

“Hey Kris! Welcome back.”

Kris waved.

“Where’s Susie?”

He shrugged.

“Oh… well I didn’t see her today, I…I’m sure she’s just sick or something, maybe from all that moss right? Heh…heh.”

“Well… you know Kris, the other day she was so worried about Lancer. Maybe she just went to go look for him somewhere? But don’t worry too much, I’m sure she’s fine where she is.”

Ralsei gave a hopeful smile. Kris attempted one back.

“You know, Ralsei, I just wanted to ask something…”

“What is it Kris?”

Kris bit his lip.

“If… if something bad ever happened… you’d still be my friend right…?”

“What? Of course I would be! … Kris is… is something wrong?”

“No! No, e-everything’s fine, nothing is… nothings wrong…”

“Really? Kris is… is everything alright? Please Kris, if somethings wrong you can tell me and we’ll deal with it together!”

“No really, it’s fine… it’s, I… I have homework, better go do that now right?”

Ralsei looked at Kris with some concern.

 “Alright, but please, if you need to talk then I’m here for you.”

“Again, perfectly fine! I’ll… I’ll see you in… tomorrow, bye.”

Kris gave a quick wave before practically doing an Olympic sprint out of the dark world.

————

They should’ve acted… they could’ve tried to take control, they could’ve told Ralsei everything… but they hesitated.

Why did this have to be so hard? Why did Kris have to feel so guilty… why did it all have to be so similar… the guilt, the regret, yet still pushing forward… the only difference is their guilt was from their own actions, for Kris it was forced upon them by someone else… who was doing this ultimately because of…

It was all their fault… and now they didn’t have the guts to fix it. 

They just hoped that if they did act, it wouldn’t force them to condemn Kris…

————

The closet door opened and Kris emerged. They sighed to themselves. By now the school should be empty, what were they going to do now? Nothing to do… and an hour to spend, it was just like before… if only Ralsei hadn’t been…

“Kris?”

He turned and was surprised to see Toriel coming out of her classroom carrying some books.

“Wait, were you waiting for me to go home? Sorry, I just had some work to finish and I assumed you’d be out with your friends again.”

“No, no. I was just… talking with someone here and took a while to leave.”

“Oh… I see. Well I suppose I’ll be going home then. Have fun and be back before seven.”

“Yeah, yeah. Bye mom.”

Toriel walked towards the exit, she gave one last slightly worried look before going home.”

————

Kris walked through the graveyard. They were far earlier than they thought they would be… 

Sitting down on the ground they looked out into the forest as the orange leaves fell from the trees. A cold breeze sweeping by, it chilled him in more ways than one…

Kris felt terrible. Why did it all have to be such a mess… with Ralsei he felt terribly guilty, alone he just felt depressed and with Noelle he felt nostalgic, even happy at times… but then why did it so often give him a sinking feeling…

They wanted a break from it all… they had felt more emotion in the last few days than the last few years, they wished they could just have an ordinary day… or even just a few hours… 

For now all Kris had were a few minutes of peace. 

————

Kris saw Noelle approaching, just as joyful as earlier.

“Hey Kris. I’m so sorry for being late.”

“Your not late Noelle, I just… finished my work quicker than I initially expected.”

“You should’ve told me to come sooner than.”

“I figured you might be busy and I didn’t want to get in the way of anything important.”

“Don’t worry Kris, nothing I do would be more important than you.”

Kris chuckled.

“Heh, thanks I guess.”

He stood up.

“So what exactly did you want to do here anyway?”

“Well, I just wanted to meet here, instead there’s a place in the forest I’d like to go to.”

“… where exactly in the forest?”

“Oh don’t worry, you brought me there one time, I’m sure you’ll recognise it once you’re there!”

————

Noelle brought Kris to a large open clearing… it was familiar, maybe they had come here as kids? No… that didn’t seem right…

“Is there something you wanted to show me here?”

“No, I just felt this would be a nice place to practice magic.”

“Magic? Noelle, what do you expect me to do, as much as I’d love to, we both know I can’t do magic.”

“Well Kris what better way to make up for that then to help me get better at it? I just find it so much easier when you’re by my side encouraging me.”

“I guess that makes sense, but why would you need to train magic? I’m here to protect you aren’t I?”

She held his hand. 

“Because Kris, if your hurt then who’s going to protect you, dummy?”

Despite the coldness in her hand, Kris couldn’t help but smile. 

————

Noelle once again attempted to use a spell. However they were unable to do so. Kris watched her while sitting on a nearby log. They encouraged her efforts, if she thought it would aid her efforts then Kris was happy to help.

“That looked great Noelle, I’m sure you’ll succeed with a few more attempts!”

“Thanks Kris. I appreciate your support, but maybe you could be a bit more…?”

Kris immediately realised what she wanted him to do… 

“W-well… sure, if it helps.”

He was uncomfortable with it… but surely it was fine, after all it was just a bit of practice…

“… Proceed.”

Noelle’s movements were almost mechanical yet natural. In but moments she successfully sent a blast of magic hitting some tree. Kris recognised it as IceShock. When he told her to she did it in moments… it seemed as easy as taking a breath.

She turned back to Kris overjoyed.

“I did it! And it was because if you, thanks Kris!”

Before Kris could react, a cold warmth overcame him again as she hugged him.

“I’m… glad to see you succeed here.”

“You’re always a great help Kris!”

“Well, if you’re done with that maybe we could… move on to something else now?”

“We could visit my dad if you want. I know he enjoys your company, though definitely not as much as I do.”

“Yeah sure…” If it means they’re done here…

————

 The receptionist barely gave a glance as Kris and Noelle walked by. By now their visits had become just as ordinary as their lunch break. 

“Well if it ain’t my favourite daughter and her old tormentor. Sorry to disappoint, but I’m afraid I’ve ran out of Krismas puns.”

“Don’t worry dad, I think I made up for that earlier.”

“Heh, like father like daughter, right?”

Rudy stared at Kris for a moment. “You know Kris every time you visit you seem more and more distant, now I don’t know what’s going on for you, but you should be more optimistic. After all, how else could you play the part of Kris Kringle?”

Despite everything, Kris couldn’t help but snicker. “Thats a new one.”

“Seems like this old man still has a few jokes left in him.”

“Had to find something to replace Krismas didn’t you? Faha!”

“Well Noelle, professionals have standards. Now tell me, how did the group project go?”

“I’d say it was almost as amazing as it’s subject. Alphys said it was good and i enjoyed working on it.”

“Glad to hear, I would assume yours did alright as well Kris?”

“O-oh well… Susie wasn’t at school so I uh, didn’t have to…”

“I see… poor girl. Probably came down with something, not everyone can handle these colds.”

“Too bad she can’t just hibernate underground over the cold months right?”

“That hasn’t stopped a few people from trying! Heheheh!”

Kris laughed awkwardly.

“You know, it’s been a while. Maybe we should get going then? I’m sure your dad needs rest.”

“Whatever you say Kris, what should we do then?”

“How about… maybe we could go to your house? It’s been years, we could hang out like when we were kids.”

“Sounds great! I’ll see you tomorrow dad!”

“You two have fun, bye!”

————

“How were they?”

“Well, they were clearly worried and distressed but they refused to talk about why.”

“They might not know then…”

“I… I hope their alright… so what should we do?”

“I don’t know, we should at least wait until tomorrow. Don’t want to start something when I’m still…

“Yeah… is there anything I can do to help? Maybe some tea?”

“It’s fine… don’t worry about me so much.”

“If you insist. Well I should get back to my duties. I’ll be back later!”

“See ya.”

————

Noelle unlocked the gate and let Kris through before closing it behind them.

“Good thing you didn’t forget the key like on Monday, heh.”

“Not like that gate’s lock would’ve meant much to you right?”

Kris laughed for a moment but… what was she referring to… and what did he say? Noelle didn’t forget her key on Monday… yet despite that they remembered it… this entire train of thought was giving them a headache.

“Gosh Kris, do you remember how long it’s been since we were last here together?”

“Not since… before everything happened…”

They both went through the door and entered. Kris looked around.

“I see not much has changed over the years.”

“I think my mom replaced the carpet once.”

Kris looked at the carpet… it looked exactly the same as he remembered.

“You are sure she won’t mind right?”

“Oh don’t worry about her, she’s away at work; even if she does come home I’m sure she won’t mind.”

“If you say so…”

“Now, you decide what we do first!”

————

“Game!”

“Aw, I got close that time.”

“Faha, guess I’m still the Super Smashing Fighters champion.”

“Yeah, against you, Dess and Azzy, I never stood a chance. But don’t get too confident, next time I’ll win!”

“I’ll start another round then, what character do you want me to play this time?”

“You can do the Ice people again,”

“Thanks Kris! You make decisions so much easier.

They heard the front door open and someone walk in. There was only one person it could be.

Amidst their fun they lost track of time.

“Noelle?” Her mother called.

“Moms home? It’s that late already?”

Noelle panicked and quickly went to turn if the console.

It was too late however, footsteps quickly approached their room, the door opened and Mrs Holiday walked in. She immediately looked at Kris.

“Noelle? What is HE doing here?”

“Go home, I’ll message you later.”

Kris quickly ran past Noelle’s rather unhappy mother and left the house. While outside Kris could hear their conversation through an open window, he stopped for a moment hearing their 

“I’ve had enough of this Noelle. This is entire week you have been running away, coming home late and now bringing friends over without permission! What would your father think of this?”

“I think he’d be happy to see how much better my life is now and would tell you how harsh you’re being.”

“You know, he’s always insisted I shouldn’t punish you but this week you’ve gone too far. Tomorrow you are coming STRAIGHT home from school and will be grounded for the weekend. No going out, no after school activities and no seeing your friends, including the Dreemurr boy.”

Kris felt bad and began to leave again. They had been careless and now because of it he had gotten Noelle in trouble. There was some more talking that Kris couldn’t make out but as he reached the gate it was gone. Climbing over the fence, he made his way back home.

————

Kris walked through the front door. Toriel was sitting in her armchair by the TV.

“Kris! I told you to be back before seven.”

He shrugged and continued across the living room.

“My child, is everything alright?”

“I’m fine mom.”

“I’ve seen this behaviour before in your brother, did you-“

“I said I’m fine, alright!”

“… if you do not wish to speak about it then that is fine.”

Kris walked by and went upstairs.

As he fell into bed, Kris looked at his phone, a new message from Noelle. He wondered how long it had been since they had ever even spoke over text like this.

- Hey Kris! Don’t worry about trouble with my mom, we came to an understanding. I’ll see you at school tomorrow!

He knew Noelle’s mom wasn’t one to go back on something she did… no, they should think positive. What mattered was that Noelle was fine… 

- See you tomorrow

Chapter Text

Toriel entered the room to find a half asleep Kris still in bed, one arm drooping out from under the covers.

“Kris? Wake up it’s time for… my child, are you alright?”

Kris slowly sat up in bed and glanced at Toriel.

“Yeah, yeah I’m… I'm fine.”

“No, you don’t look good, are you sick? I might have to keep you in today.”

Kris waved her off.

“I’m just a bit tired. I’ll be fine to go to school”

“No. You aren’t going anywhere young man! Now of course I will still be gone, there is some pie left in the fridge, but if you do need anything… you may… call your father to help, BUT make sure he understands it’s just for your sake and if I find him here when I come back, I will personally drag him back to his house by the neck of that flowery t-shirt he always wears.”

“Okay…”

“Be good my child.”

Toriel left the room, Kris fell back into bed and continued trying to sleep.

————

Kris woke up to a knock at the door. At first they tried to ignore it but it just kept knocking. With much effort and little enthusiasm, they got up and slowly made their way downstairs and across the living room. Who would be here this early in the morning? Opening the door, Kris saw Noelle waiting for him. What was she doing here this early? Kris found it hard to believe Noelle would’ve presumably skipped school just to come here. In fact he didn’t but despite rubbing his eyes and pinching himself she was still there.

“Noelle… what are you doing here?”

“I didn’t see you at school and I was worried.”

She seemed so cheerful. Kris sighed. 

“Just, come in.”

He went back in and fell onto the couch.

“Also, there’s some pie in the fridge if you want any.”

Kris heard her speak from the kitchen.

“Sure Kris! I’ll keep it for later. So why weren’t you at school? Was it your mom?”

She came back and sat on the other side of the couch.

“Yeah, Toriel decided to keep me home, thought I was sick or something…”

“Really? How could she think that? You look perfect! There was no reason for her to try and keep you in all day… unless maybe she wanted you in?”

“What? Why would she want to keep me in?”

“Maybe she wants to keep us apart, she doesn’t want us together.”

“But why would she want that? I’d have thought she’d be happy I’m hanging out with other people.”

“Yes but we both know our moms don’t have the best opinions of each other, maybe she thinks because of that we shouldn’t be with each other.”

“No, this is my own mother, I’m sure she was just taking care of me and really thought I was sick of something.”

“Well, if you were sick you’re certainly better now, we should go out and do something!”

She was right, Kris certainly didn’t feel as tired as earlier, only a bit drowsy. Under normal circumstances, he would've just stayed at home, but now? After everything that had happened, every moment with Noelle, every doubt or suspicion about those he once considered friends, every single darkner defeated. One thought stood out more than any other.

“We’re going to my dad’s place.”

————

They both walked down the road, Kris was still a bit tired. Though certainly not tired enough to fail to notice Noelle suddenly stopping. He turned around to find her gazing behind them for once instead of at him.

“Is something wrong?”

“… it’s nothing, let’s just move on.”

Continuing up the road pavement they reached Asgore’s house and shop, Flower King. Honestly it was a rather impressive name considering Asgore’s standards. Though maybe someone else came up with it, Kris himself was lucky Toriel prevented him from being called ‘Human’. Kris opened the door and stepped through.

“Hey dad, mom kept me home and told me to… dad?”

Kris went further in with Noelle behind him. 

“Dad? Asgore? You there?”

The front store was empty. No Asgore in sight. It was possible that he had simply left… but why would he be out this early in the day? Walking into the backroom, one of the special flowers he always loves was missing, and instead of the entrance to Asgore’s greenhouse garden, a gaping black void was visible. 

“Well… we know where my dad went then.”

“Another dark world? Maybe we could go together and try to save him?”

“No, you shouldn’t come. It’ll be dangerous. You could get hurt.”

She looked at Kris grinning.

“Don’t worry, I know I won’t get hurt, after all, I’ll always have my special knight there to protect me.”

Kris looked into the void. Once again a growing part of him was saying to go.

With a small sigh, he smiled back, took her soft fuzzy hand and together they entered the darkness.

————

Was this? But… this was normally the fifth dark world. It shouldn’t be possible to… or was it? It was only in the last timeline that they actually managed to avoid several dark worlds, so maybe it is possible to simply skip one? Maybe whatever it is that tries to correct the timeline decided this was the best way to do so? Could it be there were some specific conditions that were fulfilled allowing this to happen? Or maybe it was just a coincidence that they went to Asgore’s house.

They shouldn’t worry about the why though, instead they should worry about how this’ll affect the dark world… and more importantly, what is that damn flower is going to do with this…

————

They both fell down. Kris was ready and landed on his feet. It was much more satisfying than face planting into the floor… like Noelle did. Kris quickly went over helped her up and while doing so he looked around.

“So it is another dark world.” 

Though strangely… it didn’t seem similar this time. Their immediate surrounding was rather plain, mostly just dirt and grass. 

Kris heard a sound behind him and immediate spun to see what it was. A small yellow flower was waiting there.

“Howdy! I’m-“

Kris thrust his sword out in an attempt to cut down the plant, it just went back underground and reappeared nearby.

“Woah! Why so aggressive bud? That’s no way to treat your new pa-“

Noelle quickly attempted her own attack against the little creature. It simply dodged it again. It reappeared again, however the nice and friendly smile was gone, replaced with a maniacal grin. 

“Oh! I see what’s going on here. Attacking me, showing no restraint or hesitation and of course that ring. Wow, to think I was going to kill you. If I’m right then this’ll be MUCH more entertaining. Well, I’ll see you around!”

The little flower laughed a bit before disappearing underground. Noelle looked at the dirt it had came from.

“What was that thing?

“I don’t know Noelle, but I doubt this will be the last time we see it.”

Ahead of them was a passage, the only way out of this place. 

————

They emerged from the cave, Kris blocking the sunlight from his eyes. After a moment he looked out upon a land of large trees and meadows, as well as a single small desert, presumably that was from that one cactus Asgore had. It was all surrounded by a wall of mountain peaks blocking sight. While squinting towards the sky, Kris could vaguely make out a glass roof over the land. There were several places that stood out, but right now his goal was to find his dad

He began to descend the hill and into the forest as Noelle followed closely behind.

————

The sun shone dimly though the thick layer of leaves and branches. They were walking down a stone path, it was either that or straight through the forest. There were various signs and warnings along the way. They all stated something about loyalists or insurgents. Otherwise the forest was empty of any proper structures and filled with many different flowers, about what they would’ve expected from Asgore.

“Kris, I think I heard something from over there.”

He looked in the direction she pointed in. As with everywhere, visibility was blocked by foliage. 

“I wouldn’t be surprised if something was in the forest somewhere. Stay by me.”

Cautiously, Kris led the way down the path, sword in hand incase of attack. Noelle suddenly shook his shoulder, Kris stopped to listen. Something was approaching…

Suddenly some large living plant burst out from the forest and staggered onto the path. Upon seeing the two lightners it immediately went to attack. As it lunged towards them Kris quickly shoved Noelle out of its path before jumping to the side himself being only barely hit in the arm.

The thing barrelled past them and hit a tree. As it was stunned Kris had a moment to get a proper look at it, most likely it was one of this worlds darkners, it seemed to be some sort of Venus flytrap with a body and most importantly, much larger. Kris remembered Asgore showing him them one day, normally they ate insects however now it was safe to assume it’s diet may have expanded. The one thing he couldn’t figure out was the drawing of a strange purple tulip on it’s side. 

Kris nodded at Noelle who in return sent a spell at the plant, it froze one of its four legs to the ground, however this only enraged it. The darkner tried to raise its leg and after some struggle it shattered the ice. A long vine flew out from its mouth, it went for Kris who quickly managed to cut through it. The vine snapped back and the enraged creature once again it charged them like a wild animal. Though having lost the element of surprise it was easy to dodge.

Kris was easily able to move out of the way, while it passed by he went to slash at its… stalk? As he did Kris noticed that it seemed to already have several smaller cuts and bruises there, if that didn’t kill it then maybe…

He had an idea.

“Noelle, use IceShock on the mouth.”

She quickly followed her order and as it turned around she successfully hit the things mouth. With part of its mouth frozen it was distracted. Kris used this opportunity to slide beneath and stab though the underside of its mouth. The sword met much less resistance here and easily went through leaving a gaping hole in the darkner. It’s body jolted upwards before falling back down hitting both Kris and the floor and turning to dust.

Kris got back up using the sword to push himself. Noelle quickly came over

“Kris? Are you alright? You were so brave there, thanks for saving me! You’re my hero as always.”

“I’m fine. We’re moving on now.”

A hero? … Kris certainly didn’t feel very heroic… no that didn’t matter… he had saved her hadn’t he? … that was all that mattered.

————

A noise from ahead alerted Kris. He stopped Noelle from moving forward and listened in.

“From reinforcements to bloody pet finders. We might have to abandon them if we can’t find em.”

“Hopefully we don’t have to, the Empress doesn’t tolerate failure. Why did that stupid little flower have to startle them? I swear if I find it I’m gonna… hold on.”

The two darkners came into sight, both sides saw each other. The darkners were two living flower creatures wielding some kind of plant weapons.

“Halt! Who goes there!”

The second one saw who was approaching and raised its weapon.

“They’re lightners! Damn insurgents, those traitors brought in more! For the Empr-“

It was frozen before it could finish. It’s friend panicked for a moment at it, sealing its fate as an x-shaped hole was slashed across its chest,

Neither Kris nor Noelle further acknowledgeable their existence. 

————

Kris put their hand up signalling for Noelle to stop. There was sound coming from further ahead. After slowly advancing, Kris saw a clearing ahead. Was that… were they fighting?

It seemed a dozen darkners were split into two different groups fighting each other. Kris could see one side bore the same symbol from earlier while the other group had some yellow buttercup as their symbol. Kris didn’t recognise either of them from anywhere.

“Kris?”

He looked back, Noelle was slightly smiling.

“Should I freeze them?”

“They aren’t a threat.”

“But aren’t they the ones who might have taken your dad? Wouldn’t they want to attack us too? We should kill them, right?”

Kris looked back for a moment. He didn’t want to… but she had a point… he sighed and took out his sword.

“Proceed.”

————

This is worrying… normally Ralsei would have shown up and begun the usual ‘let’s find a peaceful solution!’ thing which led to achieving peace between the two sides and a happy ending etc. But now? What impact could this have… and actually… why wasn’t it happening? Why wasn’t Ralsei here? Maybe it was Susie… was Ralsei showing up somehow connected to her? Or rather having her and Kris in the same place? Though it may also simply be another part of this world. In a dark world Ralsei will always appear to help but as with other parts of this world it may have been broken enough to stop this. Alternatively, it could be they appeared in the forth dark world, admittedly the thought of Ralsei freezing trying to find the other two was an amusing though.

No… they can’t get distracted. Right now they needed to somehow stop… this. God, if only they had done something yesterday, if Ralsei didn’t show up then they may not be able to find a way to stop this before Kris… they hoped it was not already too late…

————

There were more of them… enemies. They shouted about something, but Kris didn’t really listen. He never listened anymore. The world felt almost numb to be in. Everything felt dull, boring, uninteresting, that was just life lately. 

And killing these things, these darkners, these enemies. It didn’t feel good, nor did it feel bad. It simply happened and Kris moved on. The only thing left with any meaning was her, Noelle. She was the only one who made Kris feel real, like a person. She gave his life happiness, purpose. And for that he would protect her… 

There were those who would hurt them, for their own gains, some who would try to help, because of their ignorant understanding, and others were jealous, they wanted her for themselves. But none of them could change it, she would be his Angel and he her Knight.

————

Ahead lay a puzzle. Kris barely gave it a second glance before Noelle spoke.

“Kris?

He nodded.

“Proceed.”

Sometimes it felt wrong… but if it was such a quick and easy solution to an annoyance, then why shouldn’t he make Noelle freeze it? They continued down the winding path.

————

Kris suddenly stopped for a moment. He had just noticed a small trail going off from the main path. Just another distraction. They had encountered several but the few they had gone down didn’t lead to anything. Kris began to move ahead but stopped once he noticed Noelle was looking into the forest.

“Kris I… I think we should see what’s over there.”

He looked in, just more trees, bushes and flowers.

“Why?”

She rubbed her hand.

“I’m not sure… I just have a feeling.”

He nodded, he trusted Noelle, if she thought there was something then Kris would believe her. They went through the trees, upon closer inspection the markings were completely different to any previous ones. He had no idea as to why but maybe it could lead to an actual place this time. After a few minute of walking they come into another clearing. A large cliff face was in front of them and a small little cottage at the bottom of it. 

 Kris saw some yellow flower darkner, it’s petals were slightly withered and grey as it sat on a rocking chair in front of presumably its house. Kris went for his sword but Noelle shook his hand.

“Kris, I get the feeling we should try to talk before assuming they’re an enemy.”

Reluctantly he continued. They cautiously approached. The darkner looked up and saw them.

“Well if it isn’t the first Lightner I’ve seen since 1950… I’ve been expecting you.”

How did they knew they were coming?

“Who are you?”

“My name is Harkweed, last of the Snowdonian. Though many have called me by other names, I was once known for my strength in combat and powerful magic.”

Kris gripped the hilt of his sword.

“You seek to challenge us?”

Harkweed laughed a bit.

“I’m afraid those days are far behind me. Since my exile I’ve live my days as something of a hermit, away from society. Though I suppose your friend probably gave some indication to come here.”

“Our… friend?”

“Yes, he simply informed me that two lightners would arrive and I was to help them in their way.”

“And how do you plan to help us then?”

“Well for one thing I doubt you know this land, I would suppose you intend to visit the Empress, yes? To do so you can just take the great granite path, though quite interestingly it’s actually made of limestone but I won’t get into that story.”

“I would assume this is the stone path we’ve been on?

“I’d say so, far as I’m aware it’s the only one around here. Now you want to go until you reach the Maple Crossroads, then you want to take a left and continue ahead, eventually you should reach Point Acres and the locals should be able to guide you from there.”

Kris nodded taking in the information and began to turn to leave.

“Actually, there is another task I was told to do. Your friend told me to look at your equipment, thought I could do something with it. Now I’m no woodsmith so I doubt I’d be capable of helping, still I’ll honour the request.”

Kris reluctantly obliged and let Harkweed inspect his equipment, though he refused to let go of his sword.

“A fine enough blade, strangely dusty…no, surely I’m just seeing things with age. Now how about the…”

Harkweed stared at Noelle intently.

“Show me your hand.”

She looked to Kris.

“Noelle, show them your hand.”

She quickly followed her order and stuck out her arm. Harkweed closely inspected her finger, the one covered in dry blood, the one bearing the ring. Kris silently drew his sword, he expected it to attack or react negatively. However, surprisingly they smiled instead.

“Is that a … a Ring of Thorns? … oh my, heheh, I’ll admit I really misjudged you two. But don’t worry I have an easy way to make up for my discourtesy.”

Harkweed touched Noelle's ring. Kris held his sword incase it tried anything.

“Tell me exactly what your doing.”

“It’s been a long time since I saw one of those, now the one your lady here has is already powerful, but it has still room to grow. I can help with that. After all, I assume you’d want her to be stronger?”

“Stronger…?”

Kris didn’t know why… but the word rung warning bells in his head.

“You want me to be safe, right Kris?”

After a delay, he nodded silently before looking to Noelle.

“Proceed.”

She obeyed. Kris felt the magic intensify, there was bright glow around the ring before it stopped. 

The darkner went back and Noelle looked on at her ring. It looked more alive, the thorns were more vibrant yet even sharper than before. And on top of it was a trio of red berries with a few sharp, pointy leaves sticking out.

“There we go, hmm holly, interesting.”

Kris raised an eyebrow.

“Is something wrong?”

“Naw, it’s nothing. They just say whatever grows from the ring reflects the user or that it can represent their life or some similar superstition. A few have even claimed it can predict the future.”

“And can it?”

“Maybe, maybe not. I won’t bother you with such though. I have one last piece of advise before you leave. Of course, I may only assume as to the, ahem, nature of your visit to the Empress, however I would recommend a different path. Continue up until you reach the mountain, once you do then follow it to the right. Eventually you should come upon a cave that will eventually lead to the Empress.”

They snapped their fingers.

“Ah right, I should probably mention. There is another common aspect among her kind. Let’s just say that after you’re done you may want to quickly leave.”

Kris gave a small smirk as he finally put his sword away.

“It’s rather interesting you know this.”

The old flower chuckled.

“If only you were there for the War of the Roses. Many have used that cave for all sorts of purposes. However since my isolation I doubt it’s been touched in years, in-fact you may find it in disrepair. Of course the Empress will notice your presence however, unless she has changed greatly over the years, she will most likely come to deal with you herself. Now normally it would be a bad idea seeing as she can’t communicate with lightners and would need a translator while also assuming you were intruders, but I believe it would be a perfect opportunity in your case.”

“Why do you tell us this?”

“Guess it’s a bit like passing something on, suppose it’s natural seeing as I am not long for this world. Well, I shouldn’t keep you any longer, maybe we’ll meet again, maybe not. Either way I wish you luck for your journey.”

“I thank you for your help.”

Kris motioned for Noelle to follow and they went back into the forest. Noelle was holding her hand out admiring the Holly Ring.

“Kris, what do you think of that darkner?”

“Useful, he helped us, that’s more than any other darkner has done so far, whoever that Empress he mentioned is was most likely the one who captured my dad.”

“Don’t worry, I know they won’t stand a chance against us. Especially with this ring now, I already feel stronger. And don’t you think it looks beautiful?”

“Right, as if you need some dumb ring to look beautiful.”

Kris realised exactly what they said about half a second later and their face began to resemble Noelle’s nose.

“Awww, thanks Kris, but I’ve been thinking more about what that darkner said. Do you think the holly really has some kind of meaning?”

“Holly… during the darkest winters, when all else is bleak, it ripens. A bright red against the dark evergreen, a vibrant beauty standing out amongst the Christmas snow.”

“Wow Kris, I never knew you could be so poetic.”

“The berries are also slightly toxic.”

She giggled.

“Kris!”

————

What?! Wh- this? A secret passage? Empowering the Ring of Thorns? They had never seen that darkner before, let alone this area. And they had explored all the trails, they mostly led to nothing. So how did… that damn flower… what was his plan? And how would it include them…

They knew a lot about Flowey, and one thing was certain. His plan, whatever it may be, was not going to be for anyone else’s benefit or amusement.

————

The forest around them grew yet darker and thicker. Eventually, the stone path reached a large mountain face and went right. Instead of following it they went off to the left and off track. Keeping by the mountain, just as Harkweed has said, they found a cave entrance. Vines covered the entrance and a small stream of water was going in. 

Entering Kris found a burnt out brazier and a few unlit torches and a flint and steel. They were covered in cobwebs, this place has been left for a long time. After a few attempts Kris lit the torch, last time he had done such a thing was years ago when he went out camping with Asgore once. Though camping might be a bit of an over exaggeration, naturally Toriel had to watch from the back garden so they didn’t really do much, letting him start a fire with parental supervision and a fire extinguisher nearby just incase had still taken a lot of effort to allow.

Light lit up the cave. With his shield on his back, a sword in his hand and a torch to guide them, Kris led the way deeper into the cave. However despite being underground it was just as alive as the forest outside. Ivy covered the walls, vines dangled above and a few plants were there every now and then. Still they began going through the dark damp cavern.

“Kris, imagine if we found a place like this as kids?”

“We certainly did have a lot of fun back then, if we had gone on a real adventure I can only imagine the chaos and shenanigans we would’ve gotten into.”

“I can definitely imagine that. Dess and Azzy would’ve loved it.”

“Yeah, but, honestly, if I could’ve been here with anyone, I’m glad it was you.”

They both smiled, though his mood swiftly shifted as, for a moment, Kris felt like someone or something was watching them. No, this place seemed completely abandoned, it was just his imagination.

“Thanks Kris, I’m glad to be with you too. When you’re around. I always know you’ll keep me safe.”

“Naturally, I need some way to lure you into a false sense of security so I can spring another prank on you.”

“When we were still kids, I wouldn’t have put that above you, Faha!”

Another sound, Kris looked back but not to see Noelle, instead looking into the darkness behind them. They saw nothing and went back to going forward.

“Well Noelle, I suppose things have changed a lot since then”

“You can say that again, but I wouldn’t say it’s all been for the worst. After all, if we’re still together  then it can’t be that bad.”

Suddenly he turning around he held the torch out… nothing was in sight.

“Is something wrong?”

Kris peered into the shadows, for a brief moment he saw something move.

He opened his mouth to speak, to order her, IceShock, a spell that had become so familiar as of late. However instinctively, Kris felt that she was beyond that now, that she could do more.”

“ColdSnap!”

He saw the Holly Ring tighten forcing a bit of blood out as she raised her hands and cast the spell. The empowered blast rapidly flew at an incredible speed and hit something in the dark with a loud shriek. Kris slowly stepped towards it. The light slowly unveiling a giant green spider frozen solid seemingly with small icicles stabbing into it, the ice having seemingly not only encased it but pieced through its body. Severe frostbite was visible beneath. Another noise made Kris’s head snap up. There were several hisses and sounds from the dark. 

Another load noise rung out. There was the sound of something approaching, something big. The sounds of rock being torn from the walls was the final thing needed to confirm Kris’s idea.

“Noelle run, now!”

They broke out into a sprint. The creatures behind following suit.

Ahead the tunnel opened up, it seemed to be some sort of underground ravine. A stream of water headed to the edge and down below. As they got closer the torch revealed, on the opposite cliff,  part of a wooden bridge hanging off the other side. Must’ve fallen down and they didn’t have the time to find another way across. Kris slid to a halt in front of the edge. It was probably best to not find out what was down there.

Though what was stranger was the mud and dirt everywhere. There was foliage and even a few trees this far underground? Kris would question it more but this was not a good time.

“Kris! What do we do now?”

“Quick, make a bridge!”

“What?”

“You can make a path across with ice, do it.”

Several spiders crawled into the edge of the light as Noelle did as ordered and created an ice platform across. 

“Get ready to run!”

Noelle stepped on the bridge and Kris began to back up to it. Waving the torch in front of them. One spider lunged towards him. He hit it in the head with the torch, it hesitated back. Kris used this to slash across its face with his sword. It flailed around in pain, Kris used this moment and grabbed Noelle’s hand and pulled her with him across.

A few chased but they failed to catch up before Kris reached the other side, Noelle released her magic and the ice bridge collapsed behind them. A few noises were heard from those falling down. 

Despite the circumstances, Noelle smiled. Right now, Kris thought it would’ve been rather useful to have been on the cross country team.

“Thanks Kris! You saved me like always.”

On the other side he saw those creatures slowly creep back into the dark, however as they did, something else grew louder. 

“We aren’t safe yet, whatever that thing is I doubt this gap will stop them, we need to get ahead.”

They continued to run though the dusty old tunnels.

————

This place was unsettling, the abandoned tunnel, covered in cobwebs and moss grew on the damp walls, at least Kris wouldn’t get hungry. They had gone until the sounds of that thing were gone but as they continues it became more and more obvious that this wasn’t just a cave system. It was some sort of underground jungle.

Everything felt like it was alive and against them. As Kris and Noelle went further into the cave, Kris found it was a far cry from that one in the TV world. This was different. Kris could tell simply by being here, the jungle grew even more restless at their intrusion.

They moved through the branches as leaves as long vines hung above. How Kris hadn’t accidentally set anything on fire was nothing short of a miracle. Suddenly he almost tripped over something. Stupid pink bulb. Kris took out his frustrations by stabbing the plant. 

Kris continued, he saw that there was light in the distance. An open area? That was good, though it was a bit more off putting with the return of the sounds. 

“Kris? I think that thing’s behind us again.”

He looked back into the darkness, trying as hard as he could to see anything. That’s when he saw something in the dark quickly approaching, much faster than before.

“Run!”

The two lightners sprinted to the exit, the thing was catching up though. Noises came from behind them.

He felt several things hit the shield on his back or go flying over his head. Kris heard the sound of the thing get faster, he sped up even more. Something was rolling on the ground behind them. Kris and Noelle emerged from the cave and jumped to the side, two balls of tangled thorns flew out and from the noise it was clear the thing following them wasn’t far behind.

Kris left the torch on the ground and required his shield, the place they found themselves in seemed to be some sort of arena. Green lanterns hung on the walls, there were other entrances but they were all blocked by several walls of thorns. As well as that there was a large pit in the centre.

Kris drew his sword and turned to face the way they had entered. The noise grew louder and louder. Suddenly a giant plant burst into the room, breaking through the wall. 

It was a large pink flower shaped like a bulb, just like the symbol from before. This must be the Empress. Kris had little time to think before the offensive began. She used several long vines to grab ahold of the walls, roof and floor. Then using them to propel herself forward. All while shooting seeds at them. Kris felt them hit his shield, they certainly had force behind them.

Suddenly they lunged for Kris, he tried to avoid it but got slammed into and was knocked down into the floor, knocking dirt into the air. He got up to see a thorn ball hurling towards him. He quickly moved out of the way to see it fly and sticking into the dirt wall with an audible thud. He brought up his shield and dug his feet into the ground as a rain of seeds hit against him. 

“Noelle! ColdSnap!”

Kris heard the spell slam into the Empress, however bringing down the shield, it showed little effect as the ice was quickly shattered, it only directed the Empresses attention towards Noelle. The giant plant flew towards her. Immediately Kris ran behind her. Noelle barely avoided getting hit, however the Empress quickly spun around and began to lunge again. Kris pushed Noelle out of the way and dodged past the attack while slashing against them, their sword hitting against the petals, it did only little damage but it gave Noelle a distraction. 

He quickly backed away as she once again turned towards him and launching several more thorn balls, he avoid them but now had no time to avoid the incoming charge. His futile attempts to swing ignored as the Empress rammed into him, launching Kris against a wall, sending his shield flying as his back slammed into it. Quickly rolling away, he let the Empress slam the wall instead of him. Kris got a couple swings in before backing away and shouting to Noelle.

“Noelle! ColdSnap, now!”

The spell flew towards the great flower partially freezing them against the wall. It struggled trying to escape, Kris just tighten the grip around his sword and went for one last thrust against them.

As the sword pieces the outer layer he was flung back as a scream rung out and the ice broke. He recovered from his stagger as he saw what was now in front of him. The Empress’s previous petals were gone, it seemed that beneath that they had been hiding a giant mouth as well as several small tentacles, some of which containing mouths. Several tried to grab and bite at Kris, he fended them off but now had a significantly larger problem to deal with.

The Empress now attempted to bite at Kris, he managed to avoid her lunge forward. But she turned around again. He didn’t even have to give the order this time as Noelle sent another spell into her side, but the Empress barely flinched. Kris quickly turned to run, there was the entrance from earlier, now covered in a bush of thorns. The sound behind him grew louder. Kris jumped to the floor, lying down. Luckily for him it worked and the Empress flew over him. 

He quickly got back on his feet as she spun around, more tentacles flew at him. This was about the time he would’ve quite enjoyed having some sort of magic, maybe a sword and shoots magic swords. 

Kris barely evaded another rush, however one tentacle managed to get a bite off on his knee. A sword quickly cut it off. Kris didn’t have time to check the injury but could tell from the pain it wasn’t just a flesh wound. He tried to back away but couldn’t go fast enough due to his limping. He turned to Noelle.

“Noelle, magic, now!”

“Kris what spell should I do?”

He wanted to just use ColdSnap again but he saw the incoming attack… with great reluctance… Kris felt he had no other choice. Once again… deep inside… they felt something tell them what to say.

“… AbsoluteZero.”

Kris looked back at Noelle as her eyes turned white and of course the Holly Ring that now rested on her finger. Kris saw it expand vines and wrap around her entire finger as it seemed to tighten and dig even deeper into her flesh as she rose above the ground. The teeth and tentacles stopped just short of him before the ice overcame everything. The thick bitter winds snapping at Kris’s exposed skin.

He had thought before that nothing would survive SnowGrave… if that was impossible than this was something else… even without being the focus Kris still felt pain his body. It wasn’t freezing cold… it was far beyond that…

The extreme winds died down, she fell onto the floor. Kris was left alone in an arena covered in frost. The very dust on the floor having been frozen solid. Sheathing his sword, he sat on the ground for a moment, catching his breath, the cold thick air making it harder to breath. He rubbed his shaky, freezing hands together . Checking his pockets, Kris looked for some kind of food. It was strange how much he could fit but he gave it up to just magic, strangely he noticed he had… a book? He pulled it out, it was a book labeled ‘The Script’, when did he get this? It didn’t matter, he found a CD Bagel and ate it. The wound on his knee disappearing.

He saw his shield and reclaimed it from the ground. Kris wondered how long Noelle might be unconscious, that kind of magic would come at a some cost, he knew it. Not to mention the pain, Kris couldn’t even imagine how much that ring must’ve hurt. 

Suddenly the ground started the shake. He quickly got up, dust and pebbles fell around him from above. This wasn’t good.

As a few parts of the roof began to fall away and cracks appeared in the floor. He ran to get to Noelle but the arena split in half. Fortunately it wasn’t beneath him, unfortunately it was right in front of him… and he were running.

Kris fell down to the abyss.

————

Washing up on shore, Kris coughed and spat out some water. He had ended up in some sort of river which eventually got him here. Kris hit his fist against the ground in frustration. He had left her behind… he had failed her. After everything they had been through… he couldn’t even… No surely she couldn’t be gone… Kris held back an urge to cry. He almost felt sick.

Taking a deep breath and looking up, the river that brought him here went on. For a moment he silently debating just jumping in and giving up. He sighed, around him seemed to be a large open field that was full of flowers, one in particular was looking at him.

“Howdy! You don’t seem very happy bud.”

It’s that annoying flower again. Kris spoke through gritted teeth.

“What… do you want.”

“Wow! That’s a lot of spite to throw at your new friend.”

Kris stood up and pulled out his sword. “Get to the point.”

“Hahaha, you know, you’re a real curiosity. I’ve seen how you’ve been acting. You’re like me aren’t you? We don’t give those things any worthless pity. Yet you care so much about your little friend? Still, that’s no matter to me. You see, I have this plan to become all powerful. And since the Empress has been kindly dealt with, all I need is for someone to do the same with the king here, and as it happens that may line up with your goals.”

“How so?”

“Well, your friend here decided to follow you around, I saw everything you did! But then you got split up and as it turns out, I saw a few things. Don’t worry, your friends perfectly fine.”

Kris’s head jolted up.

“She’s alive?!”

Kris had never felt more relieved. 

“However, as it happens. She was captured and is most likely being taken to the king.”

Typical, things were never simple were they.

“I see… so you want me to take care of this king.”

“That’s right! See that big forest in the distance? There’s a secret path, just follow the buttercups and they’ll bring you to the entrance, after that it’s pretty obvious. Get the king and afterwards I’ll help you find that girl. What’d ya say? Won’t you go and help your new friend?”

They had taken her… he didn’t even need this flower to get him to do it.

“… I will kill this king.”

“That’s a wonderful idea! I’ll be seeing you soon pal!”

The little flower went back underground disappearing, leaving Kris with a mission…

————

“Now children, can you tell me what-?”

Toriels phone rung out.

A phone call? And in the middle of class too. Who would be calling them anyway? 

They saw the name and thought for a moment.

“Excuse me children, I shall be back in a minute.”

Toriel stepped outside the classroom.

“Hello child, I haven’t heard or seen from you for a few days. I assume you must have a very important reason to call me during class?”

“Kris? Yes I would agree, he has been… rather strange lately.”

“You do? He wasn’t very open at all with me about it, I hoped it was simply some drama that would be over soon.”

“Hmm? Right now he should be at home, I kept him in as he seemed to be in ill health I apologise if you wanted to-“

“What? He left? I suppose he may have gotten better or it was just one of his tricks, but where did he go?”

“Oh? I guess it makes sense for him to go there, and I have seen those two together a few times, it is nice to see them reconnecting after so many years, is it not?”

“Uh…really? This wouldn’t be a ‘prank call’, as you kids say, would it? I can’t see her acting like that.”

“You’re… you’re serious…?

“But… what… what kinds of things?”

“No, no, tell me.”

“Act rash? Heavens, what on earth could be this bad?”

“Kris is my child, if something bad is happening I demand to know.”

“Why… why yes I did have a… similar dream before… but how would you?”

“N-no surely… and what do you think she…?”

Toriels hand shook and the phone fell to the floor. A voice came from the other end.

“Now do you understand? I need you to meet me, we want your help so together we can… hello? Hello are you there?”

It was too late, Toriel had already left the school.

————

“Did you hear? The Empress was killed! We won!”

“Finally!”

“I thought the king was against such actions.”

“Well he clearly changed his mind, then.”

“No, I’ve met him. He never would have approved of this.”

“Why are you always such a downer Jarre?” 

The three darkners saw a blue Lightner in armour slowly shambling towards them.

“Who is…”

“Is that a Lightner?”

“Wasn't it a Lightner that killed the Empress?

“Yeah it was!”

“But… we never had a Lightner like that join us…”

“Oh shut it Jarre, three cheers for the lightners!”

“Yeah! Three cheers for freedom!”

Kris glanced up for a moment. There were three of those things before him. No matter, such odds meant little. Their shouting and noise only put him even more on edge. In a moment, he drew his sword and thrust it through one of the darkners. Quickly they turned to dust.

Kris turned, the other two stopped their chanting, they were looking at him, probably preparing an attack, he wouldn’t let them. With sudden speed the second one was struck down. Dust covering the ground and power filling Kris.

The last one tried to run… but Kris was faster. They silently saw another patch of yellow flowers and continued their journey.

————

“Sir? My lord?”

A sigh.

“Please, you do not need to call me such things.”

“I apologise. I beg for your forgiveness. I only wished to bring you news, not dishonour your greatness.”

“Get up, I do not wish to be treated like some deity. Now what word do you bring me?”

“We’ve heard word… the Empress is dead.”

“What?! Who did this? I stated I did not want this to end in bloodshed, I wanted peace not an assassination. Without their magic the entire mountain must’ve collapsed… I only wonder how many failed to escape.”

“We did find someone, as it collapsed a few of their guards went into the Empress’s hall and found an unconscious Lightner there. They have since surrendered her over and she is being currently brought here.”

“A… Lightner?” 

“Yes, another one like yourself.”

“What exactly were they?”

“I’m not sure, from what I’ve heard they have brown fur and apparently two sticks coming from their head.”

“Two sticks? It couldn’t be Rudy’s… but why would she be here? … bring her to the castle.”

“To the dungeon my lo- sir?”

“No, give her one of the spare bedrooms. I wish to speak to her when she awakens.”

“As you command. However, I do not bring only good news. There are some more… disturbing reports I have received.”

————

Another darkner lay ahead, another distraction lay ahead… it turned to see them, immediately drawing its blade.

“Hey! Your the one that killed the Empress! I always knew you damn loyalists would turn to this! Have at thee foul ligh-“

Another pile of dust on the floor, another stepping stone to her.

————

Noelle awoke in bed however looking up this was very clearly not a familiar place. She had done as Kris had ordered her but… Kris wouldn’t have left her if she was unconscious, she was certain of it. So that could only mean… she was once again captured. And in a bedroom too, why was it always a bedroom?

There was an intense pain on her finger, the Holly Ring was hurting even more than usual, her finger covered in dry blood and scratch marks. It seemed that someone had attempted to take it off but the thorns grip held.

There was a cabinet next to the bed, it had an empty picture frame, it seemed rather dusty. There was also a note left on it.

“Howdy Noelle, I’m sorry I could not be here when you wake but please stay. Don’t worry, you’re perfectly safe, I will come back soon and explain everything.”

No signature, the handwriting was so neat which meant it couldn’t have been from Kris, she knew from experience how bad their handwriting was. What she did know was that whoever had brought her here had taken her away from Kris… but she could deal with them later, first she had to find him.

There was a window. It was closed but that wouldn’t stop her. She blew it open and escaped. 

————

Hahaha, wow, they killed the Empress and now they’re well on their way to dealing with the king. How stupid the idea of killing them was, that would’ve been such a waste of this opportunity, and of course entertainment! Hold on, is that?

In the distance, flowey saw a fleeing darkner turned to ice and a familiar looking deer coming into view.

That girl! She escaped? She was suppose to be stuck in the dungeon! I can’t let this slide, if those two meet back up there will be no incentive for that kid to help and then I’d need a new way of getting past that dumb old man. 

Time to teach her why you shouldn’t get in the way of someone’s plan.

————

The buttercup trail ended. They had led to a large forest, maybe even the one from earlier. In the distance he saw the dark fountain rising through the forest roof. He knew where to find her.

————

He barely looked up anymore, Kris simply stared down at his dust ridden hands only stopping when another enemy is nearby. He heard them, ahead, several clashing weapons.

He continued towards them. One saw him and was cut down in a moment. The rest saw this and panicked… cute, but not as much as her. 

They attempted to work together, united by what they saw as a greater threat. Still they were cut down one by one with little other thought. They were in his way. They stood between them, that couldn’t be tolerated. And Kris would make sure of that.